NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

ECOWAS President urges Turkey to boost bloc’s anti-terrorism efforts

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By Mark Longyen

Dr Omar Touray, ECOWAS Commision President, has called on Turkey to step up its support to the subregional body’s efforts toward curbing the scourge of terrorism in West Africa.

Touray made the plea when the outgoing Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Hidayet Bayraktar, paid him a farewell visit at the commission’s headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, Turkey is ECOWAS’ privileged partner, Africa’s major partner, and a global power, hence should continue stepping up its efforts to support peace, unity and security in West Africa.

“Turkey is a major partner of Africa and a privileged partner of ECOWAS.

“Its leadership is hailed and appreciated throughout the African continent,” he said.

Touray recalled the multifaceted approaches, which ECOWAS and the UN had embarked on, aimed at combating insecurity and terrorism in the sub region, stressing that West Africa’s greatest challenge was insecurity.

The commission’s president lauded the Turkish ambassador’s commitment and support to ECOWAS throughout his tour of duty, as well as his country’s role in the development of West Africa.

He, however, noted that there was the need to engage in deliberate, collaborative efforts toward promoting peace and security, which he described as indispensable to the development of the subregion.

“ECOWAS’s major challenge is insecurity, and none of its member states can face it alone.

“If we are not united, we cannot combat this threat.

“Unity and collective collaboration are essential to preserve peace and stability in West Africa”, Touray added.

Speaking earlier, Amb. Bayraktar reiterated Turkey’s commitment to deepen its support for ECOWAS’ efforts in tackling the challenges of violent extremism and terrorism, as well as promote peace, security and stability.

The Turkish envoy also lauded the prevailing excellent cooperation between his country and ECOWAS, and appreciated Touray’s contributions and efforts which, he said, helped to deepen the cooperation.

Bayraktar noted that there was the need for further collaborative efforts to explore other avenues of effectively combating the scourges of insecurity and terrorism within the ECOWAS subregion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit marked the end of Bayraktar’s tour of duty as Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria with concurrent accreditation to ECOWAS. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Culture & Tourism , Foreign

Tourism: Morocco to invest in conservation of Yobe’s 8,000-year-old canoe

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By Nabilu Balarabe

The Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE), says it will invest in the conservation of an 8,000-year-old canoe “Dufuna”, in Yobe as part of efforts to develop tourism in the state.

Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, Gov. Mai Mala Buni’s Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, stated this in a statement on Monday in Damaturu.

Dufuna is the world’s second-oldest known boat. It is a dugout canoe discovered in 1987 by a Fulani cattle herdsman a few kilometers from the village of Dufuna in Fune area, not far from the Komadugu Gana River, in Yobe.

In 1994, archaeologists Peter Breunig and Garba Abubakar, from Frankfurt University, Germany, and University of Maiduguri, respectively, excavated the site.

The canoe was dug out over two weeks by 50 labourers and was found to be 8.4 meters in length, 50cm wide and 5 cm thick. It was found in a waterlogged state resting on a sandy bed with layers of clay between it and the surface protecting it.

The canoe had been radiocarbon-dated at least twice, and was dated to 6556-6388 BCE and to 6164-6005 BCE, making it the oldest known boat in Africa, the second-oldest worldwide.

Mohammed said Mr Yassine El Ahyani, Head of Emerging Industries, Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency, made the pledge on Monday in Rabat, when he received the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Wali, in Rabat.

“The agency is aware of the rich and historic canoe in Yobe, and the enormous tourism potentials it has for the state and country.

“The canoe would turn around the fortunes of the state with massive economic turn over. The Dufuna Canoe is one of the very few artefacts on the face of the earth that is very suitable for academic and historical research.

“It has the capacity to generate employment, create wealth and infrastructural development for the state,” Yassine said.

In his remarks, Wali, who led the state government delegation to Morocco, assured that government would provide enabling environment for investment in Dufuna and other age-long cultural festivals in the state for international prominence.

