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Apply: FME Diaspora Bridge Initiative

The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) introduced a new initiative called BRIDGE, which stands for Bridging Research, Innovation, Development & Global Engagement. The portal is now open for interested and qualified persons to apply.

This program, launched in partnership with TETFund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund), aims to link Nigerian academics and professionals with their counterparts living abroad.

According to the Honorable Minister of Education, the program is designed to “empower research, innovation, and global collaboration in Nigerian academia.” BRIDGE seeks to ensure that universities and scholars in Nigeria benefit from global knowledge, funding access, international partnerships, and improved academic practices.

The program establishes structured opportunities for Nigerian scholars in the diaspora to engage directly with institutions back home. It is expected to boost Nigeria’s academic system by supporting research growth, modern teaching methods, and stronger industry relevance.

By joining BRIDGE, you will:
i. Gain national and international recognition for your expertise
ii. Contribute to impactful research and industry-driven projects
iii. Mentor and collaborate with academics and students in Nigeria
iv. Access funding and grant opportunities for collaborative research
v. Be part of a thriving network shaping Nigeria’s future through innovation

Interested professionals are encouraged to apply through the official portal Here.

The program supports national education goals and creates strong international academic linkages.

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Nigeria, China Partner on 5G Customs Training, AfCFTA Reforms

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has partnered with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to explore modern customs training models and digital transformation initiatives to boost international cooperation and strengthen human capital development.

The engagement took place on Friday, 25 July 2025, in Beijing, with the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Oluyomi Adebakin, leading a 21-member Nigerian delegation.

According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the Nigerian team met with GACC’s International Cooperation Division, the Training and Education Centre, and the Shanghai Customs College.

Discussions focused on digital integration, customs training, and trade facilitation, key components of global logistics operations.

The GACC shared insights into their modern approach to customs training, which includes the use of 5G technology, virtual reality simulations, and hybrid e-learning systems. Officials highlighted that over 8,000 physical training sessions and 360 online courses were held in 2024. These methods, they noted, are aimed at increasing efficiency and compliance in customs operations.

“Nigeria’s involvement in China-led customs development programmes also featured prominently in the discussions, with 89 Nigerian officers among the over 200 African customs personnel trained since 2023,” the statement said.

Training areas have covered topics such as anti-smuggling, food safety, digital port operations, and regional trade enhancement.

Maiwada stated that Chinese officials praised Nigeria’s recent customs reforms and described the election of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council as a major milestone.

“They described the development as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s customs diplomacy,” he said.

Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation through officer exchange schemes, joint research projects, and technical exchange programmes. These partnerships are expected to improve port management systems and strengthen cross-border intelligence sharing, which is essential for customs efficiency and border security.

The statement further revealed that future Nigerian participation in Customs Modernisation Courses and officer development at the Shanghai Customs College was also discussed.

The session was facilitated by the Platform Business Development Agency, whose founder coordinated the engagement to support trade reform and ease of doing business across Africa.

The Nigeria Customs Service emphasised that it is committed to institutional knowledge building and modernisation, aligning with international standards and boosting regional economic integration.

The Service added that capacity development remains central to its reform agenda and successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

CAC Moves to Strike Off Non-Compliant Companies from Register

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced a new phase of action to remove inactive and non-compliant companies from its official Register.

In a public notice released from its office at Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama District, Abuja, the Commission disclosed that this move aligns with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020.

“The General Public is hereby informed that the Corporate Affairs Commission (the Commission) has commenced another round of striking off companies that have not complied with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 from the Register in accordance with the requirements of the Act,” the statement reads.

The Commission added that the names of companies to be removed have been published on its website. It urged both the public and company owners to review the list and take necessary steps.

Companies affected by this process are required to file their Annual Returns and provide updated details of Persons with Significant Control or Beneficial Ownership within 90 days. Failure to comply will lead to permanent removal from the Register.

The CAC warned that “it shall be unlawful for any company struck off the Register to carry on business, having lost right over the entity.” This action is taken in line with Section 692 (3) and (4) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020.

For complete details and to access the list of affected companies, visit the Commission’s website at www.cac.gov.ng. The notice was signed by Management on July 29, 2025.

