By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has met with the British Foreign Secretary in London to discuss new strategies for strengthening cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting, which was held at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), centred on key issues such as trade, investment, security, education, migration, and climate action.

Both sides reviewed progress in existing partnerships and explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in areas that directly impact citizens.

Ambassador Tuggar described the discussions as productive, emphasising that they reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and shared democratic values that underpin Nigeria–UK relations.

The talks also addressed global and regional developments, including defence cooperation and governance reforms, while highlighting the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora to the UK social and economic life.

Both countries agreed to sustain regular diplomatic dialogue and ensure swift implementation of commitments made during the meeting.

Ambassador Tuggar’s visit forms part of Nigeria’s broader diplomatic effort to enhance strategic partnerships, attract investment, and position the country as a key player in global development and cooperation.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025 into law before month end.

This is according to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, during a public hearing jointly organised by the Senate and House of Representatives committees on ICT and cybersecurity and Digital and Information technology today.

He indicated that Nigeria is poised to make history as the first African nation to enact a comprehensive law on digital economy and e-governance.

Tijani described the Bill as a transformative framework that will modernise governance, strengthen the digital economy and help unlock Nigeria’s pathway to a 1 trillion dollar economy.

“This Bill is being awaited by President Bola Tinubu for assent this month, as it is one of the catalysts for achieving our 1 trillion dollar economic projection,” the minister said.

According to him, the digital economy contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has grown from 16 percent to 19 percent, with projections to reach 21 percent by 2027.

The bill he explained, establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for electronic communications, digital signatures, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, cybersecurity and digital literacy.

He stressed that the Tinubu administration is focused on long-term digital reforms not short-term solutions.

“Together with the National Assembly, we are deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network to connect every geopolitical zone, state and local government with world-class internet access.

“Beyond this, we are addressing the needs of over 20 million unconnected Nigerians by deploying nearly 4,000 new communication towers in underserved communities,” Tijani said.

The bill also proposes the creation of a National Data Exchange System to facilitate secure data sharing among government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and between the public and private sectors, further outlining a framework for ethical AI adoption, aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness across industries.

“In strengthening this Bill, we are shaping the future of generations yet unborn. The generation that liberalised our telecoms sector in 1999 laid the foundation for today’s growth. Now, we take the next bold step to expand our economy through technology and innovation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, described the bill as a milestone in Nigeria’s digital governance journey, noting that it would provide legal recognition for electronic communications, records and contracts while mandating all public institutions to digitise their operations

Senator Uche Ekwunife, the All Progressives Congress deputy governorship candidate in the recently concluded Anambra State election, has congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his victory in the November 8 poll.

Senator Ekwunife also expressed appreciation to her supporters for their commitment to the party during the electioneering period.

“I extend my warm congratulations to His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, on his re-election for a second term. I sincerely wish him success in leading Anambra to greater heights. When Anambra succeeds, we all succeed. I encourage all stakeholders to work together to build a stronger, more prosperous state,” she said.

She further thanked her campaign team and supporters, acknowledging their dedication, time, and prayers, which she described as the foundation of the party’s campaign.

“Though the election outcome was not what we had hoped for, I am proud of the effort that Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu and I put into this race. I am humbled by the outpouring of support from young people, mothers, and everyone who shared our vision,” Ekwunife added.

She concluded by urging all parties to support initiatives that promote peace, progress, and unity in Anambra State, emphasizing that the state’s interests must remain the top priority.