“This is in line with the policy of the Buni administration to provide employment opportunities to our youth in hospitality, transportation and tour guide, among others.

“Government is most willing to partner all Moroccan investors to explore this and other untapped potentials in the state,” he said.

The Dufuna Canoe in Yobe.

The Dufuna canoe which is recognised as the oldest watercraft in Africa symbolises the rich history and heritage of the region.

The canoe was found in the village of Dufuna, which is located between Potiskum and Gashua, in Yobe State.

The Yobe government’s initiative to transform the canoe into a prominent tourist attraction underscores its commitment to promoting tourism and preserving cultural artefacts for future generations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Foreign

Tanzania’s power project: Lighting healthcare, connecting Africa

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By Olawunmi Ashafa (News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The Iringa-Shinyanga transmission line, a 670-kilometer, 400 kV artery, a transformative power transmission project in Tanzania is positively changing the healthcare and fostering regional energy integration across Eastern and Southern Africa.

The transmission line is boosting domestic power access while simultaneously acting as a crucial link between regional power pools, paving the way for increased cross-border electricity trade.

This ambitious undertaking, backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other international financial institutions, represents a major step forward in Africa’s pursuit of energy integration under the Mission 300 initiative.

By strengthening Tanzania’s power infrastructure and facilitating regional electricity exchange, the transmission line promises to be a catalyst for economic growth and enhanced energy security.

The Iringa-Shinyanga line, complementing an existing 220 kV system, has significantly improved power reliability for homes and businesses across Tanzania.

This is particularly impactful in the northern regions, where previous power shortages hampered industrial development, healthcare services, and overall economic activity.

Andrew Muguwa, Principal Operations Officer at the AfDB, during a news conference in Dodoma ahead of the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, emphasised the project’s broader impact.

According to him, the infrastructure, which is located in Tanzania, has implications far beyond its borders.

Muguwa noted that it would form the backbone of regional electricity trading, integrating power systems from Ethiopia to Southern Africa.

The Iringa-Shinyanga line’s most significant achievement is its role in connecting the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

This groundbreaking interconnection facilitates seamless electricity trading between these two major regional markets.

The EAPP, comprised of 13 member nations, and the SAPP, with 12 member states, have historically struggled with connectivity issues that limited efficient electricity trade.

With the completion of this transmission line, member countries can now buy and sell surplus power, leading to a more stable and resilient regional grid.

Muguwa said that, in the coming years, the line would connect directly to Zambia, further strengthening ties with the SAPP.

“Its link to Kenya also indirectly connects it to Ethiopia, Uganda, and the broader East African network,” he added.

This means power generated from Ethiopia’s abundant hydropower resources could eventually be transmitted through Tanzania to energy-demanding markets in Southern Africa.

Conversely, excess electricity from Zambia and Mozambique could help stabilise grids in East Africa.

Beyond its regional importance, the Iringa-Shinyanga project has dramatically improved energy stability for Tanzanian communities, particularly in essential sectors like healthcare.

The impact of the projects remains clearly visible at the Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital.

Unreliable power previously forced medical personnel to rely on backup generators, disrupting critical procedures.

Now, with a consistent power supply, the hospital has expanded its capacity, modernised its equipment, and significantly improved patient care.

Also, Dr Baraka Mponda, the hospital’s Acting Medical Director said that,”Before this project, frequent power outages made it difficult to operate intensive care units and operating theaters.

“Now, we rarely use backup generators, and this has encouraged investment in new medical technology, allowing us to provide better services.”

The hospital’s patient volume has doubled, rising from under 1,000 weekly patients to as many as 2,000.

The facility, formerly a regional hospital, has since been upgraded to a referral hospital, demonstrating the wider socio-economic benefits of reliable electricity – a testament to the success of the Iringa-Shinyanga health project.

The success of the Iringa-Shinyanga transmission line highlights the importance of large-scale infrastructure investment in Africa’s power sector.

