NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
ECOWAS Bank disbursed .5bn for 300 projects since inception —President
Foreign

ECOWAS Bank disbursed $2.5bn for 300 projects since inception —President

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By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has disbursed more than 2.5 billion dollars supporting about 300 projects across the subregion since its inception in 1999.

EBID President, Dr George Donkor, made this known during an interactive session with heads of ECOWAS institutions and specialised agencies at the ongoing First Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Parliament on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the interactive session was to enable the bank to present its progress report and vision for regional integration, economic transformation, and sustainable development.

The session also aimed to highlight EBID’s alignment with ECOWAS’ Vision 2050, which emphasises regional integration, social inclusion, and economic resilience.

Donkor, represented by the bank’s Director of Research and Strategic Planning, MacDonald Goanue, said that EBID had within 26 years positioned itself as the financial backbone of the ECOWAS region.

He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to regional development through its strategic investments in infrastructure, energy, health, agriculture, education, and digital transformation across West Africa.

“In 2024 alone, the Bank approved 10 new projects worth UA 330. 76 million (439.74 million dollars) and appraised 21 additional projects,” he said.

Donkor said the bank’s key flagship initiatives included connecting electricity networks between Mali and Côte d’Ivoire; solar electricity of 750 community facilities in Benin; and construction of a vital bridge linking AIBD to Blaise Diagne Airport in Senegal.

He said that EBID also boosted Medium, Small and Micro Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) financing, supported public-private partnerships, especially in agro-processing and manufacturing, among others, across the ECOWAS subregion.

“The number of projects benefiting from disbursements increased from 56 in 2023 to 77 in 2024.

“The annual loan disbursement rate was approximately 20.54 per cent in 2024, slightly down from 21.58 per cent in 2023,” he said.

The bank’s president stressed that the partnership between EBID and the Ecowas Parliament was essential to realising a stable, prosperous and integrated sub-region.

He also disclosed that Nigeria is the largest shareholder in the regional financial institution, with approximately 33 per cent of total shares, followed by Ghana and Ivory Coast, respectively.

Donkor said that Nigeria would soon give an additional 100 million dollars capital contribution to EBID, which he described as a reaffirmation of its strong commitment to regional economic integration and development.

He said, “Nigeria is the biggest contributor. Nigeria is in the process of even paying 100 million dollars to the bank.

“We finance private projects in Nigeria. The Bank of Industry is our client. We have done business with commercial banks and so on, so, we do a lot in Nigeria.

“Ghana has paid its second tranche; Côte d’Ivoire is doing very well,” he said.

The bank’s president also disclosed that the Indian government availed it about one billion dollars facility to fund infrastructure, energy, transport, and private sector development across West Africa from 2006 till date.

Donkor further explained that EBID is not a commercial bank, and does not take deposits, adding that its operations relied mainly on Member States’ contributions and international financing facilities.

The community parliamentarians took turns to commend the bank for its great contributions to regional development and also sought clarification on specific projects that had been implemented, as well as their sustainability and strategies.

They also offered constructive recommendations aimed at improving transparency, strengthening monitoring mechanisms, and ensuring that development financing was more inclusive.

NAN also reports that the EBID is a leading regional investment and development bank owned by all the ECOWAS Member States, and was established in 1999 with headquarters in Lome, Togo.

The bank currently supports key development projects in all ECOWAS countries, focusing on energy, transport, infrastructure, agriculture, and health, among others, while expanding its footprint and deepening regional integration.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Advisory group builds NPF’s capacity on weapons, ammunition management
Defence/Security

Advisory group builds NPF’s capacity on weapons, ammunition management

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By Angela Atabo

The Mines Advisory Group (MAG), an international non-governmental organisation, has taken proactive steps to enhance the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in weapons and ammunition management.

Collaborating with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), MAG is working to ensure that the NPF’s weapons and ammunition are properly secured and managed.

MAG’s Programme Manager, Mr Chachu Tadicha, revealed this during a baseline workshop on Physical Security and Stockpile Management held on Thursday in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of securing government weapons and ammunition and ensuring they remained in the hands of authorised personnel.

Tadicha said the workshop was organised to assess weapons and ammunition management needs in six pilot states: Anambra, Lagos, Plateau, Cross River, Borno, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“The goal is to identify existing gaps and strengthen the management of arms and ammunition across these locations.

“MAG works to find and destroy landmines, cluster munitions, and unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected regions,” he explained.

