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Southeast Gears Up for ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Workshop in Enugu
The South-East business community will converge in Enugu on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, for a major ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation workshop designed to deepen regional trade, entrepreneurship, and job creation across West Africa.
Southeast Gears Up for ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Workshop in Enugu
October 26, 2025 | Enugu
The business community across Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone is set for a major economic convergence as Enugu hosts the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Summit on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
The event, scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu, is organised by the ECOWAS National Unit of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Enugu State Government. Governor Peter Mbah will serve as Chief Host, while the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, will officially host the high-profile regional workshop.
According to Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), established in 1979, is a central instrument for promoting regional economic integration and boosting cross-border commerce among West African nations. The scheme provides duty-free market access for goods certified as originating within ECOWAS, thereby encouraging local manufacturing, innovation, and competitiveness.
Dr. Eze explained that the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme will significantly reduce import dependency, foster entrepreneurship, and generate employment. He disclosed that Nigeria currently accounts for 36.1 percent of all registered companies under the ETLS across the sub-region—amounting to 3,146 firms and more than 6,000 certified products. “In 2024 alone, 800 companies and 419 products were newly registered,” he added.
Despite its promise, the scheme remains underutilised due to limited awareness among small businesses and informal traders. The Enugu sensitisation workshop therefore seeks to close this knowledge gap by educating participants on the benefits, eligibility criteria, certification process, and documentation procedures required to export goods duty-free across the ECOWAS market.
The one-day ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation programme will attract entrepreneurs, SMEs, members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), exporters, agro-processors, and women in business. With the theme “Increasing Intra-regional Trade through ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme,” the workshop underscores the region’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and cross-border cooperation.
Dr. Eze emphasised that the processing of ETLS applications in Nigeria is free, urging the Southeast business community to take advantage of the opportunity to learn how to export their products duty-free to other West African countries.
The ministry expressed optimism that the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Summit in Enugu will strengthen compliance with ECOWAS regulations, enhance intra-African trade, and empower small businesses to participate more effectively in regional value chains. http://gmtnewsng.com
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NiMet Weather Update: Dust Haze and Rain Expected from Monday
NiMet weather update predicts three days of dust haze and rain across Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday, warning of possible flooding in parts of the South.
NiMet Weather Update: Dust Haze and Rain Expected from Monday
October 27, 2025 | Abuja
The NiMet weather update has predicted a mix of dust haze and rainfall across various parts of Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday, urging residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions.
In its NiMet weather update released on Sunday in Abuja, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) projected slight dust haze with good visibility over Borno, Zamfara, northern Kaduna, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States on Monday.
According to the agency, isolated thunderstorms and light rain are also expected in Taraba and Adamawa States during the afternoon and evening hours, while sunny skies with patches of clouds are likely in the central region, including FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi, with chances of late-day rain.
The NiMet weather update further noted cloudy conditions in the southern region on Monday morning, followed by moderate rainfall and thunderstorms later in the day over Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Ondo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Delta, and Rivers States.
For Tuesday, the NiMet weather forecast indicated continued slight dust haze in the north and possible thunderstorms in Taraba and Adamawa, while the central region will witness sunny skies with moderate rain in FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi.
Across the south, moderate rainfall is anticipated in Rivers, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom in the morning, with increasing intensity later in the day. NiMet also warned of possible flooding in parts of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River, urging authorities to activate emergency response measures.
By Wednesday, the NiMet weather update anticipates sunny skies across the north, with isolated thunderstorms in Taraba, and light rain in the central region, especially Kogi and the FCT. The southern states will start cloudy, transitioning to thunderstorms and moderate rain later in the day.
NiMet also cautioned against potential flash floods and advised motorists to drive carefully in wet conditions. The agency urged persons with asthma or respiratory issues to minimize outdoor exposure due to dust particles in northern airspace.
It further advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning and encouraged the public to stay informed through NiMet’s website and official communication channels. GMTNewsng
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Wike in Dubai for 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum
Wike in Dubai for the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum to engage world city leaders on sustainable urban development and global cooperation.
Wike in Dubai for 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum
Date: Oct. 27, 2025
The Wike in Dubai visit marks Nigeria’s strong representation at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (2025APCS), as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week for the high-level international engagement.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, on Monday, Wike in Dubai was warmly received by the Consul General of Nigeria, Ambassador Zayyanu Ibrahim, alongside officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who arrived ahead of him.
During the summit, Wike in Dubai will lead a discussion panel on Tuesday, where he will field questions about the Federal Capital Territory, exchange ideas with other Mayors of capital cities, and explore opportunities for sustainable city partnerships.
The 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum seeks to create long-term value for cities and businesses across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, promoting trade, innovation, and investment opportunities.
An initiative of the Brisbane City Council, Australia, the forum is recognized as one of the world’s most diverse gatherings of mayors, city leaders, business executives, and young professionals committed to shaping the future of global urban development.
The 2025APCS theme, “Collaborate, Inspire, Transform,” aligns with global efforts to build smart, resilient, and sustainable cities. Sub-themes such as “Centres of Connection” highlight the role of transportation networks and urban innovation in improving quality of life.
Through his participation, Wike in Dubai underscores Nigeria’s commitment to engaging the global urban community in forward-thinking conversations about development, governance, and sustainability. GMTNewsng
https://fcta.gov.ng/
Dubai (UAE) – official city portal: https://www.dubai.ae/
News
NDA Shooting Exercise 2025: Academy Sends Strong Warning to Kaduna Residents
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has warned residents of Afaka, Kauya, and Mando to stay clear of its open range during the NDA shooting exercise scheduled from Oct. 28 to Nov. 7, 2025, in Kaduna.
NDA shooting exercise: Academy warns Kaduna residents
October 27, 2025 | Kaduna
The NDA shooting exercise scheduled by the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has prompted a public warning to residents of Afaka, Kauya, Tsamiya, and Mando in Kaduna State to steer clear of its open range from Tuesday, October 28 to November 7, 2025.
According to a statement released by the NDA Public Relations Officer, Major Mohammed Maidawa, the NDA shooting exercise is part of the Range Management Package for cadets of the 73 Regular Course (Army), aimed at improving their combat readiness. http://nda.org.ng
“The NDA wishes to inform the general public, especially inhabitants of Mando, Tsamiya, Kauya, and Afaka general area, that it will be conducting its Range Management Package NDA shooting exercise for cadets,” the statement read.
Maj. Maidawa assured residents that all safety precautions have been taken for the smooth and secure conduct of the NDA shooting exercise, while urging the public to cooperate with military personnel during the period.
The statement added that the Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Ibrahim, conveys his appreciation to the host communities for their understanding and continued support.
The Nigerian Defence Academy, based in Kaduna, is Nigeria’s foremost military training institution, responsible for producing officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The shooting exercise forms part of its continuous efforts to enhance professionalism and discipline among its cadets. GMTNewsng
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