NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
ECOWAS, Sahel states seal deal to collectively confront terrorism

ECOWAS, Sahel states seal deal to collectively confront terrorism

166 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it has secured an understanding with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to collectively confront terrorism and violent extremism in the subregion.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, disclosed this at the 94th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on Thursday in Abuja.

He said ECOWAS and the three Sahel States had also agreed on the need to sustain the gains of their various protocols on economic integration, development programmes and social cohesion.

Touray also said that the commission had resumed discussions on political transition in Guinea, and working to create the right environment for its citizens to determine their country’s political future.

He said: “On the issue of security and political stability, we have secured an understanding with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger on the need to work together to build confidence to collectively confront terrorism and violent extremism.

“We have also converged on the need to sustain the gains made under various ECOWAS protocols relating to economic integration, development programmes and social cohesion.

“With Guinea, discussions have resumed on political transition, and we are working to create the right environment for the people of Guinea to determine the political future of their country.”

The president of the commission, therefore, urged the council members to use their wisdom, collective engagement and regional solidarity to examine the issues and provide necessary orientation for accelerated regional integration and development.

Touray said the commission would present various memoranda to the council relating to progress made in the promotion of regional integration and development.

One of the memoranda, he said, was the outcome of the ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry, where the minister recently validated key regional instruments, including regional and continental issues relating to trade, industry and investment promotion.

He added that the ministers examined the question of non-tariff barriers within the framework of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He said the ministers also approved the bloc’s trade and investment promotion strategy, and urged member states to accelerate the ratification of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) fisheries subsidy agreement and AfCFTA.

“Non-tariff barriers have become obstacles to boosting regional trade, investment, industrialisation, competitiveness and economic growth of our region.

“Despite numerous initiatives, including the Presidential Task Force on Trade Liberation Scheme, the problems persist.

“The result of these and other efforts toward strengthening our regional market and economic integration will be presented to you in this session,” Touray added.

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman, ECOWAS Council of Ministers, said the two-day event represented a significant milestone in the bloc’s journey toward attaining economic integration.

He said it came at a time of critical reflection and decisive action, and a reminder to the founding reasons of ECOWAS, which was essentially the fight against neo-colonialism.

“This session should be defined not only by the depth of our deliberations but by the courage of our decisions. I encourage us all to engage in open, constructive and foresighted discussions.

“Let us draw on our diverse expertise, share best practices and work collaboratively to ensure that the decisions we make here will translate into meaningful outcomes for our member states and citizens of our community,” Tuggar said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which comprises ministers from each ECOWAS member state, is one of the main decision-making bodies of ECOWAS.

Its primary role is to make recommendations, mostly from ECOWAS Parliament resolutions to the Authority of Heads of State and Government, on any action aimed at achieving the bloc’s objectives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

IMF commends macroeconomic stability in Zimbabwe

IMF commends macroeconomic stability in Zimbabwe

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has hailed the macroeconomic stability prevailing in Zimbabwe, saying the country’s disciplined policies have helped stabilise the local Zimbabwean dollar currency and reduced inflation.

In a statement issued following a two-week mission to Zimbabwe, the IMF said the country’s growth this year is recovering following a sharp slowdown in 2024, which was affected by a drought that lowered agricultural output.

The organisation said, during the first half of 2025, better climate conditions and historically high gold prices had boosted agricultural and mining activity, which has contributed to the recovery, with growth projected at six per cent in 2025.

To support the Zimbabwean authorities’ stabilisation efforts, the IMF made several recommendations, including tightening the fiscal policy while safeguarding social spending and supporting a transition to a stable national currency.

The IMF added that it stands ready to resume discussions with Zimbabwe in due course on a requested Staff Monitored Programme once decisive steps have been taken by authorities to address key policy issues. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ummul Idris/Halima Sheji

Tuggar calls for strategic dialogue, more meaningful outcomes in ECOWAS

Tuggar calls for strategic dialogue, more meaningful outcomes in ECOWAS

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By Fortune Abang

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has reiterated the need for strategic dialogue that delivers more meaningful outcomes for ECOWAS Member States and their citizens.

Tuggar, who is the host minister and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, disclosed this during the two-day 94th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held on Thursday in Abuja.

The two-day session which ends on Friday, is centred on tackling issues that border on non-tariff barriers and facilitate economic exchange across the ECOWAS region

Tuggar said, “The session comes at a time of critical reflection and decisive action, to remind ourselves of founding reasons of ECOWAS and other African Regional Economic Communities, essentially the fight against neo-colonialism. 

