Category: Nigerian Tribune

The reign of terror in some parts of Plateau State is startling and unfathomable, given the number of people being killed in awful ways. Many communities have become easy targets for terrorists, who frequently carry out lethal attacks that kill residents and destroy property. Communities are turning into jungles for human hunts due to the startlingly high murder rate. It appears there is no end in sight to the terror.

Residents of many rural communities in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Mangu and Bassa local government areas of the state have been living under a permanent dark cloud, while those responsible for the crushing wave of violence are still on the rampage, moving from one community to another.

Like predators, the attackers hunt down and kill innocent people under the cover of darkness.

Last week, the rampaging terrorists, in large numbers, invaded the quiet village of Bin Per in Kobun District of Mangu Local Government Area of the state and unleashed terror on the inhabitants, murdering 24 people, mostly children and women, in their sleep and plunging the village and neighbouring communities into deep sorrow.

When the Saturday Tribune visited the village over the weekend, survivors of the horrific incident and residents of nearby communities were still in mourning and agony. Most of the residences where the killings occurred had been abandoned, with only a few security personnel patrolling the affected area.

Seventy-year-old Michael Musa, who said he survived by the whiskers, described the attack as a cruel shock to the locals and their neighbours. Michael, who emphatically stated that the heinous act was perpetrated by Fulani terrorists, said the locals had coexisted peacefully with the Fulani for a very long time and had accepted them without restrictions.

‘We are shocked that our accommodation of them might have had the opposite effect. We had no idea that the Fulani, who have been here for a long time, speak our language perfectly and have married our daughters, could be collaborators in this incident.’

Narrating how the heinous atrocity was committed, he said the perpetrators, whom he described as Fulani terrorists, invaded Bin Per community on motorcycles at about 9:45 p.m. on Monday, shooting indiscriminately in all directions.

According to him, the local vigilantes were unable to stop them because of the sophisticated weapons they carried. He claimed that the attackers moved from house to house, shooting victims at close range and attacking them with machetes to ensure that they did not survive.

He said the deadly operation lasted more than two hours, with the sound of gunshots filling the air throughout, adding that security personnel were unable to arrive on time because of the poor condition of roads in the area.

‘It was a coordinated onslaught. They operated without compassion. There was a moment when an entire family was wiped out, while some other people lost their children and wives,’ he said.

Speaking with the Saturday Tribune, another survivor, Rachael Dasher, who lost her spouse, children and other relatives, said the affected community was like a lone tree left standing after a devastating forest fire. Beyond the losses suffered by individual families, she said everyone in the community was yet to come to terms with what had happened to their loved ones.

A woman who simply identified herself as Talatu said the terrorists entered the village covertly and dispersed to different homes, where they used dangerous weapons, particularly daggers, to attack the inhabitants at close range.

Sunday Marem lost wife, two children

A 53-year-old man, Sunday Marem, who lost his wife and two children, said the rampaging terrorists shot and slaughtered his family members. He said despite their pleas, the terrorists, who he claimed spoke Fulani throughout the operation, refused to listen and went on to kill them brutally.

‘They arrived in our community at about 9:45 p.m. Before then, I had left my house to join the vigilante group of which I am a member. I simply closed the door with the intention of returning shortly. We were on regular patrol when random gunshots suddenly filled the air. I left the group and hurried home to be with my family.

‘The attackers aimed at me as I ran home, but the bullets missed me. They continued shooting as I ran. When I entered my house, I saw them all in a pool of blood, all dead, with the exception of my youngest child, Nanfa, who is just over a year old. He was wailing, with blood all over him.

‘I immediately lost control of myself and became confused. The raging gunfire prevented me from leaving immediately. I later took my surviving child and went out when the gunfire stopped, seeking refuge with my neighbour, who had gone through a similar ordeal.

‘Up to this moment that I am talking with you, I am yet to come to terms with the reality that my wife and two children are gone,’ he lamented.

Jonathan Ishaku lost three children, wife injured

Ishaku explained: ‘On Monday night, at about 9:43 p.m., gunmen arrived here in large numbers to attack us. Unfortunately, they killed my three sons, who were between the ages of six and 14 years, and injured my wife, who is now receiving treatment in the hospital. Approximately 24 persons were killed in this attack. They broke into my house and slaughtered three of my children.

