News Agency of Nigeria
Researchers detect pathogens, antibiotic resistant genes in aircraft toilets’ wastewater
Foreign

Researchers detect pathogens, antibiotic resistant genes in aircraft toilets’ wastewater

Toilets
Australian-led research suggests that wastewater from aircraft toilet could serve as an early warning system for the global spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) superbugs.

A statement released Monday by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency, said the researchers analysed wastewater from 44 international flights to Australia from nine countries.

It added that the researchers detected nine high-priority pathogens and multiple antibiotic resistance genes.

Using advanced molecular techniques, the international team led by CSIRO, found a gene for resistance to last-resort antibiotics on 17 flights.

But it was absent from Australia’s urban wastewater, indicating likely introduction via international travel.

The study found five of the pathogens in all flight samples, with geographic variation in resistance levels.

Flights from Asia carried higher concentrations of resistance genes compared with those from Europe, it said.

“Aircraft wastewater captures microbial signatures from passengers across different continents, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective way to monitor threats like AMR,” said senior author Warish Ahmed, a principal research scientist from CSIRO.

The researchers confirmed that genetic material remained stable in aircraft toilet disinfectants for up to 24 hours, underlining the reliability of the method for surveillance.

AMR is expected to cause more than 39 million deaths globally by 2050, surpassing cancer, the authors said.

The author added that the study suggested aircraft wastewater monitoring could offer early warnings of superbug threats, similar to COVID-19 wastewater testing.

The research, detailed in Microbiology Spectrum published by the American Society for Microbiology, was conducted in partnership with Xiamen University in China.

The University of South Australia and Michigan Technological University in the United States also took part. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Cecilia Odey/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

ECOWAS Chairman solicits support to combat terrorism, enhance democracy
Foreign

ECOWAS Chairman solicits support to combat terrorism, enhance democracy

By Mark Longyen

Chairman ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Bio, has solicited deeper collaboration with fellow leaders to combat terrorism, enhance democratic governance, and invigorate intra-regional trade.

He also urged member states’ leaders to forge a stronger partnership between ECOWAS and Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, who recently exited ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

A statement from the State House, Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Saturday said Bio made the appeal in the course of his high-level visits to Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Cape Verde and Senegal.

He was speaking during audience with presidents Umaro Embaló of Guinea-Bissau; Adama Barrow of The Gambia; Bassirou Faye of Senegal; and Cape Verde Prime Minister José Neves.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visits by Bio, who was recently elected as ECOWAS Chairman, aimed at strengthening subregional collaboration toward addressing the bloc’s critical challenges.

“He stressed the necessity of collective action to overcome challenges that impeded economic integration and undermine peace and security in the subregion.

“The President also highlighted the urgency of bolstering cooperation with all ECOWAS members states, including those in political transition.

“These high-level engagements demonstrate the significance of cohesive leadership in overcoming the challenges facing the ECOWAS community,” the statement said.

Throughout the visits, Bio is said to have expressed his gratitude for the honour done him by his West African counterparts to serve as Chairman during the bloc’s most critical moment.

Bio’s hosts were said to have acknowledged the robust bilateral ties existing between their countries and Sierra Leone, and congratulated him on his election as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority.

The statement further quoted them as reaffirming their commitment to working with Bio to enable him to successfully accomplish his mandate.

It further said that Bio was poised to draw on the experience and insights of previous chairpersons of the ECOWAS Authority to drive meaningful progress.

NAN also reports that the ECOWAS Chairman’s trip follows similar high-level visits to Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tuggar urges deeper Nigeria–Germany cultural relations
Foreign

Tuggar urges deeper Nigeria–Germany cultural relations

By Fortune Abang

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has underscored the need for investors to leverage Nigeria-Germany cultural ties to drive the country’s growth.

Tuggar gave the advice while receiving the Salute Nigeria Initiative, organisers of the Nigeria-German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday in Abuja.

The minister, who had served as Ambassador of Nigeria to Germany for six years, commended the NGICE concept, saying it could further strengthen Nigeria-Germany diplomatic relations.

According to him, when it comes to the issue of culture, Germany always has a listening voice, because in Germany the word culture goes beyond just culture.

Tuggar said, “Germany is a country with rich cultural heritage.

“There is a lot within that cultural space that requires investment and collaboration, because we are going through renaissance of Nigerian culture.