“That’s why we’ve brought together key stakeholders from six states and the NCCSALW, to identify needs and ensure that storage and control systems are secure, preventing unauthorised access.”

According to him, the baseline workshop marks the first step in identifying gaps in stockpile management and exploring ways to bring storage practices up to international standards.

“For instance, are the armories meeting international standards? What can we do to enhance capacity so weapons stay with the police as intended?” Tadicha asked rhetorically.

He added that the findings from this initial assessment would inform collaborative efforts with NCCSALW and the police to address identified needs.

Also speaking at the event, Technical Field Manager for MAG Nigeria, Mr Jerome Gongotchame, disclosed that the project was funded by the U.S. in partnership with NCCSALW.

Gongotchame explained that the baseline assessment was the starting point to evaluate the current weapons and ammunition management systems in the selected states.

“Following this workshop, we will conduct technical assessments to understand the existing infrastructure, processes, procedures, and systems.

“This will help MAG determine the appropriate support needed to improve storage facilities and build the capacity of police personnel,” he said.

He stated that the outcomes of the workshop would be compiled into a report to be shared with the NPF, NCCSALW, and the U.S. government.

“This report will serve as the foundation for developing an operational plan and intervention strategy.”

Director-General of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (rtd) Johnson Kokumo, praised MAG for its choice to support Nigeria and for mobilising critical resources for the initiative.

Kokumo highlighted the connection between preventing violent extremism and effective arms management, particularly in West Africa.

“It is well known that violent extremism and criminal activities thrive due to easy access to small arms and light weapons,” he said.

“Efficient arms and ammunition management is therefore a key strategy in curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons, which remains a major threat to peace and development in the ECOWAS region.”

He urged participants to make the most of the opportunity to explore ways to strengthen the existing arms management framework within the Nigeria Police Force.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Stakeholders push for renewable energy on Africa day
General News

Stakeholders push for renewable energy on Africa day

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By Abigail Joshua

Stakeholders gathered in Abuja on Thursday to advocate for a transition to renewable energy as a means of addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Mr Michael David, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Preservation (GIFSEP), highlighted Africa’s vast solar and wind energy potential during the Africa Day celebration.

The event, themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” also served as a platform to raise awareness about energy inequality.

David expressed concern that more than 600 million people across the continent still live without access to electricity.

“We are calling for a transition to renewable energy because access to energy is a fundamental human right.

“We seek energy access for all, not just for the wealthy. We demand debt cancellation to enable real, publicly driven solutions and increased public funding for renewable energy.

“We also call for reparations for centuries of exploitation and underdevelopment, and we urge African leaders to show bold political will by breaking away from colonial energy models”.

David noted that Africa Day is a celebration of African identity, resilience, and progress.

“It is a day for reflecting on the continent’s achievements, confronting current challenges, and promoting unity and pride among Africans,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Mr Faisal Muhammad, Desk Officer for Science, Technical and Mathematics at the FCT Secondary Education Board, encouraged students in attendance to embody African values in their culture, character, and conduct.

He commended GIFSEP for its ongoing partnership with schools, particularly in the areas of scholarship provision and skills acquisition programmes.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Africa Day is celebrated annually on May 25 to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), established same day and month in 1963 in Ethiopia. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Group advocates investment in Agritourism Villages for food security
Agriculture

Group advocates investment in Agritourism Villages for food security

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By Joshua Olomu

The World Agritourism Organisation Advocacy (WAOA) has urged government at all levels and stakeholders in Agriculture and Tourism sectors to invest in the creation of Agritoursim Villages.

Trust Ogboi, President of WAOA, who made the call during a world news conference organised by the group on Thursday in Abuja, said this will boost food production and also create jobs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that agritourism, also known as agricultural tourism, involves visitors participating and experiencing various aspects of agricultural activities, such as farm tours, workshops, and seasonal festivals.

An agritourism village combines agricultural activities with tourism, offering visitors a firsthand experience of farm or ranch life and increasing awareness of agricultural products.

According to Ogboi, Nigeria’s agriculture and tourism sectors have robust potentials to rescue the country from its economic challenges, particularly in the provision of adequate food supply and job creation for teeming unemployed youths.

He said investment in agritourism villages across the country would offer a perfect blend of work and leisure, as well as wealth creation for both individuals, investors and government.

He further said that all over the world, agritourism villages offer a unique window into local agriculture, attracting Investment and visitors to rural areas and improved land use, turning forests into cities.

