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Breaking: Nigeria Completes AfCFTA Implementation Review, Eyes Regional Trade Boom
The Federal Government has concluded its first five‑year implementation review of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a milestone that advances Nigeria’s drive to harness the full potential of intra‑African trade and cement its status as a regional economic powerhouse.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Carried out in line with Article 28 of the AfCFTA Agreement, the assessment measured Nigeria’s compliance with key protocols and commitments under the pact.
The review was coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, with technical and financial backing from the United Nations Development Programme’s Regional Bureau for Africa.
In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry noted that the exercise underscores Nigeria’s leadership in regional integration and its determination to build a diversified, inclusive, and globally competitive economy.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, who initiated the review, said it was crucial to track progress, identify implementation gaps, and enhance institutional readiness for deeper trade integration across the continent.
“Our steadfast commitment to AfCFTA implementation stems from our belief that continental economic integration, powered by trade, is key to Africa’s shared prosperity and global relevance. Nigeria is uniquely positioned to serve as a hub for innovation, production, and trade in the AfCFTA market,” she said.
The exercise followed the creation of the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee in March 2025. Inaugurated by Dr. Oduwole, the committee brings together over 20 key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) alongside private‑sector representatives, serving as a national platform for coordination of implementation, negotiations, and domestication of AfCFTA obligations.
The review evaluated Nigeria’s progress on the AfCFTA Framework Agreement and Phase I Protocols—covering Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, and Rules and Procedures on the Settlement of Disputes. Each participating MDA assessed its alignment, capacity needs, and performance, culminating in clear, actionable policy recommendations.
“This process has distilled three critical lessons…” (statement continues).
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a historic breakthrough with the emergence of its first female pilot, Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun, who recently earned a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The achievement was celebrated by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, marking a significant step in the agency’s drive to strengthen its aviation capacity for surveillance, logistics, and anti-smuggling operations.
At a ceremony attended by senior officers, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, described the development as a landmark moment for the service.
He said Balogun’s transition from cabin crew to certified commercial pilot represents a major breakthrough for the Customs aviation unit and highlights the agency’s commitment to professional growth and inclusivity.
He added that the milestone reflects expanding opportunities within the Service as it continues to integrate air assets into its enforcement and border monitoring operations.
Balogun expressed gratitude for the support she received, noting that her journey required dedication and resilience, while pledging to apply her new skills in advancing the Customs mandate with professionalism and discipline.
The development has been widely described within the Service as an inspiration for greater female participation in technical and specialised roles.
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Osun 2026: APC Candidate Oyebamiji Pledges Inclusive Governance For Non-Indigenes, Interest Groups.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has pledged to ensure inclusive governance by integrating non-indigenes and various interest groups if elected in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said his administration would operate a structured system that promotes participation and representation of all segments of society in governance.
The pledge was conveyed by a former lawmaker and ex-Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, after he represented the candidate at an engagement with members of the Arewa community in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area.
Oyintiloye said the plan is aimed at strengthening the link between government and grassroots communities, ensuring public policies reflect citizens’ real needs.
He added that all groups would be actively involved in both policy formulation and implementation to drive development in the state.
Oyebamiji also promised continued engagement with farmers, traders, artisans, and non-indigene communities as key stakeholders in governance.
Responding, leaders of the Arewa community commended past inclusion efforts and pledged support for the APC candidate ahead of the election.
Barely a year after its inauguration in Akwa Ibom State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been plunged into a deep factional crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Multiple factions are now locked in a struggle for control of the party, leaving members uncertain about the legitimate leadership structure.
One faction is led by John Akpanudodehe, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another is headed by the embattled state chairman, Dick Duke.
Although the leader of a third faction could not be immediately confirmed, findings indicate that another group also exists within the party.
Sources further suggest that the Akpanudodehe-led faction is seeking to remove the current chairman through a recently held congress that has sparked controversy.
In response, Dick Duke convened a stakeholders’ meeting over the weekend, where he rejected the legitimacy of the said congress.
He said the party had formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to distance itself from the exercise, citing a subsisting court order.
According to him, his tenure as state chairman is still valid until May, and any congress conducted before then would be unlawful.
Duke added that the party would only proceed with proper congresses after the expiration of his tenure and the resolution of legal issues, in line with due process.
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