FG, Microsoft To Partner On Nigerian Video Games, Fashion -Minister
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, has said that plans are underway to reposition the video game animation industry in Nigeria. Musawa disclosed this during the third quarter edition of the Xbox Developer Hangout, organised by Microsoft, in Lagos. According to her, this will be done in such a way that Nigerian movies, music, fashion and culture will feature in every locally produced video game. She said the industry holds lots of employment potential for the youth, adding that consultations with Microsoft would help in actualisation of her vision in that respect. She said that a working document had already been developed to actualise the mission but needed input from Microsoft. “We want to look at the kind of innovation we can achieve through gaming, with the huge talent we have in the sector. I want the gaming space transformed and I know with collaborations we can achieve a lot. “I promise to support in whatever capacity to actualise this and this is the reason I will continually remain grateful for President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. “I perceive Nigerians as the most creative beings who will transform the gaming industry, the billion-dollar industry, with help and support from government. “We want to see a situation where our indigenous movies, peculiar fashion sense, music and elements of our culture will serve as contents of our locally produced video games,” she said. Earlier, Olatomiwa Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft, noted that the organisation was committed to empowering everyone with the needed tools to grow in the industry. Williams said it was important to leverage all opportunities to achieve President Tinubu’s agenda for economic diversification. “Partnering with the Federal Government is a thing of delight for us, young Nigerians deserve every right to thrive, we are creating an inclusive industry also for women to thrive. “Microsoft has been in existence for over 20 years and I can say that Nigerians have been contributing to our solution areas,” she said. Also, Oluseye Soyode-Johnson, Founder, NuConti, said, “the videogame industry is larger than the Nollywood and the global music industry, it is a billion-dollar industry which should be taken seriously.” Speaking on the needed tools for video games, Matthew Isikhuemen of Unreal Engine, said they included epic mega grants, epic game education, epic unreal fellowship, unreal market place, epic games store, twin motion among others. Winston Ohunyon, Creative Director, Dimension II Games noted that infusing culture into video games could be achieved through storytelling which entailed description and expanding beyond traditional elements. “The tools for this description can be seen in the plot, setting, theme, characterisation, composition, dialogue, story and all. “We must be careful about how the stories are relayed to protect our identity as a nation or a continent,” he said. Also, Dooshima Anger, Founder of Dooshimagames, noted that to fully support inclusivity in video game industry in Nigeria, more collaborations and awareness must created.
Chevron Reiterates Commitment To Partnership For Sustainable Development
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has said that it is committed to partnership with various stakeholders including the communities neighbouring its areas of operations in the Niger Delta, for sustainable development. CNL is the operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and CNL. The company affirmed that it is engaging with relevant stakeholders including the protesters at its Terminal and Escravos Gas—To-Liquid (“EGTL”) jetties, community leaders, traditional rulers, the Board of Trustees (“BOTs”) of the Warri Onshore Host Community Development Trust (“HCDT”), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (“NUPRC”), the Delta State Government, and other critical stakeholders to ensure the peaceful vacation of the protesters who have blocked access to the Terminal and EGTL jetties since November 21, 2023. The protesters are demanding for the renaming of the Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) and involvement in the nomination of additional persons for inclusion on the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the HCDT. In addition, they are requesting for mobilization of their community workers for the EGTL Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) activities. CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikinn reaffirms CNL’s strict compliance with applicable laws and regulations. “As a law-abiding corporate citizen, CNL is committed and continues to make progress in the operationalization of the respective HCDTs in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. We continue to collaborate with the relevant stakeholders, including community leaders and traditional rulers towards the operationalization of the HCDTs. Also, CNL is committed to ensuring the participation of community workers in the EGTL TAM in line with the manpower mobilization plan”, he said. Esimaje stated that contrary to untrue media reports about some protesters that are allegedly missing, verifiable reports on ground indicate that none of the protesters are missing. He reiterated CNL’s priority on the safety of the people, the environment, and assets in all its operations and noted that CNL will continue to engage the relevant stakeholders to resolve the issues amicably. “CNL advocates respect for the rule of law and use of constructive dialogue in the resolution of all issues,” he concluded.
