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FG woos French investors with economic reforms, market potential

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Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged French businesses to seize new investment opportunities emerging from Nigeria’s sweeping economic reforms.

Addressing the Nigeria Business Forum in Paris on Thursday, Idris said the country is undergoing a transformation aimed at fostering private-sector growth and deepening ties with international partners, particularly France.

The forum, hosted by Business France, brought together representatives of over 200 French companies, including long-time investors in Nigeria such as TotalEnergies, Lafarge, Peugeot, Danone, and Schneider Electric.

Idris, in a statement signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, commended these firms for their continued presence and investment in Nigeria’s energy, infrastructure, healthcare, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors.

Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Idris said Nigeria is undergoing an “unprecedented journey of reform,” driven by the Renewed Hope Agenda — an eight-point strategic plan aimed at unlocking the nation’s vast economic potential.

These include the unification of the foreign exchange system, removal of fuel subsidies, cost-reflective electricity tariffs, and comprehensive tax and trade reforms.

“These historic reforms are building a more competitive, transparent, and investor-friendly economy, positioning Nigeria as the gateway to Africa’s booming consumer market under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.

The minister also highlighted new digital and immigration policies designed to ease the movement of people and goods.

He emphasised the country’s investment appeal, noting it is Africa’s largest economy with a population exceeding 220 million—over 70 per cent of whom are under 35.

He also pointed to the country’s stable democratic governance, strong regulatory institutions, and improving fiscal health. In the first quarter of 2024, Nigeria recorded 3.84 per cent GDP growth and a more than 20 per cent increase in government revenue, according to Idris.

The minister cited several government-led initiatives aimed at encouraging private investment, including the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, and the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund.

“These initiatives are laying the foundation for leveraging trillions of naira in private sector investments across infrastructure, consumer credit, healthcare, real estate, and beyond.”

Idris also pointed to the expansion of Nigerian banks into Europe, including new offices in Paris, as a sign of increasing economic engagement between Nigeria and France.

He encouraged French companies to consider Nigeria’s livestock and dairy sectors as areas of untapped potential, particularly in light of the recent establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Livestock Development.

In addition to the business forum, the minister is scheduled to meet with French media and cultural institutions to explore further partnerships in broadcasting and creative industries.

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Aliko Dangote Reacts to Reports that Donald Trump Is Unhappy With the Launch Of Dangote Refinery (Video)

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Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Refinery, has denied claims that U.S. President Donald Trump is displeased with the launch of the $20 billion refinery.

There were claims on social media suggesting that Trump’s recent threat to attack certain locations in Nigeria could be linked to Africa’s largest refinery.

Trump had threatened to strike terrorists targeting Christians at various locations in Nigeria, which led to the spread of various propaganda and social media reactions.

Addressing the press, Dangote said that the USA has been a major supplier of crude to the refinery, adding that the talk about Trump being angry over its establishment “does not hold water.”

“The US has been one of our major suppliers of crude, which is why when someone says Trump is not happy with our refinery, it’s not true,” he said.

“Trump is more than happy with our refinery, because on average for a year, we do not buy more than 100 million barrels from the US.”

Dangote also said Nigerians now have the option of buying high-quality, locally refined petrol at a cheaper price or opting for blended imported fuel at a higher cost.

Dangote stated that fuel importers could continue to incur losses while Nigerians enjoy more affordable petrol prices.

According to him, the availability of locally refined petrol gives consumers a clear choice between quality fuel sold at a lower rate and blended premium motor spirit (PMS) sold at higher prices by importers.

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Abia Unveils State-Owned Electric Bus Transport Scheme

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The Abia State Government has announced plans to roll out a state-owned electric bus transport scheme, marking a major step toward modern, clean and efficient public transportation in the state.

The initiative, part of the government’s broader urban renewal and green mobility agenda, is designed to ease traffic congestion, reduce transportation costs for residents, and cut carbon emissions. The electric buses will operate on key routes across major cities, including Umuahia and Aba, offering commuters a safer, quieter and more comfortable travel experience.

Governor Alex Otti has emphasized that the project reflects the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and improved quality of life for Abia residents. According to the government, a number of electric buses have already been procured, while supporting infrastructure such as charging stations and modern bus terminals is being developed to ensure smooth operations.

Beyond environmental benefits, the scheme is expected to create jobs, improve urban mobility, and set a new standard for public transportation management in the state. Officials say the buses will be professionally managed under a state-owned structure to ensure efficiency, affordability and long-term sustainability.

With this move, Abia State joins a growing number of forward-looking governments embracing clean energy solutions, reinforcing its position as a state committed to innovation, environmental responsibility and people centred governance.

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NIGERIA POLICE FORCE ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION OF ENFORCEMENT OF TINTED GLASS PERMIT

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The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public of the planned resumption of the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the final determination of the matter currently before the court. This decision follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens.

It is important to clarify that at no point did the court restrain the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the provisions of the law regarding the use of tinted glass on vehicles. Nonetheless, in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience, the Force suspended enforcement to allow motorists ample opportunity to regularise their documentation and complete the registration process without pressure.

Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass. Some individuals and organised criminal groups have exploited this gap to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes. In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard our communities. Consequently, enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit will resume on 2nd January, 2026.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, assures the public that the renewed enforcement will be carried out with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws. He adds that the Force remains committed to promoting public safety and upholding the rule of law while working collaboratively with all stakeholders to keep Nigeria secure.

Meanwhile, motorists who require the Tinted Glass Permit are encouraged to apply through the approved channels and ensure that their vehicles comply with legal procedures.

CSP FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

15th December, 2025

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