Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Since the inauguration of Advertising Offences Tribunal, AOT in May 2023, it has faced misty understanding among some lawyers and advertisers.

As a new model in Nigeria’s judiciary system to try advertising related violations, the shift of cases from conventional courts have triggered litigations by alleged offenders who approach high courts to stop the proceedings.

But a lawyer said the same court of coordinate jurisdiction would not stop the tribunal’s proceedings as the AOT has the same judicial powers.

Amidst the hazy understanding about the powers and functions of AOT, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON in collaboration with NBA- Lawyers in the Media moved to explore what AOT is, how it functions and the role it plays in protecting consumers and industry integrity, and the challenges it faces as it charts new territory in media law.

The impressive attendance of lawyers, advertisers, and other stakeholders at the Town Hall meeting in Sheba Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, demonstrated their strong interest in learning more about AOT and its operations.

Some lawyers at the summit described AOT as a linchpin of a transformed enforcement regime in Nigeria’s advertising sector. Akinlolu Kehinde, a legal luminary said AOT is the world’s first judicial tribunal with criminal jurisdiction over advertising offences.

Its mandate in advertising ecosystem includes protection of the consumers, deterring misconduct, regulating digital spaces, preserving industry integrity, and demonstrating constitutional innovation. Kehinde said it is a global first, but more importantly, it is a Nigerian solution to Nigerian challenges.

Under its mandate, the tribunal is also required to impose fines, imprisonment, and additional sanctions. Its composition are lawyers, media practitioners and experts. It functions as a normal court of coordinate jurisdiction.

At the Town-Hall meeting, Justice C.M.A. Olatoregun who is Chairman of the Advertising Offences Tribunal told the audience that the tribunal has handled 201 cases out of a total of 266 cases. Describing AOT as a gatekeeper, Olatoregun promised that the tribunal will deliver on its mandate.

She said that the AOT represents a systemic evolution that is embedding truth and accountability into the very structure of Nigeria’s advertising environment. She further called on lawyers in the media space to grow with the tribunal and grow the tribunal.

Though, climes like United States, engages in regulation after publication while UK operates self-regulation, but Lekan Fadolapo, DG of ARCON believes that Nigeria can prevent harm before it occurs and deter violations with pre-vetting regulations and violations sanctioned.

Fadolapo recounted offensive advertisements by some organisations which ARCON stopped without which they would have caused social unrest.

But according to some advertisers, pre-vetting can stifle creativity with its, perhaps delayed nature. For instance, Lanre Adisa, Chairman of Heads of Advertising Sectoral Group cited an advert immediately created and run when there was electricity cut during a Super Bowl event – ‘You can even dunk in the dark’. In Nigeria, this will need approval which will delay the advert and the creativity.

Lanre who commended ARCON moves to ensure sanity and ensure advertising decency said there must be a balance between regulation and the use of technology to ensure that there is efficiency. He said practitioners must feel that they are not been held back with regulation.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the federal government not to exploit reports of an alleged coup plot as an excuse to suppress opposition leaders or carry out unlawful surveillance on dissenting voices.

In a statement by Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s national publicity secretary, the party said it views any threat to Nigeria’s democratic order with utmost seriousness.

The party however, warned that the federal government must not exploit this moment to instil fear, silence dissenting voices, or engineer political advantage under the guise of national security.

The ADC said it has been closely monitoring the reports of an alleged coup plot involving arrested military officers and subsequent media claims that a former southern governor is under investigation for allegedly funding the suspects.

‘While we vehemently oppose any effort to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order, we are equally concerned about the potential misuse of such allegations to justify political witch-hunts, suppress dissent, or manipulate public sentiment.’

The party expressed concerned about the conflicting signals coming from government sources, especially as the Defence Headquarters has publicly denied ever mentioning a coup plot, despite widespread media reports to the contrary.

‘Such inconsistency raises serious fears that the coup narrative may have been politically engineered.’

The ADC said it is particularly concerned that the federal government has not deemed it fit to make a categorical statement on this very serious matter, especially after the military authorities had repeatedly denied that there was such a threat to the government. By keeping quiet, the government has deliberately allowed the coup story to fester for whatever reason.

