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AfCFTA: Action committee to embark on nationwide awareness tour
The National Action Committee on African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is to begin a nationwide sensitisation tour to prepare Nigeria to take advantage AfCFTA.
Mr Zakari Jimeta, Communication Coordinator of the organisation, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos.
Our correspondent reports that Nigeria signed the African Continental Free Trade Agreement in Niamey on July 7, 2019, to promote intra-African trade with other African countries.
On November 11, 2020, the Federal Executive Council endorsed it, demonstrating that Nigeria is on course to participate in trading under AfCFTA.
Jimeta said that the tour would kick-off from Kaduna State with a courtesy call on Gov. Nasir El-Rufai.
He said the courtesy call would be followed by meetings with public and private sector stakeholders, including trade and professional associations, in the state.
He added that the team would proceed from Kaduna State to Bauchi State, adding that visit to other states would follow.
Mr Francis Anatogu, Secretary, National Action Committee on AfCFTA said in the statement that the mandate of the National Action Committee was to coordinate activities of private and public sectors at federal and sub-national levels.
Anatogu said that the committee’s strategy was to work with states based on their areas of comparative advantages and priorities as a way of building up the national export trade and creating jobs at the grassroots.
“The core objective of the AfCFTA is to create a single market for goods, services, and free movement of persons in order to deepen economic integration on the African continent.
“The AfCFTA is expected to deliver an integrated continental market of 1.27 billion consumers with aggregate gross domestic product of USD3.4 trillion.
“Nigeria constitutes a significant portion of these figures largely spread across our states,” he said.
Anatogu noted that trading under the AfCFTA began on Jan. 1, 2021.
“In this regard, the National Action Committee on AfCFTA is working with relevant agencies to establish structures and processes to implement the rules of origin and other arrangements to enable businesses to commence trading under AfCFTA terms.
“With the nationwide sensitisation, the committee is taking the message of AfCFTA to states and grassroots levels where the bulk of Nigeria’s wealth, both natural resources and human talent and economic activities, are domiciled.
“The nationwide awareness and sensitisation exercise is set to cover all the 36 states and the FCT,” Anatogu said.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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