“If you look at this generation of Nigerians, they listen almost exclusively to Nigerian music, especially Afrobeat.

“Meanwhile, Nigerian food and fashion are gaining global recognition.

“There is much in our culture that resonates with today’s world, particularly as people pay more attention to what they consume, especially in terms of food.

“When you talk about superfoods, lots of the things that we take for granted here are in high demand globally.

“If it is not Moringa, it is bamboo and we have some of the best ginger in the world as well. There is so much to take advantage of culturally.”

The minister advised that the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, as well as Industry, Trade and Investment should be equally contacted to bolster partnership in the NGICE.

“Our mission in Berlin will be informed, so that they can provide necessary support, in terms of facilitating visas; such shouldn’t be a problem for us to support.

“Also, ensure you have the German Embassy here in Nigeria fully involved in the NGICE, because it would help to bring about good success,” he added.

R-L: Dr Mike Okiro, former Inspector-General of the Nigerian Police Force and Amb. Chielo Ojirika, Director-General of the Salute Nigeria Initiative. (NAN photo)

Speaking at the event, Dr Mike Okiro, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Salute Nigeria Initiative, said Berlin was chosen for the NGICE because of Germany’s position as Europe’s cultural hub.

Okiro, former Inspector-General of Police, said Tuggar’s experience as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany would, in his role as Foreign Affairs Minister, attract more investors through NGICE and help Nigeria benefit from his time in Germany.

According to Okiro, Nigeria has a lot of resources beyond crude oil and gas.

“We have so many things, which we can sell to the outside world, particularly culture.

“Nigeria is going to benefit from this investment from the outside world, the more reason we are going to Germany, not only for culture, but also for attracting investment into the country,” he added.

Meanwhile, Amb. Chielo Ojirika, Director-General of the Salute Nigeria Initiative, said the aim of the event was to project Nigeria’s image and culture, as well as attract foreign investments.

Ojirika, Coordinator of the NGICE, said the event was scheduled for Oct. 20 to 23,  in Berlin.

He said it would showcase Nigeria’s rich investment and cultural potential to attract foreign direct investment and boost business partnerships with Germany and other European countries.

“The aim is to bring the world through Berlin to Nigeria, as an investors’ paradise and to strengthen the existing bilateral and economic relations between Nigeria and Germany,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

ECOWAS: EBC’ll boost private sector potential for regional economic growth
Foreign

ECOWAS: EBC’ll boost private sector potential for regional economic growth

By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC), scheduled to be officially unveiled in September, will unlock regional private sector potential and deepen economic growth.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandjé Toure-Litse, stated this at a steering committee preparatory meeting of the EBC on Thursday in Abuja ahead of its official unveiling in September.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EBC is projected to become the subregion’s private sector’s apex decision-making body, mandated to drive economic integration, stimulate investment, and reposition ECOWAS as a global investment destination.

The steering committee meeting was held to avail stakeholders the opportunity to thoroughly review all preparatory documents and evaluate the region’s readiness for the official milestone unveiling of the EBC.

Represented by the ECOWAS Director of Private Sector, Dr Tony Elumelu, the Commissioner described the meeting as an important milestone in the journey toward the full realisation of the EBC.

Elumelu urged members of the committee to critically evaluate the documents developed by the ECOWAS Commission and contribute constructively toward ensuring a robust and successful EBC inauguration.

“The Council, as established by Regulation C/REG.9/6/21 of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, is designed to serve as the private sector’s voice and strategic partner in our regional integration agenda,” Elumelu said.

Also speaking, Mr Gerard Amangou, Chairman, Technical Working Group (TWG), lauded ECOWAS for its responsiveness and commitment to the recommendations, which were earlier made at a meeting held on August 5.

He underscored the necessity of confirming the timeline for the unveiling of the EBC with the management of ECOWAS to solidify its planning and logistics.

Dr Mansur Ahmed of the Dangote Group, a key voice in West Africa’s industrial ecosystem, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting ECOWAS and the Steering Committee.

He noted that timely implementation was critical to demonstrating seriousness and fostering investor confidence.

When inaugurated, EBC will become the primary platform for private sector engagement, providing strategic input into policy formulation, drive regional trade promotion, and foster sustainable economic development through cross-border investments.

It will also be a catalyst for public-private collaboration, enabling business leaders to play a more central role in shaping economic policies and driving regional competitiveness on the global stage.