“It has become necessary, whenever the opportunity arises, to remind ourselves that ECOWAS and Regional Integration in Africa was borne out of our yearning for economic decolonisation and not the other way round.

Over course of our deliberations, we will consider and reflect wide range of reports, and proposals, concentrating on thematic and sectoral matters that are central to the development and stability of our region. 

“These include critical issues related to economic integration, infrastructure development, health, education, agriculture and manifold institutional matters aimed at strengthening our community.”

The minister underscored the need for strategic integration processes that were extensive and multifaceted, to reflect the complex realities of the region.   

He urged the council to approach such discussions with an ethos of collegiality, compromise, and flexibility, guided by a broader vision of a strong, united, and resilient regional economic community.

“This session should be defined not only by the depth of our deliberations, but also by the courage of our decisions. I encourage us all to engage in open, constructive and foresighted discussions.

“Let us draw on our diverse expertise, share best practices and work collaboratively to ensure the decisions we make here will translate into meaningful outcomes for our member states and the citizens of our community,” he said. 

He revealed the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), an initiative by President Bola Tinubu, scheduled to hold from Friday to Saturday in Abuja, would bolster private enterprise’s participation as the bonafide regional development partners. 

According to him, this will draw participants from private and public sectors, policy makers, national and regional regulatory agencies, domestic and international investors, development financial institutions, banks and startups.

Earlier, the President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, called for holistic approach in tackling issues that bordered on non-tariff barriers, in the bid to facilitate economic exchange across the region.

He decried the non-tariff barriers to often pose difficulty for advancing trade within the region, saying more needed to be done to achieve meaningful growth.

He said although ECOWAS institutions continued to pursue mandates towards integration and development of the region, more should be done to tackle regional and continental issues relating to trade, industry and investment promotion. 

Touray said, “The ministers examined the question of Non-Tariff Barriers within the framework of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the AfCFTA

“Non-tariff barriers have become a perennial obstacle to boosting regional trade, investment, industrialisation, competitiveness, and economic growth in our region.

“Despite numerous initiatives — including the Presidential Task Force on the Trade Liberalisation Scheme — the problem persists.

“In May, I travelled by road from Lagos to Cotonou to see the situation along the regional corridor and joint border post established at the Seme/Krake border between Nigeria and Benin.

“And saw firsthand challenges posed by non-tariff barriers along the corridor.

“We must do everything to put an end to this and facilitate economic exchange across the region,” Touray said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

FG finalises evacuation of Nigerians in Israel, Iran

FG finalises evacuation of Nigerians in Israel, Iran

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By Fortune Abang

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in Israel and Iran, as tensions escalate between the two countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

The statement comes in the wake of ongoing calls by the ministry for a cessation of hostilities in the conflict, now in its seventh day, as part of efforts to promote peace between both nations.

Tuggar stated that, in response to the worsening crisis, the government was finalising arrangements for the emergency evacuation of Nigerians stranded in Israel and Iran.

He urged all affected Nigerian citizens to adhere to necessary security protocols and to contact the nearest Nigerian foreign mission for registration and further instructions.

The minister commended the efforts of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in Tel Aviv and Tehran for their dedication and commitment in reaching out to the Nigerian community during the difficult period.

“The government remains committed to the safety and welfare of all its citizens, both at home and abroad,” Tuggar said.

He added that the government was working closely with relevant international partners and local authorities to ensure proper coordination for the timely and secure evacuation of Nigerians in affected areas.

In the same vein, the government renewed its call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties involved to embrace dialogue, respect international humanitarian law, and prioritise the protection of civilians.

Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong support for peaceful conflict resolution and reiterated the country’s longstanding commitment to regional and global peace and stability. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Abiemwense Moru

U.S. visa restrictions ‘ll harm trade relations with W/Africa — Tuggar

U.S. visa restrictions ‘ll harm trade relations with W/Africa — Tuggar

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By Mark Longyen

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, says the U.S.’ plan to apply visa restrictions on ECOWAS countries is tantamount to creating “non-tariff barriers” that will harm trade relations with West Africa.

Tuggar, who is the Chairman, ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) made this known at the 54th Ordinary Session of the MSC at the Ministerial Level in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, recently announced a list 36 countries under the country’s visa scrutiny, many of them being ECOWAS members.

According to the new visa proposal, the affected countries are given a 60-day window to meet new visa requirements or face potential travel bans.

Tuggar, who criticised the proposed policy, warned that it could significantly hinder trade, diplomacy, and regional prosperity between the U.S. and West Africa.

He emphasised that ECOWAS is a region of opportunities with critical resources, and such restrictions would amount to mounting “non-tariff barriers” to potential deals and partnerships between them and the U.S.