PEBEC, UK Set to Partner on Nigerian Business Reforms

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is strengthening its international partnerships as part of efforts to enhance Nigeria’s regulatory landscape. Recently, the Director General of PEBEC met with Mr. Thomas Wroblewski, Head of International Regulatory Cooperation and Engagement, along with the Better Regulations team, at the Admiralty Building in London.

Better Regulations is a globally respected organization known for supporting governments and businesses in improving regulatory systems to encourage economic growth.

With a proven track record in the United Kingdom and abroad, they have worked with countries such as Kenya, Indonesia, and Singapore to promote more effective regulatory reforms.

“We are excited to explore opportunities for collaboration with Better Regulations to enhance our business environment in Nigeria,” said the PEBEC DG after the meeting.

Following their discussion, the Better Regulations team has committed to visiting Nigeria soon to further identify possible areas of cooperation. This step is seen as a positive move towards economic reform and improved ease of doing business in Nigeria.

GEEP, PreCEFI Partner to Empower Small Businesses

The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) have agreed to work together to promote economic development and support poverty reduction efforts across Nigeria.

This collaboration was revealed in a statement released on Tuesday by Attari M. Hope, who serves as the Head of Communication and PR at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

According to the statement, the National Programme Manager of GEEP, Mr. Hamza Ibrahim Baba, disclosed the development during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of PreCEFI, Nuruddeen Abubakar Zauro. The meeting focused on identifying key areas of cooperation that can help improve financial access and inclusion for Nigerians, particularly those in underserved communities.

Mr. Baba explained, “GEEP is a government initiative designed to provide financial support and empowerment to small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those in the informal sector. Our goal is to promote economic growth and job creation.”

He also noted that GEEP 3.0 is dedicated to sustainable development and stressed the need for strong partnerships to drive positive change. “We believe this collaboration will help us reach more Nigerians and strengthen our impact,” he added.

On his part, Zauro expressed readiness to work closely with GEEP, saying, “We are willing to partner in critical areas such as digital identity initiatives, co-hosting events, and co-creating impactful programs.”

He confirmed that his technical team would engage with GEEP’s team to ensure smooth coordination and successful implementation.

This joint effort aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reduce poverty and empower citizens through strategic economic inclusion programs.

NASENI, BPP Sign MoU to Promote Nigerian Products Under Nigeria First Policy

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) have taken a major step towards boosting local content and industrial development in Nigeria.

On Monday, July 28, 2025, both agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on the full implementation of the “Nigeria First Policy on Procurement, Projects, and Other Related Matters.”

This policy is a key part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to promote the use of Nigerian-made goods and services. It also targets the growth of local businesses, economic diversification, reduction of dependence on imported items, and the strengthening of Nigerian identity through consumption of locally made products.

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony held at the Bureau of Public Procurement headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the move is a breakthrough for local innovation and entrepreneurship.

“With the signing of this MoU and implementation of the Nigeria First Policy, 80 percent of the challenges faced in convincing investors and foreign partners will be resolved. Nigeria will no longer serve as a dumping ground for foreign goods. We are now focusing on the promotion of Nigerian products, goods, and services,” Halilu said.

He further noted that NASENI is currently offering over 50 market-ready Nigerian-branded products and highlighted that the agency has helped the country attract more than 2 billion dollars from recent partnership activities with China.

“One thing that was clear when I took over leadership of NASENI was the need to move from producing just prototypes to commercializing our technologies and products. We complemented this vision with a complete turnaround in rebranding the agency,” he explained.

According to Halilu, NASENI is building the largest renewable energy park in Nasarawa and is also working closely with the Abuja Technology Village. The goal is to strengthen technology transfer, boost local manufacturing capacity, shift the agency’s research facilities into full-scale production, and promote Nigerian-made brands.

He added that the collaboration with BPP is expected to significantly improve Nigeria’s economy by encouraging job creation and enhancing human capital. “This also shows that our efforts are not in vain,” Halilu said.

The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, also shared his thoughts during the signing ceremony. He stated that the MoU offers a new pathway to connect production with procurement in Nigeria’s public sector.

“The agreement between BPP and NASENI is a structured bridge that connects production and procurement. It provides a way to take locally made solutions off the shelves and place them at the heart of public service delivery,” Adedokun said.

He emphasized that the Nigeria First Policy aligns government action with national priorities and is designed to give meaningful support to Nigerian businesses.

