By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Key players in the maritime industry and government officials have indicated interest to participate in the Nigeria-Peoples Republic Of China currency swap
breakfast meeting being organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).

These personalities include Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Chairman, Customs Consultative Council.(CCC), Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju.

The Forum whose theme is “Navigating the Nigeria-Peoples Republic Of China Currency Swap: Opportunities and Challenges for Import, Export and Maritime Business,” is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Rockview Hotel in Apapa, Lagos.

As stated by MARAN President, Godfrey Bivbere, the CBN Governor has assured the association of full representation at the meeting.
Similarly, the Federal Ministry of Finance has indicated interest to physically participate .

Notable industry chieftain, Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, is to chair the breakfast meeting.

Among other key stakeholders who have equally indicated interest to participate include representatives from the Chinese Embassy and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).

The event is expected to also bring together a diverse range of participants, including the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), importers, exporters, maritime operators, policy-makers, economists, financial institutions, and trade organizations.

Bivbere says this crucial forum aligns with MARAN’s commitment to setting the agenda and critically analyzing key government policies impacting the maritime industry. The Nigeria-China currency swap aims to facilitate bilateral trade by providing Naira liquidity to Chinese businesses and Yuan liquidity to Nigerian businesses, thereby reducing reliance on the US dollar for transactions.

The breakfast meeting will provide a platform for critical stakeholders in the import and export sectors, policymakers, and government agencies to converge and examine the implications of this landmark agreement on the maritime industry, particularly in the context of the fluctuating value of the US dollar and its impact on imports.

The event will also foster an enhanced understanding of the Nigeria-Peoples Republic Of China currency swap and its multifaceted impact on stakeholders involved in import, export, and maritime businesses.

Bivbere who said It has become imperative for Nigeria to adopt innovative strategies to safeguard her economic stability and reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar for international trade informed that the currency swap agreement with China is a crucial step in that direction.

“This forum will provide the necessary insights for stakeholders to navigate its opportunities and challenges,” he added.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

If there is any iota of dispute regarding the authentic leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), this was permanently laid to rest, Thursday, as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja High Court, in a landmark ruling, reaffirmed Dr Boniface Aniebonam as the apex leader.

The High Court dismissed the suit filed by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji and 20 others contending the position of Aniebonam and Dr Agbo Major as Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman and National Chairman respectively.

It is recalled that in the aftermath of the 2023 elections, the NNPP has been plagued by internal wrangling and factionalization
to a point the plaintiffs in this matter claim that Aniebonam and other party leaders had been expelled and could no longer exercise leadership rights within the Party.

Segun Fiki, Esq., C.F. Odiniru, E.C. Nwanya, and Arnold Ubua, counsel for Aniebonam and co, the defendants, described the prayers of the plaintiffs as an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the NNPP, an area which is beyond the courts’ jurisdiction.

They referred to the judgment of the Abia State High Court (Suit No.: HUZ/11/2024) delivered on November 1, 2024, which had already reaffirmed the legitimacy ofenda the Board of Trustees led by Aniebonam as the ultimate governing authority of the NNPP.

Delivering the judgment, Justice M.A. Hassan concurred with the argument of the defendants’ counsels that the court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter, as it stood within the jurisdiction of the internal affairs of the NNPP.

The judicial system, the Judge stated, can only rule on issues concerning the nomination of candidates for elections, not on party leadership disputes or internal governance matters.

“The courts have consistently maintained that internal party leadership issues are non-justiciable, as reaffirmed by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

“Consequently, I have no option but to dismiss this suit for lack of jurisdiction,” Justice Hassan declared.

This emphatic ruling puts to rest the protracted leadership tussle spearheaded by the Kwankwaso-led faction, as it affirms that the NNPP under the stewardship of Dr Aniebonam remains the original and lawful reference point on matters pertaining to the Party.

The judgment also validates the recent ward, local government, zonal, and state congresses, as well as the National Convention, all conducted under the legally recognized leadership of Dr. Agbo Major.

With the legal obstacles now removed, the path is clear for the duly elected national officers to administer the NNPP without further distractions.

The ruling also places the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a defendant in the case, in a position where it must now recognize and engage with the authentic leadership of the NNPP in line with the judicial pronouncements from both the Abia State High Court and the High Court of the FCT.

This decision, observers say, is a monumental victory for democracy, party unity, and the rule of law, reaffirming that the NNPP’s true leadership, led by Dr. Boniface Aniebonam and Dr. Agbo Major, remains the only legitimate authority within the party.

With what has often been described as distraction now resolved, the NNPP can now focus on its primary mission: providing a credible and formidable alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The party leadership calls on all well-meaning members to align with the legally recognized leadership and work towards the advancement of the party’s vision and mission.

By Izuchukwu Ozoemena

Come April 15, 2025, the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will play host to a top- flight event with the theme “Navigating the Nigeria-Peoples Republic Of China Currency Swap: Opportunities and Challenges for Import, Export and Maritime Business”.

The landmark event which takes place a the Rockview Hotel, Apapa GRA, Lagos, will bring together critical stakeholders in the import and export business, policy-makers, and government agencies to examine the Nigeria-China Currency Swap deal and the implications on Nigeria’s maritime industry.

The currency swap agreement, worth 15 billion Yuan ($2 billion), enables the direct exchange of the Chinese Yuan and the Nigerian naira, bypassing the US dollar.

This groundbreaking deal, according to Godfrey Bivbere, President of MARAN, is expected to foster stronger bilateral trade, between Nigeria and China by reducing transaction costs and boosting economic cooperation.

The MARAN President emphasized that in line with her role agenda-setting role, the association recognizes the importance of interrogating the policy further considering the debilitating effect of the American dollar on importation and China’s significant role as Nigeria’s biggest import partner.

Participants expected at the event include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.

Others are the Ministry of Finance, importers, exporters, maritime operators, policy-makers, economists, financial institutions, and trade organizations.

The event aims to provide an enhanced understanding of the Nigeria-Peoples Republic Of China currency swap and its impact on stakeholders in import, export, and maritime businesses.

The meeting will also identify potential risks and opportunities arising from China’s growing economic influence in Nigeria and provide actionable recommendations for stakeholders to navigate changes in the trade and maritime landscape.