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Category: International News

  • Foreign Affairs Minister, Tuggar calls for Nigeria’s Membership of UN Security Council

    Foreign Affairs Minister, Tuggar calls for Nigeria’s Membership of UN Security Council

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has said there is a need to democratise the United Nations (UN) security council and Nigeria with its population, economic size and strategic role in Africa has earned the right to be part of the UNSC.

    Ambassador Tuggar made the call while speaking at a panel discussion on the theme “Securing an Insecure World” at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Davos, Switzerland.

    Tuggar said the values of democracy – such as the rule of law – should be replicated in the world’s highest decision organs.

    Tuggar said the UN security council, as constituted, is not leaving up to its purpose.

    “What we have to do is collectively practice what we preach. The values that we uphold – democracy, rule of law – need to be practised, and we need to see them being practised in the very decision-making bodies or entities for the planet,” the minister said.

    “So, to begin with, the UN Security Council needs to be democratized. Clearly, it is not fit for purpose.

    “We should do away with the veto powers on the UN Security Council; clearly, it’s clumsy and not working. Again, when you look at the global security architecture, it is impacted by such undemocratic entities that influence decisions.

    “We have a situation where, in the past, during the bipolar world, there was neutral ground for diplomats to engage, allowing diplomacy to resolve issues, preempt conflicts, and diffuse them. Unfortunately, we don’t have that anymore.

    “We are increasingly seeing a situation where diplomats and diplomacy are taking the backseat, and disagreements are being securitized.”

    Tuggar expressed dismay that security chiefs and defence policymakers are taking the front seat in world security issues.

    “Of course, for the guy with the hammer, everything is a nail,” he said.

    Other speakers on the panel with Mr. Tuggar were, the Secretary of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen, Senator from Delaware United States Christopher A. Coons, President, World Economic Forum Børge Brende, and Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Federal Foreign Office of Germany Annalena Baerbock

    Discussions at the parley dwelled on persistent conflicts, the intensifying climate crises, the fragile global economies and the potential risks of new technologies that were creating a complex global security environment.

    The forum provided an opportunity for the participants to interrogate what the true state of global collective security looked like today and how leaders can strengthen it for the future.

  • New Jersey To Return $8.9m Looted Under Jonathan To Nigeria

    New Jersey To Return $8.9m Looted Under Jonathan To Nigeria

    Jersey’s Royal Court has ruled in favour of returning stolen assets valued at £6.9 million ($8.9 million) to Nigeria.

    The decision comes after Jersey’s Attorney General issued a forfeiture notice in November, asserting that the funds, deposited in a Jersey bank account, were likely misappropriated by Nigerian government officials in 2014.

    The illicit transfer of funds was reportedly disguised as government-sanctioned contracts for arms purchases during Boko Haram incursions in Nigeria between 2009 and 2015.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power between 2010 and 2015. It will also be recalled that a lot of controversy had surrounded the purchase of weapons in the fight against insurgency with the then National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, being accused of diverting funds meant for security equipment.

    Also in late 2014, a private jet belonging to the-then President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, was arrested in South Africa with $10m cash, which was allegedly meant for the purchase of military weapons.

    The Jersey court found that most of the funds, initially intended for legitimate arms deals, had been diverted through foreign bank accounts and shell companies linked to the former ruling party in Nigeria.
     
    Jersey’s Attorney General, Mark Temple KC, noted the collaboration between Jersey and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the recovery process.

    Temple stressed the effectiveness of the 2018 Forfeiture Law in combating corruption and restoring funds to victims of crime. Plans are underway to negotiate an asset return agreement with the Nigerian government.

    He said: “This case again demonstrates the effectiveness of the 2018 Forfeiture Law in recovering the proceeds of corruption and restoring that money to victims of crime.

    “I now intend to negotiate an asset return agreement with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • UK Govt Increases List of Organizations that Can Sponsor Nigerian Immigrants

    UK Govt Increases List of Organizations that Can Sponsor Nigerian Immigrants

    The United Kingdom government has released a revised list of companies and organizations authorized to sponsor skilled immigrants applying for temporary worker visas from Nigeria.

