Business

Traders Urge Ambode To Reopen Lagos Market

Published

9 years ago

March 16, 2016

Yam traders at Mile 12
Market in Lagos on Saturday appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to reopen the market in order to save their businesses from ruin.
Some of the yam traders told newsmen in separate interviews that their investments in the business was at the verge of total ruin.
They said that since the governor announced the closure of the market on March 4, their goods in the market were all going bad.
The Tide source recalls that Ambode ordered the closure of the market following the violence that erupted in the market on March 3 and March 4.
Our correspondent also recalls that the violence claimed lives of many and destroyed property.
Mrs Adunni Taiwo, regretted investing huge amount of money to buy yams all the way from the North and brought to the state only to experience market closure.
“Had I know, I would have just gone to buy yams from Abuja at this time.
“The money I am using to trade was borrowed with interest on it and the interest is running.
“I want to beg our responsible governor to help us and consider the losses we had incurred since. We regret what has happened,’’ she said.
Taiwo said that a truck of yams had been stationary at Ibafo Area, Ogun State since without a place to off load or sell them.
According to her, many of the yams had spoilt in the vehicle because of heat.
Another yam seller, who simply identified herself as Mama Tobi, said that she had run into great loss as many of her yams were wasted.
According to her, many of our yams are already spoilt in the vehicle because we cannot come into the market where these yams could be off loaded.
She said the trucks conveying their yams were packed under a tree along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
“We have engaged the service of some local security agents to help us watch over the vehicles.
According to her, nothing less than 15 trucks of yam are about to be wasted, as these vehicles are parked outside due to the closure of the market.
Another yam seller, who simple called herself, Iya Deyemi said, only God can make us recover from these losses.
“We see what we use our precious money to buy going bad before our eyes. We want the governor to reopen the market and punish the culprits.
Baba Ayo, another yam seller, said that rather than crippling the economic activities for many days, the government should tackle whatever that led to the violence and punish the perpetrators.
He called on the Lagos State Government to move the market away from where it is, if that is government’s intention and that it should do that so fast, “before we lose all our sources of income.
“We cannot continue like this any further, let the government move the market to wherever will be more suitable for them”.
Baba Ayo urged the government to consider the pains and losses many traders of perishable items had incurred since the decision to close the market was taken.

Business

USAID Re-emphasizes Agricultural Collaboration With Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The United States Agency for International Development (UNAID) has said its programmes operate transparently and align with the Nigeria’s laws.

A statement issued by the US Mission in Nigeria highlighted the significant achievements of its agricultural collaboration with Nigeria, within the week, saying it has supported over five million Nigerian farmers since 2019.

The agency stated that it has boosted food production and strengthened rural economies across the country through its efforts.

“Recent media coverage has presented an inaccurate picture of US agricultural initiatives in Nigeria, such as assisting local agencies’ efforts in strengthening regulatory processes for agricultural biotechnology”, the statement noted.

The US Mission stressed that its agricultural programmes are developed and implemented with Nigerian experts, farmers, and government officials.

USAID explained its initiative’s focus on practical support for farmers, including market access, agricultural training, and research collaboration.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all research findings and programme details remain publicly accessible through official channels.

“Our agricultural partnership represents a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges through locally-driven solutions”, it stated.

The US Mission also underscored its ongoing consultations with Nigerian stakeholders, maintaining regular dialogue with farmers, experts, and government agencies.

It reiterated its respect for Nigeria’s agricultural sovereignty and traditions.

“We are proud of our record of supporting Nigerian farmers while respecting local agricultural traditions and practices”, it added.

Business

Nigeria’ll Lead In Agricultural Export This Year – Tinubu

Published

2 days ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his administration’s ambition to position Nigeria as a global leader in agricultural exports as a cornerstone of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He disclosed this recently at the Road to South-South National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda at the Presidential Villa.

Represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, he also unveiled the Earn from the Soil Initiative, which aims to transform subsistence farming into a robust, export-driven sector.

“This initiative is a powerful declaration that we are committed to turning our non-oil resources into collective prosperity. Nigeria will be a leading agricultural export nation”, he said.

The Earn from the Soil project was designed to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, creating export opportunities and ensuring national food security.

According to the President, the initiative will empower citizens to become agents of economic prosperity, transforming local farming practices into global economic drivers.

He also highlighted the untapped potential of the South-South region, known for its rich natural resources and talent, and called for more significant investment in non-oil sectors.

“The South-South is open for business just as the whole of Nigeria is ready for business. We are creating an ecosystem of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable growth”, he said.

Tinubu’s administration seeks strategic support from local and international partners to build a resilient economic ecosystem, moving away from reliance on traditional aid.

Tinubu also emphasised the crucial role of young people and women in driving the initiative’s success.

The President assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to fulfilling its promise of restoring hope and confidence, with the Earn from the Soil initiative marking a significant step in achieving that vision.

On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Hon Gift Johnbull, has spotlighted the South-South region as a critical hub of untapped economic potential, calling for strategic partnerships to unlock its vast resources and foster national growth.

She underscored the region’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in oil and gas, while emphasising its underutilised agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

She also called on investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to see the South-South as a gateway to new opportunities, citing initiatives such as the Pitching Den, launched at the event, as a platform to attract bold entrepreneurs and visionary investors.

“This is your moment to recognise the South-South as a hub of untapped potential”, she said.

The event also featured the unveiling of the Impact Report, highlighting milestones achieved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The report showcased how targeted initiatives have empowered communities and driven progress in the South-South.

Business

NDLEA, NIMASA Strengthen Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking

Published

2 days ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has recommited to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), emphasized this during a courtesy visit by the NDLEA to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria.

He pledged NIMASA’s commitment to collaborating with the NDLEA to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain against illicit shipment of drugs.

“We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs.

“NIMASA is firmly committed to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our nation’s ports and terminals.

“Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities”, Mobereola stated.

Responding, Marwa expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the need for collaboration to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through maritime channels.

“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognize that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA.

“The global maritime space has increasingly become a conduit for the illegal movement of drugs, and we are keen to work with NIMASA to address this challenge”, he said.

He continued that “Recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure our ports. Within the NDLEA, we have established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat.

“We propose close collaboration between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space”.

The NDLEA Chairman also pledged the agency’s support in sensitizing NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse.

Mobereola assured Marwa that NIMASA would explore avenues to integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security architecture, particularly the Deep Blue Project.