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Tag: ECOWAS

  • ECOWAS Parliament seeks abolition of residence permit system

    ECOWAS Parliament seeks abolition of residence permit system

    Parliament of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for abolition of residence permit.

    Its committees on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism (MAEP), Legal and Human Rights, Trade Customs and Free Movement made the call yesterday in their draft report atfter their delocalised sittings in Banjul, The Gambia.

    The Residence Permit system was established as part of ECOWAS Treaty in May 1975. This treaty aimed to promote economic integration and cooperation among West African states, including free movement in the region.

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    The permit, also known as  ECOWAS Residence Card, is a document issued to citizens of member countries, who wish to reside in another ECOWAS country for extended period for business, jobs, or personal. The committees earlier organised a town hall with stakeholders and an interactive session with border officials in The Gambia and Senegal to find out the level of implementation of the free movement protocols and challenges hindering their full implementation.

    The committees agreed that the permit hinders free movement of goods and persons.

    “Issuance of residence permits should be abolished in conformity with the Community Text, the report, also to go through plenary for approval, said.

  • ECOWAS Speaker seeks strong governance to implement free movement

    ECOWAS Speaker seeks strong governance to implement free movement

    Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima has called for establishment of monitoring mechanisms for the implementation of free movement of persons and goods in the sub-region.

    Ibrahima spoke at the opening ceremony of the delocalised Meeting of the large Joint Committee on Social Affairs, Gender and Women’s Empowerment, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism (MAEP), Trade, Customs and Free Movement in Banjul, The Gambia.

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    The meeting focuses on: “The role of Parliament in the implementation of the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, and the right of residence and establishment in the ECOWAS area.”

    The Speaker expressed concern over the huddles  confronting the free movement protocols.

    She, therefore, called for strong governance, based on mutual trust, shared responsibility and ownership of results to realise the Protocol.

  • ECOWAS speaker calls for strong governance to implement free movement

    ECOWAS speaker calls for strong governance to implement free movement

    Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima on Monday, August 26, called for the establishment of monitoring mechanisms for the implementation of the free movement of persons and goods in the sub-region.

    Ibrahima spoke at the opening ceremony of the delocalised Meeting of the large Joint Committee on Social Affairs, Gender and Women’s Empowerment, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights, Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism (MAEP), Legal and Human Rights, Trade, Customs, and Free Movement, in Banjul, the Gambia.

    The meeting focuses on “The role of Parliament in the implementation of the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, and the right of residence and establishment in the ECOWAS area”.

    The Speaker expressed concern over the huddles confronting the free movement protocols.

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    She, therefore, called for strong governance, based on mutual trust, shared responsibility, and ownership of results to realise the Protocol.

    She said: “The backbone of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) undoubtedly remains the promotion of cooperation and integration between its member states. Recognising that free movement is essential to the achievement of regional integration, the Member States adopted, on 29 May 1975, the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and the Right of Residence and Establishment in the Region.

    “Indeed, in addition to many other advantages, the Protocol allows ECOWAS citizens to enter and move freely in Member States without a visa. They can settle and carry out economic activities, subject to obtaining an ECOWAS card or residence permit. These measures facilitate mobility and stimulate intra-regional trade within our space.

    “Despite these advances, considerable challenges remain in the implementation of our own choices. In recent years, free movement within the Community has been severely tested by several factors.

    “Weaknesses in the implementation mechanism, differences in national interests and infrastructure problems hinder the achievement of the Protocol’s objectives.

    “You will agree with me that the full realisation of free movement in the ECOWAS area requires strong governance, based on mutual trust, shared responsibility and ownership of results. To achieve our objectives, it is imperative to put in place mechanisms that ensure constant monitoring for more effectiveness of our protocols.

    “Undoubtedly, the institution best placed to carry out these audits and ensure this balance within the ECOWAS architecture is the ECOWAS Parliament. Unfortunately, the latter is still insufficiently involved in the implementation of the Protocol and its Additional Protocols. This limits its contribution to effective and complete integration.

    “It is in this perspective that the Joint Committee met on July 5, 2024, during the First Ordinary Session of Parliament, and adopted the terms of reference of this meeting.

    “Policymakers and all stakeholders must unify their efforts to identify challenges and propose solutions that will maximise the benefits of free movement, both at the regional and national levels. These objectives will only be achieved through the development of coordinated policies and actions.

