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LAGOS, SWEDEN RESOLVE TO STRENGTHEN INVESTMENT RELATIONS

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The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, and the Sweden Business Council has resolved to strengthen business relationships between the State and the Swedish Government.

The Special Adviser, Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, Solape Hammond, made the disclosure at the just-concluded Sweden-Nigerian Business forum held in Stockholm, Sweden on the 16th and 17th of May, 2022.

Addressing business delegates and other dignitaries at the event, the Special Adviser noted that the forum will help solidify trade relationships and deepen investment relations between the State and the Scandinavian country.

She stated that the forum was aimed at fostering value and creating a partnership between Sweden and Nigeria with a special focus on Lagos as the country’s commercial capital and also as the State with the highest population.

Her words: “Lagos is seeking a big push on investment. We both see that opportunities abound in transportation, energy and technology. We can now expand the mutual and beneficial relationship in exploiting the identified sectors that will translate into meaningful economic relations”.

The Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Business Sweden, Ms. Nina Lindbergh, who co-led the discussion at the Business to Government meeting with a focus on energising trade and investment relationships between Lagos and Sweden, stressed that the strategic importance of Lagos and its population placed it far and above other regions for foreign sustainable partnership.
She expressed the willingness of the Swedish Government to support Lagos in driving its initiatives in Transportation, Energy and ICT.

According to her: “Lagos’ population doubles the size of Sweden which is around 11 million people. The tech hub in Lagos is also the fastest growing in the whole of Africa. Lagos, therefore, remains an investor’s delight for enormous market and skilled personnel”.

The two institutions used the strategic sessions to express the importance of strengthening economic and trade relationships based on the commitment to a vision of more sustainable, inclusive trade and investment policies that will benefit the widest possible number of people.

Given that the purpose of the investment interaction is to establish long time business relations, the two parties intend, over the next few months, to harness resources towards deepening investment in key sectors and create a dynamic agenda for growing inclusive trade and investment in a way that advances the prosperity of both governments.

The two-day event was hosted by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja, Nigeria; Business Sweden (The Swedish Business and Investment Council); the Embassy of Nigeria in Sweden and the Smart Cities, Sweden.

The high-level Ministerial and Business delegation to Sweden, comprising representatives from ICT, Transportation and Energy, was led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, while the State delegation was headed by the Special Adviser, Office of SDGs and Investment, Solape Hammond.

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Tinubu Approves Cabinet Reshuffle, Appoints Oyedele as Finance Minister

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Taiwo Oyedele
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle affecting the Federal Executive Council (FEC), with key changes in the finance and housing ministries.

According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, have been directed to step down from their positions.

Taiwo Oyedele has been elevated to serve as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. He previously held the position of Minister of State in the ministry.

In the housing sector, Muttaqha Rabe Darma has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister-designate for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

All affected officials have been instructed to complete their handover processes on or before Thursday, April 23, 2026.

The presidency said the reshuffle is aimed at improving coordination in governance and delivering better economic outcomes under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The President also thanked the outgoing ministers for their service and wished them well in their future endeavors.

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Bamidele: 2026 Electoral Act Reflects Stakeholders’ Consensus, Not Legislative Imposition

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Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
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The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has stated that the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act were the outcome of broad consultations with stakeholders rather than unilateral decisions by the National Assembly.

In an Easter message issued on Sunday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele explained that the new electoral law aligns with global best practices and was not designed to serve any political interest. He urged political actors to adhere to the rules collectively established to ensure stability, peace, and order within Nigeria’s democratic system.

His remarks come amid criticisms from opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which alleged that certain provisions—such as Sections 77 and 84 of the Act—were introduced to weaken their chances ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Bamidele dismissed the claims, insisting that all sections of the law were products of consensus involving civil society groups, development partners, and other stakeholders.

He defended the requirement for political parties to submit a digital register of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a transparency measure aimed at preventing undue influence by individuals outside party structures. According to him, the reform is essential for strengthening internal democracy and ensuring that party decisions reflect the will of legitimate members.

Bamidele also justified the restriction of candidate nomination processes to either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, noting that the move is intended to eliminate the delegate system, which he said had been susceptible to manipulation by wealthy individuals. He added that the new system empowers party members and reinforces majority rule in line with democratic principles.

Beyond electoral matters, the Senate leader condemned recent violent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states, describing them as unacceptable acts against innocent citizens. He assured that the National Assembly is collaborating with federal and state authorities to tackle insecurity and prevent further loss of lives.

He disclosed that ongoing legislative efforts, including amendments to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, are aimed at introducing stricter penalties for kidnappers, their sponsors, and collaborators. Bamidele expressed confidence that these measures would help restore security and stability across the country.

Reflecting on Easter, Bamidele called on Nigerians, especially political leaders, to embrace the values of sacrifice, tolerance, and unity exemplified by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging a collective commitment to nation-building.

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FG to Deploy AI Cameras to Tackle Insecurity in Plateau — Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has announced that the Federal Government will deploy over 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled digital cameras across Plateau State to help security agencies combat rising insecurity.

The President made this known on Thursday during a visit to Jos, following the March 29 gun attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed several lives. He assured residents that such incidents would not recur, pledging decisive action to bring perpetrators to justice.

Tinubu directed security chiefs, including the Minister of Defence, Chief of Army Staff, and Inspector General of Police, to track down those responsible for the killings. He also tasked the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, with overseeing the immediate installation of the surveillance system, starting in Jos and later expanding across the state.

Expressing sympathy to affected families, the President said no compensation could replace lost lives but promised government support and justice. He also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to compile data on victims to ensure fair distribution of relief.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the incident as a temporary setback, noting that the state had previously enjoyed relative peace. He expressed confidence in ongoing security efforts and thanked the Federal Government for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen local security.

Stakeholders at the meeting, including former governors and political leaders, called for greater collaboration and dialogue among Plateau indigenes, stressing that lasting peace would require collective responsibility.

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