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  • 2026 WCQ: NFF to employ foreign technical adviser for Super Eagles

    2026 WCQ: NFF to employ foreign technical adviser for Super Eagles

    Coach

    By Muhyideen Jimoh

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it will employ an ‘expatriate’ technical adviser for the Super Eagles in the ‘coming weeks’.

    The decision is contained in a communiqué issued on Thursday in Abuja at the Federation’s executive committee hybrid meeting.

    “The executive committee resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

    “Notwithstanding the challenges that attended the team’s preparations for the Day 3 and Day 4 games of the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, owing to a 38-hour nationwide industrial action.

    “The Board expressed displeasure with the poor attitude of some of the players to the National Assignment, and unanimously decided in favour of a more robust scouting programme of outstanding Nigeria-eligible players from across the four corners of the universe, who can add tremendous value to the nation’s flagship team,” the communiqué read in parts

    The NFF also apologised to Nigerians for the Super Eagles’ poor start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with a pledge to beef up the technical department.

    “The Executive Committee wholeheartedly apologised to Nigerians for the dismal output and subsequent very poor returns of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, in four out of 10 matches in the ongoing qualification series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

    “The Committee resolved to beef up the NFF Technical Department with more qualitative hands. Equally, the Technical and Development Sub-Committee will be re-jigged with immediate effect,” it said.

    Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George has come under heavy criticisms following the team’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in Uyo and 2-1 loss to Benin Republic in the World Cup qualifiers.

    The result leaves the Super Eagles with just three points out of a potential 12. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MUYI/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Stakeholders raise concerns over ICAN Act Amendment Bill

     

    Bill

    By Kingsley Okoye

    Abuja,June13,2024,(NAN)Stakeholders in the financial sector have raised concerns over some sections of the bill seeking to amend the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria(ICAN) Act.

    Some of the  stakeholders raised the concerns during  a public hearing organised by Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Services Matters on the bill on Thursday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that the bill, sponsored by Sen. Solomon Adeola,seeks  to amend the existing ICAN Act to address contemporary needs and trends in Nigeria’s economic environment.

    The bill also seeks  to modernise the law   to reflect changes in professional accounting environment .

    The bill, if passed, would be the first significant update to the Act, established 59 years.

    Some of the stakeholders included the Chartered Institute of Taxation,(CITN), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Chartered Institute of Secretaries, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria,Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria,Nigeria Institute of Management(NIM).

    According to them, they are not opposed to ICAN amending its Act ,but are  against sections 15, 22, and 28 of the amendment  bill.

    They argued that the sections were  designed to take up regulatory functions of other  similar professional bodies in the country.

    The stakeholders,therefore ,called for the   removal of the sections they considered inappropriate , saying the bill was self serving.

    Mr Samuel Adegbeluyi, President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), said the proposed piece of legislation would embrace  other professions .

    “The way they are going about the amendment is what we are against.You cannot use this amendment to annex other professional bodies that have been certified by an act of the National Assembly.”he said

    Mr Adedoyin Olumide, Registrar of Chartered Institute of Treasury Management (CITM), said the content of the bill raised significant concerns regarding its scope and potential impact on other professional bodies.

    He said inclusion of tax practice in the bill contradicted existing judicial rulings favouring  CITN.

    According to him, the scope of the bill may lead to conflicts with existing laws and professional standards.

    He said the amendment could create regulatory ambiguities and undermine the professional integrity of other specialised bodies.

    “By virtue of this amendment, ICAN is indirectly asking and at the same time calling on the Senate of the Federal Republic to repeal all other pieces of legislation assented to and passed as an act of the National Assembly.

    “While ICAN’s efforts to modernise are commendable, the bill’s extensive scope can  disrupt the professional ecosystem and lead to regulatory conflicts.

    “We urge this distinguished Assembly  to expunge from this amendment bill, all the listed areas of specialisation already covered and passed into an Act of the  National Assembly.”

    He said the ICAN Act  Amendment Bill  should focus on enhancing ICAN’s core competencies in accounting, auditing, and financial reporting, and collaborate with other bodies.

    “ICAN should work with other professional bodies to delineate clear boundaries and avoid overlapping jurisdictions.”he said.

    President of ICAN, Chief Davidson Alaribe,however,  said the amendment was to model ICAN Act to meet global best practices and standards in accounting practice.

    He urged stakeholders to support the  amendments sought in the bill.

    Earlier,Chairman of the committee, Sen.Cyril Fasuyi ,said the public hearing was organised  to receive inputs of stakeholders on the bill.

    He assured the stakeholders that their views would be analysed and presented for consideration .

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio,who declared the public hearing open,  said ICAN as a body, played an  important role in the economic development of the nation by ensuring professionalism and ethical conduct of its members.

    He said the proposed amendment would further promote ethical standards and excellence in accounting profession.

    Akpabio said contributions of stakeholders  would have a lasting impact on generations to come, hence they should uphold highest ethical standards in their contributions, and  strive for integrity and accountability.

    Akpabio ,represented by Senate Majority Whip,  Mr Onyekachi Nwaebonyi ,urged all participants to ensure  their contributions promote the economic development of the nation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KC/CHOM/BHB

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Buhari Bolaji

     

     

  • NSCDC arrests suspected electricity cable vandals in Katsina

    NSCDC arrests suspected electricity cable vandals in Katsina

    Vandals
    By Abbas Bamalli
    Katsina, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested two suspected streetlight and electricity cable vandals in the state.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSC Buhari Hamisu, said this while parading the suspects in Katsina on Thursday.

    Hamisu said that the arrest was made by the Special Anti-vandal Unit of the command, headed by CSC Musa Adam-Usman, “based on credible intelligence”.

    According to him, On June 10, the team successfully apprehended a suspect, 26-year-old Ma’aruf Yusuf, while on a routine patrol.

    “The suspect belonged to a team of notorious syndicate that specialised in theft and vandalising public infrastructure.

    “During the investigation, the suspect confessed to committing the crimes and revealed that he conspired with Aliyu (alias Chakal) and one Haduwa, who are still at large,” the PRO said.

    He said that the suspect also confessed that the gang went to Magangarin Makudawa and dug out the streetlights cable, using digger and shovel.

    He said that “on sighting the patrol team, the suspects ran away, while Yusuf was apprehended after they attempted to attack the operatives with knife, double-edged sword, digger and stick.

    “Further investigation reveals that they had severally vandalised and removed electric wires of streetlights at the same location and sold 10kg to Ali at the cost of N800 per kg.

    “He also sold 15kg to Ayi Guda at the cost of N750 per kg, and both receivers are scrap dealers at Kofar Guga Garage,” he said.

    Hamisu said that exhibits recovered from the suspects included one knife, double-edged sword, stick, digger and electricity armoured cables. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    AABS/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

  • Stakeholders call for improvement in nation’s electioneering processes

    Election

     

    By Ibukun Emiola

     

    Ibadan, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Some stakeholders have called for improvement in the nation’s electioneering processes to ensure credible, free and fair elections come 2027.

     

    They stated this on Thursday at a town hall meeting held in Ibadan to review the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SOS Children’s Village Nigeria organised the meeting with community stakeholders in Akinyẹle and Ibadan North Local Government Areas.

     

    The Assistant Secretary, Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Musa Akinsawe, emphasised the need to increase access for persons with disabilities and involve them in planning during electioneering processes.

     

    He also stressed constant reorientation for electoral officers and continuous voter education.

     

    “Part of what we are clamouring for is accessibility to electoral venues and convenience in voting.

     

    “Elections for people living with disabilities must be easily accessible; the ballot box must be where PWDs can vote without being assisted by anyone,’’ Akinsawe said.

     

    Also, the Assistant Secretary, National Council for Women Societies, Chief Isimiola Olowoyo, identified the need for increased community engagement to restore eroded cultural values.

