NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Features

Foreign Policy And The Path To Peace In A Dangerous Neighbourhood

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By Yusuf Maitama Tuggar

Nigeria’s foreign policy to promote peace and prosperity is a constitutional obligation as much as it is a considered and sensible manifesto pledge, writes Hon Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

I was born in a civil war and was not able to vote for my leader until I was in my 30’s. Nigeria is now a country guided by the rule of law and a constitution that clearly defines our system of government. This includes our foreign policy objectives, and rightly so, because in an interconnected world, we define our sovereignty in the context of certain, key principles: our right to self-determination; our right to defend our autonomy and secure our borders; and responsibility to respect our obligations under international law.

As foreign minister, I think these provisions are not just reasonable but vital – both for our own democracy, domestic peace and prosperity but also for a more just and stable international order. But the point is this: it is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not the manifesto of a political party or predilections of a particular politician, that lays out these provisions. In a democracy, we have the privilege of healthy debate about our values, policies and performance. But if we are to live up to the responsibilities that come with democracy, that debate should be informed, fair and reasonable.

I respect the Constitution and its vision for Nigeria’s place in the international community, as do many of us. It has been an honour and a privilege to protect and promote those constitutional principles. They are the best guarantees for legitimacy, and the authority all governments need if they are to deliver. It is complex and time consuming.

To our cost, we have learnt that there are no short cuts. Some Nigerians find fault in our Constitution, while others seek to amend it. There is always room for serious debate in a healthy democracy. But the fact remains it is the very document that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and every public official has sworn to uphold since 1999.

Nigeria’s Constitution declares that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government, through this Constitution, derives all its powers and authority. The same Chapter of the Constitution goes on to state Nigeria’s five foreign policy objectives: promotion and protection of the national interest, African integration and support for African unity, promotion of international cooperation for peace and mutual respect, respect of international law and treaty obligations and promotion of a just world economic order. Those who suggest Nigeria does not have a foreign policy or those who agitate for a shift away from an Afro-centric foreign policy are wrong; either they are ill-informed, or deliberately disingenuous.

The irony of it all is that Nigerians are able to speak in support of our military-ruled neighbours, governed without constitutions, precisely because Chapter Four of our own constitution guarantees them these rights and freedoms. This is not the same for the citizens ruled by the very regimes for which they seek to cheerlead of those countries governed without constitutions.

Nigerians who are older than 30 know this to be true because we have been there, done that. Somehow in the passage of time, some forget that the military regime here that despatched troops to restore democracy in Sierra Leone and Liberia in the 1990s had first – and by force – taken that same democracy and rule of law away from us – just as military regimes continue to do the world over.

The Constitution also makes clear why any responsible Nigerian government should be concerned when neighbours are governed without a constitution or codified rules. It goes without saying that the sovereignty of our neighbours is their business. They can grant powers to whatever governing structures they deem fit and should expect their autonomy to remain safeguarded. But when our Interdependence Sovereignty overlaps, we equally have a right to exercise control over our borders in those cases where neighbours face insurgencies that significantly comprise territorial integrity and state authority.

International Legal Sovereignty also becomes an issue when we consider that respect for international law and treaty obligations is one of our irreducible foreign policy objectives. This is not the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy; it is a constitutional provision that every Nigerian President and government official swears to uphold.

Nigeria is a member of ECOWAS, which is founded on treaties and protocols to which our foreign policy objectives commit us. All 15 member countries are signatory to the treaties and protocols, which is why it was no surprise that President Tinubu, as one who swore to uphold the Constitution, abided by it when ECOWAS leaders collectively objected to Unconstitutional Changes of Government.

In reality, the contemporary nation-state system is highly competitive and Nigeria exists in a self-help world. Our Constitution and international laws are meant to serve as guard rails in navigating the system. And by virtue of our size, we have the additional responsibility of being the regional power. Regardless of how some may try to diminish our standing, it is the way other countries perceive us. Our Constitution further reifies this leadership role right from the preamble- dedicating ourselves to promoting inter-African solidarity, to the foreign policy objectives- promotion of African integration and support for African unity and elimination of discrimination in all its manifestations.

The Tinubu administration comes at a time when an interlocking suite of occurrences have made our neighbourhood less secure; implosion of Libya, failure of the EU Sahel Strategy, terrorism and criminal gangs, effects of climate change and population explosion. Nigeria did not create these challenges and was equally contending with its own domestic issue as these challenges escalated.

Nigeria was not part of Operation Barkhane or the G5 in the Sahel, which were intended as efforts to fight terrorism and irregular migration but instead strengthened some irredentist Azawad/Tuareg groups that controlled border areas. This created a cauldron of disharmony between them and their national militaries, trained for a lifetime to keep their countries intact.

Nor was Nigeria part of the Partnership Framework with Third countries that conditioned aid and trade deals for Sahelian migration transit states in exchange for reducing the flow of migrants, with penalties for those who do not comply. In the case of Niger, a moment of truth was the passing of Law 2015-36 in May 2015 when its government, in consultation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and technical and financial support from the European Union and its member states, criminalized ancillary activities of the migration economy, such as providing transportation and accommodation to foreign nationals anywhere north of Agadez, in direct contravention of ECOWAS Protocol on the free movement of people.

They were persuaded to use a blunt hammer to crack a delicate nut. There is a highly politicised migration crisis in parts of Europe, that together we can and should resolve. But it was reckless to seek to solve one problem by creating another.

There is a reason why we have free movement in West Africa; seasonal migration- referred to in Hausa as ‘Ci Rani’. Seasonal migration in the semi-arid Sahel can be a matter of life and death, which is why we have always had turbaned Tuaregs going as far as Lagos and Port Harcourt to work as Maigadis (security) during the dry months, only to return back north during the rainy season.

The weaponisation of sub-Saharan migration in Europe as a political tool led to the securitisation of the Sahel region, further exacerbating the security situation by forcing many of those affected to turn to criminal activities and terrorism. European migration figures show majority of migrants are from Syria, Afghanistan and Central Asia, not sub-Saharan Africa.

Yes, we need to work with our Sahelian neighbours to fight terrorism, by maintaining a right of pursuit into each others territories. But it would be myopic to think of this in absolutist terms, because we can accede to all conditionalities laid by them, it would still not be enough to tackle the challenges without a lasting solution to the bifurcated Libyan State as a source of weapons, training and fighters, as well as the shadowy involvement of a range of other state and non-state actors.

To achieve a lasting peace in Libya and the Sahel, Nigeria needs to deal with all the countries in the neighbourhood as well as all the major powers. For this reason, it does not make sense to simply deduce that Nigeria has to distance itself from France because that is the prevailing trend in its former colonies.

The fulcrum of the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy is Strategic Autonomy, providing us with the clarity to engage with any and all nations based on our national interests and not those of others. As a nation, Nigeria is adult enough and sophisticated enough to deal with countries without being unduly influenced, because that has been part of our historical and civic tradition. You cannot cure an illness by picking which symptoms to consider and which to ignore.

Nigeria and ECOWAS will continue diplomatic efforts towards Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. At a minimum, we have shared interest in peaceful co-existence. President Tinubu has sent a number of high-level delegations that included a former Head of State, traditional rulers and religious scholars.

President Tinubu pushed for the unconditional removal of ECOWAS sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. What he has consistently asked of the countries in question is for them to come up with a timetable for the restoration of constitutional rule and, in the case of Niger, the release of ousted President Bazoum.

Their response was to declare their intention to leave ECOWAS. With the one-year notice period coming to an end in January 2025, President Tinubu further pushed for ECOWAS to extend the grace period for another six months whilst intensifying diplomatic efforts. The response to this initiative last month was evidence-free allegations that Nigeria was harbouring foreign soldiers and as sponsoring state terrorism.

Whenever President Tinubu and other democratic leaders offer stoic statesmanship and an opportunity to work together towards our common interests, it is met by confected controversy designed to divert and distract from a failure to meet the basic responsibilities of public administration. I know why coup leaders might seek to do that: it’s harder to understand the motives of apologists closer to home.

On my part, since assuming the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs on 21st August 2023, I have engaged diplomatically without pause, proposing personal visits and inviting senior government officials and representatives. Response has been akin to a diplomatic cold shoulder.

We constituted a ministerial advisory committee that visited Niger and Mali and facilitated the visit of the Nigerian CDS to meet with his counterpart in Niamey. I regret that a proposed return visit was suspended by Niger after a date had been set. But let there be no doubt: we will continue to pursue diplomatic efforts assiduously, with a Ministry of Foreign Affairs that has existed for 67 years.

