Okonjo-Iweala Meets Buhari, Says WTO Won’t Harm Nigeria’s Economic Diversification

By Native Reporters

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has allayed fears that embracing the free trade policy of the world body would harm Nigeria’s economic diversification drive.

Fielding questions after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja on Monday, she affirmed that special and differential treatment could be applied to prevent vulnerable countries from collapsing under completion.

The former Nigerian Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy also said duties could be applied on imports to prevent the country from being a dumping ground.

According to her, there is a unique opportunity for the country to improve its standing in trade and add value to its products especially agriculture.

While noting that Nigeria’s shea butter was denied access to the United States and European markets because of poor quality, she said the country could “trade more, export more and add value to its products.”

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Biafra Is A Joke, Lai Muhammed Replies Asari Dokubo

By Native Reporters

The Federal Government has dismissed the purported formation of another version of the Biafra agitation by an ex-militant leader, Mujahid Asari Dokubo, describing the move as a “theatre of the absurd by a joker seeking attention’’.

Alhaji Lia Muhammed said, “I am sure you have heard of the theatre of the absurd, that is the best way I can describe it.

“If Asari Dokubo wants to form and run a fathom government, I think he is free to do so.

“This administration will not be distracted because we still have a lot to do.

“We are not ready to give any attention or time to a joker like Dokubo who is just looking for attention.

“We will just take it as one of these entertainment things.

“The beauty about Nigeria is that it is never a dull country, you must have one thing or the other to entertain you,’’ he said.