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OGFZA Pushes 10-Year Tax Relief for Oil, Gas Free Zones

Oluwasola Akintonde
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OGFZA Pushes 10-Year Tax Relief for Oil, Gas Free Zones

The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has renewed calls for a 10-year tax relief for operators in Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones, cautioning that the immediate implementation of the new tax law could unsettle long-term investments across the sector.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OGFZA, Mr Bamanga Jada, made the call in Onne, Rivers State, at a town hall meeting with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and OGFZA licensees.

Jada said the proposed relief would give operators the much-needed “adaptation space” to adjust their operations and ensure compliance with evolving tax requirements.

“Accordingly, OGFZA supports the call for a ten-year extension of existing tax incentives, coupled with a phased implementation to mitigate potential disruptions. Many of our licensees, including prominent foreign investors, formulate strategies spanning 10, 15 or even 25 years, based on prevailing incentives,” he said.

He noted that such a transitional window would strengthen policy consistency, which he described as critical to sustaining investor confidence and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The OGFZA chief disclosed that Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones have attracted over $24 billion in investments, host more than 200 enterprises, and have created hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs nationwide.

“Energy-oriented free zones have been pivotal in driving development in several countries, as seen in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai and the Sohar Free Zone in Oman. These initiatives have attracted billions of dollars in investments, created massive employment opportunities and positioned their economies as global leaders,” Jada said.

Similarly, OGFZA-regulated free zones in Nigeria have secured more than $24 billion in investments, host over 200 enterprises, and have generated hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. This highlights the value of strong incentives and effective regulation in accelerating industrialisation,” he added.

Jada further revealed that exports from Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones have surged under the current administration, reaching 496,537,804 metric tonnes, with products now supplied to markets in Brazil, the United States, France, India, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea.

“Our operators now supply markets in Brazil, the United States, France, India, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea and beyond, in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

He commended President Tinubu for his commitment to tax reforms and economic transformation, while also acknowledging the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, for her guidance and advocacy in support of the sector.

Reaffirming OGFZA’s commitment to collaboration, Jada said the Authority would continue to work closely with FIRS, in line with their memorandum of understanding, to ensure tax reforms are implemented efficiently and fairly.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, described the 2025 tax reforms as a significant step towards modernising Nigeria’s fiscal framework. Represented by his Special Adviser on Tax Incentives, Dr. Cletus Adie, Adedeji stressed that compliance and transparency remain central to the reforms.

“For export processing and free trade zones, the focus is not on taxing income or profits, but on promoting transparency, accountability and proper reporting,” he said.

He explained that the introduction of a tax clearance certificate as a mandatory requirement for licence renewal was aimed at strengthening oversight, citing what he described as “continuous recalcitrant behaviour by some enterprises,”  which had made a structured administrative approach necessary, in line with Section 72(4)(f) of the Nigerian Tax Administration Act.

Stakeholders at the meeting unanimously urged the Federal Government to exempt operators in special economic and free zones from the new tax law provisions for a transitional period to enable a smooth adjustment to the reforms.

 

Olusola Akintonde

West African Leaders Pledge Action Against Coups

Rita Obiora
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West African Leaders Pledge Action Against Coups

Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have agreed to forge a proactive and forceful united front to put an end to the spread of military coups and other forms of insecurity across the region.

The decision taken in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on Sunday at the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS leaders followed a series of successful military takeovers in the Sahel, with the bloc shifting from reactive sanctions to preemptive military and diplomatic intervention.

The most concrete evidence of a united front was the rapid response to stop the coup in the Republic of Benin on December 7, 2025, when, within hours of soldiers seizing the national broadcaster in Cotonou, President Bola Tinubu deployed Nigerian fighter jets and ground troops to support loyalist forces.

Immediate past Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu of Nigeria; the current Chairman, President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone, and President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, among others, who spoke at the 68th ordinary session hosted by Nigeria, maintained that a united front and solidarity are the way to go to halt military takeovers and violent extremism in the region.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the session tagged “Special Debate on the Future of the Community,” President Tinubu listed crises in the region that must be tackled collectively, saying these forms of criminality have no respect for borders.