“Agritourism is a rapidly growing global concept which combine agriculture and tourism sectors by attracting visitors to such areas for the purposes of entertainment, leisure, shopping and education.

“Almost all continents, Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Australia are promoting and practicing agritourism, providing economic development, stability and global peace particularly among the younger generations.

“The importance of agritourism village to Nigerian government in particular is coming at a time when people are no longer interested in traditional agriculture again, they need an innovative agriculture.

“Agritourism will encourage Nigerians to go into farming, when these activities are going on, it will create industrial hubs, which will create jobs.

“With tourism villages across the 36 states,agriculture will be made attractive, especially to young Nigerians, and rural-urban migration will reduced, as more people get involved in food production.

“The Government of Nigeria, as part of Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, through Public Private Partnership (PPP) is establishing Nigerian Agritourism Village Projects in the 36 states, FCT inclusive.

“We have already started work in some states, including Delta, and we are calling on state governments, corporate bodies and individuals to join the train for food sufficiency and job creation”, he said.

Ogboi said the WAOA was championing an advocacy by Nigeria,calling for the establishment of World Agritourism Organisation ( WAO ) and the United Nations World Agritourism Organisation ( UNWAO).

“To achieve global stability in agritourism, there is need for global regulatory body or agency, an Institution or organisation that will oversee and regulate agritourism market internationally.

“They will establish and enforce standards, guidelines and regulations to promote stability, integrity and transparency within global agritourism system.

“Their primary objective is to ensure agritourism markets operate efficiently and fairly while protecting investors, consumers and producers”, he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

ECOWAS Parliament bars members from making derogatory remarks on W/African leaders
Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament bars members from making derogatory remarks on W/African leaders

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By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted new Rules of Procedure, which prohibit members from making derogatory remarks about fellow members and West African Heads of State.

The regional lawmakers adopted the revised Rules of Procedure during the First Ordinary Session of the Parliament held on Thursday in Abuja.

MP Billay Tunkara, the Fourth Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the report’s Ad-Hoc Committee, who presented the document, explained that the amendments aimed at reinforcing parliamentary transparency, accountability, and effective governance.

The revised Rules also stipulate that members who miss one-third of an ordinary session without justification would be sanctioned, and their sitting allowances would also be suspended.

The amendments also stipulate gender and language balance in committee appointments, formalise a dress code to reflect the parliament’s dignity, and a quorum of 50+ members to commence a session.

The new Rules also stipulate that, in order to preserve impartiality, the Parliament’s Speaker may only take part in debates after temporarily vacating the his/her chair to a Deputy Speaker

“The adoption of the revised rules is expected to enhance attendance, discipline, and the overall quality of debate in the parliament,” the document said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the regional parliament’s 2025 First Ordinary Session, which began on Tuesday, will end on May 31.

The Session also heralds a series of activities lined up for the parliament’s 25th anniversary later in November.

The events aim at promoting regional integration and cooperation among ECOWAS member states.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

L-PRES engages stakeholders on livestock infrastructure sustainability
Agriculture

L-PRES engages stakeholders on livestock infrastructure sustainability

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced stakeholder engagement towards developing a sustainability plan for livestock infrastructure constructed across 20 states.

Speaking at a workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, expressed concern over the number of development projects abandoned following the withdrawal of funding partners.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop, themed “Beyond L-PRES: What Next?”, focused on ensuring the sustainability of animal health and husbandry infrastructure established under the project.

Abubakar stated that the primary aim of the workshop was to develop a comprehensive and actionable sustainability plan that would serve as an effective exit strategy for L-PRES, while ensuring the lasting impact of its investments.

According to him, the forum brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including development partners.

“It is to deliberate on strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability, optimal use, and effective maintenance of critical livestock infrastructure after the project’s conclusion.

“The workshop seeks to address common challenges such as poor maintenance, underutilisation, and the frequent abandonment of donor-funded infrastructure projects in Nigeria,” he said.

Abubakar outlined the workshop’s objectives, which include formulating a robust sustainability plan to ensure the continuity and long-term viability of all animal health and livestock infrastructure developed under L-PRES.

Other objectives, he noted, are the development of sustainable economic strategies through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to support the ongoing operation of the infrastructure.

He added that the workshop also aims to create incentive frameworks to encourage suppliers and industry practitioners to adopt and support existing livestock infrastructure for mutual benefit.

