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The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) have met to strengthen their efforts in improving safety and emergency response on Nigerian roads through the Motor Third Party Insurance Scheme.

A statement made available to journalists stated that this development follows a courtesy visit by the FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Muhammed to the Commissioner for Insurance Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin at NAICOM Headquarters.

During the meeting, NAICOM said, the Corps Marshal congratulated NAICOM on the signing of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 and acknowledged the Commission’s efforts in driving reforms in the industry.

‘He emphasised the need for enhanced data exchange between NAICOM and FRSC to develop a robust system for quick response to road accidents and compensation. The Corps Marshal also stressed the importance of digitising the process for prompt emergency response and eliminating fake motor insurance policies.

‘The Commissioner for Insurance, in his response, thanked the Corps Marshal for the visit and commended his efforts in upgrading the licensing system.

He highlighted that NIIRA 2025 has strengthened the compulsory third-party motor insurance policy and established a fund for compensating road accident victims, which will be administered by a committee that includes FRSC representation.

‘The Representative of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Ajodi Nuhu Nasir expressed profound satisfaction at the collaborative efforts among the agencies, noting that this synergy will culminate in a robust system that not only safeguards our roads but also ensures prompt and quality medical treatment for accident victims, thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with road crashes.

The meeting culminated in agreements such as Data Sharing Integration where NAICOM and FRSC will integrate their data sharing systems to enable seamless information sharing; and Joint Awareness Campaign where the agencies will develop a joint awareness campaign strategy to educate the public on insurance benefits and road safety. Others are Enforcement Committee where a joint committee will be established to collaborate on enforcement of proper insurance coverage and address cases of fake insurance policies; and Inclusion of Insurance Requirements: FRSC will include insurance requirements, especially for valid third-party motor insurance, in its awareness and enforcement efforts’, the statement read.

The collaboration aims to promote road safety, ensure prompt treatment for accident victims, and protect the interests of motorists and other road users. A date will be announced for the inauguration of the joint committee.

The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (T.A.T), has assured all stakeholders of an inclusive governance process in the preparation of the 2026 budget, describing the engagement as a defining moment in deepening participatory governance and ensuring community ownership in budget formulation.

He further assured participants that all inputs deliberated and tabled during the forum would be fully considered in the drafting of the 2026 fiscal document.

Taiwo affirmed that the 2026 budget has been strategically designed to capture the priorities of residents while aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the THEMES Plus developmental focus of Lagos State.

According to the council boss, the 2026 Appropriation Bill, titled ‘Budget of Renewed Hope and Inclusive Growth,’ is a practical and people-centered roadmap aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, expanding access to healthcare, empowering the youth, stimulating local economic growth, promoting environmental sustainability, and advancing digital innovation and civic participation in governance.

He explained that the budget is anchored on the S.H.I.E.L.D Agenda, a localised development framework designed by his administration to address key areas including security and safety of residents, improved healthcare delivery, renewal of public infrastructure, advancement of education and youth development, environmental preservation, economic empowerment of local entrepreneurs, and the integration of digital solutions to enhance service delivery and strengthen civic engagement. ‘The proposed budget will prioritise road rehabilitation, drainage construction, primary healthcare enhancement, the establishment of entrepreneurship hubs, provision of educational resources and ICT centres in public schools, and the creation of platforms that enable citizens to participate actively in governance,’ he said.

The council boss noted that the forum represented a collaborative exercise aimed at co-creating a budget that speaks directly to the needs of the people. He encouraged residents, associations, and stakeholder groups to submit their proposed projects for consideration, reaffirming that the administration is committed to initiatives that improve quality of life and promote sustainable development.

He also appealed to residents to support government initiatives through the prompt payment of rates and levies, emphasising that adequate revenue generation is essential to delivering the projects and programmes outlined in the proposed budget.

Taiwo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and policy direction, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire progress across all tiers of government and drive development at the grassroots.

The Council Manager, Mr. Olusegun Ajagunna, stated that the stakeholders’ forum was convened to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and adequately reflected in the forthcoming 2026 budget.

Ajagunna emphasised that the council places a high premium on participatory governance, adding that the forum serves as a vital platform to identify the pressing needs, priorities, and aspirations of every community within the council.

Head of the Budget, Planning and Statistics Department, Mrs. Lambo Oluwabunmi, said the forum reflected Aare Taiwo’s commitment to inclusive governance and equal representation in addressing the needs of residents at the local level.

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria says it has expanded its operations to include oil and gas in close proximity to Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), free of charge.

