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UNESCO, UK, others provide £1.9m grant to boost tech, innovation
Science & Tech

UNESCO, UK, others provide £1.9m grant to boost tech, innovation

430 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

UNESCO in collaboration with its partners have inaugurated the Sankore project in West Africa, to boost economic diversification and development.

The programme, was inaugurated on Thursday in Abuja in partnership with Results for Development (R4D), and the UK International Development.

The programme comes under the Strengthening UK-West Africa Science, Technology and Innovation Partnerships for Sustainable Development initiative.

Sankore is a new grant delivery mechanism of up to £1.9 million supported by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), said the Sankore project resonated with President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda on economic growth.

“The Sankore project promises enhanced economic growth in improving public service delivery and raise strong partners across our region.

“Importantly, it seeks to address and establish through both frameworks to ensure coordinated project delivery and results monitoring of outcomes and impacts,” he said.

He said that a steering committee would be set up and saddled with the responsibility of providing strategic direction and ensuring accountability.

Ms Susan Mshana, Deputy Director and Head, Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, British High Commission, said that they were aligning with the national mandate of both Ghana and Nigeria.

“The programme compliments other UK funding interventions and programmes like Manufacturing Africa, Global Innovation Fund, British International Investment and many others.

“Specifically, Sankore will be supportive in operationalising the Ghana National Research Fund, the Nigerian National Research Fund, facilitating the commercialisation of innovation solutions in priority economic sectors such as agriculture and energy.

“It will enhance the innovation and technology policy and regulatory environment, including improving data accessibility and transparency in policy implementation to grow productivity of innovation ecosystem,” she said.

Dr Ibrahim Murtala, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ghana, said poor investment in Research and Development (R&D) had led to stunted development on the continent.

“The average investment for R&D stood at about 0.42 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa and 0.3 per cent of GDP in Ghana after more than four decades of the Lagos Declaration.

“The declaration enjoined African countries to invest at least one per cent of GDP in Research and Development (R&D).

“Patents filings for the whole of Africa is less than one per cent and publications in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biotechnology remain low in comparison with global publications.

“Sankore will be a catalyst to securing Ghana’s future as a hub for scientific advancement and technological innovation in the region,” he said.

He also said that with commitment countries in Africa could surmount the numerous challenges bedeviling the continent.

Ms Kornelia Tzinova, Head, Natural Sciences Sector, UNESCO Regional Office for West Africa, Dakar, Senegal, said the project would last till March 2026.

“We will be ensuring that we strengthen the National Science Technology and Innovation systems in both Ghana and Nigeria.

“The two countries have been chosen also to strengthen the UK, Nigeria and Ghana bilateral strategies in science, technology and innovation,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Edmond Moukala, Head of UNESCO Office, Ghana, said the project would assist Ghana and Nigeria to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He recalled that UNESCO had been designated as the lead agency for the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development 2024 to 2033.

“The decade represents a unique opportunity for science to serve humanity and to protect our planet.

“It is also an opportunity to force societies to solve the most pressing challenges in West Africa. The Sankore project, therefore, presenst a platform that will foster the ideas of the decade.

The Sankore project was expected to support Nigeria and Ghana in navigating ways to address critical national challenges related to economic diversification, job creation, climate resilience, among others using STI initiatives.

The project is being implemented by UNESCO and R4D, in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) and relevant stakeholders. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Tinubu lauds NASS for ratifying Rivers state of emergency
General News

Tinubu lauds NASS for ratifying Rivers state of emergency

321 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday lauded the National Assembly for ratifying the State of Emergency proclamation in Rivers State.

In a statement by his spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President described the decision as a crucial step in restoring stability.

He highlighted that the prolonged political crisis had paralysed governance and jeopardised national economic security for more than 15 months.

He commended the leadership of the National Assembly, including Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, and Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He also praised other principal officers and members for prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers people over partisan interests.

The President also acknowledged the lawmakers’ careful review of classified security briefings, emphasising the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.

“The crisis in Rivers was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy.

“This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability,” Tinubu stated.

He affirmed that the six-month emergency would empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilise Rivers, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.

The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.

“This decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the actions of leaders. We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

Tinubu also thanked Nigerians for their understanding and urged all stakeholders to support the restoration of peace in Rivers.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NGO urges action to transform Nigeria’s food system
Agriculture

NGO urges action to transform Nigeria’s food system

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By Felicia Imohimi

One Acre Fund (OAF), an international NGO, has called for urgent action from the government, agricultural stakeholders, financial institutions, development partners, and civil society organisations to ensure food system transformation in Nigeria.

