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  • Revisit decision on Togo, Cotonou degree certificates

    Revisit decision on Togo, Cotonou degree certificates

    By Adamade Petter Adamade

    SIR: The issuance of fake certificates, both within Nigeria and abroad, is not a new phenomenon. Many institutions, globally, are facing accusations of awarding certificates to undeserving candidates. Therefore, the case of Cotonou should not be singled out or become a focal point of public discussion.

    While many institutions accused of such scandals in Nigeria vehemently deny the claims to protect their prestige, instances of fake certificate awards are prevalent. The consequences of fake certificates awarded by Nigerian institutions are evident across various sectors, including the military, medical profession, education, agriculture, engineering, commerce, and politics.

    The detrimental impact is reflected in Nigeria’s current challenges, such as a compromised democratic atmosphere, a corrupt educational system, the presence of unqualified medical personnel, an unorganized defence system, and widespread insecurity. 

    Read Also; How I became Buhari’s special adviser on media, Femi Adesina narrates

    The proliferation of WAEC, NECO, and JAMB miracle centres in Nigeria’s corrupt educational system contributes to the emergence of fake police and military officers, incompetent leaders, and escalating security challenges.

    Banning Cotonou and Togo degree certificates might not be the optimal solution, considering that Nigerian institutions need to be held accountable. Fake certificate issues extend beyond international borders, with corruption being a pervasive challenge in Africa. Eliminating corruption is a formidable task, and scrutiny is warranted not only for the exposed journalist but also for individuals who acquire certificates through illegal means in Nigeria.

    It is imperative for authorities to investigate how the journalist obtained his certificates in just six weeks and to allow the implicated institutions to present their case. Benin Republic and Togo have three three-year first-degree systems, unlike Nigeria which has a maximum of 4-5 years.

    Globally, the minimum years of acquiring a degree certificate is three years. Also, In Cotonou and Togo, this standard isn’t compromised. Meanwhile, not everyone schooling or graduated from the suspended institutions bought certificates, and not every school in Togo or Benin Republic was involved in buying, selling or awarding fake certificates.

    Therefore, there is a need for the federal government to reverse its decision to suspend the degree programs in Togo and Cotonou, and or arrest the management of EGST University involved in such ungodly acts to face the wrath of the law. The allegation of buying, selling and awarding of fake certificates is not only peculiar to the Benin Republic and Togo but it has also been alleged here in Nigeria.

    In recent years, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Lagos State University, Imo State University, and the University of Jos were accused of selling and awarding fake certificates to undeserving candidates. The point here is, why did the federal government of Nigeria fail to sanction or suspend those institutions if it wanted to curb corruption in its educational system? Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach and a fair examination not just suspending innocent institutions maintaining the global standard in awarding degree certificates. 

    To this end, the Students Union Government of the Institute Superirieur de Formation Professionelle, are here to draw the attention of the federal government to reverse its decision to suspend Togo and Cotonou degree programs. We are calling on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into how the said journalist obtained his degree from the accused certificates.

    • Adamade Petter Adamade, National President, ISFOP University’s Alumni, Abuja.

  • 10 entertainers who bagged degrees from Togo, Benin Republic varsities

    10 entertainers who bagged degrees from Togo, Benin Republic varsities

    Following an exposé by undercover journalist, Umar Audu, revealing his detailed acquisition of a degree from a university in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and subsequent undetected deployment to Cross Rivers State for the NYSC programme, there has been a strong reaction among Nigerians.

    The report, which has since gained prominence, led the federal government to promptly suspend the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.

    The government also announced intentions to extend this sanction to countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Niger Republic.

    The spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Augustina Obilor-Duru said in a statement on Tuesday, January 2, that the report lent credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a degree.

    He said: “This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).”

    Reacting to the decision of the federal government, Zubby Micheal applauded the development while commenting on an Instagram post, saying that many “mugus” have been parading doctorate titles.

    On Channels Television’s “Politics Today”, the Education Minister, Tahir Mamman, who appeared as a guest on Wednesday, January 3, vowed to go after citizens utilising fake certificates obtained from foreign countries to secure employment in Nigeria.