NAN also reports that the preparatory meeting was attended by members of the TWG, high-level representatives from the Dangote Group, and ECOWAS Permanent Mission to Nigeria, among others.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Gaza: UN chief urges probe into killing of journalists
Foreign

Gaza: UN chief urges probe into killing of journalists

Journalists

By Cecilia Ologunagba

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has condemned the killing of six Palestinian journalists in Gaza.

The reporters – five of whom worked for the Al Jazeera media network – were killed in a targeted Israeli strike in Gaza City on Sunday.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, said this at a news briefing on Monday in New York

“These latest killings highlight the extreme risks journalists continue to face when covering the ongoing war.

“The Secretary-General calls for an independent and impartial investigation into these latest killings.”

Dujarric pointed out that at least 242 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began nearly three years ago.

“The Secretary-General underscores that journalists and media workers must be respected; they must be protected and they must be allowed to carry out their work freely, free from fear and free from harassment,” he said.

 Meanwhile, the number of children in Gaza who have died from malnutrition since October 2023 has surpassed 100, according to the Gazan health authorities, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said in an update.

More than a third of the population is not eating for days at a time, according to the UN World Food Population (WFP).  Furthermore, acute malnutrition is spiking, with over 300,000 children at severe risk.

This comes amidst a recent warning by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that a mere 1.5 per cent of cropland in the enclave remains both accessible and undamaged, “signaling a near-total collapse of the local production of food.”

On the aid front, the UN and its partners collected food and hygiene kits from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem border crossing on Wednesday.

“However, supplies were offloaded directly from these trucks before reaching their destination, given the extreme desperation pervasive in Gaza today,” OCHA said.

The agency stressed that people there “need a predictable lifeline – not a trickle of aid – so they do not feel they need to take desperate measures to survive.”

WFP said that just to cover basic humanitarian food assistance needs, more than 62,000 metric tonnes are required to enter Gaza every month, and so far, humanitarians have not been permitted to bring in enough supplies to support the population.

Humanitarians also collected fuel from the Kerem Shalom crossing on Wednesday.

Israel is allowing, on average, the entry of about 150,000 litres of fuel daily, which is still far below the minimum required. As a result, life-saving operations continue to be at risk.

The Palestine Civil Defence organisation has warned that more than half of their ambulances have stopped operating across Gaza due to the shortage of both fuel and spare parts.

“Israeli authorities must allow aid to enter through all crossings and via all available corridors so that humanitarians can deliver – at scale, in a safe and dignified manner – to reach the most vulnerable, including women, children and older people,” OCHA said.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Germany urges Israel to explain journalist deaths
Foreign

Germany urges Israel to explain journalist deaths

Explanation

Germany has called on Israel to provide a clear and transparent explanation following the killing of Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif and four of his colleagues in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City.

The demand came after the Qatar-based broadcaster announced that the journalists were killed when an Israeli airstrike struck a tent used by media workers.

“The killing of media personnel is absolutely inadmissible under international humanitarian law,” a spokesman for the German Foreign Office said on Monday.

“When such a killing occurs, as it has now, the party responsible must clearly and transparently explain why it was deemed necessary.”

The spokesman emphasised that Israel had yet to provide such an explanation.

If the Israeli military claims the strike targeted a specific individual, he added, it must also account for why five people were killed.

The Israeli military had confirmed the death of al-Sharif, alleging he was leading a Hamas “terrorist cell” while posing as a journalist.

The German Foreign Office reiterated that journalists must be protected under international law and that any removal of that protection must be thoroughly justified.

“Israel is now expected, from our perspective, to explain itself in the most transparent and comprehensible manner possible,” the spokesman said.

He also stressed the need for reporters in Gaza to be able to carry out their work “freely and safely.” (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Cecilia Odey/Abiemwense Moru

Ukraine envoy hails Nigeria’s support since war began
Foreign

Ukraine envoy hails Nigeria’s support since war began

By Maureen Okon

Mr Ivan Kholostenko, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, has lauded the Federal Government’s support since the Russian-Ukrainian war began on Feb. 24, 2022.

He urged continued international attention on the crisis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the envoy spoke on Sunday in Abuja at a private ceremony to open a condolence register for war victims.

The register followed recent alleged Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, which allegedly killed innocent people, including children.

It was the sixth time since April that the Ukrainian Embassy opened a condolence register to allow friends of Ukraine to show solidarity.