The ADC however accused the government of ‘exploiting the coup story to divert attention from the real issues of misgovernance in the country and to curry sympathy. Even more significantly, subsequent unattributed media reports purportedly implicating unnamed politicians in the so-called plot now provide a pretext for the government to clamp down on opposition figures or mount undue surveillance on them.

‘We understand that the APC government is desperate. But such desperation must never be allowed to endanger our democracy or undermine the democratic rights of citizens.’

The party therefore calls on the federal government to immediately clarify the true nature of the alleged coup. ‘Government has a duty to decisively quash the swirling rumour. Conversely, if indeed there has been any such threat to national security, the government has a duty to be transparent about it and brief the nation accordingly.

‘Government must desist from weaponising national security as a pretext to silence opposition and political dissent.’

The ADC disclosed that it remains resolute in its opposition to dictatorship of any form, whether military dictatorship or its civilian variant.

‘We therefore support any legitimate action that may be taken in defence of our constitution and our democracy. In the same vein, we oppose any ploy by the government to intimidate legitimate voices under the guise of national security.’

PalmPay, a neobank focused on expanding financial inclusion in Nigeria, has been named the Digital Governance Company of the Year (Fintech Innovation) at the Nigeria GovTech Awards 2025. The award was presented by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) during a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The GovTech Awards celebrate organisations and individuals contributing to digital transformation, innovation, and improved governance through technology in Nigeria.

Receiving the award, the Managing Director of PalmPay Limited, Chika Reginald Nwosu, said the recognition reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to support the government’s digital economy agenda.

‘This award reflects our dedication to creating inclusive, secure, and innovative financial solutions for Nigerians,’ Nwosu said. ‘We remain committed to supporting the government’s digital transformation drive and empowering individuals and businesses through accessible fintech innovation.’

The annual Nigeria GovTech Awards, organised by the BPSR, highlight the role of technology in improving governance and development across sectors.

PalmPay’s recognition underscores its contribution to advancing digital finance and expanding access to financial services nationwide. The company provides a range of products, including mobile payments, savings, and micro-insurance, available through its app and mobile money agent network.

With a growing presence across Nigeria, PalmPay continues to collaborate with public and private partners to strengthen the country’s digital financial ecosystem and promote inclusive economic participation.

With nearly 70 percent of Nigerians living in informal settlements vulnerable to floods, heatwaves, and other climate risks, the Green Building Council Nigeria (GBCN) has called for urgent reforms to make the nation’s building and construction sector climate-resilient and economically sustainable.

Speaking at a media roundtable on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Scorecard for Sustainable Buildings Project, Danjuma Waniko, president, GBCN, said Nigeria’s housing crisis is no longer just about deficits – it is about survival in the face of escalating climate threats.

‘Most of our urban settlements are growing before our very eyes, often without planning or infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change,’ Waniko said.

‘About 70 percent of our people live in informal settlements or slums that are highly exposed to flooding, heatwaves, and rising temperatures. When we talk about sustainable buildings, we’re not just talking about structures – we’re talking about people’s lives and livelihoods.’

Waniko explained that the NDC Scorecard Project, part of the World Green Building Council’s global Be Bold on Buildings campaign, aims to help Nigeria turn its climate commitments into measurable actions within the built environment. Nigeria is one of five countries – alongside Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, and the Philippines – selected for the initiative.

According to Waniko, buildings account for nearly 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and over 50 percent of extracted natural resources, making the construction sector central to tackling climate change. ‘Our mission at GBCN rests on three imperatives – achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, promoting resource circularity, and strengthening urban resilience,’ he said.

The GBCN, he added, has been collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Energy Commission of Nigeria, and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to align sustainability goals with national policy frameworks.

One major outcome, he noted, is the renewed effort to update Nigeria’s 2006 National Building Code to reflect modern realities such as energy efficiency and climate-smart design.

Also speaking, Sangeetha Ramaraj, technical and innovation officer at GBCN, said the NDC Scorecard project is designed as a bottom-up initiative that takes into account Nigeria’s local realities.