‘I was travelling home when this terrible incident occurred, and I heard gunfire coming from all directions. So, along with a few other people who had fled the neighbourhood, I sought refuge in a maize farm.

‘However, when I returned home, I encountered people attempting to rescue the situation without success. We are pleading with the state government to intervene and at least grade the roads leading to this community so that security personnel can have quick access to this place whenever the need arises.’

Nankyer Titus lost aged mother, two siblings, two nephews

She said: ‘I was not present when this incident occurred. I lost my aged mother, two brothers and their children, who were brutally murdered in their rooms. Another of my brothers was shot in several places and is now receiving treatment at the hospital.

‘I don’t know where to begin. This is a cruel act that will take a long time to forget. A family of five has been reduced to two. The killing was systematic; the assailants targeted families, and all those slaughtered were related. But it is unfortunate that those who aided the attackers live among us.’

The majority of the people who spoke during the visit of Senator Diket Plang to the community urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the establishment of state police, saying this would help reduce incessant attacks on communities and enable people to better defend their communities against terrorist attacks.

The senator, however, assured them that there was no going back on state police, saying the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were working to ensure that state police became a reality as part of measures to curb insecurity in the country.

Also during his visit to the affected community, Governor Caleb Mutfwang assured the people that his administration would adopt additional strategies and strengthen existing security measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable communities. He stressed that the government would not relent in its determination to secure the state and create an environment conducive to the prosperity and well-being of its people.

He said the attack occurred at a time when the government had reviewed its security architecture in collaboration with security agencies, including the new General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and other relevant authorities, with renewed focus on protecting lives and property and preventing attacks on vulnerable communities.

‘This is not an attack on the community alone; it is an attack on me. I pray that God will grant you peace and comfort. The police have said that some persons have been arrested, and we will follow the matter to its logical conclusion.

‘We will do everything within our powers to ensure that you remain on your land. Nobody will take over your land,’ the governor assured.

During my last visit to the doctor, I was told that I have ‘dense breasts’. Kindly let me know what this means and if I am in any danger.

Abena (by SMS)

No, you are not in any danger and there’s no need to panic. It is said that dense breast tissue – roughly half of women over the age of 40 have it – can make it more difficult to detect cancer on a mammogram. Women with extremely dense breasts are at increased risk for breast cancer, though scientists are not sure why.

If your doctor says you have dense breasts (it’s not something you’ll be able to feel yourself), he or she may recommend additional imaging with an ultrasound or MRI at your routine breast cancer screenings.

And remember: Dense breast tissue is just one breast cancer risk factor on a list of several. Age, family history, physical inactivity and alcohol use play a role in the risk as well. Knowing all your risk factors ‘is a really important step forward for patients to be proactive’ in their breast health care.

Whether you live in a detached duplex, a busy suburban estate, or a shared compound, visible surveillance acts as an active digital guard that monitors your property 24 hours a day.

Many homeowners hold back from setting up security systems because they assume the installation process is overly complicated or requires costly professional contractors.

Modern surveillance kits come equipped with straightforward plug-and-play technology, intuitive mobile applications, and adaptable wiring configurations. Anyone with basic tools and a clear understanding of their compound layout can set up a reliable security network.

In this article, Tribune Online examines the essential equipment you need, the critical installation steps to follow, and the practical best practices required to build an effective home CCTV system.

Map out your blind spots and vulnerable points

Before drilling a single hole, take a thorough walk around your premises to identify where coverage matters most. Primary entryways like the main gate, front door, back door, ground-floor windows, and vehicle driveways are the most common points of unauthorized access.

According to research, visible security cameras mounted near property entry points deter up to 60 percent of potential intruders before an attempt is even made. Make sure your mapped locations have an unobstructed line of sight and remain high enough to prevent physical tampering or vandalism.

Choose between IP network and analog systems

Your overall setup depends on whether you select modern IP network cameras or traditional analog CCTV kits. Analog systems use coaxial cables connected directly to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), making them budget-friendly but somewhat rigid in physical cable routing.

In contrast, IP cameras use Power over Ethernet (PoE) or reliable Wi-Fi connections paired with a Network Video Recorder (NVR). Industry reviews by tech benchmark firm SafeWise note that IP setups deliver sharper digital resolution, simpler cable management, and seamless remote streaming straight to your smartphone.