Bond of Unity

The Nigerian leader, while speaking during the opening of the session, acknowledged that member states disagree, just like all families contest ideas, and test one another’s patience, pointing out, however, that disagreements and sibling rivalry do not erase belonging or annul shared blood.

“Excellencies, the external threats confronting West Africa today demand nothing less than a united front……. No single Member State, regardless of size or strength, can achieve enduring stability in isolation.

“Our security, prosperity, and resilience are indivisible. We must sit at the same table, speak with one voice, and act with shared resolve,” he stated.

President Tinubu reaffirmed what he described as Nigeria’s “proven fidelity” to the ideals of ECOWAS and the nation’s “unwavering commitment to collective action in defence of” the region’s common future.

The Nigerian leader said the position of Nigeria and his abiding conviction demonstrated by his actions have consistently signalled that the region’s “unity is not transactional, but foundational,” adding that “fraternity, not force, must define the future of ECOWAS.

President Tinubu regretted the steep descent into internal disagreement within the ECOWAS region, which, according to him, has shaken the very foundation of the Union, just as he noted that “a community is only as strong as the trust its members repose in one another.

“We are most vulnerable not when challenged from outside, but when weakened from within. Time and again, we have demonstrated that we are not threats to one another. Our shared challenge, therefore, is to ensure that internal divisions do not erode the collective strength we have built over decades,” he added.

The President thanked member states for their contributions toward restoring order, stability, and confidence in the region, saying, “Your efforts reaffirm that our shared geography is not a curse, but an opportunity to build a Community that serves our collective good and protects the dignity of our peoples.”

Nigeria’s Leadership

Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bio of Sierra Leone, thanked his predecessor, President Tinubu, and the Nigerian government for hosting the session, just as he applauded Nigeria’s win-win leadership across the region.

He specifically commended the regional bloc’s leadership and singled out Nigeria for “taking the lead in safeguarding constitutional order in the Benin Republic.”

President Bio described the ECOWAS 68th ordinary session as a defining moment for ECOWAS and a turning point for over 400 million West Africans.

Air Travel

He also disclosed that beginning from January 2026, ECOWAS will implement a landmark measure to reduce the cost of air travel across West Africa.

Under this agreement, the ECOWAS Chairman said member states will abolish air transport taxes, among other measures.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, acknowledged the support of various foreign and continental partners to ECOWAS, emphasising, however, that events of the last few weeks in West Africa have demonstrated what regional solidarity can achieve.

He cited the instability in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in the Benin Republic, which, according to him, were addressed following a “swift response led by President Bola Tinubu.”

Dr Touray commended regional leaders for their strong commitment to the community, noting that for over five decades, the ECOWAS Authority has met consistently to engage issues confronting the region with wisdom, foresight, and respect.

He also announced that Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has accepted to serve as Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council, a platform that will facilitate dialogue between the private sector and governments for the development of the region.

Also, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, represented by the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, said the session provided an opportunity for stakeholders to scale up coordination and strategic dialogue in advancing democracy and regional stability.

He stressed that the attempted coup in the Benin Republic and the associated instability in Guinea-Bissau remain regrettable and “unacceptable to the African Union.”

Nigeria Bans Admission and Transfer Of Students Into SS3

Rita Obiora
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Nigeria Bans Admission and Transfer Of Students Into SS3

The Nigerian Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has announced a ban on admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) across all public and private secondary schools in the country.

It said it is part of efforts to curb examination malpractice.  A statement by the Director of Press of the Ministry, Boriowo Folashade, noted that the directive is aimed at addressing the growing incidence of examination irregularities, particularly the use of ‘special centres’ during external examinations.

Authorities say this undermines the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system. According to the ministry, the new policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.

Under the arrangement, admissions and transfers will be permitted only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2), while admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be allowed under any circumstances.

The ministry explained that the measure is designed to discourage last-minute movement of students to schools perceived to offer examination advantages, a practice it said fuels malpractice.

It added that the policy would also ensure proper academic monitoring of students and promote continuity in teaching and learning.

School proprietors, principals and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply strictly with the new directive. The ministry warned that any violation would attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding academic standards, the Ministry said the policy forms part of broader efforts to promote fairness and restore public confidence in the conduct of examinations across the country.

