The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ECOWAS

  • Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso slam 0.5% import levy on ECOWAS nations

    Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso slam 0.5% import levy on ECOWAS nations

    Breakaway Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso – widened the gulf between them and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations yesterday.

    They slammed a 0.5 per cent import duty on all goods from ECOWAS members. They however exempted humanitarian aid from the imposed tariff.

    The move further strains relations between the three junta-led nations and ECOWAS.

    The three countries severed links with ECOWAS earlier last year following a series of military coups which attracted condemnation and economic sanctions from the regional body.

    The AES, which began as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries in 2023, has now metamorphosed into an aspiring economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer economic and military ties.

    In a joint statement, the AES said the levy aims to generate revenue to fund the alliance’s activities.

    The tax, which came into effect on March 28, will disrupt the free trade once enjoyed by all countries in the West African region.

    The economic implications could be severe, leading to higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions and strained regional economic stability.

    While it may provide short-term revenue for the junta-led governments, it risks other long-term consequences, including weakened regional integration.

    ECOWAS has maintained that it will keep diplomatic channels open with the junta-led states until July, despite announcing their permanent expulsion from the bloc earlier this year.

    Niger withdraws from MNJTF

    Also yesterday, Republic of Niger announced its exit from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). The international force is fighting armed Islamist groups – Boko Haram and Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in West Africa’s Lake Chad region.

    Announcing the exit in a bulletin on state television, the Nigerien government said the decision became necessary to shore up security around oil assets at home.

    The MNJTF, which also includes soldiers from Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, has been working to stem the insurgency since 2015, but progress has been hobbled by division and poor coordination, allowing armed groups to flourish across the region’s sparsely populated scrublands.

    The MNJTF has yet to comment on Niger’s withdrawal, and it is unclear how the step will affect the mission’s future.

    The Lake Chad region has been repeatedly attacked by the militant groups (ISWAP and Boko Haram), whose insurgency erupted in Northeast state of Borno in 2009.

    Read Also: ECOWAS renovates drug rehabilitation centre in Kano

    It has claimed many lives.

    Last year, Chad threatened to pull out of the MNJTF after about 40 soldiers were killed in an attack on a military base.

    And Niger has become increasingly withdrawn since a military junta overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023.

    Along with Burkina Faso and Mali – neighbouring states where juntas also snatched power in recent years – it withdrew from regional bloc (ECOWAS) in 2024.

    Niger’s junta, which last week announced a five-year transition to constitutional rule, has promised to restore security in the country, whose vast desert north is crossed by migrants and traffickers.

    But the army has little control over large parts of the country. Islamist militants killed at least 44 civilians and severely injured 13 others during an attack on a mosque in the Southwest this month.

    Its energy infrastructure, including an oil pipeline that links the Agadem oilfield to Benin’s coast, also came under severe attacks.

  • UPDATED: Tinubu, Mahama discuss ECOWAS-Sahel relations

    UPDATED: Tinubu, Mahama discuss ECOWAS-Sahel relations

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Ghanaian counterpart John Dramani Mahama, on Thursday reaffirmed the need for continued engagement between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the breakaway Sahelian nations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, emphasizing security and economic cooperation for the benefit of their citizens.

    Speaking after a closed-door meeting at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu, who chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, praised Mahama for his diplomatic efforts in bridging the divide between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

    “I feel good that he is here in the first place, and I am indeed very happy with the efforts he has made to have a bridge between the AES countries and ECOWAS,” Tinubu said.

    The Nigerian leader stressed that maintaining dialogue with the breakaway nations was essential for regional stability, not for the benefit of their political leaders, but for the welfare of ordinary citizens.

    “It’s not a bad idea for us because of the security situation in the Sahel region and the economic opportunities we must embark on to ensure the security of lives and prosperity of our citizens.

    “The innocent people in this episode are the citizens of those countries, not much about us, the leadership. The citizens must be the first beneficiaries and the first point of reason together,” Tinubu added.