    “I am convinced that this meeting of the Joint Committee, which will be nourished by the various direct meetings we will have with the people and local authorities, in order to collect their concerns, will lay the basis for a new reflection on this issue and help us to better understand the Protocol on Free Movement, while opening the way for greater involvement of Deputies in its implementation.”

  • Anti-graft: NACIWA urges full implementation of ECOWAS Protocol

    Anti-graft: NACIWA urges full implementation of ECOWAS Protocol

    The Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) has called for the development of comprehensive guidelines for the full implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol on the fight against corruption.

    The assembly made the call in a communiqué adopted and signed by all the member states of NACIWA at the end of its 6th General Assembly  yesterday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, which began on Monday, deliberated on modalities for deepening the fight against corruption in the West African sub-region.

    The Network stated that comprehensive guidelines for the implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol on the fight against corruption had become a necessity.

    It stated that guidelines would help to conform to international instruments such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Union (AU) Convention against Corruption.

    Read Also: Tinubu asks ECOWAS members to implement anti-corruption protocol

    Other highlights of the communiqué include advocacy for better funding and resourcing of anti-corruption agencies in the sub-region.

    It stressed that adequate human and material resources were essential for the effective discharge of their mandates.

    It called on the ECOWAS commission to expedite the establishment of a Technical Commission for the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol on the fight against corruption.

    The communiqué also addressed the need to harmonise legal and regulatory frameworks across the region to prevent safe havens for corrupt individuals and facilitate more effective cross-border anti-corruption efforts.

  • Tinubu urges ECOWAS leaders to take concerted action against corruption

    Tinubu urges ECOWAS leaders to take concerted action against corruption

    …Sites NACIWA’s permanent headquarters in Nigeria

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has called on member countries of the regional body to, as a matter of necessity, ratify and fully implement the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol against corruption.

    President Tinubu, who is the chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, also charged the leaders to join forces in the fight against corruption, emphasizing that the region’s future depends on creating transparent, accountable, and efficient governance structures.

    Speaking at the 6th annual General Assembly of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, President Tinubu stressed the enormity of the task but expressed confidence in the collective resolve of member states to combat corruption.

    Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged all member states to ratify and fully implement the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption, emphasizing the need to move from commitment to action and from intention to implementation.

    The President highlighted the dangers of corruption, which he said undermines societal fabric, erodes public trust, and hinders equitable resource distribution, stressing that leaders must confront this challenge with unwavering resolve and concerted action.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, President Tinubu said “in recognition of NACIWA’s pivotal role in our regional anti-corruption efforts, I am proud to announce that the Nigerian government has donated property to serve as NACIWA’s permanent headquarters.

    “This gesture underscores our commitment to strengthening NACIWA’s institutional capacity and providing a solid operational foundation. As we deliberate on implementing the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption, I urge all member states to renew their commitment to this cause”.

    The ECOWAS Chairman urged member countries of the regional body to move beyond rhetoric and focus on concrete actions targeted at harmonizing their “legal frameworks to close loopholes exploited by corrupt individuals.”

    He listed other tangible actions required to include enhancing cross-border cooperation in investigations and asset recovery, investing in innovative technologies to detect and prevent corrupt practices, promoting transparency in public procurement and resource management, engaging civil society and the media as partners in the region’s anti-corruption efforts, and strengthening the independence and capacity of its national anti-corruption institutions.

    Demanding full implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption, President Tinubu stated: “The task before us is enormous, but so significant is our collective resolve by working together, sharing best practices, and leveraging our diverse strengths, we can create a formidable bulwark against corruption in West  Africa. 

    “All member states must ratify and fully implement the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption. Let us move from commitment to action, from intention to implementation. The future of our region depends on our ability to create transparent, accountable, and efficient governance structures that serve the interests of our people”. 

    The Nigerian leader highlighted the dangers of corruption, maintaining that it has remained “one of the most significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of our nations.

    “It (corruption) undermines the very fabric of our societies, erodes public trust, and impedes the equitable distribution of resources.  As leaders, we are responsible for confronting this challenge head-on with unwavering resolve and concerted action,” he added.

