By Adamu David
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining its leadership role in Africa’s digital trade agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, stated this yesterday, during the AfCFTA Digital Trade Workshop and Global Market at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
The workshop, which brought together officials from federal and state governments, including commissioners of trade and industry and private sector experts, had the theme: “Unlocking State Exports Potential.”
According to Shettima, Nigeria’s progress in digital commerce, services and innovation had positioned the country as the continent’s digital trade hub.
“Our innovations in mobile payments have transformed cross-border payments, financial inclusion, and digital transactions across the continent,” he stated.
Nigeria’s appointment as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s December 2024 pledge in Cape Town to champion the digital trade agenda for all Africans.
The leadership role was formally recognised at the 38th African Union Heads of State Summit, where President Tinubu received a commendation from former Niger President, Mahamadou Issoufou, the AfCFTA Champion.
Speaking at the two-day workshop, the Vice President also announced that Nigeria’s Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation, Dr Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid, had been appointed chairperson of the Committee of Trade and Services Special Session, effective this month.
“The AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol aims to increase intra-African trade from 18 per cent in 2022 to 50 per cent by 2030. With over 109 million internet users and a thriving mobile economy, Nigeria has the foundation to lead Africa’s digital commerce evolution,” Shettima noted.
The Internet economy is projected to contribute 5.2 per cent of Africa’s GDP this year, with the continent’s digital economy expected to reach $180 billion, up from $115 billion in 2020.
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, described the workshop as a welcome development, recalling that last year, President Tinubu had approved the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund to empower Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs and SMEs.
In his welcome remarks, Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Dr Salihu Dasuki Nakande, said AU’s endorsement of Nigeria as the AfCFTA Digital Trade Champion is a testament to the country’s strategic role in shaping the future of digital commerce across the continent. END
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has reinforced security along the waterways of Rivers State with the donation of six gunboats to the Nigeria Police Force.
The move aims to combat rising cases of piracy, armed robbery, and other criminal activities threatening the marine environment of the state.
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Announced by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations, Ali Mohammed Ali, on behalf of the IGP, the donation directly responds to mounting concerns from Bonny residents over persistent piracy and robberies.
Ali assured that the gunboats would enhance crime-fighting operations and improve safety across the region.
Emphasizing the importance of Nigeria’s marine domain to the economy, the IGP stressed the need for proactive policing through visibility patrols and swift interventions to deter criminals.
He noted that a secure maritime environment would encourage investments and foster job creation.
However, Egbetokun issued a stern warning that the newly acquired gunboats must be used exclusively for public security purposes and not for private protection services.
The donation is in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes national security and seeks to strengthen law enforcement efforts.
Ali reiterated the IGP’s determination to ensure that the gunboats are used effectively to maintain peace and order.
The Rivers State Government welcomed the initiative with appreciation.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Secretary to the State Government Tammy Danagogo commended the IGP for addressing the security challenges affecting the state’s waterways.
Danagogo described the gesture as a major boost in the fight against maritime crime, which has long troubled the state’s coastal communities.
In his goodwill message, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security and peace, pledging continued support for the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.
His government, he noted, recognizes the critical role of a secure marine sector in protecting citizens and advancing economic activities.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Adebola Hamzat lauded the commissioning of the gunboats as a significant milestone in curbing maritime crime.
He expressed confidence in the police’s capacity to maximize the new assets for greater effectiveness in securing the waterways.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, in his vote of thanks, praised the IGP’s efforts in addressing the state’s security concerns.
He assured that the gunboats would be deployed efficiently to safeguard residents and prevent criminal activities in the region.