Nigeria Targets N160 Billion Wheat Production To Enhance Food Sovereignty 

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Nigeria Targets N160 Billion Wheat Production To Enhance Food Sovereignty 

Nigeria’s government said the country is targeting an output value of approximately N160 billion from wheat production for the 2025/2026 dry season as part of its efforts to enhance food sovereignty and reduce dependence on imports.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, made this known during the flag-off of the Subsidised Agricultural Inputs Distribution of the 2025/2026 dry season wheat production programme under the National Agricultural Growth and Agro Pocket Project (NAGS-AP) held in Jere Local Government Area , Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria.

Sen. Kyari revealed that the ministry through the NAGS-AP programme has earmarked 40,000 hectares of land for 2025/2026 dry season wheat production and registered 80,000 farmers, with an expected output value of approximately ₦160 billion.

He said that out of the 40,000 hectares earmarked for wheat production this dry season, 3,000 hectares have been allocated to Borno State, with 6,000 registered wheat farmers.

The Minister recalled “Under the 2023/2024 dry season wheat production programme, a total of 107,429 registered farmers were supported with critical subsidised inputs, resulting in an output valued at ₦474,628,000 billion. During the 2024/2025 dry season, 279,297 registered farmers received support, with an output valued at ₦893,750,004 billion”.

He noted that “for the current 2025/2026 season, the programme is targeting 80,000 registered farmers with an expected output value of approximately ₦160 billion.

He stated that the NAGS-AP programme would deploy Agricultural Extension Agents to guide farmers on modern agronomic practices and provide continuous field-level advisory services.

He added that “Fertiliser and Seed Quality Control Officers will be mobilised to ensure that all inputs delivered to farmers meet the required standards, thereby guaranteeing higher productivity and improved yields.”

According to him, “the wheat component of the NAGSAP programme covers sixteen states of the federation”

“These are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Cross River, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. The inclusion of Cross River last year expanded wheat production into the southern region for the first time and strengthened our national capacity to diversify production across ecological zones,”

Kyari pointed out that the project is designed to include women and young people, enabling them to access training and agricultural opportunities.

“NAGS- AP is deliberately designed to leave no one behind. The programme ensures that farmers across communities—including women and young people, who play vital roles in our agricultural workforce—have equitable access to inputs, training, and opportunities”.

“The success of any agricultural season depends on the quality of inputs that reach our farmers. Without certified seeds, accurate fertiliser blends, and timely access to crop protection products, no level of effort in the field can deliver the yields we require as a nation”.

The Minister stressed that “This is why NAGS- AP places strong emphasis on input quality, traceability, and transparent delivery systems, ensuring that every farmer receives the right inputs at the right time to achieve higher productivity and better returns.”

In his remark, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, appreciated the federal government for its continuous support towards irrigation development.

He stated that “Mr President’s commitment to food security and national productivity provides the foundation upon which programmes like this are built.”

He noted that “Borno State, with its vast arable and irrigable land—especially within the Lake Chad Basin—remains one of Nigeria’s most promising agricultural frontier.”.

He said that “Today is more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of hope, resilience, and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no family in Borno State goes hungry and no farmer is left behind. Despite the challenges of displacement, insecurity, and climate shocks, Borno State remains steadfast in growing its own food and empowering its people.”

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining all-season farming through the provision of essential infrastructure, logistics, modern machinery, improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, and other inputs required to boost productivity and support farmers across the state.

He further stated, “Borno State has achieved remarkable milestones under our people-centred agricultural vision. Our input support programmes have reached tens of thousands of smallholder farmers, resettled households, women, and youth, providing improved seeds, agrochemicals, and agronomic guidance.”

Responding on behalf of the smallholder farmers, Alhaji Haruna Umaru pledged that the farmers would ensure an increase in production in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the agricultural sector.

The highlight was the distribution of subsidised agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers.

 

Olusola Akintonde

NAHCON Opens 2026 National Medical Team Application Portal

Chidimma Anikwenze
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NAHCON Opens 2026 National Medical Team Application Portal

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has officially opened its website for health professionals to apply to participate in the 2026 Hajj operation, a move aimed at providing quality healthcare to the 2026 Nigerian pilgrims.

The announcement contained in a press statement issued by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations of the commission, Fatima Sanda Usara, reads, “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) wishes to inform the general public, particularly qualified Nigerian healthcare professionals, that the application portal for the 2026 National Medical Team (NMT) has officially opened for applications.” 

