Railway: FG Seeks Funding from China for Completion across Nigeria

In a bid to ensure a speedy completion of the ongoing railway modernization projects across the country, the Federal Government is engaging with the Chinese government in bilateral talks to secure funding.

The Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, disclosed this during a tour with members of the National Assembly committees on land transportation and oversight function along the ongoing Kano/Kaduna and Abuja/Kaduna rail lines.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the level of work but acknowledged challenges with funding. He said that the President has directed the Vice President to engage President Xi in a bilateral discussion on the financing of the Ibadan to Abuja and Kaduna to Kano segments.

He said: “The President is desirous in ensuring that these projects are completed and being put into use because transportation is an enabler of economic growth and a gateway to the nation’s economy. It is, of course, one of the eight priority areas of the present administration.

“The president has directed the Vice president to engage President Xi in a bilateral discussion on the financing of Ibadan-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano rail projects. So far, Kaduna-Kano has been released. We are just trying to cascade the final stage for the drawdown of the loan so that they will have the financing. That of Ibadan to Abuja is also under very serious engagement with the Chinese government”.

He said the funding for the Kaduna to Kano segment has been released, while the financing for the Ibadan segment is also under discussion with the Chinese government.

He further stated that the ministry is taking stringent measures to protect the nation’s rail infrastructure from vandals.

According to Alkali,”Nigerian Railway Corporation are working hard to ensure that these vandals do not destroy our properties.

‘We are deploying so much major surveillance in conjunction with the security agencies to ensure that these properties are not allowed to be vandalized”.

While Speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Adamu Aliero, said the tour was an exercise undertaken by a joint committee of both the House of Representatives and Senate Committee on Land Transportation to inspect the construction of the rail line between Kaduna and Kano.

Senator Aliero however pointed out the issue of funding, which he said the committee intends to discuss with the Debt Management Office, the Minister of Finance, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Minister of Transportation to find a way forward.

“We will do whatever is necessary to ensure that this project is completed on time,” he said. “We will lobby our colleagues in the National Assembly to ensure that this project does not suffer from inadequate funding. I would like us to speak more on funding because it has been the major challenge of this project.”

He commended the government for continuing the project it inherited and for completing the Lagos to Ibadan segment. He also noted that containers are now being transported from Lagos to Kano.

He added that the National Assembly is considering legislation that would make vandalism a criminal offense with severe penalties, including the death penalty for the criminals.

“If possible, any vandal caught sabotaging public infrastructure, the punishment should attract the death penalty. Probably if that happens, it will go a long way in reducing vandalization drastically.

“You see, it is very unfortunate that it is not only the rail line that has been vandalized. As you rightly know, power installations oil and gas installations, and bridges are been vandalized” he stated.

On her part, a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Land Transportation, Hon. Blessing Onuh, highlighted the importance of railway transportation to the growth and development of the nation. She emphasised the need for adequate funding to complete the project on time.

“We have also resolved between ourselves, the Senate and the House, to go back and discuss further on how we can review the contract and see how we can install anti-theft mechanisms to stop people or vandals from vandalizing the existing tracks that we have” She stated.

LG Tenure: Group Welcomes Appeal Court Judgement for Ex-LG Chairmen

The National Vanguard for Rule of Law (NVRL) has commended the Court of Appeal’s decision to strike out two appeals filed by former Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State, loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.

The appeals sought to extend their tenure, but the Court of Appeal found them to be without merit.

In a statement by its President, Comrade Johnson Babatunde, the NVRL praised the justices of the Port Harcourt Division for their courage and integrity in delivering a sound judgment, despite alleged attempts to induce them with money to pervert justice.

He said the judgement is a resounding victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the people of Rivers State.

Babatunde added that the ruling serves as a strong message to politicians who seek to exploit loopholes and manipulate the system for personal gain.

The group believes that this judgement gives Nigerians hope in the judiciary and demonstrates that the court remains the hope of the common man.

The appeals, marked CA/PH/137M/2024 and CA/PH/145M/2024, were filed by Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and six others, challenged the decisions of the lower court on the elongation of their council leadership tenure.

However, the Court of Appeal found the appeals to be without merit and consequently struck them out.

Babatunde said: “We commend the justices of the Portharcourt Division for once again delivering a sound judgment, upholding the rule of and giving Nigerians hope in the judiciary.

“We understand the enemies of Rivers State have been inducing judges with money to deliver black market judgments in their favour. We believe that the Justices of the Portharcourt Division must have been tempted with all forms of inducement to pervert justice, but as men of courage and integrity, they have chosen to uphold the rule of law.

“We criticize the former Local Government Chairmen for their attempt to subvert the democratic process and extend their tenure illegally.

“Their actions were driven by a desire for self-preservation and a disregard for the welfare of the people they were elected to serve. Their tenure elongation bid was a brazen attempt to defy the constitution and perpetuate themselves in office.

“We commend Governor Simi Fubara and the Rivers State Government for their unwavering commitment to upholding the constitution and defending the interests of the people.

