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Tag: European Union (EU)

  • Illegal migration from Edo State declines on Obaseki’s effort, says EU

    The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Ketil Karlsen, has said that efforts by the Edo State Government to stem human trafficking have resulted in the state dropping from first to sixth position, among originating sources of illegal migrants to Europe.

    Commending the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government’s approach to addressing the menace, the ambassador said: “They are a model as well as a strategic place to work in, as Nigeria tackles the scourge.”

    Karlsen said this after an inspection tour to different locations in Benin City, the Edo capital, where migrant returnees would be sheltered and trained.

    The Obaseki-led government has sustained a mix of strategies, ranging from institutional, sensitisation campaign, reintegration of returnees and empowerment programmes, amongst others, in tackling the menace.

    The ambassador said it was encouraging to see many activities geared towards addressing irregular migration taking place in the state, adding, “This is my third visit to Edo State and it will not be the last because, for us, Edo is a strategic place to work in. I must say; this is a model for engagement, where we build on local and state government’s leadership.”

    “We will bring together all the partners of the international communities to support them; we are working with the World Bank and other development partners to make sure we support the vision that the Edo government is pursuing,” he said.

    He noted that the EU was committed to seeing that the migrant returnees were well integrated into the country as well as ensuring that the root causes of the menace are tackled.

    According to him, “Seeing what is being done through the leadership of the Edo State government and talking with the returnees and young people in the state, we have gotten insight into how we can support them better now and even in the future.”

    The EU ambassador was accompanied on the tour by Programme Manager, Managing Migration through Development Programme, (MMDP), Dr. May Ikeora, and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Job Creation and Skills Development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare.

    Managing Director, LAPO Micro Finance Bank, Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, said the returnees need empowerment to be fully be integrated into the society.

    He added that LAPO has in the last 15 years engaged in returnees’ reintegration programme by collaborating with different development partners.

    He added, “We believe that we should be a part of the returnees’ programme by empowering them with skills so that they can make better lives for themselves.”

    The sites visited include the Edo State Government’s proposed shelter site for migrant returnees, LAPO institute, where migrant returnees are being trained on business opportunities and the Edo Innovation Hub.

  • EU, World Bank hail Edo Govt. on campaign against human trafficking

    …call on other states to adopt Edo intervention model 

    The European Union (EU), the World Bank and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have commended Edo State Government’s unrelenting and well-articulated effort to curb human trafficking and illegal migration in the state.

    The stakeholders disclosed this at the 2nd Roundtable Dialogue on Managing Migration Through Development Programme (MMDP), a two-day event which kicked-off on Tuesday in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    In his address, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said that all efforts by local and international partners in the fight against irregular migration needs to be synergised to achieve the desired results.

    Obaseki said a coordination matrix designed by Edo Government and her partners will create a platform for better collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders, avoid duplication of efforts and improve efficiency in migration management.

    He said the state government has in the last one year, entered into a collaboration with key partners which has significantly changed the narrative with regard to the fight against the scourge.

    “Since the launch of Round Table Dialogue in Abuja in May this year, several partnerships have been birthed which have contributed to the success stories” he said.

    Read Also: Akeredolu’s aide resigns appointment

    The governor noted that the state government will continue to demonstrate political will to tackle the problem of human trafficking and illegal migration by constantly finding a common ground and seeking more collaborations with other stakeholders.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who was  represented by Mr. Martin Eze, said resettlement of returnees is at the heart of the federal government’s intervention programme.

    He appealed to foreign partners, especially countries in the European Union to smoothen their visa issuance process so that eligible Nigerians, who have genuine reasons to travel abroad are not frustrated.

    In his keynote address, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Ketil Karlsen, expressed appreciation for efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Obaseki which have seen Nigeria drop to the sixth position among countries whose citizens engage in irregular migration.

    Karlsen also commended Edo State government for launching the MMDP Coordination Matrix, noting that the EU would not fund any state operating in isolation without involving local stakeholders.

    “We are doing better now by being transparent and including our activities in the matrix and by guaranteeing that every step we take will be in that spirit,” he said.

    Mr. Karlsen said the European Investment Bank has expressed willingness to increase investment in funding economic programmes in Africa to one billion dollars to empower youths and discourage irregular migration.

    He added that a holistic approach and a legal framework has been identified to capture the return of illegal migration via investment in migration institution, youths and jobs.