    Mahama, who visited the Sahel nations as part of ECOWAS’ ongoing diplomatic efforts, said his trip was aimed at fostering dialogue and exploring avenues for cooperation.

    “I came to thank him for the honor done me during my inauguration and also to brief him on the visits to the Sahelian countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—and to bring him up to date with some of the issues and to discuss with him,” the Ghanaian president explained.

    Acknowledging the complexities of the situation, Mahama noted that resolving tensions between ECOWAS and the breakaway nations would require sustained dialogue.

    “Well, it’s a complicated situation, and it’s not as easy as we might think,” he admitted. “We just need to continue to dialogue and see how we can continue to cooperate together.”

    The meeting underscored ECOWAS’ commitment to diplomatic engagement as tensions persist between the regional bloc and the Sahel states, which have severed ties with the organization following military takeovers.

  • Expert seeks action plan against illegal, unregulated fishing in sub-region

    Expert seeks action plan against illegal, unregulated fishing in sub-region

    BO fewer than 50 experts from the sub-region are expected to gather in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to fashion out action plans in dealing with illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing within ECOWAS member states.

    The sub-region is said to lose around $2 billion annually. 

    A statement by Mr. Joel Ahofodji, ECOWAS Communication Department quoted Amb. Abdel Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, to have said at the meeting: “Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains widespread in our region, causing an estimated loss of more than 2 billion dollars a year, which has a negative impact on the livelihoods and security of our countries.”

    The meeting got underway on Tuesday, with Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Resources of Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Sidi Tiémoko Toure, officially launching the three day event.

  • ECOWAS warns of food crisis for 47 million citizens by mid-2025

    ECOWAS warns of food crisis for 47 million citizens by mid-2025

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has warned that 47 million people in the region could face a food crisis between June and August 2025 if urgent measures are not taken to address the growing food security challenges.

    Currently, the regional body estimates that 34.7 million people require immediate food and nutrition assistance.

    ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, raised the alarm during the third meeting of the Management Committee of the Regional Food Security Reserve (RFSR). She emphasized the need to strengthen emergency response mechanisms while building long-term resilience in the region.

    Toure-Litse, represented by Mr. Mohammed Zongo, Acting Executive Director of the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food, noted that food and nutrition security in West Africa and the Sahel has worsened significantly in recent years. She highlighted that acute malnutrition rates in several areas range between 10% and 14%, underscoring the urgency of intervention.

  • CDS: we’re ready to secure ECOWAS region

    CDS: we’re ready to secure ECOWAS region

    •Group expresses fear of more military takeovers

    The Chiefs of Defence Staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) yesterday reaffirmed their commitment to regional security, pledging to ensure the sub-region’s safety and stability.

    This came on the heels of the activation of ECOWAS’ 5,000-strong Standby Force, a significant move aimed at bolstering regional defence capabilities against adversaries.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, Chairman of the committee and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, stated that the three-day meeting aimed to enhance regional security and cooperation within the ECOWAS community.

    The gathering also sought to unify efforts in addressing the region’s security challenges.

    Gen. Musa said the ECOWAS Defence chiefs had identified critical vulnerabilities to regional security and demonstrated their firm resolve towards addressing these threats.

    He said: “As expected, there were areas of concern between members but more importantly there was firm resolve on the need for collective action.

    Read Also: NSIA, partners launch $500mn fund for distributed renewable energy in Nigeria

    “Within the past days, we have deliberated over critical security concerns in the West African Sub Region. Some of these areas include the review of pledges for ECOWAS Standby Force, consideration of pledges for ECOWAS Counter-terrorist Brigade and the rotation of Staff Officers of Peace Support Operation Divisions and ECOWAS Standby Force.

    “Others were the presentation on the outcome of the Governmental Experts Meeting on the ECOWAS Logistics Concept and Standing Operating Procedures for ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi.”

    The CDS said the meeting provided an opportunity to review the report of the last ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff Meeting, and a presentation on Standardization of the Table of Equipment for ECOWAS Standby Force.