    Describing such individuals as “criminals” involved in a criminal chain, Mamman insisted they ought to be arrested and not empathised with.

    He said: “They are criminals and you know there is no timeframe to criminality. We will trace them. As long as we can lay our hands on their institutions and they are right here with us, certainly, the security agencies will go after them because they are criminals.”

    “We are not going to stop at just Benin and Togo. We are going to extend the dragnet to countries like Uganda, Kenya, and even Niger here where such institutions have been set up.

    “We will not stop at the suspension of certificates from Togo and Benin Republic alone. We are going to extend the suspension to other countries where such institutions operate.”

    The development comes just after many entertainers got awarded degrees, including honourary doctorates from various universities in the Benin Republic.

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    Below is a list of entertainers including singers and actors who bagged degrees from the universities in the aforementioned countries.

    Ayra Starr

    Mavin star girl, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe aka Ayra Start attended Les Cours Sonou University in Benin Republic and received a BA degree in International Relations and Political Science at age 18.

    “I made sure I got into school early because my goal was to be a teenage pop star. So, I got into school early. So I got into the university. I schooled in Benin Republic. My course was three years old. I graduated at 18.

    “I have a degree in International Relations and Political science. Though, I’m thinking of getting another one,” said the “Rush” crooner in an interview with “Nairobi News”, in Kenya.

    Besides Ayra Starr, the others listed were awarded honorary doctorate degrees. They include:

    Kafayat Shafau

    2020 saw sensational dancer, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, also referred to as Kaffy, receive an Honourary Doctorate Degree for her remarkable role in the African dance industry from Escae Benin University in the Benin Republic.

    Taking to Instagram to share the good news, the mother of two wrote: “I’m humbled to be decorated this afternoon by Escae Benin University with an Honorary Doctorate in recognition as a “pioneer in the business of dance in Africa”. This award is not just for me but for an institution. That institution is the dance industry.”

    Mike Ezuruonye

    In June 2021, popular actor and filmmaker, Michael Ezuruonye, also received an Honourary Doctorate of Arts and Literature from ESTAM University, Seme Campus, located in the Republic of Benin.

    He shared the news on his Instagram page, expressing excitement and gratitude to his fans while identifying himself as Dr. Michael Ezuruonye.

    “It’s cause of you my fans, supporters and good people this happened. Dr Michael Ezuruonye loves you all.”

    Martins Okey Justice

    Along with Mike, singer J. Martins bagged an honourary doctorate from the same institution.

    Posing with the actor, Jay Martins in a post via his Instagram page wrote: “Ladies and Gentlemen say hello to the new Doctorates in town my humble self & my brother @mikeezu from Estam University Benin Republic

    A very big Thank you to all my supportive fans it’s because of you that I have come this far and I do not take you guys for granted so when next you see me remember to add Dr Martins Okey Justice aka J.Martins

    Have a beautiful weekend everyone”.

    Alexx Ekubo

    In August of the same year, Alexx Ekubo received an honorary doctorate in Arts and Culture from Benin Republic’s Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Geston University.

    The Nollywood act took to Instagram to share a picture in a ceremonial graduation gown with the caption: “Introducing, Dr Alexx Ekubo. Thanks to the governing council of the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Geston (ISCG UNIVERSITY) for conferring on me a Doctorate (Honorary) Degree in Arts & Culture”.

    Peter Okoye

    In June 2022, Peter Okoye aka Mr P, one-half of the well-known singing duo Psquare, received an honorary doctorate from the Escae-Benin University in the Benin Republic.

    He was conferred Doctor of Arts by the school which he described as a “distinguished educational institution.”

    Via his Instagram page, he shared the news, stating: “Dear Team P! It’s a great honor to be decorated by a distinguished educational institution, Who have recognised my contribution to Dance and Music as well as my support for the youth in the entertainment industry.”

    IK Ogbonna

    Popular Nigerian actor, Ikechukwu Mitchel Ogbonna aka IK, received an honorary degree in June 2022.