Mount your cameras at the correct height and angle

Mounting height dictates the clarity and usability of your recorded footage. The sweet spot for outdoor residential cameras is between 8 to 10 feet off the ground. This height is tall enough to stay out of arm’s reach while remaining low enough to capture clear facial features and vehicle license plates.

Position the camera lens pointing slightly downward to eliminate intense sky glare and street lamp wash. Direct sunlight shining straight into the lens causes sensor burnout and leaves bright white spots in your daytime footage.

Run cables and ensure reliable power backup

A reliable surveillance network requires steady, uninterrupted power and protected data pathways. For wired setups, run your cables along interior wall corners, ceilings, or through PVC conduits outdoors to guard against rain, intense heat, and accidental cuts.

Given the frequent fluctuations in public power grids, connecting your central recorder and Wi-Fi router to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or dedicated solar inverter is critical. A security system that turns off during a blackout leaves your perimeter completely unguarded precisely when risk levels rise.

Configure the recorder and set up remote mobile access

Once every camera is physically mounted and connected, power on your NVR or DVR to complete the initial software setup. Create strong passwords that combine uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent remote digital hacking.

Most modern surveillance systems feature built-in QR codes inside their management menus. Scanning this code through the manufacturer’s mobile app links the cameras to your smartphone immediately, allowing you to view live feeds, playback archives, and motion alerts from anywhere in the world.

Respect privacy and community regulations

Installing cameras around your perimeter requires a balance between comprehensive security and personal boundaries. Position your exterior cameras so that their lenses focus exclusively on your compound, gates, and driveways, rather than pointing into your neighbor’s private windows or adjoining living areas.

Responsible camera positioning prevents neighborhood disputes and keeps your property fully compliant with standard residential data privacy practices worldwide.

By taking the time to map your compound, choosing the right camera technology, and securing an uninterrupted power source, you create a robust home defense system that delivers continuous protection and lasting peace of mind.

The inauguration of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) in Kano has attracted prominent political leaders and thousands of supporters who gathered at the Sani Abacha Stadium to demonstrate their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The event was attended by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin; former Kano State governors, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau and Alhaji Kabir Gaya; and other senior political figures.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Director-General of the TSG, Dr. Tanko Yakasai; and the founder and convener of the support group.

Supporters of the TSG began arriving at the Sani Abacha Stadium as early as 6 a.m., with drums and other musical performances providing entertainment as the crowd steadily increased.

The turnout reportedly overwhelmed the stadium, with many supporters unable to gain access to the main arena and instead gathering in adjoining areas.

Some enthusiastic participants were also seen climbing trees and the rooftops of high-rise buildings around the stadium and the nearby Kwari textile market to catch a glimpse of the proceedings.

The massive gathering underscored the growing political mobilisation around President Tinubu and his administration in Kano, as supporters and party leaders used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to the President’s political agenda.

The inauguration is expected to provide a platform for the TSG to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and coordinate support for the Tinubu administration across Kano State.

The Imo State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commenced its grassroots sensitisation and chapter inauguration tour across 12 council areas of Orlu zone, with Nkwerre and Nwangele LGAs becoming the first to be inaugurated.

Inaugurating the new officers at the LGA offices on Thursday, the State Chairman of ADC, Prof James Okoroma, charged them to be alive to their responsibility of building functional structures within their respective areas, mobilising new members and ensuring that the policies and programmes of the ADC are properly communicated to them.

Okoroma commended party members and supporters in the two local government areas for their commitment, loyalty and active participation in the activities of the ADC.

The State Chairman urged the newly inaugurated executives to approach their responsibilities with seriousness and discipline, while reminding them that party leadership begins at the grassroots and that every executive has an important role to play in strengthening the party.

Prof Okoroma stressed the importance of maintaining regular contact with members and ensuring that the party remains active at the ward and polling unit levels.

He also called on the executives to respect the constitution of the party, work collectively and place the interests of the ADC above personal interests.

According to him, the sensitisation tour is not limited to the inauguration of executives but also provides an opportunity for the state leadership to meet directly with members, understand their concerns, identify challenges within the grassroots structure and work towards practical solutions.

He commended the leadership and members of Nwangele and Nkwerre for their strong participation and encouraged them to sustain the momentum.