Nigeria’s principle of strategic autonomy is one that abhors the presence of foreign forces and private military companies in our region, whether from east or west. Nigeria presently has troops on peace keeping operations in Guinea Bissau and Gambia, with Sierra Leone on the way, where it is also supporting the setting up of a logistics base in Lungi.

Nigeria is also leading the actualisation of the ECOWAS standby force, all in an effort to fight terrorism and instability within our region under the rule of law. We work closely with our partners on sharing of intelligence in order to guarantee the same rights and freedoms are enjoyed by all the people of the region.

As several of my colleagues in the region remind me, we are the hegemon, whether we admit it or not. And global politics works almost like physics, with polarity, ordering principles, distribution of power, balancing, etc. Nigeria has never had expansionist tendencies, never been threatening towards our neighbours and always chosen the path of peace and conciliation.

This in part may have to do with the makeup of our polity and social fabric. Being such a huge country, we are used to the virtues of principled compromise. It is not by accident that we are the only country on the continent with six former leaders living in peace and harmony within our borders. Diversity, not division, is our strength. This is as true for Nigeria as it is for the smallest of countries – and collectively for all of our region.

Tuggar is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Features

Transforming Nigeria’s Mining sector: Tinubu’s progress report

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By Martha Agas, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

When President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29 2023, he vowed to elevate Nigeria’s economic standing by diversifying its mono-cultural economy.

One of his key strategies is the revitalisation of the solid minerals sector.

This is important following Nigeria’s endowment with seven critical minerals needed for the global energy transition, all in commercial quantities.

In spite of the nation’s possession of 44 minerals in commercial quantities, analysts have lamented that the sector’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains minimal.

Upon his appointment, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, declared a state of emergency in the sector.

He alleged that powerful individuals involved in illegal mining were funding banditry, thereby obstructing the sector’s revenue-generating potential.

He further noted that insecurity is closely linked to illegal mining activities in states where such operations occur.

For instance, in Zamfara, the Federal Government banned mining exploration in 2019 due to rampant banditry.

Similarly, states in the northern region, such as Plateau and Niger, continue to experience security challenges related to illegal mining.

To address these challenges, the government adopted a dual-pronged approach, combining coercive and persuasive measures.

As part of the coercive strategy, a special security outfit called Mining Marshals was established to protect mining sites nationwide.

Personnel were drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and to date, 2,570 personnel have been inaugurated.

Over 300 illegal miners have also been arrested and prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the persuasive approach aims to formalise the activities of artisanal and illegal miners.

To this end, 250 cooperatives have been established to facilitate their transition to legal mining.

The minister also raised concerns about the under-valuation of Nigeria’s mineral resources in international markets.

To address this, he introduced the Value Addition Policy, requiring all companies seeking mining licences to present detailed plans for adding value to minerals before their licences are granted.

Stakeholders view this policy as promising, citing the recent inauguration of an ultra-modern analysis laboratory in Sabon-Wuse, Niger State, as a positive step.

The lab, owned by African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML), is equipped with state-of-the-art Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WDXF) machines, offering comprehensive geochemical services essential for the exploration and mining industries.

According to reports, geochemical services play a pivotal role in selecting mining sites by identifying and quantifying valuable mineral deposits—an integral part of the value addition process.

In May, a lithium processing laboratory was inaugurated in Kama Oto, Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

Similarly, in November, a tin mining processing plant was commissioned in Jida Community, Wamba Local Government Area, within the same state.

Stakeholders have lauded these developments, emphasising that mineral processing is just one aspect of value addition.

They note that branding and incorporating minerals into finished products are equally essential.

In line with Tinubu’s agenda, a new regime of increased rates and charges for all mining activities was introduced in July 2024.

According to the minister, this move aims to consolidate the sector economically, enhance services, increase transaction traffic, and improve infrastructure.

The new rates are expected to maximise royalties for critical minerals like lithium and gold, thereby boosting national revenue.

To sanitise the sector, the government revoked 924 dormant mining licences in April 2024.

Alake explained that the move was necessary to curb licence racketeering, which had hindered the sector’s development and deterred genuine investors.

By eliminating unserious players, the government hopes to attract major investors and increase revenue through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Although the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI)reported that the sector’s contribution to GDP increased from N1.66 trillion in 2022 to N1.76 trillion in 2023, major potential remains untapped.

Stakeholders argue that the sector’s contribution could rise further if issues such as state interference, over-regulation, and multiple taxation are adequately addressed.

They have also commended the Federal Government’s decision to lift the five-year ban on mining exploration in Zamfara, which had resulted in substantial revenue losses.

The minister explained that the ban created a vacuum that illegal miners exploited to plunder the nation’s resources.

Stakeholders believe that enforcing existing policies could further boost revenue.

For instance, the Association of Miners and Processors of Barite (AMAPOB) has urged the Federal Government to compel International Oil Companies (IOCs) to use Nigerian barite.

According to the association’s secretary, Patrick Odiegwu, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act of 2010 prescribes local content requirements that promote the use of indigenous products and services by IOCs.

An initiative that analysts say would greatly enhance national revenue.

In 2024, major mining conferences, such as those hosted by the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit, and Mining Week, centred on innovations to strengthen the sector.

These events underscored the importance of advanced technology and public-private partnerships in boosting the mining industry and the economy at large.

While stakeholders acknowledge the current administration’s efforts to reposition the solid minerals sector, they stress the need for these resolutions to be translated into tangible actions.

They remain cautiously optimistic, noting that one year may be insufficient to fully assess the impact of these reforms.

Experts have called for consistent programmes, policies, and actions to build on the progress made so far.

In a recent press conference, the minister however assured that more reforms and policies are slated for implementation in 2025 to consolidate the achievements of 2024. (NAN Features)

Features

NBS: Data Custodian or Government agenda tool?

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By Okeoghene Akubuike, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is the agency tasked with collecting and managing official statistics for Nigeria.

As the authoritative source, it serves as the custodian of the country’s official data.

The bureau plays a crucial role in promoting the use of statistics for development planning and evidence-based policymaking.

However, its reliability and independence have come under scrutiny in recent times.

Some critics have questioned the accuracy of the data published by the NBS, while others doubt its independence.

A segment of the population believes the bureau’s figures fail to reflect the economic realities in Nigeria.

Others suggest its reports may be influenced to serve the government’s agenda.

Recall when the NBS reported in July and August 2024 that Nigeria’s inflation rate declined to 33.40 per cent and 32.15 per cent respectively, many Nigerians suspected government interference.

They said it aimed at presenting an overly optimistic economic picture.

Similarly, the Nigeria Labour Force Survey for Q2 2024 revealed a reduction in the unemployment rate to 4.3 per cent down from 5.3 per cent in Q1.

This figure raised scepticism, with many Nigerians contending that it did not align with the prevailing reality of widespread youth unemployment.

On the other hand, the bureau has also released reports that do not favour the government.

Notable among these is the 2024 Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS), which revealed an estimated 2.2 million kidnapping cases between May 2023 and April 2024.

It further disclosed that a staggering 2.2 trillion naira was paid as ransom during this period.

Additionally, the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Report for 2022 revealed that 133 million Nigerians, or 62.9 per cent of the population, are multi-dimensionally poor.

This raises pertinent questions: What methodologies does the NBS employ in its surveys? Are they in line with international best practices?

For instance, the Nigeria Labour Force Survey (NLFS) adopted a new methodology in 2022 to align with global standards.

This included updates in questionnaire design, sampling, fieldwork management, and data quality monitoring.

A major change was the adoption of the ‘one-hour criterion’, which considers someone employed if they worked for pay or profit for at least one hour in the last seven days.

To enhance labour market statistics, the NBS collaborated with the World Bank under the guidance of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Furthermore, the bureau regularly organises stakeholder workshops, such as those on rebasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Consumer Price Index (CPI).

These exercises aim to ensure that methodologies are robust and globally consistent.

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, recently emphasised the importance of stakeholder input during such exercises.

“It is always our pleasure to engage experts during significant statistical exercises to provide insights and feedback, helping us refine our methodology and approach”.

Adeniran also clarified that the NBS conducts its surveys according to a predefined schedule and releases data as planned.

He cited monthly and quarterly reports on CPI, GDP, and other socio-economic indicators.

Addressing allegations of government influence, Adeniran reassured the public that the bureau remains objective, transparent, and professional.

He stated, “Our work goes beyond data production; it captures the realities of the people to inform effective government policies.

“The notion that we tailor data to favour any government is unfounded and counterproductive”.

Similarly, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, during the 2024 African Statistics Day celebration, reaffirmed the independence of the NBS.

“We uphold the sanctity of data under the Tinubu administration, ensuring the NBS operates free from any interference”.

Sen. Shehu Sani shared same sentiment, describing the NBS as “one of the most upright and independent government agencies” on his social media platform.