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    Outlining the steps he has taken to tackle corruption in Nigeria since he assumed office as President last year, the ECOWAS Chairman said he strengthened “all the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria by not interfering in their activities and ensuring that they are adequately funded.

    “I have also encouraged them to operate within the ambit of the law. This is a template which I recommended to other states within the region,” he further noted. 

    President Tinubu reaffirmed what he described as Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to NACIWA’s success “and the broader anti-corruption agenda within ECOWAS,” assuring that working together in synergy will enable member countries to “build more vital institutions, foster regional unity, and pave the way for a prosperous and corruption-free West Africa.”

    Earlier, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, noted that there is an urgent need for regional and global cooperation in the battle against corruption, describing it as a cancer that threatens Africa’s stability and development.

    “Corruption is a cancer that has eaten deeply into the fabric of many African nations. It has been a persistent obstacle to development, undermining our institutions, eroding public trust, and exacerbating poverty,” Tuggar stated.

    He further stressed that in Nigeria, corruption has fueled insecurity and discontent, making it a matter of life and death.

    Ambassador Tuggar also highlighted the alarming scale of financial loss due to corruption, pointing to UN estimates that Africa loses $88.6 billion annually to illicit financial flows—funds that could have been used for essential public services like schools and hospitals.

    Also, Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasised the crucial role of collaborative efforts in the fight against corruption.

    “The fight against corruption is not just a matter of institutional duty, but a crucial step towards securing a better future for our nations. We must work diligently to implement policies and strategies that effectively counter this menace,” Fagbemi said.

    In his part, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, urged regional anti-corruption bodies to adapt their strategies to evolving threats.

    “Corruption continues to evolve, adopting new forms and exploiting technological advancements. We must constantly adapt our strategies and enhance our capabilities,” Olukoyede said.

    Also, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, emphasised that the fight against corruption is a long-term struggle requiring unwavering commitment.

    “Confronting this hydra-headed monster has become imperative given the debilitating challenges and effects posed by corruption on economic development,” Aliyu noted.

    He called for full adherence to the 2021 ECOWAS protocol on anti-corruption and recommended the use of digital tools to enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures.

    The representative of the ECOWAS President, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, outlined the strides made by ECOWAS in collaboration with national anti-corruption agencies to include implementing policies that promote transparency and good governance.

    He, however, acknowledged that there is still considerable work to be done.

    “Corruption remains one of the most significant challenges facing our nations. It undermines economic growth, erodes public trust, and hinders the development of our societies. As we convene today, we must reaffirm our commitment to tackling this issue head-on,” Musah said.

    Others present at the summit included the Chairman Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Udende Emmanuel; Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi; Heads of ECOWAS Anti-Corruption Agencies, and representatives of UN agencies, among many others.

  • How ECOWAS Parliament can succeed, by Kalu

    How ECOWAS Parliament can succeed, by Kalu

    House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, has identified accountability, credibility, and transparency as central in the work of ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committee.

    He spoke in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on the sidelines of the committee’s delocalised meeting.

    Kalu chairs the parliament’s Joint Committee on Administration, Finance, Budget, Public Accounts, Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research.

    The lawmaker said financial committees under the joint committee seek to interrogate the financial health of the parliament.

    “For instance, what are those roles  we’re supposed to play to enable us become more transparent, show integrity, and be more accountable?

    “And as you know, it’s an evolving institution, which has certain transparency structures, accountability structures, and credibility structures supposed to have come of age.

    Read Also: ECOWAS plans amendments of Supplementary Act, says Kalu

    “So, what we are doing is to dissect the structures as they are,” he said.

    He added: “Put first things first. Put the integrity scale to score high for the community.

    “Put the transparency scale to score high; and put the accountability scale to score high. Once we build our credibility, there will be support.”

    Kalu said the parliament would block gaps weakening transparency, accountability, and credibility.

    He added: “Are there things not existing there? “How do we strengthen them? “At the end of this session, we will come up with a resolution that is best for the subcommittees.”

  • ECOWAS plans amendments of Supplementary Act, says Kalu

    ECOWAS plans amendments of Supplementary Act, says Kalu

    Deputy Speaker, Nigeria’s House of Representatives,  Benjamin Kalu has disclosed a plan by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament to amend its Supplementary Act.

    This, Kalu said, is to entrench separation of powers and guarantee legislative autonomy.