    “Our deliberations have been fruitful, productive and would definitely lead to concrete actions that will further strengthen our collective efforts towards achieving a more secure and prosperous Community,” he said.

  • ECOWAS defence chiefs pledge to boost regional security 

    ECOWAS defence chiefs pledge to boost regional security 

    The Chiefs of Defence Staff of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to regional security, pledging to ensure the subregion’s safety and stability.

    The renewed vow came on the heels of the activation of ECOWAS’ 5,000-strong Standby Force, a significant move aimed at bolstering regional defense capabilities against adversaries. 

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, Chairman of the committee and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, stated that the three-day meeting aimed to enhance regional security and cooperation within the ECOWAS community. 

    The gathering also sought to unify efforts in addressing the region’s security challenges.

    Gen. Musa said the ECOWAS Defence chiefs had identified some critical vulnerabilities to regional security and demonstrated their firm resolve towards addressing these threats.

    He said: “As expected, there were areas of concern between members but more importantly there was firm resolve on the need for collective action.

    “Within the past days, we have deliberated over critical security concerns in the West African Sub Region. Some of these areas include the review of pledges for ECOWAS Standby Force, consideration of pledges for ECOWAS Counter-terrorist Brigade and the rotation of Staff Officers of Peace Support Operation Divisions and ECOWAS Standby Force. 

    Read Also: AfDB, ECOWAS seal $12m food security deal

    “Others were the presentation on the outcome of the Governmental Experts Meeting on the ECOWAS Logistics Concept and Standing Operating Procedures for ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi.”

    The CDS said the meeting provided an opportunity to review the report of the last ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff Meeting, and a presentation on Standardization of the Table of Equipment for ECOWAS Standby Force. 

    “Our deliberations have been fruitful, productive and would definitely lead to concrete actions that will further strengthen our collective efforts towards achieving a more secure and prosperous Community,” he said.

  • ECOWAS activates 5,000-strong Standby Force

    ECOWAS activates 5,000-strong Standby Force

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has activated its Standby Force to curb terrorism and other transborder crimes in the sub-region.

    Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, announced this during the 43rd ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence in Abuja yesterday.

    The meeting was attended by Chiefs of Defence Staff of ECOWAS member countries except Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which had withdrawn from the sub-regional body.

    Others at the meeting were the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah; Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and members of the diplomatic community.

    Badaru said the meeting underscored their shared commitment to addressing the critical security challenges confronting the sub-region.

    He called on the West African Chiefs of Defence Staff to close ranks to break the cycle of terrorism and armed violence confronting the region.

    According to Badaru, by leveraging their collective expertise, resources and commitment, they can make a tangible impact on fostering peace, stability and prosperity in the sub-region.

    “In this regard, I am pleased to announce the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to combat terrorism in the sub-region,” Badaru said.

    “The activation of this force underscores our collective determination to confront the stretch of terrorism with regard to the security of the subregion.

    “We must as a sub-region therefore recognise that our strife towards economic growth and development will invariably be fundamental to a home-grown sustainable peace and security.

    “We as stakeholders in the sub-region must identify and strictly adjust to the changing order of the global landscape in which emerging threats of terrorism, organised crime, climate change, cybercrime and pandemics respond with respect to our parties.”

    ECOWAS Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, said despite the recent withdrawal of three African countries, the ECOWAS maintains the free movement of persons and goods.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s bold leadership responsible for Nigeria’s new growth path – Shettima

    He said: “On 29 January 2025, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formally withdrew their memberships from ECOWAS.

    “Following the directives of the Authority of Heads of State and Government at the last Summit in December 2024, the ECOWAS Commission has now initiated a contingency plan to mitigate the unforeseen consequences of their withdrawal.

    “I so wish to stress that ECOWAS still has its doors open to welcome back our brothers and sisters from the countries that recently withdrew from our community.