“We urge the government to continue to prioritize the welfare and well-being of the people, and to ensure that democratic governance is entrenched in Rivers State”.

The NVRL also called on Nigerians to support judges who deliver sound judgments and urged the people of Rivers State to continue to support Governor Fubara in delivering dividends of democracy to the state.

The group encouraged the people to prepare for the forthcoming local government elections to replace those who sought to extend their tenure through illegal means.

Fresh Court Order Stops Rivers CJ, House Clerk From Taking Resolutions From 27 Lawmakers

A High Court of Justice of Rivers State presided over by Justice Jumbo Stephen has barred the chief Judge of the state, Justice Someone Amadi, from giving effect to any resolution by 27 defected lawmakers in the state.

The court in a fresh order dated July 8, 2024, also barred the state clerk of the State House of Assembly from acting on the their resolutions.

Twenty seven members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, defected from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

There has been legal battle over the defection of the lawmakers to the opposition party in the state.

The fresh order issued by the court reads: “That an Order of Interim Injunction is hereby made restraining the 31st and 32nd Defendants from dealing or howsoever relating with the 1st-27th Defendants as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and from receiving, forwarding or howsoever acting on any resolutions, articles of impeachment or other documents or communication from the 1st — 27th .Defendants. pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction already filed herein.

“That the parties to this suit are hereby directed to maintain the status quo ante in this suit as at 5th July 2024 pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction already filed herein.

  1. An Order is hereby made for substituted service of the originating and other processes in this suit on the 1st— 30th Defendants by pasting the same at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters, opposite former NDDC headquarters, off Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
  2. That this matter is hereby adjourned to the 15th day of July 2024 for the motion on notice for interlocutory

“Lawmakers affected by the order are Hon. Dumle Maol, Hon. Major Jack, Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Hon. Christopher Kagbang Ofiks, Hon. Azeru Opara, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Hon. Granville Tekenari Wellington, Hon. Ngbar Bernard, Hon. John Dominic Iderima, Hon. Queen Uwuma Tony Williams, Hon. Loolo Isaiah Opuende amd Hon, Abbey Peter.

Others are Hon. Igwe – Obey Aforii, Hon. Justina Emeji, Hon. Ignatius Onwuka Defendants, Hon. Chimezie Nwankwo, Hon. Lemchi Prince Nyeche, Hon. Barile Nwakoh 20. Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe, Hon. Davios Arnold Oxobiriari, Hon. Nwankwo Sylvanus, Hon. Gerald Oforii and Hon. Wami Solomon.

Kano Emirship: Your attacks on President Tinubu’s office unfounded, group tells Kwankwaso, NNPP

The Progressive Front of Nigeria (ProFN) has condemned the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and its leadership for making unfounded attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his office.

In a press statement, ProFN’s National President, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, expressed shock at the “catastrophic shallowness” of the NNPP leadership, particularly in Kano State, where the party’s chairman, Hashim Dungurawa, made “logically challenged” statements aimed at tarnishing President Tinubu’s reputation.

ProFN accused the NNPP of promoting ethnic tensions and misinformation, and demanded an immediate retraction of the offensive statements with unreserved apologies to Nigeri…
[9:36 AM, 7/8/2024] Kenneth Azahan: Kano Emirship: Your allegations against President Tinubu’s office misleading, group tells Kwankwaso, NNPP

The Progressive Front of Nigeria (ProFN) has condemned the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and its leadership for making unfounded attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his office.

In a press statement, ProFN’s National President, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, expressed shock at the “catastrophic shallowness” of the NNPP leadership, particularly in Kano State, where the party’s chairman, Hashim Dungurawa, made “logically challenged” statements aimed at tarnishing President Tinubu’s reputation.

ProFN accused the NNPP of promoting ethnic tensions and misinformation, and demanded an immediate retraction of the offensive statements with unreserved apologies to Nigerians and President Tinubu.

The group warned the party to stop holding others responsible for its poor showing at the last general elections and its subsequent lacklustre outing in Kano State.

Full Text of the Press Statement:

The Progressive Front of Nigeria (ProFN) is shocked to discover the catastrophic shallowness that permeates the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leadership, as amply demonstrated by the Kano State Chapter of the party, its most viable entity. Our shock was triggered by the briefing held by the Kano State NNPP Chairman, Hashim Dungurawa, who tragically stood logic on its head, erasing all doubts about the party’s questionable intellectual capacity and exposing the unenlightened reasoning that set the state on a disastrous course.

Shockingly, someone as highly placed as Dungurawa can descend into the sewers to tarnish the good standing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), just to score cheap points in the emirship conundrum created by the NNPP. After suffering legal defeats and court rulings ordering it to do the right thing, Dungurawa alleges that President Tinubu is destabilizing Kano State by trying to impose the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, on the Emirate due to shared ethnic affiliations.

If the NNPP Kano State Chapter Chairman was discerning, he would realize that his utterances risk inflaming the state and pitching ethnic nationalities against each other based on lies and misinformation. We wonder when he concluded that the Kano Emirate is no longer patriarchal, making such half-brained claims. Emir Bayero is a bona fide Kano son who ascended to the throne through his paternal lineage, not his mother’s. The Nigerian Army, Police, and Department of State Services (DSS) upheld the rule of law in the ongoing matter in Kano State, contrary to NNPP’s accusations.