Prof Okoroma assured the members that the State Executive Committee would continue to support and strengthen grassroots structures across Imo State.

The exercise, led by the State Chairman of the party, Prof James Okoroma, brought together members of the State Executive Committee, zonal leaders, local government chairmen, ward executives, polling unit officers and other party stakeholders.

The tour is aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structure, improving communication between party leadership and members, and preparing the ADC for effective participation in future elections.

The State Chairman was accompanied by the Deputy Secretary of the party, Sir Dr Chijioke Uchegbu; State Treasurer, Hon Timothy Obodozie; State Woman Leader, Hon Mrs Uju Ihejiagwa; Orlu Zonal Chairman, Hon Damian Ezerou; Orlu Zonal Organising Secretary, Hon Kelechi Duru; Orlu Zonal Woman Leader, Dame Stellar Uzoho; and Orlu Zonal Treasurer, Amadi Chidi.

FORMER Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has raised concern over reports of young Nigerians allegedly selling their organs to survive amid the country’s cost-of-living crisis.

In a post on his official X handle on Friday, Atiku described reports of young people selling body parts, particularly kidneys, as ‘disturbing’ and ‘horrifying.’

‘I have heard disturbing stories about the extent to which young Nigerians are being driven simply to survive. Perhaps the most horrifying are the growing reports of young people selling parts of their bodies: kidneys in particular, in desperate attempts to raise money,’ he said.

Atiku said young Nigerians should be focused on building careers, businesses and innovation rather than being driven to desperate measures.

‘Young people should be selling dreams, ideas and innovation, not their body organs. Yet when the cost-of-living crisis becomes unbearable, desperation begins to make the unthinkable appear like an option. That should offend the conscience of every Nigerian,’ he stated.

He lamented that essential needs were becoming increasingly unaffordable, listing food, transportation, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity among areas where costs were rising.

According to him, there were reports of some young Nigerians selling their kidneys for as little as N1.7 million.

‘When young Nigerians begin to see their kidneys as emergency savings, we are no longer talking about ordinary economic hardship. We are talking about desperation at its most frightening’ he said.

The ADC presidential candidate noted that while Nigeria had laws prohibiting commercial organ sales and organ trafficking, legislation alone could not address the poverty driving such acts.

‘No government should celebrate ‘reforms’ while young Nigerians are being reduced to selling parts of themselves to eat, pay rent, settle school fees or survive,’ he said.

Atiku called for economic policies that directly address affordability and the welfare of Nigerians.

‘Economic reform must have a human face. It must mean affordable food, cheaper transportation, accessible health-care, decent jobs and renewed hope for the next generation,’ he stated.

Graced Energy Professionals for Africa (GEPA) has provided basic lighting and fans to two primary healthcare centres serving rural communities in Oyo and Ogun states as part of its 2026 Energy Outreach Initiative.

The initiative was carried out on August 28 and 29 at Kure Public Health Centre in Kure Village, Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, and Imope Primary Health Care Centre in Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

GEPA said the intervention was aimed at addressing basic energy needs in underserved communities, particularly healthcare facilities where reliable access to electricity can improve the working conditions of health workers and the experience of patients.

The initiative forms part of the organisation’s annual efforts to ensure that its work in Africa’s energy sector translates into practical benefits for communities.

According to GEPA, the organisation undertakes an energy-related outreach project each year to address basic energy challenges confronting underserved communities.

In 2025, the organisation distributed solar lamps to schools in indigent communities in Lagos State to provide students with access to basic lighting.

This year, GEPA shifted its focus to rural healthcare centres, recognising the importance of basic energy services in facilities that provide essential healthcare to local communities.

The organisation also plans to extend similar energy-related community interventions to Ghana as part of its broader commitment to Africa’s energy development.

GEPA was founded by Chinenye Ajayi, an energy professional and energy and infrastructure lawyer, as a community of energy professionals committed to raising a new generation of purpose-driven professionals.

The organisation said its mission goes beyond developing professionals, stressing that people working in the energy sector should also actively contribute to solving the continent’s energy challenges.

Through its annual Energy Outreach Initiative, GEPA brings energy professionals together to contribute their knowledge, resources and collective capacity towards meeting practical energy needs in underserved communities.

