—As Nigeria Champions Digital Trade Expansion Under AfCFTA, Seeks Global Backing at WTO Forum

ABUJA — The Federal Government has committed its full support to the 2025 Stockholm Junior Water Prize Competition, which aims to promote innovation in water and environmental management among young Nigerians.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, announced on Thursday during a press conference in Abuja that the Federal Government is fully supporting the call for applications for the 2025 Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Nigeria.

Senator Hadejia emphasized that the competition aims to introduce young people between the ages of 15 and 20 to water-related challenges at an early stage.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, he stated, "The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is distinct from the Stockholm Water Prize—this one specifically targets the younger generation, encouraging them to develop awareness and responsibility regarding water and environmental issues, especially in this era of climate change."

He further noted that the international competition spans nearly 35 countries, with participation reaching around ten thousand individuals, making it a valuable opportunity for the Federal Government to lend its support.

Senator Hadejia also stressed the importance of this year’s edition, given key discussions arising from the Vice President’s 2024 engagement in Oslo and the anticipated visit of Sweden’s Crown Princess later in the year.

Earlier, the Head of Political and Trade Affairs at the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja, Mr. Fredrik Åhsberg, explained that the prestigious global competition, organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute, is designed to engage young minds in tackling water challenges worldwide.

He stated that the call for participation in Nigeria, running from March 27 to May 2, 2025, is open to eligible candidates. Applicants will compete in the regional finals, followed by a national final set to be held later in the year at the Embassy in Abuja.

The National Coordinator of the Nigeria Stockholm Junior Water Prize, Mr. Ikechukwu Chinemerem, explained that the competition is designed for secondary and tertiary school students aged 15 to 20, encouraging them to develop projects addressing water-related challenges and proposing solutions.

"It is a way to engage young minds in finding solutions to water problems while familiarizing them with these challenges early on," he added.

Nigeria Drives Digital Trade Expansion Under AfCFTA, Seeks Global Support at WTO Forum

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It is calling on global partners to support efforts aimed at expanding market access and driving economic growth.

Speaking on Thursday at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Aid for Trade Session in Geneva, Switzerland, Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, emphasized Nigeria’s strategic position as a regional digital trade hub.

"Nigeria recognizes digital trade as a key driver of economic diversification. Our objective is to establish Nigeria as a regional hub for digital services, streamline trade processes, and expand market access for Nigerian businesses. With the right policies and infrastructure, Africa can unlock the full potential of its $4.3 trillion market under AfCFTA," he stated.

Sheriff highlighted Nigeria’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI UK) in launching a series of high-impact workshops. These initiatives aim to enhance state-level exports, streamline trade processes, and leverage digital identity and payment systems for cross-border commerce.

He also acknowledged the leadership of the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, in advancing Nigeria’s digital trade agenda. "Dr. Oduwole has been instrumental in discussions with the AfCFTA Secretary-General on strengthening regional trade integration and digital payment systems, ensuring Nigeria’s trade policies align with AfCFTA’s digital transformation goals," he explained.

Sheriff urged the WTO, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to invest in broadband infrastructure, support MSME capacity-building, and facilitate seamless cross-border digital payments.

"Nigeria is not just participating in Africa’s digital trade transformation; we are leading it. We invite global partners to collaborate with us in unlocking Africa’s digital economy," he added.