NNPP must stop holding others responsible for its poor showing at the 2023 general elections and its subsequent lacklustre outing in Kano state, the only state it controls. We are shocked that a full-grown adult can peddle such ingrained ignorance, reminding us that Dungurawa is a puppet to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, controlled by the party’s owner, Mohammed Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

We find it pertinent to intervene now that Yusuf and Kwankwaso have expanded their theatre of war beyond Kano State to the President of Nigeria, calling him unprintable names for standing up to protect the Constitution consistent with his oath of office. This is a new low even for NNPP thugs. Dungurawa is already using the 2027 General Elections as blackmail to threaten President Tinubu, signposting the lack of focus in the government of Kano, where Governor Yusuf and his party have dwelt on inanities instead of concentrating on governance.

It is puzzling that the same person who was abusing and warning the President ended up appealing to him to help bring an end to the Kano Emirate debacle created by the NNPP, Governor Yusuf, and Kwankwaso. In our honest view, these people must tender certificates of mental fitness before Nigerians take them seriously again. ProFN demands an immediate retraction of these offensive utterances by the NNPP, Dungurawa, Governor Yusuf, and Kwankwaso, with unreserved apologies to Nigerians and President Tinubu for heating the polity and maligning the Office and person of the President.

NITDA: Driving a Safe, Inclusive Digital Environment for Nigeria, Africa

To forge strategic partnerships and collaboration for the advancement of Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda; accelerate collective prosperity through technical efficiency with the aim to stimulate the effective implementation of Nigeria’s renewed hope digital economy agenda; And Nigeria’s digital journey at the forefront of this unprecedented growth is the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and one of its key strengths lies in its collaborative approach and partnerships with major industry stakeholders, technological hubs, educational institutions building a robust digital ecosystem through strategic partnerships.

The Agency lead strategist and Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has reiterated the need for safe and inclusive online environment responsible for human and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its practices in the country.

While playing host to TikTok lately, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority area of strengthening national security for peace and prosperity; the Director-General stated that content moderation strategies will help in addressing online problems like hate speech, misinformation and cyberbullying in relation to the protection of minors across the country.

He stated that “With the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries in place, it will ensure digital safety in accordance with global best practices and content moderation to enhance safety.”

A press release signed in Enugu by the Executive Secretary, Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI), Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, emphasizes that NITDA’s partnerships span across various sectors and this multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive strategy for digital literacy and innovation.

Among the critical area of focus are training programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, Cybersecurity, and basic digital literacy. These initiatives are not just about imparting knowledge, they are also about equipping Nigerians also with skills necessary to thrive in a digital economy.

NITDA’s involvement in developing guidelines for AI and data protection, which are crucial as the world increasingly relies on data-driven decision making. These regulations not only protect users, but also provide a clear framework for companies to innovate confidently. The statement also captures the need that these targets and plans are needed to stimulate timelines and achieve targets crucial for Nigeria to develop a digital system that is efficient, modern economies that enhance business operations, smart public services and job creation for the teeming youths of the country.

CWAI believes that NITDA is pushing and leveraging the narratives of Africa to the world where creators are being equipped with information that are centred on creating contents for products and services, and thus can be exported to other countries, attracting investments and also providing the opportunities where Nigerians can use AI, cybersecurity and online platforms to market, sell and export their services as well as talents to the outside world and also making a living from it.

CWAI considers online safety as one critical area to secure the cyberspace by providing an avenue for users to thrive and be productive in their various activities as CWAI revealed that NITDA is one of its biggest and critical stakeholder in Nigeria that has an outstanding strides and performance in advancing the digital economy sector by partnering with both government and private sector leaders to develop sustainable, secure, safe and inclusive communities powered by ethical and innovative technology solutions.

The Director-General of NITDA has reiterated and emphasized optimally that “What we want to do is to make sure that we leverage technology to bring the right level of economic opportunity to Nigeria that will contribute towards economic growth and job creation.”

NITDA is birthing a new generation of highly skilled talented Nigerians as Tech hubs across the country are buzzing with activity, where participants are immersed in learning experiences that cover the latest advancement in technology, the educational institutions and the Federal Ministry of Education are critical to these endeavours to integrate these programmes into their curricular to produce graduates that are ready to meet the demands of the digital age.

CWAI also reiterates that beyond the educational sector and training, NITDA’s role includes the co-creation of policies that create a conducive environment for tech startups and established companies alike by setting standards and regulations to ensure that innovation flourishes while maintaining the integrity and security of the digital infrastructure.

The lead strategist of NITDA believes that “Nigeria is poised to surpass India in technological exploits, highlighting the nation’s potential to become a leading power house in the tech ecosystem.”

He added that, “With our youthful population, growing innovation hubs and supportive government policies, Nigeria is on the brink of a tech revolution,” stressing that, “We have a potential to outpace countries like India if we leverage our resources effectively.”