    “In this regards, ECOWAS committee of heads of state has directed that despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS must maintain the free movement of people and goods and the rights of settlement and establishment to all citizens of our community, including those from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in the spirit of where ECOWAS is going, that is, building a community and a united force of people and we do not want the ordinary citizens of our member states to suffer.”

    Musah said the pledges made by the member states were being reconfigured in compliance with the directive to activate the Standby Force in the kinetic mode.

    Egbetokun commended the ECOWAS defence forces for playing critical roles in stabilising the region.

    “Our collective efforts to enhance regional security, counter transnational threats and promote defence cooperation will no doubt yield possible outcomes for our nation and our people,” he said.

  • UPDATED: ECOWAS activates standby force to curb terrorism 

    UPDATED: ECOWAS activates standby force to curb terrorism 

    The Economic Community of Africa State (ECOWAS) has activated its Standby Force to curb terrorism and other transborder crimes in the subregion.

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, announced this during the 43rd edition of the ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence, in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff of ECOWAS countries, except Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger,which had withdrawn from the subregional body.

    Other at the meeting were the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and members of the diplomatic community.

    Badaru said the meeting underscores their shared commitments for addressing the critical security challenges confronting the sub-region.

    He said: “My charge this morning to you all is for you to take advantage of this gathering and mobilise against those threats and focus with a view to deny terror…

    “Central to the discussion in the coming days as regards pressing issues concerning the ecowas standby force, ECOWAS peace support operation as well as maritime security in the Golf of Guinea. I am confident that our deliberation will be matched by spirit of collaboration, innovation and determination as we work towards drafting a comprehensive strategy to address the security challenges in the subregion.”

    According to the Defence Minister, by leveraging their collective expertise, resources and commitment they can make a tangible impact on fostering peace, stability and prosperity in the subregion. 

    “In this regard, I am pleased to announce the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to combat terrorism in the sub region,” Badaru said.

    Read Also: JUST IN: ECOWAS activates Standby Force to curb terrorism

    “The activation of this force underscores our collective determination to confront the stretch of terrorism with regards to the security of the sub region.

    “With regards to the security and to ensure the safety and security of our citizens. Before I take my seat, let me express my profound gratitude to each of you for the ongoing dedication, professionalism and commitment to the security and well-being of our people.”

    He urged the participants to approach the deliberation with a sense of purpose, unity and resolve, “knowing that we have also the power to ensure a more secure and prosperous future for our sub region.”

    The ECOWAS Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, said despite the recent withdrawal of three African countries from the regional body, the ECOWAS maintain free movement of persons and goods. 

    He also urged the gathering to critically examine the implications of their withdrawal on regional security in the course of your deliberations.

    He said: “As you are aware, on 29 January 2025, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formally withdrew their memberships from ECOWAS. Following the directives of the Authority of Heads of State and Government at the last Summit in December 2024, the ECOWAS Commission has now initiated a contingency plan to mitigate the unforeseen consequences of their withdrawal. Therefore, I call on you to critically examine the implications of their withdrawal on regional security in the course of your deliberations.

    “I so wish to stress that ECOWAS still has its doors open to welcome back our brothers and sisters from the countries that recently withdrew from our community. 

    “In this regards ECOWAS committee of heads of state has directed that despite the withdrawal ECOWAS must maintain the free movement of people and goods and the rights of settlement and establishment to all citizens of our community, including those from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in the spirit of where ECOWAS is going, that is, building a community and a united force of people and we do not want the ordinary citizens of.our.member states to suffer.”

    Musah said the pledges made by the member states were being reconfigured in compliance with the directive to activate the Standby Force in the kinetic mode.

    In his welcome remarks,the Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa said the meeting demonstrates a collective drive towards addressing the various security threats that afflict the region.

    Musa said the military leaders were aware that without a secure and conducive environment, economic growth and development will continue to elude the region. 

    He therefore urged the Armed Forces to support the political leadership by entrenching a conducive and secure environment for economic development to thrive.  

    Tha he said was in recognition that today’s threats are not only complex and adaptive, but they pervade and in some cases traverse countries in the subregion.  

