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FG Launches Nigeria Economic Diplomacy Initiative in Ghana to Accelerate Development

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The Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Olufemi Michael Abikoye, has introduced the economic initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ‘Nigeria Economic Diplomacy Initiative’ (NEDI) to the business community in Ghana.
NEDI aimed at creating an enabling environment for businesses as well as to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Nigeria.
Amb Abikoye introduced the initiative at a conference held on 10th May, 2018, in Accra, christened ‘GHANGERIA RISING 2018’ under the theme ‘Harnessing the Business Opportunities in Ghana and Nigeria to Accelerate Inclusive Economic Growth and Development’.
The first edition of what will be an annual conference, alternating between Ghana and Nigeria, promises to be a platform for continuous conversation by Ghanaian and Nigerian business persons on business opportunities, practices and challenges in both countries.
The one-day conference was declared opened by the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and had in attendance the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, Honourable Shirley Botchwey and His Excellency, Ambassador Olufemi Michael Abikoye, the High Commissioner (HC) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Ghana all of who delivered special addresses.
The conference focussed on four key sectors of importance to Nigeria and Ghana; Agrobusiness, Banking and Finance, Oil and Gas, Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Over one hundred policy makers, regulators, experts, entrepreneurs, facilitators and practitioners in the aforementioned sectors were present to lead the conversation.
Abikoye reminded attendees that the two countries, from 18th — 20th October, 2018, held the 7th Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) in Accra, Ghana where bilateral instruments discussed and agreed upon include trade and double taxation agreements, capable of supporting the paradigm shift in the emerging trade and economic initiative between the two countries.
According to him, for business persons to operate unhindered, certain measures must be taken by both countries to break the barriers. Some of the conclusions made identified areas of business where each country enjoys competitive advantage including:
a) Nigeria’s advantage in agrobusiness wherein rice, yam, millet and sorghum among others;
b) Nigeria’s expertise in on-shore oil exploration and ancillaries which Ghana could attract rather than contracting non-Africans;
c) Removal of barriers by each country: Nigeria should consider a bilateral concession to Ghana concerning her prohibition list; On the other hand, Ghana should remove section 27(1a) of the GIPC Act 865 of 2013 restricting foreign traders, mainly Nigerians from the retail sector of the country.
For Nigeria, there are economic, political, and socio-economic benefits including:
a) Preserving the increasing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of over $100b outflow from Nigeria into Ghana;
b) Sustaining an increasing the exploits of Nigerian businesses in Ghana including eight banks, two insurance companies, Dangote Group, real estate, transportation, retail trade, oil and gas and hospitality;
c) The economic power would enhance Nigeria’s political power within the ECOWAS region;
d) Creation of employment for Nigeria’s teeming youth;
e) Provision of market expansion; and
f) Ensure common position on multilateral issues.
Also, it is noteworthy that Ghana has in various fora expressed her desire to enter the Nigerian market in order achieve a market size of about 230 million consumers.
Courtesy: Prompt Newsonline

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Police Probe Four Officers Accused of ‘Misconduct’ in Lagos

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The Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by officers from the Satellite Town Division, Lagos State, after a viral social media video.

The Force Media Officer, CSP Aliyu Giwa, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

The complainant, Rhapstar, posted the video on X on April 4, alleging incivility by officers on surveillance duty.

In the clip, police officers stopped a vehicle, ordered occupants out, and searched one individual away from the roadside-parked vehicle.

The incident triggered widespread reaction, amid concerns over alleged harassment during a roadside stop-and-search operation.

Speaking on the incident on Saturday, Giwa said the Divisional Police Officer and implicated officers were summoned, adding that an investigation into the incident was ongoing.

Giwa wrote on X: “When (Rhapstar) posted the viral video on 4 April 2026, alleging misconduct by officers from the Satellite Town Division, Lagos, we took the matter seriously and acted immediately.

“The DPO and the officers involved were summoned, statements were obtained, and detailed interviews were conducted.

“Preliminary findings indicate the incident occurred in May 2025. We are working to obtain additional details directly from the victims, as their accounts are central to the investigation.

“This process is not a cover-up; it is a demonstration of accountability.

“The leadership of the Force management team has emphasised that the rule of law is non-negotiable in the discharge of police duties nationwide. No officer is above accountability, and no incident is too old to investigate. The investigation is ongoing. We will provide regular updates.

“To every Nigerian who spoke up, your voice prompted accountability, as it should be.”

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Turaki Faction Kicks As Police Unseal PDP Secretariat

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The Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Nigeria Police Force of acting in contempt of court following the unsealing of its National Secretariat in Abuja, describing the development as a partisan move that undermines the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the police facilitated the takeover of the Wadata Plaza headquarters by individuals he described as “agents of the federal government and APC apologists masquerading as PDP members,” despite a pending appeal on the matter.

The PDP maintained that the judgment by Justice Abdulmalik, which the police purportedly relied upon in unsealing the premises, is already under appeal.

According to the party, the police, being a party to the suit, had been duly served and were fully aware of the appellate process.

It argued that by proceeding to unseal the secretariat, the police had “tampered with the res”, (a legal terminology referring to the subject matter of litigation) thereby risking rendering the eventual judgment of the Court of Appeal nugatory.

“It is most shameful that those entrusted with protecting the law are those disobeying the law,” the statement read.

The party expressed disappointment that the police, under the leadership of the new Inspector General of Police, has continued what it described as a pattern of partisan conduct since the crisis began.

It alleged that officers of the force had consistently acted in support of a faction it labelled as “Wike-backed APC apologists,” thereby deepening internal tensions within the opposition party.

Despite its grievances, the PDP called on its members nationwide to remain calm and law-abiding, urging them to avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of public order.

“As law-abiding citizens, we admonish our members to continue to maintain peace and not undertake any activity capable of breaching public peace,” the statement added, while pledging to pursue all legal avenues to defend the rights of what it termed “genuine members” of the party.

The party also assured the public that it remained optimistic that the situation would be resolved in favour of democratic principles, warning against what it described as a “state-sponsored persecution and one-party drive.”

Invoking a note of hope, the PDP said the current challenges would ultimately give way to “joy and liberation,” expressing confidence in the restoration of what it called true democratic experience in the country.

The unsealing of the PDP secretariat marks the latest twist in the protracted leadership and legal tussle within the party, which has continued to generate political tension and raise concerns about institutional neutrality in Nigeria’s democratic process.

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Why Tinubu Was Absent at Commissioning of Sanwo-Olu’s Projects in Lagos – Presidency

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The Presidency has come up with reasons behind President Bola Tinubu’s absent at the commissioning of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s projects in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Tinubu was noticeably absent at the scheduled project commissioning in Lagos, sparking public curiosity.

However, Sunday Dare, his Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation, has clarified the reason behind the last-minute development.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Dare revealed that the President had to prioritise urgent national security matters over the event.
According to him, although Tinubu is currently in Lagos, he has been deeply engaged in high-level State duties, particularly ongoing security briefings tied to recent developments across the country.

“The president has been busy taking constant briefs and has to prioritise when it comes to state matters, especially security,” Dare stated.

He referenced rising security concerns, including recent unrest linked to incidents in Jos, noting that the President has been closely monitoring the situation and working directly with intelligence agencies.

Dare emphasised that Tinubu remains fully engaged behind the scenes, actively coordinating with security operatives and receiving continuous updates to address emerging threats.

The absence, he stressed, should not be seen as neglect of official duties but rather a reflection of the President’s focus on safeguarding national stability at a critical time.

Tinubu skipped the Lagos commissioning not out of disregard, but to handle pressing security issues demanding immediate presidential attention.

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