Accordingly, Nigeria boasts of a population of over 200 million, with more than 60 per cent under the age of 25. This demographic advantage presents a fertile ground for tech innovations. Young Nigerians are increasingly showing prowess in various domains from software development to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Fintech.

CWAI agrees that Nigerian youths are not just consumers of technology but creators and innovators. As the D-G aptly captures it, “We are witnessing a surge in tech startups, many of which are developing solutions tailored to local challenges with global scalability.” He added that, “This burgeoning talent pool is evident in the success of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs and developers who are gaining recognition on the international stage.”

As regards government’s support and policy framework, NITDA has been proactive in creating a conducive environment for tech growth. Initiatives such as the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the Start-up Act aim at driving digital transformation and support to start-up ecosystem: “Government policies are increasingly geared towards reducing barriers for tech entrepreneurs; that government is focusing on improving digital infrastructure, providing fiscal incentives and enhancing digital literacy across the country.” He added that these efforts are designed to make Nigeria an attractive destination for tech investment and promotion.”

CWAI states categorically that the future is bright and secure with NITDA’s pivotal role in the digital space, but the enormous challenges remain; issues such as unreliable power supply, Internet connectivity and regulations bottlenecks need to be addressed to fully realize and optimize the country’s tech potential. The Agency is committed to fostering an environment where innovation thrives, ultimately positioning Nigeria as a global tech leader.

Nevertheless, the Director-General of NITDA, stated that “no organization or institution can operate in silos. We need each other for the actualization of our goals and objectives towards service delivery and an advancement of the country through Digital Literacy 4All, (DL4ALL), capacity building, knowledge sharing, trainings, curbing misinformation, digital safety with the aim of creating a safer cyber space and empowering online environment for the Nigerian users,” Drumming home that with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries in place, it allows for creative expression through filters, stickers and editing tools, entertainment and comedy are dominant themes and informational videos on various topics are gaining traction which has become a launch pad for influencers and trends that can go viral.

Engr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi concluded the statement that with NITDA’s Strategic and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024-2027) that is structured around eight pillars which include: Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents, Building a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks, Promoting Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Enhancing Cybersecurity and Digital Trust Nurturing and Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations and Cultivating a Vibrant Organizational Culture with an Agile Workforce.

With the foregoing, the Director-General maintained that the “future is indeed in our hands and we need to work assiduously with our various partners to achieve our collective goals and mission.”

Therefore, CWAI commends NITDA for its various initiatives, ideas, programmes and policies put in place and align with other industry stakeholders of NITDA’s giant strides and transformative role in providing opportunities where Nigerians use the various platforms available to market, engage, sell and export their products and services as well as talents to the outside world.

CWAI endorses the performance indices of the management of NITDA for always being ahead of its peers and thinking outside the box, thereby making Nigerians globally competitive in the market place and driving the African dream as well as putting policies in place and a convivial environment for standardization and technological growth.

Mohammed Abacha, Coy  kicks against FG’S claim of Resolution of Court Cases on $1.3bn OML 245 with Malabu

Mohammed Abacha, the heir of  late Head of State, General Sani Abacha has dismissed the claim by the federal government that all Court Cases relating to ownership of the oil exploration company, Malabu Oil and Gas have been resolved.

Abacha and PECOS Energy,dismissed the claim said to have been made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, at a public function in Abuja.

In a protest letter against the claim written by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) , Reuben Okpanachi Atabo SAN, Mohammed Abacha and his coy issued a 14-day ultimatum to Lokpobiri to withdraw the alleged false claim or be slammed with contempt of court charges. 

In the protest letter received by the AGF and Oil Minister’s offices on July 5, the Abacha family averred that the claim made at the opening session of the “Nigerian Oil and Gas Energy Week” by Lokpobiri was false, spurious, unfounded and an affront to the courts where several cases on ownership of Malabu Oil and Gas are still pending.

Lokpobiri was reported to have said that the ongoing negotiations to end the disputes surrounding Oil Mining License (OML 245) have been concluded and that the oil block will resume production in the national interest.

Malabu Oil and Gas company belonging to Abacha family was said to be the owner of deepwater OML 245 oil block located in the southern Niger Delta but in 2001, the federal government under former President Olusegun Obasanjo revoked Malabu’s license to the oil block. 

In 2006, Malabu challenged the revocation in court but the matter was settled out-of-court with the government under former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Trouble however erupted in In 2011 when Shell and Eni, two major oil companies reportedly acquired the 245 oil block for $1.3 billion from Malabu in a deal approved by the Nigerian government via transfer of rights from Malabu to Shell and ENI in exchange for consideration

but without the knowledge of the Abacha family. 

Ever since, there have been series of litigations in various Courts by Abacha family to reclaim ownership of the rich oil block.

The protest letter by the senior lawyer to the Oil Minister read in part “We act as Solicitors to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Abacha and Pecos Energy Ltd and on whose authority and firm instructions we write to you.