‘We conducted workshops and consultations in 14 states, assessing existing policies and identifying enforcement gaps,’ she said. ‘The findings led to a beta scorecard and an action plan proposing eight key strategies for achieving a sustainable and resilient built environment.’

She explained that the project has now entered its implementation phase, which involves regional rollouts across the country.

‘We’re working with state governments and local authorities to integrate these strategies into planning, construction, and housing policies,’ Ramaraj noted.

Usman Abdurrahman, chair, GBCN’s Education and Knowledge Development Group, said collaboration is key to success.

‘To make our cities climate-resilient, professionals in architecture, building, and engineering must work hand in hand with policymakers,’ he said. ‘Without strong policies and enforcement, progress will be difficult.’

He added that regional workshops held in Lagos and Abuja have begun to yield results, with upcoming sessions in Port Harcourt and other zones aimed at deepening subnational engagement.

Waniko concluded that sustainable construction is no longer optional. ‘Climate change is already here.

Our cities are on the frontlines,’ he said. ‘We must design, build, and manage our spaces differently – not just to cut emissions, but to safeguard lives and ensure that urban growth becomes a driver of resilience, not vulnerability.’

Kano state government has adopted a Gender-Responsive Education Budgeting (GREB) framework document designed for equitable and inclusive expenditure that will give priority to the education of Girl-Child in the state.

The document which was prepared by Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI), a Kano based NGO, with support from the Malala Fund, is expected to translate into more enrollment of girls at the basic and secondary levels of education.

The document’s adoption was overseen by Suwaiba Saad Ahmad, the minister of state for education, during the Kano Girls’ Education Summit, which concluded over the weekend at the Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano.

The summit, organised under the Bridging Access to Girls’ Education (BAGE) project with the theme: ‘Investing in Her Future: Advancing Girls’ Education through Equitable Budgeting’, brought together policymakers, education stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and civil society groups to deliberate on sustainable strategies for financing girls’ education.

In his address, Sani Mohammed, executive director of BCAI, represented by Fatima Musa-Aliyu, the organisation’s chief operating officer, said the summit reaffirmed a collective vision for inclusive and transformative education in Kano.

‘At BCAI, we believe that education is more than a policy priority-it is a shared promise of dignity, opportunity and hope,’ he said.

Muhammad said BCAI’s experiences across Northern Nigeria have shown that education, especially for girls, is a powerful tool for community transformation.

He added that through collaboration with the Kano State Government and the support of the Malala Fund, the summit was able to shift discussions from access to accountability, and from policy to real transformation.

One of the major highlights of BCAI’s intervention, he noted, is the introduction of the Gender-Responsive Education Budgeting (GREB) Framework, designed to enhance equity, transparency and accountability in education financing.

‘The real success of this framework lies in its adoption and implementation by government, educators and communities. The future we seek for girls in Kano must be built collectively through leadership and shared responsibility,’ he added.

Earlier in her speech, Nabila Aguele, chief executive officer of the Malala Fund Nigeria, represented at the occasion, commended the Kano State Government for adopting the GREB framework, describing it as a major milestone in promoting gender equity in education.

‘This is a vital step towards building an inclusive and resilient education system that leaves no girl behind,’ she said, reaffirming the Malala Fund’s continued support to the state and civil society partners in ensuring every girl has access to quality education.

On his part, Ali Haruna-Makoda, Kano State Commissioner for Education, reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable education, describing it as key to social and economic transformation.

He noted that following the declaration of a state of emergency on education, the state increased its education budget from 29.75 percent in 2024 to 31.5 percent in 2025.

According to him, the government has restored boarding facilities in girls’ schools, recruited teachers, and provided free uniforms and transportation to boost enrollment and retention.

‘We have rehabilitated over 70 percent of the girls’ shuttle buses, expanded infrastructure across all 44 local government areas, and prioritised privacy-friendly facilities such as toilets for female students,’ the commissioner said.

He added that over 16,700 school security guards had been approved for recruitment across the state’s 44 LGAs under the Safe School Initiative to enhance student safety.

The summit also featured discussions on policy reforms, financing accountability, grassroots participation and collaborative approaches for sustaining progress in girls’ education.