“Interested medical personnel, specifically doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and environmental health workers, are invited to submit their applications through the designated online portal, which has been opened from the 11th of December 2025 to  15th December 2025.” 

“Please take note, applicants must be in active service at the time of application and must not have participated in the last three Hajj Operations (2023, 2024, and 2025). For further guidelines, applicants are advised to visit the NAHCON website at nahcon.gov.ng.”

“The Commission encourages eligible applicants to carefully review the requirements and fill out the form accurately to avoid disqualification. Interested parties are advised to submit their applications within the stipulated timeframe.”

The commission noted that it will continue updating the general public on 2026 Hajj preparations ahead of time with information towards achieving a successful Hajj.

Sokoto Government, Sightsavers Partner to Reduce Child Mortality

Chidimma Anikwenze
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Sokoto Government, Sightsavers Partner to Reduce Child Mortality

The Sokoto State Government, in partnership with an NGO, Sightsavers, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining efforts to improve healthcare delivery and reduce child mortality in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Faruku Wurno, gave the assurance on Saturday at the launch of the administration of the antibiotic drug ‘Azithromycin” to children in local government areas.

Wurno said that in the last round of three exercises, the state recorded more than 90 percent coverage, raising hopes of sustaining the gains achieved so far.

The programme operates under the Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin on Children in Nigeria (SARMAAN), designed to improve child survival outcomes through preventive treatment.

The antibiotic is commonly used to treat respiratory infections, diarrhoea and other childhood illnesses. Its administration aligns with the World Health Organisation’s 2022 guidelines on targeted preventive treatment for at-risk populations.

The commissioner said the project had successfully treated children with azithromycin, describing it as a milestone aimed at improving life expectancy.

Dr Salman Tijjani, the SARMAAN Programme Officer in Sokoto State, said the current round four exercise would be conducted from December 15 to 21 this year and solicited greater stakeholder commitment to ensure increased success.

He emphasised that the “SARMAAN Project aligned with global efforts to improve child survival in low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating the potential of bi-annual azithromycin administration in lowering early childhood mortality.”

He added that stakeholders had continued to monitor azithromycin’s safety and effectiveness in reducing antimicrobial resistance among treated children.

The Sightsavers Country Director, Joy Shu’aibu, explained that the programme targeted children aged zero to 59 months with azithromycin, particularly in communities battling neglected tropical diseases such as onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis, which cause significant mortality.

Shu’aibu highlighted Sightsavers’ presence in Sokoto since 1996, beginning with eye-care services that later led to the establishment and equipping of 19 healthcare centres providing consistent, community-based eye-care support.

She said that through the interventions, more doctors, nurses, community health workers and auxiliary staff had received specialised eye-care training, significantly strengthening the state’s capacity to deliver essential services to underserved populations.

Sightsavers, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency, has mobilised 87 District Heads to support the administration of azithromycin to children and to strengthen community participation in statewide child-health intervention efforts.

 

NAN

ECOWAS Commends Swift Regional Response to Benin Crisis

Rita Obiora
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ECOWAS Commends Swift Regional Response to Benin Crisis

The Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio, has commended the rapid mobilisation of ECOWAS troops and air assets, with Nigeria taking the lead, to safeguard constitutional order in the Republic of Benin.

Maada Bio gave the commendation in his opening remarks at the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government meeting held at the Conference Centre of the State House, Abuja-Nigeria.

The ECOWAS Chairman noted that the instability in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin serve as reminders that democracy demands constant vigilance and principled action, urging Heads of Government to uphold the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance with clarity, consistency, and moral conviction.

“The instability in Guinea Bissau and the attempted coup d’etat in Benin remind us that democracy requires constant vigilance and principled action.

“On behalf of this authority, I strongly condemn the unconstitutional change of government in Guine Bissau and the attempt to subvert the constitutional order in Benin.

“I commend the rapid mobilization of ECOWAS troops and air assets, with Nigeria taking the lead To safeguard constitutional order in Benin, this unified regional response reaffirms an essential principle ECOWAS does not and will not compromise on democratic governance,” he added.

The ECOWAS Chairman highlighted that West Africa is confronting some of the most complex and rapidly evolving threats in its history.