    The official website, as of January 12, 2024, reveals a significant increase, with a total of 99,856 approved companies, marking a notable rise of 31,226 from the previous count in January 2023, which stood at 68,630.

    The list spans various industries, including technology, commerce, education, media and advertising, and engineering, among others.

    The UK government, in an announcement on its website, detailed the categories of workers these sponsors are licensed to support, including charity workers, skilled workers, creative workers, global business mobility: senior or specialist workers, and international sportspersons.

    Aspiring individuals are encouraged to visit the companies’ websites to explore available job opportunities.
    The companies listed are:

    1. RSS Express Ltd T/A Ledbury Fuel Service Station
    2. IECC Care (Independent Excel Care Consortium Limited)
    3. AboutCare Hastings Ltd
    4. £ ESS Ltd
    5. Architect UK Ltd
    6. Home Accommodation Services Ltd
    7. Ur Eaz Ltd
    8. Infiniti Limited
    9. Brunswick Stores Limited
    10. Plus Care Ltd
    11. 003 Ltd
    12. 0086 Ltd
    13. 00Nation Limited
    14. 01 Accounting Services Ltd
    15. 012 Global Ltd
    16. 023 Ltd
    17. 0xA Technologies Ltd
    18. 1 Ace Training Limited
    19. 1 and 1 Rougamo Limited
    20. 1 and 5 Tech Ltd
    21. 1 Answer Insurance Services Ltd, among others.

    This move is expected to enhance employment opportunities and foster international collaboration between the UK and Nigeria in various sectors. Interested parties are urged to explore the expanded list for potential job openings and sponsorships.

  • Visa Ban: UK Universities face Dwindling Income

    Visa Ban: UK Universities face Dwindling Income

    The United Kingdom’s higher educational institutions are under threat of grievous financial crisis following a significant drop in international student enrollments, cautioned Vivienne Stern, the Chief Executive, Universities UK, the sector’s primary advocacy group.

    The financial strain is attributed to the recent decision by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who, on January 1, 2024, implemented a ban preventing foreign students from bringing their dependents into the country.

    Stern expressed concern about the potential for a “serious overcorrection” within the sector, emphasizing that the immigration policies, coupled with discouraging rhetoric, have dissuaded prospective international students from choosing the UK as their study destination.

    In a statement to the Financial Times, Stern remarked, “If they want to cool things down, that’s one thing, but it seems to me that through a combination of rhetoric, which is off-putting and policy changes…[they have] really turned a whole bunch of people off that would otherwise have come to the UK.”

    You may recall that UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, on January 1, 2024, announced that foreign students have been banned from bringing relatives into the nation.

  • President Macron Appoints 34-Year-Old Gabriel Attal as New Prime Minister

    President Macron Appoints 34-Year-Old Gabriel Attal as New Prime Minister

    In a move to revitalize his administration ahead of the European Parliament elections, French President Emmanuel Macron, on Tuesday, named 34-year-old Gabriel Attal as France’s new Prime Minister.
    Attal, previously serving as the Education Minister, replaces outgoing Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.

    The appointment underscores Macron’s bid to move beyond last year’s contentious pension and immigration reforms. With an eye on the upcoming EU ballot in June, Macron aims to bolster his centrist party’s standing in the face of a current polling deficit to the far-right leader Marine Le Pen by approximately eight to 10 percentage points.

    Attal, a close ally of Macron, gained prominence as the government’s spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic. His selection aligns with Macron’s aspirations to introduce new political initiatives, as announced toward the end of 2023.

    In his statement to Attal, Macron expressed confidence, stating, “I know I can count on your energy and commitment to implement the project of revitalization and regeneration that I announced.”

