Mombasa, Kenya, 08 November 2023 – The blue economy is a vital area of activity for the East African Community (EAC), as it offers opportunities for sustainable economic, social and ecological development and growth. To harness its full potential, the EAC needs a coherent and coordinated strategy and action plan that aligns with the African Union’s strategy, the national priorities and aspirations of its partner states, along the other overlapping regional commitments of the latter.

The office for Eastern Africa of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the EAC organised a two-day regional consultation meeting in Mombasa, Kenya, on 30-31 October 2023, to discuss the Roadmap for an EAC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan. The meeting brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from the EAC partner states.

The objectives of this regional meeting were to acquire a baseline understanding of the blue economy in EAC, including its, challenges and opportunities, agree on how to harmonise existing continental, regional and national blue economy strategies with the EAC Blue Economy Strategy, ensure coherence, complementarity, and synergy; note the global best practices in blue economy strategy and implementation; and attain a common regional understanding of how to proceed with the formulation of the EAC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan, including the vision, goals, objectives, indicators, and implementation mechanisms.

Ms. Mama Keita, Director of ECA in Eastern Africa, applauded the participants of the meeting for the quality of presentations and discussions. She expressed her confidence that the Roadmap for an EAC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan has been set on strong grounds of common understanding and that the resulting Strategy and Action Plan will be an important document that will guide the EAC in developing a robust and inclusive blue economy agenda. She also reaffirmed ECA’s commitment to support the EAC in this endeavour.

Mr Jean Baptiste Havugimana, Director of Productive Sectors, East African Community commended this consultation exercise which serves to ensure that the upcoming EAC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan is in line with the established AU’s Africa Blue Economy Strategy and that the present varied level of engagement with the blue economy of its partner states are also taken into consideration. With the roadmap for this process being established and the priorities of the strategy being preliminarily identified, he is confident that the EAC Blue Economy Strategy and Action Plan will be a document which will have strong ownership by partner states who will be committed to its operationalisation.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU: ACCURATE POPULATION DATA ESSENTIAL FOR TAILORED, INNOVATIVE, AND PERMANENT SOLUTIONS TO NATION’S CHALLENGES

President Bola Tinubu says accurate information on the size, characteristics, and distribution of the nation’s population is imperative both for planning and for the effective delivery of public services to Nigerians.

Speaking at the launch of the Digital Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System, and the National Geospatial Data Repository at the State House, on Wednesday, President Tinubu said Nigeria’s population remains the greatest asset the nation wields in the broader mission to become one of the largest economies in the world.

He said the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system is the basic building block of an identity ecosystem, adding that, “it will help to improve service delivery to all Nigerians and shall ultimately become a vital source of identity data across federal agencies such as NIMC, NIS, Road Safety, INEC, Police, EFCC and other security outfits.

“The system will also improve the ability of our federal agencies to generate vital statistics on important population events and migration, further enabling the government to design well-tailored, effective and efficient policies that are capable of meeting the specific needs of the Nigerian people.

“It is my hope that the current drive to re-position this vital registration system will provide the basis for the 100% attainment of our Year 2030 SDG targets in respect of real-time identity management and population data.

“Our population remains the greatest asset of the nation in the development process. Collecting accurate and reliable information on the size, distribution, composition, and characteristics of the population is an essential governance activity that is also consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration. The Commission will therefore be supported in the conduct of the next census,” the President affirmed.

Commending the National Population Commission (NPC) for the initiative, President Tinubu asked the commission to deploy its cutting edge technology, especially the geo-spatial data that has been collected through the Enumeration Area Demarcation in implementing the eCRVS.

“Coming at a time when the Commission has made substantial progress in its quest to deliver the first digital population and housing census, it is my hope that the result of the census will provide the nation with much-needed data for development planning and the enthronement of good governance.

“It is, therefore, my great pleasure to launch the VITAL REG system and the National Geo-Spatial Data Repository to the greater glory of God, our unity, and the collective prosperity of our great country.

“I am also pleased to inaugurate the National Coordination Committee of CRVS under the Chairmanship of the National Population Commission, which is composed of stakeholders across relevant federal ministries and agencies,” the President said.

President Tinubu further implored members of the Committee to demonstrate maximum commitment and hard work in ensuring a huge success of the new electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCRVS) system for the progress, peace and development of the country.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

November 8, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU SET TO ATTEND SAUDI-AFRICA SUMMIT IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, depart Abuja for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Saudi-Africa Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Riyadh on November 10, 2023.

At the Saudi-Africa Summit, the President will underscore Nigeria’s commitment to attracting more Foreign Direct Investment and expanding business partnerships, which are strongly reinforced by his administration’s ongoing domestic economic reforms.

