The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), is committed to transforming the economy of Ekiti state into an investor-friendly haven, the Executive Secretary of the commission Ms Aisha Rimi has promised.
Rimi made the pledge in a statement issued on Thursday following a courtesy visit to Gov. Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti state.

The visit is coming ahead of the inauguration of the Nigerian Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS) in the state.

She said that the NICPS initiative is aimed at improving on the speed of delivery to investors, fostering an environment that is welcoming and conducive for business growth in Ekiti.

Rimi indicated that the commission, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is implementing the NICPS in three pilot states of which Ekiti is one of the beneficiaries.
According to her, Ekiti boasts of the highest number of Ph.Ds per capita in Nigeria, demonstrating a commitment to education and knowledge.
According to her, Ekiti is positioned to becoming a hub for agricultural innovation and development going by its vast arable land and a dedicated agriculture processing zone

“The state is a hidden gem for eco-tourism, featuring breathtaking attractions such as Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Arinta Waterfalls, Olosunta Hills, and many more.

“The NICPS initiative aims to enhance Ekiti’s speed of delivery to investors, fostering an environment that is not only welcoming but also conducive to business growth.

“NIPC is committed to supporting Ekiti’s transformation into an investor-friendly haven,” she said.

The Honourable Commissioner in the Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Honourable. Patrick Iria Uanseru, has called for more collaborative efforts from all Cooperative societies in Edo State to achieve the much needed socio economic development for the people.

Hon. Uanseru made the call at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) during an all stakeholders meeting with executive members of Cooperative societies across Edo State.

The Commissioner in his opening remarks pointed out that, the Make Edo Great Again(MEGA) vision of the executive governor of Edo State, Dr. Godwin Obaseki, can only be realised if cooperative societies across the state, rise up to their responsibilities for the socio-economic development of the State.

The Commissioner provided an overview of the Ministry’s mission, goals, and key initiatives for cooperatives operating in the state.

Hon. Uanseru while emphasizing that, the issues of accountability and transparancy were sacrosanct, frowned at situations where cooperatives blatantly go against the law by refusing to make their books available for auditing.

He warned unregistered cooperatives parading themselves as fully functional cooperatives to desist and do the needful by getting registered with the ministry.

Representatives from various cooperatives shared insights into their respective cooperative societies, highlighting their contributions to the local economy and the challenges they face.
These challenges included access to finance, technical training, marketing support, and infrastructure.

There were various contributions on how the Ministry and cooperatives could collaborate effectively.
Several potential areas of collaboration were also identified.

On capacity building, Hon. Uanseru indicated that, the Ministry will be organizing trainings and workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of cooperative members, focusing on areas such as business management, financial literacy, and modern Agriculture, as well as strategies for marketing cooperative products both locally and internationally .

He suggested organizing trade fairs, exhibitions, and linking cooperatives with potential buyers.

Addressing the issue of finance, he said, the Ministry proposed the establishment of a cooperative partnership with financial institutions to facilitate easier access to loans and grants for cooperative members.

He gave the assurance that, the Ministry of cooperatives was committed to advocacy policies that promote and protect cooperative interests.

The Commissioner expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of the collaborative efforts as thanked the cooperative representatives for their valuable inputs.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the cooperatives to achieve shared goals.

At the end of the meeting, a joint action plan was drafted, outlining specific steps and timelines for collaboration. These among others included, regular stakeholder meetings to monitor progress and address challenges; development of training programs tailored to cooperative needs; identification of suitable markets for cooperative products.

Executive members from a total of 69 Cooperatives Societies were present at the meeting.

***Salih-Farah, Ohiani, Ibrahim, others to speak at forum  

Key stakeholders in the transportation and logistics industry would on Tuesday discuss the possibility of developing auto gas as transportation fuel in the country
This is coming against the backdrop of the high cost of fuel in Nigeria.
The event scheduled to hold on 11th July 2023 at the NAF Centre, Kado Abuja, is a 1-Day Stakeholder Engagement Forum on the provision of technical manpower and facility for the development of Autogas as
transportation fuel in Nigeria and organised by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology ( NITT), Zaria.
It has as its  theme,  “Autogas as Alternative Fuel for
Transportation in Nigeria”.
In a statement issued by the Institute on Friday, it said the aim of the forum is to engage stakeholders (Vehicle Users, Transport Union, Manufacturers and Vehicle Mechanics) to deliberate on the adequacy and
preparedness in switching from using fossil fuel to Autogas as transport fuel in Nigeria
The forum is expected to attract major stakeholders such as Transport operators(public/private); Mass transit; Oil/Gas investors; Automobile
workshops/Mechanics; Conversion kits manufacturers/investors, Technical
Institutions; Unions/Associations of Transporters such as NURTW, NARTO, RTEAN, NATE, NARTA, and Tricycle unions.

 Also, policy makers and
regulators such as the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources; Federal Ministry ofIndustry, Trade and

Investment; Federal Ministry of Finance; State Ministries of Transportation Trade &
Commerce; national and State Chambers of Commerce and Industry; NGEP; CBN; Nigeria 
Customs service, NADDC, ICRC; SON; and NBTE are expected to be in attendance.
Ths forum which will be declared open by the Director General/ Chief E executive of NITT Dr Bayero Salih- Farah, will have notable key speakers such as Dr. M.M Ibrahim (Chairman, NGEP) and Mr. Joe Aniku Michael Ohiani (Director General,  Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, amongst others 

The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria is the apex management development Institute for transport and logistics in Nigeria and the West African Sub-region. It is a career development and professional certification centre. NITT provides corporate leadership and strategic management, training, conducts research and advisory services, engages in transport Intelligence and monitoring activities as well as develops and adapts transport technology to suit the country’s needs.

It was established on 14th March, 1986 via Decree No.6 (now CAP 116, LFN, 2004) to among other things address mainly the problems of the transport sector such as inefficient and low productivity, fast depreciation of capital investments, deficient management and maintenance of infrastructure, low level of professionalism and high expenditure on overseas training, through the supply of professionally competent leaders, managers, technologists and other specialists; and the provision of the expertise that will improve the industry’s performance for efficiency and effectiveness

The Institute is mandated by its Enabling Act to specifically provide management training for personnel employed in all modes of transport. NITT serves as a Transport Intelligence Centre for monitoring transport and logistics systems and provides equipment and facilities for the encouragement, promotion, and conduct of applied research in all modes of transport

The statement advised interested participants at the stakeholders meeting to contact the NITT Director, Transport Technology Center (TTC) or visit the Institute website (www.nitt.gov.ng) for more information and general
inquiries.