The company, primarily in the Eastern Corridor of Trans Niger Pipeline said it is doing this in the interest of national development.

Head of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr Akpos Mezeh, addressed stakeholders from host communities of TNP in Bayelsa, urging them to scale up real time information around critical assets for optimum protection.

‘We wish to restate that PINL has taken on the responsibility of providing security for all oil and gas assets in close proximity to the TNP ‘Pro Bono’ even though they are not under its current mandate. To this extent, we urge stakeholders to scale up vigilance and real time community intelligence around these assets in the interest of national security, ‘ Mezeh said.

He also disclosed that following from previous meetings, Biseni community has been included in its operations while plans are on to include other communities from Sagbama LGA.

‘Acting on recommendations from our last meeting, PINL has granted the inclusion of Biseni and other deserving communities in its surveillance engagements.

‘Furthermore, recommendations have been submitted to the appropriate authorities for inclusion of more communities that host critical oil and gas assets in the eastern corridor, ‘ Mezeh stated.

Giving a rundown of its successes for the month under review, the PINL official stated that there was no case of pipeline vandalism in the state and on the entire TNP, attributing the feat to the collaboration between the company, security agents and community stakeholders.

He emphasized that there has been sustained oil and gas production in the eastern corridor, increased host community development trust funding and peace in the communities.

Mezeh informed the stakeholders that the company’empowerment for 2000 women and girls from the host communities under the PINL Women Entrepreneurs and Empowerment Initiative has completed data capturing for host communities in Abia, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa communities.

He explained that the program focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls, adding ‘Verification of data is ongoing, and beneficiaries will be contacted shortly’.

On scholarship and youth development, he said it is currently being processed for payment, with beneficiaries expected to receive disbursements by November while new entries from underrepresented communities have also been added.

Some stakeholders at the meeting noted that PINL’s impact was being felt in the host communities.

President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba in his speech thanked PINL for recognising the roles of the host communities and the traditional institution in its operations.

The INC leader appreciated the company for its corporate social responsibility packages for the communities and for the regular stakeholders engagement towards finding solutions to pipeline vandalism in the the area.

‘I thank PINL for bringing us here and we urge all of us to support them because as INC and IYC, we have agreed amongst ourselves that we won’t go on violent struggles anymore, we’ll go on civil engagements, ‘ he said.

On his part, President of Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, commended PINL for nipping in the bud most of the problems that have bedeviled communities in the region.

He praised the collaboration between the company and security agencies in addressing issues of environmental devastation.

‘ I’m happy to acknowledge that PINL has been able to help our communities nip the issues of environmental devastation in the bud through, collaboration and the effort they are putting in by working with security agencies; and other people of goodwill that genuinely care for the Niger Delta environment, ‘ Lokpobiri said.

The IYC leader lauded stakeholders who have been supportive of the company’s activities in ensuring a vandalism-free region.

Also speaking, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr Bulodisiye Ndiwari acknowledged that in the last two months, the area has not recorded any case of oil theft or pipeline vandalism.

He also appreciated the company for building the capacity of the region through its skills and empowerment programme for youths and women.

‘We want to appreciate you for this women empowerment and for the scholarship scheme that will take off very soon. You are building the capacity of Bayelsans, Niger Delta and Ijaw nation’ Odiwari said.

Meanwhile, the Project Monitoring Office (PMO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in a goodwill message assured the company that it is in support of their stakeholders’ collaboration in combating pipeline vandalism.

British Council, in collaboration with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, and support from Investment Climate Reform (ICR) facility, has launched Impact Advisory Group (IAG) to strengthen access to finance for MSMEs and bridge the N3 trillion funding gap hindering their growth in Nigeria.

This was unveiled at the National Roundtable on MSME Financing: ‘Sustaining Impact: Achieving N3 Trillion Inclusive Financing Options for MSMEs in Nigeria,’ in Lagos.

It brought together government representatives, development partners, financial institutions, and private sector leaders to chart coordinated strategies for inclusive MSME financing and policy reforms.

Country Director of British Council, Donna McGowan, said the partnership reflects the council’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s reform ecosystem and promoting inclusive economic growth.

‘As ICR programme winds down, sustaining outcomes are a priority,’ McGowan said. ‘IAG is a platform to sustain business environment reforms, promote access to finance for women-owned businesses, and establish mechanisms for accountability and coordination among stakeholders.’

Convener of IAG and Chief Executive of Octovio Development, Nelson Okwonna, said the group was set up to harmonise efforts of government, private sector, and donor actors in the MSME ecosystem.