    Director General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli, represented by the Director of Research and Programme Development, Godwin Morka, said that the state government’s model should be studied and replicated in other states, noting that the tactical and far-reaching response by the state government is commendable.

    She noted that the state government was quite proactive in nipping the menace in the bud, noting that the coordinated approach and the institutional reforms set up to tackle the menace helped in large measure to restore hope to victims of human trafficking in the state.

    Programme Manager, MMDP, Dr. May Ikeora, said that government’s response to mitigating illegal migration include resettlement of migrant returnees, skills development, and development of at-risk communities.

    She expressed optimism that the launch of the MMDP coordination matrix will make effort at managing migration more efficiently, and said that, “The coordination matrix will lead to better information exchange and strategic planning that is evidence-based and sustainable.”

  • EU launches N4.3bn projects in support of Albinos in Niger Delta

    The European Union ( EU ) on Wednesday inaugurated 956,000 euros (about 4.3 billion naira) projects in support of Person With Albinisms ( PWAs ), provision of water and sanitation management in the Niger Delta.

    The EU Head of Delegation and Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Ketil Karlsen, said this in an interview with our correspondent at the end of project inauguration ceremony in Abuja.

    Karlsen said that the projects were part of EU activities to promote, protect human rights in Nigeria and mitigate the conflict in Niger Delta region by addressing the cause of unrest and violence.

    “The EU is signing four projects with Civil Society Organisations to provide services in the Niger Delta in water and sanitation management to increase access for the locals.

    “Another one is launching a support programme for the Albino Foundation which is a wonderful project that we are really following up as a resolution from the EU parliament.

    “This stressed the importance of EU working with the people with Albinism in Africa to improve their rights and to deepen their opportunity,” he said.

    He said one of the projects was funded under European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights ( EIDHR ) programme, while the others  were funded under component three of the Niger Delta Support Programme ( NDSP ).

    According to him, the projects have a total funding of 956,000 euros and to be implemented over a period of five years.

    He said the overall objective of the EIDHR was to help civil society organisations become an effective force for political reform and defence of human right.

    “So this is another example of close collaboration of EU with CSOs and authority in Nigeria because we know that the chain is as strong as the weakest link.

    “So we always advocate for civil society, the international community and the authority a like to approach some of the challenges that we have seen in Nigeria and some other places.”

    He said the Component 3 of the NDSP was aimed to increase access to safe, adequate and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene service delivery to underserved population in five EU approved Niger-Delta states.

    The states, according to him, are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo and Rivers.

    He said the implementing entities include state ministries responsible for water, UNICEF, Messer SAFEGE SRLS and four local CSOs

    According to him, the choice of the projects is because water management and sanitation are vital for the livelihood of people.

    “Without good health, people cannot go to schools, they will not learn well, so this is part of wider development of securing wider opportunity for ordinary Nigerians.

    “So, this is something that is producing tangible and specific result that can be seen with our bare eyes and I think working with people with albinism is part of what has been done in the past.

    “And I think one of the wonderful things that this project will brought about is more clarity of what is the actual situation of the people with albinism.

    “How many people are there all together, what are the needs and difficulties and of course without having that point of departure, it is very difficult to design necessary policy for them.”

    He said some of the projects would last about 28 months while some would last less.

    “However, what is important is how to ensure the long lasting effect of the projects and ensure their sustainability.

    “This is one of the discussions that we need to have with our partners that how do we secure the impact of the project that when the last euros has been paid.

    “And that is about advocacy, about awareness, building on best practices and multiplier effect,” he said.

    President of Albino Foundation in Nigeria, Mr Jake Eppele, a beneficiary commended the EU for the initiative.

    Eppele said the project was to provide access to social services for persons with Albinism in Nigeria.

    He said the project was also to provide legal reform to improve the situation of people living Albinism.

    Mr Benjamin Ogbalor, Project Coordinator, Initiative for Community Development, a CSO, said his project was aimed at improving the living condition of the population of people in Isoko Local Government of Delta.

    “This is to enhance safe access, adequate, equitable and sustainable water supply, sanitation and hygiene services aiming to provide support for the peace process, conflict prevention and local governance,’’ Ogbalor said.

    NAN

  • NEMA receives 149 Nigerians from Libya

    The National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ) has received 149 Nigerians who voluntarily returned from Libya.