Also, the NBS has consistently provided vital socio-economic data, such as the 2024 Cost of a Healthy Diet Indicator, developed in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

This monthly report reveals the affordability of healthy diets using locally available foods.

In June 2024, the bureau released the first National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) in 27 years, revealing the existence of 40.2 million agricultural households.

By October 2024, the Nigeria Residential Energy Demand-Side Survey (NREDSS) assessed household energy consumption and identified that 67.8 per cent of households rely on fuelwood for domestic purposes.

The report recommended policies to encourage the establishment of more LPG stations, the local production of gas cylinders, and decentralisation of the national grid through mini-grids to optimise electricity generation.

Also, Inga Stefanowicz, Head of the Green and Digital Economy Section, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, has emphasised the importance of reliable data in addressing the challenges of energy access and security.

She stated that without solid data on supply and demand, such assessments would always be flawed.

All in all, the NBS asserts its commitment to delivering objective, timely, and accurate data with support from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other partners.

This dedication remains crucial for designing targeted programmes aimed at addressing the nation’s socio-economic challenges. (NANFeatures)

Features

Appraising FRSC’s transformative efforts to reduce Road Traffic Crashes in Nigeria

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By Ibironke Ariyo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

Nigeria has been grappling with the menace of road traffic crashes for decades, resulting in the loss of countless lives and leaving many families shattered.

 

The country’s roads were bedeviled by accidents caused by a combination of factors, including poor roads, reckless driving, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws.

 

The appointment of Shehu Mohammed as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), by President Bola Tinubu signals a renewed dedication to combating the scourge of road traffic crashes in Nigeria.

 

This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing road safety and reducing the alarming rate of road accidents in the country.

 

The strategic selection of Mohammed, a renowned specialist with a proven track record in tackling road traffic crashes, as the head of FRSC underscores the administration’s resolve to make meaningful impacts on road safety and sets the stage for achieving this critical objective.

 

The achievements of the FRSC in its enforcement and sensitisation campaigns over the past seven months of his tenure are no coincidence; they demonstrates the effectiveness of its current leader.

 

Mohammed has been instrumental in the Corps’ impressive track record, showcasing his ability to drive meaningful change and improvement in road safety in Nigeria.

 

The significant progress made by the FRSC is a testament to his vision and commitment to reducing road traffic crashes and promoting road safety awareness.

 

Under his leadership, the Corps made significant strides in tackling road traffic crashes, with a renewed focus to rejig and reposition operational strategies to conform with present-day realities.

 

Other strides include training and retraining of staff to align with realistic expectations; Strategic partnerships with sister agencies, international organisations, and Special Marshals; Digital transformation in operations, harmonisation of the ranking structure, career progression, and provision of conducive environment for working.

 

The Corps has been spearheading efforts to address road safety concerns, diligently undertaking a range of critical activities including investigations, prosecutions, vehicle impoundments, arrests, and public awareness campaigns to educate the public and promote behavioural change.

 

Notable among the achievements of the FRSC in the last seven months is the launch of its Mobile Application and National Crash Reporting Information System, (NACRIS), to verify drivers licence, number plates, and detect speed among others.

 

The app also provided services such as eye witness report, emergency reports, black spot, National traffic radio, speed limiter verification, driving school standardisation scheme verification, reminder for drivers licence, and vehicle paper renewal, and emergency contacts.

 

Speaking at the launch of the App, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Sen. George Akume, said that the launch of the digital platforms would raise awareness and sensitise drivers and passengers to the potential causes of road traffic crashes.

 

Akume said that it also marked a giant stride in the effort of the corps at implementing policies and creating a safer motoring environment by reducing crash-related injuries and deaths on the highways.

 

He commended the FRSC for its efforts in aligning with one of the cardinal objectives of the renewed hope agenda, targeted at digital transformation and economic growth of the nation.

 

In his words, the FRSC Corps Marshal said the mobile app is a software application that can be used to alert the corps on sensitive road safety issues through programmed features such as assisted speeding, dangerous driving, verifying vehicle documents, among others.

 

He said that the proper application of these features was expected to drastically reduce injuries and fatalities resulting from road traffic crashes.

 

On Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) in Nigeria, the FRSC Corps Marshal said that the Corps recorded a 12.8 per cent reduction between January and October 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

 

Mohammed said that the decrease was a testament to the FRSC’s commitment to improving road safety in Nigeria while highlighting the corps’ efforts to enhance road safety and reduce the number of crashes on Nigerian roads.

 

He said that the Corps had set an ambitious target to reduce road traffic deaths by five per cent every year, aligning with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety.

 

The FRSC boss said that the Corps’ commitment to enhancing road safety underscored the FRSC’s dedication to protecting Nigerian lives on the roads.

 

“FRSC’s efforts to reduce road crashes are in line with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, which aims to reduce road traffic fatalities by 50 per cent by 2030.

 

“The number of crashes decreased from 8,654 in 2023 to 7,675 in 2024, representing a 12.8 per cent reduction.

 

“Also, between January and October 2023, the corps recorded 25,126 injuries and fatalities, while the same period in 2024 saw a decrease to 24,525, representing a 2.5 per cent reduction,”he said.

 

The Corps Marshal has also demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare and training of FRSC personnel.

 

Under his leadership, the Corps has invested heavily in the training and retraining of its personnel, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to effectively enforce traffic laws and respond to emergencies.

 

Within seven months as Corps Marshal, Mohammed initiated the promotion of no fewer than 1,645 officers to their next ranks and upgraded 238 marshals to the rank of Superintendent Route Commander (SRC).

 

Mohammed explained that the promotion and upgrade were part of the Corps’ efforts to boost staff morale and productivity.

 

He also disclosed that 108 marshals were upgraded to the rank of Route Commander (RC), 407 to the rank of Deputy Route Commander (DRC), and 646 to the rank of Assistant Route Commander (ARC).

 

“You will recall that I made it clear that one of the key policy thrusts of my management team is to review and revive the welfare of staff. This is anchored on my conviction that welfare is a motivating factor for human resourcefulness,”he said.

 

As part of his restructuring efforts and ensuring safety during the Yuletide season, the Corps Marshal deployed the entire workforce including Special Marshals to the highways to ensure hitch-free movement as commuters travel from one destination to another across the nation.

 

He said that the deployment was in commemoration of the ’ember months’ special patrol operations, adding that the Corps’ had commenced its annual 30-day end-of-the-year special operation slated for Dec.15, 2024 to Jan. 15, 2025.

 

The theme for the 2024 ‘Ember Months’ Campaign is “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers than Drivers”. The campaign’s goal is to encourage the public to speak up against reckless driving and promote safe road practices.

 

According to him, there will be ambulances and officers on 24-hour duty to attend to emergencies during the operation.

 

“All roadside clinics and rest areas have also been activated and the Corps will increase its visibility in high-volume traffic corridors to enable travelers to reach their destinations on time.

 

“Over 200 mobile courts would be in session to prosecute traffic offenders across the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory.

 

“Also, more technological equipment, including body cameras and FRSC mobile apps, have been deployed to provide real-time updates on traffic situations and monitor the conduct of personnel during the special operation,” he said.

 

Owing to the strategic intervention mechanisms introduced towards ensuring safety on the highways, the FRSC boss led the end-of-year monitoring exercise to assess traffic situations in some parts of the North Central, South west, and South -South regions.

 

The exercise is aimed at ensuring a safe motoring environment for commuters and travelers during the yuletide season and the special patrol operations were targeted at ensuring zero fatalities and injuries during the end of the year travels.

 

The Corps Marshal, also embarked on a strategic monitoring of traffic situation on the highways, specifically on the Abuja -Lokoja-Okene-Akure-Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha passageways due to the high vehicular movement on that route during the yuletide season between Dec. 22 and Dec. 25, 2024.

 

In a bid to ensure stakeholders join forces with the Corps, Mohammed also met with traditional rulers and Governors to seek support on achieving the FRSC’s mandate during the strategic monitoring.

 

During such meetings, he maintained that the traditional rulers were critical stakeholders for the country to have a good driving culture and appealed for more collaboration in reducing carnage on the highway.

 

He met with the Olowo of Owo land, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin – Ogunoye 111, in Owo, Ondo state, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state where he highlighted the relevance of stakeholders in addressing road traffic crashes in the country.

 

To ensure smooth vehicular movement at the Asaba inter change, on Dec. 24, the FRSC corps marshal, the Anambra State Sector Commander, Joyce Alexander and Delta State Sector Commander, Fredrick Ogidan controlled traffic for over three hours.

 

This is to enable travellers reach their destination safely and on time.

 

In spite of these successes, Mohammed acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. He has called on all stakeholders to join hands with the FRSC in the quest to make Nigerian roads safer.