    He spoke in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, during an interview with reporters at the sidelines of a meeting of ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committee on Administration, Finance, Budget, Public Accounts, Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research.

    The Deputy Speaker, who was a co-chairman at the meeting, explained that when laws become obsolete, they outlive their usefulness to the dynamic society. Hence, the need to amend them to strengthen the legislature, he said.

    He stressed that if it was not done, it would allow the executive to become the “judge in their own case”.

    The parliamentarian said that the attendant scenario of weak sub-regional institutions would culminate in their losing credibility before the international community.

    He expressed confidence that the move would get the buy-in of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

    Kalu, while stating that all the member states of the regional bloc, would want to see it happen, said: “Rightly put, we need to amend the Supplementary Act.

    “The protocols that brought the ECOWAS Commission and ECOWAS Parliament into existence need to be overhauled. This is because these laws are not cast in stones; Indeed, no law is cast in stone.”

    He revealed that the parliament was also looking at the laws controlling the management, the administration, the operationalisation of so many expectations of citizens, who are members of the ECOWAS community.

    Read Also: ECOWAS plans amendments of supplementary act — Kalu

    He said: “We’ll see whether they are fit for our purpose or not. When laws become obsolete, they don’t fit into the needs of the dynamic society.

     “We’ll touch them up, so that they’ll become proper and we’ll ensure that we get what we are supposed to get.

     “So, we are heading towards that because the Supplementary Act does not fully give the independence of the parliament,” he said.

  • ECOWAS plans amendments of supplementary act — Kalu

    ECOWAS plans amendments of supplementary act — Kalu

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has disclosed a plan of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament to amend its Supplementary Act.

    This, Kalu said, is to entrench the Separation of Powers and guarantee legislative autonomy.

    He spoke in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, during an interview with journalists at the sidelines of a meeting of ECOWAS parliament’s joint committee on administration, finance, budget, public accounts, macroeconomic policy, and economic research.

    The deputy speaker was a co-chairman at the meeting.

    He explained that when laws become obsolete, they outlive their usefulness to the dynamic society, hence, the need to amend them to strengthen the legislature.

    He stressed that if it was not done, it would allow the executive to become the ‘judge in their case.’

    The parliamentarian said that the attendant scenario of weak sub-regional institutions would culminate in their losing credibility before the international community.

    He expressed confidence that the move would get the buy-in of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

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    Kalu, while stating that all the member states of the regional bloc would want to see it happen, said: “Rightly put, we need to amend the Supplementary Act.

    She said: “The protocols that brought the ECOWAS Commission and ECOWAS Parliament into existence need to be overhauled.

    “This is because these laws are not cast in stones; indeed, no law is cast in stone.”

    He revealed that the parliament was also looking at the laws controlling the management, the administration, and the operationalization of so many expectations of citizens, who are members of the ECOWAS community.

    He said: “We’ll see whether they are fit for our purpose or not. When laws become obsolete, they don’t fit into the needs of the dynamic society.

    “We’ll touch them up so that they’ll become proper and we’ll ensure that we get what we are supposed to get.

    “So, we are heading towards that because the Supplementary Act does not fully give the independence of the parliament,” he said.

    Kanu, an APC lawmaker representing Abia, Bende Constituency, said the legislature is not independent, and the subregion cannot claim to be a democratic institution without strengthening the fulcrum of democracy.

    He said: “For a couple of days now, we’ve been busy analysing the rules of procedure, and members are speaking out their minds.

    “We are analysing the supplementary act, to find out if there is anything we can do to increase the independence of the legislative arm of the Community.

    “So this is the kind of conversation that has been going on,” he said.

    Kalu, who is also a lawyer and chairman of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Constitutional Review Committee, insisted that the legislature is the fulcrum of the democratic establishment.

    He said: “We are already reviewing the Grundnorm of Nigeria, one of the greatest countries of the Black race.

    “It is not happening yet in the ECOWAS community, and we want it to happen.

    “I’m sure the heads of government of all the states in the ECOWAS want it to happen.

    “We need to sit with them, to make sure that we do it in a way that will strengthen the legislature more than it is now.

    Kalu emphasised that once this was in place, the three ethos and principles of democracy, namely, transparency, accountability, and credibility, would be observed.

    “If the legislature is not strong, when it is supposed to be the watchdog of the other arms of government, the executive will be the judge in their own case.