Discussions at the first Saudi-Africa Summit will revolve around supporting joint action, enhancing political coordination, addressing regional security threats, facilitating economic transformation through research and the local development of new energy solutions, all while bolstering cross-sectoral investment cooperation.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu; as well as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu.

Others are the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Mallam Jalal Arabi.

President Tinubu will return to Abuja following the conclusion of the Saudi-Africa Summit.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

November 8, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS TWENTY FEDERAL COMMISSIONERS OF THE NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION (NPC)

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of twenty (20) qualified Nigerians to serve as Federal Commissioners in the National Population Commission (NPC) with nine current Federal Commissioners being appointed to a second term in office:

(1) Hon. Emmanuel Trump Eke — Abia

(2) Dr. Clifford Zirra — Adamawa — Reappointed

(3) Mr. Chidi Christopher Ezeoke — Anambra — Reappointed

(4) Barr. Isa Audu Buratai — Borno — Reappointed

(5) Bishop Alex Ukam — Cross River

(6) Ms. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba — Delta

(7) Dr. Jeremiah Ogbonna Nwankwegu — Ebonyi

( Dr. Tony Aiyejina — Edo — Reappointed

(9) Mr. Ejike Ezeh — Enugu — Reappointed

(10) Mr. Abubakar Damburam — Gombe — Reappointed

(11) Prof. Uba Nnabue — Imo — Reappointed

(12) Ms. Sa’adatu Dogon Bauchi Garba — Kaduna

(13) Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa — Kano

(14) Hon. Yori Afolabi — Kogi

(15) Hon. Olakunle Sobukola — Ogun

(16) Hon. Temitayo Oluseye Oluwatuyi — Ondo

(17) Sen. Mudashiru Hussain — Osun — Reappointed

(18) Ms. Mary Ishaya Afan — Plateau

(19) Mr. Ogiri Itotenaan Henry — Rivers

(20) Mr. Saany Sale — Taraba — Reappointed

The President charges the new and returning NPC Federal Commissioners to successfully implement all measures taken by his administration to produce and effectively appropriate accurate population data with which lasting solutions to Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges can be conclusively developed and executed.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 8, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS, ENTERPRISENGR TAKE CENTER STAGE IN LONDON

• Sanwo-Olu, Aig-Imoukhuede lead delegation to Lord Mayor’s Show to attract foreign investment

Arrangements have been concluded by the Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR; an advocacy group that promotes the growth and development of Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services (FPS) sector as a catalyst for economic development, to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Show in London.

The decision of the Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Show holding in London this week was disclosed at the weekend during a press conference by the Lagos International Financial Center (LIFC) Council chaired by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and co-chaired by EnterpriseNGR’s Chairman, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CON.

Speaking at the press conference, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who had earlier signed an Executive Order Three to inaugurate the Lagos International Financial Center Council, symbolising his administration’s commitment to making the state a global financial hub, said Lagos State and EnterpriseNGR, are poised to make history as the first African participants invited to join the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Show’s 805th procession in London.

The ground-breaking collaboration between Lagos State and EnterpriseNGR, strengthened by the inauguration of the Lagos International Financial Centre Council in partnership with EnterpriseNGR, is built on their shared goal of positioning Lagos as Africa’s premier financial centre to attract foreign investments.

During the Lord Mayor’s Show, Lagos, represented by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State and other members of the Lagos International Financial Center Council, will engage in strategic one-on-one and bilateral meetings with key United Kingdom-based businesses, investors, government officials, and Nigerians in the diaspora, all with one message: “Lagos is open for business. Come and invest in Africa’s economic powerhouse.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman of the LIFC Council, said the objective of the Council is to work collaboratively to provide financial services, drive investment structure, and create a conducive environment to ensure transformation and align with the Federal Government on its economic recovery plans.

He said his administration had been proactive in collaborating to catalyse infrastructural development and it would be the first African city that would be participating in the Lord Mayor’s Show in the United Kingdom to attract foreign investors to Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the key objective of the historical participation of Lagos and EnterpriseNGR in the Lord Mayor’s Show in London is to showcase the investment potential of Lagos and to elevate the State as a global investment destination.

He said: “Lagos is not just going to London for the parade and pageantry; this visit has a more strategic purpose. This is a prime opportunity to showcase Lagos on a global platform. The newly inaugurated LIFC Council signifies not just an institutional milestone, but a commitment to a bold vision—positioning Lagos as the beacon of financial innovation in Africa.