The BAGE project, implemented by BCAI with support from the Malala Fund, seeks to promote equitable education financing and drive sustainable reforms that empower girls in Kano to learn, lead and thrive.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a public-facing crowdsourcing report and National Coverage Maps, which mark a major step in the country’s drive toward data-driven regulation and improved consumer experience in the telecommunications sector.

The project, launched in partnership with Ookla, a global leader in network intelligence and performance measurement, forms part of the NCC’s Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) crowdsourcing initiative.

With the new coverage maps and crowdsourced data tools, the NCC aims to make Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem more transparent, consumer-focused, and innovation-driven-ensuring that every Nigerian enjoys reliable, high-quality connectivity.

Chip Strange, chief strategy officer at Ookla, while speaking at the virtual launch event on Monday, described the initiative as a defining milestone for Nigeria’s telecom landscape.

‘When citizens can see and share performance data, it drives accountability and improvement. NCC’s data-driven regulation marks a defining milestone for Nigeria,’ Strange said. ‘We are proud to support NCC with benchmarking, global best practices, and capacity building through workshops and strategic guidance. Nigeria has the talent and ambition to set the telecommunication agenda in Africa and beyond.’

Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the NCC, emphasised that effective regulation in the 21st century must go beyond enforcement to focus on enlightenment and empowerment.

‘For consumers, the platform enables them to compare coverage that best meets their needs. For operators, it provides insights to improve latency and data quality. For policymakers and investors, it guides capital allocation to areas of highest impact,’ Maida said.

‘Our goal is to make telecoms more understandable and transparent so every Nigerian can see how connectivity affects their daily lives. This launch is a statement that must serve the public good,’ he stated.

Ali Benchekh, technical account manager at Ookla, noted that the data-driven insights will help drive transparency, build consumer trust, and improve Nigeria’s position in the global telecom index.

‘Nigeria’s network capacity for data services is generally strong, but capacity strain has been observed in major urban areas across all operators,’ Benchekh explained.

‘To relieve this strain, the most effective strategy is a multi-faceted approach that aggressively deploys 5G while optimizing existing 4G (LTE) capacity. Additionally, expanding 4G into semi-urban and rural areas is crucial to close the digital divide,’ he noted.

Benchekh added that improving latency and reducing jitter across networks will enhance stability and ensure high-quality experiences for real-time applications like streaming and online gaming.

Speaking on the next steps, Benchekh highlighted that addressing the coverage gaps in high-demand urban areas like Lagos and Abuja is essential to meet the growing demand from 5G-capable devices.

Edoyemi Ogoh, deputy director, technical standards at NCC, urged Nigerians to report network outages lasting more than 30 minutes as part of the Commission’s data collection efforts.

‘Outage reports are key to understanding service disruptions,’ Ogoh said, while explaining that the Call Setup Success Rate, a measure of call reliability, is calculated by dividing the number of successful call attempts by total call attempts.

Economic and social activities were on Monday partially disrupted in parts of Abuja as the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest led to a sharp increase in transport fares, leaving many commuters stranded at major parks and bus stops.

Major taxi routes, particularly the Dutse Market/Zenith Bank taxi stop, saw hundreds of passengers stranded as passengers struggled for space to enter the few taxis that showed up.

Again, the available taxis had shot up their fares as they made their way amidst very tight traffic following the army blockade at the Dutse Alhaji market.

The protest, organised by Omoyele Sowore, in support of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), reportedly began early in the morning, affecting movement along key routes including Nyanya-Karu, Mararaba-Apo, Garki, and Berger-Area 1.

As security operatives were deployed to strategic locations to forestall a breakdown of law and order, many commercial drivers took advantage of the situation, hiking transport fares by over 100 percent.

A trip from Nyanya to Berger Junction, which usually costs ?500, rose to ?1,200, while commuters from Mararaba to the Central Business District paid as much as ?1,500.

Many passengers, mostly civil servants and traders, were seen trekking long distances after waiting in vain for affordable transport.