“Further goals include promoting private sector involvement in animal health services and encouraging community participation in safeguarding livestock infrastructure.

“The workshop is also intended to harness expert insights, best practices, and innovative approaches from key industry players to guide the implementation of sustainable infrastructure practices,” he added.

Abubakar identified L-PRES as a $500 million World Bank-funded project aimed at transforming animal health services, improving livestock productivity, strengthening value chains, and enhancing the resilience of livestock-reliant communities nationwide.

He noted that the project had made strategic investments in critical animal health and husbandry infrastructure across the country, including model veterinary hospitals, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, solar-powered cold storage facilities, and modern abattoirs.

“These investments are designed to strengthen animal health delivery systems, improve food safety and security, protect public health, and stimulate economic development within the livestock sector,” he said.

Also, Dr Chidozie Anyiro, World Bank Co-Task Team Leader for L-PRES, revealed that livestock infrastructure under the project is valued at over $200 million.

He stressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability and effective management of the facilities constructed, in order to avoid the common pitfall of post-project neglect.

“Effective management and long-term functionality of livestock infrastructure are critical to achieving sustainability, enhancing efficiency, improving animal welfare, and increasing livestock production.

“By exploring best practices, innovative solutions, and addressing prevailing challenges, we can collectively improve the performance and longevity of livestock infrastructure in Nigeria,” Anyiro said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

U.S./Africa diplomacy now investment-led, not assistance-led- Envoy
Foreign

U.S./Africa diplomacy now investment-led, not assistance-led- Envoy

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By Mark Longyen

Amb. Troy Fitrell, U.S. Department of State’s acting Head of Africa Bureau, says the country has now shifted its diplomacy in Sub-Saharan Africa from an ‘assistant-led’ to an ‘investment-led’ strategy.

The envoy, who disclosed this in a digital news conference during an official visit to West Africa, explained that going forward, commercial diplomacy would be the core focus of U.S./African engagement.

He said that the Donald Trump administration had adopted new commercial diplomacy strategy, and expressed the hope that the policy would attract private sector actors and galvanise local economies.

Fitrell said that was why earlier in February, President Donald Trump rescinded more than 90 per cent of foreign assistance contracts by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

According to him, the decision has resulted to U.S. overall aid cut of about 60 billion dollars, affecting many sectors, including Africa’s health funding, war-affected populations, humanitarian and development assistance programmes.

He said “we have for decades been defined by an assistance-led paradigm, and we are directly and intentionally shifting that toward an investment-led strategy.

“For too long, we’ve prioritised development assistance over promoting U.S. commercial engagement in Africa but the focus, going forward, will be trade, not aid.

“U.S. ambassadors are now being evaluated on how effectively they advocate for U.S. business and the number of deals they facilitate.”

The envoy explained that in line with the new policy, U.S. ambassadors serving in Africa were mandated to explore commercial opportunities and to advocate for the country’s companies.

He said the envoys were also expected to identify market reforms needed to enhance the business environment and engage with African governments on implementation.

He added that “with focus on commercial diplomacy, we must do more to connect a greater number of U.S. companies to opportunities in Africa, especially those that have yet to do business on the continent.

“With that, we can connect a greater share of the nearly 300,000 export-ready U.S. companies and the 120 trillion dollars U.S. capital market to the African continent.”

Fitrell said the Lobito Corridor, a multi-billion dollar railroad project connecting DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola with its Lobito Port for the transportation of essential goods and minerals, was the kind of project that would attract U.S. investment.

He said the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the cornerstone of U.S. economic relations with dozens of African nations, rested with the U.S. Congress, adding that he was AGOA’s fan.

“My expectation is if there’s going to be a renewal of AGOA, it will probably reflect the modern world, rather than the one from 25 years ago when it was first founded,” he added.

The envoy said that the U.S. engagement with Africa would lead to more jobs and the development of Africa’s middle class.

“Just in the first 100 days of the Donal Trump administration, we’ve had 33 new deals worth more than six billion dollars, including several that were concluded last week in Abidjan,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fitrell also took part in an event, the Africa CEO Forum, organised by the U.S. embassy in Abidjan and the U.S Chamber of Commerce.

He also laid out a six-pronged action plan and addressed the American Chambers of Commerce Business Summit 2025 at the forum, which was co-hosted by Jeune Afrique Media Group and the International Finance Corporation.(NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

UNIABUJA to offer youth development postgraduate degrees- VC
General News

UNIABUJA to offer youth development postgraduate degrees- VC

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By Akpan Glory

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Patricia Lar, has pledged the university’s readiness to commence Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Masters, and Doctoral programmes in Youth Development Work.

