Kenya and the United States have moved forward in strengthening their agricultural trade relationship following the first round of consultations on a proposed reciprocal trade framework. Held in Washington DC, the discussions placed strong emphasis on expanding opportunities within the agricultural sector, which remains central to Kenya’s export economy. The Kenyan delegation, led by Regina Ombam, engaged with the United States team headed by Osvaldo Gómez Martínez. While the talks covered several areas of trade, agriculture stood out as a key priority, particularly in improving market access, reducing barriers, and increasing value addition. Trade between Kenya and the United States…
Author: Newsdesk
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding broadband access to underserved communities in Plateau State. The Head of Public Affairs, NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. Ukoha said the move is central to the Commission’s broader efforts to improve access to opportunities enabled by robust connectivity. “This position was reiterated during a courtesy visit by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Ms. Rimini Makama, to the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, at the Government House in Jos.” During the visit, Makama described Plateau as a strategic and indispensable partner…
The Chief Medical Director of Rock Foundation Hospital, Awka, Dr. Chukwudi Njelita, has expressed concern over what he described as “the increasing prevalence” of high blood pressure among adolescents and youths in the country. Njelita spoke on Wednesday in an interview with reporters in Awka, noting that the development differs from past experiences. He said that, in the past, the ailment was more common among adults and the elderly. He added that the medical advice that people aged 40 and above should check their blood pressure every six months or monthly was no longer tenable. According to Njelita, in the…
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has inaugurated a new forum aimed at enhancing coordination and effectiveness in electricity regulation across Nigeria. This was disclosed in a statement shared on X by NERC on its official handle on Wednesday. The forum was inaugurated during the first quarter 2026 Regulatory Meeting with State Electricity Regulators (SERs) in Lagos. The development comes amid complaints of power outages in many parts of the country, as generation drops due to a persistent gas shortage. The Forum of Nigerian Electricity Regulators (FONER) is expected to drive key regulatory objectives, including fostering dialogue between NERC and SERs,…
Croatia is set to overhaul its work visa framework as part of broader immigration reforms aimed at addressing labour shortages and attracting foreign talent into key sectors of its economy. The proposed changes, expected to take effect later in 2026, will introduce longer work permit validity, greater job mobility for foreign workers, and new integration requirements, including a basic language test. The reforms come as the country grapples with persistent worker shortages across tourism, construction, and hospitality industries that have become increasingly reliant on international labour. One of the most significant updates is the extension of work permit validity. Under the new…
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday departed Lagos for Abuja after marking the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations. Ashenews reported that the presidential aircraft took off from the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 6:44 p.m. The president was seen off by top government officials, including Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, his deputy Obafemi Hamzat and top APC stalwarts. During his stay in Lagos, Tinubu observed the Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks and hosted a cross-section of political and economic leaders. Among those received were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,…
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to embark on massive enlightenment against Ponzi schemes. Signing the MoU in Abuja Wednesday, the Director-General of SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, warned that fraudulent operations are not legitimate investments. Agama, represented by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner Operations, Mr Bola Ajomale, advised the public to verify company’s registration with SEC before investment. He said the enlightenment would guarantee citizens including those at the rural areas to know where to invest and when to detect a ‘red flag’. ”We have in the last…
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has taken delivery of media equipment from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to boost the operations of its radio broadcast. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDDC, Mr Samuel Ogbuku, said the gesture was a deliberate investment in communication, visibility and national development. Obgbuku, represented by the Director, NDDC Liaison Office, Abuja, Mrs Mary Nwaeke, described NYSC as a vital institution in fostering unity, service and nation-building over the years. He specifically lauded the Media Department for playing a critical role in documenting activities, shaping narratives and projecting the ideals of…
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday, flagged off the distribution of N350 million interest-free loans to 1,000 residents under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. AbdulRazaq said the initiative, funded by the World Bank through the Community Revolving Fund (CRF), was aimed at empowering small business clusters, strengthening grassroots economies and promoting sustainable development. He said that the beneficiaries, drawn from various community interest groups, would receive the loans to support economic activities at the grassroots. The governor said the programme underscored his administration’s commitment to poverty reduction and economic inclusion. “This World Bank-supported initiative is designed…
The naira depreciated marginally to N1,383.5/$ on Tuesday from N1,383/$ on Monday, as declining external reserves and cautious global sentiment weighed on the market. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed the currency traded within a band of N1,372/$ to N1,389/$ during the session, reflecting mild volatility. The slight weakening underscores persistent pressure in the foreign exchange market, driven largely by a steady drawdown in external reserves. Market activity indicated moderate liquidity, with trading remaining stable but cautious in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). The naira posted a simple average rate of N1,381.86/$ for the day, while…