Metro

Nigeria: President Tinubu’s reforms, economic policies yielding positive results— Minister

Published

4 days ago

December 12, 2024

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has backed the reforms and economic policies embarked upon by President Bola Tinubu since coming into office in 2023, saying they are yielding significant positive results despite the hardship currently being faced by citizens.

Matawalle, who disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director, Information and Public Relations in Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, said Tinubu’s policies, which include the new tax reforms and several key reforms across various sectors, were already contributing to a turnaround in the country’s economy and would, in the long run, be of benefit to all Nigerians.

The former Zamfara State governor also urged critics of the Tinubu administration, particular those from Northern Nigeria, to be positive in their narrations.

“In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, I urge critics to be positive in their narratives,” he said in the statement.

“I also call on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.

“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalise our economy through a series of effective policies, programmes, and reforms.

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognise the positive changes taking place,” the minister said.

Highlighting the new tax reforms, Matawalle described them as pivotal elements in the country’s economic turnaround, emphasizing that the reforms were designed to create a more equitable tax system, which would enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.

“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth.

“These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle explained.

According to him, this will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.

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Metro

Nigeria: Army denies reports of plans to establish French military base in the country

Published

27 minutes ago

December 16, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian Army has debunked reports claiming that the French military was planning to establish a base in Nigeria.

The rumours gained momentum on social media and some traditional media platforms following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France where he met with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

But a statement on Monday by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said the clarification was necessitated by reports doing the rounds that French soldiers had arrived in the country in preparation to set up a base in Maiduguri, Borno State.

“The attention of Defence Headquarters has been drawn to online reports alleging the arrival of the first contingent of French soldiers in Maiduguri towards establishing a French Military base in North East Nigeria,” Buba said.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby state unequivocally that this information is fake, totally false and mischievous.

“It would be recalled that Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa CFR, recently addressed this matter in different media forums. In which he debunked the news and such speculations.

“It is clear that these are the antics of mischief makers,” the defence spokesman saif.

Buba also urged the general public to disregard the news and speculations still making rounds in some quarters, adding that the military will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, most professionally and ensure the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Metro

Zambia: President Hichilema launches Zambezi Economic Free Zone

Published

24 hours ago

December 15, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has launched the Zambezi Economic Free Zone in Kazungula District, Southern Province, a project that is estimated to create over 1,000 direct jobs and transform the local economy.

The President who spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 17,000-hectare development in Kazungula on Saturday, described the initiative as transformative with the potential to stimulate economic growth and attract significant foreign investment.

The project which is spearheaded by investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is situated in Chief Sekute’s area and aims to boost investment in key service sectors, including housing, healthcare, education, convention centers, and corporate headquarters.

“The anticipated benefits include skills development, technological advancements, and substantial infrastructure improvements,” Hichilema said.

He emphasized that the zone would position the country as a hub for global investment and innovation while delivering tangible benefits to local communities with the global recognition of free economic zones as catalysts for growth.

“These zones offer incentives, simplified regulations, and enhanced infrastructure, creating an environment conducive to investment, job creation, and the transfer of skills and technology,” he noted.

President Hichilema added that the project was “designed to attract investors, retirees, and workers from around the world, including Zambian stakeholders, encouraging their active participation in this unique development model” as well as drive economic development not only in Kazungula and Livingstone but across Zambia.