‘We realised interventions for MSMEs operate in silos.’The IAG seeks to connect those efforts, close the funding gap, and ensure impact is scaled beyond donor cycles.’

Representing SMEDAN’s chief, a director, Dabureje Onesi-Lawani, stressed the agency’s resolve to improving MSME competitiveness through data-driven policy and public-private collaboration.

He said: ‘SMEDAN has benefited from ICR facility in initiatives as National MSME Policy (2021-2025) and studies on women’s access to finance, but sustaining the impact requires a platform like IAG.

‘The collective effort that begins today is aimed at closing the N3 trillion funding gap, and every stakeholder must be part of that process.’

National Escrow Member of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Chief Kola Akosile, emphasized the private sector’s role in formalizing and supporting MSMEs.

‘MSMEs make up the backbone of our economy but remain grossly underfunded,’ he said. ‘At NACCIMA, we are collaborating with SMEDAN and the CAC to onboard one million MSMEs into the formal sector within a year, offering free chamber memberships to support growth and accountability.’

Similarly, Mr. Iliya Anthony, Managing Director of the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency, shared insights from the Kaduna model, where the government has disbursed over ?3 billion to small businesses.

‘Kaduna is leading by example,’ Anthony said. ‘We believe access to finance, markets, and training must go hand in hand. Another ?1 billion will be rolled out next month to support more SMEs and promote financial inclusion for women in rural areas.’

A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMEDAN and IAG’s implementing partners, EFInA, FATE Foundation, Sterling One Foundation, Africa Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA), Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), and Octovio Development Company, to sustain and scale inclusive financing reforms nationwide.

During the roundtable, Okwonna delivered a lead presentation titled ‘Achieving ?3 Trillion Inclusive Financing for MSMEs in Nigeria,’ describing what he called the ‘MSME financing paradox.’

‘Private sector loans have grown to ?77 trillion, yet less than two percent reaches MSMEs,’ he said. ‘Only about 25.9 percent of women entrepreneurs have accessed formal financing despite MSMEs contributing 46 percent to GDP and 87.9 percent to employment.’

Participants later engaged in breakout sessions on Asset Financing, Trade Finance, Agricultural Finance, and Start-up Equity Financing. Recommendations included creating state-level matching funds and de-risking instruments for MSMEs, promoting blended finance, expanding equity and impact investment, and strengthening digital trade finance infrastructure.

In his closing remarks, Director of Programmes at the British Council, Mr. Chikodi Onyemerela, praised the collaboration between government and private partners.

‘This launch represents more than an event it is a movement toward sustainable MSME growth, we must continue this collective effort beyond donor cycles to ensure financing reforms reach every level of Nigeria’s economy’, Onyemerela said.

Suspected arsonists have set ablaze a warehouse belonging to one of the Meter Asset Providers (MAP) accredited by the Ondo State Government under the O’DATIWA Metering Scheme, destroying prepaid meters worth over N10 million.

The incident, The Nation learnt, occurred on Monday and leading to the razing of a facility belonging to the Active Achievers Nigeria Limited along Barracks Road, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.

Not less than 100 Active Energy Prepaid Meters were lost to the inferno.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday in a chat, the Managing Director of the company, Mr Henry Akinbola Oyinbo, said residents in the area alerted the firm to the fire outbreak.

Oyinbo described the development as a ‘coordinated blaze’, insisting that the incident was an act of sabotage.

‘We were informed early on Monday morning that a raging inferno was consuming our warehouse.

‘Our Active Energy Prepaid Meters, though the best and most affordable in the market, are not inflammable, and as such could not have caught fire without someone deliberately setting it ablaze.

‘It is devastating that agents of darkness could strike in this manner,’ he lamented.

The Managing Director called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into what he described as an attempt to cripple the state’s metering initiative.

Confirming the incident, Ondo Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said detectives have launched an investigation to determine the actual cause of the fire.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Instruments of Clemency and Pardon, formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy while directing the exclusion of individuals convicted of grievous crimes from the list of beneficiaries.

The President’s final approval, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, came after consultations with the Council of State and extensive public input.

It followed a comprehensive review of an earlier list of 175 names, which had generated public criticism over the inclusion of individuals convicted for serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms.

Following the review, the list was pruned to 120 beneficiaries distributed across four categories: 15 persons granted full pardon (including pre-independence nationalist Sir Herbert Macaulay and the Ogoni Nine), four whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, 15 granted clemency, and 86 inmates whose prison terms were reduced.

