Business

Nigeria, Yet To Access $150m Iran Credit – Envoy

Published

15 years ago

February 21, 2011

Nigeria is yet to access a 150-million-dollar credit facility offered by the Iran Export Development Bank, the country’s ambassador in Iran, Alhaji Cika Abubakar, said last Wednesday in Abuja.

Iran offered the credit facility to Nigeria to enhance trading between the two countries.

Speaking at a seminar on trade opportunities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Nigeria, Abubakar said that the credit facility was offered at 5 per cent interest rate, adding that it was the least among the credits granted to other countries.

“The Iran Export Development Bank gave 150 million dollars; I was there almost about three years ago when I negotiated with them.

“The first time when they approved that150 million dollars, I was even saying no, if you can give some African countries 100 billion dollars like Senegal, 150 million dollars is too small for Nigeria

“I approached some banks in Nigeria, about eight banks, after receiving their applications. I gave some about 30 to 50 million dollars.

“But to date, since we sent a letter foro-the approval of their applications, we have never received any acknowledgement that they have received the money and that they are ready to utilise it,” he said. The ambassador recalled that the two countries had enjoyed diplomatic relations dating back to some 37 years, and said that Nigerian businessmen had a lot to trade with Iran to help grow the economy.

He noted that Iran had a high level of trading with many countries and that there were areas in which Nigeria should emulate the country.

“The volume of trade between India and Iran is about 15 billion dollars, between Iran and Turkey is almost 13 billion dollars, the trade between Iran and Brazil is two billion dollars and between Iran and South Africa is about two billion dollars; so why less with Nigeria,” he queried.

He said that Iran produced about between 65mw and 70mw of electricity mainly for use by industries.

Abubakar urged the Iranian government to create avenues for Nigerians to benefit from its education, health and engineering sectors to enable Nigerians to benefit in those areas.

In his remarks, Mr Hussein Abdullahi, the Iran ambassador in Nigeria said that there was the need to correct the negative perception of his country.

He said that though Nigeria had had diplomatic relations with Iran for about 37 years, citizens of both countries were yet to tap on potential existing between the two countries.

He noted that both counties were members of some international organisations like the OIC and OPEC among others, adding that there was need for them to explore trade opportunities that would be beneficial to their economies.

He noted that diplomatic relations between the two countries suffered a little setback after some arms were shipped into Lagos by some Iranian suspects.

Abubakar said also that the seminar would “be a regular one between Iran and Nigerian businessmen. We will try to ensure that it takes place annually in capitals of both cities.”

He urged government of both countries to play effective role in ensuring the improvement of their diplomatic relations.

Also, Mr Ignatius Adaji, President, Nigeria-Iran Business Council noted that trade volume between Nigeria and Iran was low.

“Statistics show our export to Iran is in the region of just N75 million, which is ever poor; so they are not trading with us as much as we want to do.

Transport

Nigeria Rates 7th For Visa Application To France —–Schengen Visa

Published

4 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria was the 7th country in 2024, which filed the most schenghen visa to France, with a total of 111,201 of schenghen visa applications made in 2025, out of which 55,833, about 50.2 percent submitted to France

Although 2025 data is unavailable, these figures from Schengen Visa Info implies that France is not merely a preferred destination, but has been a dominant access point for Nigerian short-stay travel into Europe.

France itself has received more than three million Schengen visa applications, making it the most sought-after Schengen destination globally and a leading gateway for long-haul and third-country travellers. It was the top destination for applicants from 51 countries that same year, including many without visa-exemption arrangements with the Schengen Zone, and the sole destination for applicants from seven countries.

Alison Reed, a senior analyst at the European Migration Observatory said, “France’s administrative reach shapes applicant strategy, but it also concentrates risk. If processing times lengthen or documentation standards tighten in Paris, the effects ripple quickly back to capitals such as Abuja.”

The figures underline that this pattern is not unique to Nigeria. In neighbouring West and Central African states such as Gabon, Benin, Togo and Madagascar, more than 90 per cent of Schengen visas were sought via French authorities in 2024, with Chad, Djibouti, the Central African Republic and Comoros submitting applications exclusively to France.

“France acts as the central enumeration point for many African and Asian applicants,” said Manish Khandelwal, founder of Travelobiz.com, which reported the consolidated statistics. “Historical ties, language networks and established diaspora communities all play into that concentration. But volume inevitably invites scrutiny, and that affects refusal rates and processing rigour.”

