Nigeria advocates for freer movement across Africa to boost trade and AfCFTA implementation
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying efforts to promote freer movement across Africa to boost trade, investment, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, stated that trade cannot thrive where entrepreneurs and investors face movement restrictions, emphasizing that easier movement of people, goods, and investments is crucial for unlocking opportunities under the AfCFTA. Nigeria is committed to removing barriers hindering trade and business mobility across African markets and is engaging through the AfCFTA Secretariat, African Union, and bilateral channels for simplified visa procedures, including visa-on-arrival arrangements and mutual recognition of business travel documentation. The Minister commended Togo for committing to remove visa requirements for African travelers and praised Rwanda's progressive visa policy for strengthening business travel, tourism, and regional investment. Nigeria is also addressing trade barriers through the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and improved customs cooperation, with digital trade facilitation, transport connectivity, and better logistics expected to reduce business costs. Freer movement is anticipated to create opportunities for trade, investment, jobs, and economic growth across Africa, benefiting Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs, women-led businesses, and non-oil exporters. Nigeria has inaugurated the Nigeria-Uganda Air Car
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Four individuals abducted from Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, have been successfully rescued and are receiving care. The victims, including the school principal, a NECO official, and two female candidates, were taken on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, by armed bandits during an ongoing National Examinations Council examination. Commissioner of Police, Bello Kankarofi, announced the rescue on Friday, July 17, 2026, stating that security operatives, following orders from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, deployed tactical teams and intelligence assets, leading to the victims' rescue on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Preliminary findings indicate that the school had been shut down by the Kogi State Government due to its isolated location and security concerns, but was allegedly used as an unauthorized 'special examination centre' for ten candidates. Investigations are underway into allegations that individuals facilitated the use of the abandoned facility and that the classroom used for the examination had a history of examination malpractice. The Commissioner emphasized that anyone found to have violated the law will be prosecuted and urged examination bodies and school authorities to cooperate with the investigation. He also thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Governor Ododo, and various security agencies for their support and efforts, assuring the public that operations to identify and arrest those responsible are ongoing.
Must ReadThe Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has expressed sorrow over the death of Sgt. John Abena, a police officer who died during a joint security operation to rescue schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State. Disu also praised the bravery and success of the operatives involved in the rescue mission. Speaking on Friday while receiving the personnel, the IG noted that an officer made the ultimate sacrifice while working with other security agencies to free the abducted children. He highlighted that other officers injured during the operation are recovering well and assured continued support for their welfare and the family of the deceased officer. The IG explained that publicizing the deaths of officers killed in the line of duty is standard practice, emphasizing that police officers are human beings with emotions. He commended the collaboration among security agencies, stressing that no single agency is superior in the fight against insecurity, and appealed to the public to provide useful information. SP Abdulrahman Mohammed, an officer who participated, stated that the team viewed the abducted children as their own. Gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, on May 15, 2026, abducting 49 pupils, teachers, and a toddler, and killing a teacher. A multi-agency operation rescued 44 victims on July 10, 2026, after over a month of intelligence-led efforts, with Sgt. John Abena being among the security operatives who died.
Must ReadGhanaian TikToker Camilla Alhassan has been sentenced to one year in prison for offensive conduct and publishing false news. The 43-year-old admitted to making unsubstantiated claims in a series of TikTok videos that President John Mahama sacrificed 32 cows in a ritual to secure victory in the 2024 presidential election. She also alleged that the government's distribution of sanitary pads to flood victims was a cover-up for this act. Prosecutors stated that Alhassan, who has over 70,000 followers, made false and defamatory allegations that were widely shared. The court denied her request for a lighter sentence, emphasizing the need to deter the spread of misinformation on social media. This case has sparked renewed debate in Ghana regarding the balance between combating misinformation and upholding freedom of expression. It follows another instance last year where TikToker David Kwodwo Prah Afful was jailed for making death threats against President Mahama and Members of Parliament. The Mahama administration has consistently warned against the dissemination of false information online and is considering legislation to address misinformation while safeguarding constitutional free expression.