“Our Clients’ attention has been drawn to the remarks made by the Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources at the opening session of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Energy Week to the effect that all legal issues relating to OPL 245 have been resolved and that the coast is clear for investors to come and invest in OML 245.

“At the said opening session, with the theme ‘Showcasing opportunities, driving investment, meeting demand’, the Hon. Minister stated thus; “I am happy to announce to you that we have resolved all the issues. We should be expecting investments in 10s of billions of dollars to create an atmosphere where we become globally competitive. Nigeria fiscals are globally competitive and those Companies that left over a year ago are coming back.”

“Sometime in 1998, Alhaji Mohammed Sani, Kweku Amafagha and Hassan Hindu co-founded Malabu Oil & Gas Limited as initial shareholders

“We wish to inform you that in 2011, there were resolution agreements between the Federal Government of Nigeria, Shell Nigeria Ultra-Deep and Nigeria Agip Exploration on OPL 245, our Clients were not represented at the said Resolution Agreements rather Chief Dan Etete who was neither a Director nor Shareholder of Malabu Oil and Gas Limited purportedly represented the company. 

“It was these Resolution Agreements that subsequently led to the sale of OPL 254 to Shell Exploration and Nigeria Agip Exploration Company Limited at the cost of $1.3 Billion US Dollars. 

“Our Clients who did not participate nor benefitted from the proceeds have instituted various actions in Courts. 

Sir, we also wish to state categorically on behalf our Clients that there are various ongoing cases at different courts in Nigeria on OPL 245 and to this effect, we need to correct the impression that all legal issues have been resolved specifically, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/201/2017 between Malabu Oil and Gas and federal government and others.  

“We wish to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has also maintained criminal charges against some persons in respect of the purported sale. 

“We wish to most respectfully inform you that the controversy surrounding the Oil Prospecting  Lcence OPL 245 led to the setting up of the Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representative to investigate Malabu Oil & Gas via –a-vis the potential economic value of OPL 245 to the Federal Government of Nigeria. 

“From the foregoing, it is evident that the remarks made by your esteemed self during the opening session of the Nigerian Energy Week is not only misleading but bereft of the factual situation on ground.

“Furthermore, the said remarks is an affront on the authority of our Courts, having regard to the fact that the matter is sub judice before various courts in Nigeria. 

“By Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), judicial powers in Nigeria are vested in our Courts who are meant to determine disputes between individuals and Government. 

“Also, we are now in a democratic system of government where the Rule of Law prevails and not the Rule of force. 

“From the various courts, it can be seen that the Federal Government of Nigeria is a party to the ongoing suits and therefore the said remarks made by your esteemed self, amounts to writing judgment in your own favour notwithstanding the fact that you are a party to the suits.

“In view of the fact that the matters of OPL 245 are in Court, we do not need to go into further details to allow the Hon. Justices of the various courts to dispense justice.

“Take notice therefore that we are by this letter demanding that your esteemed self, issues a statement retracting your remarks made during the opening session of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Energy Week with the theme “Showcasing opportunities, driving investment, meeting demand.” which is in issue within 14 days from the receipt of this letter failure of which we shall take an action against you in a competent Court of Law without further recourse to our Clients.

“Accept the assurances of our highest esteem, the lawyer said.

China, Kazakhstan make solid progress in economic, trade cooperation

By Zhang Penghui, Bai Yang, Zhao Yipu, People’s Daily

Kazakhstan is the place where China first proposed the initiative of jointly building the Belt and Road. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of both China and Kazakhstan, the two countries have achieved remarkable results in their cooperation.

They have successfully implemented multiple Belt and Road cooperation projects, deepened and intensitied economic and trade cooperation, effectively promoting the common development of both countries and continuously benefiting the two peoples.

At the border between China and Kazakhstan, refrigerator trucks were passing through the Khorgos highway port. Thanks to a “green channel” for quick customs clearance of agricultural products, it now takes only an hour for cargos to complete customs clearance from being loaded onto trucks.

Today, many young consumers in Kazakhstan have Chinese e-commerce apps installed on their smartphones. They told People’s Daily that shopping with these apps is both convenient and affordable.

China and Kazakhstan are bound together by mountains and rivers. Having highly complementary economies, they are natural partners.

China is Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade covering various sectors including energy and agricultural products. In 1992, the trade volume between the two countries stood at $368 million. As of 2023, the number reached $41.02 billion, surpassing the target of reaching $40 billion by 2030 set by the leaders of both countries.

With the increasingly closer trade relations between China and Kazakhstan, more and more Kazakh products are entering the Chinese market.

Last year, a “national pavilion” of Kazakhstan was launched on a Chinese e-commerce platform, allowing Chinese consumers to buy Kazakh specialties such as nuts, camel milk powder, and safflower seed oil with just taps on their phones.

Kazakhstan has participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) for six consecutive years, signing commercial agreements worth approximately $300 million. Kazakh companies are actively signing up to participate in this year’s CIIE, with their exhibition space expected to expand fivefold.