That scrutiny is visible in the rejection statistics. Of the more than three million French applications in 2024, approximately 481,139 were denied, a rejection rate of about 15.7 per cent. While this rate is lower than in some smaller Schengen states, the sheer volume of applications means France contributes significantly to the total number of refusals within the zone.

For Nigerian applicants and policymakers, one implication is the need to broaden engagement with other Schengen consular hubs. “Over-reliance on a single consulate creates what one might call administrative bottleneck effects,” said Jean-Luc Martin, a professor and expert in European integration and mobility law at Leiden University. “If applicants from Nigeria default to France without exploring legitimate alternatives in countries like Spain, Germany or the Netherlands, they expose themselves to systemic risk

Martin added that the broader context of Schengen visa policy is evolving, with the European Commission’s preparing roll-out of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) aimed at harmonising pre-travel screening across member states.

For Nigerians seeking leisure, business or educational travel to Europe, these trends suggest that strategic planning and consular diversification could become as important as the completeness of documentation and financial proof. Governments and travel consultancies in Abuja, Lagos and beyond are already advising clients to explore alternative consular pathways and to prepare for more rigorous screening criteria across all Schengen states

By: Enoch Epelle

Transport

West Zone Aviation: Adibade Olaleye Sets For NANTA President

Published

4 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Prince Abiodun Ajibade Olaleye, a former Welfare Officer and Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of Vice President of NANTA Western Zone, ahead of the zonal elections scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026.

In a New Year message to members of the association, Olaleye expressed optimism about the prospects of the travel and tourism industry in 2026, despite the economic headwinds and migration policy challenges that affected operations in the previous year.

He acknowledged that reduced patronage and declining trade volumes had placed significant financial pressure on many travel agencies, but urged members to remain resilient and forward-looking.

According to him, the challenges confronting the industry should be seen as opportunities for growth, innovation and institutional strengthening.

He stressed the need for unity and collective action among members of the association, noting that collaboration remains critical to navigating the evolving global travel environment.

Unveiling his vision for the NANTA Western Zone, Olaleye said his aspiration is to consolidate on the achievements of past leaders while expanding the zone’s relevance, influence and impact “beyond imagination.” He promised a leadership focused on commanding excellence, improved member welfare and stronger stakeholder engagement.

Drawing from his experience in previous executive roles within NANTA, the vice-presidential aspirant said he is well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the association, particularly in areas of member support, public engagement and institutional growth.

“I believe that together, we can take our association to greater heights and build a stronger, more prosperous NANTA Western Zone that benefits all members,” he said, while appealing to delegates for their support and votes.

Olaleye concluded by offering prayers for good health, peace and prosperity for members in 2026, expressing confidence that the new year would usher in renewed opportunities for the travel industry and the association at large.

By: Enoch Epelle

Business

Sugar Tax ‘ll Threaten Manufacturing Sector, Says CPPE

Published

4 days ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has warned that renewed calls for a sugar tax on non-alcoholic beverages could hurt Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, threaten jobs and slow the country’s fragile economic recovery.

In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer, CPPE, Muda Yusuf, said while public health concerns such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases deserve attention, imposing an additional sugar-specific tax was economically risky and poorly suited to Nigeria’s current realities of high inflation, weak consumer purchasing power and rising production costs.

Yusuf who insisted that the food and beverage sector remains the backbone of Nigeria’s manufacturing industry, said the industry supports millions of livelihoods across farming, processing, packaging, logistics, wholesale and retail trade, and hospitality.

He remarked that any policy that weakens this ecosystem could have far-reaching consequences, including job losses, lower household incomes and reduced investment.

Yusuf argued that proposals for sugar taxation in Nigeria are often influenced by global policy templates that do not adequately reflect local conditions.

According to him, manufacturers in the non-alcoholic beverage segment are already facing heavy fiscal and cost pressures.

“The proposition of a sugar-specific tax is misplaced, economically risky, and weakly supported by empirical evidence, especially when viewed against Nigeria’s prevailing structural and macroeconomic realities.

“Existing obligations include company income tax, value-added tax, excise duties, levies on profits and imports, and multiple state and local government charges. These are compounded by high energy costs, exchange-rate volatility, elevated interest rates and expensive logistics,” he said.

The CPPE boss noted that retail prices of many non-alcoholic beverages have risen by about 50 per cent over the past two years, even without the introduction of new taxes, further squeezing consumers.

Yusuf further expressed reservation on the effectiveness of sugar taxes in addressing the root causes of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu