ES.Ng

Here are some of the latest developments from the African Union Development Agency –as of May 2025: 1. Strategic Partnership with Mercy Ships International In December 2024, AUDA-NEPAD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mercy Ships International to enhance access to safe surgical care across Africa. This collaboration focuses on policy development, health workforce training, infrastructure investment, and advocacy to strengthen health systems and advance universal health coverage. 2. Technical Support for Genome Editing Guidelines in Zimbabwe In April 2025, AUDA-NEPAD provided technical assistance to Zimbabwe in drafting genome editing guidelines. This initiative aims to support the country’s agricultural biotechnology advancements and ensure biosafety in the application of genome editing technologies. 3. Advocacy for Infrastructure Transformation AUDA-NEPAD’s CEO emphasized the importance of transforming infrastructure to drive Africa’s development. In a recent statement, the CEO highlighted the need for innovative approaches to infrastructure development to meet the continent’s growing demands. 4. Launch of Phase 3 of the Continental Power Systems Master plan In January 2025, AUDA-NEPAD announced the commencement of Phase 3 of the Continental Power Systems Master plan. This phase aims to enhance power systems across the continent, promoting energy access and supporting economic growth. 5. Collaboration with Meta for Digital Innovation AUDA-NEPAD partnered with Meta to foster digital innovation across Africa. This collaboration focuses on leveraging digital technologies to drive socio-economic development and bridge the digital divide. NEPAD For more detailed updates and information, you can visit AUDA-NEPAD’s official News Centre or follow their “Africa’s Time Is Now!”, AUDA-NEPAD CEO

The Nigerian stock market concluded the week ending May 16, 2025, on a positive trajectory, with the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) rising by 0.90% to close at 109,710.37 points. This performance elevated the year-to-date gain to 6.59%, while market capitalization increased by ₦614 billion, reaching ₦68.9 trillion . Market Activity Overview Trading Volume and Value: Investors traded a total of 2.606 billion shares valued at ₦63.785 billion across 77,593 deals. This represented a slight decrease from the previous week’s 2.645 billion shares worth ₦77.005 billion in 86,110 deals . Top Traded Equities: The most active stocks by volume were FCMB Group Plc, Access Holdings Plc, and Tantalizer Plc, collectively accounting for 600.684 million shares valued at ₦6.570 billion, which is 23.05% of the total equity turnover volume and 10.30% of the value. Sector Performance Consumer Goods: The NGX Consumer Goods Index led sectoral gains with a 4.08% increase, driven by significant rallies in companies like Champion Breweries and Northern Nigerian Flour Mills, both of which appreciated over 30% . Insurance and Banking: The NGX Insurance Index rose by 2.47%, while the NGX Banking Index advanced by 1.19%, reflecting continued investor interest in these sectors . Other Sectors: The NGX Oil & Gas Index and the NGX Industrial Goods Index posted modest gains of 0.66% and 0.13%, respectively . Market Breadth and Investor Sentiment Market breadth was positive, with 61 equities appreciating in price, 31 declining, and 56 remaining unchanged. This suggests a broad-based investor confidence across various sectors . The positive market sentiment was bolstered by expectations surrounding the upcoming Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting and the anticipated release of Nigeria’s Q1 2025 GDP figures. Outlook The sustained upward momentum in the NGX All-Share Index, coupled with sectoral gains and positive investor sentiment, indicates a bullish outlook for the Nigerian stock market in the near term. However, investors are advised to remain cautious and monitor macroeconomic indicators and corporate earnings reports that could influence market dynamics. For a visual summary of the market’s performance, you may find the following video insightful: https://youtu.be/hd-6EIJIy9o

