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Nigeria, UK reaffirm commitment to deepening trade links

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1 year ago

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The Federal Government and the United Kingdom (UK) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and deepening trade relations.

Amb. Nura Rimi, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, said this at the Inaugural Nigeria-UK Business Dialogue in Abuja.

The Tide source reports that both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the nation’s trade and investment.

The permanent secretary added that the country is pleased to host the first edition of the Nigeria-UK Business Dialogue, a key event under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Rimi said the dialogue would allow stakeholders from both countries to participate in meaningful talks, share best practices, and explore joint opportunities in important areas such as agriculture, energy, technology, and manufacturing.

“Historically, Nigeria and the UK have enjoyed robust bilateral trade and investment relations.

“In the four quarters leading up to the first quarter of 2024, Nigeria was the UK’s 39th largest trading partner.

“During this period, Nigeria’s exports to the UK amounted to 2.4 billion pounds, while UK imports to Nigeria stood at 4.1 billion pounds in the 4th quarter of 2023.

“The Nigeria-UK Business Dialogue is an excellent event that marks a significant step towards developing trade relations and increasing economic collaboration between the two countries,” he said.

Rimi said by encouraging investments in important sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure, both countries could boost growth and generate chances for joint ventures and increased relationships.

According to him, the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership MoU encourages UK investors to explore Nigeria’s most promising sectors.

“It is expected that both countries will work towards increasing reciprocal Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), recognising the potential of such investments to support sustainable economic growth and development.

“Through cooperative investment promotion and facilitation, infrastructure development, technology, and manufacturing can spur economic growth.

“Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has implemented several reforms to ensure a conducive investment climate that spurs growth and job creation across all sectors of the economy.

” These concerted efforts have positioned Nigeria as one of the most important destinations for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa.

He expressed the hope that the dialogue would focus on building on the successes and progress made so far by reducing barriers to trade in goods and increasing opportunities for services.

He hoped that the dialogue would ensure investment promotion, and regulatory cooperation, that would pave the way for promising and concrete commitments.

Responding, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said the event was built on the first of its kind partnership for the UK in Africa.

“This new platform enables us to build on successes from the UK-Nigeria Economic Development Forum to resolve more market access barriers.

“It will foster our joint commitment to develop novel systems for businesses to efficiently raise issues, and work towards practical solutions.

“The overall deepening of our cooperation underscores our shared efforts to enhance trade across current and new sectors, support businesses and boost economic growth between our two countries,” Baxter said.

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HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

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5 days ago

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February 2, 2026

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The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, has commended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving befitting accommodation for Permanent Secretaries in the state.
This commendation was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
According to the Head of Service, Governor Fubara has continued to demonstrate uncommon commitment to the welfare of civil servants in Rivers State, stressing that such gestures underscore his people-oriented leadership style. She urged civil servants across the state to remain supportive of the governor’s administration in order to sustain good governance and effective public service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Brown congratulated Governor Fubara on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as “a Governor who leads by serving.”
She further praised the governor’s service-driven and people-centred leadership approach, noting that it has significantly contributed to institutional stability and improved efficiency within the state’s public service. Special appreciation was expressed for the approval of a befitting accommodation complex for Permanent Secretaries, which she said reflects the governor’s commitment to staff welfare and enhanced productivity.
As part of activities to mark the governor’s birthday, the Body of Permanent Secretaries announced the sponsorship of 329 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.
A breakdown of the initiative shows that 319 forms will be distributed across the 319 political wards in Rivers State, while five forms are allocated to non-indigenes and five forms to persons living with disabilities.
Interested applicants are advised to contact the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, for further details.
The Body of Permanent Secretaries wished Governor Fubara continued good health, divine wisdom, and greater accomplishments in his service to the people of Rivers State.
By John Bibor
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Allegation of Disrespect to President Tinubu Unfounded — Rivers Government

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5 days ago

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February 2, 2026

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The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a statement credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), purportedly authored by one Bestman Innocent Amadi, alleging that the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, removed the official portrait of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the Government House, Port Harcourt.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government wishes to categorically state that there is no policy, directive, or intention on the part of the government or the Governor that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government.
On the contrary, the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, currently enjoys a robust, cordial, and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Renewed Hope Agenda—a partnership that is already yielding positive and tangible benefits for the people of Rivers State.
Consequently, the insinuation that the Governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” is misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory, and entirely unsupported by verifiable facts, and should therefore be disregarded by the public.
It is regrettable that a body expected to promote youth unity, peace, and responsible engagement would resort to incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated claims capable of overheating the polity at a time when Rivers State requires calm, dialogue, and mature leadership.
The Rivers State Government therefore calls on well-meaning members of the public, particularly its esteemed and hardworking youths, to disregard and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups bent on advancing divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.
Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, peace, and the collective pursuit of progress.
Members of the public are further urged to remain vigilant and avoid lending credence to inflammatory statements or the activities of fifth columnists pursuing dubious agendas aimed at sowing discord.
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Rivers Government Dismisses Allegations of Disrespect to President Tinubu

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5 days ago

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February 2, 2026

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The Rivers State Government has dismissed as unfounded and misleading allegations that Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Government House in Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government reacted to claims credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), describing the allegation as false, irresponsible, and unsupported by any verifiable facts.
The government clarified that it has no policy, directive, or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government. It emphasized that Governor Fubara maintains a cordial, respectful, and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government.
According to the statement, the relationship between Rivers State and the Federal Government has grown stronger under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with tangible benefits and positive impacts already being felt by residents of the state.
The Rivers State Government described insinuations that the governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” as deliberately provocative, noting that such claims are capable of misleading the public and unnecessarily heating up the polity.
It further expressed concern that an organization expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it termed incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated accusations at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.
The government called on well-meaning members of the public, especially the youths of Rivers State, to disregard the claims and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups spreading divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, and progress, the state government stressed that political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, and the collective interest of the people.
Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and not give attention to inflammatory statements or individuals described as fifth columnists bent on causing division within the state.
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