 

According to him, road safety is a collective responsibility that requires the input and cooperation of all road users.

 

“We cannot do it alone. We need the support and cooperation of all road users to achieve our goal of making Nigerian roads safer,” he said.

 

The road to winning the war against road traffic crashes in Nigeria is long and challenging. However, with the FRSC’s efforts and the support of other critical stakeholders, there is hope that Nigeria can make its roads safer for all users.(NANFeatures)

 

**If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Features

ECOWAS: X-raying the existential threat of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso exit

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By Mark Longyen, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

There is an emerging reality that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to lose three of its founding members – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic, in one fell swoop.

Founded almost 50 years ago on May 28, 1975 to promote the economic growth and political stability of West Africa’s subregion, the bloc has had a chequered achievement record.

On Jan. 28, 2024, however, the aforementioned three landlocked countries of the Sahel, the semi-arid region south of the Sahara Desert, shockingly announced their exit from the subregional bloc in a joint statement.

The three states notified ECOWAS that they would withdraw their membership within one year, which is the stipulated timeline for any country wishing to quit the bloc to make its intention known.

The Sahel states had hitherto been hit by violent extremism and terrorism orchestrated by marauding Islamist jihadists emanating mostly from their initial hotbed in North Africa and the Middle-East.

Notably, this was one of the reasons that the rebelling military rulers gave for seizing power earlier in the their countries.

They accused ECOWAS leaders of being too aligned with Western powers, especially France, at the detriment of their own countries.

The trio said their decision to exit the bloc was also in protest against ECOWAS’ hardline position over the coups in their countries, the imposition of sanctions, as well as the threat of military invasion.

The putchists have aligned with Russia to fight the armed jihadists, who are currently orchestrating violent extremism and terrorism against their countries by severing all preexisting Western military alliances and presence in their countries.

The military rulers had seized power following a series of coups between 2020 and 2023, with ECOWAS initially responding by imposing sanctions against them, demanding a quick restoration of civilian rule, and threatening to use military force, before backing down.

To demonstrate that they were prepared to match their words with actions, the three countries later went on to sign a tripartite defence treaty and a new confederation – the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), as an alternative to ECOWAS.

They have now declared their decision to quit ECOWAS as “irrevocable” barely one year after declaring their intention to call it quits with the bloc -a clear indication that the three countries will soon formally exit the bloc.

This is in spite of ECOWAS leaders’ lifting of some of the sanctions imposed earlier and the deployment of germane diplomatic efforts to enable them to drop their threat to exit.

The far-reaching implication of the move by the Sahel states is not lost on ECOWAS leaders, who feel that it is a major blow to the bloc and could have serious security consequences, if they do not rescind the decision.

It was, perhaps, in light of this reality that António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, once said, “If nothing is done, the effects of terrorism and organised crime in the Sahel region will be felt far beyond the region and the entire African continent.”

Analysts are of the view that the terrorist groups, which have made the Sahel region the new global epicentre of terrorism, could spread through Sub-Sahara’s lengthy porous borders, cascade down to coastal West Africa, compromise and overwhelm the subregion’s overall security architecture.

In July 2024 for instance, Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, warned that ECOWAS was facing an existential threat, risked disintegration and worsening insecurity, if the three countries refused to reverse their decision.

He said that the move by the Sahel’s military rulers could disrupt the freedom of movement of people across the region and undermine ECOWAS’ collective efforts to combat regional insecurity, especially in intelligence sharing.

“Our region is facing an existential threat and the risk of disintegration. We must take a more vigorous approach and develop a forward-looking contingency plan,” Touray said.

The benevolent efforts of  the ECOWAS Commission, as well as the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, have seemingly failed to yield the desired diplomatic dividends, as the latter subsequently approved the historic exit of the military-run states during their recent 66th Summit held in Abuja in Dec. 2024.

The ECOWAS leaders declared in a communique issued at the end of the summit that they respected the three Sahel countries’ decision to leave, but still offered them a caveat transitional period of six months.

According to them, from Jan. 29 to July 29, 2025, the trio can be readmitted to the bloc, should they decide to rejoin the community -which smacks of frustration and desperation of sorts.

The summit’s final communique reads in part thus: “The Authority takes note of the notification by the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Niger and Burkina Faso of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS and acknowledges that in accordance with the provision of Article 91 of ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29th January 2025.

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

“The Authority, in this regard, extends the mandate of H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic and H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, to continue their mediation role up to the end of the transition period to bring back the three countries.

“The Authority, without prejudice to the spirit of the continued diplomatic engagements, directs the President of the Commission to launch the withdrawal formalities after the deadline of 29th January 2025 and to draw up a contingency plan covering all areas.

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

Earlier at the opening of the summit, Touray had said that the three countries’ impending exit was “disheartening,” but commended the ongoing mediation efforts.

Almost simultaneously, the AES leaders, at a ministerial-level meeting in Niger’s capital, Niamey, declared in a joint statement that their decision to quit ECOWAS was “irreversible,” which further reconfirmed the straining of their relations with ECOWAS.

Assimi Goïta, Mali’s military ruler and AES chairman, went further to announce visa-free travel and residency rights for ECOWAS citizens, greenlighting their right to “enter, circulate, reside, establish and leave” the new bloc’s territory.

Goïta explained that their olive branch offer was in the spirit of friendship, and to strengthen centuries-old ties among African people.

ECOWAS is said to be working out whether it will impose restrictions on people and goods coming from the three departing states, and also how the two blocs should work together in future.

Analysts argue that the imminent departure of the three countries will be a big blow, with near catastrophic and disastrous effects on ECOWAS’ survival, which underscores the existential threat it portends for the bloc, going forward.

For instance, it is estimated that the bloc will lose about 76 million of its 446 million population, and more than half of its total geographical land area, which is perceived as a precursor to ECOWAS disintegration.

Adib Saani, a foreign policy and security analyst at the Jatikay Center for Human Security and Peace Building, Accra, Ghana, said it is better to have a united ECOWAS than to be without it.

“If ECOWAS were to disintegrate, it would be chaotic and disastrous for all of West Africa. Businesses would come to a halt. If ECOWAS doesn’t exist, it means the borders are shut.

“You would need visas, and you have to go through a protracted customs procedure to get goods in and out. I think that it is better with ECOWAS than without ECOWAS,” he said.

Saani noted that, in spite of its many challenges, ECOWAS still  remains the most viable union to foster both economic growth and political stability in West Africa.

“ECOWAS still holds a certain amount of military leverage to restore some level of security within the subregion,” he said.

He recalled that when Sierra Leone and Liberia faced security crises during their civil wars, ECOWAS deployed troops to help tackle those situations.

“It was ECOWAS that intervened to ensure that peace was restored in these countries and many others over the years,” he added.

Fidel Owusu, an international relations and security analyst, while corroborating Saani’s view, noted that ECOWAS took such past bold initiatives when the whole world was bowing out, and solved the problems.

Owusu said that in order to ensure the future of the bloc, ECOWAS has to undergo further reforms and produce strong leaders, who are committed to its aspirations.

He said that ECOWAS did not handle the Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso situation very well, stressing that the threat to invade Niger after its military takeover, was particularly a bad move.

“They knew very well that they could not prosecute, and that really rendered them a toothless bulldog.

“This move was the final straw that triggered Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to break away from the bloc in January, 2024,” Owusu said.

Adama Gaye, a former ECOWAS Director of Communications, partly blamed the bloc’s leadership for the Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso standoff.

According to him, ECOWAS leaders are pushing the military-led countries to hold free and fair elections, yet several other ECOWAS member states are themselves not true democracies.

“ECOWAS should make effort to avoid becoming an institutional laughing-stock. How can you implement this when most of the other countries claiming to uphold the demand for democracy are not themselves true democracies?” He queried.

Speaking at a Public Lecture organised by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recently, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, pioneer ECOWAS Commission President and the African Union’s Chief Mediator on Sudan, identified some of the factors fueling insecurity in the Sahel region, and engendering ECOWAS’ existential threat.

He said that weak governance, vast ungoverned spaces in the zone, the Libyan/Sudanese crises, drying/shrinking Lake Chad, and external forces’ terrorism financing, among others, were responsible for the protracted carnage.

Chambas said that weak regional cooperation has further taken a toll on the subregion’s security challenges, and suggested that stepping up regional cooperation initiatives was the panacea to the impending threat.

“The issues of terrorism financiing and supply network should be effectively cut off or addressed. We see the terrorists riding hundreds of thousands of motorbikes. How are they getting these and the fueling? These are what we should interrogate,” he said.

ECOWAS President, Touray, on his part, noted that terrorist attacks, which were initially confined to Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in the Sahel, and Nigeria in the Lake Chad Basin, had multiplied and were threatening coastal West African countries.