“The Lord Mayor, Professor Michael Mainelli’s invitation stands as a resounding endorsement of Lagos State’s commitment to excellence, as well as recognition of its increasing economic prominence. This invitation aligns harmoniously with the council’s mission to establish Lagos as a global financial hub, attracting investments that will fuel sustainable economic development.

“Lagos and Nigeria’s enduring history with the United Kingdom reflects a proud Commonwealth partnership since gaining independence in 1960. Nigeria remains dedicated to fostering diplomatic and economic ties, presenting abundant investment opportunities in sectors such as oil, finance, technology, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. This resilient partnership, combined with Nigeria and Lagos’s commitment to growth, creates a promising landscape for United Kingdom investors eager to contribute to and benefit from the nation’s dynamic and expanding economy.

“As a strategic partner in the historic delegation to the Lord Mayor’s Show in London, EnterpriseNGR aligns its mission with the broader objectives of the LIFC Council, highlighting the indispensable role of such partnerships in driving sustainable development and investment.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who is the Co-chairman of the LIFC Council, congratulated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for all the achievements recorded, saying the collaboration between the Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR is an innovation that will transform Lagos and Nigeria into a financial powerhouse.

He said: “EnterpriseNGR stands as a catalyst for transformative change in Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services sector. Our vision extends beyond advocacy; it is a commitment to incentivise investments that go beyond financial gains. As we embark on this historic delegation to showcase Lagos on the global stage, we recognise the profound significance of attracting investments.

“Investment isn’t merely a transaction; it’s a catalyst for job creation, driving sustainable development and fostering a symbiotic relationship between investors, the State, and the communities at large,” he said.

Also speaking, the CEO of EnterpriseNGR, Ms. Obi Ibekwe, said “EnterpriseNGR’s participation in this historic delegation to the Lord Mayor’s Show underscores the critical role we play in driving transformative change within Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services sector.

“Our participation at the Lord Mayor’s show is an extension of welcoming hands to not just the United Kingdom audience but the world at large with a clear message that Lagos is Open for Business. This delegation is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the larger vision of a prosperous and interconnected ecosystem and a Greater Lagos.”

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

08 NOVEMBER 2023

Uzodinma financed Ahmed Lawan, rejected Tinubu, says Salihu Lukman

The immediate past national vice chairman (Northwest) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has alleged that some party leaders who were opposed to the emergence and presidential aspiration of President Bola Tinubu are now being appointed into key positions in government.

He particularly cited the Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma, whom he alleged financed the attempt to manipulate the emergence of former Senate president, Ahmed Lawan as the APC consensus presidential candidate against Tinubu, but eventually became the chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).

Lukman made this observation in a lengthy statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, November 8, titled: “Agonising Experience of Being APC Member; Message to APC leaders”.

The former Director General of the PGF noted those close to the alleged leaders have since been hostile to him following his past recommendations and opposition to their antics.

Lamenting over the development, Lukman noted that the sets of party leaders who were boisterously opposed to the presidential ambition of President Tinubu are today appointees in the federal government.

He said: “When, for instance, party leaders who were boisterously opposed to the Presidential ambition of President Tinubu are today appointees in the federal government, and in the case of Governors such as Sen. Hope Uzodinma, who financed the attempt to manipulate the emergence of Sen. Ahmed Lawan as the consensus Presidential candidate of APC, emerging as the Chairman of Progressive Governors beat the imagination of every founding leader of APC, and in every respect heartbreaking.”

“Pushing for the entrenchment of party supremacy, the former APC zonal leader strongly advised the ruling party to avoid becoming a replica of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

He emphasized that many party leaders and members expected that the emergence of President Tinubu as the successor to former President Muhammadu Buhari would lead to the party’s reform and return it to its founding vision of becoming a progressive party.

Lukman noted: “APC emerged in 2013 with the historical mission of changing Nigerian politics such that our parties are internally democratic. Incontestably, both former President Buhari and current President Tinubu gave us the needed leadership to inspire Nigerians into believing and committing their votes to the APC.”

He warned that the party should not derail from the promised goals and objectives of reforming the country’s democratic culture and values which endeared Nigerians to the party at its inception 10 years ago.

Lukman, however, observed that “instead of reforming the APC to return it to its founding vision, we are consolidating and emerging as a malfunctioned and despotic party organization, which is increasingly becoming a replica of the PDP by every passing day.

He added: “We can deceive ourselves to imagine that we can continue to succeed in emerging victorious in elections and successful leaders surround themselves with sycophants who only tell them what they want to hear, it will not change the reality of betrayal and it will not protect leaders.

“As loyal party members, we will continue to campaign for the reform of APC and party politics generally in the country.”