    At 34, Attal becomes France’s youngest Prime Minister and the first openly gay individual to hold the position. His partnership with Macron notably yields a combined age just below that of U.S. President Joe Biden, who seeks re-election this year.

    Despite his swift rise in politics and widespread popularity in recent polls, Attal has faced online hate speech, including antisemitic and homophobic attacks, owing to his identity.

    Gabriel Attal’s political journey has been characterized by diverse roles, including advising the Minister of Health, serving as a Member of the French National Assembly, and assuming key positions within Macron’s party, La République En Marche!

    Born on March 16, 1989, Attal entered the government as Secrétaire d’État at the age of 29, setting a record as the youngest member of a government in the Fifth Republic. His subsequent ministerial roles included overseeing Public Action and Accounts, and later, National Education and Youth.

    Attal’s ascent to the Prime Minister’s office at 34 marks a milestone in French politics, yet he continues to navigate challenges, including facing discrimination and online vitriol due to his personal identity.

  • Niger Coup: Foreign Minister commends the release of Bazoum’s wife, son

    Niger Coup: Foreign Minister commends the release of Bazoum’s wife, son

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has commended the release of former President Mohammad Bazoum’s wife and son from house arrest by The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, the ruling military junta in Niger.
    This was made known in a release signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir SA Media and Communications Strategy, to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs.
    Tuggar, who is also the Chairperson of the Mediation and Security Council, said it is a logical step in bringing normalcy back to the country and the region in general.
    He reiterated the call to the government led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani to hasten the release of Mohammed Bazoum from its custody and allow him to fly to a third country as a step towards further talks on lifting sanctions and to initiate the transition to constitutional rule in the interest of the people, peace and stability of Niger and the region.

  • Dabiri-Erewa Mourns the Death of Nigerian Student in Canada, Vows to Ensure Justice

    Dabiri-Erewa Mourns the Death of Nigerian Student in Canada, Vows to Ensure Justice

    Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has described the alleged killing of a 19- year old Nigerian student in Manitoba, Canada, Afolabi Stephen, as wicked, promising that the commission will ensure that justice is served.

    In a condolence message issued by the Director of Media and Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the NIDCOM boss received the news with shock.

    “We are in touch with the Nigerians mission in Ottawa who have the assurances of the Canadian authorities that investigations into the unfortunate incident has begun and will be thorough.

    ‘We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Afolabi and pray unto God to allow his gentle and innocent soul to rest in perfect peace”.

    Reports has it that a 19-year-old Nigerian, Afolabi Stephen, was allegedly killed by policemen on December 31, 2023 in Manitoba, Canada.

    Though the details of his death are still sketchy, the Winnipeg, Manitoba Police Department, in a statement posted on its website via Winnipeg.ca, said its officers responded to a call about a young male who was acting “erratically”.

    The police noted that upon arrival, efforts to calm the young man proved abortive which led to the discharge of a firearm by the police which ultimately led to his death.

  • Massive Earthquake Hits Japan, Leaving Huge Destruction and Evacuations

    Massive Earthquake Hits Japan, Leaving Huge Destruction and Evacuations

    A magnitude 7.6 earthquake has hit central Japan, triggering widespread destruction, disrupting infrastructure, and necessitating massive evacuations, with one fatality prompting the evacuation of nearly 100,000 residents.

    The quake, which struck on Monday, triggered tsunami warnings along Japan’s west coast and South Korea. Waves approximately 1 meter high were reported, causing concerns for coastal areas.

    The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued alerts for Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures. Although Ishikawa initially faced a major tsunami warning, it was later downgraded to an advisory.

    The aftermath revealed reports of collapsed buildings, power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes, and mandatory evacuations. Tragically, an elderly man lost his life due to a building collapse in Shika Town, Ishikawa.

    Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged immediate action by search and rescue teams despite challenges in accessing affected areas. This seismic activity marked the most robust in the region in over four decades, raising concerns for potential subsequent quakes.