    A Doctorate (Honorary) Degree of Arts in Leadership and Development was granted to IK by the Institut Superieur De Technologies Et De Management, Togo.

    Ireti Doyle

    Ireti Doyle, who starred in Wedding Party, was included in the 2022 academic honour roll.

    The Benin Republic’s Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University awarded the seasoned actress an honorary doctorate in August.

    The actress acknowledged that although she did have a “healthy expectation of receiving accolades,” an academic honour was not what she had in mind.

    Bob Manuel Udokwu

    Another famous Nigerian actor, Bob Manuel, received an honorary doctorate from the same Cotonou-based University.

    The Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University awarded the former Guinness Ultimate Search games master a Doctorate Degree in Arts and Culture.

    Ireti Doyle disclosed the news as she shared photos from the ceremony on her Instagram page.

    Pete Edochie

    Veteran actor and seasoned movie star, Pete Edochie received a double honourary doctorate from the International School of Technology and Management (ISTM) University, Togo in September 2023.

    The 76-year-old movie stalwart bagged a Doctorate in Literature, a Doctorate in Arts, and a lifetime achievement at the Togo-based varsity.

  • FULL LIST: 46 varsities affected by Nigeria’s suspension of degree certificates from Benin, Togo

    FULL LIST: 46 varsities affected by Nigeria’s suspension of degree certificates from Benin, Togo

    The federal government through the Federal Ministry of Education on Tuesday, January 3, announced the suspension of accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.

    It followed an investigative report by Daily Nigerian Newspaper titled “How Daily Nigerian reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in six weeks.”

    According to the government, the suspension persists pending the outcome of an investigation involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Education of Nigeria and the two countries as well as the Department of State Security Services and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

    Posing as a student, a Daily Nigerian reporter obtained a degree certificate in Mass Communication from ESGT, a Benin university in Cotonou, established in 2009.

    The reporter obtained the degree in six weeks without attending any classes or writing an examination.

    He also applied for and was registered to participate in the one-year mandatory NYSC scheme with the certificate despite undergoing the NYSC some years ago.

    Checks by The Nation revealed that about 46 universities across Benin Republic and Togo has been affected by Nigeria’s decision.

    Foreign degree certificates have to be vetted by regulators in Nigeria before the graduates involved can proceed with the compulsory NYSC scheme, an important prerequisite for corporate employment.

    Below are some of the Beninese and Togolese universities affected by the suspension

    BENIN REPUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

    Institut Supérieur de Formation Professionnelle (ISFOP)

    Lakeside University College (LUC) Benin

    African University of Bénin

    Afriford University, Cotonou, Benin Republic

    Canadian International Education Institute, Benin Republic

    Centre International Universitaire Des Meilleurs (CIUM-Bestower International University) Seme-Podji, Cotonou

    Read Also: Nigerians with Togo, Benin certificates couldn’t pass JAMB – Ex-NUC secretary

    Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologie (ESGT-Benin University)

    Ecole Superieure de Technologie et de Gestion (ESTG-Benin University)

    Ecole Superieure des Cadres et Techniciens, (ESCT-Benin), Benin Cotonou

    Ecole Superieure des sciences, de commerce et administration des enterprise du Benin (ESCAE-BENIN)

    Ecole Superieure Panafricaine de Management Applique (ESPAM-FORMATION)

    Ecotes University

    Edexcel University

    Esep le berger Université

    ESTAM University Seme Campus

    Heim Weldios University

    Houdegbe North American University, Benin

    Institut Universitaire du Bénin (IUB)

    Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion(ISCG-Benin University)

    Institut Supérieur De Management Et De Technologie (ISMT St Salomon University)

    Institute Regional Superieure des beaux arts, de la culture et de la communication (IRSBACCOM UNIVERSITY)

    International university of management and administration, Benin Republic (IUMA)

    Pinnacle African University Porto Novo

    Poma University, Ayetedjou, Ifangni

    Protestant University of West Africa

    Université Africaine de Développement Coopératif

    Université des Sciences Appliquées et Management USAM

    Université la Hegj, Benin (Semepodji campus)

