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Tag: Niger

  • Fed Govt repatriates 390 stranded Nigerians from Niger

    Fed Govt repatriates 390 stranded Nigerians from Niger

    The Federal Government has repatriated 390 Nigerian migrants stranded in Niamey, Niger Republic. 

    The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), said the 390 returnees comprised 387 adult males, two adult females, and one infant.

    The NCFRMI, in collaboration with other stakeholders, coordinated the reception for the returnees at the Immigration Training School, Kano (ITSK), yesterday.

    Their arrival was a coordinated multi-agency operation organised by the Nigerian Mission in Niamey and International Organisation for Migration (IOM). 

    This latest effort marks the continuation of voluntary returns initiated in 2024 and represents the third batch of returnees from Niger.

    So far, 1,103 Nigerians have been brought back from Niger Republic since last December.

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    According to a statement by the Commission, upon arrival, the returnees were registered and profiled by NCFRMI and NIS officials to ensure proper documentation and access to various federal government reintegration support programmes.

    The Federal Commissioner of the NCFRMI, Tijani Ahmed, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reintegrating the returnees.

    Ahmed, who was represented by the Kano Field Coordinator, Hajia Lubah Liman, said the returnees would be integrated into various empowerment programmes under the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to support their reintegration. 

    He commended the seamless collaboration among participating agencies, noting that their joint efforts ensured the success of the operation. He highlighted the critical role of multi-agency collaboration in addressing migration-related challenges. 

  • Land charges: Niger to exempt places of worship, traditional rulers’ palaces, others

    Land charges: Niger to exempt places of worship, traditional rulers’ palaces, others

    The Niger State Ministry of Lands has disclosed plans to introduce a Land Use Charge for every land owner except certain properties comprising places of worship, old people’s homes, correctional facilities, Emir palaces and senior citizens living in private residences.

    In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Maurice Magaji, the state government is also making plans to number houses across the state to generate data for planning.

    Magaji said that these are part of the government’s effort towards consolidation of all property and land-based rates in conformity with the State Revenue Harmonisation Law, adding that the Land use charge would give room for effective and efficient land administration. 

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    He added that the collection of the land use charge is long overdue in the state, pointing out that it is not only in line with the international best practices but aimed at improving the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for enhanced provision of social amenities. 

    The Commissioner pointed out that Farmer Governor Muhammad Umar Bago-led administration was poised to achieve its New Niger Agenda hence the need to harness revenue potentials which land was not an exception.  

    He further explained that the land use charge will come in the form of an assessment of land property, including its location, purpose and type.

    Magaji said that the state government had approved the upscaling of the Geographical Information System (GIS) to foster a seamless process of land acquisition, thereby enhancing data, coordinates and proper management of available land across the State.

  • JUST IN: Wife kills husband with pestle in Niger

    JUST IN: Wife kills husband with pestle in Niger

    A 27-year-old woman identified as Fatima Dzuma has been apprehended for killing her 25-year-old husband, Baba Aliyu, in Lafiyagi Dzwafu village in the Katcha local government area of Niger State.

    Dzuma was said to have married Baba three years ago as his second wife after divorcing her first husband, but she had not given birth to Baba, while Baba’s first wife had just given birth, and preparations were underway for the naming ceremony.

    Sources told The Nation that the deceased and the suspect usually had misunderstandings, and even the night before Dzuma killed Baba, they had a fight in which Baba beat Dzuma.

    Confessing to the crime, Dzuma narrated that there had been an altercation between them that night, and she was beaten by her husband, who left the house after the assault.

    “When he came back, he went to bed. I used a rope to tie his neck, and he could not struggle. I hit him with a pestle three times, twice on his head and once on his hand. I took advantage of his sleeping because his sleep is always deep.

    “After I killed him, I put him inside a mat, threw him over the fence and dragged him to the bush in the backyard before coming back to wash the blood and excreta that came out of his body when I killed him”, she said.

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    When asked why she killed him, she said they had a misunderstanding where she told him that she did not love him anymore, and he beat her up.

    When the family of Baba was looking for him, she claimed she had not seen him but confessed to the crime three days after she killed him.

    According to her, only she carried out the act without the help of anybody.

    The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Wasiu, said that the body of Baba Aliyu was found in a bush close to the house, adding that the suspect is currently in police custody.

    “She confessed that she used a pestle to hit her husband when he was asleep and she later tied the deceased with clothes and rope and rolled the corpse to a nearby bush with a mat.