    “They will make their budgets, they’ll oversight themselves, and that is not in line with the expectation of democracy.

    “So, there is the need to strengthen the legislature to enable us to observe the doctrine of Separation of Powers.

    “The doctrine is clear on the definition of the parameters of the operation of the various arms of government.

    “It is like saying, look, legislature, you know your boundaries; executive, you know your boundaries.

    “And it is good for each one of them to do the function of being their own leader, and be the watchdog of the responsibilities of the others,” he said.

    The lawmaker further noted that the parliament’s push towards amending the act would come with a lot of advocacy.

    “It’s not going to be achieved through boxing gloves. It’s going to be through lobbying, through negotiation. We’ll let people know that if we don’t do this, the Committee of Nations will not see our organization as credible.

    “Just because we do not observe the true elements of good governance, transparency, and accountability,” he said.

  • Equatorial Guinea president hails Tinubu led ECOWAS on efforts to unite region

    Equatorial Guinea president hails Tinubu led ECOWAS on efforts to unite region

    Equatorial Guinea President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu-led Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its efforts towards uniting and repositioning the regional bloc.

    This is as both leaders have agreed to hold the Sixth Joint Cooperation Commission as soon as possible to facilitate the signing of additional bilateral agreements while monitoring the implementation of Agreements that have already been signed.

    This was contained in a joint statement signed by the Foreign Affairs ministers from both countries: Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Simeon Oyono Esono Angue

    According to the joint statement, both Heads of State also welcomed the signing of the bilateral Agreement on the construction and operation of the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline.

    The pipeline is expected to facilitate trade in natural gas between the two countries.

    The two Heads of State, the joint statement further stated, expressed worries over security challenges across the continent.

    The statement reads in part: “In this regard, the Heads of State applauded the signing of the bilateral Agreement on the construction and operation of the Gulf of Guinea Pipeline, which will facilitate trade in natural gas between the two countries and global markets. In addition, this Agreement will facilitate the development of gas resources, accelerate industrialization and enhance energy security.

    “Both delegations committed to holding the Sixth Joint Cooperation Commission as soon as possible to facilitate the signing of additional bilateral agreements while monitoring the implementation of Agreements that have already been signed.

    Read Also: ECOWAS parliament will ensure transparent use of resources – Kalu

    “During the exchanges, His Excellency OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO expressed support for efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under the Chairmanship of His Excellency BOLA AHMED TINUBU, to unite and reposition the regional bloc.

    “Concerning the continent, the two Heads of State expressed their concerns over insecurity, instability and emerging crises across Africa. They reaffirmed the need to promote African-led solutions to African problems and committed to limiting foreign interference in the continent.

    “The Heads of State unreservedly condemned terrorism and piracy and resolved to work together more closely to tackle these threats. To this end, they agreed to explore various initiatives tabled by Gulf of Guinea

    Commission Member States aimed at improving coordination and enhancing maritime security. They further reaffirmed their commitment to the Malabo Declaration on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Pages of 1 and 2

    Africa, and the Abuja Process for Consolidating Regional Counter-Terrorism Approaches.

    “At the international level, both Heads of State expressed their firm willingness to support initiatives for the prevention and peaceful resolution of disputes, as well as respect for the principles of independence, sovereignty, and non-interference in the internal affairs of States, in line with the Charter of the United Nations.

    “Both delegations committed to redoubling their efforts to support the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. They also strongly reiterated calls for an African Permanent Seat on the UN Security Council.”

    President Tinubu was in Malabo on a three-day official visit at the instance of his Equatorial Guinea counterpart from 14th to 16th August 2024.

    The visit was part of efforts to strengthen robust and friendly relations at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

  • Subregional navies conclude week-long joint operation, commit to better communication strategies

    Subregional navies conclude week-long joint operation, commit to better communication strategies

    With a commitment to improve information and communication strategies, the littoral countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission Zone E at the weekend concluded the weeklong launching of maritime security operations codenamed Safe Domain III.

    The operation which began on Monday in Cotonou, Benin Republic saw the deployment of air and sea assets from Nigerian, Togoliase and Beninnois navies to curb criminality in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) waters.

    The Nation reports that participating ships and helicopters were on the high seas for four days carrying out simulations and also preventing criminally minded persons from having access to the maritime space.