NIMASA, Navy To Partner On Blue Economy
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Navy have inaugurated a Committee to establish ways in which the synergy between both organs of government can be channeled into creating a welcoming environment for investment in the Blue Economy. Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA Osagie Edward, in a statement said, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC West), Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, who inaugurated the 8-Man Committee charged them to come up with policies to create a welcoming maritime environment for investment in the Nigerian Blue Economy. Membership of the 8-Man Committee includes on the Navy side, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, FOC, Western Naval Command; Cdre K.O. Oguntuga, Commander NNS Beecroft; Cdre N.S. Kaman, COO Western Naval Command and Capt. A. U. Tijani. The Committee members representing NIMASA namely, Director Deep Blue Project, Chief Otonye Obom; Head Shipping Development, Kurahson Inuwa; Head, ISPS, Isa Mudi; and Deputy Director, Cabotage Services, Aisha Usman Dangote. You will recall that the Agency’s Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, during a visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Navy to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos recently, had announced the constitution of an 8-Man committee, comprising four each from the Navy and NIMASA.
NCC Targets 22% Telecom Contribution To GDP By 2027
The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) is set to increase the contribution of the telecommunication sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution to 22 per cent by the year 2027. The telecommunications sector contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased significantly to 16 per cent in the second quarter of 2023 from a 14.13 per cent contributed in the first quarter of 2023, and up from the 15 per cent recorded in the second quarter of 2022, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Mr Aminu Maida who disclosed this in Lagos at a conference on how to reposition the nation’s economy said the Commission planned to increase the annual net revenue of the telecommunications sector to the Federal Government by 100 per cent over the next four years, achieve at least 15 per cent year-on-year increase in investments into the telecommunications sector. Another target set by the Commission according to him is to have a 50 per cent improvement in Quality of Service (QoS) by the end of next year, and reduce the access gap in rural areas to less than 20 per cent by 2027. He said that the reimagining of the communication sector is driven by five pillarswhich are interwoven with each other to deliver on the goal of fostering economic growth and development. He said that these pillars which include policy, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship and capital, trade, and knowledge, are the bedrock of the Strategic Vision Plan (2023 – 2025) and form the guide to channel our efforts to harness the potential of the telecommunications sector and drive positive change in Nigeria. He said the vision aimed” to accelerate the growth of Nigeria as a global technical talent hub and a net exporter of talent, to deepen and accelerate our position in global research in key technology areas and raise the complexity and dynamics of our economy by significantly increasing the level of digital literacy across Nigeria.” He said the programme which has already commenced with over one million applications by potential trainees is expected to increase the level of digital and technical skills among Nigerians, especially young and middle-level talents, to 70 per cent by the end of 2027. This he said will position Nigerians to productively contribute to the economy and place the country in the top 25 percentile of research globally in the key areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), IoT, Robotics, Blockchain, and Additive Manufacturing in keeping with the strategic plan unveiled by the Honourable Minister. Speaking further he said “We believe that attaining these targets will increase our pool of technically skilled persons to the global market. With more talents in these areas, we expect that potential employers of digital and technical skills in the international scene will begin to engage more Nigerians.”
FG To Subsidize Adire Production, Reduce Foreign Imports – Minister
The Federal Government is set to provide subsidies to boost the production of Adire, a locally-made fabric, and combat the influx of foreign alternatives. Mrs. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, made this announcement during her visit to the Adire mall in Itoku, Abeokuta. Edu emphasized the government’s commitment to creating industrial hubs nationwide, particularly to benefit market women and enhance revenue. She expressed the government’s intention to promote Adire on the global stage and stressed the need to restrict the importation of foreign Adire products. Edu explained that by promoting and subsidizing local production, the government could eliminate the infiltration of foreign-made Adire into the market. She underlined the importance of supporting local products to meet the demand, create jobs, boost the economy, and reduce the country’s reliance on imports. The Minister also mentioned that the government would provide subsidies for Adire producers, similar to how they had done with fuel subsidies. This support aims to encourage the production of local Adire for both domestic and international markets. Edu expressed her appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who promised to establish hubs in Abuja for the sale of authentic Adire. She sees this as an opportunity to showcase this unique fabric to the world and boost local production, enabling more people to earn a living and support their families.