    He therefore commended the foresight of past leaders for setting up the platform to leverage for collective action against a common threat.

    He stressed that “the complexity of the security landscape demands that we leverage our collective expertise, intelligence assets and coordinate our efforts across borders if we must solve these challenges, as the world has become a global village and the gap between us shrinking even more. Thus, collaboration is paramount and imperative to address both the root causes and symptoms of insecurity in our region,”.  

    General Musa explained that it was on the above that the agenda for the meeting was carefully crafted to focus on critical areas while building from our previous engagements.  

    He said: “Some of these critical areas, include the proposed review of pledges for the ECOWAS Standby Force, consideration of pledges for ECOWAS Standby Force Counter Terrorist Brigade and the rotation of Staff Officers of Peace Support Operations Divisions and ECOWAS Standby Force as well as Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea. 

    “Others are the presentation on the outcome of the Governmental Experts Meeting on the ECOWAS Logistics Concept and Standing Operating Procedures for ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi,”. 

    The CDS said the Meeting will also present and review the report of last Chiefs of Naval Staff Meeting and a presentation on Standardization of the Table of Equipment for the ECOWAS Standby Force.

  • JUST IN: ECOWAS activates Standby Force to curb terrorism

    JUST IN: ECOWAS activates Standby Force to curb terrorism

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has activated its Standby Force to curb terrorism and other transborder crimes actions the subregion.

    Read Also: Senegal beat Nigeria to  ECOWAS wrestling tourney

    The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, announced this during the 43rd edition of the ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence, in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Details shortly…

  • $250,000 up for grabs as ECOWAS wrestling tourney  begins  in Abuja

    $250,000 up for grabs as ECOWAS wrestling tourney  begins  in Abuja

    The Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja  came alive yesterday with  the commencement of the 13th  edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) African Wrestling Tournament.

    A total of 55 athletes from 11 countries are competing for top honours, with each nation represented by five wrestlers and four technical officials.

    Only Cape Verde that is absent at the 13th  edition of the African wrestling competition.

    There are two categories-team events and individual events.

    The Abuja competition will also see female participants for the first time since the commencement of the regional sport event.

    Winners are expected to go home with $25,000 in the three day competition.

    Speaking at the event’s  opening ceremony, the Director of Youth and Sports Development for ECOWAS, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, expressed his appreciation and highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering cooperation and unity among the 12 ECOWAS member states.

    Njoaguani stressed the significance of sports as a powerful tool for regional integration.

    “This programme brings together wrestlers from all our member states,” Njoaguani said. “It strengthens collaboration among nations and showcases the unifying power of sports. We believe this will enhance the integration efforts that ECOWAS advocates.”

    With young people making up 54% of the ECOWAS population, Njoaguani noted the vital role sports play in economic development and youth engagement

    “Sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth,” he stated. “We aim to leverage sports to spread the message of ECOWAS regarding integration and youth development, which are essential to our goals of development and human capital enhancement.”.

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth, adding this tournament coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.

    Dikko praised the rich cultural heritage embedded in traditional wrestling, describing it as more than just a sport:

    Read Also: NFF salutes Bassey, Danladi on government appointments

    “It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline—qualities that define our great continent,” he said, as dignitaries, athletes, and fans gathered to celebrate this prestigious event.”

    Dikko further commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noting his dedication to using sports as a vehicle for peace and regional cohesion.

     “This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” he emphasized.

    Hosting the tournament firmly positions Nigeria as a central figure in promoting and developing traditional sports across the region. Dikko reiterated the National Sports Commission’s dedication to maximizing the power of sporting events for youth development, regional unity, and economic progress.

    The tournament opened with team events, while individual bouts across weight categories of 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg are scheduled to follow in an elimination format, leading to the semi-finals and finals.

    Njoaguani also extended an invitation to the public to attend the tournament’s grand finale tomorrow, where medals and prizes will be awarded to the champions.