     

    Olowoyo said such engagements came up toward the 2023 general elections and that her association would sustain them.

     

    She said this would ensure that the right values were imbibed to translate later to good governance in Nigeria.

     

    According to her, lapses recorded in the last elections, such as inadequate security personnel, should be worked on.

     

    “They should empower more security officers so that there will be no violence and there were places where electoral materials were not available on time; this should be worked on,” Olowoyo said.

     

    Representatives of religious bodies and traditional rulers from the two local government areas called for continuous voter registration and increased awareness from the basic education level.

     

    The Programme Officer, SOS Children’s Village Nigeria, Grace Sambo, said communities should learn from past elections and choose their representatives based on competency.

     

    Sambo said ethnicity, tribalism and religion should not be the criteria to elect leaders, adding that sentiments must be thrown away.

     

    Calling for social reengineering, Sambo identified the benefits of peaceful elections and existence to include family stability which would impact children positively.

     

    Also, the state Coordinator, SOS Children’s Village Nigeria, Mr Gabriel Adajie, urged participants to rejuvenate cultural norms that promote value systems in communities.

     

    According to him, poverty and other factors have been weaponised to divide Nigerians, hence the need to change the narrative come 2027.

     

    He noted that the electorates were, in a way, encouraging the political class to continue with the norm in the country.

     

    “For us to change what is on the ground, we have to make sacrifices. We need to endure hunger so as not to continue to make the same mistakes,” Adajie said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    IBK/OIF/MAS

    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Moses Solanke

     

  • Federal University, Lokoja inaugurates Zoo

     

    Zoo

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Federal University, Lokoja on Thursday inaugurated its zoo to ease students’ practical learning in biodiversity, wildlife and recreation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the zoo and conservatory situated at the Field Main Campus of the institution, was inaugurated by the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Goni.

    Some of the animals in the zoo include donkeys, snakes, Ostriches, Horses, monkey, among others.

    NAN reports that the Zoo has a children amusement and recreational facilities to serve as a recreational and educational facility for the people of Lokoja and its environs.

    It is also expected to provide a space where families, tourists and wildlife enthusiasts could learn about Nigeria’s rich natural heritage.

    Goni, while inaugurating the facility, described it as a centre with the potential to contribute to global conservation efforts that would benefit humanity.

    He said: “Nigeria, as a nation, is rich in natural and cultural diversity, so the protection of its natural resources will always be of utmost importance.

    “The role of zoos and conservatories in the preservation and protection of biodiversity cannot be overstated as they serve as living laboratories, fostering deep understanding and appreciation for the natural world.”

    He disclosed that about 180 million people visit Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos and aquariums each year, and contribute about $24 Billion to the U. S Economy.

    According to him, in Nigeria, travel and tourism contribute about 3.6 per cent to the country’s GDP annually.

    Goni expressed the belief that through effective collaboration among the academia, conservationists and the government, the objectives of the centre would be achieved.

    The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akinwumi, described zoos as educational resources, providing a living laboratory for students and researchers in the fields of biology, environmental science and wildlife management.

    “For creating a safe haven for various animal species, we are not only contributing to global conservation efforts, but also raising awareness about the importance of protecting our natural world.”

    Earlier, the Director of the centre, Prof. Jacqueline Badaki, had lamented the ever-changing wild landscape being ripped apart by climate change and habitat loss across the globe.

    Badaki opined that captive breeding programmes were needed more than ever before to “assure the survival of some species that cannot survive on their own”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/ETS

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  • Abia Assembly threatens to terminate contract with IVM over alleged breach