    Universitie Polytechnique Internationale du Benin

    West African University Benin (WAUB), Cotonou

    University of Abomey-Calavi

    University of Kétou

    University of Parakou

    TOGO UNIVERSITIES

    Atlantic African Oriental Multicultural (ATAFOM) University International

    African Union University, Togo

    African University of Science Administration and Commercial Studies, IAEC University Togo

    Maryam Abacha American University Niger, Togo Campus

    Centre de perfectionnement aux Technique Economique et Commerciales Université (CPTEC University) Avepozo Lome

    IHERIS University, Togo

    Catholic University of West Africa

    American Institute of African

    Ecole supérieure de formation professionnelle (FIMAC)

    Université Bilingue Libre du Togo

    University of Kara

    University of Richard of Togo

    University of Lomé

    University of Science and Technology of Togo

    DEFOP University of Technology

    IRFODEL-Centre (University).

  • MURIC hails FG’s suspension of degrees from Benin, Togo

    MURIC hails FG’s suspension of degrees from Benin, Togo

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the Federal Government for suspending the accreditation of degrees from the Republic of Benin and Togo.

    Prof. Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director, MURIC stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “A laudable move was made by the federal government when it suspended the accreditation of degrees from the Republic of Benin and Togo for their irregularities and fraudulent practices (FG Suspends Accreditation of Degree Certificates from Benin Republic, Togo

    “It will be recalled that Umar Audu, an investigative journalist of Daily Nigeria newspaper, reported recently that he bagged a degree within six weeks of being admitted into one of such universities and also served as a corper in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the certificate obtained. The undercover journalist received both the transcript and certificate of the Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT), Cotonou, Benin Republic after six weeks only.

    “MURIC lauds FG for banning those fraudulent certificates. The holders of such fake credentials pose grave danger to the lives of Nigerians and the quality of public service too.

    Read Also: MURIC pleads with President Tinubu on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway

    “We charge the ministries of education at both federal and state levels to be wary of holders of such certificates. Those found to have been employed with them should be shown the way out. Furthermore, the security agencies should fish out those behind the fraudulent admissions within Nigeria. Those are agents of the fake tertiary institutions in faraway Benin and Togo. They should be made to face the full wrath of the law,’’ Akintola said.

    He added: “We demand investigation into circumstances surrounding the clearance letter issued by the Federal Ministry of Education which confirmed that the university (ESGT) is on the ministry’s list of accredited institutions. It was this letter which enabled NYSC to accept 51 fake graduates to serve in the scheme. On its own part, NYSC authorities must take necessary action on the 51 fake corpers from ESGT who are serving illegally. They must be flushed out.

    “We also advise gullible but innocent Nigerians who have obtained the certificates to quickly set the machinery in motion to correct the anomaly. They should upgrade themselves by seeking authentic university admission either within or outside the country.

    “Education may be the key to technological breakthrough and the concomitant industrial progress, but half-baked education and fake certificates are deadly dynamites in the system which are capable of destroying everything that may have been achieved.

    “Before we draw the curtain, we find the undercover journalist equally worthy of encomiums. He went underground to unearth this educational fraud. He put his life on the line for the sake of his country. Umar Audu is worthy of emulation by his colleagues in the Fourth Estate of the Realm.”

    (NAN)

  • Nigeria crash out of CHAN 2020 despite 2-0 win over Togo

    By Julius Okorie

    Super Eagles team B otherwise called CHAN Eagles Saturday at the Agege Township stadium failed in their bid to qualify for the 2020 edition of the African Nations Championship billed for Cameroon.

    The Imama Amakapabo led side beat Hawks of Togo 2-0 in front of a capacity crowd but it was not enough to turn the table against the West African brothers who had defeated the Eagles 4-1 in the first leg.

    Sikiru Alimi scored a brace in the 10th and 62nd minutes of the match but that was all the firing powers of the Eagles could produce till the end of 90 minutes.