Lar made this commitment during a high-level courtesy and advocacy visit by a delegation of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) and the Nigeria Youth Workers’ Association (NYWA) to the university on Wednesday.

She said this feat positions the institution as a pioneer in this vital sector.

The vice-chancellor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to hosting a national stakeholders’ workshop as a springboard for formalising Youth Work education in Nigeria.

Speaking for the advocacy team, Despan Kwardem, Director of Education and Training at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, praised the Minister’s approval of both the proposed workshop and the wider push to professionalise youth development work in Nigeria.

He stated that this decisive action aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises strengthening governance, enhancing transparency, and improving service delivery to Nigerian youth.

In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Youth Workers’ Association (NYWA), Ben Duntoye, described the milestone as a transformative step towards equipping Youth Workers with globally relevant competencies and academic recognition.

He noted that it reinforces the nation’s commitment to inclusive development and sustainable youth empowerment.

“Driven by the need to build the capacity of Youth Workers, an agenda championed by the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP), the programme aims to standardise and enhance the quality of Youth Work practice in Nigeria”.

Duntoye further expressed special appreciation to Prof. Theresa Abok-Akpan, Director of the Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement, whose invaluable support contributed to the success of the visit.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Nigeria Youth Workers’ Association (NYWA) is the coordinating body for youth development practioners and professionals in Nigeria established in 2019.

It aims to improve the status and standard of youth work by connecting, strengthening networks, and advocating for the professionalisation of youth work ultimately advancing the live of young people to achieve their set goals. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Economic inclusion: FG pledges to support NIPR
General News

Economic inclusion: FG pledges to support NIPR

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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has pledged the readiness of the Federal Government to support the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in mobilising citizens for sustainable economic inclusion.

Idris stated this at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW 2025) and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Uyo.

The event with the theme, “Harnessing Public Relations for Nigeria’s Economic Renaissance,” was organised by NIPR.

According to Idris, the role of NIPR is not only foundational but indispensable.

“I wish to commend your recent efforts in pushing for ethical reforms, media literacy and capacity development.

“We in government are ready to support your initiatives as we collectively mobilise Nigerians for sustainable economic inclusion and productivity.

“Our role as stewards of the national narrative is crucial to how Nigeria is perceived, how policies are understood, and how citizens are engaged in our collective pursuit of economic prosperity as Nigeria rises again,” Idris said.

He further said Nigeria had attracted over $50 billion in new foreign direct investment commitments, adding that, Diaspora remittances reached $21.9 billion, showing deep trust in the nation’s future.

He also noted that the country’s entertainment and creative industries, particularly Nollywood, contributed over ₦730 billion to GDP.

“These are not just statistics, they are stories waiting to be told effectively, professionally and patriotically.

“There is encouraging news from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April 2025 recently released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

“It indicated that the headline inflation rate for April stood at 23.71 per cent, representing a decrease of 0.52 per cent from the 24.23 per cent recorded in March 2025,” he said.

” Similarly, month-on-month, inflation dropped by a notable 2.04 per cent, from 3.90 per cent in March to 1.86 per cent in April.

“This could only have happened because Mr President’s deliberate policy interventions, gradually being made manifest, are well nurtured and paying off.

“As thought leaders and most viable of all our national assets, the NIPR must rise to this challenge.

“At the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, we have taken this challenge with a huge sense of responsibility, particularly in the conception of the National Strategic Communication Framework (NSCF),” Idris said.

He said through this blueprint, the ministry would ensure coherence across public sector messaging, align national campaigns with public sentiment and development goals and engage the Nigerian citizen in two-way communication.

He added that it would be part of the ministry’s mission to make public communication a tool for economic growth, social cohesion and national pride. (NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

W/Africa risks increased climate-related disasters — Minister
Foreign

W/Africa risks increased climate-related disasters — Minister

225 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has warned that West Africa and the entire African continent are at risk of severe climate-related disasters.

Keyamo raised the alarm, while declaring open a regional workshop of ECOWAS Directors of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, climate-induced disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, with vulnerable communities often bearing most of the impacts.

He said that the challenges had far-reaching implications for food security, water availability, public health, transportation, energy systems, livelihoods, national security and overall socio-economic stability.

