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WTO DG, Okonjo-Iweala excited as China finally ratifies deal on fisheries subsidies  

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After long disagreement, China deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 27 June, affirming its support for the long due agreement for ocean sustainability as the world’s leading marine fishing producer.

This was disclosed by the Director-General of WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who received the instrument from Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Tianjin, China ahead of the World Economic Forum’s 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions.

DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “I am delighted to welcome China’s formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. As the world leader in marine fish catch, China’s support for the implementation of this agreement is critical to multilateral efforts to safeguard oceans, food security, and livelihoods. By curbing harmful fishing subsidies worldwide, we can together forge a path towards a legacy of abundance and opportunity for generations to come.”

Minister Wang said: “The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is the second multilateral agreement reached by the WTO since its establishment in 1995, and the first WTO agreement aimed at achieving the goal of environmental sustainable development. It is a significant agreement to boost the confidence of all members in multilateralism. China has completed the approval procedure of the agreement and will work with all members to push the agreement to enter into force before the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference. At the same time, China will participate in the second phase of negotiations in a positive and constructive manner and look forward to an early outcome of the negotiations.”

Adopted by consensus at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) held in Geneva on 12-17 June 2022, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies sets new binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world’s fish stocks.  In addition, the Agreement recognizes the needs of developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) and establishes a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building to help them implement the obligations.

The Agreement prohibits support for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, bans support for fishing overfished stocks, and ends subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas.

Acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are needed for the Agreement to come into effect.

Members also agreed at MC12 to continue negotiations on outstanding issues, with a view to making recommendations by MC13, to be held in February 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for additional provisions that would further enhance the disciplines of the Agreement.

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Anambra debunks story of collapsed govt house structures

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Anambra State has described as untrue, story making the rounds on media that some structures at the new government house collapsed on Thursday following rainstorm.

A statement signed by Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Saturday, said the report was false and malicious, saying no structure within the new government house collapsed.

The statement said what was affected was a portion of the barricade barriers constructed outside the government house perimeter fence and attributed the incident to heavy wind that affected many structures across the state including privately owned properties.

The statement reads- “The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to misleading and mischievous reports by a few sections of the media suggesting that “a structure in the new Government House” collapsed due to substandard quality during the heavy rainstorm that occurred on Thursday evening, 9th April, 2026.

“For the avoidance of doubt and to set the records straight, we wish to state categorically that no structure within the Anambra State Government House collapsed. What was affected were a few partitions of the barricade barriers erected outside the Government House, approximately 20 metres away from the perimeter fence.

“The unfortunate incident was as a result of heavy wind and thunderstorms that wreaked havoc across several parts of the state that evening, which also affected property in private homes.

“Meanwhile, the Anambra Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has already mobilised to the site. Work is ongoing to fully rebuild the damaged sections of the barrier and to introduce additional engineering measures, including the creation of ample space to allow for free flow of heavy wind, in order to prevent future occurrences.

“The Anambra State Government condemns the circulation of fake news on this matter as a deliberate attempt by a few misguided elements to mislead Ndi Anambra and politicise a natural weather event which is not exclusive to Anambra State.

“We urge the general public to disregard the fake news and continue to support the progressive agenda of Mr Governor.”

 

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Kambari commends NiMet’s contributions to aviation safety, national dev

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Photo caption: (L-R) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari; and the Director General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, at the NiMet headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike on Thursday, played host to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adam Kambari, who was in his office at the agency’s Abuja headquarters.

The visit is part of ongoing familiarization tour by Kambari, of the agencies under the Ministry and is aimed at strengthening institutional alignment, enhancing collaboration, and reviewing operational priorities within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

During the engagement, Prof. Charles Anosike presented an overview of the Agency’s mandate, technical capabilities, and key initiatives.

He highlighted the strategic importance of NiMet’s mandate within the aviation industry and beyond, including various publications generated by the Agency such as the Aeronautical Meteorological Bulletin, the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and others in supporting air navigation, national planning, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience.

He noted that meteorological services have evolved beyond traditional observation, monitoring and forecasting to becoming critical tools for national security, economic stability, food security, and sustainable development.

“Accurate and timely weather and climate information plays a vital role in safeguarding lives, livelihoods and property across multiple sectors,” Anosike noted.

He also outlined notable milestones, including the attainment of ISO certifications, which underscore NiMet’s adherence to international standards in service delivery.

Additionally, he highlighted the Agency’s growing partnerships with key national institutions, as well as international partners, aimed at strengthening capacity, improving services and enhancing national resilience.

In his remarks, Kambari commended NiMet for its strategic contributions to aviation safety and national development. He stressed the importance of collaboration, capacity building, and alignment with national aviation objectives.

“Strong institutional synergy is essential for achieving the Ministry’s mandate,” The Permanent Secretary emphasized.

He further underscored the need to prioritise staff welfare, describing a motivated and well-supported workforce as fundamental to effective service delivery.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting NiMet in strengthening operational capacity, enhancing workforce development, and sustaining high-quality service delivery.

The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by directors and senior officials of the Ministry.

The visit aligns with the broader vision of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to promote synergy, innovation, and efficiency across agencies under the Ministry.

 

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Photo News: Jonathan Foundation host talk on Democracy and Economic Growth

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By Bonaventure Phillips Melah

Photo News: Ongoing conversation organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) on Democracy and Economic Growth Nexus Report Launch at Transcorps Hilton Abuja. Among dignitaries include ex-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, SGF George Akume, Minister of state Budget Doris Uzoka Anita, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr. Mathew Ayibakuro, Dr. Sam Amadi (represented), Majeed Dahiru and others. The event was declared open by GJF Executive Director, Ann Iyonu. Details loading.

 

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