    Victorious Togo side sealed victory in the first leg at home

    The two legged encounter thus ended on 4-3 aggregate in favour of the Togolese.  The Eagles only needed un-replied 3-0 victory to earn a place in the championship which unfortunately they could not achieve.

    Nigeria finished second in the last edition in Morocco losing 4-0 at the Complexe Mohamed V in Casablanca to the hosts.

    Nigeria has featured at the championship reserved exclusively for home based players in the continent three times, finishing third place in her debut edition in 2014 in South Africa, crashing out in the Group Stage at the 2016 edition in Rwanda and finishing runners up in the 2018 edition in Morocco.

    Soccer fans who reacted following the ouster on Saturday said it did not come as a surprise as they were sure it would be difficult for the team to turn the table with a 4-1 defeat in the first leg.to the hosts

  • Nigeria, 14 ECOWAS states to benefit from $8m forest protection project

    The Food Agricultural Organisation(FAO) announced on Tuesday that Nigeria and 14 other ECOWAS members are to benefit from an eight-million-dollar five-year forest protection project.

    The world body said that three agencies, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), FAO and ECOWAS had joined forces to protect West Africa’s forests to help safeguard the livelihoods of millions of people, depending on them.

    In a document reviewed by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, the organisation named Nigeria, Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Sierra Leone, Ghana and other ECOWAS states as the beneficiaries of the planned support programme.

    It said the three institutions would carry out project, aimed at strengthening sustainable forest and land management.

    They would also address trans-boundary forest threats to maximise the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.

    Tiina Vahanen, FAO’s Chief of Forestry Policy and Resources Division, said the project would be key to the rolling out of the ECOWAS-led Convergence Plan for the Sustainable Management and Use of Forest Ecosystems in West Africa.

    ”The ECOWAS-led Convergence Plan was adopted in 2013 by ECOWAS. It seeks to mobilise support to address trans-boundary forest issues across the 15-member states.

    He described the project as a concrete step towards improving the forest management in the region that would build on the momentum created in recent years to safeguard West Africa’s forests.

    Mr Ulla Andrén, Sida’s Head of Regional Development Cooperation in sub-Saharan Africa, said the project to be implemented by ECOWAS would be financed by Sida with over eight million dollars while the FAO would give technical support.

    He described the project as not only important for the people and governments of the region but also crucial for the global effort to stop climate change and loss of bio-diversity.

    Andrén expressed the pleasure of his organisation to be partners with ECOWAS and FAO on trans-boundary forest management in West Africa.

    Johnson Boanuh, ECOWAS Commission’s Environment Director, noted that West Africa’s forests and wetlands were an important source of livelihood for millions of people.

    Read Also: ECOWAS Bank to raise 25b francs in Q1

    He pointed out that about 72 million hectares were under treat.

    According to him, the forests and wetlands are also home to a wide range of vulnerable endemic animal species and more than 200 plant species.

    ”They are exceedingly affected by deforestation and degradation caused by various drivers, including unsustainable agricultural expansion and illegal logging.

    ”These are often exacerbated by trans-boundary issues such as trade between regions or within a region, which require strengthened forest governance and capacity at a regional level.

    ”The loss of forest cover in West Africa was four times higher between 1990 to 2015 than at the global level,’’ he said.

    ECOWAS Director said the project would develop a regional knowledge portal to improve access to data and share information on best forest management practices.

    ”It will also provide legal recommendations and guidelines on forest management, support community groups to implement sustainable forest and land management and build global capacity.

    ”The project will also support the implementation of other national and international commitments of West African countries, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Climate Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals,’’ he said.

     

  • Benue: Buhari will never be part of unconstitutional act – Presidency

    The Presidency has condemned attempts in some quarters to drag the name of President Muhammadu Buhari into the on-going political saga in Benue State House of Assembly.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, dissociated the president from the developments.

    Adesina described as paranoia the statements issued by different interest groups, insinuating that the president might have a hand in the developments.

    “This is paranoia at its worst, coming from people who have wittingly positioned themselves against the clean-up of the country and the way we do things,’’ he said.