Onanuga said the President’s decision was guided by ‘the seriousness and security implications of some offences, the need to respect the feelings of victims, to sustain public trust, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.’

He added that the President viewed justice as a ‘three-way traffic’-balancing the rights of offenders, victims, and society.

Among those whose sentences were reduced under the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Reduced Terms of Imprisonment and Sentence, 2025) are several inmates convicted of manslaughter, culpable homicide, fraud, firearms, and conspiracy offences.

Notably, Maryam Sanda (37), convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to death in 2020, had her sentence commuted to 12 years imprisonment ‘on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of her children, and for good conduct.’

Others include Yusuf Owolabi (36) and Ifeanyi Eze (33), both serving life sentences for manslaughter, now reduced to 15 years each; Markus Yusuf (41), whose 13-year term was cut to 8 years; and Alhaji Abubakar Tanko (61), whose 30-year sentence was reduced to 20 years.

Under the drug and narcotics category, Patrick Mensah (40) had his 17-year sentence cut to 13 years, while others such as Obi Edwin Chukwu, Tunde Balogun, Lima Pereira Erick Diego, and Uchegbu Emeka Michael received reduced terms of 12 years each.

Dias Santos Marela Christiana (44), a foreign national convicted of importing cocaine in 2017, had her sentence cut from 15 to 12 years ‘for remorsefulness and deportation.’

In financial and fraud-related cases, Buka Adamu (40) saw his 20-year term reduced to 9 years, while Mustapha Ahmed, Inibong Imayen Nuikidem, Ada Audu, Chief Jonathan Alatoru, and Umannah Ekatte received varying reductions for age, remorsefulness, and good conduct.

In firearms-related offences, Abubakar Mamman (38) and Muhammed Bello Musa (35) had 10-year sentences cut to 7 years, while Nnamdi Anene (67)’s life sentence was commuted to 20 years.

Under maritime and conspiracy offences, 10 convicts – including Bright Agbedeyi, Babangida Saliu, and Jude Saka Ebaragha – had their 12-year terms reduced to 8 years, with fines waived ‘based on remorsefulness and impecuniosity.’

For unlawful mining, at least 45 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Oyo State – including Yusuf Alhassan, Abdullahi Isah, Zayanu Bello, and Habeeb Suleman – had their sentences reduced from three to two years following rehabilitation assurances facilitated by Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis.

The President also approved a major structural reform: the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to establish new, stricter guidelines for future clemency exercises, including mandatory consultation with prosecuting agencies to ensure only deserving individuals benefit.

Onanuga said the reviewed list and signed instruments have been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.

According to the statement, President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their vigilance and engagement on the issue, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to strengthen the justice system and ensure that the prerogative of mercy ‘remains a symbol of fairness, not a loophole for impunity.’

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says he is investing in infrastructural development across the state to fastrack economic development.

Adeleke said this while inspecting the Lagere flyover and other projects on Wednesday in Ile-Ife.

The governor said he believed that improved infrastructure would fast track economic development, hence, the various infrastructural development in the state.

Adeleke, who decried the neglect of Ile-Ife and abandonment of several projects by the previous administration, said the cultural capital of Yoruba people deserved the best roads and other infrastructures.

According to the governor, the flyover is strategically located at an economic nerve center of Osun East, connecting Osun West, Ijesahland and Ondo State through Garage Olode.

‘An economic hub is being created through this iconic flyover bridge.

‘Aside from the making of an economic hub, our administration is conscious of the tourism potentials and importance of Ile Ife to millions of Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora.

‘In our creative economy agenda, Ile-Ife occupies a prime place.

‘ The cradle of Yoruba nation thus deserves mass infra upgrade to support our vision of a cultural capital drawing multi billion dollar tourism opportunities in the near future’, he said.

Adeleke, however, threatened to terminate any non-performing contractor handling various infrastructural projects in the state.

‘I urge various contractors handling our various infrastructure projects to be up and doing.

‘I task them to show commitment to delivering on the awarded contracts. I expect those contractors to maintain presence and ensure memorability of the roads while the contract lasts.

‘Our administration will not hesitate to terminate any non- performing contracts.

‘Our people expect so much from the administration and we would not allow slack in the implementation process.

‘I task the officials of the ministry of Works to strengthen their monitoring of ongoing projects.

‘The public should be regularly updated on the state of each project. Project implementation reports should henceforth be issued on a monthly basis’, he said.