Kazakhstan’s Vice-Minister of Trade and integration Kairat Torebayev said Kazakhstan is willing to expand agricultural exports to China. He also pledged to enhance investment facilitation and continuously improve business environment to welcome more Chinese companies to invest in Kazakhstan.

On Feb. 28 this year, a China-Europe Railway Express train loaded with daily necessities, mechanical equipment, and new energy vehicles departed from Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi province. This train marked the official launch of the Kazakhstan Xi’an Terminal jointly built by China and Kazakhstan, a key outcome of the first China-Central Asia Summit.

Leveraging China-Europe Railway Express, the Kazakhstan Xi’an Terminal will facilitate rapid distribution of goods between China and Kazakhstan in Xi’an, and build itself into a trade and logistics hub for Kazakhstan in China.

According to an official with the Xi’an Chanba International Port, this terminal opens up a new artery for trade. It allows Kazakh goods to travel south to China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and then into Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, the official explained.

Kazakhstan is an important country for the China-Europe Railway Express. In 2023, over 13,000 China-Europe Railway Express trains transited through Kazakhstan, making a significant contribution to maintaining the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

In recent years, China and Kazakhstan have made great strides in developing transit transportation and international multimodal transportation, successfully building a comprehensive, multidimensional connectivity network that boasts seven pairs of year-round border crossings, five cross-border oil and gas pipelines, two cross-border railway trunk lines, and an international border cooperation center.

The two countries have also completed several landmark projects, including the China-Kazakhstan section of the Western Europe-Western China Highway, a joint logistics base in Lianyungang, and the dry port located in the Khorgos-East Gate special economic zone. These initiatives have significantly facilitated land-sea cross-border transportation between the two countries.

Energy remains a crucial area of practical cooperation between China and Kazakhstan. The two countries continue to deepen their partnership in oil and natural gas while actively expanding into new energy sectors like wind and solar power.

Chinese automakers such as JAC Motors and Yutong have entered the Kazakh market, boosting the development of the local new energy vehicle industry. Major projects built by Chinese companies, including the Zhanatas wind farm, the Turgusun hydropower plant, and the Akmola wind farm, are playing a vital role in Kazakhstan’s green development efforts.

“The successful collaboration between Kazakhstan and China in green energy have brought valuable technology and experience to Kazakhstan,” said Kazakh economist Almas Chukin.

Highlighting the expanding scope of cooperation between China and Kazakhstan, Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao said that the two countries have seen rapidly growing cooperation in emerging fields such as healthcare, cross-border e-commerce, digital economy, automobile manufacturing, and modern agriculture in recent years.

Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, China and Kazakhstan will actively support the development of new business models like cross-border e-commerce and digital economy, accelerate the implementation of strategic cooperation projects and promote comprehensive development in areas including energy and mineral resources, metallurgy and chemical industry, infrastructure, logistics and transportation, equipment manufacturing, and agriculture and food production, so as to continuously inject new vitality into the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

RCEP drives significant growth in regional trade, investment cooperation

By Luo Shanshan, People’s Daily

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement took effect for all its 15 members on June 2 last year, which marked the start of a new stage for the trade bloc with the world’s largest population and trade volume as well as the greatest development potential.

Over the past year, the RCEP has greatly facilitated the free flow of production factors within the region, including raw materials, products, technology, talent, capital, information, and data. It has gradually fostered a more prosperous integrated market for the region and promoted cooperation in more areas, on higher levels and in greater depth.

According to statistics, intra-regional trade in the RCEP region reached $5.6 trillion last year, slightly higher than that of 2021 when the agreement was not in effect. Regional industrial and supply chain cooperation has become increasingly close. In 2023, the RCEP region attracted $234.1 billion in greenfield investments, a surge of 29.8 percent year-on-year and more than double the number from 2021.

For businesses, the most direct benefit of RCEP lies in tariff reductions. Over 90 percent of goods traded within the region will eventually be tariff-free.

Recently, a cargo ship carrying 6,000 tons of imported benzene docked at a pier in Huizhou Port, south China’s Guangdong province. After on-site inspection and sampling by customs officers from Huizhou Customs, this batch of imported benzene was quickly unloaded into a tank area and transported through pipelines to a facility of CNOOC (China National Offshore Oil Corporation) and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited for further processing.

It was the eighth batch of benzene imported by CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited this year with preferential tariff treatment under the RCEP.

Zhou Xin, the company’s customs declaration manager, said, “The tariff for benzene imported from Vietnam has been reduced from 2 percent to 0, saving us nearly 7 million yuan ($962,953) in costs. This allows us to expand our imports, thus better meeting the demand of the domestic market for raw benzene.”

Tariff reduction has brought tangible benefits to businesses. In 2023, Chinese companies saved 2.36 billion yuan in taxes on 90.52 billion yuan of imports under the RCEP.

“Since the implementation of the RCEP, our overseas customers have saved nearly 2.53 million yuan in tariff costs, thanks to the RCEP Certificates of Origin issued by the customs. This is of great significance for maintaining our overseas customers,” said Zong Qiaoling, customs manager of a home tech company.