Adetola Adegbite, OAF Nigeria Country Director, made the call at the National Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Thursday in Abuja, themed “Achieving Food Security in Nigeria: Bridging the Gap”.

Adegbite stressed that achieving food security required collective commitment and action, describing collaboration as key to transforming the country’s food system.

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing food security challenges, driven by climate change, economic instability, limited access to quality agricultural inputs, and market constraints for smallholder farmers.

“With over 40 per cent of the population living below the poverty line and nearly 20 per cent of children under five suffering from chronic malnutrition, based on the 2020 World Bank report, urgent action is needed to build resilient food systems that support both farmers and consumers.

“Nigeria is a nation of 200 million or 220 million people, with smallholder farmers producing nearly 80 per cent of our food supply, yet we face serious food security challenges.

“Good leadership, strong partnerships, and targeted investment will change this trajectory to bridge the gaps with smart solutions.

“We believe that smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of our food system, are key contributors to transforming agriculture in Nigeria.

“By working together to strengthen our agricultural foundation, improving soil health, financing, market access, and value chains, we can build resilience, improve livelihoods through agronomy, and secure the economy of our nation,” he said.

Adegbite stated that the dialogue aimed to build a sustainable and resilient food system for future generations.

He noted that a farmer’s greatest strength was not just the seeds he planted but the health of the soil, emphasising that partnerships provide the foundation farmers need to thrive.

He further stated that the dialogue offered an opportunity to share insights and develop practical solutions for achieving food security in Nigeria.

Adegbite stressed that collective action from government agencies, agribusinesses, financial institutions, development partners, and civil society was essential in building an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural system.

He said the dialogue aimed to address food security challenges, highlight solutions for smallholder farmers, and promote collaboration across sectors.

“The objective is also to discuss climate adaptation strategies and sustainable farming practices that enhance resilience and food production.

“To shape policy recommendations that strengthen the agricultural sector and improve smallholder farmers’ access to inputs, finance, and markets,” he said.

Adegbite said the theme of the dialogue challenged all stakeholders to address the disconnect in the country’s food system.

“The gap between policies and implementation, how do we ensure government policies effectively support smallholder farmers?

“How do we address the gap between farmers and the market, improve supply chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and channel resources to areas where they are needed?”

Mr Emmanuel Bamgboye, Field Operations/Programme Lead at OAF Nigeria, stated that the dialogue was an opportunity for stakeholders to unite in addressing the challenge of achieving sustainable and inclusive food security.

In his presentation, “One Acre Fund’s Programmes in Nigeria: Contributing to Food Security”, Bamgboye identified achieving sustainable and inclusive food security as one of Nigeria’s most urgent issues.

He explained that the organisation envisions farmers earning more through larger harvests, improved market access, fair prices, and minimised post-harvest losses.

According to him, when farmers thrive, families eat better, children receive education, and rural communities flourish.

“To achieve these and many more in transforming Nigeria’s food security, we must scale up agricultural innovations that enhance productivity and foster climate resilience.

“Revise policies that grant smallholders better access to finance, land, and extension services.

“Invest in infrastructure and value chains so farmers can efficiently store and market their harvests.

“Empower women and youth, the foundational pillars of tomorrow’s agricultural sector”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Abuja National Mosque backs Nigeria’s open defecation-free goal
Environment

Abuja National Mosque backs Nigeria’s open defecation-free goal

298 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Murshid of the Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Shehu Galadanchi, on Thursday pledged support for Nigeria’s efforts to end open defecation before 2030.

Galadanchi made this commitment while receiving the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and his delegation, who were on an advocacy visit for the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

Represented by Prof. Kabir Adam, he assured the government of the mosque’s full support in raising awareness about proper sanitation.

He noted that the mosque’s sanitation facilities currently cater to 5,000 to 6,000 worshippers daily and include toilets and ablution areas capable of serving 300 people simultaneously.

He further emphasised that the mosque maintains designated spaces for funeral rites, ensuring the proper cleansing and preparation of the deceased before burial.

Adam stressed that proper sanitation aligns with Islamic teachings, stating that every household is religiously obligated to have a toilet, while open defecation is strictly discouraged.

He attributed its persistence to cultural practices rather than religious beliefs.

“The National Mosque will continue to promote this message, not only within this mosque but across other mosques in Nigeria.

“We will encourage Imams nationwide to incorporate this campaign into their sermons and community engagements,” he said.

He noted the visit as a sign of growing collaboration between religious institutions and government agencies, acknowledging that secularism had previously created a disconnect between places of worship and public health campaigns.

He however noted that such divisions were no longer sustainable, as achieving national development goals required cooperation across all sectors.