“Initially confined to certain countries in the Sahel (Mali and Niger) and the Lake Chad Basin (Nigeria), terrorist attacks have multiplied and spread to other countries (Burkina Faso) and are now a real threat to coastal countries (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo),” he said.

He said that in view of the prevailing escalating violent extremism and terrorism, West African countries’ leaders were already working on setting up a 5000-man ECOWAS Standby Force to nip the threat in the bud.

Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, noted that the security of the Sahel region was crucial for the survival of ECOWAS and Nigeria.

Tinubu said his administration had deployed a combined multifaceted approach, which comprised kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, to tackle the threat of violent extremism and stem the tide of their ripple effects across West Africa.

Analysts posit that in light of the ECOWAS subregion’s prevailing existential threat triggered by unprecedented upsurge in terrorism scourge, the exit of the Sahel states would pose a handful of challenges for ECOWAS.

According to them, curbing this menace requires addressing the root causes of extremism by banishing extreme poverty and inequality in member states, scaling up the tracking of terrorists, cutting off their sources of funding, among others.

Tackling sub-Saharan Africa’s security challenges and the existential threat they pose, given the imminent exit of the Sahel three, therefore, requires a mixed bag of regional collaborative strategies in liaison with international partners, especially in terms of intelligence sharing and resource mobilisation, among others, to achieve success. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the agency.

Features

‘IJGBs’, festive homecomings and matters arising

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By Tosin Kolade, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Ask a Nigerian how to spot an IJGB, short for ‘I Just Got Back’, referring to Nigerians returning from abroad, and you will get some amusing responses.

From their unique mannerisms to their tendency to stand out, here are some classic signs that they often point to.

One common observation is their tendency to flaunt foreign accents at every opportunity.

Whether during casual conversations or while ordering at a restaurant, IJGBs often talk with phrases like ‘Oh my gosh!’ or ‘Literally!’ in a way that feels distinctly international.

Another giveaway is their lack of naira, as they frequently ask, “Do you accept dollars or pounds?” when making purchases.

Many people find it amusing how IJGBs seem to forget that cash flow operates differently in Nigeria.

Additionally, they are heavily reliant on Google Maps or family members to navigate even well-known areas, making them appear hilariously out of touch.

Perhaps their most iconic trait is their love for being constantly on the move.

The phrase “Let’s go outside” becomes their mantra as they switch between concerts, beach parties, weddings, and other popular events.

For IJGBs, ‘Detty December’ is a playground, and they are determined to make the most of it.

While these traits are often exaggerated for comedic effect, they reflect the unique cultural dynamic between Nigerians abroad and those at home.

In recent years, Nigeria’s festive season has evolved into a socio-economic powerhouse, largely driven by the influx of IJGBs.

While ‘Detty December’ is synonymous with glamorous parties and vibrant concerts, its impact extends far beyond entertainment.

According to a Lagos-based economist, Samuel Amodu, the trend has improved local business growth and cultural exchange.

“The fashion industry, hospitality sector, and event services experienced an increase in demand.

“Tailors, makeup artists, photographers, and even car rental companies rely on IJGBs’ spending power to close their financial year on a high note,” he explains.

Young entrepreneurs, especially women, are also reaping the rewards.

At an upscale café in Abuja, the owner Theresa Akinwale stated, “When IJGBs support female entrepreneurs, they’re investing in long-term economic empowerment.

“Women-led businesses foster inclusivity and innovation in Nigeria’s economy”.

Similarly, event organisers have benefited immensely.

Mr Success Oludare, convener of the highly anticipated ‘Abuja Countdown’, expressed excitement about the success of this year’s event.

He revealed how the event provided a vibrant platform for attendees to immerse themselves in a rich display of culture, entertainment, and engaging activities.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to usher residents of the Federal Capital Territory into the New Year with joy and celebration.

“This year’s Abuja Countdown featured electrifying music performances, hilarious comedy shows, diverse food tastings, and captivating exhibitions.

“These elements combined to create an unforgettable experience for attendees, fostering a sense of unity and excitement”.

Oludare also noted an increase in ticket sales compared to previous editions, which he attributed to the event’s growing popularity and high-quality entertainment lineup.

He expressed gratitude to attendees for their enthusiastic participation and promised even more spectacular editions in the future.

Social enthusiasts believe that this seasonal trend is a major driver of local business growth and cultural exchange.

For many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), December sales reportedly accounted for over 30 per cent of their annual revenue.

The influx of IJGBs also boosts job creation.

“The seasonal demand for event planning, logistics, and related services provides essential income for many families,” says Dr Isaac Osesamah, an economist.

He explains that this surge in employment supports businesses across industries like fashion, hospitality, and entertainment, making the season a major economic driver.

“IJGBs also bring foreign currency, providing a vital boost to local markets.

“The inflow of dollars, pounds, and euros increases purchasing power, benefiting SMEs and helping sustain Nigeria’s economy during the high-spending season”.

Local fabric sellers have experienced a surge in sales as well.

One seller shared, “I have a customer who bought 40 Ankara wrappers and sewed them; another one got 20 pieces”.

At the Area 1 Shopping Centre in Abuja, Kilishi (beef jerky) sellers are enjoying booming business.

Abubakar Suleiman noted, “Customers buy between 200,000 and 300,000 naira worth of Kilishi”.

He added, “Some of my customers even call me to cargo Kilishi for them to UK, USA, Europe. I can’t deny that I am making a profit”.

Financial analyst, Amina Yusuf adds, “The entertainment sector thrives, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a global cultural hub.

“These events not only contribute to GDP but also enhance the country’s international reputation.

“Beyond economics, IJGBs introduce fresh ideas and foster cultural exchange, driving innovation in local businesses,” she added.

All in all, stakeholders believe that Nigeria can maximise the benefits of festive homecomings by supporting local businesses, promoting large-scale tourism, and fostering cultural exchange.

They say encouraging investments and strengthening community partnerships through targeted initiatives will drive sustainable socio-economic growth and cultural revitalisation. (NANFeatures)

***If used please credit the writer and the Agency

Features

Second Chance Education for Kaduna Girls: Challenges and way forward

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By Aisha Gambo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Bilkisu Aminu was just 16 when she was married off by her parents.

Coming from a less privileged background in Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna, young Bilkisu had keen interest in learning. She wanted to become a medical doctor.

“When a well-to-do suitor came to my house seeking my hand in marriage, I told him I would continue my education after marriage because I was in JSS 1 when he proposed.

“But he refused, he said he didn’t want me to go to school after marriage and my dad didn’t give me the support I needed; so I kept begging even after marriage.

“I kept my uniform in a safe place because I love school and would want to return.

Aminu is now 21 and divorced with a child. Her interest in learning is reignited. She wants to go back to school but does not know where to start.

According to a report by Save the Children78 per cent of girls in the northern region of Nigeria are married before the age of 18, while 44 per cent of girls are married before their 18th birthday in the whole country.

The report titled “State of the Nigerian Girl Report – An Incisive Diagnosis of Child Marriage” shows that child marriage is more prevalent in the northwest and northeast of Nigeria.

The report also states that 48 per cent of girls were married by age 15 and 78 per cent were married by age 18.

A survey by the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics in 2020 shows that 31.1 per cent of children within the primary school age were out of school.

It also showed that 31.9 per cent of children within the junior secondary school age were out of school in the state.

Kaduna State’s Second Chance Policy

The Kaduna State School Census Report 2020 revealed that 25 per cent of adolescent girls dropped out of school. This is due to factors like early marriage, insecurity and poverty, among others.

With this development, the Kaduna state government developed an Education Policy in 2019 which made provision for Second Chance Education (SCE)

The state also developed a 10-year Education Sector Plan (ESP) named Kaduna State 2019 – 2029 Education Sector Strategic Plan.

The plan is a comprehensive and strategic framework developed with the support of development partners to guide planning, implementation and evaluation of education policies and programmes.

UNICEF says to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4, which is inclusive and equitable quality education for all, a Gender-Responsive Education Sector Planning (GRESP) is essential.

The Director of Planning, Kaduna State Ministry of Education, Salisu Lawal, stated that SCE is being implemented with support from development partners for girls who dropped out because they got married.

He said the programme had so far reached 14 communities in 10 Local Government Areas across the state with about 700 drop-out married adolescent girls benefitting since inception in 2018.

Aisha Muhammad, Deputy Director,  Female Education stated that the department creates awareness in communities and engages traditional and religious leaders on the need for drop-out married girls to go to school.

“Those leaders now announce in churches and mosques urging girls interested in going back to school to join the programme.

“We also engage husbands and show them the importance of education to their wives and family at large.