According to Zong, the company has applied for 80 RCEP Certificates of Origin from January to May this year, with a total cargo value of over 34 million yuan.

Certified exporter system is one of the highlights of the RCEP. Companies that have obtained certified exporter status can issue origin declarations themselves, which carry the same effect as Certificates of Origin issued by customs authorities.

Changfa Agriculutral Equipment in east China’s Jiangsu province obtained certified exporter status this year. Hu Xiangbao, vice general manager of the company’s overseas marketing, said, “Now we can issue origin declarations at any time, making trade more flexible and efficient. This status also helps us improve our image and strengthen relationships with our foreign trade partners.”

Since the RCEP agreement came into force, member countries have further relaxed market access in areas such as goods, services, and investment, promoting the gradual harmonization of rules of origin, customs procedures, inspection and quarantine, and technical standards. This has accelerated the free flow of economic factors within the region, leading to closer cooperation in industrial and supply chains.

The implementation of the RCEP has led to closer trade and investment ties between China and other member countries.

Steady progress has been made in trade in goods. China’s total imports and exports with the other 14 RCEP members reached 12.6 trillion yuan in 2023, representing a 5.3 percent increase from 2021.

Investment cooperation has also been on the rise. China’s non-financial direct investment inflows into other RCEP member countries increased 26 percent year on year to hit $18.06 billion in 2023, outperforming China’s global average growth rate in investment by 14 percentage points.

To promote the high-quality implementation of the RCEP, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) has held dozens of economic and trade activities, such as the High-level Forum for RCEP Economic and Trade Cooperation. Additionally, hundreds of online and offline training sessions have been conducted, benefiting hundreds of thousands of enterprises. The CCPIT has also published practical manuals to provide assistance to enterprises in effectively utilizing the RCEP.

An official with the Ministry of Commerce said that China will fully leverage its role as the co-chair of the RCEP this year to lead the high-quality implementation of the trade pact and boost the agreement’s regional impact.

At the same time, the country will continue to provide support and services to help enterprises effectively utilize and benefit from the preferential measures under the RCEP and other free trade agreements, the official added.

To build China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area into new platform for international cooperation

By Yu Yichun, Cui Qi, People’s Daily

On June 10, 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the 18th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong province, during which he announced that the Chinese government supports building a demonstration area in Qingdao for China-SCO local economic and trade cooperation.

Six years on, the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area (SCODA) has grown into a center for international logistics, modern trade, two-way investment cooperation, and commercial, tourism and cultural exchanges, while boosting the development of the China-SCO Institute of Economy and Trade. These efforts have injected new impetus into practical cooperation among SCO countries.

In 2019, shortly after China announced the establishment of the SCODA, Russian merchant Svetlana set up a trading company there.

As the Qingdao SCODA Pearl International Expo Center started official operation in 2022, she began to manage the center’s Russian pavilion.

“The attractiveness of China’s policies and the inclusiveness of the Chinese market provide a favorable environment for us to explore opportunities and develop together with the SCODA,” said Svetlana.

Over the past five years, the SCODA’s total foreign trade volume with SCO countries has reached 21.34 billion yuan ($2.94 billion), with an average annual growth of 70 percent.

The SCODA has been actively expanding industrial cooperation with SCO countries and Belt and Road partner countries, primarily focusing on key areas such as industrial internet and high-end equipment manufacturing. It has attracted over 130 projects with a total investment of over 270 billion yuan.

For instance, China’s home appliance giant Haier Group has developed COSMOPlat, its first industrial internet platform, and established the Haier COSMOPlat Industrial Internet Ecopark within the SCODA. Besides, the Shanghai Electric Wind Power Equipment Industrial Park and the Aerospace Industrial Park have been inaugurated in the demonstration area.

So far, the SCODA has hosted more than 400 international events, including the Second Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference, and the first China + Central Asia industry and investment cooperation forum.

Zhang Ming, secretary-general of the SCO, noted that the SCODA has been committed to opening up, effectively promoting cooperation among SCO countries.

In November 2022, a comprehensive platform that offers one-stop services for local economic and trade cooperation between China and other SCO countries went online.

According to Chi Yongxin, an official with the SCODA Administrative Committee, this platform was pioneered by the SCODA, which is among the four specialized services offered by the China International Trade Single Window. It has gathered around 14,000 enterprises, handling over 11,000 customs declaration forms with a total value exceeding 100 billion yuan.

In July 2018, the multimodal transport center of the SCODA was officially put into operation, establishing an integrated logistics system that covers sea, land, air and land ports, and railway transportation.

The center has facilitated trade between China and other SCO countries. For example, more agricultural products and cotton yarn from Central Asian countries can be exported more rapidly to China, and more Chinese household appliances, daily necessities, and automobiles can be quickly delivered to Central Asia.

On April 28 this year, the first batch of new energy vehicles (NEVs) manufactured in the SCODA left the automobile trading center of the SCO International Hub Port for the multimodal transport center. Later on, they were shipped to Tajikistan aboard China-Europe freight trains. On June 20, a China-Europe freight train loaded with tea, car parts and other products departed from the center and headed to Kazakhstan.