According to him, “NASENI’s innovations, from tractors to tablets, from surveillance drones to solar backup systems, will now be actively prioritized in the procurement plans by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. We are institutionalizing a framework that makes local options not just preferable, but the default option before all others.”

Dr. Adedokun announced that NASENI’s product catalogue will be fully integrated into the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal (NOCOPO), which will serve as a central hub for showcasing these Nigerian-made solutions. He called on other MDAs to follow this example in supporting homegrown technologies and innovations.

He noted, “The Nigeria First Policy is not an act of protectionism, but an act of patriotism grounded in performance. It is aimed at fast-tracking Nigeria’s industrial revolution.”

He also confirmed that NASENI has already secured product certifications from national regulatory agencies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

These approvals, he said, would ensure that NASENI’s offerings are verifiable and measurable, which is key to increasing visibility across government procurement systems.

Adedokun revealed that NOCOPO has already helped Nigeria make major savings. “Between January and June this year alone, NOCOPO’s enhanced price intelligence helped Nigeria save over 173 billion naira, 155 million dollars, and 1.7 million euros,” he said.

He also highlighted the new procurement thresholds approved by the BPP, which allow MDAs to act faster on high-value projects. “The revised threshold is now five billion naira for goods and ten billion naira for works. This allows for quicker execution of projects while post-review and audit mechanisms are being strengthened,” he stated.

Dr. Adedokun made it clear that BPP will support NASENI’s efforts with strong reforms and will ensure that made-in-Nigeria products are given priority across public procurement processes.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let me say it here that we will be backing this commitment with reform actions,” he assured.

The signing of this MoU marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s push to improve its economic resilience and industrial capabilities.

With strong support from the BPP, NASENI’s efforts to drive innovation, create jobs, and grow the economy through locally made products are expected to make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

INEC Begins 2027 CVR Training for Master Trainers

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun a national-level Training of Trainers (ToT) programme at The Electoral Institute (TEI) in Abuja as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election.

The training, which started on Monday, 28th July 2025, is designed to equip master trainers with legal and technical knowledge needed for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The trainers are expected to transfer their knowledge to Registration Officers (ROs) at the state and local government levels, forming a key part of INEC’s strategy to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and technologically advanced voter registration process.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, represented by Barrister Nwanneka Nwala, emphasized the centrality of the CVR process in achieving electoral integrity.

He said, “The CVR exercise is the first key activity in the electoral cycle. Free, fair, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections begin with a credible Register of Voters.”

According to Prof. Zuru, the online phase of the CVR will begin on Monday, 18th August 2025, while physical registration will commence one week later, on Monday, 25th August 2025. He explained that the training is an essential step to ensure that INEC personnel possess both the legal understanding and technical skills needed for a credible and seamless voter registration exercise.

Prof. Zuru disclosed several innovations to the CVR process, including digitisation features that allow eligible Nigerians to start their registration online and complete it later at a scheduled location and time.

“This innovation is aimed at easing voter enrolment and decongesting registration centres,” he noted, pointing out that it will also boost access and inclusion, two critical goals for INEC.

The training programme covers the use of the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) and its accessories. Participants are also being trained on the Electoral Act 2022, the CVR Guidelines, and other related regulations to ensure compliance with the law throughout the process.

“There is no shortcut to success,” Prof. Zuru stated. “The only way to guarantee optimum performance by our ROs is through sustained and thorough training. You must therefore commit yourselves fully to this process.”

He also praised the support of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and other commissioners for endorsing the training and ensuring it goes ahead with full backing.

“This is not just another training programme,” he said, urging participants to take their roles seriously. “It is a shared responsibility in delivering transparent, credible, acceptable, and inclusive elections.”

The training programme is coordinated by The Electoral Institute and reflects INEC’s broader commitment to deploying improved technology and well-trained personnel.

These steps are designed to build public trust and encourage greater participation in Nigeria’s democratic process while ensuring a secure, accurate, and transparent voter registration experience.

NITDA, Partners Launch Digital Literacy Camp for 1,050 Pupils in Jigawa

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with The Peace Institute (TPI) and other local collaborators, has launched a three-week digital literacy training camp in a determined move to meet Nigeria’s 70% digital literacy goal by 2027.

The initiative targets 1,050 primary school pupils from 45 schools in Hadejia town, Jigawa State, focusing particularly on underserved communities.