GEPA appreciated its partners and donors for their support during the outreach programme with special recognition to our implementation partners, Cardinal Healthcare Foundation and Solfa Power Limited.

Professionals from accounting, marketing, sales, operations, communications and other fields already possess skills that can transfer to product management.

The challenge is learning how to apply those skills to product development and demonstrating that ability to employers.

In this article, Tribune Online explores the ultimate strategy for non-tech professionals.

Understand the product manager’s role

Before making the move, understand what product managers actually do. They identify customer problems, define product priorities, work with designers and engineers, analyse feedback and data, and help teams to deliver products that meet both user and business needs. Understanding these responsibilities will help you to identify the skills you already have and the areas you need to develop.

Identify your transferable skills

Your previous profession can give you a useful starting point. Marketers understand customers, market research and positioning. Accountants bring financial analysis and commercial awareness. Operations professionals understand processes, efficiency and stakeholder management. The goal is to connect these skills to product responsibilities rather than presenting yourself as someone starting completely from scratch.

Learn Agile and Scrum

A non-technical product manager still needs to understand how software teams operate.

Learn basic concepts such as Scrum, Kanban, product backlogs, sprints, user stories and acceptance criteria. You do not need to become a programmer.

However, understanding these concepts will help you communicate effectively with engineers and follow the progress of product development.

Learn how to prioritise features

Product teams cannot build everything at once. Learn how to evaluate features according to customer value, business impact, cost, effort and urgency.

For example, an accountant can use financial and revenue considerations when evaluating competing product ideas, while an operations professional can consider efficiency and customer impact.

The ability to explain why one feature should come before another is an important product skill.

Build a product teardown portfolio

One of the best ways to demonstrate product thinking is to analyse existing products.

Choose familiar Nigerian digital products such as banking, fintech, e-commerce or transport applications.

Identify a problem, explain which users experience it and propose a practical solution. Include your reasoning, proposed features and how you would measure whether the solution worked.

A strong portfolio can give recruiters something concrete to assess, particularly when you do not yet have a Product Manager title.

Learn basic product analytics

Product managers regularly use data to make decisions. Become familiar with metrics such as conversion, retention, churn, engagement and activation.Practise using spreadsheets to analyse simple datasets and draw conclusions from the results. You do not need advanced data-science skills to get started. You need to understand how data can support product decisions.

Develop basic technical knowledge

You do not need to learn software engineering before applying for product roles. However, understanding basic concepts such as APIs, databases, front-end and back-end systems, cloud services and software development cycles will make technical discussions easier.

The objective is to communicate effectively with engineers, not to replace them.

Gain practical experience

Create opportunities to practise product management. You could work with a developer and designer on a small digital product, volunteer to improve an organisation’s online service or create detailed case studies of existing products.Focus on showing how you identified a problem, researched it, prioritised solutions and measured potential outcomes.

Rewrite your CV

Your CV should show product-relevant achievements rather than simply listing your previous responsibilities. Highlight experience involving customer research, problem-solving, data analysis, process improvement, decision-making and stakeholder management.

Do not claim to have performed product-management duties that you never handled. Instead, present your genuine experience in a way that makes its relevance clear.

The road is a nightmare for motorists plying the ever-busy Onitsha-Owerri road, as they now face undue hurdles over the deep potholes and waterlogged portions that pose a serious threat and danger to them.

Besides, they are pointing accusing fingers at the officials and management of the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) for not doing anything positive to find a solution to the lingering problems associated with big potholes and bad portions of the road; instead, they are cashing in on the bad situation to extort the motorists.

Sadly, some of the drivers have reported making detours to other roads near the area and totally avoiding the busy Onitsha-Owerri road.

One of the victims, Mr Obinna Favour, who narrated his ordeal at the hands of the ARTMA officials on Saturday, lamented what he described as a ‘double tragedy’ of navigating the deep potholes and facing heavy fines from traffic enforcement officers.

Obinna, who is a commercial bus driver, disclosed that his vehicle was intercepted out of hundreds of vehicles plying the road along St Francis Okpoko by-pass along the Owerri Road by operatives of the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), and taken to the agency’s office at the Bridge Head, Onitsha.

According to Mr Obinna, he was accused of driving against traffic, a ‘one-way’ offence, and was fined N300,000, even when the officials knew how bad the road is in the area.