    Highlighting the gains of the operation at the closing ceremony held at the Naval Base Jetty in Cotonou on Friday, the Multinational Maritime Coordination Center (MMCC) Director, Commodore Aniedi Aniedu Ibok, noted the importance of harmonising communication systems and involving Maritime Operational Centers (MOCs) in future operations.

    He announced plans for a conference to enhance interoperability among stakeholders.

    Ibok emphasized that the operations would continue despite the closing ceremony of its launch.

    “Please note that it is closing ceremony of the launch of OP SAFE DOMAIN III 2024, because the operation continues as the ships and assets return to their individual countries and continue the daily patrols and information sharing and collaboration with Member States.

    “Your presence continues to depict our collective resolve and commitment to achieving a secure maritime environment in West Africa. I, on behalf of the staff of MMCC Zone E as well as the whole ECOWAS community, sincerely appreciate you all,” he stated.

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    According to him, the participating countries deployed four ships, one defender boat, and one helicopter to patrol the high seas during the five-day launch period of the operation-themed ‘Protecting the Blue Economy of ECOWAS Zone E through Maritime Security Collaboration.’

    “The ships conducted several maritime drills so as to strengthen their collaboration and interoperability towards the fight against identified illicit activities by nefarious non-state actors that are inimical to the growth of our Blue Economy such as sea robbery, maritime piracy, illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and various types of illegal trafficking of oil, arms, drugs, and human beings as well as smuggling of goods. “These threats have negatively impacted the exploration of economic resources at sea thereby hampering the maximal harvest of the benefits of our Blue Economy; its economic development and the livelihoods of its local communities.

    “The success of this operation is owed to the doggedness of Zone E leadership and the cooperation of the various Chiefs of the Naval Staff, who supported every plan and released their assets accordingly.

    “In line with its mission, the zone was able to pool resources of Member States’ navies, promote information exchange and cooperation so as to create a secure, safe and conducive environment for maritime commerce, which will ultimately boost trade and economic growth in the Blue Economy of the subregion. “This is the whole drive of the ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS) which established the comprehensive Maritime Architecture for ECOWAS maritime environment,” he said.

    Continuing on the gains of the operation, Ibok said it represented a significant milestone in “our collective effort to further address the challenges of criminal activities that threaten the safety and security of our waters,” adding that it was a testament to the commitment of member states to work together in a coordinated and collaborative manner to secure the region’s maritime domain.

    He warned criminals seeking to undermine the integrity of the subregional waters to steer clear or they would meet their Waterloo, just as he encouraged seafarers and legitimate business people to continue in their trade with the assurance of safety and security.

    “As we move forward, let us remember the importance of collaboration and cooperation, fostering a culture of security and awareness among stakeholders. We must continue to work together to protect our shared maritime heritage and ensure the free flow of global trade.

    “Let us depart from here today with renewed energy and a shared vision for a safer, more secure maritime future in Zone E,” said Ibok.

    Commanding Officer Defender Boat (DB) ABUJA, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, who led all participating platforms to sea, noted the operation’s overall success despite communication challenges and technical disruptions.

    He recommended continued investment in advanced surveillance technology, strengthening communication infrastructure, and regular joint exercises to improve maritime security.

    Udoessien listed the participating vessels as DB Abuja, NNS Kano, Benin Navy Ship Alibore, and Togolese Navy Ship Abuah.

    “Also, elements of the Nigerian Navy Helicopter, Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service as well as the Deep Blue Special Intervention forces, were used in this operation.

    “The operation lasted from the 5th – 9th August 2024. We spent four days at sea, and we conducted a series of exercises, some of which included anti-illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing (IUU), vessel board, search and seizure ( VBSS), as well as fleet maneuvers.

    “The highlight of this occasion was the anti-piracy operation conducted on the 6th of August 2024, which involved the insertion of special boat services (SBS) elements using the Nigerian Navy Helicopter onboard DB Abuja.

    “Designated patrol areas were allocated to each of the ships. We were able to sustain ourselves at sea, and we showed the capability of replenishing our vessels.

    “Also, we hope that in future iteration, there will be commitments of more assets by the various participating nations so that we can achieve a secure and safe maritime domain to boost a thriving blue economy in the zone E member country.

    Representatives of both the Togolaise and Beninnois navies expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the operations, noting the need for harmonized communications plan.