"Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower."
#Quran | 3:8 | Ale Imran ( آل عمران )
OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ADVISER ON POLICY AND COORDINATION, CRDCU DEEPENS ENGAGEMENT WITH PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON TRADE MALPRACTICES
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, and Head, CRDCU @hadizabalausman today convened a high-level engagement with the Presidential Committee on Trade Malpractices (PCTM), led by its Chairman, Mallam Dahiru-Ado Kurawa.
The meeting created an opportunity for robust and focused discussions on Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, with particular attention on the structure and operations of Free Trade Zones and their alignment with national economic objectives.
In her opening remarks, the Special Adviser welcomed members of the Committee and underscored the importance of trust, policy coherence, and sustained collaboration across government institutions. She highlighted the critical role of the Committee’s ongoing review of Free Trade Zone activities in ensuring that policy frameworks remain coordinated, effective, and responsive across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The Committee shared key insights from its ongoing work, raising concerns around the operational models of companies within Free Trade Zones, particularly those under NEPZA. Drawing comparisons with global best practices, including industrial clustering models in China, discussions explored how similar approaches can be adapted to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic economy. Attention was also given to the delicate balance between incentives offered within the zones and the need to protect the competitiveness of local manufacturers.
A key area of focus during the discussion was the longstanding divergence between the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and NEPZA, especially regarding the movement of goods from Free Trade Zones into the domestic market. The Committee referenced previous policy interventions aimed at managing these inflows, noting that reforms in this area require careful calibration rather than abrupt adjustments. There was a shared recognition that while such reforms may be complex, they are both necessary and urgent.
In her closing remarks, the Special Adviser reaffirmed her office’s commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight, deepening inter-agency coordination, and advancing policies that promote fair competition while protecting Nigeria’s economic interests. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by all parties to sustain collaboration in tackling trade malpractices and ensuring that Nigeria’s trade framework delivers inclusive and sustainable economic value.
I just had a conversation with a committee member at the palace who confirmed there is a positive sighting report, and His Eminence will issue an announcement soon. Eid Mubarak
To Fast On Arafah Day which is today holds great virtues.
Today is the day of Arafah, the 9th Day of Dhul Ḥijjah and one of the most sacred days of the Islamic calendar.
If you are not performing Hajj, you are strongly encouraged to fast on the day of Arafah
Fasting on the day of Arafah comes with lots of rewards and blessings.
This is your reminder to fast today so don't just fast, do good deeds, give sadaqah, recite Qur'an and engage in Dua.
@Alhyayyor And so shall he be the Minister from your state. He has superseded the affairs of your state as an ag- governor and served two terms as Deputy talk less of supervising a ministry. You can explain yourself to your friends, he has done his to the Senate.
Lesson from Surah Kahf: A rejection, a loss, a delay isn't always a deprivation, it is indeed Allah’s divine help to protect you, give you better and reward you. Alhamdulillah.