    “The corpse was taken to general hospital Bida for post-mortem while the suspect was taken to custody. She will soon be transferred to SCID Minna for further investigation and prosecution”, Abiodun said.

  • Nigeria respects Niger’s sovereignty, territorial integrity – Tuggar

    Nigeria respects Niger’s sovereignty, territorial integrity – Tuggar

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, on Tuesday assured the government and people of the Republic of Niger of Nigeria’s respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Tuggar also reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and regional harmony in West Africa.

    The minister in a statement, however expressed concern about recent statements from President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland of Niger, Abdourahman Tchiani. 

    He said Nigeria remains steadfast in its desire for dialogue which are the cornerstones of sustainable solutions. 

    He added that Nigeria will not embark on any actions to undermine sovereignty and security of Niger. 

    The statement reads:”We reaffirm our respect for Niger’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in alignment with ECOWAS principles.

    “We welcome and encourage open, constructive dialogue between our governments and invite Niger’s leadership to join us in candid discussions to address mutual concerns.

    Read Also: Tuggar urges ECOWAS leaders to foster environment for private sector growth

    “We are prepared to explore confidence-building measures, such as a collective support, to alleviate the humanitarian impact on our border communities.

    “We call upon regional and international partners to support efforts aimed at fostering reconciliation and stability, rather than deepening divisions.

    “Nigeria remains guided by the principles of diplomacy, mutual respect, and the pursuit of peace. We are confident that through constructive engagement, we can work together towards a more prosperous and stable future for our people.”

  • Niger’s Constant Chest Bumping of Nigeria

    Niger’s Constant Chest Bumping of Nigeria

    By Olawale Lawal, PhD

    Let me play the devil’s advocate because personally I do not believe in my opening remarks, but merely preparing the grounds for counterarguments to my treatise. Republic of Niger has been on Nigeria’s neck in the past few days raising accusations and putting Nigeria on the defensive by accusing her of having sinister objective and mission to destabilize the military government in her country. In fact, Niger has pushed further to claim that Nigeria is forging a military pact with France to ensure a demilitarized system of government in the country. Niger’s rascal vulgarity is coming on the heels of the recent visit of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to France, and many bilateral agreements that followed the visit, both real and imagined. Niger may have its point, after all, she just exited ECOWAS following the intervention of the regional organization in her political system.  Niger climbed aboard the undemocratic blitz which hitherto had engulfed both Mali and Burkina Faso, symbolizing not just endorsement of military rule, but its proliferation in the region. ECOWAS, which has a subregional supranational obligation to restore democracy, swung into action but to the chagrin of the trio who responded by exiting the organization in utter display of disregard of any consequences.

    At another level, Niger seriously frowns at the growing bilateral relations between Nigeria and France. Although known major agreement between Nigeria and France is the one on infrastructure and finance, Niger has been crying hoax that Nigeria has a military pact with France. Possible area of concern for Niger is that a military alliance between Nigeria and France could lead to the liquidation of the military junta in the country. Recall that France military pact with Niger was abrogated immediately after the current military regime seized power. Niger later insisted that France’s military base in the country must be dismantled; in fact, France was disgraced out of the Niger.

    To the brass tasks, the fulcrum of this intervention is how should Nigeria react to the latest umbrage from Niger. First tier response is that Nigeria should bear in mind that if the government of any neighbouring country has issue to grind with the Nigerian government, the first recipients of such government’s frustration will be the Nigerian citizens who live in the border areas or use the country as transit for humans and goods. Examples abound: during the Bakassi Peninsular debacle with Cameroun, Nigerians were maimed, harassed, and molested by the Gendarmes, before and after the ICJ judgment; during the Liberia Civil War, Nigerians in Liberia were subject of military and police actions. Tragically, Tayo and Chris (two Nigerian journalists) lost their lives. Ghana, South Africa, and Benin Republic etc. had at some points  created cycles of vengeance around Nigerians in their countries whenever Nigeria is considered to have overstepped her diplomatic authorities.

    Nigeria now has to double her efforts in countering insurgency, as the Nigerien authorities will likely allow insurgents to thrive around her frontiers bordering Nigeria. This is easy for Niger to do when one considers the vulnerability of the Sahara Desert to breeding of insurgent mercenaries. Niger holds firm control of border districts in Sebha (Libya), a notorious capital of all forms of crimes against any state. She could allow them passage to Agadez and then to Nigeria, just to reciprocate the perceived Nigeria’s aggression towards her. In addition to this is the alluring option for Niger to renege on all her regional security obligations to Nigeria as proof of her manifest vigorous opposition.