‘I have been here since 7 a.m., but buses are not available, and those that come are charging outrageous amounts,’ lamented Chinyere Okonkwo, a trader at Wuse Market. ‘They said protesters blocked some roads, and drivers are scared of being caught up.’

Another commuter, Musa Ibrahim, said he had to walk from Nyanya to Kugbo before finding a cab. ‘I was told there’s tension around the city. The drivers are afraid, and those working are exploiting passengers,’ he said.

Although the protest was largely peaceful, heavy security presence was observed around the Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and Eagle Square, where protesters reportedly converged earlier in the day, chanting solidarity songs and demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS), have yet to issue an official statement, but an officer at the Central Area Division confirmed that patrols were intensified to prevent any escalation.

The demonstration also caused temporary gridlock on major roads, particularly at AYA Roundabout, Wuse Zone 3, and Jabi, forcing many offices to open late as workers struggled to reach their workplaces.

Some ride-hailing services, including Bolt and Uber, reportedly suspended operations in parts of the city citing safety concerns.

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow campaign has continued to gather traction among his supporters, who argue that his prolonged detention despite court orders for his release constitutes a violation of human rights.

The Federal Government says it is targeting the creation of at least 20,000 jobs annually through the launch of the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) aimed at connecting high-potential graduates with real-world work experience, training, and mentorship.

This is as Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, said Kashim Shettima, would on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in Abuja, flag off the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 and declare open a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation with the theme, ‘From Skills to Jobs and Enterprises: Driving Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Key Economic Sectors.’

The Vice President, on Monday, inaugurated the Project Steering Committee of the NJFP 2.0, with a charge to members to make sure the programme is inclusive, ensuring that the opportunity reaches every part of the country.

The NJFP, a flagship initiative of the Federal Government being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President, is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and funded by the European Union (EU).

The program which was launched in 2022 to bridge the gap between skills, jobs, and enterprise, has already empowered over 14,000 young Nigerians through the 12-month paid fellowships that build experience, confidence, and lasting career opportunities.

Inaugurating the Project Steering Committee, Shettima noted that the goal of the NJFP is to bridge the transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of young graduates with the required education but no job opportunity.

The programme, he said, represents ‘a deliberate attempt to translate the nation’s demographic strength into productive economic power, demonstrating that when government provides structure, partnership, and purpose, young Nigerians rise to the occasion.’

He maintained that the NJFP is a Nigerian programme, shaped by national priorities and the nation’s sense of purpose, the VP told members of the Committee ‘to deepen that ownership, strengthen coordination across our institutions, and ensure that NJFP remains accountable to the ambitions of this administration.’

The Vice President also urged the Committee to work towards tangible outcomes and ensure inclusivity, VP Shettima said, ‘As we deliberate today, I encourage us to think not in terms of targets or figures alone, but in terms of outcomes that matter; young people whose lives change because this system works as intended.

‘We have an opportunity here to demonstrate what partnership done right can achieve: where government leads with clarity, partners contribute with confidence, and results speak for themselves. Therefore, let us approach our work with that understanding.

‘In scaling NJFP 2.0, inclusivity must remain at the heart of our design. Our young people are not a homogenous group; they live in different realities across regions, genders, and social backgrounds. We must ensure that this opportunity reaches every corner of the country – and that placements are tied to the sectors that will shape Nigeria’s future: agriculture, digital technology, renewable energy, manufacturing, and the creative industries.’

Gautier Mignot, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, expressed confidence that the programme would transform the lives of young Nigerians, saying the support of the Nigerian government will optimize the full mandate of the NJFP 2.0.

Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Resident Representative, described the NJFP 2.0 as a part of a larger national and continental vision which the UNDP is proud to support, noting that the target is to work across Nigeria to build an ecosystem that creates jobs.

She applauded Vice President Shettima for spearheading the initiative, saying what young Nigerians need is investment opportunities and an enabling ecosystem to make use of their skills and expertise.

Earlier, Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, in his remarks, stated that the flag-off of the NJFP 2.0 on Wednesday, would also declare open the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation, themed: ‘From Skills to Jobs and Enterprises: Driving Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Key Economic Sectors.’