    The presidential aide noted that the allegation was being made against Buhari when he was attending the ECOWAS/ECCAS Summit in Togo.

    He added that strident attempts were being made to drag Buhari into the unfolding drama between the executive and the legislature in Benue.

    Adesina said Buhari would never be part of any unconstitutional act and any attempt to link him with the inglorious past when minority number of lawmakers impeached governors would not stick.

    Read Also: Buhari ‘not bothered’ about defections in APC

    He said “It will simply be like water off the duck’s back. Those with open minds know this, but those who cavil would rather source everything untoward to the president.

    “It is murky ground in which they are now marooned as fallout of their resistance to change in the country.

    “When it suits them, they preach separation of powers and true federalism, and in another breath, they call on the president to interfere brazenly in affairs at state level.

    “President Buhari will always stand by all that is noble and fair and will reject attempts to drag him into infamy.

    “People who stoke fires by deliberate acts of omission or commission, and then summon the president to come and put it out will find that this president will be guided by the Constitution at all times, no matter the attempt to entangle him in unwarranted controversies.’’

  • I’m not bothered about defections in APC – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday night said that he was not bothered about the defections in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Buhari, who was responding to a question during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in Togo at the Nigerian Embassy, Lome, said most Nigerians appreciated the performance of his administration.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said “I am not bothered about the defections. Ordinary Nigerians have developed confidence in us and are defending us. I assure you, majority of Nigerians back home are appreciative of our efforts.”

    Expressing delight in seeing the Nigerians who had travelled from the five regions of Togo to welcome him in Lome, President Buhari said he was pleased to hear them commend the performance of his administration.

    He assured them that his administration had remained steadfast in keeping to its three campaign promises of providing security, improving the economy and fighting corruption.

    The President noted that if past governments had utilised even 25 per cent of the huge oil revenue available to them, Nigerians would not be complaining today, citing the $16 billion reportedly spent on electricity and yet Nigerians could not see the power.

    Restating his administration’s commitment to providing critical infrastructure, providing loans to farmers thereby cutting rice importation by more than 90 per cent, President Buhari said all recovered illegally acquired assets would now be sold and the money paid into the treasury in the administration’s renewed anti-graft campaign.

    “I assure you that we are making progress in security as some displaced farmers are returning to their farms. We will continue to work very hard for our dear country,” he stressed.

    Read Also: How Buhari’ll win in 2019, by Campaign

    In his welcome address, the Nigerian Ambassador to Togo, Joseph Olusola Iji, said the close to 2 million Nigerians in Togo were law-abiding and peaceful, even as he drew attention to the inability of the Nigerian Mission in Lome to issue Nigerian passports, making applicants to go to Ghana or Benin Republic.

    While representatives of top bank executives commended the economic policies of the Federal Government especially the Ease of Doing Business, agricultural revolution and anti-corruption campaign, various leaders of the Nigerian Community also lauded the discipline, transparency and accountability that the current administration has introduced into governance.

    They also called for government assistance towards the completion of community’s on-going school building project in order to overcome the lack of good English schools in that country.

    On its part, the APC Togo Chapter, told President Buhari not to be worried about the defections from the party, assuring him of its support in the 2019 presidential election.

    The governors of Cross River and Niger States; the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Interior; the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment; the National Security Adviser; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency; and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, were among the top government officials who accompanied the President to his first official engagement on arrival in Lome ahead of the Joint ECOWAS/ECCAS Summit, and the 53rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, among others.

  • Fight against illicit trade in W/Africa: Lessons from Togo

    News had filtered from across the border that our neighbours, the Togolese Government had on June 29, 2018 demonstrated to its population and the world at large, its firm commitment to fight against illicit trade across all sectors. This news came as part of celebrations marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Government had organised a massive destruction ceremony of all products previously seized by the various agencies involved in the fight against illicit trade and circulation of illicit products.

