Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. There were two presentations made by the Subject Experts on East /Central Africa and Western Europe.
The first presentation was made by Brig Gen ED Idimah subject experts on East and Central Africa. His presentation Centered on how, Kenya, Canada Partner to Promote Safe Migration Guidelines. On 3 March, 2025, Standard Media Kenya, reported that Kenya and Canada have embarked on a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting safe and legal migration for Kenyan workers. This campaign, unveiled by Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime, seeks to enhance the experiences of Kenyan job seekers abroad while also benefiting both countries’ economies. The focus of this initiative is to combat irregular migration and human trafficking, with Mwadime highlighting the strong diplomatic relationship between Kenya and Canada, which dates back to 1964. He emphasized that structured migration policies are crucial for protecting the rights of Kenyan migrant workers. Mwadime reassured that the government is dedicated to combating unethical recruitment practices and irregular migration. To facilitate this, Labour Migration Desks have been established at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa to ensure compliance with pre-departure procedures.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen ED Idimah noted that, The Nigerian government should develop comprehensive migration policies that address the needs and rights of migrants creating a legal parthway for legal migration such as work permits and family reunification processes. According to the IOM, effective migration governance is crucial for maximizing the benefits of migration (IOM, 2020). Establishing robust legal frameworks that protect migrant rights is essential. The Nigerian government could look into revising existing laws and aligning them with international standards to ensure that emigrants are not subjected to exploitation (United Nations, 2018). Engaging in bilateral agreements with countries that host a significant number of Nigerian migrants can facilitate legal migration.
Such agreements can address labor market needs and ensure that Nigerians can migrate legally and safely. Research shows that countries with strong migration agreements tend to have better-managed migration flows (Katz et al., 2019). The Nigerian government should establish Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with other countries to streamline the migration process and ensure the protection of its citizens abroad. These agreements could cover aspects such as labor rights, social security, and legal assistance for Nigerian migrants.
He recommended that, the Nigerian government should establish Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with other countries to streamline the migration process and ensure the protection of its citizens abroad.
The second presentation was made by Brig Gen YI Tukura subject experts on Western Europe. His presentation discussed on how, Trump’s Trade War: What Could Be the Consequences for the French Economy. On 12 March 2025, Euronews reported that key French industries, including wines, spirits, and pharmaceuticals, are at risk as US President Donald Trump threatens tariffs of up to 25% on all EU goods. This move could reignite a transatlantic trade war, prompting Brussels to prepare counter measures. A month ago, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on EU steel, aluminum, and related products, impacting €26 billion in exports. With the US being France’s fourth-largest customer and fifth-largest supplier in 2023, industries like aeronautics, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods face significant exposure. The French spirits sector, valued at €3.9 billion annually, is particularly vulnerable, recalling the 2019–2021 tariff war that led to a 40% plunge in wine exports and a €500 million loss. Pharmaceutical firms, France’s second-largest exporters to the US, may consider shifting production base if tariffs materialize. Economist Christophe Blot warned that heavily US-dependent industries, including luxury goods, face uncertainty. Meanwhile, economist Hadrien Camatte suggested France could leverage its €12.2 billion hydrocarbon imports from the US in negotiations.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen YI Tukura noted that, Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil exports and importation of essential goods exposes the country to external economic shocks, including those arising from global trade tensions. To mitigate these vulnerabilities, Nigeria must develop an independent and self-sustaining economic system. This involves diversifying the economy, promoting local production, and reducing dependence on imports. Therefore, one of the major areas for diversification is agriculture. Historically, agriculture was the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, but its contribution has declined due to the focus on oil revenues. Revitalizing this sector can enhance food security, create employment, and reduce the importation of food products. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has initiated policies such as the Agricultural Transformation Agenda, aim to reposition agriculture as a profitable business for integrate into the broader economy (Adesina, 2012). Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme seeks to provide financial support to small scale farmers, thereby boosting local production (CBN, 2020). Another avenue for fostering economic independence is the development of the manufacturing sector. Thus, encouraging local production of goods can reduce import dependence and stimulate industrial growth. The implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) aims to accelerate industrialization by focusing on areas where the country has comparative advantages, such as agro-processing, metals and solid minerals (Aganga, 2014).
He recommended t that, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment should implement policies that will provide incentives for local manufacturing, ensuring Nigerian industries become globally competitive through tax reliefs, grants, and infrastructural support.