“This campaign is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to playing our part in ensuring Nigeria becomes open defecation-free by 2030,” he affirmed.

He assured the minister that the National Mosque and the wider Muslim community stood ready to support the initiative for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Earlier, Utsev called for greater collaboration between religious institutions and government agencies in advancing the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

He highlighted the Tinubu administration’s dedication to public health and sanitation, stressing their importance to food security and economic growth.

He explained that the campaign, first launched in 2019, was re-inaugurated under Vice President Kashim Shettima, who now chairs its steering committee.

Utsev noted that 142 local government areas had already been declared open defecation-free, with Jigawa being the only state to have fully achieved this status.

He reaffirmed the government’s determination to extend this success nationwide.

The minister noted the influence of Imams and religious leaders in shaping public behaviour, emphasising the role of the Abuja National Mosque in spreading awareness.

“Through sermons, public teachings, and community engagement, the mosque can serve as a powerful platform to promote hygiene and sanitation practices across the country,” he stated.

He urged religious leaders to incorporate sanitation messages into their teachings, ensuring that worshippers understand the importance of hygiene and the dangers of open defecation.

He also called for mosques to lead by example by providing adequate and accessible toilet facilities, setting a standard for cleanliness within religious institutions.

“Beyond places of worship, we encourage individuals to take responsibility for sanitation in their homes and workplaces, fostering lasting behavioural change”.

Utsev thanked the Murshid, Imams, and staff of the National Mosque, as well as the media and other stakeholders, for their support in advancing the campaign.

He expressed confidence that, with unity, commitment, and action, Nigeria could achieve its goal of becoming open defecation-free by 2030.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Clean Nigeria Campaign seeks to end open defecation by promoting sanitation through community and government efforts. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

LBS champions initiative to sustain family business ecosystem
Economy/Business

LBS champions initiative to sustain family business ecosystem

295 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Lagos Business School (LBS) has unveiled an initiative aimed at addressing challenges to  family businesses.

The aim is to engender lasting business legacies and increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Dr Okey Nwuke, Director, LBS Family Business Initiative, made this known on Wednesday at a press briefing in Lagos to announce the LBS Family Business Conference.

Nwuke said the journey from a family business to an enduring family institution was a transformative process focused on legacy-building and shaping a brighter future.

He emphasised the need to preserve the legacy of family business, ensure that long-term businesses would be well managed,  and prepare the next generation for leadership roles.

The director said that while the importance of family business could not be over-emphasised, efforts to sustain the family business ecosystem was essential for its survival.

Nwuke stated that the family business conference scheduled for March 27 in Lagos would provide essential tools for long-term success in family businesses.

He said that key aspects such as succession planning, governance structures, financial stewardship and technological integration within family enterprises would be addressed.

“Under 30 per cent of family businesses live beyond their founders, and most of the issues that affect family businesses are usually swept under the table.

“At the LBS, through the family business initiative, family members, business successors and everyone important to the ecosystem are brought together to listen to each other, share experiences and bring out better outcomes.

“The theme of the LBS 2025 International Family Business Conference is: “Preparing the Next Generation for Stewardship: Building a Lasting Legacy for Family Businesses,” he said.

Nwuke said the keynote address at the event would be delivered by  Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Co-founder, Tengen Family Office.

According to him. other discussants include the Director of Punch Nigeria Ltd., Mrs Omowunmi Tunde-Obe; the Founder of Coscharis Motors, Dr Cosmas Maduka; and the Managing Director of Coleman Wires, Mr George Onafowokan.

The Chairman of LBS Family Business Advisory Committee, Mr Rasheed Sarumi, said that LBS was committed to institutionalising the yearly activity to discuss family business and family governance in Nigeria.

This, he said, was important to ensure that family  businesses would be run properly with the right succession plan to  contribute much to GDP, employment and reduction of poverty.

Oreoluwa Adeyinka, Senior Programme Manager of the initiative, emphasised the importance of successful family businesses to the Nigerian economy.

She added that the initiative would help to develop governance structure to drive longevity of family businesses. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Stakeholders advocate FoI law in Edo, demand transparency
General News

Stakeholders advocate FoI law in Edo, demand transparency

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By Usman Aliyu

Civil society groups, legal experts, and media stakeholders have urged the Edo Government to domesticate the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to enhance transparency and accountability.

The stakeholders made the submission during a town hall meeting on FOIA application, organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) on Wednesday in Benin.

They highlighted the Act’s importance in empowering citizens to demand accountability.

In her opening address, CTA’s Executive Director, Faith Nwadishi, described corruption as a major threat to governance and development.

She emphasised the need for proactive FOIA implementation to track budgets and expose misconduct.