    Not a few unbridled discussants of international affairs have argued that Nigeria should not have strengthened bilateral relations with France at the time when Niger, her closest neighbour, just severed relations with her. Unfortunately, nations do not owe any other nations apologies for their foreign policy choices for the simple reason that foreign policy does not often preserve primordial goals when new and contemporary objectives can hold better leverage. And by the way, did Niger seek Nigeria’s consent before establishing military pact with France or was that military pact strategically suited for Nigeria when it was signed? Who made Niger a judge over Nigeria’s diplomatic determinations?  

    Niger’s constant and systematic chest bumps of Nigeria, if not checked, can be misconstrued as dominance. Her joining heads with Burkina Faso and Mali to exit ECOWAS is a demonstration of fearlessness considering her immediate contiguity to Nigeria ‐- at least, Burkina Faso and Mali can rely on other states shields in the event of Nigeria’s attack. Niger is acting as though there are no consequences for actions in international relations. Now, she is putting Nigeria on the defensive by daylight blackmails. And she is having a field day as Nigeria responds so passively by submission to this external antic.

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    To confront the current Niger’s diplomatic poking, Nigeria should take immediate action to further secure all her frontiers with Niger and, since she is transit of well-established nefarious and reprehensible transactions, Nigeria should step up more regulatory agencies around her borders with Niger. Nigeria should consider writing a petition to the International Court of Justice, (ICJ), at least, to serve as notification, in the event of the need for more compact action to be taken. Nigeria should realize that Niger’s greatest weapon against her is in the area of countering insurgents. Nigeria’s current success in countering insurgents has no technical input from Niger; even now, if she decides to act as a spoiler (as she has done with the Lukarawas), Nigeria will need to strengthen her position in the extant regional frameworks designed to combat insurgents. In the petition to the ICJ, Nigeria has the opportunity to refer to some of the security malefactors emanating from Niger, bearing in mind that a foreground is a crucial element in establishing cases at the ICJ. Economic sanctions should be applied with measure as Niger’s economy is not heavily reliant on Nigeria for survival. Regardless of that shortfall, Nigeria can flag the possibility of severing her petroleum pipeline and power supply agreements with Niger.

    Finally, exiting of ECOWAS by the trio and the constant bashing of Nigeria at the slightest provocation have put the country’s regional influence in disarray. Niger is emboldened by Nigeria’s lackluster responses. The effectiveness of foreign policy is when it is sufficiently crystallized in clear plans whether as response or strategy. Nigeria’s amorphous replies to Niger will not end her recalcitrance nor serve as deterrence to other would-be purveyors of diplomatic pummels against Nigeria. The time to act is now!

  • France, Lakurawa: Nigeria chides Niger over accusations

    France, Lakurawa: Nigeria chides Niger over accusations

    • ‘Allegations unfounded, condemnable, totally false’
    • ECOWAS stands by Nigeria

    Nigeria came hard on the Niger Republic yesterday, dismissing allegations of sinister collusion with France as baseless.

    The Federal Government also rejected Niger’s claim that Nigeria was harbouring the Lakurawa terrorist group with the intention of using it to destabilise their country.

    Niger Republic military leader Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani made these allegations, among others during his Christmas Day broadcast.

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threw its weight behind Nigeria.

    Yesterday two ministers – Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation) and  Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Foreign Affairs) – not only faulted the claims with facts, they urged Nigeria’s Northern neighbour to avoid blackmailing the country.

    In separate statements, they condemned Gen. Tchiani for bellyaching over the deepening relationship between Nigeria and France.

    Niger along with Burkina Faso and Mali – all former French colonies – have cut ties with France.

    The three countries, all under military rule, also pulled out of ECOWAS after the sub-regional body demanded a return to civil rule.

    The Christmas Day allegations against Nigeria are another leg of the problems being created in the sub-region by the three countries. 

    Nigeria said it had no reason to sponsor any terrorist group or any subversive movement against the Nigerian government.

    It clarified that it had never permitted any foreign nation to establish a military base in the country and always safeguarded its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Nigeria maintained that any attempt to blackmail it over ECOWAS’ principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.

    The junta leader alleged that there was a collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilise his country.

    He made the allegation amid sustained military action against Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto State.

    Idris’ statement reads: “The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly rejects allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.

    “These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country.

    “Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.”

    Idris said Nigeria could not be involved in the Multinational Joint Task Force while undermining the sub-region’s security.

