Business
Canada based Nigerian businesswoman, Naomi Sigismund Unveils Plans To Promote Bilateral Trade
Canada based Nigerian businesswoman, Naomi Sigismund Unveils Plans To Promote Bilateral Trade
Canada-based Nigerian businesswoman, Ms Naomi Omolola Sigismund, has unveiled her array of programmes and activities as she assumes the role of Trade Commissioner for the Republic of Vanuatu in Toronto.
Internationally renowned for her passion for enabling trade and business through networking and bilateral platforms, Ms Sigismund said she seeks to strengthen trade relations and economic growth, and foster mutual prosperity between Vanuatu, Canada, and Africa.
In a statement on Thursday signed by her Media Consultant, Mr Israel O. Bolaji, she expressed her enthusiasm for enabling trade, business, and bilateral relations, noting that her main goal on her new role remains establishing and sustaining strong bilateral relations between Vanuatu and Canada, with a particular focus on fostering economic growth and mutual prosperity. She also intends to extend these efforts to Africa.
She stated: “During my three year tenure, I will passionately move to establish and sustain strong bilateral relations between Vanuatu and Canada through trade and investment; Generate foreign direct investment (FDI) worth millions of dollars annually, significantly Increase Vanuatu’s Gross National Product (GNP) from $1.19 billion (as of 2022); organise international trade fairs in Port Vila to showcase locally made goods.”
“I will Participate in global business round-tables to attract and stimulate trade and investment in Vanuatu; Sign and implement effective trade agreements with Canada amongst others,” she noted.
“I also plan to promote Vanuatu’s tourism sector through an in-depth evaluation and development of a comprehensive trade policy, as well as organise periodic international trade fairs in collaboration with the Minister of Trade. Exploring international collaborations for trade and investment expansion through Vanuatu’s membership in multilateral institutions is another key objective to achieve, ” the Trade Commissioner added.
Ms Sigismund brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She is the convener of the annual Glam African Fashion Festival (GAFF) in Nigeria and Canada and is also the Founder of Hope For Sure Foundation, a charity organisation.
Additionally, she has served as the Project Director of The African Canada Investment Expo and Summit, a prestigious business gathering aimed at bridging the gap between African businesses and Canadian investors.
Her recent appointment as Trade Commissioner was announced by Vanuatu’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, Matai Seremaia Nawalu, in May.
Business
BUA Cement Signs $240m Deal With CBMI to Build 3Mtpa Sokoto Line 6
BUA Cement Signs Agreement With CBMI to Build 3-Million-Ton-Per-Annum Sokoto Line
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | Dubai, UAE
BUA Cement Plc, manufacturers of BUA Portland Limestone Cement and Sokoto Portland Limestone Cement, has signed an agreement with CBMI for the construction of a new ultra-modern 3-million-ton-per-annum cement production line in Sokoto.
The US$240 million project, which includes the cement line, power plant and supporting infrastructure, represents a major milestone in BUA Cement’s expansion strategy. Upon completion, the project will increase the company’s total installed production capacity to 20 million tons per annum, significantly strengthening supply across Nigeria and the wider region.
The agreement further deepens BUA Cement’s long-standing partnership with CBMI, spanning over 15 years. During this period, CBMI has successfully delivered cement production lines with a combined capacity of 14 million tons per annum across BUA Cement’s facilities in Obu, Edo State, and Sokoto State.
Strategically located, the Sokoto plant remains the only cement facility in Nigeria’s North-West region, providing efficient access to both domestic markets and neighboring landlocked countries. This unique positioning enhances BUA Cement’s ability to support infrastructure development and deliver high-quality Nigerian cement to new markets.
In addition, the 700-ton-per-day BUA mini LNG plant in Kogi State, scheduled for completion later this year, will supply clean and reliable energy to the new Sokoto line and existing operations. This initiative will improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and reinforce BUA Cement’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth.
The investment aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, which have improved the ease of establishing and operating manufacturing facilities while driving demand for infrastructure and construction. BUA Cement remains committed to supporting national development through capacity expansion, job creation, and critical infrastructure delivery.
With completion of the Sokoto Line 6 targeted within 20 months, BUA Cement is confident that the project will further consolidate its leadership position in Nigeria’s cement industry and across the West African region.
Business
AEDC Reconnects FCT Water Board, Restoring Water Supply, Gives Reason for Disconnection
AEDC Reconnects FCT Water Board, Restoring Water Supply, Gives Reason for Disconnection
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc. (AEDC) acknowledges the concerns and spirited appeals from residents of the Federal Capital Territory following the disruption to water supply arising from the recent disconnection of electricity to the FCT Water Board over unpaid electricity bill.
AEDC wishes to clarify that the disconnection followed the accumulation of over one year of outstanding electricity debt by the FCT Water Board, despite several notices, engagements and opportunities provided to regularise the account, in line with applicable regulatory provisions.
However, in recognition of the critical importance of water supply to public health and community wellbeing, and following widespread concerns expressed by residents, the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, has directed the immediate reconnection of electricity supply to the FCT Water Board, in order to enable the prompt restoration of water services across affected areas of the FCT.
This decision underscores AEDC’s commitment to the welfare of the communities it serves and reflects the company’s belief that access to essential services must be safeguarded, particularly where public health and safety are concerned.
The reconnection is, however, granted on a conditional basis. AEDC has formally issued the FCT Water Board a two-week timeline within which to present and begin implementing a credible payment plan towards the settlement of its outstanding electricity obligations.
While AEDC remains open to engagement and collaborative solutions, it must be stated that failure to meet this obligation within the stipulated period will regrettably leave the company with no alternative but to reapply service disconnection, in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
AEDC reiterates that disconnection remains a measure of last resort and assures residents of its continued commitment to transparent engagement, regulatory compliance and the delivery of sustainable electricity services in the Federal Capital Territory.
Business
Adron Homes Sets Strategic Direction for 2026 at National Business Convention
Adron Homes Sets Strategic Direction for 2026 at National Business Convention
Adron Homes has officially commenced its 2026 National Business Convention, themed “Breaking New Grounds, Beyond and Above 2.0,” reaffirming its commitment to innovation, growth, and leadership in Nigeria’s real estate sector.
The convention opened with a strategic address by the Chairman/Group CEO, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who charged executives and managers across the organization to sustain excellence, embrace innovation, and drive sustainable expansion as Adron Homes strengthens its footprint nationwide.
Bringing together top executives, directors, and managers from across the country, the convention serves as a platform for strategic alignment, performance reviews, and planning for the 2026 business year.
At the session, the Executive Vice Chairman, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, presented the company’s overarching 2026 budget framework, outlining key growth priorities, operational benchmarks, and financial expectations designed to enhance efficiency and long-term value creation. The presentation underscored Adron Homes’ focus on disciplined planning and scalable impact.
Directors from various directorates also presented their 2026 budget proposals, highlighting expansion opportunities, operational optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to exceed previous performance milestones and deliver enhanced value to clients.
Participants described the discussions as insightful and energizing, noting the convention’s role in strengthening leadership engagement and reinforcing a unified growth vision across the organization.
Beyond budget deliberations, the convention features strategic training sessions led by senior executives to boost leadership capacity, operational effectiveness, and organizational readiness for the year ahead.
As “Breaking New Grounds, Beyond and Above 2.0” unfolds, Adron Homes continues to reinforce its brand as a forward-thinking real estate developer committed to innovation, sustainable growth, and transformative impact in Nigeria.
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