He cried out to the authority of the agency for help, saying that the violation was not deliberate, as the bad portions of the road are deplorable, with deep potholes, particularly opposite the People’s Club building complex along the Owerri Road, which according to him is in a terrible state, thereby forcing motorists to divert to the other lane for their own safety.

‘The potholes are so deep that vehicles are forced to swerve to the other side to avoid damaging their cars. That is how we found ourselves on the other lane,’ he said.

He stated that the ARTMA officials at their head office demanded a fine of N300,000 before the vehicle could be released.

‘We respect the law and the work ARTMA is doing. But it is painful that we are being fined such a huge amount for an offence that was caused by the bad state of the road itself,’ he said.

However, following an appeal to the leadership of the agency, the fine was later reviewed downwards to N150,000 before the vehicle was released.

He appealed to the Anambra State Government, under Governor Prof Charles Soludo, and other relevant agencies, to urgently repair the failed portion of the Onitsha-Owerri Road to prevent further accidents and avoidable arrests.

Also, Mr Chima Nwako, a commercial driver, called for urgent action to repair the road in order to reduce hold-ups and accidents associated with the bad road.

On his part, Mr Ikegbu said the Onitsha-Owerri road has been in a bad state for months, and has forced many to take the opposite lane to avoid the craters.

‘We are not supporting one-way. But government should first fix that road. Every day ARTMA is there catching people, but the pothole that is causing it is still there.’

The Managing Director of ARTMA, Mr Emeka Okonkwo, otherwise known as Konti, said the violation has been committed, so the offender should go and pay.

He warned drivers to avoid one-way offences, as anyone caught would be penalised according to the laws of the state.

Nigeria’s Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has urged business operators in the North-East subregion to take advantage of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) to expand their markets and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Shola Enikanolaiye, made the assertion while speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop on ETLS held in Bauchi on Saturday.

The Minister of State said the scheme provides duty-free access for qualifying products originating from ECOWAS member states.

He said greater awareness, compliance and effective implementation of ETLS would enable Nigerian manufacturers, farmers, agro-processors, and small and medium-scale businesses to benefit from the regional market.

He further said the workshop, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was aimed at bridging the information gap between the opportunities provided by ETLS and businesses’ knowledge of the scheme.

The Minister also linked the effective implementation of ETLS to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030, stressing the need for increased production, industrialisation and export competitiveness.

Established in 1979, the Minister told the gathering that its goal is to boost industrial growth and economic integration across the 15 member states, adding that the programme is strategic to the North-East subregion for economic diversification and prosperity.

In his address at the opening of the meeting, Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, emphasised that the state and other North-Eastern states must begin to see regional integration as an economic opportunity rather than merely a diplomatic concept.

Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Auwal Jatau, he said the subregion has vast agricultural, livestock, mineral and industrial resources that could be transformed into competitive products for the West African market.

Bala Mohammed identified border delays, multiple checkpoints, inadequate transport infrastructure, non-tariff barriers and limited access to accurate trade information as some of the challenges confronting businesses.

He said the state government would continue to support policies that improve the business environment, attract investment and create employment opportunities.

Bala Mohammed said the programme falls in line with his administration’s blueprint for commerce, industry, mines and agriculture.

While assuring the Federal Government of his administration’s continued readiness to partner in that regard, the Governor urged participants to make the best use of the opportunity for sustainable economic growth and development.

While welcoming the participants, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Ali Gombe, said Bauchi was chosen to host the workshop because of its strategic position and economic potential within the North-East.

Represented at the event by a senior official of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary said the participation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other stakeholders from the subregion was critical to increasing the North-East’s contribution to Nigeria’s regional trade objectives.

The Permanent Secretary stressed that the successful implementation of ETLS requires collaboration among the federal and state governments, businesses and regulatory institutions.

Also speaking, the President of the Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Alhaji Aminu Mohammed, lauded the Ministry for organising the workshop, saying it would go a long way in further exposing the abundant resources of the subregion to the outside world.

In his remarks, the President of the North-East Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Ahmed Ashemi, lauded the Federal Government for the initiative, saying it would support various economic revival efforts across the six states of the North-East geopolitical zone and pledging their continued support.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from across the North-East subregion, with discussions focused on strengthening regional trade, improving compliance and connecting businesses in the North-East to wider West African markets.