Kholostenko said Ukrainians were deeply grateful to Nigerians for their support.

“We know that Nigerians, like Ukrainians, understand the value of freedom,” he said.

Explaining the decision, the ambassador said it was part of a disturbing pattern and not an isolated act.

The embassy opened the register to allow Nigerian partners, friends, and the international community to express solidarity with Ukraine.

“We opened this condolence register to honour the memory of innocent victims of yet another massive act of Russian terror against Ukraine.

“The enemy deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, causing destruction and killing peaceful people, including children.

“Since April, the embassy has opened such a register six times in response to large-scale civilian casualties and attacks on both our state and shared humanity.

“The latest opening comes as UN data shows alarming civilian casualties.

“As of 31 May 2025, 13,341 civilian deaths were reported by the UN Human Rights Office due to Russia’s invasion since 2022.

“The UN has also documented thousands more injured civilians, with June 2025 recording the highest monthly toll in three years,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NIDO Americas president emphasises importance of preserving African heritage
Foreign

NIDO Americas president emphasises importance of preserving African heritage

By Fortune Abang

Dr Oluwatomiloba Ademokun, Vice-President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) South Savannah Chapter, has emphasised the importance of promoting wellness among women and girls to preserve the African heritage.

Ademokun, a Nigerian-American author, global public health diplomat and host of the Wellness Wahala Podcast, stressed the need during a virtual inauguration of the literary platform – “Wellness Wahala”.

The platform was hosted as part of Ademokun’s international book tour promoting the memoir titled, ”Wellness Wahala: Faith, Fire and Favour on Diplomatic Duty” designed to amplify voices of Nigerian diaspora authors.

According to her, the inspirational memoir chronicled a gripping journey from surviving bomb blasts and bureaucratic battles to finding divine restoration and purpose in life.

Ademokun said, “This memoir is not just a personal journey, it is a call to action for every African woman and youth to rise, reclaim their voice, and be proud of their heritage.

“It is important we preserve African heritage, promote wellness and celebrate the identity, and power of African women and girls globally.

“Proceeds from the book will fund humanitarian interventions, including scholarships for students in Nigeria and the diaspora through NIDOA South Savannah and the Reliable Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation.

“The memoir was birthed in pain, refined in fire and crowned with favour. I pray it inspires a new generation of warriors to rise strong in the face of Wahala.”

She revealed the book is currently available globally on Amazon, Kobo eBooks, Barnes & Noble, and in Nigeria via Selar: https://selar.com/51y81cxj19, saying the next tour include events in Atlanta, Abuja and Accra.

The book is structured around: Faith, which highlights spiritual endurance through delays and disappointments; Fire, revealing trials including diplomatic crises, illness, and betrayals; and Favour, celebrating redemption, resilience, and divine breakthroughs.

She described the literary debut as part of a broader effort to amplify Nigerian diaspora authors, with NIDOA featuring Yoruba Ayo traditional game demonstration, Afrobeat music and Nigerian fashion parade.

Others include interactive storytelling of African folktales, cultural trivia and giveaway prizes, as well as live readings from Wellness Wahala by the author.

The event attracted members of the African Diaspora, African-American community in the Chicago area, and community leaders to an afternoon of culture, storytelling, empowerment, and healing.

Illinois Governor Jay Pritzker, and that of Georgia, Brian Kemp, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas (NIDOA) youth ambassador, and NIDOA South Savannah President Mr Collins Ikegwuonu were present at the event.

The event, aimed at celebrating Nigerian resilience and diaspora excellence, featured cultural celebration of the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent at Richton Park Library in Illinois.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Tuggar reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to new visa regime
Foreign

Tuggar reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to new visa regime

By Fortune Abang

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, says Nigeria is committed to prioritising Identity Verification on Consular Services to bolster its new visa regime.

Tuggar disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a pitch presentation by ASFAAR, a visa and tour company, aimed at easing visa processing for Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu recently directed all federal agencies involved in consular and immigration matters to strictly comply with Nigeria’s international visa commitments.

This follows the adjustments in visa issuance policies being implemented by the U.S. government and the United Arab Emirates.

The Federal Government aims to enhance intergovernmental collaboration in verifying the identities of citizens applying for visas and other consular services abroad through the policy.

According to the minister, such policies affect Nigerian travellers, hence, there is the need for dependable access to visa applicants’ identity records.