“Some will agree while others will not and some of the adolescent girls who dropped out to get married may later get divorced.

“Others may lose their husbands and come back to school while some who dropped out of school due to medical challenges would want to go back to school.

She said that the ministry is planning to scale up the programme to other local government areas.

Beneficiaries’ Plea

Rabi’at Aliyu, an enrollee in SCE, called on the government to adjust the school time for married women, saying most married women find it hard to be in school in the morning.

Aliyu, who married at the age of 15, could not complete her secondary education as she dropped out of school after JSS 3.

After having her first child, Aliyu decided to go back to school but her husband would not allow her.

She eventually got divorced and remarried. The new husband is supportive; he allowed her to go back to school.

Aged 21, Aliyu enrolled in Government Secondary School, Rigasa and is now in SS 2.

“My challenge started when I got pregnant; I had to go on a break because it wasn’t easy and the school authorities understood.

“Whenever there is a need for me to go back home during school hours, the school authorities allow me because they are aware I’m married.

“I want to become a journalist that is why I’m not giving up,” she said.

Another beneficiary attending Government Secondary School (GSS), Rido in Chikun LGA, Nafisa Aminu, who is a nursing mother, urged the government to include virtual learning in the SCE programme

“We go to school late due to house chores and children; my attention is usually divided since we are not allowed to bring babies to the class.

“If we can get a crèche where we can keep our children till lessons are over, it will help us a lot; we can learn online or on radio just like the way it happened during COVID-19,” she said.

Experts advocate programme flexibility, awareness 

In spite of efforts by the state government to sustain the SCE policy, some experts are of the view that more needs to be done for effective implementation.

Barr. Jennifer Abaji , Founder, Basileia Vulnerable Persons Rights Initiative (BVPRI), stated that one of the things stopping married adolescent girls from joining the second chance education programme is insufficient flexibility.

“We are advocating for the Kaduna state government to leverage ICT to make this second chance education programme more flexible.

“That means instead of the girl getting worried about always getting to school, the school can get to the married adolescents through remote learning.

“Our organisation has successfully convinced the government to allow out-of-school married adolescents to be able to learn from home leveraging ICT.

“We are glad that the government has bought into it and they are excited to review the second chance programme and they promised to invite us to the review of the entire policy,” he said.

According to Abaji, the second chance programme has not been fully utilised saying it would have reached more people if it was flexible.

She recommended that skills acquisition should be added to the programme so that married girls can be able to solve some small financial issues and take care of themselves properly.

Abaji called on the government to ensure that these out-of-school married adolescents are able to have access to the technological tools needed to learn remotely.

As some experts advocate the flexibility of the programme by leveraging ICT, others are calling for intensified awareness campaigns on the programme.

Mrs Margaret John, the principal of Babban Sauran Junior Secondary School stated that most of the girls who are interested in going back to school are not well informed about the programme.

“The government needs to step up in advertisement in jingles both on television and radio.

“It should also use government schools to invite communities around and inform them on the need to bring out these interested girls.

“Most of the problem now is that they are not even aware of the opportunities and if they do, the response would be very interesting,” she said.

Stakeholders however agree that the SCE policy of Kaduna State represents a transformative initiative to address the educational challenges faced by adolescent girls, particularly those impacted by early marriage and other socio-economic barriers.

While significant progress has been made in providing opportunities for school dropouts to return to learning, much remains to be done to enhance its impact.

Flexibility in the programme, including virtual learning options and provision of childcare facilities, as well as the integration of skills acquisition, can help address the unique needs of married girls and young mothers.

Moreover, intensified awareness campaigns are crucial to ensuring that more girls and their families are informed about the programme’s existence and benefits.

As the Kaduna State government works to scale up the initiative, collaboration with stakeholders and leveraging technology will be key to ensuring that no girl is left behind in the pursuit of education.

By empowering these young women, the state not only transforms their lives but also strengthens the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous society. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria

Features

Appraising the impact of local players in defence production in Nigeria

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By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Local players are indeed making an impact in Nigeria’s defence production.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is a key player in this sector, and it has been working to increase its local manufacturing and production capabilities.

In fact, the Nigerian government has set a target for DICON to become 40 per cent self-sufficient in local manufacturing and production of defence equipment by 2027.

DICON, established in 1964, is tasked with producing essential military hardware, including small arms, ammunition, and armoured vehicles.

This is a significant step towards reducing the country’s reliance on foreign defense imports.

Some local companies, such as E-PAIL Nigeria and Proforce Nigeria Limited are already making impressive contributions to Nigeria’s defence production.

For example, E-PAIL has produced Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (M-RAP) vehicles and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and made significant milestone in bolstering Nigeria’s fight against insecurity by delivering 20 cutting-edge Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles (LTAVs) to the Defence Headquarters in the cause of the year.

The company officially handed over the LTAVs, equipped with advanced weapons and communication systems, to revolutionise military operations, enabling early detection of adversaries and effective engagement while ensuring seamless coordination.

According to E-PAIL Chairman, Kola Balogun, the presentation demonstrated the growing involvement of indigenous industries in strengthening Nigeria’s defence technology.

Speaking with NAN on the development, Balogun said the nation has a very good footprint with the new DICON law, aimed at creating an enabling environment for the local player to make significant impact in developing capabilities.

He, however, said that the implementation of the law was key to achieving the desired end by making sure that DICON remains an unbiased umpire over issuing of license, standard and compliance.

“In the process, we will now be able to domesticate global standards to domestic standards to address our peculiarity.

“However, as a company, we are already making a serious impact on the defence industry with some of our newly developed equipment like anti-mine vehicle, light armoured vehicles with so much sophistication.

“(This will) address our peculiarity because there are some things that you might put as a capability feature to address some of the inadequacies we have in the previous equipment.

“These efforts can only be complemented if we have sufficient support, sufficient research and sufficient patronage from all the services.

“These are things that will keep boosting our morale as private investors in the defense industry to invest more because there are people who are going to make use of it,” he said.

Balogun, who is the Secretary General, of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), said the efforts of the local players had aided remarkable victory recorded by the military in the frontline.

He said that domesticating technology was the best way to address the peculiarity of the nation’s security dynamics, adding that building local capability into the enhancement was a way to deal with such local peculiarities.

Balogun called on the Federal Government to draw a pure guideline on incentive that would enhance local capabilities in form of intervention needed for the local players to compete favourably.

He said that Nigeria could also export defence equipment to its neighbouring countries through local players if fully supported.

“We have started well by creating enabling laws, but that is not the first time. We want the government to further strengthen their deployment strategy in such a way that it will give sufficient benefit to the local investment.

“There is also the need for sufficient control so that we can become a formidable defence industry that will be second to none in the world.

“We want to encourage the government to reduce the bureaucratic bottleneck surrounding the revamping of our steel industry because the defence industry generally relies on steel.

“It is steel related right from the ammunition, arms, missiles, vehicles, everything.”

On his part, the Business Development Manager of Proforce, Mr Kayode Nariwo, said that Proforce had produced different military platforms in support of the current onslaught against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.

Nariwo said that the Nigerian Army had taken delivery of several PF ARA Mines Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAPS) vehicles as well as a few PF VIPERS.

He added that the Defence Headquarters also took delivery of 15 PF Vipers while the Nigerian Air Force commissioned Proforce’s Armoured Buffalos (IACVs) Improvised Armoured Combat Vehicles.

“The PF ARA is a 15 tonnes MRAP which was deployed to the North East at the peak of the war against Boko Haram since 2018 while the PF Vipers is a 9 tonnes MRAP and has been deployed recently in the Northwest part of Nigeria,’’ he said.

On the new DICON Act, Nariwo said the new act was meant to provide local producers with better chances and opportunities, saying their expectations were high with services chiefs’ desire to use home-made solutions.

“This is a lesson from the war between Ukraine and Russia which places more emphasis on local solutions.

“The combination of the new DICON Act and Executive Order 5 will give leverage to Local manufacturers.

“The most important thing is to make sure the platforms meet international standards. Another advantage for the Armed Forces is availability of spare parts and after sales services that local manufacturers provide.

“One major challenge is convincing the military that we have developed capacity to take on their requests. Another challenge is competing with foreign made platforms as well as the issues with typical infrastructure, cost of power and access to forex.”

He added that there were enormous prospects for local players with the current military leadership being Pro-Local producers as well as the willingness of International Organisations to partner with local firms for Technology Transfer (ToT).

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, recently presided over the inaugural board meeting of the DICON, marking a significant step toward revitalising the nation’s defence manufacturing sector.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, followed the enactment of the DICON Act 2023 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in September 2023.

The legislation aims to modernise and expand DICON’s operations, furthering Nigeria’s ambition to achieve self-sufficiency in defence production.