By enhancing energy security, promoting economic growth, and enabling regional integration, such projects serve as valuable models for other nations seeking to improve their power systems.

As the African Development Bank continues to champion Mission 300, the lessons learned from Tanzania’s experience will be crucial in shaping future energy policies and investment strategies across the continent.

With increased funding, strong political will, and enhanced regional cooperation, the vision of a fully integrated African power grid is becoming increasingly attainable. (NAN)

 

Foreign

S/Arabia rejects Trump’s U.S. Gaza takeover proposal

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By Mark Longyen

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia says it has “unequivocally rejected” Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to take over the Gaza Strip, a Palestine territory.

A statement from the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saudi Arabia was vehemently opposed to the idea, and would rather continue its efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state.

Saudi Arabia stressed that Palestinians would “not move” from their land and it would not normalise ties with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state is firm and unwavering.

“His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, clearly and unequivocally reaffirmed this stance during his speech at the opening of the first session of the ninth term of the Shura Council on Sept. 18, 2024.

“His Royal Highness emphasised that Saudi Arabia will continue its relentless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that,” the statement said.

It further said that the Crown Prince and Prime Minister also reiterated this firm position during the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on Nov. 11, 2024.

The ministry emphasised the continuation of efforts to establish a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, demanding an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands.

The Saudi government also urged more peace-loving countries to recognise the State of Palestine, noting the importance of mobilising the international community to support the Palestinian people’s rights.

According to the ministry, this is in line with the United Nations General Assembly resolutions, recognising Palestine’s eligibility for full UN membership.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of any infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, land annexation, or attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land.

“The international community has a duty today to alleviate the severe humanitarian suffering endured by the Palestinian people, who will remain steadfast on their land and will not move from it.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emphasises that this unwavering position is non-negotiable and not subject to compromises,” the statement further said.

“Achieving lasting and just peace is impossible without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights in accordance with international resolutions, as has been previously clarified to both the former and current U.S. administrations.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Trump had told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, alongside the visiting Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that the U.S. was mulling the takeover of Gaza.

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a good job with it too.

“We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings.

“Palestinians living in Gaza would have to be relocated to create the ‘Riviera of the Middle East,’ as they will be housed in Jordan, Egypt and other countries,” he said.

Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million population has been displaced by the 15-month war between Israel and Hamas.

NAN also reports that Trump’s proposal, which was his first major remarks on his Middle East foreign policy has shattered decades of U.S. thinking on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Foreign

Video: NAN, MENA sign MoU on media cooperation

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By Fortune Abang

The Middle East News Agency (MENA) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing media cooperation through news exchange.

NAN reports that MENA, a regional news agency founded on Dec. 15, 1955, is based in Egypt and operates under the Egyptian government.

The agreement was signed virtually by Mr Ahmed Kamal, MENA’s long-serving journalist and current Board Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, and Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director of NAN.

During the virtual signing ceremony on Monday, Kamal, speaking from Cairo, described the event as a historic moment for both organisations, emphasising the deep-rooted relationship between Egypt and Nigeria.

He noted that the cooperation marked a new chapter in the long-standing friendship between the two countries, which dated back to their shared struggle for independence and prosperity.

 

 

“Today, we sign an agreement that reflects the deep-rooted historical relationship and friendship between Egypt and Nigeria.

“This cooperation between MENA and NAN is significant, as both organisations are major news platforms in our respective regions MENA in the Middle East and NAN in West Africa.

“Our agreement will widen the scope of cooperation between our two nations in news exchange, as well as other strategic domains.”

He also expressed personal fondness for Nigeria, having worked as a MENA correspondent from 2005 to 2011 in the country.

He said Egypt has a shared vision with Nigeria in promoting stability and prosperity in Africa, especially in fighting corruption.

“So, our cooperation with NAN today represents a partnership between two great organisations, and this long-awaited agreement will expand the scope of cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria in news exchange.