Speaking during a press conference at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ahead of the event scheduled to take place at the old banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Hadejia said the dialogue would bring together Federal and State policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners to discuss actionable strategies for expanding employment, supporting enterprise growth, and aligning youth skills with national priorities.’

He explained that building on the success of the NJFP, the second phase, NJFP 2.0, had been redesigned to respond to current economic realities and lessons learned from the first phase.

The target, he said, is to ‘put structures in place to sustain the deployment of at least 20,000 fellows annually’.

What’s the primary function of your office as Honorary Consul of Botswana?

As the Honorary Consul of Botswana in Lagos, my role is to promote bilateral trade and facilitate people-to-people engagements by actively introducing potential business partners, hosting sector-specific events, and ultimately, facilitating trade and investment flow. We operate as a commercial bridge, focusing squarely on the private sector.

How does the role of Honorary Consul differ from that of the High Commission in Abuja?

A Honorary Consul role is deliberately distinct from the High Commission in Abuja, which handles all formal diplomatic, political, and governmental aspects of the relationship-matters of state, security protocols, and policy negotiation.

How does your office’s focus on economic development and business facilitation complement the High Commission’s diplomatic efforts in Abuja?

By having the High Commission manage the formal diplomatic core in the capital, our Lagos office is free to focus intensively on the economic mandate, serving as a dynamic, hands-on liaison for the West African business hub. This specialization allows Botswana to engage Nigeria’s commercial engine directly, bypassing some of the typical diplomatic layers to accelerate market entry and B2B connections. Our value lies in execution and ground-level facilitation.

What specific initiatives or programs is your office implementing to facilitate trade and investment between Botswana and Nigeria, particularly in Lagos?

Lagos is the undisputed commercial capital of West Africa. Botswana recognizes that while political relations are established in Abuja, true economic growth and diversification-the lifeblood of our future-must be forged here, where the industries, the capital, and the entrepreneurial energy reside. Our mandate is to cut through bureaucratic red tape where possible, de-risk potential partnerships for our domestic investors, and ensure that Nigerian entrepreneurs who are interested in Botswana find a direct, commercial pathway rather than solely a diplomatic one.

How do you measure the success of the office’s efforts in promoting trade between Botswana and Nigeria, particularly in Lagos?

It’s about being pragmatic: trade thrives in Lagos; diplomacy is centered in Abuja. The office is positioned to ensure Botswana gets a significant share of that trade, offering a dedicated resource for business facilitation that Abuja cannot practically provide amidst its formal state duties.

What historical factors contributed to Botswana’s economic success?

Botswana’s economic narrative is truly unique in Africa. Following independence in 1966, the nation’s economy was fundamentally built on strong exports of diamonds and beef. The discovery and subsequent highly-managed extraction of diamond wealth provided the country with a profound advantage. When we look at that history, it reveals the strategic foresight of our early leadership. Botswana successfully used its diamond wealth to fund public services and extensive infrastructure projects. This disciplined investment transformed the nation from one of the world’s poorest countries in the 1960s into a stable, upper-middle-income nation today-a testament to resource governance.

The earlier discussion about promoting bilateral trade between Nigeria and Botswana leads me to ask: What current challenges drive Botswana’s efforts to diversify trade relationships Nigeria?

The principal challenge Botswana now faces is a weakening global diamond market. While the industry remains robust, the need for economic resilience is paramount. This market volatility creates an urgent, strategic mandate for the nation to diversify its economy, moving beyond a reliance on mineral resources, and reposition its economic partnerships. Botswana is now actively seeking to build new sectors in tourism, finance, logistics, and agriculture. Nigeria, with its immense market size, energy, and capital, is a natural and high-priority partner in this diversification strategy. We are moving from a single-pillar economy to one supported by multiple, resilient sectors.

How do you see Botswana’s livestock industry collaborating with Nigeria, particularly in terms of technology and expertise sharing?

Botswana is home to an impressive 5 million heads of cattle. This figure dwarfs the country’s human population. This large livestock population is the backbone of Botswana’s agricultural sector and supports its status as a significant beef producer on the African continent, with a strong international reputation for quality. While diamond revenue funds the country’s infrastructure, the cattle industry has long sustained vast portions of our rural economy. Now, we are looking at opportunities with Nigeria not just for trade in finished goods, but in agricultural technology and expertise transfer, leveraging that enormous livestock asset.

