Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

NEF2026 Committee Launches Industrialisation Drive in Lagos, Targets Value Addition Across Sectors

Forum to convene on June 30 as stakeholders push for jobs, increased exports and sustainable economic growth

Published

on

Forum to convene on June 30 as stakeholders push for jobs, increased exports and sustainable economic growth

The Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF2026) committee has announced plans to host its 11th annual conference in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 30, focusing on upscaling value addition as a pathway to sustainable industrialisation. Dr Oluwole Adeuyi, Chairman of the forum, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Lagos ahead of the event.

According to Adeuyi, NEF2026 will bring together policymakers, investors, manufacturers and energy sector operators to deliberate on strategies for transforming Nigeria’s vast natural resources into productive industries and job opportunities. The forum, themed “Upscaling Value Addition for Sustainable Industrialisation,” is expected to highlight opportunities across critical minerals, clean energy, manufacturing and technology sectors.

The timing of the conference comes as Nigeria and several African countries are intensifying efforts to create employment, attract investment and grow exports through local production. With the naira under pressure and unemployment rates high according to recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, stakeholders argue that boosting value addition is now essential for long-term economic stability.

“Industrialisation is no longer optional. The nations that will prosper in the coming decades are those that can convert their natural resources, innovation and human capital into value-added products, thriving industries and sustainable prosperity,” Adeuyi stated. He noted that NEF2026 would spotlight initiatives around industrial decarbonisation, circular economy solutions and modern infrastructure needed for Nigeria’s competitiveness.

The committee said the forum would also provide a platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to network with government officials and investors. Discussions are expected on policy reforms required to scale up manufacturing capacity across agriculture, clean energy and technology-driven enterprises. Organisers maintain that outcomes from the conference will feed into national development strategies aimed at accelerating industrial growth.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/industry/nef2026-to-promote-industrial-growth-through-value-addition/

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Lender Launches Buy-Now-Pay-Later Scheme for Kitchen Appliances

Credit Direct introduces flexible payment option, easing burden on households amid rising costs of home upgrades

Published

on

Credit Direct introduces flexible payment option, easing burden on households amid rising costs of home upgrades

Credit Direct, a CBN-licensed lender based in Lagos, has introduced a buy-now-pay-later platform that allows Nigerian households to furnish their kitchens without making full upfront payments. The new scheme, which became available nationwide on Monday, targets families seeking to upgrade kitchen appliances and utensils despite prevailing economic challenges.

Traditionally, many Nigerian families prioritise the sitting room and bedrooms for upgrades, often leaving kitchens reliant on outdated or worn appliances due to the high lump-sum costs of replacements. With inflation remaining high and disposable income under pressure, the introduction of flexible payment plans is expected to help more households access modern kitchen amenities.

The initiative by Credit Direct offers customers the option to spread payments over several months rather than paying the entire cost at once. According to company representatives, this approach aims to make essential home improvements more accessible while supporting financial planning for low- and middle-income earners. “We recognise the importance of a functional kitchen in every home and want to remove financial barriers for families,” a spokesperson for Credit Direct stated in a press release.

Industry analysts say the move could boost demand for household goods and stimulate local manufacturing. However, some consumer advocates urge households to fully understand repayment terms before committing to credit purchases. As at June 2026, rising interest rates and fluctuating naira value have made affordability a concern for many Nigerian consumers.

With the launch of this buy-now-pay-later platform, Credit Direct is positioning itself as a leading provider of consumer finance solutions in Nigeria’s fintech sector. The company said it will monitor adoption closely and may expand similar offerings to other household categories if demand remains strong.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigerians-can-now-furnish-their-kitchens-without-paying-everything-upfront/

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Tinubu Forwards State Police Framework to Senate for Legislative Action

Move signals renewed push for decentralised policing; lawmakers to debate framework amid security challenges across states

Published

on

Move signals renewed push for decentralised policing; lawmakers to debate framework amid security challenges across states

President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a framework for the establishment of state police to the Senate in Abuja, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing debate over decentralised policing. The transmission, which took place on Tuesday, comes as insecurity and calls for localised law enforcement continue to dominate national discourse.

Details of how the framework was conveyed remain limited, but Senate leadership confirmed receipt and is expected to initiate deliberations in the coming days. The proposal follows sustained advocacy from state governments, civil society groups, and security experts who argue that state police could enhance response to local security threats and ease pressure on federal agencies.

Calls for state police have intensified in recent years, especially as armed attacks, banditry, and communal violence persist in various geopolitical zones. Proponents say a decentralised system would empower governors and local authorities to address unique security challenges within their domains. However, opponents caution that such powers could be abused by state executives and may raise concerns over political interference or funding constraints.

The presidency has not released the full text of the proposed framework, but sources indicate it outlines guidelines on recruitment, oversight mechanisms, funding structures, and coordination with federal law enforcement. Lawmakers from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties are expected to scrutinise these details during plenary debates.

As at press time, official statements from the presidency or major opposition parties had not been issued regarding the content of Tinubu’s proposal. Analysts anticipate robust discussions as senators weigh implications for Nigeria’s federal structure and long-term security strategy.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/890009-tinubu-transmits-state-police-framework-to-senate.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Police Seize Truck Loaded With Military Camouflage, Drugs; Arrest Four Suspects

Security operatives intercepted the vehicle on Tuesday, raising concerns about illicit arms movement and drug trafficking in South-West

Published

on

Security operatives intercepted the vehicle on Tuesday, raising concerns about illicit arms movement and drug trafficking in South-West

Police officers in Lagos State intercepted a truck carrying military camouflage materials and assorted drugs on Tuesday, arresting four suspects in connection with the illegal cargo. The operation took place within Lagos metropolis as part of ongoing efforts to curb illicit activities and enhance public safety in the South-West region.

According to police sources, security operatives flagged down the truck following intelligence reports about suspicious movement. Upon inspection, officers discovered several items linked to military use, including camouflage uniforms, as well as a significant quantity of drugs believed to be controlled substances. The four individuals apprehended were immediately taken into custody for further investigation.

The seizure comes amid heightened vigilance by security agencies over concerns about unauthorised use of military gear and the proliferation of illegal drugs across Nigeria. Authorities have warned that such materials can facilitate criminal activities and undermine national security, especially with rising reports of impersonation and armed attacks in various states.

While police did not disclose the identities of the suspects or the specific drugs recovered at this stage, they assured residents that investigations are ongoing. “We remain committed to dismantling criminal networks operating within Lagos and across the South-West,” a senior police official stated during a briefing on Tuesday.

Security experts have repeatedly called for stricter monitoring of logistics routes and better inter-agency collaboration to tackle arms smuggling and narcotics trafficking. The latest interception underscores persistent gaps in border control and highlights the need for sustained vigilance by law enforcement agencies. Further updates are expected as police conclude their preliminary investigations.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/890000-police-intercept-truck-carrying-military-camouflage-drugs-arrest-four-in-lagos.html

Continue Reading