    Lawmakers
    By Leonard Okachie
    Umuahia, June 13, 2024(NAN) Abia House of Assembly has threatened to terminate its contract with the Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Ltd for allegedly reneging on agreement to produce vehicles for all the lawmakers.
    The Speaker, Mr Emmanuel Emeruwa, made this known on Thursday in Umuahia, during an interaction with the media,  as part of activities to mark the one year anniversary of the 8th Assembly.
    He regretted that members were yet to have their vehicles one year after their inauguration.
    He said that the preference for IVM vehicles was informed by Gov. Alex Otti’s quest to promote local contents.
    Emeruwa said that Innoson had received all the money required to produce vehicles for Assembly members, but  had reneged more that 10 times to produce them.
    “So far, Innoson has not been able to produce or perform its own side of agreement.
    “At this point, we are at the verge of terminating that contract and ask for our money back if he doesn’t perform within the next 15 days.
    “This house is very serious about it and they cannot continue pacifying us after one year,” he said.
    Giving a scorecard of the 8th Assembly in one year, the Speaker said that it had passed five out of 15 bills into law.
    He said that the house had also made 40 resolutions and had received 46 petitions and 55 motions.
    According to him, this Assembly is very active and before this time next year, more would have been achieved.
    He said that the 8th Assembly had been very peaceful and had been enjoying a good relationship with the Executive.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the present Assembly which consists of 24 members, was inaugurated on June 15, 2023.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LEO/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
  • Financial proceeds from Kwara Stadium rentage going into private accounts, FA laments

    Stadium

    By Olayinka Owolewa

    Ilorin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Kwara Football Association (FA) says it is in possession of evidence that money realised from rentage of the Kwara State Stadium Complex’s main bowl was going into private accounts.

    Amidst the raging controversy on the maintenance of the grass of the pitch, the Football Association on Thursday in Ilorin said it was officially withdrawing its services.

    Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman of the FA, Malam Idris Musa, said the decision became necessary to forestall a further clash of interests.

    Reacting to claims by the Executive Chairman of Kwara Sports Commission, Malam Bola Mogaji, that N3 million was remitted to the FA’s account, Musa said that was incorrect.

    Musa said the money, out of which N1 million was allocated to the Kwara Sports Commission, was not paid into the FA’s account.

    “Where did the N3 million come from? The only money we collected was N1 million from the 10 Nationwide League One (NLO) clubs, and which we paid into the Commission’s account.

    “The Commission complained about the delay in us paying them N1 million.

    “All the clubs didn’t pay at once. Some paid early, while some paid even 10 to 11 days later, and we waited until all payments were made before we remitted same into the Commission’s account.

    “From where is the N3m coming from, and for what exactly? He has no idea of what kind of money comes and goes out of our account.

    “And it’s clear that our account has records. We can prove anybody wrong by making the account statements available.

    “They are directing people to pay into personal accounts, of which we are taking proper records.

    “We have enough evidence of payment of monies into private accounts, and not even the Commission’s account or that of Kwara Internal Revenue Services (KWIRS). The only money we paid into the Commission’s account was the N1 million from the 10 NLO clubs,” the Kwara FA chairman said.

    He noted that it was not a threat the body was withdrawing its maintenance services because a lot of questions would need to be asked about the processes of doing so.

    “We cannot continue to make the facility conducive for use while some people are collecting revenue on it, and not remitting part of it to support the maintenance processes.

    “We decided to initiate the construction of the grass pitch and also maintain it not for our own personal gains, but for the growth of sports and other related businesses in the state.

    “We also did that to encourage the hosting of national and international matches, as FIFA and CAF are moving from synthetic grasses to natural grasses,” Musa said.

    While making further clarifications, Musa said while the facility belongs to the government, the Kwara Sports Commission are the caretakers.

    He added that the issue of maintenance became that of the FA because of the process of having the grass converted from artificial to natural grass two seasons ago.

    Musa disclosed that Barrister A, U. Mustapha agreed to support the conversion to complement government’s efforts, and this was successfully executed.

    He added that Kwara FA midwifed that conversion process, and had since undertaken the maintenance, with Kwara United Football Club fully funding the maintenance.

    The Kwara FA Chairman said this was just to ensure they play their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matches at home.

    “Maintenance of the grass should be the responsibility of the Commission, especially when it’s a commercial facility. But they have never maintained it ever since the planting of the natural grass,” he said.