Tuggar said, “The Federal Government’s policy, in collaboration with ASFAAR and Council on Biometric Data Verification Policy, is aimed at protecting the integrity of our citizens.

“The policy is in securing the visa application process and facilitating seamless travel, while safeguarding the sovereignty of all involved nations, which enjoys full inter-agency backing.

“The objective is to eliminate identity fraud and ensure that only genuinely vetted Nigerian applicants are issued visas over embassies and high commissions.”

He explained that this would also discourage the use of unauthorised third-party agents, who obtain and handle sensitive personal data outside government oversight, posing grave national and international security risks.

Tuggar added that this would enhance mutual accountability by allowing countries with a destination to verify applicants in real time, using Nigeria’s National Identification Number, as the primary reference point.

The minister said the technology was a verified platform operating under the ASFAAR system that was fully compliant with Nigerian data protection laws and global best practices.

He said that it would interface directly with Nigeria’s national identity infrastructure and validate the authenticity of an applicant’s information, encourage missions to work out modalities of assurance and visa refund policies.

“This is not merely a domestic regulation, it is a cooperative tool for mutual benefit. It will help embassies to process legitimate applications faster and reduce risks of visa applications.

“It will not only ensure Nigerians travelling abroad do so responsibly, legally and with dignity, but enhance security for all stakeholders by limiting overstays, trafficking, impersonation and visa abuse,” he said.

The Chairman/CEO, ASFAAR, Dr Jamil Hausawi, said the initiative would strengthen outboard travel management, reinforce visa integrity and enhance bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and friendly countries.

According to him, such is based on cooperative infrastructure created with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support transparency, efficiency and verification of Nigerian travellers going abroad.

“ASFAAR is not meant to replace consular procedures, but to support and enhance them.

“It is to provide secured access to verified applicant data, send real-time alerts and confirm identity use and biometrics,” he said.

He stressed that the U.S. Government officially communicated the new visa rules affecting Nigerian nationals as part of its global visa reciprocity review based on two key concerns.

These, he said, included high rates of visa overstay by Nigerians, and for more dependable access to applicants’ identity records.

He promised that ASFAAR would work in full compliance with Nigerian laws by ensuring that visa applicants data privacy and protection partnered relevant government and diplomatic missions to achieve set targets.

NAN reports that the event attracted participants from the Ministry of Aviation, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and diplomats, among others. (NAN) (www.nanneews.ng

Edited by Mark Longyen

ECOWAS Court delivers 634 judgments, rulings in 24-year span
Foreign

ECOWAS Court delivers 634 judgments, rulings in 24-year span

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice says it has delivered a total of 487 judgments and 147 rulings out of 748 cases filed before it since its inception in 2001.

The Community Court disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while giving an official update highlighting its 24-year judicial statistics and continued commitment to regional justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

According to the court, the figures underscore its pivotal role as the principal judicial organ for legal redress and human rights protection in the region.

While reinforcing its commitment to regional justice dispensation, the court emphasised that its judgments have had a profound impact across the West African subregion.

“At the end of July, 2025, the Court had delivered a total of 487 judgments and 147 rulings out of 748 cases filed before it since inception in 2001.

“Over the 24-year period, it has held 1,633 court sessions, considered 61 applications for revision of judgment, issued 66 orders, delivered 43 decisions on revisions of judgments, and rendered 8 advisory opinions.

“These figures underscore the Court’s pivotal role as the principal judicial organ for legal redress and human rights protection in the region,” it said in a statement.

The court noted that this year alone from January to July, it registered 34 new cases, delivered 42 judgments, and rendered three rulings across 79 court sessions.

It added that during this period, the court issued four orders and delivered one decision on an application for revision of judgment, while 112 cases were still pending before it.

The court further said that it received no requests for advisory opinions or applications although it continued to receive and register new cases within the said period.

It stressed that within the period under review, the court enriched regional jurisprudence and contributed to ensuring a just and more democratic West Africa.

“By holding member states accountable and providing redress for individuals and communities, the court has contributed to ensuring a more just and democratic region.

“Its jurisprudence has influenced national legal reforms, promoted institutional accountability, and empowered civil society actors to seek judicial redress.

“Under the leadership of Honourable President Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, the Court continues to exemplify the values of equity, fairness and justice for all across member states,” it added.

The Community Court also announced the start of its annual judicial recess, noting that full judicial activities would resume in September.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

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