Zang Yuanqi, an official with the SCODA Administrative Committee, said that the SCODA has opened 32 freight train routes to 54 cities of 23 SCO countries and Belt and Road partner countries. So far, China-Europe freight trains have made more than 3,200 trips along these routes.

Besides, the SCODA has forged partnerships with 20 international port cities and jointly initiated and established the China-SCO Industrial Parks Alliance with 40 industrial parks worldwide.

In recent years, the people-to-people and cultural exchanges are booming in the SCODA, benefiting people of SCO countries.

On January 13, 2022, the China-SCO Institute of Economy and Trade was inaugurated in Qingdao. As of May this year, the institute has hosted 207 training programs, such as foreign aid, business and language training, attracting over 15,000 participants from SCO countries and Belt and Road partner countries, said Zhang Xiaoyan, deputy head of the institute.

Commodities from Yiwu reach big markets as Paris Olympics nears

By Ji Fang, Wang Liang, Tao Xiang’an, People’s Daily

As the Paris Olympics approaches, Yiwu city, known as the “world’s supermarket” in east China’s Zhejiang province, has received a large number of orders related to the Games.

The Yiwu International Trade Market in Yiwu city is surrounded by a strong Olympic vibe, with a wide range of sporting goods and Olympic merchandise available for purchase.

Yiwu Customs records show that the export value of sporting equipment and goods in Yiwu reached 4.1 billion yuan ($563.7 million) in the first five months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 44.4 percent. The export value of sporting goods to France grew significantly.

The city has seized on business opportunities brought by major international sports events, from the FIFA World Cup to the UEFA European Championship, and the Olympics. It has earned a solid reputation, opened up a vast market, and showcased the vitality of China’s development.

Stepping into the Yiwu International Trade Market, silicone wristbands with the Paris Olympics logo were displayed in front of a shop. “This wristband is produced by the factory with official authorization,” said a merchant named Lin Daolai.

Last October, his company won the bid and received an order to produce 1 million Olympic wristbands. After several months of production, the first batch of wristbands has arrived in Paris, and the second batch has already been shipped. “These 1 million Olympic wristbands have increased our annual sales by 30 percent,” said Lin.

Since last year, major merchants in the Yiwu International Trade Market have received a large number of Olympics-related orders. Wang Qiang, president of the Yiwu Sports and Fitness Supplies Industry Association, said that the association quickly prepared for the Paris Olympics by gathering companies and merchants to discuss marketing strategies and improve the supply chain system.

“In the first quarter, the overall sales of the industry increased by 30 to 35 percent compared to the same period last year. Yiwu is capable of providing abundant supplies for the Paris Olympics, as orders continue to pour in,” said Wang.

The booming sports economy has injected new impetus into Yiwu’s development. In addition to the Paris Olympics, merchants also see opportunities in the UEFA European Championship and the Copa America this summer.

Wen Congjian, a local jersey supplier, began preparations early for the two events. “This year, our turnover has increased by around 30 percent thanks to these sports events,” Wen said.

After supplying multiple major international sports events, Yiwu has gained the favor of international buyers. The Yiwu International Trade Market, with its 75,000 business booths and over 2.1 million types of products in 26 categories, is now exporting to more than 230 countries and regions worldwide.

The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup sparked a sales frenzy among merchants in Yiwu. “We sold nearly 2 million jerseys in 2022, doubling our revenue from the previous year,” said Wen.

The production and sales of merchandise like vuvuzela horns and keychains also saw significant growth. To ensure smooth delivery, Yiwu opened a dedicated shipping route for FIFA, allowing products to reach Qatar’s Hamad Port in just over 20 days. Products made in Yiwu were estimated to account for about 70 percent of merchandise sales during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Through the experience gained from multiple sports events, many merchants in Yiwu are now adept at keeping up with the trends and responding to market demands.

Merchant Hui Ping’s shop specializes in sports event merchandise. Recently, there have been many customers coming to her shop to buy products, and a glow stick used for cheering has been particularly popular. The glow stick is designed to provide continuous illumination for up to 10 hours, ensuring that it fully meets the spectators’ needs for watching the game.

To stay ahead in the market, merchants in Yiwu are placing greater emphasis on product innovation, offering novel designs and exceptional quality. The booming development of manufacturing in China has provided strong support for Yiwu and consolidated the city’s position in the global supply chain.

Nowadays, Yiwu is undergoing a rapid market transformation, aiming to enhance the technological content and added value of its products through innovation. With the rise of cross-border e-commerce, local businesses are shifting their focus from a production-centric approach to actively seeking market opportunities, leading to a gradual transition to on-demand production and improved efficiency.

These innovations represent the transformation and upgrading of Yiwu’s manufacturing and trade model in the new era.

“In recent years, the number of shops selling sporting goods in the Yiwu International Trade Market has been steadily increasing, and the share of Yiwu sporting goods is continuously growing in the global market,” said Wang. “We are confident that through continuous innovation, we will sell more high-quality products to the world.”