    He reminded Tchiani of the nation’s investments in Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project in Niger Republic.

    He said Nigeria could not lose such huge assets to subversion.

    The minister added: “Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region.

    “It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.

    “Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic. “Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic.

    “We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.”

    Idris said Nigeria is noted for protecting its territorial integrity and will continue to do so.

    “Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil.

    “This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership.

    “The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive.

    “Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project.

    “It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted. “

    On Lakurawa terrorists, the minister said the nation’s military was actively fighting to ward off the group.

    He said there is no credible evidence to show that the Federal Government was supporting the same terrorist group.

    “The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless.

    “Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.

    “Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.

    “How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders?

    “These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.”

    The Federal Government asked Nigerians to ignore Tchiani who is out to defend his administration’s shortcomings.

    It vowed to resist any attempt to blackmail it over ECOWAS’ principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic.

    The minister continued: “The public is urged to disregard these false allegations.

    “Those making such claims, particularly the Military Leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them.

    “Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.

    “In conclusion, President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings.

    “Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.

    “We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.”

    Foreign Minister: claim’s misleading

    Tuggar also dismissed Tchiani’s allegations as false and misleading.

    In a statement by his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister said there was no ulterior undertone in Nigeria’s relationship with France.

    He stressed that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, guided by mutual respect.

    The minister said: “Gen. Tchiani’s allegation during his Christmas Day Broadcast is false and misleading.

    “A ‘Canada’ camp where French soldiers are camped in Borno State does not exist; it is a figment of his imagination.

    “Most importantly, there are no French soldiers in Nigeria or any plans by the government of Nigeria to establish a military post manned by the French.

    “President Tinubu was in Paris, where Nigeria and France signed two agreements to boost infrastructure development and food security.

    “At the same time, Nigerian lenders Zenith Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) expanded their operations into France.

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    “The agreements also included a 300 million Euro investment plan to support critical infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, renewable energy and human capital development across Nigeria.

    “Thus, the funds are not in exchange for the establishment of a military post.

    “As a country in transition, Nigeria has signed development agreements with France and China, the USA, Japan, Russia, the Netherlands, etc.

    “Bilateral economic relations and mutual support are standard for countries to engage in; even Niger itself has countries it is involved with.

    “Again, we reiterate that there is no ulterior undertone in Nigeria’s relationship with France.

    “It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial.

    “It is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.”

    CDS: our border won’t be used to attack any country

    CHIEF of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa has reaffirmed that Nigeria will not allow its borders to be used as a base to attack any country.

    Gen. Musa made the declaration in Sokoto yesterday while addressing troops of “Operation Fansan Yamma” during a Christmas luncheon.

    Emphasising that no foreign military base would be permitted on Nigerian soil, the CDS said: “We have the capacity and capability to handle our security challenges.

    “What we can do is collaborate with other nations through training – sending our personnel abroad for training and welcoming theirs as well.”

    He assured neighboring countries of Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and Togo, of Nigeria’s commitment to mutual security.

    “Any criminal element using Nigerian soil to attack our neighbors is an enemy of Nigeria, and we will take decisive action.

    “We are one with our neighbors and will ensure that such threats are neutralised,” the CDS said.

    Gen. Musa said: “Many come pretending to be allies but later reveal their true motives. “This was the case with the Lakurawa, who initially seemed friendly but are now a significant threat.”

    ECOWAS stands by Nigeria

    ECOWAS expressed  deep concern over  the allegations being made against  Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states by Niger Republic. Reacting over the issue in a statement yesterday, the commission indicated that it stands firmly with Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism. 

    The statement added: “For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in  the  West  African  subregion  but  also  on  the  African  continent.  The  recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which Nigeria leads, demonstrates the country’s commitment to peace and security across the region. ‘ECOWAS  therefore  refutes  any  suggestion  that  such  a  generous  and magnanimous country would become a state-sponsor of terrorism.  

    “ECOWAS calls on all states in the region to promote dialogue and stability and refrain from making accusations that are not supported by any evidence.”

  • 20,000 entrepreneurs benefit from Niger SME grant initiative

    20,000 entrepreneurs benefit from Niger SME grant initiative

    Over 20,000 small-scale business owners across Niger state have benefitted directly from the Niger State Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) program.

    The Director General of the Niger State Small, Medium and Microfinance Agency, Ahmed Shu’aibu Gwada, who spoke to The Nation, said that N3 billion has been disbursed to small, medium and micro business entrepreneurs across the 25 local government areas of the state. 

