Malaysia to deepen diplomatic relations with Nigeria in trade, education

Aiyub bin Omar, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, has reiterated his country’s dedication to strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria, particularly in trade and education, as they approach 60 years of bilateral relations by 2025.

Omar speaking at an event commemorating Nigeria’s 67th Independence Day and Malaysia’s 61st National Day on Friday in Abuja, highlighted Malaysia’s contributions to Nigeria’s development through technical assistance and expertise under the South-South Cooperation framework.

He said since 1981, 569 Nigerian government officials have benefited from the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) in various technical courses, including trade, economy, construction skills, and cybersecurity.

Omar emphasised the longstanding relationship between the two nations, built on mutual interest in politics and economy.

“In essence, our bilateral relations focus on trade, education, people-to-people contact, and bilateral development assistance.

“Globally, Nigeria ranks as Malaysia’s 37th trading partner, with total bilateral trade valued at USD956 million in 2023.

“This year, our bilateral trade reached USD747 million by July; Nigeria is currently Malaysia’s 4th largest trading partner in Africa, after South Africa, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire.

“Malaysia remains a preferred destination for Nigerian students pursuing tertiary education, with approximately 3,386 students enrolled in Malaysian public and private institutions.

“Malaysia’s journey to post-independence was marked by challenges, struggles, and negotiations among political parties, ultimately leading to self-governance.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Amb. Mistura Abdulraheem, Director of the Asia-Pacific Division in the ministry, commended the Malaysian people for their unity, resilience, and progress.

He noted that Nigeria and Malaysia have a long-standing diplomatic relationship built on mutual respect, shared aspirations, and common interests, which have been strengthened through economic cooperation.

“Our two countries have enjoyed strong diplomatic ties for decades, built on a foundation of mutual cooperation in various sectors, including trade, education, and technology.

“A shining example is the collaboration between Nigeria and Malaysia, which has facilitated critical exchange in technology transfer, capacity building, and innovation.

“This partnership in technology highlights the potential of our countries working together to address the challenges of the 21st century.

“By leveraging Malaysia’s advancements in areas such as ICT, digital innovation, sustainable development, and oil markets, we are creating opportunities for our people and economies,” he said.

UK announces  $5m investment to establish first recycling facility in Nigeria

The British High Commissioner, Dr Richard Montgomery, has announced a United Kingdom (UK)- sponsored five million dollar investment to establish the first battery recycling facility in Nigeria.

This is according to a statement by Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at the British High Commission on Friday in Abuja.

Montgomery said that the announcement and signing of a letter of intent by UK company, Hinckley, to establish the facility in Ogun state was made when he visited Gov. Dapo Abiodun.

According to him, the five million dollar investment provided by UK’s Manufacturing Africa (MA) will create a lithium-ion battery and lead acid battery recycling and treatment plant in Ogun State, using patented recycling technology.

“It is fantastic that Hinckley Recycling is committing to establish the first battery recycling facility in Nigeria, creating a new high-value addition export industry in Ogun State and 100 new jobs.

“Congratulations to the Commissioners and to OgunInvest who worked with Hinckley to make this groundbreaking project a reality.

“The UK fully supports the governor’s mission to bring new investment and new jobs into Ogun State.

“The UK Government’s development finance bank, British International Investment, invested 15 million dollars into Valency International last year.

“And the UK’s Manufacturing Africa programme is supporting four other companies in Ogun State to raise capital and expand their production facilities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the envoy, who also visited Lagos state,  underscored the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting development initiatives in Nigeria.

During the four-day visit, the High Commissioner met with Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

He engaged in discussions focused on enhancing economic ties, investment opportunities and future priorities that could be beneficial to both Lagos and Ogun states, and the UK.

According to Montgomery, his visit to Lagos and Ogun States reinforced the strong ties between our two great countries.

He said that both states were key to boosting Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

The envoy,  therefore,   reiterated the UK’s commitment to driving growth, promoting trade and supporting their developments.

In Lagos,  Montgomery also met with Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and some business leaders in Nigeria, including the CEOs of Airtel Nigeria, Standard Chartered, Nigeria Helios Investment Partners, Afrinvest and KPMG West Africa.

Police arrest two for allegedly selling newborn twins in Lagos

The Police Command in Lagos State says it has arrested two women, Ujunwa Una and Chinelo Igbechionwu over alleged sales of newborn twins.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this in a post he shared on his X handle @benHundeyin on Friday.

He said that the police apprehended the suspects based on a tip-off by a concerned citizen.

“The suspects were arrested by patrol officers from Ojodu Division stationed at Berger bus stop, an entry point into Lagos State, who had earlier been alerted about the suspects by a good Samaritan.

“The suspects were found with two newborn baby girls, approximately six days old, while travelling from Abia State on Sept. 9.

“Investigations revealed that the suspects were en route to deliver the babies to one nurse in Lagos State whom the mother of the babies promised to link them up with only after they had arrived in Lagos.

“Upon questioning, the suspects confessed to the crime, stating that they were paid the sum of ₦150,000 for transportation of the babies to Lagos.

“The suspects added that the mother of the babies sold the babies because she could not give them proper care, ” Hundeyin said.

The image maker said that the case was transferred to the Gender Unit of the Command, from where the newborns were placed in the custody of a motherless babies’ home for proper care and medical evaluation.

According to him, an investigation is ongoing to arrest other conspirators.

The spokesperson said that the arrested suspects were arraigned on Thursday.