“In addition, it will strengthen other vibrant areas of strategic cooperation between our two nations. This is particularly meaningful for me, as I worked as a MENA correspondent in Nigeria from 2005 to 2011.

“May God preserve your beautiful country, its kind people, and its wise leadership in West Africa.

“Once again, I assure you that Egypt and the Arab world share the same perspective on the need for strategic balance in this turbulent world.

“Egypt and Nigeria also share a strong vision of strategic partnership in fighting corruption and building a stable and prosperous Africa,” he added.

In response, Ali lauded the agreement as historic, noting that it had been in the making for the past three years.

He expressed excitement about the strengthened ties between the two agencies, noting that they would not only involve news exchange but also extend to capacity building and technical support.

Ali remarked, “Today marks the culmination of years of conversation and collaboration.

“We look forward to greater cooperation with MENA, and I personally look forward to visiting Cairo soon.”

Ali also mentioned plans for NAN to host the first African media summit later this year, as part of the agency’s commitment to promoting global media relations.

NAN, owned and operated by the Nigerian government, produces over 200 stories per day and plays a key role in disseminating news domestically and internationally.

It also serves to counter negative narratives about Nigeria by providing accurate and reliable news coverage.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foreign

New EU Ambassador outlines plans for Nigeria

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

Gautier Mignot, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has outlined the union’s plans to improve trade, strengthen investment and positively impact the youthful population of Nigeria.

Mignot made the plans known on Wednesday in Lagos at a media luncheon.

He said that the EU would want to partner closely with Nigerian authorities at all levels to know their expectations, strategies and needs.

Mignot also said that the EU would want to know the expectations of  civil societies and Nigerian youths.

He said that the EU was Nigeria’s largest trading and investment partner in 2023, with 28 per cent of its total trade at 35 billion euros.

He said that Nigeria benefitted 10.7 billion euros trade surplus form the EU.

“When it comes to investment, a key priority of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria also its strongest partner in the EU.

“Our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock accounts for about one third of Nigerian FDI, totalling  26.4 billion euros as at 2022.

“There are hundreds of EU companies present in Nigeria and they have strict compliance policies on anti-corruption, environment, labour  local legislation,” he said.

The ambassador said that he was commitment to bringing the EU-Nigeria partnership to a higher level, with the aim  of positively impacting the Nigerian population.

He said that given the current uncertain times and fast-evolving global environment, Nigeria needed constant and faithful partners to count on.

Mignot said that EU took Nigeria as a key partner in Africa and the world; hence, its mission to inform, propose and implement decisions to strengthen the partnership.

“We have a global and strong partnership based on shared values  such as democracy, rule of law and multilateralism.

“EU interest is to see Nigeria consolidate its role as an anchor of stability in Africa, and progress on its path towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future.

“We want to help in this endeavour, with  full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and with humility.

“There is a lack of visibility, and we have to combat disinformation and misperceptions, and the press has a very important role to play in this regard,” he said.

Mignot said  that under the partnership, there would be better structure for economic relations and dialogue to address issues hampering  investment and trade.

Mignot described EU’s Global Gateway Investment as a new strategy aimed at connecting people and accelerating green, digital and inclusive transition in partner-countries such as Nigeria.

According to him, this means leveraging and accelerating investment and to increasingly work in coordination with EU companies to bring concrete benefits to Nigerians.

He said the EU recognised the importance of accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation and maximising  opportunities for  value addition and job creation.

Mignot revealed that the EU cooperation budget for 2021-2027 amounted to 731 million euros in grants and it was complemented by other instruments.

“With the Global Gateway Investment Strategy, the EU works in sectors crucial for the transformation and diversification of the Nigerian economy such as energy, digital economy, agriculture and food security.

“The EU also invests in human development –  health, education and social protection – as well as in good governance, migration issues and fundamental rights.

“The EU is increasingly developing projects in the north of the country as a whole to respond to the specific development needs of this part of Nigeria.