The camp combines core subjects such as Technology, Mathematics, Science, Engineering, and Arts to provide a strong academic base for young learners. It also aims to boost student engagement and drive innovation through digital skills education.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA, was represented at the event by Dr Ahmed Yusuf Tambuwal, Acting Director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department.

He stated, “Every Nigerian deserves to be digitally literate,” adding that the campaign in underserved communities plays a vital role in achieving the national digital literacy target.

The training is being conducted by seven tutors from the University of Rome, Italy. These experts will also train 30 local teachers through workshops, provide educational resources, and engage with the community to promote sustainability. This teacher training component is designed to strengthen local capacity and ensure long-term impact.

According to the organisers, this collaboration between NITDA, TPI, and other stakeholders is part of a broader plan to expand access to quality education and digital infrastructure in Jigawa State.

The project also reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to youth empowerment and educational reform driven by innovation.

Hadejia was selected for this pilot phase due to its readiness, supportive local leadership, and its strategic relevance to broader development efforts in Northern Nigeria.

Katsina LG Chairman to Sign MoU with KSITM, Present 96 Scholarships

KATSINA, July 28, 2025 – The Executive Chairman of Katsina Local Government Council, Hon. Isah Miqdad AD Saude, will on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, preside over the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management (KSITM).

The ceremony, scheduled for 12:00 noon at the KSITM Auditorium, marks one of the highlights of his administration’s first 100 days in office.

The MoU signifies a new collaboration between the local council and KSITM. According to officials, the agreement aims to enhance access to quality education and vocational training for youths within the local government area.

“This partnership is part of a long-term plan to boost digital literacy, support innovation, and create more opportunities for young people,” Hon. Miqdad stated. “We are investing in the future by preparing our youths with the technical skills needed in today’s competitive job market.”

The partnership is expected to support entrepreneurship, skill development, and job creation in key sectors. Industry-related courses and hands-on training will be introduced to address employment gaps and promote economic development.

As part of the event, 96 beneficiaries of the council’s Fully Funded Scholarship Scheme will be presented with official admission letters. The scholarship, launched under Hon. Miqdad’s leadership, fully covers tuition and academic costs for students with strong academic records.

“The aim is to remove financial barriers and give every hardworking student a fair shot at success,” he said. The chairman will serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the event, emphasizing his administration’s focus on education and capacity building.

Apply: ENIPRO Academy Scholarship Africa 2025 (Fully Funded)

ENIPRO Academy has launched the ENIPRO Academy Scholarship Africa in a move to bridge the skills gap and empower young talents for the future of work.

The fully funded program, valued at N300,000 per student, covers tuition for selected applicants in fields like Data Analysis, Business Analysis, Project Management, and Product Design.

“This initiative is part of our mission to shape the future of industries by training and empowering over 1000 exceptional talents by 2025,” the ENIPRO Academy team stated.

Applications are now open for the June 2025 cohort, with classes officially starting on August 11, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline of August 11, 2025.

ENIPRO Academy is an innovative learning platform focused on equipping students, the unemployed, and working professionals with essential soft and technical skills to thrive in the digital economy. The academy supports career growth in high-demand fields such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and business intelligence.

According to ENIPRO, its programs are uniquely positioned to close the gap between industry expectations and classroom learning by offering practical, up-to-date knowledge led by global experts.

Courses offered under the scholarship include:
i. Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Product Management & Product design, Programming, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Lean Six Sigma, Business Analysis & Intelligence, Strategic HR Analytics e.t.c.

Why Choose ENIPRO’s Data Analytics Scholarship?
i. Learn from the best! Our program brings you insights and expertise from global leaders in data analytics, ensuring you receive top-notch education.
ii. Acquire cutting-edge analytics skills that are directly applicable to industry needs. We don’t just teach; we equip you with the tools to thrive in the real-world scenarios.
iii. Connect with industry professionals, mentors, and open doors to potential internships. At ENIPRO, we believe in building networks that last a lifetime.
iv. Walk away with more than knowledge – earn a certification recognized worldwide, a testament to your expertise in Data Analytics.

Eligibility for this scholarship includes:
i. Both undergraduates and recent graduates
ii. Corp Members
iii. Professionals in Transition
iv. Career Advancers

How to apply:

To apply, candidates must complete the registration form Here. While the scholarship covers tuition, selected applicants are expected to pay an acceptance fee of N10,000.