“Security is not only a military obligation, it is a human imperative, essential for protecting families, livelihoods and the dignity of our citizens.”

He said, security measures must be complemented by effective governance, expanded educational opportunities, job creation and stronger community resilience.

President Bio stressed that only a holistic strategy can dismantle extremism at its roots.

“The architects of ECOWAS understood that democracy is inseparable from peace, justice and development today, that democratic order is being tested the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government threaten our regional stability, undermines our citizens right, and weakens our collective future.

He added that the region must also deepen collective action through integrated intelligence systems, coordinated border operations, and the full operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force for counter-terrorism.

“We must strengthen collective action, integrated intelligence systems, coordinated border operations and the operationalization of ECOWAS, standby force for Counter Terrorism.

“Our ministers of finance and defense are advancing modalities for sustainable financing and preparing to raise a 1650 personnel counter terrorism brigade by the end of 2026 but we must also pair security with governance, education, job creation and community resilience.

“It is only through such holistic approaches that we can dismantle extremism at its roots.

He expressed solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and reaffirmed support for President Patrice Talon and the citizens of Benin, highlighting ECOWAS’ readiness to act decisively whenever democratic norms are threatened.

President Bio reaffirmed that economic integration remains central to ECOWAS’ vision.

He highlighted the bloc’s commitment to eliminating trade barriers, harmonising policies, deepening the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, and advancing monetary convergence in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Bio noted that a single regional currency by 2027 remains a transformative goal, capable of expanding trade, reducing transaction costs, and strengthening competitiveness across West Africa.

He also called for accelerated investment in roads, railways, energy grids, telecommunications, and transport corridors, describing them as catalytic to growth and regional cohesion.

President Bio added that, in a move aimed at improving mobility for citizens, ECOWAS will from January 1, 2026, abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 per cent. He said the reform is designed to boost tourism, trade, and regional connectivity while easing travel costs for millions of West Africans.

ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray unveiled the ECOWAS Business Council, naming Nigerian industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote as its pioneer chairperson.

“Given his extensive experience across West Africa, the council will mobilise regional capital, strengthen intra-regional investment, and drive economic growth.

“Plans were also announced for a West African Economic Investment Summit, envisioned as a Davos-style platform to coordinate investment and track progress across the region,” he added.

ECOWAS To Implement Key Regional Initiatives

Shakirat Sadiq
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ECOWAS To Implement Key Regional Initiatives

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has emphasised the need to accelerate the implementation of key regional initiatives, including the ECOWAS Single Currency, free movement protocols, and the Customs Union.

The Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and Sierra Leone Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Musa Kabba stated this at the closing ceremony of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja, Nigeria.

Mr. Kabba thanked member States for their strong commitment to our community, to maintain peace, deepen regional integration, and promote shared prosperity for our people.

“We examined the ongoing security threats that jeopardise stability in parts of our region, including violent extremism in the Sahel, the spread of small arms, transnational organized crime, maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, unconstitutional regime changes, economic integration, and climate change.” He added.

The Chairman Council of the ECOWAS Ministers believed that these threats, though challenging, are not impossible to overcome. “Our discussions confirmed that the strength of ECOWAS lies in our unity, solidarity, and the ability to use both diplomatic and operational measures to safeguard and advance our shared peace and security framework.”

He said Sierra Leone remains fully committed to ECOWAS’s goal of a region where democracy, constitutional order, and the rule of law are
non-negotiable principles.

“The ECOWAS discussions on economic integration were equally inspiring. We emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of key regional initiatives, including the ECOWAS Single Currency, free movement protocols, and the Customs Union.” He reemphasized

Mr. Kabba believed that, in a global environment characterised by economic uncertainties, collective resilience relies on reducing structural vulnerabilities, increasing intra-regional trade, and promoting a competitive and integrated West African market.

According to him, the Council of Ministers’ discussions on humanitarian issues and climate-related vulnerabilities revealed an important truth.

“The challenges in our region are interconnected-whether addressing food insecurity, displacement, epidemics, or natural disasters, we need to keep adopting a coordinated and proactive approach. On this, I commend the collective effort we have put into strengthening early warning systems, regional preparedness, and resource mobilization to support at-risk communities.