Blue Economy Top Agenda As Jamoh, Pauli Meet In Abuja
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has met with Professor Gunter Pauli to discuss how Nigeria can advance its Blue Economy. Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA Osagie Edward, in a statement said, the Abuja meeting is a follow up to the session the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, had with Professor Pauli, where the need for the NIMASA DG to meet with experts like Gunter Pauli, was highlighted. Jamoh noted that having Professor Pauli interphase with stakeholders of the new Ministry would definitely help develop viable policies for the smooth take-off of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry. “I had the opportunity to meet the man that formulated the global policies around Blue Economy, and we have discussed various ways to harness the resources in the Nigerian waters in a sustainable manner. He has expressed his willingness to work with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to formulate policies that will help Nigerians begin to enjoy the gains of the establishment of the Ministry,” Jamoh said. On his part, Prof Pauli said he is willing to assist the Nigerian government develop policies around the Blue Economy for the benefit of Nigerians. Prof. Pauli, an economist and entrepreneur, created models of the Blue Economy, which is now a global concept. He has worked with many countries to draw policies for their blue economies.
FG Moves To Establish Building Material Hubs
The Federal government has disclosed its plans to establish building materials manufacturing hubs nationwide to actualize the Action Plan for housing and urban development. The establishment of the hub, which the FG said was in line with the ministry’s housing reform initiatives, was aimed at delivering decent, affordable, and quality housing to Nigerians across all income segments. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, disclosed this recently during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the International Financial Corporation (IFC), led by Dr. Dahlia Khalifa – Regional Director, Central Africa, and Anglophone West Africa, in Abuja. Represented by the Minister of State, Alhaji Abdullahi Gwarzo, Dangiwa said: “Establishing Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs across the country, implementing a Nationwide Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrading programme is one of the actionable strategies to achieve the renewed hope agenda in housing development. “Also, the development of New Cities that are integrated and inclusive, using a demand-driven strategy that will ensure prompt offtake of units built,” he said. The minister further listed other strategies put in place to achieve the renewed hope agenda including strengthening the institutional capacity of agencies under its supervision including the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). Dangiwa added that plans to increase the risk of supply of decent and affordable housing, establishing a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF), and implementing land reforms to enhance easy and cost-effective access to land were also in place. He commended the work of the IFC in providing funding for developmental projects across Africa. Dangiwa further assured the corporation of the ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability in their collaborations. “Our sole goal is to deliver on Mr. President’s objective of providing decent and quality accommodation to all Nigerians, especially the 80 percent falling within the medium and low segments. We aim to build livable communities and leverage the housing sector to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty”, he said. Earlier, the Senior Country Manager of the IFC, Mr Kalim Shah, had noted that housing was a major focus of the IFC across Africa where they service both the supply and demand sides of the industry. He said the purpose of the visit was to understand what the ministry was doing and see how the group could partner and support their efforts to enhance the delivery of affordable housing to Nigerians. “We see some honest desire on the part of the new government to provide affordable housing to the people, and we’ve come as partners to see how we can support what you’re doing. As an arm of the World Bank, our focus is primarily on private sector investment, so we are looking for areas where we can work with the ministry in line with your vision for decent and affordable housing solutions to Nigerians, “he said. Also speaking, the Senior Investment Officer, Public-Private Partnership of IFC, Alexander Leigh, said the corporation wished to engage the ministry in a bid to identify the specific areas of need and know how to provide solutions. He added that the IFC considers factors like access to land and its administration, construction costs, the situation of beneficiaries to occupy the houses, and affordability in its dealings with countries, and expressed excitement at the ministry’s efforts to address such issues.