    The returnees arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. aboard a chartered flight operated by Buraq Airline with registration number 5A-DMG.

    The aircraft landed at about 10:45 p.m. at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    The returnees comprised of 107 male adults, 37 female adults including a medical case, four female children and one female infant.

    Mr Abrham Tamrat, the Programme Manager of International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Lagos, handed the returnees over to Alhaji Yakubu Suleiman, the South West Zonal Coordinator of NEMA.

    Suleiman thanked the IOM and the European Union ( EU ) for facilitating the repatriation of the Nigerians who had been stranded en route from Libya to Europe.

    Yakubu admonished the returnees to shun the urge of seeking greener pastures outside the country.

    He said that all nations in the world were facing various challenges as a result of global economic meltdown.

    The coordinator said the Nigerian economy had exited recession due to the ingenuity of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, adding that they should join hand in building the country.

    “Nigeria has more than enough resources to cater for our needs but it is left for every one of us to tap from any of these abundant resources,” Suleiman said.

    He assured them that both the Federal and state governments had lots of incentives for their rehabilitation and reintegration to complement the efforts of EU and IOM.

    Also speaking, Tamat said the IOM had assisted over 7,000 Nigerians back from Libya under the voluntary return assistance programme and would continue to assist persons who indicate interest to return.

    The returnees were also received by officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service ( NIS ), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons ( NAPTIP ), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN ) and the Nigeria Police.

    The telecommunications company, Airtel, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, also gave the returnees free mobile cellphones and sim cards to facilitate their reintegration.

    NAN

  • EU expresses concern over herdsmen, farmers conflicts

    The European Union ( EU ) Heads of Mission on Tuesday expressed concern over what it described as escalating and disturbing killings in the conflict involving herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria.

    A statement in Abuja by the Media Officer to its delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Modestus Chukwulaka, urged the Nigerian government to bring perpetrators of violence of any kind to book

    The mission heads, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for visiting the affected states.

    The EU therefore called on the government and stakeholders to engage decisively to promote a constructive dialogue between the feuding parties.

    According to the mission, this should be done to find viable solutions and sustainable economic policies that would permit all to live in peace.

    “As a first step, the perpetrators of violence must be brought to justice. The EU confirms its full support to the Nigerian government and people in their fight against violence in all its forms.

    “The EU also expresses its condolences and sympathy to the families of those killed and injured,” the statement said.

    NAN

  • EU to respond to U.S. tariffs within 90 days if not exempt

    EU to respond to U.S. tariffs within 90 days if not exempt

    The European Union ( EU ) will go to the World Trade Organisation to impose its own measures if the bloc is not excluded from the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, EU’s trade chief said on Friday.

    U.S. President Donald Trump set import tariffs on Thursday of 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminum but exempted Canada and Mexico and offered the possibility of excluding other allies, backtracking from an earlier stance.

    EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom, who coordinates policy for the world’s biggest trading bloc, said she shared U.S. concerns about overcapacity in the steel sector but did not believe in tariffs as a way to solve the problem.

    “Europe is certainly not a threat to American internal security so we expect to be excluded,” Malmstrom told reporters before speaking at a conference in Brussels.

    Asked at the conference whether she was ready to react if the 28-country EU was included in the U.S. tariffs, Malmstrom said she stood ready to go to the WTO, the international trade arbiter, to impose the bloc’s own safeguards within 90 days.

    “We have been very clear that (the U.S. decision) is not in compliance with the WTO, so we will go to the WTO, possibly with some other friends.

    “We will have to protect our industry with rebalancing measures, safeguards,” she said.

    European industry associations called on Malmstrom to respond if the EU was subjected to the tariffs, saying they would hit the steel and aluminum sectors hard.

    “The loss of exports to the U.S., combined with an expected massive import surge in the EU, could cost tens of thousands of jobs in the EU steel industry and related sectors,” said Axel Eggert, head of steel association.

    Aluminum producers’ association European Aluminum called for an “immediate” implementation of measures if necessary.

    Malmstrom has a previously scheduled meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in Brussels on Saturday and said she would seek further clarity on whether the EU was going to be included in the tariffs.

    Reuters/NAN

  • Jonathan seeks credible, peaceful elections, in Sierra Leone

    Jonathan seeks credible, peaceful elections, in Sierra Leone

    …Meets President Koroma, NEC, candidates, other stakeholders

    Ahead of Wednesday’s general elections in Sierra Leone, former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the people of the West African nation to conduct peaceful and credible polls.