The board meeting brought together top military officials, service chiefs, and representatives, including those from the Nigeria Police Force, to discuss strategies for enhancing DICON’s role in national security.

In his remarks, Matawalle underscored DICON’s central role in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure, saying that all DICON factories must produce towards achieving the vision of self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

He emphasised the importance of partnerships with local industries to foster job creation, employment, and enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to supporting DICON as a critical component of Nigeria’s military industrial complex.

DICON’s expanded mandate under the new law aligns with Nigeria’s goals of reducing dependency on foreign arms imports, enhancing national security, and fostering industrial growth.

Recent advancements, such as the production of armoured vehicles and personnel carriers, reflect the corporation’s increasing role in Africa’s defence manufacturing landscape as well underscores the significant role the private sector will play in this milestone. (NANFeatures)

 

Features

News Analysis: Adesina’s AfDB journey of success, challenges

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News Analysis: Adesina’s AfDB journey of success, challenges

By Kamal Tayo Oropo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

As Dr Akinwunmi Adesina prepares his handover notes, he reflects with pride on the remarkable accomplishments achieved during his presidency.

His message highlights the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including the Executive Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and investment partners across the continent.

These achievements stand as a testament to the power of collaboration, showcasing how unified efforts can drive impactful change.

Adesina’s leadership has left a lasting legacy, setting a solid foundation for future initiatives and strengthening partnerships that continue to advance the continent’s development.

Conscious of this, Adesina highlighted his imminent exit during the 2024 Africa Investment Forum Market Days, which recently ended in Rabat, Morocco.

He said: “This is my final attendance at the Africa Investment Forum as President of the African Development Bank Group.

“That’s because when you all meet next year, I would have completed my two 5-year terms as President of the African Development Bank Group.

“I am proud of what we have achieved for Africa. I am proud of you our Africa Investment Forum partners.

“I am proud of the Executive Directors of the African Development Bank for believing in the Africa Investment Forum and for their strong current and continued future support for the Africa Investment Forum.

“I am proud that we have built a world-class investment platform. It has been such a great pleasure and honor serving you all as Chairman of the Africa Investment Forum.

‘It has been the greatest honor of my life serving Africa! I will keep cheering and pitching for investments in Africa!”

In 2015, when he took the reins as the eighth president of AfDB, Adesina inherited an institution with a rich history of promoting economic development and social progress across the continent.

However, Adesina had a bold vision – to transform Africa’s economic landscape by bridging the massive infrastructure gap, unlocking the continent’s vast investment potential, and accelerating growth and development.

Adesina’s decade-long impact on continental development has earned him the inaugural ‘African of the Decade’ award.

Adesina formally received the prestigious award at the 2024 AIF, in early December.

The award was sponsored by the All-Africa Business Leaders Awards, ABN Group, in collaboration with CNBC Africa.

It honours individuals who have made a lasting and profound impact on the continent.

ABN Group Chairman, Rakesh Wahi, praised Adesina for his unwavering commitment to ethical and responsible leadership and his ability to drive meaningful change across Africa, particularly through the bank’s High 5 strategic priorities.

“Adesina has demonstrated a significant impact on the African continent through innovative solutions, projects, or initiatives that address the continent’s pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges.

“He has consistently shown leadership, vision, and dedication, driving positive change in sustainable development in Africa,” Wahi said.

Similarly, Nialé Kaba, Minister of Planning, the Economy and Development and AfDB’s governor for Côte d’Ivoire, expressed his government’s profound gratitude to Adesina for his leadership and significant achievements as the head of the institution.

Also, Adama Coulibaly, Ivorian Minister of Finance and Budget, expressed Côte d’Ivoire’s deep gratitude to Adesina “for his leadership and the important results achieved” as the head of AfDB.

“At a personal level, I would like to say that you are the heart and soul of this institution.

“Looking at the results achieved, the African Development Bank has come a long way in six decades. Your efforts have helped lift millions of Africans out of poverty.

This is an opportunity for us to celebrate how far we have come and together, face the challenges of building the Africa we want,” Coulibaly said.

As Adesina prepares to pass the baton to his successor, one of his most enduring legacies may undoubtedly be the AIF.

Launched in 2018, the AIF has revolutionised the way Africa attracts investment, fostering a new era of collaboration, innovation, and deal-making.

Some of the participants at the Rabat Market Days told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that AIF has been a game-changer for Africa, providing a unique platform for investors, policymakers, and projects sponsors to converge, network, and close deals.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, notes that the forum’s impact is evident in several key areas. It has facilitated the closure of numerous high-profile deals, worth billions of dollars.

“These investments are transforming Africa’s infrastructure landscape, from energy and transportation to agriculture and urban development.

“The AIF has mobilised significant investment commitments from global investors, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and private equity firms,” he said.

This influx of capital is helping to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap and drive economic growth.

The AIF has also played a crucial role in creating new markets and opportunities for African businesses.

During a meeting with Adesina, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, also noted that by providing a platform for project sponsors to showcase their initiatives, the AIF has helped to unlock Africa’s vast investment potential.

Abiodun, who had left Nigeria to attend the AiF moments after presenting his state’s budget proposal to the Ogun State House of Assembly, said Adesina’s leadership was the driving force behind the AIF’s success.

“Adesina’s leadership has been instrumental in the AIF’s success. His passion, vision, and relentless drive have inspired a new generation of African leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Under his guidance, the AfDB has become a beacon of innovation and excellence, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative financing models to drive growth and development,” he said.

As Adesina prepares to leave the AfDB, Hassatou Diop-N’Sele, vice president and CFO, AfDB, noted that his legacy would be remembered for generations to come.

According to her, the AIF, in particular, will remain a testament to his transformative vision, leadership, and commitment to Africa’s economic development.

Since its inception in 2018, the AIF has mobilised nearly 180 billion dollars in investment interest.

This is a staggering amount, considering the forum’s primary goal is to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap and unlock its vast investment potential.

“The AIF’s impact is evident in various sectors, including energy, transportation, and agriculture.

“For instance, the forum has facilitated the closure of several high-profile deals, including a $2.6 billion deal for the Accra Skytrain project in Ghana and a $1.3 billion deal for the Lagos Cable Car Transit project in Nigeria.

“The forum has mobilised nearly 180 billion dollars in investment interest, which is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth.

“The AIF has facilitated the development of critical infrastructure projects, including energy, transportation, and water supply projects,” she said.

By attracting investments and promoting economic growth, the AIF is helping to reduce poverty and improve living standards across Africa.

Overall, AIF has been a resounding success, attracting billions of dollars in investments and promoting economic growth and development across Africa.

One of the participants at the AIF, Tunmise Ayodele, said Adesina’s tenure as President of AfDB has also been marked by several significant legacies beyond the Forum.

Ayodele, who is the Managing Director, Global ENSHET HEIGHTS, listed some of Adesina’s other legacies to include High 5s Development Agenda.

Adesina introduced the High 5s development agenda, a bold and ambitious plan to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation.

The High 5s focus on five critical areas: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.

According to Ayodele, African Development Fund (ADF) Replenishment is another legacy Adesina will be leaving behind in AfDB.

Under Adesina’s leadership, the AfDB successfully replenished the African Development Fund (ADF), securing $7.6 billion in funding commitments from donors.

This replenishment has enabled the AfDB to continue providing critical support to low-income countries and fragile states.

Ayodele recalled that Adesina also oversaw the establishment of the New Development Bank and the Africa Investment Platform.

“These initiatives have expanded the AfDB’s partnerships and collaborations, enhancing its ability to mobilise resources and support African countries,” he said.

Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), noted Adesina’s efforts on Climate Change and environmental sustainability.

He said Adesina had been a vocal advocate for climate action and environmental sustainability.

“Under his leadership, the AfDB has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting green growth, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing climate resilience,” he said.

He added that Adesina had also prioritised women’s empowerment and youth employment, recognising the critical role these groups play in driving Africa’s economic transformation.

The AfDB has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment and creating jobs for young Africans.

He has also implemented significant reforms aimed at strengthening the AfDB’s institutional capacity and governance.

These reforms have enhanced the bank’s effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.

These legacies, among others, have cemented Adesina’s reputation as a visionary leader and a champion of Africa’s economic development.

In spite of his numerous achievements, Adesina’s tenure also faced several challenges as president of AfDB.

Adesina implemented significant reforms aimed at strengthening the AfDB’s institutional capacity and governance.

However, these reforms were not without their challenges, as they required significant changes to the bank’s culture, processes, and structures.

Some staff members and stakeholders resisted the changes, which created tension and challenges for Adesina’s leadership team.