    The exercise which was conducted under the theme, “For A Balanced Approach, Let Us Together Support Preventive Actions for A Safe and Drug-resilient Youthful Population”, saw the destruction of important quantities of cocaine, cannabis, tramadol or other fake medications, illicit cigarettes, fake alcoholic products amongst others.

    Sadly, illicit trade in tobacco accounts for an estimated 600 billion cigarettes per year worldwide. These illicit cigarettes have either been smuggled, counterfeited or evaded duties. The illegality thrives on the fact that cigarettes are among the most commonly traded products on the black market due to high profit margins, relative ease of production and movement, weak regulations and low detection rates and penalties.

    A historical analysis of proactive measures by the Togolese Government to combat illicit trade in tobacco show that they had signed the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) on May 12, 2004 and this was later ratified on November 15, 2005. With the realisation that illicit trade in tobacco was an even greater problem given the security, economic and health consequences that have arisen as a result of its growth, the Government took a giant step to adopt a directive to specifically regulate the transit of tobacco products through Togo in March 2016.

    Interestingly, Article 2 of this directive is very clear on the fact that any cigarette products declared as being in transit must imperatively carry the health warning clauses and other packaging and labelling requirements of the country declared as country of destination. On February 1, 2018 the FCTC Convention Secretariat announced Togo as the 35th Party to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.

    At the June 29 event to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, over twelve containers of illicit cigarettes (over 120 million sticks) were destroyed during this exercise organised by Togolese authorities. This included brands like YES, Bon International, Gold Seal, Force 10, Red, Legend etc. NGOs and the private sector have in the past raised several concerns regarding the growth of illicit trade in tobacco products and have continually called on firm actions to be taken in order to discourage people from gaining interest in this illegal activity.

    The important seizures recorded during routine port controls and product inspections is an indication that the transit space has been increasingly used by smugglers to continue to feed illicit products into the sub-region. In effect, tobacco smugglers have found new ways of expanding their illegal activities and now focus on a trend called “cheap or illicit whites”, which is raising new challenges for governments across the sub-region. These cigarettes may be legally produced but are then smuggled and traded illegally.

    As part of the general trend, products are manufactured in free trade zones like the United Arab Emirates for instance, very minimal or no taxes are paid on them and they are shipped into West Africa and declared as transit. These products which do not meet the cigarette standards in the countries declared as either transit or destination eventually never get to the “masked” destination as they are later warehoused in remote locations and sold out illegally to the population.

    The good news is that the Togolese government found a very smart and innovative way to tackle the issue. Other countries like Benin, Niger and Burkina Faso have also adopted similar measures to tackle illicit trade in tobacco products.

    As such, whilst leveraging on the transit directive afore-mentioned, port activities in Togo revealed that these products which were destroyed had been declared as transit for neighboring countries like Ghana, Benin, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso but did not in any way meet the cigarette standards prescribed by the authorities in these countries. It has been observed that these products generally do not reach the declared destinations as they are later dumped in markets and across land borders at very cheap prices.

    It should be noted that because they are declared as transit, the required taxes are not paid on them and thus significant revenue due to be paid to Government is lost.  They are later sold out at very affordable prices thereby increasing youth access to cigarette consumption. Funds derived from this illegal activity are sometimes used to fund organized crime and/or finance other criminal activities like terrorism.

    The Togolese Government’s initiative to adopt and implement a tobacco transit directive and the results that have come since this was done in 2016 is a glaring confirmation that West Africa is an area chosen by tobacco smugglers to carry out their organised crime. As such, it is time for all countries in the West African sub region to implement similar measures in a bid to stamp out illicit trade in tobacco products which in turn will reduce the increased access to tobacco products occasioned by these “cheap whites.”

    Major legal players of the tobacco industry in West Africa such as British American Tobacco (BAT), Philip Morris International (PMI) and Imperial Tobacco Group (ITG) have all welcomed the regulatory direction taken by the Togolese government. For the industry, they believe that an ECOWAS directive to regulate tobacco transit is the ideal way to go as far as fighting illicit trade is concerned.

    With the 40th ratification of the WHO Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products which now makes it international law, following the ratification of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 27 June 2018, it is hoped that more stringent actions will be taken to fight this phenomenon.