    He said that the programme has been the most impactful of its kind in Niger State’s history.

    “We had targeted that by the end of this year, we would reach 30,000 beneficiaries. But so far, we have supported about 20,000 directly with grants ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦600,000 depending on the nature and scale of their businesses.”

    Gwada said that the initiative targets entrepreneurs across various sectors, including nano, small, and medium enterprises adding that beneficiaries include male, female, and vulnerable individuals.

    He stated that to ensure equitable distribution, the agency adopted an online application system supported by the World Bank and its technical partner, Bank of Industry (BOI). 

    Nkoda explained: “The online system ensures transparency and eliminates favouritism. Applications are processed based on the information provided, and funds are directly disbursed to beneficiaries’ bank accounts by BOI.

    “While urban areas have higher participation due to greater access to information, we have ensured representation in every local government and ward.”

    Gwada states that the governor has also established the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises to further support entrepreneurship in the state noting that the current administration’s efforts have surpassed achievements of previous governments in SME development.

  • JUST IN: Bomb explosion kill one, injured four others in Niger

    JUST IN: Bomb explosion kill one, injured four others in Niger

    A bomb explosion in Bassa community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, reportedly claimed the life of one person and left four others seriously injured on Thursday morning.

    The victims, who were on their way to the farm when the explosion occurred, suffered severe injuries, with all the injured reportedly losing their legs due to the blast’s impact.

    Ahmed Almustapha, a relative of the victims, disclosed that three of the injured were siblings. 

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    The injured persons were rushed to the IBB Specialist Hospital for treatment.

    The exact type of bomb involved in the incident remains unclear. 

    Efforts to get a response from the state police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Wasiu, were unsuccessful as calls to his phone went unanswered.

  • ECOWAS: B’Faso, Niger, Mali free to go Jan 29

    ECOWAS: B’Faso, Niger, Mali free to go Jan 29

    • Tinubu urges region to emulate Ghana’s democratic progress

    • Nigeria pays N85b, $54m levy

    Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso are free to exit the  Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by the end of next month, the regional body said yesterday.

    According to the President of ECOWAS commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, the decision was taken at the 66th Ordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State yesterday in Abuja.

    Touray said: “The authority takes note of the notification by Bukina Faso, Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS. The Authority acknowledges that in accordance with the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29 January, 2025.

    “The Authority decides to set the period from 29 January, 2025 to 29 July 2025, as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period.

    “In this regard, the Authority extends the mandate of President Gnassingbé of Togo and President Faye of Senegal to continue their mediation role up to the end of the transition period to bring the three member countries back to ECOWAS.

    “Without prejudice for the spirit of the opening, the Authority directs the President of the Commission to launch withdrawal formalities after the deadline of 29th January, 2025, and to draw up a contingency plan covering various areas.

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    “The Authority directs the Council of Ministers to convene an extraordinary session during the second quarter of 2025 to consider and adopt both separation modalities and the contingency plan covering political and economic relations between ECOWAS and the Republic of Niger, the Republic of Mali and Burkina Faso”.

    In January 2024, the three countries of Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria announced their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.

    They accused the regional bloc of deviating from its foundational ideals and succumbing to external influences, particularly criticising the imposition of sanctions aimed at reversing their respective coups.

    This decision followed a series of military takeovers: Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023, each leading to suspensions from ECOWAS and strained relations with the organisation.

    Let’s emulate Ghana

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged West African leaders to learn from the recent peaceful presidential poll in Ghana by building support for democratic succession in their respective countries.

    He emphasised the importance of statesmanship, maturity and national unity in fostering political stability across the region.

    President Tinubu,  who is the Chairman of the of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), spoke at the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Commission at the State House, Abuja.

    He announced at the meeting that the Federal Government had cleared the N85b, $54m ECOWAS community levy.

    According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the people of Ghana and their outgoing President, Nana Akufo-Addo, for setting a high standard of democratic practice.

    “I urge all of us in the region to learn from this good democratic practice and prioritise our country’s national unity to ensure political stability of the region so that this manner of peaceful transition becomes the culture of democracy not only in West Africa but also in the entire Africa continent.

    “Despite the challenges of interrupted democratic governance in some West African countries, the region has continued to record democratic gains. Just a week ago, on December 7 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections took place in Ghana, the second-largest democracy in our region.

    “One of the leading candidates who happens to be the incumbent Vice President, His Excellency, Mahamudu Bawumia, together with the leadership of the ruling party, New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceded defeat and accepted the outcome of the Presidential election by congratulating the President-elect, His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama of National Democratic Congress (NDC), for his victory, even before the official announcement of the election results.