    Musa added it was Kwara United, especially its Chairman, Kumbi Titiloye, who had been spending heavily to maintain the grass for the team to have the opportunity of playing in front of their fans.

    “Even at that, they still pay the Commission the normal charges for the usage of the facility on match days,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bola Mogaji, the KSC Executive Chairman, had on Tuesday fought back against those accusing him of various wrongdoings.

    He had urged them to familiarise themselves with the regulations governing stadium facility management.

    Mogaji told NAN the Commission was open to providing clarifications where necessary.

    He had been accused of mismanagement and embezzlement of funds, related to the use of the main stadium by teams and football clubs.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OOH/OLAL

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    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

     

  • Security expert tasks Nigerians on intelligence gathering knowledge

    Intelligence

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A security expert, Prof. Olufemi Olufunmilade, has called on Nigerians to seek elementary knowledge of intelligence gathering to help tackle security challenges confronting the nation.

    He made the call on Thursday while delivering the 25th Inaugural Lecture of Igbinedion University Okada (IUO) with the topic: “Foreign Intelligence: The Means to Advancing Nigeria’s Security and Prosperity”.

    Olufunmilade, Director, Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs, IUO, added that most Nigerians were ignorant of elementary knowledge of intelligence gathering beyond using Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras.

    He said Nigeria was going through its worst experience in terms of national security and economic prosperity since independence.

    “Since independence, six decades ago, it is only security personnel, comprising the military, police, intelligence and allied security agencies that have access to educative and instructional materials on intelligence,” he said.

    Olufunmilade, a professor of International Relations and Strategy Studies, noted that every Nigerian should be actively involved in securing his or her community.

    “This nation is at a stage where security has become too important to be left in the hands of security practitioners alone.

    “In this regard, knowledge of security needs to be liberalised.

    “That is, it should be accessible to all and sundry and should not be hoarded and treated like the exclusive preserve of security agencies.

    “This lecture, therefore, seeks to bridge the gap of knowledge of the Nigerian public in an aspect of security management that is of absolute importance in the overall security architecture of any nation.

    “Intelligence is a sin qua non. Any security arrangement not backed up with intelligence is hollow,” Olufunmilade said.

    In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of IUO, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, eulogised Olufunmilade for his contributions to research and teaching within the Nigerian military.

    According to the VC, Olufunmilade contributes articles to the Nigerian Army Journal and Journal of the Nigerian Army War College on nuclear weaponry, biological warfare, and foreign intelligence.

    “The Guardian Newspaper published his first article on 20 July 1991 with the title: ‘On Afro-Pessimism and Pan-Africanism’.

    “This was the beginning of a prolific practice of freelance journalism, not only with The Guardian but as well with other newspapers.

    “He was a visiting professor to the Command and Staff College, Jaji, where he lectured on Terrorism and Counter-terrorism,” Ezemonye said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NY/MAS

    Edited by Moses Solanke

     

  • Sallah rams: Prices rise in Kano, buyers lament

    Sallah rams: Prices rise in Kano, buyers lament

    Rams

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Kabir, customers are faced with high cost of rams in Kano.

    A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in some markets within Kano metropolis on Thursday revealed that the markets were flooded with rams, but buyers were few.

    At Dan-Agundi livestock market in Kano metropolis, the lowest price for a medium size ram was N140,000 while the big ones went for as high as N300, 000.

    Some of the customers told NAN that the prices were too high, compared to last year when they bought rams at between N80, 000 and N130, 000.

    A customer, Musa Shanono, who was met haggling over the price at the market, complained of the cost, but hoped that it would crash before the commencement of the celebration.

    Another customer at Yan-Awaki market in Unguwa-Uku, Abdulaziz Buba, said he was unable to buy any ram due to the high price, but would wait until after the Eid prayers before buying one.

    “There are other preparations to make ahead of the Eid; buying a ram at an exorbitant price is not necessary at this time. Hopefully, the prices would crash after the Eid prayer,” he said.

