By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has called on the federal government to deepen collaboration with the private sector to unlock Nigeria’s path to a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

This call was made during a recent visit to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, by a delegation led by NACCIMA’s Director General, Mr Olusola Obadimu, as part of ongoing engagements on Nigeria’s economic reform programme.

Mr Obadimu acknowledged the government’s economic stabilisation efforts and urged the minister to work closely with the private sector in driving structural reforms that would support growth and job creation.

He particularly emphasized the need for clarity on taxation, improved access to trade finance for MSMEs, and realistic policy implementation timelines.

“We commend the bold steps so far, from fuel subsidy removal to exchange rate unification. But Nigeria’s full economic potential can only be realised when private sector voices are not just heard, but integrated into decision-making,” Mr Obadimu said.

The NACCIMA delegation also sought ministerial support for its 65th Annual Conference, themed Harnessing Private Sector Potential to Achieve a One Trillion Dollar Economy by 2030, and its flagship Investment Summit scheduled for December 2025.

“There is no other way forward than for government and business to move in lockstep. Achieving a $1 trillion economy is ambitious, but achievable, if we trust and empower the engines of enterprise,” Mr Obadimu stressed.

Responding, Mr Edun reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to correcting long-standing structural distortions, boosting productivity, and encouraging private investment.

“We are focused on building a resilient and inclusive economy. The recent strengthening of the Naira, rising local production, and increased capital inflows, both domestic and from the diaspora, are early signs that our reforms are working,” the minister said.

According to a statement, both parties agreed that long-term economic transformation requires strong public-private partnerships, with the private sector positioned as a key driver of innovation, investment, and employment.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos State Government has advised residents to prioritise safety and avoid dangerous practices during the expected and intense rainfall this week.

Business Post reports that Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted three days of heavy downpours and thunderstorms across Nigeria from Monday, August 4, to Wednesday, August 6.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Environment in Lagos State, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, residents were warned to avoid practices like dumping refuses as well as ensuring safety, due to possible overwhelming of some drainage systems.

“Lagos has experienced intense rainfall, and more is expected in the coming days according to NiMET’s latest advisory. I urge all residents to remain calm. We have resilient systems in place to manage flash floods, but the sheer volume of rainfall may temporarily overwhelm some drainage channels,” he said.

He noted that as a coastal city, Lagos is vulnerable to tidal lock-up when rising water levels in the lagoon slow down the discharge of runoff, adding that this has worsened by climate change.

“We are closely monitoring areas near rivers and lagoons, which are at higher risk of flash floods with strong currents.

“Parents and guardians, please keep your children indoors during this holiday period. Swimming or playing in floodwater is extremely dangerous. I also appeal to motorists and pedestrians to avoid moving through flooded roads. Vehicles can be submerged, and lives can be lost,” he advised.

“Once again, I must stress, do not dump refuse into drains during rainfall. It clogs our drainage systems and worsens flooding. There are consequences for such actions, and enforcement will continue,” he added.

The commissioner noted that state teams will be working round the clock to clean and maintain drainages.

“[and] are expanding our network with concrete-lined channels to manage runoff more effectively. But in times of unusually heavy downpour like this, every resident must play their part,”

NiMet, in its weather outlook released on Sunday, August 3, in Abuja, had said early morning thunderstorms were expected yesterday with medium rains over parts of Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, and Taraba states in the northern region.

‎It added that later in the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains would descend on the entire northern region.

“There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states during the forecast period.

“In the central region, there are prospects of light rains over parts of Benue, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa States during the morning hours,” NiMeT stated.

NiMet predicted that in the afternoon or evening hours of Monday, there would be light rains over parts of Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Benue.

There would also be cloudy skies with light rain in southern states, including parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa, said the organisation.

Light rains are also expected later in the day in parts of Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

The agency anticipated the high possibility of floods happening over parts of Edo, Ogun, Delta, and Oyo States during the forecast period. ‎

NiMet also predicted morning thunderstorms over the northern region on Tuesday with moderate rains over parts of Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara States.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria is working towards a renewed target of moving about five million homes to clean cooking by 2030, according to the Minister for State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo.

He made the declaration while delivering the ministerial address and remarks at the opening ceremony of the 48th Nigeria Annual International Conference & Exhibition (NAICE) 2025 on Monday.

He explained that the target can only be made possible through increased investment in gas infrastructure in critical projects such as the OB3 and AKK pipelines, progressing to deliver gas to markets nationwide; and promoting modular and scalable gas projects, including mini-LNG and CNG stations.

According to him, the government is also ramping up efforts to improve last-mile access and stimulate local economic activity and facilitate job creation through strategic public-private partnerships in the construction, logistics, and retail segments of the gas value chain.

“President Bola Tinubu has placed gas at the heart of Nigeria’s energy strategy. His vision, aptly captured in the phrase “From Gas to Prosperity”, reflects our national ambition to utilise our abundant natural gas resources to fuel industrialisation, create jobs, and expand access to clean and affordable energy for all Nigerians.

“Over the past year, we have taken decisive steps in line with this vision. We have expanded gas supply for industrial use, prioritising gas availability for manufacturing hubs, power generation, and industrial corridors.

“As of today, I’ve been reassured that every gas offtaker currently receives the gas they require for their industrial processes; Rolled out the LPG Penetration Programme, distributing cylinders across the six geopolitical zones and empowering women and youth, promoting clean cooking.

“Under the Decade of Gas Initiative, we are also making meaningful strides to unlock value across the midstream and downstream sectors.

“Notably, we have facilitated the development of gas processing facilities and virtual pipeline systems, ensuring gas reaches off-grid and underserved communities, supported private sector investment in LPG and CNG infrastructure, including autogas stations, domestic cylinder manufacturing, and distribution networks, strengthened coordination via the Decade of Gas Secretariat, driving alignment and accountability across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, Advanced the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), converting waste to wealth while supporting environmental goals, secured presidential approvals to address legacy debts, incentivising upstream gas supply and stabilising the domestic market”, he said.

He also said the federal government has released much-needed financial support to project promoters via the Midstream Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF).

“All these efforts are anchored on a single, resolute belief, which is that Nigeria’s gas must work for Nigerians, not just as an export commodity, but as a foundation for inclusive growth, national development, and energy security.”