In 2020, Adesina faced a leadership challenge when a faceless group within the institution accused him of corruption and abuse of office.

Although, an independent investigation cleared him of all charges, the episode created uncertainty and undermined confidence in the AfDB’s leadership.

US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin personally signed a letter to the AfDB board rejecting an internal investigation that cleared Adesina.

He said: “We fear that the wholesale dismissal of all allegations without appropriate investigation will tarnish the reputation of this institution as one that does not uphold high standards of ethics and governance.”

Barbara Barungi, AfDB’s former lead economist on Nigeria, however, described Mnuchin’s move as significant.

“It has now cast a limelight on governance issues and on the importance of an independent investigation to uphold the integrity of the AfDB.

“There are very few people who were willing to stick their necks out,” she said.

Mr Debisi Araba recalled that it was not surprising to the world that a second investigation was not backed by no African country.

He wondered that: “What does that say about the other countries that have lined up behind the US?”

“He’s due to run unopposed but you want to muddy the waters with this stain of corruption. I believe he will be vindicated.”

On the accusation of Adesina’s preferential treatment for Nigeria and Nigerians, Araba dismissed the talk of the “Nigerianisation of the bank” as false.

He said Nigeria was under-represented in employee numbers despite being the largest shareholder.

Adesina’s tenure also faced other challenges, including Funding and resource constraints; Geopolitical and economic headwinds; and Regional and country-specific challenges.

The AfDB faces significant funding and resource constraints, which limit its ability to address the vast development needs of African countries.

Adesina had to navigate these constraints while trying to maintain the bank’s impact and relevance.

He also had to navigate the challenges posed by global economic trends, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, all of which impact the bank’s operations and effectiveness.

The AfDB’s staff morale and welfare have been affected by various factors, including the reforms, restructuring, and leadership challenges. Adesina had to balance the need for reform with the need to maintain staff morale and welfare.

The AfDB operates in a diverse range of countries and regions, each with its unique challenges and complexities.

Adesina had to navigate these regional and country-specific challenges while trying to maintain the bank’s relevance and impact. (NANFeatures)

****If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria****

Defence/Security , Features

Anti-corruption war: Tinubu, EFCC’s unwavering efforts

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By Isaac Aregbesola, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Corruption, a scourge that has plagued humanity for centuries, has been aptly described as the “deadliest affliction of humanity after terrorism” by Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This stark reality underscores the devastating impact of corruption on societies worldwide as it perpetuates poverty, inequality, and social injustice.

In Nigeria, where corruption has long been a pervasive problem, the government has declared an all-out war on this menace, with the EFCC at the forefront of efforts to combat it.

The appointment of the Olukoyede by President Bola Tinubu as the EFCC Chairman, thus showed a demonstration of renewed commitment to tackling this scourge.

This step brought to fore the statement by an anti-corruption crusader and rights activist, Femi Falana, who once said, “the fight against corruption is a fight for the soul of Nigeria”.

The deliberate choice of Olukoyede, a seasoned expert in combating fraud, to lead the anti-corruption efforts, set the tone to achieve this goal, as the Latin phrase “ex nihilo nihilo” suggests – nothing comes from nothing.

In other words, the achievements that followed weren’t mere coincidence. The impressive track records of the EFCC in its anti-graft war more than a year ago, under Olukoyede’s leadership, are a testament to the effectiveness of his appointment.

Under his leadership, the commission has made significant strides in tackling corruption, with a renewed focus on strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and holding accountable those who engage in corrupt practices.

The commission has been at the forefront of the anti-corruption battle, working tirelessly to investigate, prosecute, and recover proceeds of corruption.

In the last one year, corruption and corrupt practices have reduced drastically, as hell is being let loose on those indulging in sharp and corrupt practices in the country.

The entire nation is lauding the EFCC’s fresh approach, which is in compliance with the international standards, to fighting corruption.
Even the toughest critics would agree that the EFCC’s track record shows that the government is making real progress in its fight against corruption.

The EFCC has undergone significant changes, and the results are already showing. Foreign investors are taking notice, and the local business community is feeling hopeful.

Notable among the achievements of the anti-graft agency in the last one year is the  record-breaking asset recovery of a 150,500-square-meter estate with 753 duplexes and other apartments in Abuja.

The achievements, according to Olukoyede, also include recovery of  over N248 billion, 105 million dollars and the securing of  3,455 convictions.

The commission within the year recovered N248, 750,049,365.52; $105,423,190.39; £53,133.64; €172,547.10; T1,300.00 Indian Rupees and CAD $3,400.00 Canadian Dollars.

It also recovered ¥74,859:00 Chinese Yuan; AUS $ 740:00 Australian Dollars; 170:00 UAE Dirham; 73,000:00 Korean Won; CFA 7,821,375:00 and R 50:00 South Africa Rands.

On asset recovery and return, the EFCC on Sept. 6, handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) the sum of $180,300  and 53 vehicles, being assets recovered for Canadian victims of Nigerian fraudsters.

Also, to show its strong teeth against corrupt practices, a serving Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu was suspended over alleged corruption for proper investigation.

She was suspended alongside the Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Halima Shehu, while some former ministers are also being investigated.

In the same vein, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, is being prosecuted over alleged multibillion naira frauds.

Similarly, the erstwhile Minister of Power and Steel Development, Olu Agunloye and ex-Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hadi Sirika are facing  prosecution.

Others are former Anambra governor, Willie Obiano;  former Kwara governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, former governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, and other former state and non-state actors are facing trial by the EFCC.

The commission has also realised that preventing corruption is more effective and cost-efficient than trying to combat it after it has taken root. To achieve this, the commission has established a new department called Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC).

FRAC’s mission is to identify vulnerabilities to corruption in government Ministries, Agencies, And Departments (MDAs), and to implement preventive measures.

One area of focus for FRAC is the contract and procurement processes in government institutions, which has been breeding grounds for corruption.

The commission has requested anti-corruption plans from these institutions, including the Presidency, National Assembly, and judiciary, to ensure that their processes are transparent and corruption-proof.

The EFCC has also put in place systems to track contracts and prevent the abuse of anti-corruption structures in public and private institutions. These practical measures demonstrate the EFCC’s commitment to preventing corrupt practices.

Overall, the EFCC’s new approach is yielding positive results. With the FRAC department in place, the EFCC is well-equipped to prevent corruption and promote a culture of transparency and accountability.

The anti-graft agency has also been aggressively fighting internet fraudsters, and its efforts have been highly effective. This success has made it difficult for critics to find fault with the commission’s work.

The EFCC has investigated and prosecuted a wide range of individuals and organisations, including internet fraudsters, politicians, business leaders, and government officials, demonstrating its commitment to fairness and impartiality.

In its effort to fulfill its mission, the EFCC has made significant changes to its approach. Today, the commission is more modern, humane, and professional in its operations, particularly when it comes to arrests and bail procedures, without compromising its professionalism and credibility.

This new approach marks a significant shift towards a more effective and sustainable way of combating corruption and financial crimes.

The onslaught against internet fraudsters is on the increase, this includes arresting 792 suspects in a day including 192 foreigners during a clamp down on largest cyber crimes centers in Abuja.

The Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarisation of the Economy has been working tirelessly to curb currency racketeering, securing over 50 convictions across various sectors of society within the first year of the current administration.

However, the EFCC has faced challenges, including fierce resistance from corrupt individuals and groups in the last one year plus.

Notable among them was the court case instituted by some state governors to scrap the agency, which was quashed at the Supreme Court.

This opposition is expected, as it underscores the commission’s effectiveness in combating corruption. Yes! It is public knowledge that corruption will definitely fight back viciously.

Every opposition to anti-corruption work is an affirmation of its potency and impact. Fortunately, the EFCC has received robust public support, demonstrating that Nigerians inherently reject corruption.

As Olukoyede aptly puts it, “Nigerians are not fundamentally corrupt. It is the operating systems that are breeding corruption!”

This sentiment echoes the widespread disillusionment with corruption and the desire for change. With the EFCC on track and public support growing, the prospects for a corruption-free Nigeria are becoming increasingly brighter.

Overall, the EFCC’s efforts have silenced its critics and demonstrated its effectiveness in fighting corruption. With the government’s support, the commission will continue to make significant strides in this fight.

However, some anti graft-experts opined that the agency needs to improve on its operations in certain areas, which include the rate of successful prosecutions and convictions of fraudsters other than internet, as well as reducing the number of cases that are dismissed or withdrawn.

It should also address the allegations of selective justice, ensure transparency within and corruption-free as well as addressing any internal corruption allegation promptly.

The anti-graft agency should also ensure whistleblowers and witnesses’ protection and also enhance public engagement and education as well as improving investigation techniques and forensic analysis.  (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria

 

 

 

 

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