Tourism and Culture in Nigeria Documentary Title: “Nigeria: The Beating Heart of Culture and Tourism” [Opening Scene: Aerial view of Zuma Rock, then shifting to the bustling Lagos coastline. In the heart of West Africa lies a nation with a soul so vibrant, its rhythm can be felt across the globe. This is Nigeria—Africa’s giant, a land of over 250 ethnic groups, breathtaking landscapes, and a cultural heritage as rich as its natural resources. Tourism Treasures Cut to visuals of Olumo Rock, Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls, Obudu Cattle Ranch. From the rocky heights of Olumo Rock in Ogun State to the cascading waters of Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls in Osun, Nigeria boasts some of the most diverse tourist attractions in Africa. The Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River offers a blend of nature and luxury, while the Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—stands as a monument to centuries of civilization. Coastal Wonders Scenes from Tarkwa Bay, Badagry Slave Port, Lekki Conservation Centre Along the Atlantic coast, Lagos offers vibrant beach life at Tarkwa Bay, historical reflections at the Badagry Slave Port, and a walk in the clouds along the canopy walk at Lekki Conservation Centre—Africa’s longest sea coast. Cultural Diversity Montage of Egungun festival, Argungu Fishing Festival, Durbar in Kano Nigeria’s cultural tapestry is woven from the threads of ancient traditions and modern expression. In the South West, the Egungun Festival brings ancestral spirits to life. In the North, the Durbar Festival transforms cities like Kano and Katsina into scenes of regal horsemen and royal pageantry. The Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State is a cultural and sporting marvel, where hundreds dive into the river to catch the biggest fish—by hand. Arts, Music, and Fashion Clips of Nigerian drummers, Afrobeats concerts, Aso-Oke weaving, and fashion runways. From traditional drumming to the global beats of Afrobeats, Nigeria’s music moves the world. Its fashion, seen in the vibrant patterns of Ankara, Aso-Oke, and Adire, tells stories passed down through generations. The country’s art scene thrives in galleries from Lagos to Abuja, celebrating both heritage and innovation. Royalty and Architecture Visuals of the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Benin Bronze sculptures, Northern mud palaces. Nigerian history is deeply rooted in powerful kingdoms—the Benin Empire, the Oyo Empire, the Kanem-Bornu Empire. Their legacies live on in palaces, shrines, and artifacts like the Benin Bronzes, now celebrated worldwide for their craftsmanship and cultural significance. The Future of Tourism Shots of modern airports, tour guides with visitors, cultural centers, youth-led tourism startups. With increased investment in infrastructure, digital innovation, and cultural preservation, Nigeria’s tourism sector is poised for exponential growth. Home to a young, creative population, the country is redefining travel experiences with authenticity, warmth, and pride. Closing shot: Nigerian children waving flags, dancers in traditional attire, sunset over a savanna. This is Nigeria—where every dance, drumbeat, and destination tells a story. Come, explore her wonders. Feel her heartbeat.

When it comes to identifying the best government agency in Nigeria presently, several agencies stand out for their performance, impact, and efficiency. However, one that consistently receives commendation for transparency, effectiveness, and innovation is: The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Why Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) stands out: 1. Revenue Generation 2. Anti-Smuggling & Border Security 3. Automation and Technology 4. Trade Facilitation & Modernization 5. Transparency and Reform Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Overview The Nigerian Customs Service is the government agency responsible for the collection of customs revenue, border security, and enforcement of trade laws in Nigeria. It operates under the Federal Ministry of Finance and plays a critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and facilitating legitimate trade. Organizational Structure Revenue Generation Anti-Smuggling and Border Control Trade Facilitation and Modernization Collaboration & Partnerships Leadership and Institutional Reforms Impact on Nigeria and the Masses Challenges and Ongoing Efforts Summary Aspect Details Revenue Contribution Over ₦2.1 trillion annually, second highest revenue agency Anti-Smuggling Efforts Major seizures, border patrols, collaboration with security forces Modernization Integrated Customs Management System, Single Window, e-payment Impact Economic growth, job creation, border security, trade facilitation Challenges Border porosity, infrastructure, corruption risks Ongoing Reforms Technology upgrades, capacity building, transparency initiatives Enforcement of tariffs Protection of local textile, cement, steel manufacturers by cracking down on smuggled alternatives Local manufacturers can compete fairly, grow production Faster raw material clearance Automation and e-payment enable quicker clearance of machinery and raw materials Reduced production downtime and cost, improved efficiency Revenue reinvestment Customs revenue helps fund industrial infrastructure like power and roads in industrial hubs Enhanced manufacturing capacity and competitiveness Summary The Nigerian Customs Service, through effective enforcement and modernization reforms, has significantly improved Nigeria’s revenue generation, protected local industries, and enhanced public safety. Its seizures have stopped billions of naira in illicit goods from undermining Nigeria’s economy and health. The reforms have made trade easier, faster, and more transparent, directly benefiting agricultural exporters and manufacturers.