“Now, more than ever in recorded history, West Africa is faced with various weather and climate-related threats.

“These include erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, heavy thunderstorms, destructive windstorms, intense flooding, increasing temperatures and rising sea levels.

“This further highlights the enormity of the challenge facing the entire continent and the ECOWAS region in particular.

“This meeting couldn’t have come at a better time and provides the opportunity for us to assess the readiness of the region to meet its early warning target,” he said.

Keyamo said the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) 2023 State of the Climate Report states that climate-related hazards cause African countries to lose two to five per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually.

According to him, the report says many West African countries divert up to nine per cent of their budgets to respond to climate extremes as rainfall deficits led to localised shortfalls in agricultural production in 2023.

“In the face of these realities, the work of our meteorological and hydrological services has become indispensable.

“The need for accurate, timely, and actionable weather and climate information has never been more critical to saving lives, securing livelihoods, and driving sustainable development across the region.

“In recognition of these important roles, Nigeria established the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in 2003 and was amended in 2022,” he said.

The minister explained that ”NiMet’s mandate is to provide weather, climate, and hydrometeorological information for the safety of lives and property, and socio-economic development across all sectors.”

He said that NiMet, whose contributions to the development and practice of meteorology in the ECOWAS region covered a wide range of areas, had evolved into a modern, science-driven agency.

Keyamo said that NiMet had become not only the authoritative source of meteorological information for Nigeria but also a trusted partner and leader in West Africa and beyond.

He noted that the agency’s pioneering work on Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) had become a template for other Meteorological Services in the region.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has remained firmly committed to strengthening NiMet’s operational capacity, expanding its reach, and promoting regional collaboration.

“Investments in modernisation, human capital development, and international partnerships continue to reflect our firm belief that weather, climate and hydrological information is vital to national and regional development.

“Recall that at the launch of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, the United Nations had set an ambitious target of ensuring that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027,” Keyamo said.

Keyamo said that Nigeria was fully committed to supporting not only NiMet but also the wider ECOWAS community in its shared quest to build a climate-smart, weather-ready West African region.

“This meeting reflects our shared commitment to regional cooperation as well as a clear indication of the growing recognition of the critical role that meteorological and hydrological services play in our pursuit of sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and mitigation among others.

“I want to implore all of us to see this meeting as a means of exploring new and innovative ways to deepen cooperation, share best practices, and harmonise efforts for the collective benefit of our people.

“The challenges we face are common, and so too must be our solutions,” the minister added.

Speaking earlier, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, noted that West Africa was one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change.

She, however, said the region was one of the least equipped with the data, infrastructure, and systems required for effective climate resilience.

“Recent data from the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN) showed that between 2021 and 2024, the region experienced a 47 per cent increase in flood-related incidents, affecting over 5 million people, with damages estimated at over 1.3 billion dollars.

“A recent ECOWAS study handled by WASCAL found that climate-related disruptions reduced agricultural productivity in the region by up to 10 per cent in 2024, contributing to food insecurity and inflationary pressures.

“This situation will be worst if nothing is done in terms of mitigation and global temperatures reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 as forecast,” Toure-Litse, represented by Mr Bernard Koffi, said.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of generating climate forecast information from meteorological and hydrological directorates and their transfer to relevant national development agencies and dissemination towards rural and urban populations are critical.

This, she said, underscored the urgent need for enhanced hydrological and meteorological capacity that were now referred to collectively as hydromet services.

Toure-Litse encouraged the meteorological and hydrological directors to fulfill their role according to the regular and urgent needs from populations.

“Our populations, particularly those who live in rural areas need accurate and timely meteorological data and information to adapt.

“The accessibility to data and information is a critical issue that was emphasised by African ministers while they were adopting the African Meteorological Strategy.

“According to the World Bank, every dollar invested in early warning systems can yield up to 9 dollars in benefits, including avoided losses and enhanced productivity,” she added.

Also speaking, Prof. Charles Anosike, NiMet Director-General, said the event was an opportunity for participants to agree on practical measures to improve the performance of meteorological and hydrological services within the region.

He emphasised the importance of leveraging technology for enhanced service delivery.

“Through artificial intelligence, enhanced satellite technology, big data integration and collaborative partnerships, meteorology is witnessing a renaissance that promises to improve predictive accuracy and user engagement.

“The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events ranging from floods and droughts to heat waves and storms pose significant challenges to our economies, aviation safety, food security, water resources, national security and overall well-being of our people,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

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