We’re Reforming Economic, Business Environment To Promote Efficiency – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu says his administration is working assiduously to reform the nation’s economic and business environment to promote efficiency. Tinubu said this on Sunday during a bilateral meeting with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Olaf Scholz and his entourage, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Tinubu and the chancellor engaged in three separate meetings before addressing a joint press briefing. According to the Nigerian leader, the country has a very high deposit of gas availability and the investment environment as well as liquid natural gas is improving. Tinubu said his administration had improved the nation’s business environment, saying, “we are going through several reforms.” He also said that Nigeria was ready to encourage investment in gas pipelines and that the LNG would facilitate the shipment of liquefied gas to Europe. According to him, the government will continue to promote the opportunity for the growth of businesses and their partners. Tinubu said, “We are reforming our economic and business environment to promote efficiency. “You might have read or been aware that we have removed oil subsidy. “We’re going through tax reforms to eliminate double taxation and give you better returns on investments.” According to the president, there are principles that will ensure that investment grows well and is protected. He added, “We definitely welcome you to the collaboration; we’re happy this is happening to us. “I believe that my friend will add more to the value of Nigeria’s environment; we have discussed that. “I’ve made a commitment to you that we’ll promote efficiency, ease of doing business and remove all conflict areas that might be possible immediately.” On the Federal Government’s alleged refusal to retrieve over 12,000 Nigerians who were unable to make Germany’s asylum provision and were at risk of deportation, Tinubu said that such persons were welcome to return home. He, however, disclosed that both countries were working on regularising the stay of those who were economic refugees.” The president said there was a very deep discussion in this direction, urging the separation of economic refugees from real refugees. “We have a programme, to work in partnership, to really ensure normal migration and deepen the relationship in that area. “I’m not making any demands; if they are Nigerian citizens, they are Nigerian citizens and they are welcome back home. “Nothing should send them away; we are ready to enter into a partnership to improve the migration situation. “Since other young and vibrant people can go through the process according to the immigration law of the country, to accept them as long as they are of good behaviour and good character. “We are ready to work together in that direction,” Tinubu said. Also responding to the migration question, Scholz said the debate was on and, very soon, the grey areas would be addressed. He said, “The first is yes, there is a need, in Germany, for people that have talent and that want to work in our country in a way which is a regular path for migrants. “We are working intensely in this field and we want to get (make) more progress and get things agreed in detail. “The second part of this is also an agreement that those who do not have the right to stay in my country can go back and should go back. “But this is where cooperation is also important; we will do so and it will be an important aspect of our work together.” The German chancellor regretted that minerals were ‘just about extraction’ as they ended up in other countries rather than for Nigeria’s development. “It is also important that we use the way of developing your economy in the fields of the minerals you have. “I think that the investments into this structure must be easy but also beneficial for your country. “It is something that bothered me a lot in the past that, sometimes, it is just about extraction which is not enough. “There should be one bit more for making it feasible that some parts of the economic development can be used in the countries of origin. “This is not the case today in our world but, if we change this a little bit, it will change a lot and work on this field is also important for us.” According to Scholz, a lot of investments have to be taken, adding,” looking at infrastructure; it’s not just about roads and railways. “It is also about electricity, the infrastructure using the grid, making it feasible that all the produced energy or the power that is already there could go to the people. “Finding a way how we can develop the economy in this field will also be important.”
Analysing Tinubu’s $1trn GDP Growth In 3 Years
Encumbered by the biting economic reality that have taken a heavy toll on the welfare of Nigerians, and particularly, the untamed freefalling of the Naira immediately after reunification of the exchange rate by the government, President Bola Tinubu is targeting a $1trn gross domestic product (GDP) within the next three years. He is targeting this objective with his ongoing economic reforms aimed at repositioning the economy. The President at the inauguration of his cabinet had unveiled an-8 point economic agenda with priorities on food security, economic growth, job creation, access to capital – importantly, consumer credit; improved security, provision of enabling playing field for people and companies who operate in the economy, rule of law, and fight against corruption. He also promised an all-embracing inclusiveness, focusing particularly on youths and women. He also promised a new Central Bank of Nigeria that will be thoroughly professional, a catalyst for growth, and a stickler to its constitutional mandate, maintaining price and financial system stability away from the muddled interlope of fiscal responsibilities. Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, the CBN Governor, affirmed this during his submission at the National Assembly. He told the legislators that efforts were ongoing to refocus the economy and the Central Bank of Nigeria for an overall economic rebirth. He said the federal government has fashioned fiscal reforms and growth targets that would make the feat attainable within the next three years, an ambitious plan that hopes to catapult the economy from its current Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $450. He said a study of emerging markets’ macro-economic indices which particularly noted Nigeria’s economic trajectory, given faithful implementation of the ongoing economic reforms attest to it. With its youthful population and natural resources, aptly captured by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani in his 31- page document said, “in a world where digital transformation and innovation is fast becoming a catalyst for economic progress, we are at a critical moment as a nation in our journey towards a more inclusive, and prosperous future. The intersection of a strong digital economy and our innovative and youthful population presents us with a unique opportunity to chart a course towards prosperity, inclusion, and global relevance”. Other growth facilitating ministries and agencies like the Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment, Science, Innovation and Technology, Labour and Employment, Gas Resources, Foreign Affairs, Marine and Blue Economy, Power, Justice, and Tourism should also come out with employment and wealth enhancing/generating policies to make this objective a reality. While agencies like Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Corporate Affairs Commission, Bank of Agriculture, and Bank of Industries to mention few should live up to their fiscal responsibility mandates to facilitate this task. It is doable. In achieving the objective, may be, was the creation and renaming of some ministries and agencies, including appointments of new helmsmen to pilot the affairs of some revenue generating agencies such as FIRS, CAC, and the Taiwo Oyedele Tax Reform Committee. The actions were pointers to achieving this objective. Cardoso had explained that the projection is achievable if the study of the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) and Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Turkey (MINT) countries with similar populations and developmental characteristics is anything to go by. He continued, “Given this scenario, a refocused CBN, (sticking to its mandate) will better serve Nigeria through monetary policy interventions and advisory roles that will sustain the implementation of the administration’s fiscal proposals”. However, to achieve these laudable objectives the CBN Governor said the lines between monetary policy and fiscal intervention must be clearly delineated. He noted that, “much had been said of past CBN’s foray into development financing, such that the lines between monetary policy and fiscal intervention were blurred”. Therefore, in refocusing the CBN to its core mandate, there is a need to pull it back to mere advisory role that supports economic growth. The Bank, he promised, will now act as a catalyst in the propagation of specialized institutions and financial products that support emerging sectors of the economy. “ It should facilitate new regulatory frameworks to unlock dormant capital in land and property holdings,’’ he said. He listed other roles the CBN under his watch would be – accelerating access to consumer credit and expansion of financial inclusion for the masses, de-risking instrumentation to increase private sector investment in housing, textiles and clothing, food supply chain, healthcare, and educational supplies. Cardoso said he would exercise the convening power of the CBN to bring key multilateral and international stakeholders together to participate in government and private sector initiatives. The Governor however admitted that despite this envisioned task, the CBN does not possess the magic wand to be waved at Nigeria’s current economic realities as the problems facing the Bank are enormous and complex, but the Bank under his watch will do all that is necessary to turn around the fortunes of the Bank and the Nigeria economy in general. *Chisom Adindu writes from Umuahia, Abia State
Finance Minister Seeks Staff Support To Drive Reforms
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun has sought the cooperation and support of the staff to enable him deliver on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to a statement signed by Director (Press & PR), Stephen Kilebi on Thursday in Abuja, the minister made the appeal during a town hall meeting with the management and staff of the Ministry in Abuja. The meeting which was held at the instance of the Minister was aimed at exchanging views with the management and staff on how best to deliver on the mandate of the Ministry in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration. Edun said the essence of the meeting was, “Let me meet my people, feel their pulse and know what to do with them in order to deliver on the mandate given me by Mr. President.” He added, “A tree does not make a forest. Working together, honouring one another and being fair to one another can perform wonders.” He added, “I encourage staff to perform excellently in order to deliver in their callings not only for the Ministry but for the whole country.” The Minister assured of continued staff welfare for better and efficient service delivery. The Minister while appreciating the resilience and professionalism of Nigerian workers urged the staff to join hands with him to deliver on the mandate reposed on him by the President on his Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a veritable tool for service delivery assuring that “Things are going to change and be better, not only for Nigerians, but will make the Ministry attain global competitiveness,” Edun added that President Tinubu is a leader, a coach and a strategist and will change the narrative. He said the President is “A man of empathy, who acknowledges the sufferings of Nigerians even when Nigeria is rich in all sectors will definitely change things around for good.” Edun who acknowledged the President’s vision of inclusivity and gender friendly administration said, “I am extremely happy to be in the Ministry. I am privileged to be the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Chairman Forum of African Ministers of Finance.” He noted that the task was enormous and he couldn’t do it alone without the support of the management team and the staff commitment. He assured that staff welfare would be given top most consideration to ease their suffering, disclosing that plans were on the way for the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy, stressing that with CNG buses Nigerians would pay less for transportation. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary Finance Okokon Udo, appreciated the minister for his maiden meeting with the staff and pledged the support of the management and staff of the Ministry for his success. He noted that the meeting was a “veritable platform for interaction” adding that its essence was to “rub minds, express feelings, tell ourselves the truth constructively and how to move forward”. Udo said that the Ministry has a conducive working environment for effective and efficient service delivery. The Joint Union Chairman, Comrade Mohammed Attahiru, while officially welcoming the Minister said, the “Minister has broken the jinx by holding the interactive session adding that, the interactive meeting was what the trade union had been yearning for. He mentioned that, based on the Minister’s pedigree which stood him out, the union has no doubt that he will perform creditably and promised him of their total support.