    Jibril Shehu , a ram seller at Dawanau market, blamed the rise in prices on the high cost of breeding livestock, transport, insecurity and the general economic hardship in the country.

    “We didn’t increase the prices deliberately, because anything you go to market to buy now is costly,” he explained.

    Another ram dealer at Yan-Awaki market, Bala Muhammad, attributed the hike in prices of rams to the increase in the cost of transportation occasioned by subsidy removal.

    “We are not making much profit because of the cost of transporting the animals. We also have to tend to the rams, feed and vaccinate them while waiting for customers,” he said.

    He added that apart from the conventional ones, temporary ram markets had sprouted up on many major streets of Kano.

    Another dealer at Ring Road, Sabo Aminu, said that the ram that sold for N80,000 last year was now going for N150,000.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    MNT/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • NBCC to explore new frontiers of cooperation for Nigeria, UK

     

    L-R: Director of fund raising and partnership, NBCC; Adaobi Onyedum , President, NBCC, Ray Atelly, and Director General, NBCC, Dr Ebere Njoku, at the 2024 NBCC Trade Mission news conference on Thursday in Lagos.

    Trade Mission
    By Rukayat Moisemhe
    Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has stated the need for Nigerian and British businesses to leverage their strengths and explore new frontiers at the forthcoming trade mission in the United Kingdom.
    Mr Ray Atelly, President, NBCC, said this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.
    Atelly said the 2024 NBCC Trade Mission slated for June 24 to 28 has the theme: “Unveiling Untapped Opportunities Across the UK and Nigeria.”
    He said the advice was crucial to navigate the complexities of a post-Brexit and post-pandemic global economy.
    He noted that the trade mission was critical, particularly at this time when the Nigerian economy needed a rebirth especially via influx of foreign direct investments.
    He said Nigeria’s dynamic economy, rich in resources and entrepreneurial spirit, presented a wealth of investment opportunities for UK businesses, particularly as Nigerian banks need capital to meet the new capital threshold set by the apex bank.
    Atelly added that the UK, with its advanced infrastructure, diverse market, and robust legal framework, offered numerous opportunities for Nigerian businesses seeking to expand their footprint internationally.
    “It is certainly not just a window but a big door of opportunities thrown open to investors all over the world, the United Kingdom particularly.
    “The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has agreed to feature in the trade mission and he will be delivering a paper on his programme for the banks (recapitalisation of Nigerian banks).
    “It is, therefore, an opportunity for the financial institutions in Nigeria to join us on this mission to explore possibilities beyond borders,” he said.
    He also stated the need to explore and unveil untapped opportunities that exist within both economies.
    Atelly said on the Nigerian front, opportunities existed in the transportation, educational and technology areas while for Nigeria in the UK, opportunities were in housing, food exports and culinary delights.
    He stressed that Nigeria must expend efforts such as this to replace businesses that were being lost, noting that the net gain was in the country’s favour.
    He pledged that the NBCC would continue to be at the forefront of fostering strong bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
    “This trade mission is a testament to our commitment to deepening economic ties, promoting business opportunities, and enhancing mutual growth and development,” he said.
    The Director General, NBCC, Mrs Ebere Njoku, said the trade mission would high the vast and often underused opportunities in Nigeria’s key sectors such as agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and energy.
    Njoku said the knowledge exchange in best practices between business leaders would foster innovation and collaboration between Nigerian and British business leaders.
    “The UK-Nigeria relationship is built on a foundation of shared history and mutual interests.
    “This trade mission is not just about business; it is about building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating a future where both nations can thrive together.
    “As Nigeria navigates challenging economic conditions due to the decline in global oil prices, it has become imperative for us to diversify our economy and reduce our dependence on crude oil.
    “The NBCC Trade Mission stands as a beacon of opportunity, aimed at attracting foreign investments to Nigeria with a focus on our non-oil sectors,” she said.(NAN)
    ARM/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma