Gusau: A Civil Society Organisation, Zamfara Social Protection Platform (ZSPP), has commended President Bola Tinubu over the appointment of the former Speaker, Zamfara House of Assembly, Sanusi Rikiji, as the Director General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN).
Malam Nasiru Biyabiki, the Chairman of the platform, made the commendation in a statement he issued in Gusau on Saturday.
The ZSPP is a platform comprising media practitioners, academics, legal practitioners, members of CSOs, women’s and youth groups working to promote social protection.
Biyabiki said that Tinibu should be commended for appointing a capable hand who can run the affairs of NOTN to greater heights.
“Rikiji, a former Zamfara speaker, former Chief of Staff to the Speaker, House of Representatives, has all the qualifications to run the affairs of NOTN,” Biyabiki insisted.
According to him, NOTN, under Rikiji, would lead Tinubu’s administration to strengthen the multilateral trading system and global economy by negotiating the elimination of discriminatory treatment against Nigerian goods and services.
He said, “The appointee who held various offices of financial management at the state level would lead NOTN to perform all its duties effectively.
“He will ensure that Nigeria’s domestic trade policies are aligned with the evolving global economic situation and maximise the country’s trade benefits.
“He will work to ensure consistency and coherence in trade-related policies across different government ministries and agencies.”
Biyabiki stated that Rikiji would lead NOTN to perform effectively in managing and coordinating Nigeria’s trade policy and negotiations.
“We believe the appointee will play a greater role in preparing and updating Nigeria’s trade policy, aligning domestic trade policy with global realities.
“The NOTN under Rikiji will ensure agreements and ensure domestic trade-related policy coherence.
“On behalf of the entire members of ZSPP, we appreciate Mr President for appointing a patriotic personality like Rikiji.
“This is an indication that Mr President has a greater commitment to move the country’s trade sector to a greater level,” Biyabiki added.
