Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Video - Nigerian government unveils comprehensive plan to revive economy by 2020
The Nigerian Government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to get the country's economy out of recession and set it on a strong path of growth. Called the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP, it is envisaged that by 2020, Nigeria would have made significant progress towards achieving structural economic change with a more diversified and inclusive economy.
Hate Crime Unit to launch in South Africa to defend Nigerians
South Africa says it will launch an "early warning" system with Nigeria to track and deter xenophobic attacks following a surge in violence in the rainbow nation.
South Africa's Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said the new monitor would "help prevent violence" against foreigners and their businesses as she met with Geoffrey Onyeama, her Nigerian counterpart on Monday.
Last month, more than 20 shops were targeted in Atteridgeville, 120km west of Pretoria, while in Rosettenville, an area south of the commercial capital Johannesburg, residents attacked at least 12 houses.
In response to the violence, the Nigerian government called for the African Union to step in and stop the "xenophobic attacks", claiming 20 Nigerians were killed in South Africa last year.
South African authorities have declined to confirm the figure, which may have been the result of other criminal activity, not just anti-immigrant violence.
Nkoana-Mashabane told reporters it was untrue that the attacks were specifically "targeting Nigerians", adding that citizens of other countries were also affected.
She said the monitor would meet every three months and would be made up of representatives from both countries including immigration officials, business associations, and civil society groups.
'Mass attacks'
Onyeama said he had received assurances that Nigerians in South Africa would be able to live in peace and called for an end to "mass attacks".
According to the Nigerian Union in South Africa, there are about 800,000 Nigerians in the country, many of them living in Johannesburg.
A protest march against "migrant crime" was held in Pretoria on February 24 and resulted in violent clashes between crowds of young South African men and migrants from elsewhere in Africa, including Nigerians and Somalis.
Attacks against foreigners and foreign-run businesses have erupted regularly in recent years in South Africa, fuelled by the country's high unemployment and poverty levels.
President Jacob Zuma called for calm and restraint, saying that migrants should not be used as a scapegoat for the country's widespread crime problem.
South Africa's Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said the new monitor would "help prevent violence" against foreigners and their businesses as she met with Geoffrey Onyeama, her Nigerian counterpart on Monday.
Last month, more than 20 shops were targeted in Atteridgeville, 120km west of Pretoria, while in Rosettenville, an area south of the commercial capital Johannesburg, residents attacked at least 12 houses.
In response to the violence, the Nigerian government called for the African Union to step in and stop the "xenophobic attacks", claiming 20 Nigerians were killed in South Africa last year.
South African authorities have declined to confirm the figure, which may have been the result of other criminal activity, not just anti-immigrant violence.
Nkoana-Mashabane told reporters it was untrue that the attacks were specifically "targeting Nigerians", adding that citizens of other countries were also affected.
She said the monitor would meet every three months and would be made up of representatives from both countries including immigration officials, business associations, and civil society groups.
'Mass attacks'
Onyeama said he had received assurances that Nigerians in South Africa would be able to live in peace and called for an end to "mass attacks".
According to the Nigerian Union in South Africa, there are about 800,000 Nigerians in the country, many of them living in Johannesburg.
A protest march against "migrant crime" was held in Pretoria on February 24 and resulted in violent clashes between crowds of young South African men and migrants from elsewhere in Africa, including Nigerians and Somalis.
Attacks against foreigners and foreign-run businesses have erupted regularly in recent years in South Africa, fuelled by the country's high unemployment and poverty levels.
President Jacob Zuma called for calm and restraint, saying that migrants should not be used as a scapegoat for the country's widespread crime problem.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Video - Nigerian foreign minister due in South Africa for talks
Nigeria's foreign minister Geoffrey Onyeama is due in South Africa Monday. The backdrop is a recent strain on relations triggered by a spate of attacks on foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians. Some South Africans claim foreigners are taking their jobs and promoting crime. The South African government has condemned the violence, but blamed criminal elements, rather than xenophobia.
President Buhari resumes work after sick leave
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari wrote to lawmakers informing them that he’s returning to work Monday after more than seven weeks on sick leave in the U.K., presidential spokesman Femi Adesina said on Twitter.
Adesina said Buhari, 74, will be briefed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was acting president during his medical treatment for an undisclosed medical condition. Buhari returned to Nigeria on March 10 and spent the weekend resting. His long absence fueled concern about government paralysis and speculation that he wouldn’t be able to continue in office.
Buhari has been confronting growing opposition in a nation suffering an economic recession amid a slump in the production and prices for oil, its main export, and an Islamist insurgency in the nation’s northeast that he’s failed to quell.
Adesina said Buhari, 74, will be briefed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was acting president during his medical treatment for an undisclosed medical condition. Buhari returned to Nigeria on March 10 and spent the weekend resting. His long absence fueled concern about government paralysis and speculation that he wouldn’t be able to continue in office.
Buhari has been confronting growing opposition in a nation suffering an economic recession amid a slump in the production and prices for oil, its main export, and an Islamist insurgency in the nation’s northeast that he’s failed to quell.
Friday, March 10, 2017
Krispy Kreme to open in Nigeria
“We are thrilled to be expanding into Nigeria, and we are fortunate to be working with an exceptional group,” the Vice President of International at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Michael McGill said.
“The joy of a Krispy Kreme doughnut and coffee is beloved all over the world, and we cannot wait to introduce that joy to the people of Nigeria over the next several years.”
According to Business Week, Quality Foods Africa (QFA) is an African quick service restaurant business focused on providing a dining experience in accordance with top global standards and service quality to Africa’s rapidly growing consumer markets.
“We are delighted to be able to bring the Krispy Kreme brand to Nigeria,” the CEO of QFA, Edmond Sassine said.
“Nigeria is a huge market and we are truly excited about bringing the world’s best doughnuts to one of Africa’s biggest economies.”
This development agreement will make Nigeria the 31st nation with a Krispy Kreme presence worldwide. Nigeria is the second African nation to open Krispy Kreme shops. Krispy Kreme made its African debut in South Africa in 2015.
Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation is a global retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature original glazed doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.A., the company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and coffee since it was founded in 1937.
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