    The former President who is leader of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) Observer Mission to the March 7 elections gave the advice while meeting with different stakeholders in Freetown.

    A statement by Jonathan’s media adviser Ikechukwu Eze said that Jonathan had met with Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma, chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Mohammed Conteh, chairman of the Political Party Registration Council (PPRC) Justice Patrick Hamilton, some Presidential candidates as well as leaders of the international community, youth associations, media unions, security outfits and civil society organisations.

    Jonathan advised the stakeholders to ensure non-violent processes during the elections.

    He said “The need to sustain the peace that the good people of Sierra Leone have been enjoying since the end of the civil war.

    “As Africans we have to avoid the temptation of playing politics of desperation. It should be played without bitterness or rancor, with our mind focused on development and the welfare of our people.” he said

    He added that the Mission was in the country to support “the integrity of the electoral processes through diligent observation of the polling activities in line with the rules and code of conduct for international election observers.”

    While welcoming Jonathan to his office the PPRC boss Justice Hamilton thanked the former President for his roles and contributions to the growth of democracy in Sierra Leone.

    He said: “I believe that the reason you are here is to see that we have something similar to the credible and transparent elections you organized as President of Nigeria.”

    Speaking in the same vein, the Presidential Candidate of the main opposition party, Sierra Leonean Peoples Party (SLPP) Brig. Gen Julius Maada Bio (rtd), noted that the presence of Jonathan and other former African Presidents in Sierra Leone was an indication that democracy is on the rise on the continent.”

    Meanwhile the international election observation missions (IEOMs) present in Sierra Leone on Tuesday issued a joint statement urging the people of the country to ensure that these elections “are transparent, credible and conducted in accordance with prescribed laws and
    regulations.”

    The statement issued by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU), The Commonwealth, Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), European Union (EU), and The Carter Center (TCC) reads: “We recognise that the 2018 elections in Sierra Leone, the fourth since the end of the civil war, are critical to the maintenance of peace and stability in the country.

    Based on consultations with Sierra Leonean stakeholders over the past weeks, have noted the efforts of the National Electoral Commission, the Political Parties Registration Commission, the Judiciary, the Office of National Security, the Sierra Leone Police, civil society, the media and other key institutions towards the conduct of peaceful and transparent elections.

    “We call on the political leaders, parties and their supporters to ensure peaceful elections and respect for the rule of law as they go to the polls tomorrow (Wednesday) and through the results tallying process. Further urge them to uphold their commitments under the ‘Freetown Declaration’, which was signed by presidential candidates on 28 February 2018.

    “We further call on the NEC and party polling agents to conduct their duties in a professional manner, which would ensure that these elections are transparent, credible and conducted in accordance with prescribed laws and regulations.

    “We encourage candidates to accept the outcome of the elections in line with Article 9 of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001) and, in the event of complaints or disputes, encourage candidates to seek redress through legal channels
    whilst at all times refraining from acts of violence and intimidation.

    “We look to the government of Sierra Leone to uphold its constitutional obligations to provide a secure environment that guarantees the safety of candidates, voters, NEC officials and
    electoral materials. The missions urge the security agencies throughout the country to demonstrate professionalism and to enforce the law in a neutral and proportional manner. The different IEOMs have deployed over 250 international observers across the country to follow
    all aspects of Election Day and some will remain to observe the tallying process and post-election period.”

    Read Also: Search for unity begins in Jonathan’s home

  • EU plants 634,132 trees in Katsina

    EU plants 634,132 trees in Katsina

    The European Union ( EU ) says it planted 634,132 variety of trees in Maiadua Local Government Area of Katsina State to prevent desertification and promote the concept of green house in the last five years.

    Dr Chris Udokang, EU Project Manager, announced this in an interview with our reporter in Maiadua on Tuesday.

    Udokang said 538,994 of the trees, representing 87.3 per cent survived.

    He noted that the project was executed under the EU Fuel Wood Balance Programme ( FUWOBA ) and implemented by the Oxfam and the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development, in collaboration with the National Planning Commission.

    Udokang added that no fewer than 1,000 farmers were provided with agricultural implements which included fertilisers, insecticides and modernised cooking stove free of charge, to promote farming in the area.

