Author: kajarbi54

Nigeria has unveiled its National Halal Economy Strategy, seeking to capitalize on the $7.7 trillion global halal market and strengthen its position in international trade and investment. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, said the strategy could add $1.5 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2027, creating jobs and expanding exports. The strategy focuses on halal food exports, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, halal tourism and ethical finance, with potential revenues of $12 billion by 2030. It also aims to enhance food security and support SMEs. Highlighting quality, safety, traceability and ethics, the President…

Members of the National Assembly’s Public Finance Committee (PEC) have raised concerns over the absence of a formal dividend policy at The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) after the state-owned enterprise disclosed that it paid out hundreds of millions of dalasi to the government in recent years. During deliberations on the follow-up performance audit of cargo handling operations at the Port of Banjul, GPA management confirmed that dividend payments were made based on board decisions and industry practice rather than a codified national framework. Officials told lawmakers that the authority paid D170 million as dividend for 2023 and has already paid…

Ghana and Zambia have signed a historic agreement allowing citizens from both countries to travel between them without the need for a visa. Officials say the move will promote closer cultural connections and create new opportunities for business and tourism. The announcement came during Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia, where discussions focused on enhancing trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the visa waiver as “one of the most significant achievements” of the visit, noting that it will eliminate longstanding administrative barriers faced by students, professionals, tourists, and business people.…

The United States and the United Arab Emirates have pledged a combined $2 billion in aid to support Sudan amid its ongoing civil war, committing $1.5 billion and $500 million respectively. The pledges were announced at a U.S.-hosted donors’ conference aimed at mobilising emergency funding and renewing diplomatic pressure for a ceasefire. Representing the UAE at the meeting, Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh said the discussions were taking place at a particularly sensitive time, noting the added strain on vulnerable communities as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches. Sudan has been locked in a violent power struggle since 2023,…

The Auditor General of the National Audit Office, Cherno Sowe, has recommended an investigation into an inflated contract price amounting to D52,489,520.80, citing overpayments and weak financial controls. The recommendation was made in the 2023 management letter on the audited accounts of the Government of The Gambia. According to the audit findings, a review of payment vouchers revealed discrepancies in the Bill of Quantities (BOQ), resulting in an overpayment of GMD 50,000. The report noted that GMD 1,841,500 should have been paid instead of GMD 1,891,500. Sowe said although the overpayment appears minor, it highlights weaknesses in cost verification processes…

Nigerian youths have been urged to embrace skills acquisition and other empowerment opportunities provided through various intervention programmes offered by the government and other stakeholders as safeguards against substance abuse and other social vices. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), gave the charge on Thursday in Abuja during his remarks as Special Guest of Honour at the launch of a youth empowerment and skills acquisition programme organised by Grassroots Bridge Builders, a non-governmental organisation. He expressed satisfaction that the programme aligns with the present administration’s agenda on youth…

The United States has drawn attention to the presence of M23 rebels in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, urging President Félix Tshisekedi to address the growing security threat. The concerns were expressed in a joint statement by US Senators Jim Risch of Idaho and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, issued hours after the Congo River Alliance – a political-military group that includes M23 fighters – claimed responsibility for last week’s attack on Kisangani Bangoka International Airport. The statement followed talks with President Tshisekedi on Wednesday at the US Capitol, which focused on the Washington Accords for Peace and…

The Nigerien government has set up a committee of experts tasked with initiating legal proceedings and drafting complaints against French nuclear operator Orano. Minister of Justice Alio Daouda, speaking at a ceremony to establish the committee, said the government’s decision to nationalise the exploitation of mineral resources had prompted several legal actions by the Orano Group against Niger at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), where the company is seeking compensation over alleged mining ownership on Nigerien territory. He said these actions had triggered a retaliatory response from the authorities, who are now pursuing legal action against…

At least 75 people have died in a terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed the fatalities during a visit to the Emir of Kaiama and families of the victims. The governor said President Bola Tinubu had set up a special security taskforce, Operation Shield Savannah, to prevent further attacks. He described the incident as tragic and promised intensified security measures. Authorities reported that about 70 victims were buried in a mass grave. Survivors described killings, abductions and widespread destruction of homes during the assault. Officials…

Moroccan authorities have relocated more than 100,000 residents from flood-prone communities in four provinces after days of heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding. The Interior Ministry said the evacuations were carried out in stages, depending on the level of risk in each area, with transport provided to move affected residents to safer locations. According to the ministry, 108,423 people had been moved to safety as of Wednesday morning. The worst impact was recorded in Larache province, where over 81,000 residents, mostly from the city of Ksar el-Kebir, were evacuated. Thousands of others were relocated from Kenitra, Sidi Kacem, and Sidi Slimane…