    For Nigeria, Togo and our other West African neighbors have provided a robust and working mechanism against illicit trade that we must adopt without delay. As one of the countries most hit by insurgency, we must take up the challenge and stamp out illicit trade if we are to safeguard the economic growth of the nation.

    Ogunlade is of the Centre for Promotion of Enterprise and Business Best Practices

     

  • Falana gets information on N4.6b fuel drained daily from FG

    The federal government has forwarded to Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) information on fuel importation and sundry matters.

    The requested information was forwarded to the lawyer by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) which was acting on the directive of the Minister of state, Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachukwu as requested in his letter to the minister dated April 17, 2018.

    A letter dated July 9  and signed by Kingston Chikwendo on behalf of the DPR  to Falana and titled “Re: Request for Information on Fuel Importation and Sundry Matter” stated in part: “We humbly referred to your letter dated 17th April, 2018 to the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum (HMSP) requesting for information on fuel importation and sundry matters.

    “The HMSP has directed the DPR to provide you with the requested information.

    “Consequently, we hereby forward to you the requested information as detailed in your letter”, it stated.

    In his letter dated April 17, Falana had specifically requested the minister to provide him with copies of the documents relating to: “ Bill of laden and DPR certified cargo discharged certificates of the imported subsidized petroleum products  into the country from December 2017 to March 2018;  Offshore processing  agreements pertaining to the sale of the 445,000 barrels of crude oil per day plus any additional crude barrels approved for domestic consumption from December 2017  to March 2018;  Volumes of domestic refined products by the nations’ local refineries against gross expenditure on refinery turn around maintenance(TAM)/ expended budget in 2017”.

    Others are  “Gross  amount of forex differential or forex subsidy (gap Between CBN rate and Special rate approved for fuel importation) from December 2017 to March 2018 and   amount expended by PEF on Project Aquila from inception aimed at tracking petroleum trucks nationwide to prevent smuggling of petroleum products”.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Falana seeks removal of service chiefs

    Falana’s request followed disclosure by the management of the NNPC that the nation’s  consumption rate of fuel was 28 million litres per day and that subsidy cost was N726 million per day,  that is,  N261.4b per annum.

    He also recalled that on March 5, 2018, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru claimed that the figure had metamorphosed to 50 million litres per day and that NNPC had spent $5.8billion (N1.7 Trillion) on fuel importation in January and February 2018 and that at a public forum held in Abuja two  weeks ago, the minister stated  that the consumption rate of fuel  has skyrocketed to 60 million and that the cost of  subsidy is N1.4 trillion per month!

    On the alleged subsidy of fuel importation, Falana reminded the minister that he failed to disclose the amount realized from the sale of the 60 million liters at N145 per liter.

    “You have also conveniently failed to account for the sale of the 445,000 barrels of crude oil allocated to the NNPC daily by the federal government.

    “Honorable Minister, the convenient defense of smuggling as cheap justification for a gap of 32 million litres a day (at N145 per litre is N4.6 billion daily) is untenable given the billions of Naira continually expended on Project Aquila Software by the Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF), a Parastatal under your watch in the Petroleum Ministry, to track every litre of petroleum product evacuated from the Depots and sold at retail stations in the country”, Falana stated.

    He argued “since the Project Aquila Software has capability to identify the owners and locations of all trucks loading petroleum products in Nigeria why has your office and NNPC continue to blame smuggling for the drain of N4.6 billion daily on petroleum products? How many of the Truck owners involved in the alleged smuggling have been arrested and arraigned in court since Aquila has the data base of all Truck Owners in the country?”, he asked.

    The federal government blamed the increasing consumption rate on the smuggling of fuel from Nigeria to neighboring countries by some economic saboteurs.

    Falana had insisted that the claims of the government does not explain the difference of 32 million litres per day between the consumption rate of imported fuel in December 2017 and March 2018 when it is assumed that

    The total volume of fuel consumed by Benin, Togo, Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Ghana is said to be less than 250,000 litres per day.