He said as Ministers, “We hold the primary responsibility for turning our leaders’ vision into concrete actions. We have developed specific recommendations that will be shared with the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. It is now our duty to maintain the momentum we have built here by implementing agreed-upon decisions, coordinating among our national and regional institutions, and keeping communication open as we face new challenges.”

The ECOWAS Council of Ministers thanked the ECOWAS Commission for its outstanding technical support and all briefers for their dedication, patience, and willingness to cooperate. The Commission’s contributions have greatly improved the quality of the Minister’s outcomes.

ECOWAS to Strengthen Peace, Security Architecture in West Africa

Shakirat Sadiq
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0
ECOWAS to Strengthen Peace, Security Architecture in West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Commission has moved to strengthen its co-operation with the Folke Bernadotte Academy through the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre to reinforce the peace and security architecture in West Africa.

The Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, Professor Fatou Sarr who received the Head of the Regional Africa Programme at the Folke Bernadotte Academy, Ms Lena Kjellberg at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

The strategic partnership between the two institutions provides a new collaborative platform that further focuses the reflections and initiatives of both institutions on gender-sensitive processes and approaches in regional peace and security efforts in general, while remaining open to other areas related to gender and development issues in the West African region.

The partnership aimed to promote mutual learning and the exchange of experiences on the different institutional approaches of the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre and the Folke Bernadotte Academy in their role in promoting gender equality and peacebuilding in the region.

As part of this renewal process, ECOWAS is implementing critical and strategic programmes that will deepen cohesion and progressively eliminate identified barriers to full integration.

In this way, the estimated 300 million citizens of the community can ultimately take ownership for the realization of the new vision of moving from an ECOWAS of States to an “ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity to All” by 2050.

 

 

President Tinubu Calls for Decisive Action Against Coups

Rita Obiora
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0
President Tinubu Calls for Decisive Action Against Coups

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on leaders of ECOWAS member states to resist unconstitutional changes of government.

The President said that the evolving threats confronting West Africa require a united and coordinated regional response.

Addressing leaders of the regional bloc at the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Tinubu stressed that West Africa’s increasingly porous borders make collective action unavoidable, noting that security threats do not respect national boundaries.

President Tinubu stated that no member state, regardless of its size or capacity, can secure enduring stability on its own, emphasising that West Africa’s security, prosperity, and resilience are collective responsibilities that require consultation, unity of voice, and coordinated action.

“Excellencies, the external threats confronting West Africa today demand nothing less than a united front, terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, transnational organised crime, arms for liberation, cyber insecurity, climate shocks, food insecurity and irregular migration. Recognise small borders.

“No single member state, regardless of size, can achieve enduring stability in isolation, our security, prosperity and resilience are individual we must sit at the same table, speak with one voice and act with shared results.”

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Nigerian leader reaffirmed his conviction that fraternity, rather than force, must shape the future of the ECOWAS community.

“This is the position of Nigeria, and it is the abiding conviction of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, whose actions have consistently signalled that our unity is not transactional but foundational. We remain persuaded that fraternity, not force, must define the future of our community.

“This session could not have come at a more consequential moment. We have, in recent times, allowed our differences to shake the very foundations of our union, yet history reminds us that ECOWAS can only fulfil the purpose of inspiration when every member state upholds the values of pureness, justice and equity within its domestic affairs.

“A community is only as strong as it is we are most vulnerable, not when challenged from outside, but when weakened from within. Time and again, we have demonstrated that we are not traced to one another. Our shared challenge is to ensure that internal divisions do not erode the collective sense we have built over decades.”

President Tinubu reassured the regional bloc of Nigeria’s proven fidelity to the ideals of the ECOWAS Community and unwavering commitment to collective action in the defence of the region’s common future.

“Nigeria is here to reassure this authority of her proven fidelity to the ideals of our community and her unwavering commitment to collective action in defence of our common future.”

Present are President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone, who chairs the ECOWAS, José Maria Neves (Cabo Verde), Bassirou Faye (Senegal), and Faure Gnassingbé (Togo).
Alassane Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire), Adama Barrow (The Gambia), John Mahama (Ghana), Umaro Embaló Representatives of Guinea-Bissau ,the Republic of Benin, Liberia.

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