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Manufacturers Association of Nigeria urges FG not to sign AfCFTA agreement in Kigali

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The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)  on Wednesday strongly supported the move by the Federal Government on its refusal to sign the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Manufacturers Association frowned at the contents of the agreement, noting that it will lead to gross unemployment in the country as most manufacturing companies in the country will be made to die a quicker death.

The Association President, Dr. Frank Jacobs said his association would not support Federal Government’s adoption and ratification of the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) until issues of market access and enforcement of rules of origin are addressed.

According to MAN, the agitation from the private sector was a result of lack of consultation and inclusion of inputs of key stakeholders before Nigeria’s position was presented at the meetings of the African Union-Technical Working Group on CFTA in the build-up to AfCFTA negotiation by Nigeria.

The AfCTA is expected to create a trade bloc of 1.2 billion people with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of more than $2 trillion. The agreement commits countries to removing tariffs on 90% of goods and to liberalize services.

Addressing journalists yesterday, Association of Manufacturers President, Dr. Frank Jacobs explained that the issues of market access that allows only 10 percent of products to be protected as well as government’s enforcement mechanism in the area of enforcement of rules of origin need to be clearly defined before local producers can support the agreement.

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Noting that MAN is not oblivious of the benefits inherent in installing a continental trade agreement like AfCFTA that could improve intra-African trade and enhance economic growth and sustainable development, Jacobs said that Nigeria’s national interest should however be the primary consideration in the decision to sign-on to such an arrangement.

In his recommendations, Jacobs urged the government to set in motion a process that will enable all stakeholders on the international trade value chain in Nigeria to quickly review the text of the draft AfCFTA agreement and come up with comments on areas that are not in the best interest of the Nigerian economy and sectors.

“Government should, as matter of urgency, convene a special meeting of the relevant stakeholders, including experts on trade policy to consider tariff lines rates along the line of efficiency, sectoral and sub-sectoral preferences that would be most beneficial to Nigerian businesses under the AfCFTA dispensation as well as reconsider the national position on EPA vis-a-vis the AfCFTA especially on tariff lines of products on the sensitive/exclusion list, with a view to ensuring that the EU-EPA is not reintroduced through the AfCFTA’s back door.

“Review presentations and prepare a detailed submission for the Government on ways and means of participating in the AfCFTA in a manner that our national interest and that of the budding manufacturing sector are effectively protected”, he added.

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Metro

Israel-Palestine Conflict Claims 35,173 Lives

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An Israeli army battle tank moves in an area along the border with the Gaza Strip and southern Israel on April 2, 2024 amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and the militant group Hamas. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP)

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Tuesday that at least 35,173 people have been killed in the territory during more than seven months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants.

The toll includes at least 82 deaths over the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 79,061 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7.

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Photos: Tragic Accident Claims Two Lives in Ogbomoso

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In a devastating turn of events today, tragedy struck the streets of Oke- Owode in Ogbomoso as a fatal collision between a bus laden with mango fruits and a car occupied by suspected yahoo boys claimed the lives of two individuals, including the bus driver.

Eyewitness accounts at the scene painted a grim picture, alleging that the occupants of the car, believed to be involved in cybercrime activities, were driving recklessly, possibly impaired by alcohol.

Their vehicle collided with the mango-laden bus, resulting in the loss of lives.

Promptly responding to the distress call, law enforcement officials arrived at the scene to assess the situation.

Their efforts focused on clearing the obstruction caused by the bus and attending to the victims. The bodies of the deceased were carefully removed and transported for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the car driven by the suspected yahoo boys was impounded and taken to the Police Area Command for thorough examination.

Authorities are committed to unraveling the circumstances leading to the accident and holding those responsible accountable.

The incident has caused significant disruption to traffic in the Oke Owode area, prompting authorities to work tirelessly to restore normalcy.

Expressing shock and grief, local residents and community members emphasised the importance of adherence to traffic regulations and called for caution among drivers to avert such tragedies in the future.

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As investigations unfold, the police remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, determined to establish the facts surrounding the accident and ensure that justice is served.

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Gunmen Kill 3 Police Officers, FRSC Personnel in Enugu Attacks

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Unknown gunmen have reportedly killed 3 police officers and one Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) personnel in separate attacks in Nsukka and Udenu local government areas in Enugu state.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the gunmen first attacked a police division in Umabor Eha-Alumona in the Nsukka area council on Saturday night, claiming the lives of two policemen.

In a distinct incident, the assailants targeted a federal road safety personnel and a police officer, who was attached to the traditional ruler of Egali Amalla Community in Orba, Udenu Local Area, HRH Igwe Patrick Eze, also known as Igwe Waziri. Fortunately, the monarch escaped unharmed.

During the rampage, the gunmen also set ablaze an FRSC van.

As of now, the police authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the killings.

These tragic events occurred less than 24 hours after two police officers were murdered within the state metropolis, prompting Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to announce a 10 million naira bounty on the culprits.

Governor Mbah has pledged to employ all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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