How do you navigate the differences in operational pace and business culture between Botswana and Nigeria to ensure successful partnerships?

The contrast in operational pace is perhaps our most consistent point of management. Botswana is a relatively insular country with a deliberate, measured pace. Botswana’s national character values precision, long-term stability, and cautious planning. This measured approach, while excellent for governance and stability, can sometimes clash with Nigeria’s characteristically fast-paced nature and entrepreneurial approach to execution.

What strategies do you employ to ensure effective communication and collaboration between Botswana’s measured approach and Nigeria’s fast-paced business environment?

Well, as you know, Nigerian business operates at speed, valuing immediate traction and quick pivots. Bridging this gap requires constant management, transparency, and educating both sides on the other’s operational culture. We strive to ensure that our measured speed is not interpreted as lack of interest, and Nigeria’s dynamism is not perceived as instability.

You mention that progress has been moderated. What two significant factors have moderated the progress of trade between Nigeria and Botswana?

Beyond the general economic shifts, two practical factors have significantly moderated the pace of engagement. The first is Botswana’s inherent national characteristic: its deliberate national pace, which can naturally slow down the time required for formalizing large-scale agreements. The second, and more tactical, is its strategic visa processes. While vital for the country’s security and governance, these processes can sometimes slow down the ease of travel and commercial engagement, making it harder for Nigerian businesses to conduct quick exploratory visits.

Can you tell us about the leadership behind Botswana’s relationship with Nigeria, specifically Her Excellency Madam Philda Kereng, High Commissioner of Botswana to Nigeria and her key areas of focus for collaboration?

Her Excellency, Madam Philda Kereng’s leadership has been instrumental in setting a clear, modern agenda for the relationship. Leveraging her professional background as a former Minister of Tourism, she has demonstrated a keen and intentional interest in fostering partnerships that are forward-looking and people-centered. Specifically, her identified areas of collaboration center on youth development and the creative economy.

She sees Nigeria’s dynamic film, music, and technology sectors, powered by its youth population, as a key blueprint for Botswana’s diversification. This focus moves beyond traditional resource extraction to knowledge-based, high-value-add industries, creating opportunities for joint ventures in areas like filmmaking, digital services, and cultural exchange.

Your appointment as Honorary Consul of Botswana to Lagos was formalized in 2020. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your work as Honorary Consul?

The pandemic delivered a significant setback to the initial momentum we had built. The COVID-19 pandemic severely limited in-person progress in 2020, freezing official visits and physical trade missions. This was a substantial hurdle for a role fundamentally based on face-to-face introductions.

How did your office adapt to the challenges it presented?

The office adapted swiftly by moving its core work entirely to digital platforms. We began utilizing virtual conferencing and digital tools to host B2B meetings, conduct sector presentations, and maintain engagement with key stakeholders in both nations. Crucially, this method of digital engagement was so effective that it has been sustained ever since, demonstrating a valuable long-term shift in how we approach relationship-building, making us more efficient and resilient to future travel disruptions.

Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Katsina State on Monday for a two-day working visit.

His aircraft landed at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina, at about 5:00 p.m.

During the visit, Vice President Shettima is expected to commission the newly completed dualised Central Mosque-Kiddies roundabout road and launch the Katsina Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA), a digital initiative aimed at linking farmers with experts, markets, and suppliers.

He will also formally inaugurate the 9th National MSME Clinic, a platform that brings together entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies to promote and strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises across the state.

The Vice President was welcomed by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, along with Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Nasir Yahaya Daura, Chief of Staff Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, and Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, among other senior government officials.

In his entourage were Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy; Senator Muntari Dandutse; and Abdullahi Aliyu, who represents the Musawa/Matazu federal constituency.

Also present at the airport to receive the Vice President were representatives of the Daura Emirate, the representative of the Emir of Katsina, the Kauran Katsina, as well as members of the Katsina State Executive Council and other dignitaries.