    “This gesture, as it happened in Nigeria in 2015, demonstrates political maturity and respect for the will of the people of Ghana.”

    President Tinubu praised President Akufo-Addo for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to ECOWAS during his two-year term, describing him as a formidable pan-Africanist.

    He also congratulated the Government and people of Senegal on their successful parliamentary elections.

    The ECOWAS leader praised Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey, for painstakingly leading the ECOWAS Ministerial Committee of the Reform.

    He wished her a successful tenure in her new role as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

    President Tinubu highlighted his achievements, including strides in regional integration, economic growth, conflict resolution, and counterterrorism efforts.

    He said the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and Common External Tariff (CET) had strengthened trade and economic cooperation.

    He added: “Similarly, regional infrastructure projects such as the West African Gas Pipeline, the West Africa Power Pool, and modernising key border posts with advanced equipment and joint border operations utilising state-of-the-art technology have significantly enhanced connectivity and promoted greater regional integration.

    “Furthermore, our efforts in stabilising our region through peacekeeping missions currently in the Gambia and Guinea Bissau, as well as previous operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, have demonstrated our capacity to act decisively in the face of adversity.”

    President Tinubu said the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism has provided a comprehensive framework to combat violent extremism and enhance regional security.

    As ECOWAS nears its 50th anniversary next year, President Tinubu urged member-states to recommit to the bloc’s founding ideals of economic integration, peace, and prosperity.

    He said: “As a regional community, we must maintain our fundamental responsibility; to protect our citizens and create an enabling environment where they can prosper.

    “As leaders, we know that security is not a luxury but a necessity. Equally, enhancing the living standards of our people is not an aspiration but an obligation,” he said.

    The Presidents of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Senegal attended in person alongside the Vice President of Sierra Leone, the Finance Minister of the Benin Republic, the Minister of foreign affairs of Togo, and the Ambassador of Cape Verde to Nigeria.

    The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, commended Nigeria for paying 100 per cent of its community levy for 2023 and substantial remittances for 2024, reflecting Nigeria’s leadership and commitment under President Tinubu.

    He said: “For the first time in 19 years, Nigeria has paid 100% of its community levy from 2023.  I am therefore, pleased to announce that on Friday, December 13, 2024, Nigeria paid N85 billion and $54 million, representing 100% of the 2023 levy and the 2024 levy up to July 2024.

    “We all agree that this payment underscores the leadership and commitment of President Tinubu, the government and the people of Nigeria to our community. At a more personal level, it represents confidence in the management I have been privileged to lead since 2022.

    He urged other member-states to meet their financial commitments diligently.

  • Move in order, say ex-envoy, experts

    Move in order, say ex-envoy, experts

    Reactions yesterday trailed yesterday’s decision by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to approve the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc.

    Those who reacted include: global affairs analyst and former ECOWAS communication official, Mr. Paul Ejime, former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Belgium Alaba Ogunsanwo and Director of Studies, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Efem Ubi.

    Ejime: citizens of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso will suffer more

    Ejime noted that by asking the countries to exit the fold, ECOWAS is only following its protocols as did by Mauritania in 2000 when it decided to leave ECOWAS.

    Ejime noted that after declaring they would exit the community, the citizens of the affected countries have been suffering more from terrorism, insisting that they would suffer more.

    He noted that the claim by Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso that France has been tele-guiding ECOWAS was a ruse since the affected countries are still part of French monetary union.

     According to him, the problem is that the military juntas want to hold on to power and knew ECOWAs’ protocols frown at such power grabs.

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    “Since they came to power, they have not made any attempt to go back to constitutional order,” Ejime said.

    Nothing new about allowing them to exit, says Ogunsanwo

    Ogunsanwo said there was nothing new about allowing the three countries to exit the fold, stressing that ECOWAS was following what its protocols say.

    “There is nothing new about it. ECOWAS is only following its treaty. Britain left the European Union (EU) after their referendum. The citizens of the affected countries will still enjoy free movements as it was before the formation of ECOWAS,” he said.

    Ubi: nothing wrong asking them to go.

    Ubi agreed that nothing is wrong in allowing them to leave.

    “The concerned countries have followed ECOWAS conventions. I will also commend ECOWAS for the diplomatic means to bring them back into the community,” he said.

    He said if Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso refused to return to ECOWAS, they are sovereign states and no one can force them to come back.