“The EU is committed to further strengthening engagement in peace and security by responding better to Nigeria’s needs and expectations,” he said.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Foreign

ECOWAS pledges continuous engagement with Mali, B/Faso, Niger after exit

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By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it will continue to engage with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, in spite of their formal withdrawal from the bloc on Wednesday.

Dr Omar Touray, the President of the commission, made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

Touray said that this was in line with the decision of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, which was taken during their Summit on Dec.15, 2024 in Abuja.

According to him, such is also in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people.

He noted that the bloc was still open to the three countries’ return.

He disclosed that two of the existing Sahel countries had already officially contacted the commission for further engagements to that effect.

Touray called on all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS member states to take note of the unfolding development.

He urged them to treat the national passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger as still valid, until further notice.

Touray also urged them to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.

He said citizens of the three countries would be allowed to continue enjoying the rights of visa free movement, residence and establishment, in accordance with extant ECOWAS protocols, until further notice.

Touray further said the commission would continue to provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials who are citizens of the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.

“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.

“This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three Sahel countries had on Jan. 29, 2024, declared their intention to quit ECOWAS within 12 months in line with the provisions of Article 91 of the bloc’s protocol.

The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government had in December 2024, approved the three countries’ right to quit but said ECOWAS doors were still open to their return to the subregional bloc.

It would be recalled that the Sahel states had hitherto been hit by violent extremism and terrorism orchestrated by marauding Islamist jihadists emanating mostly from 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 putschists are now aligned with Russia to fight the armed jihadists, who are currently orchestrating terrorism against their countries.

They have therefore severed 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.

ECOWAS initially responded 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 made real their “irrevocable” decision to quit ECOWAS, exactly one year after declaring their intention to quit the bloc.

This has become a reality, in spite of ECOWAS leaders’ lifting of some of the sanctions imposed earlier and the deployment of germane diplomatic efforts to enable them to rescind their threat to exit.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Foreign

Border dispute: UN lauds Nigeria, Cameroon for implementing ICJ’s ruling

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Dispute
By Hamza Suleiman
The UN has commended the Republics of Nigeria and Cameroon for their commitments toward implementing the International Court of Justice (ICJ’s) ruling on their border dispute.
Leonardo Simão, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, said this while speaking at the 5th Lake Chad Governors’ Forum on Wednesday in Maiduguri.
Simão, therefore, described the development as a significant step toward promoting regional peace and cooperation.
“I commend both countries for their commitment to a peaceful resolution, which has been pivotal in fostering stability in the Lake Chad region,” he said.
Simão also said that the peaceful implementation of the ICI’s ruling had further contributed to regional stability and facilitated efforts to support affected populations, promote sustainable development, and enhance social cohesion.
He praised the role of the Lake Chad Basin member states and governors in fostering cross-border collaboration to achieve lasting peace and economic recovery.
“I acknowledge the efforts invested by the governors and member states over the years to foster inclusiveness and collaboration across borders in the quest for sustainable peace and development in the Lake Chad area.
“While efforts to combat terrorism have begun yielding positive results, new challenges have emerged, demanding sustained and focused attention from all stakeholders,” Simão said.
He, however, called on Lake Chad Basin countries to fully take ownership of the Adjusted Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience, which was designed to guide future interventions in the region.
“In this regard, I welcome the proposal to adjust the Territorial Action Plan as a key mechanism for advancing the regional strategy at national and local levels,” he stated.
Simão assured that the UN, through its Resident Coordinators and country teams, would remain key partner in ensuring a coordinated and sustainable approach to stabilisation.
Similarly, Anunna Eziakonwa, the UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Regional Director for Africa, called for stronger regional cooperation.
Eziakonwa expressed optimism that the region could address its challenges through stronger regional cooperation, inclusive governance, and increased investment in climate resilience.
“We are gathered here at a time when this region has witnessed the fury of nature,” she said.
The envoy, however, extended her condolences to the people of Borno in Nigeria and the people of Marwa in Cameroon who were severely affected by recent devastating floods.
The envoy called for a paradigm shift in how stabilisation efforts were approached, urging regional leaders to focus on inclusion, accountability, and sustainable solutions.
“Governance must be strengthened, youth and women must be empowered, and climate adaptation must be accelerated.
“By investing in people and communities, we lay the foundation for lasting peace and stability,” Eziakonwa said.(NAN)
Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed

Foreign

ECOWAS says Mali, B/Faso, Niger officially exit bloc today

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Exit
By Mark Longyen
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS becomes effective from Jan. 29th.
The commission’s spokesperson, Joel Ahofodji, in a statement on Wednesday, explained that it is in line with the decision of the ECOWAS authority, and in the spirit of regional solidarity and interest of the people.
He added that the bloc was still opened to their return whenever they wanted.
The bloc urged all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States to take note of the development.
The commission urged recognition of the national passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice.
It also urged all concerned to continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
ECOWAS also urged them to allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.
The commission also urged all to provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the community.
“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.
“This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period,” Ahofodji added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three Sahel countries had on Jan. 29, 2024, declared their intention to quit ECOWAS within 12 months in line with the bloc’s protocol.
The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in December 2024 approved the three countries’ right to quit but said the doors were still opened to their return. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

Foreign

Livestock: Mauritanian President unveils plan to reduce food importation

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By Olawunmi Ashafa

President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania has unveiled plans to revitalise the country’s livestock sector to reduce reliance on food imports for the sustainability of the economy.

He disclosed this on Tuesday at the just-concluded Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

He said that the livestock sector contributes roughly 11 per cent to Mauritania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with about 70 per cent of the population relying on it for income.

He claimed that Mauritania, home to one of Africa’s largest livestock populations, boasts of 2.3 million cattle, 14.6 million sheep, 9.4 million goats, and 1.5 million camels.

The President hinted that the sector is the second largest employer with 11 per cent of the labour force, food security, nutrition, and income generation.

“Mauritanian meat, prized for its grass-fed qualities, holds significant export potential.

The President recalled that over 750,000 herds of cattle were exported to Senegal and The Gambia, generating an estimated 120.2 million dollars in 2021.

He, however, added that with its vast potential, the sector is faced with challenges such as low productivity, limited processing and vulnerability to climate change.

“These issues have necessitated heavy imports, with the country spending 80.6 million dollars on dairy products, 31 million dollars on poultry, and 31 million dollars on eggs in 2021, he hinted.

To overcome these challenges, Ghazouani said that the government had launched the Inclusive Livestock Sector Development Programme in the Awkar Zone – Phase 1.

The Awkar Programme, according to him, aims to enhance agropastoral resources, improve food and nutritional security, strengthen livelihoods against climate change, modernise livestock management and processing systems, and promote youth and women’s entrepreneurship.

The programme, he said, would focus on development of transformative infrastructure, increased livestock productivity, enhanced processing and marketing, promotion of youth and women businesses, and building resilience to climate change.

According to him, the estimated cost of the project stands at UA 21.408 million, with the African Development Bank contributing UA 18.3 million, representing 85.48 per cent.

The programme targets over 100,000 direct beneficiaries and indirectly benefits over 334,000 individuals.

The initiative includes vocational training for youth, support for women entrepreneurs, and improved health and education infrastructure in local communities.

Since 2021, the African Development Bank has been a leading partner in transforming Mauritania’s livestock sector, according to available record.

Looking ahead, Mauritania plans to present the Awkar Programme at a donors’ roundtable in Paris in April 2025, to further enhance exports of its red meat to reduce dependency on imported dairy products.

Ghazouani reaffirmed his commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable development through transformative initiatives like the Awkar Programme, ensuring long-term benefits for Mauritania’s economy and its people. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

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