    He urged the people to continue to maintain the trees as well as make judicious use of the farming implements for a better environment and a secured future free from desertification and lack of food.

    The EU FUWOBA projects commenced in October 2014 across some seven selected local government areas in Katsina State to promote agriculture and prevent desertification.

    NAN

  • EU plants 736 trees in Daura LG

    EU plants 736 trees in Daura LG

    The International Centre for Energy and Environmental Development ( ICEED )wea2q has planted 736 varieties of trees across the 11 wards in Daura Local Government Area of Katsina State to promote environmental conservation.

    Malam Buhari Fago, the Director of Agriculture in the council, announced this in an interview with our reporter in Daura on Tuesday.

    He said the programme, an European Union ( EU ) sponsored initiative, was facilitated and implemented by the Oxfam, ICEED and the National Planning Commission ( NPC ).

    According to him, the programme is aimed at controlling desertification and promoting green environment.

    Fago said 270 of the trees were planted through the nursery nurturing process, while 466 were through the farmer-managed natural regeneration system.

    He added that 221 villages were covered through the two adopted methods of planting, stressing that the agency would expand the scope of its coverage.

    He said the agency also distributed 1,000 bags of fertilisers, bottles of insecticides and clean cook stove.

    Fago said the beneficiaries went home with the three items.

    He added that the clean cook stove were provided under it’s four-year programme of improving the fuel wood balance (FUWOBA)

    The agency recently planted thousands of trees in Sandamu Local Government Area to promote environmental conservation and prevent desertification.

    NAN

  • 2019: INEC assures EU, Development partners of credible elections 

    2019: INEC assures EU, Development partners of credible elections 

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the European Union (EU) and other development partners of the commission’s readiness to conduct more credible elections in 2019.

    The commission therefore sort the support of international partners INEC welcomes the in the areas of voter education and sensitization; training and capacity-building for Commission staff, officials of political parties and security agencies; the promotion of inclusivity with particular reference to women, youths, persons with disabilities and the internally displaced as well as election conflict mitigation.

    Yakubu spoke Thursday in Abuja at the occasion of the formal launch of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) project.

    The EU-SDGN support programme, which was conceived under the National Indicative Programme 2014 – 2020 and funded through the 11thEuropean Development Fund (11th EDF) is aimed at consolidating democracy in Nigeria.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu also said that the electoral body will continue to ensure the consolidation of electoral processes as well as the integrity and credibility of electoral outcomes based on the will of the people and the rule of law.

    Assuring EU and other partners, He said, “Once again, let me reassure the EU Delegation to Nigeria that we will spare no effort in improving the credibility of our elections and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. INEC will continue to welcome international election observation missions. The Commission considers the deployment of such missions as an important means of enhancing public confidence and trust in the electoral process. We have already released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2019 General Elections. We hope that interested international election observation missions can commence early planning for the deployment of observers. The Commission is ready to facilitate the process in accordance with our guidelines. ”

    Speaking on the project, INEC boss said “Today’s project launch is unique. I wish to express our appreciation to the European Union Delegation to Nigeria for the formulation of the SDGN Project and it is my expectation that the implementing partners will continue to work in synergy to deliver the envisaged support to all targeted beneficiaries in order to further strengthen democratic institutions and the electoral process in Nigeria. We are all the more excited because the EU-SDGN Project being launched today is expected to be implemented from 2017-2022 which coincides with the implementation timeframe of our Strategic Plan and Strategic Plan of Action 2017-2021.”

    The strategic areas of intervention in the project, including support to INEC, he said were carefully developed in close consultation and collaboration with all relevant election stakeholders.

    He also hinted that while the basic indicators for the project was derived from the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) report on the 2015 General Elections, several national stakeholders made significant input to its formulation.

    He hailed the project describing it as yet another demonstration of EU’s enduring commitment to the promotion of the rule of law, good governance and democracy in Nigeria.

    Yakubu said, “The EU and other development partners have made notable contributions in supporting INEC to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Commission. For our part, we will continue to cooperate and work with the EU, as well as other development partners and all stakeholders, to ensure the consolidation of our electoral processes as well as the integrity and credibility of electoral outcomes based on the will of the people and the rule of law.

    “The Commission will continue to support our partnership with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) which is saddled with the responsibility of implementing EU support to INEC. We will work with all the implementing partners towards promoting credible elections involving the full participation of all segments of society irrespective of age, gender and disability.”