“We are not victims of corruption but powerful change agents. FOIA should be a tool for transparency, yet many citizens face barriers when trying to access vital information,” Nwadishi said.

She urged the Edo government to domesticate FOIA, noting that bureaucratic bottlenecks and deliberate denial of information hindered its effectiveness.

Representing the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, the Head of the FOI Unit in the Ministry of Justice, Garba Sunday, reaffirmed the Act’s role in governance.

He encouraged public institutions to proactively disclose information.

“FOIA guarantees citizens access to government records without requiring justification. Public institutions must ensure transparency by keeping records accessible,” he said.

He acknowledged that Edo had yet to enact a law regulating access to government records and urged the state to align with the federal FOIA to strengthen accountability.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funded by the European Union through International IDEA.

The forum provided stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss leveraging FOIA

Participants pledged to intensify advocacy for FOIA domestication in Edo, emphasizing that access to information is crucial for democratic governance and social justice.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Real estate firms partner Nasarawa Govt. to build commercial city in Karshi
General News

Real estate firms partner Nasarawa Govt. to build commercial city in Karshi

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By Patricia Amogu

A real estate development firm, Ama-Davids Nigeria Limited, has announced plans to collaborate with its partners and the Nasarawa State Government to develop a commercial city in Karshi.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mr Ibrahim Arasah, made this known during a series of courtesy visits to top government officials in the state.

Arasah stated that the commercial city project would create employment opportunities, attract foreign investment, foster a business-friendly environment, and enhance the well-being of the people.

“We commend the great work being done by the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, particularly in infrastructural development, political stability, and security.

“Ama-Davids Nigeria Limited is deeply committed to improving the well-being of the people, and our projects are designed with this in mind.

“Our initiatives, including the Karshi Central Market, which is currently under consideration by the governor, as well as the automobile city project, have been carefully planned to be people-centric.

“All our projects are aimed at enhancing the lives of the people and ensuring sustainability beyond our generation.

“The Commercial City Standard Market will be the first of its kind in Africa. It will be an expansive business hub, integrating various sectors such as agro-markets, fashion and textiles, furniture showrooms, media, and many other enterprises.

“For over 32 years, we have been active in this field. As knowledge expands and technology evolves, we are continuously enhancing our expertise and development strategies to align with global standards and the 21st-century needs of our people,” he said.

Amb. David Oladeinde, CEO of Diamond House 67 Concept, called Nasarawa State the future of Nigeria, citing its vast mineral resources and immense potential.

“Nasarawa State stands out in many ways, perhaps due to its international exposure.

“The Governor is making significant progress across multiple sectors, and I believe the Nasarawa State of today is vastly different from the past. He is actively improving road infrastructure, security, and overall development.

“Nasarawa State is the future of Nigeria. It has the largest deposits of solid minerals in the country.

“Nigeria has yet to tap even 10 per cent of its solid mineral resources. We have focused too much on oil and gas, yet this year, we have the potential to generate billions of dollars from other resources.

“This project will not only transform Nasarawa State but also have a far-reaching impact at the federal and state levels, as well as across the West African sub-region”.

Dr Victor Abidoye, Chairman and CEO of Vikolu Universal Concept Limited, one of the project’s financiers, remarked that initiatives such as the commercial city project would unlock vast opportunities for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

According to him, these developments would empower young people to overcome poverty and help reduce the housing deficit in the country.

He urged the government to support the project to provide entrepreneurs in the state with a conducive space to operate.

“A new urban centre is what we are building, and we hope the state government will give us the necessary support,” he added.

In response, Mr Abdullahi Salihu-Ari, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), commended the project partners for their efforts and their belief in the state’s potential.

“We recognise that there are 36 states in the country, and these projects could have been taken elsewhere,” he said.

Senior Analyst at NASIDA, Mr Imam Rabiu, stated that the agency was making every effort to ensure the project becomes a reality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ama-Davids Nigeria Limited is the proponent of the Karshi Central Market/Commercial City, the Automobile City, the Million House Project, and the Karshi Century Park. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Stakeholders urge Customs to support border communities
Economy/Business

Stakeholders urge Customs to support border communities

314 total views today

By Martha Agas

Some stakeholders have called on the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to ensure that its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Unit implements projects that positively impact its operational areas, particularly border communities.

The stakeholders made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the NCS recently established its CSR Unit, Customs Cares, to spearhead programmes aimed at supporting the presidential priority areas and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The initiatives would focus on school renovations, mobile clinic activations, food and medical aid, agricultural support, skills acquisition programmes, and youth empowerment.

A customs and tax expert, Okey Ibeke, described the introduction of the initiative as timely and an efficient tool for bringing stakeholders and host communities together to advance Nigeria`s economy.

Ibeke, the Principal Partner at International Trade Advisory Services Ltd, stated that the projects should impact border communities, as they were often neglected and lack basic amenities and infrastructure.

“Border communities are often neglected by government, because of where they are, they lack social infrastructure, road, schools, water and all these things. They need projects that will touch their day to lives.

“This is because customs rely on them to get information about the movement of smugglers, so getting close to them and doing things to improve their well-being will make them stop seeing customs as enemies.

“That is why, at times, they attack them, but through this CSR, they will start seeing customs as friends, as partners to the economic development of Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the NCS had already begun its CSR initiatives before the recent formal unveiling and advised them to invest more in projects within the locations of their commands.

He said that the initiative would help secure greater support, especially for their anti-smuggling efforts.

The expert also urged them to invest in key stakeholders at the port, such as training clearing agents, given their critical role in issuing licenses to customs agents.

He alleged that most import duty fraud at the ports was perpetrated by them and explained that demonstrating genuine care for them could help reduce fraudulent activities to the barest minimum.

“The training should educate them on the dangers of committing fraud and highlight its impact on the NCS’s operations, their communities, and future generations, “ he said

Similarly, the Secretary of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), Dr Eugene Nweke, noted that the CSR Unit has the potential to make a significant positive impact on Nigerian communities, particularly those in border and riverine areas.

Nweke expressed confidence that, over time, the initiative would encourage communities to either resist smuggling or provide useful information to help customs effectively curb smuggling.

He urged the NCS to undertake projects that empower youths and women involved in farming and mining to enhance their capacity for importation.

“Since customs revenue comes from taxes imposed on trades and related activities, as such it is not out of place if the NCS`s CSR is structured and channel towards empowering young men and women.

“The empowerment should be for those who engage or are involved in farming and mining exportation activities, to boost their consolidation base.

“By so doing, within a few period the CSR will strengthen the exports capacity of the nation, “ he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers
General News

Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers

369 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the lingering political crisis in the state.

The President made the declaration in a national broadcast on Tuesday.

He said it had become compelling for him to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers with effect from March 18.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” Tinubu said.

He, however, said that for the avoidance of doubt, the declaration did not affect the judicial arm of the state, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws.

‘He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

“This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution.

“It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State .

“It will awaken all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

 

ECOWAS subregion’ll attract 10m tourists yearly by 2029- Commissioner
Foreign

ECOWAS subregion’ll attract 10m tourists yearly by 2029- Commissioner

333 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is working to attract about 10 million intra-community tourists to the subregion annually by 2029.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, disclosed this at a high-level capacity building workshop held in The Gambia, on Tuesday.

The Commissioner, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said that this was in line with ECOWAS’ commitment to leveraging tourism as the driver of economic growth.

Represented by the Director of Private Sector, Dr Tony Elumelu, Toure-Litse explained that the policy positioned West Africa as a preferred and competitive global tourism destination.

According to her, the renewed emphasis on tourism under the leadership of ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, is due to the recognition of tourism’s critical role in stimulating subregional economic growth.

She further said that the objective was to provide ECOWAS citizens with a seamless and competitive tourism experience.

The commissioner said it aligned with the intentions of the ECOWAS ECOTOR policy, while the training was intended to address the identified capacity gaps in the sector for greater efficiency.

Toure-Litse added that the policy and training would address the twin issues of tourism standards and job creation, mainly for the subregion’s teeming youth and women population.

She said that the policy also focused on hotel classification and staff mobility in line with the provisions of the region’s flagship Protocol on Free Movement through cooperation and standardisation.

“ECOWAS is paving the way for a more resilient, interconnected and thriving tourism sector that will drive sustainable development and prosperity across the region by contributing a minimum of 12 per cent to the GDP of the member states.

“The ECOWAS regional ECOTOR policy seeks to promote an integrated tourism community; promote interstate tourism products and improve the performance of tourist private sector and competitiveness of the sector,” she said.

Speaking earlier, Sheikh Tejan Nyang, chairman, subregional project on hotel standardisation, lauded ECOWAS for choosing The Gambia for the training.

He said that the implementation of the five-day training support for tourism operators, was in recognition of the crucial role of tourism in the country’s economy.

Nyang said that the tourism sector was The Gambia’s highest foreign exchange earner, which contributed about 85 million dollars annually to the country’s economy.

According to him, this represents about 20 per cent of the country’s GDP and supports about 42,000 direct jobs and 40,000 indirect jobs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 60 people who are engaged in the tourism sector are participating in the training programme. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

 

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