The Presidency through the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, has expressed happiness on the smooth screening and confirmation of appointments of the Service Chiefs by the Senate .

Senator Lado in a statement said: ‘As the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, I facilitated this crucial interface to ensure a smooth and coordinated engagement between the Executive and the Legislature, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to effective governance and national security.

‘The appointment of Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major Gen. Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), AVM Sunday K. Aneke (Chief of Air Staff), and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represents a strategic step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and fostering synergy among the Armed Forces for the protection of our nation’s sovereignty and citizens.

‘I extend my profound appreciation to the President of the Senate, the Senate Leadership, and Distinguished Senators for the prompt and thorough consideration that led to the confirmation of the new Service Chiefs.

‘Their commitment underscores the strong collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature in advancing the national interest and ensuring the security and stability of our dear nation’

Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has said the state government would continue to encourage the Edo Queens Football Club for greater successes.

Idahosa spoke in Benin City when he received the team in Benin City after their impressive third-place finish at the maiden Governor Douye Diri Women’s Preseason Football Tournament in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Edo Deputy Governor, who received the team’s third-place trophy, praised the players for their determination and exceptional performance throughout the week long football fiesta.

He said: ‘We are here as a government to always encourage you, and we appreciate this cup you have presented to me on behalf of my principal.

‘The Edo Queens FC have made us proud again. On behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, I congratulate you all. You are great ambassadors of our state,’ he added.

The Deputy Governor also lauded Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Amadin Enabulele and Head Coach, Moses Aduku, for guiding both Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance FC to prominence.

He expressed optimism that the Bendel Insurance would achieve greater achievements in the current season.

In his remarks, Enabulele said the Bayelsa pre-season tournament served as a valuable testing ground to assess and strengthen the squad ahead of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season.

‘Team Edo did very well. We were the only side that did not concede a goal throughout the tournament,’ he noted.

The Federal Government has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s economy will attain the $1 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) target set by President Bola Tinubu by the year 2030.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the European Union (EU) Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Mr. David McAllister.

Bagudu said the administration is working closely with both local and international partners to achieve the goal, noting that the government’s growth strategy places significant emphasis on private sector participation.

‘Our President has set a clear target for Nigeria to achieve a one trillion-dollar GDP by 2030,’ the minister told the EU delegation. ‘This is ambitious, but achievable through partnerships such as ours with the European Union.’

In a statement issued by the ministry on Tuesday, Bagudu explained that the government’s economic blueprint is built around strong collaboration with the private sector, which he said would provide 86 percent of the investment required to reach the $1 trillion GDP target.

He said the Tinubu administration is determined to achieve double-digit economic growth in an environmentally sustainable manner within the target period. ‘We are pursuing growth that is both inclusive and responsible-one that creates jobs, strengthens productivity, and protects the environment,’ he said.

Bagudu credited the ongoing reforms under President Tinubu for placing Nigeria’s economy on a more sustainable path and expressed appreciation to the European Union for its continued partnership and support.

The minister specifically thanked the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gauthier Mignot, for facilitating Nigeria’s participation in the 2025 Global Gateway Forum and for securing a N320.5 billion (pound 190 million) credit line allocated to Nigerian commercial banks and financial institutions to boost lending to the agricultural sector.

He noted that the EU’s Global Gateway Project, which plans to invest pound 300 billion in Africa, aligns with Nigeria’s priorities of promoting a green, digital, and inclusive economy while enhancing healthcare, education, and democratic governance.

Bagudu assured the EU delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest. ‘We believe the absorptive capacity of our economy is strong, whether in agriculture or other forms of infrastructure. We are committed to partnering with you and fostering mutually beneficial relationships for our people,’ he said.

The EU delegation leader, Mr. David McAllister, described Nigeria as the EU’s largest trade and investment partner in Africa, accounting for a significant share of imports and exports between both regions.

McAllister said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration in critical areas such as clean energy, industrialization, and economic diversification. ‘We seek to encourage investment and renewal in clean energy, to bolster Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and industrial capacity, and to broaden cooperation and sustainable economic diversification beyond oil exports,’ he stated.

Earlier, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, welcomed the EU delegation and commended their efforts in promoting democratic governance and sustainable development across the globe.

He described the visit as an opportunity to explore how Nigeria and the EU can work more closely to address shared priorities and accelerate economic progress. ‘This engagement provides a platform to align our development goals and strengthen institutional cooperation for mutual benefit,’ he said.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to expanding economic cooperation, improving access to investment capital, and driving inclusive development through sustainable partnerships.