    Evacuation orders affected over 97,000 individuals across nine prefectures along Japan’s western coast, highlighting the severity of the situation. Kishida stressed the importance of readiness for potential future disasters.

    The earthquake’s impact rippled beyond its epicenter, causing collapsed buildings, fires, power disruptions, and infrastructure damage, leading to halted train services and closed expressways. Communication networks also faced disruptions due to telecom outages.

    The timing of this seismic event during the New Year holiday disrupted traditional celebrations, prompting cancellations of public appearances by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Residents, rattled by the quake’s force, sought refuge in evacuation centers, uncertain about returning home.

    The earthquake reignited concerns about Japan’s nuclear industry. Despite fears, authorities reported no irregularities at nuclear power plants in the region.

    As affected areas grappled with the aftermath, concerns loomed over recovery efforts and potential aftershocks. Japan’s resilience and preparedness faced another stern test as they navigated the aftermath of this natural disaster.

  • Nigeria Set to Commence Gas Supply to South Africa by 2024

    Nigeria, a significant player in the global energy sector, has announced plans to initiate gas supply to South Africa in the first quarter of 2024. 

    This development was revealed by David Ige, the Executive of Riverside LNG, a prominent Nigerian-based energy company, during a recent interview held in Abuja.

    Highlighting the growing collaboration between the two nations, Ige stated that substantial discussions on energy collaboration have been initiated. 

    Earlier this year, Riverside LNG solidified a gas-export partnership with Johannes Schuetze Energy Import AG of Germany, indicating a broader expansion of its market reach.

    “We’d probably close out another segment of the market very early in the year, an off-take for South Africa,” Ige stated, pointing out the evolving gas market spanning approximately 3,000 nautical miles from Nigeria, covering southern Africa, western Africa, northwest Europe, the Caribbean, and South America.

    Nigeria, recognized for its vast energy resources, boasts 202 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of untapped proven gas reserves, as confirmed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

  • UK Students Launch ‘Career Boycott’ Against Barclays Over Climate Policies

    Hundreds of students from prominent UK universities have taken a strong stance against Barclays, initiating a “career boycott” in protest of the bank’s climate policies.

    The group, comprising over 220 individuals from universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and University College London, has firmly conveyed their refusal to work for Barclays, citing the bank’s refusal to give financial support for fossil fuel companies as the crux of their protest warning that the bank risks losing top talent if it continues these practices.

    In a formal letter addressed to Barclays, the students highlighted their concerns, asserting that the bank’s purportedly ambitious decarbonization goals contradict its actions, particularly in financing major oil and gas entities like Shell, TotalEnergies, Exxon, and BP.

    They criticized the discrepancy between Barclays’ professed commitment and the support extended to fossil fuel companies, many of which have scaled back their climate pledges.

    The students’ letter further emphasized the shifting stances of major oil corporations. Notably, BP revised its emission reduction target from 35% to a range of 20% to 30% by 2030, while ExxonMobil quietly withdrew funding for low-carbon fuel creation using algae. Additionally, Shell reneged on promises to increase investments in renewable energy this year.

    Their demand to Barclays is clear: cease all financing and underwriting for oil and gas firms, not solely their projects, and substantially increase funding for wind and solar energy initiatives.

    Michelle Hemmingfield, representing Students Organising for Sustainability UK, underscored the significance of this movement, indicating that Barclays heavily relies on STEM applicants from top universities like Oxbridge for recruitment, posing a potential challenge should the bank persist in financing new oil and gas infrastructure.

    This “career boycott” compounds Barclays’ existing challenges, following prior scrutiny from climate activists at its AGM and pressure regarding sponsorships and affiliations. The bank’s spokesperson defended its actions, stating alignment with a goal to become a net-zero bank by 2050, emphasizing efforts to collaborate with clients in transitioning toward a low-carbon model. Barclays cited a 32% reduction in emissions financed in the energy sector since 2020 and substantial green financing initiatives, aiming to facilitate $1 trillion in sustainable financing between 2023 and 2030.