“It would, therefore, be a remiss of me if I did not mention the apparent recent decision by the Government of the United States to include all ECOWAS countries in its visa restrictions (Togo was on an earlier list).

“This would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass, because we are a region of opportunities ready to do deals.

“We possess critical minerals and even rare earths such as Samarium from the Monazite found in my home State of Bauchi,” he said.

The minister stressed that ECOWAS member states would like to do deals with the U.S., but noted that visa restrictions were synonymous with slamming non-tarriff barriers to any deals with them.

He also said that West African countries had been part of the international trading system even before the modern state system.

“ECOWAS countries and the U.S. have a rare opportunity to create a partnership based on principles of need.

“We are also a strategic alternative to more distant and politically divergent energy producers. So, we will do deals for our prosperity.

“The only question is with whom? Who takes up the opportunities in our region by allowing government officials and technocrats, business executives and entrepreneurs to travel freely back and forth to close the deals?” He asked.

Earlier in an opening address, Dr Omar Touray, ECOWAS Commission President, expressed delight that the MSC was holding at a critical juncture of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, still standing strong amid challenges.

He said that for more than 25 years, the MSC had contributed immensely to the security and stability of the region, through its numerous sessions.

Touray said that the session was to enable the council to present to participants the political and security situation in the region, including trends and developments.

“We will update on the transition process in Guinea and the negotiation process between ECOWAS and Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

“We will be updating you on maritime security in our region, as well as terrorism and transnational organised crime.

“We will also be presenting the outcome of the assessments of our Missions in the Gambia and Bissau,” he said.

The commission’s president said that ECOWAS had also made progress in strengthening the subregion’s regional peace and security architecture.

He said that ECOWAS would present a memoranda to the MSC on its Standby Force Logistics Concept and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot Policies.

Touray said that ECOWAS would also present a memoranda on the Supplementary Act relating to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) Regional Platform.

He said ECOWAS would also give updates on regional National Early Warning and Response centres, humanitarian situation, and measures against money laundering and financing of terrorism.

“These memoranda outline the key activities of the institutions on strengthening further the instruments of our response to peace and security challenges in region,” he said.

Touray further said that after some difficult time over the last two years, ECOWAS had successfully changed the narrative on the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, who recently withdrew from the bloc.

He said that ECOWAS had started direct talks with them toward safeguarding the community’s achievements and building a realistic, fruitful future cooperation in various areas including security and development.

According to him, ECOWAS has improved communication with the exited countries with the view to mitigating the effects of “mis and dis information,” and put in place mechanisms to project its views to the world.

“This is significant as fake news have contributed to the complications of our security and political environment in recent years,” he added.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Dutch govt unveils guidelines to limit smartphone use among children

Dutch govt unveils guidelines to limit smartphone use among children

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The Dutch government has released its official guidelines aimed at limiting children’s use of smartphones and social media.

The new guidelines recommend that children under 15 avoid social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to promote healthy and responsible screen.

Additionally, it advises delaying smartphone use until age 11 to 12 final year of primary school.

The guidelines were introduced by State Secretary for Youth, Prevention and Sport, Vincent Karremans, who warned of the growing risks linked to excessive screen exposure.

“Social media can be fun and connecting, but it’s addictive nature also has a significant dark side,” Karremans said.

“Nearly 13 per cent of young people are at risk of problematic social media use.”

The guidelines provide age-specific recommendations for parents and educators.

It said that for children under two years old, screen exposure is entirely discouraged.

While for adolescents aged 12 and above, daily screen time should be limited to not more than three hours.

Although the guidelines are not legally binding, the government plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign later this summer to support parents in navigating the digital environment with their children.

The publication follows growing concern among Dutch parents and experts.

The parents of more than 30,000 children, through the organisation Smartphonevrij Opgroeien Nederland (Growing up Smartphone-Free Netherlands), sent an open letter to the government in May, urging a clear age limits on children’s use of smartphones and social media.

The letter was endorsed by over 3,000 experts and professionals in medicine and education.

In addition to releasing the guidelines, the Dutch government is calling for greater European cooperation, urging efforts to strengthen digital legislation-particularly through effective implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA).

It is also advocating for uniform age standards for social media use across Europe, in order to simplify compliance and enhance enforcement. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Malaysia, Vietnam to sign MoU on tourism cooperation

Malaysia, Vietnam to sign MoU on tourism cooperation

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Malaysia and Vietnam will sign a tourism partnership agreement designed to boost Vietnamese tourists’ confidence in Malaysia while promoting Malaysian destinations in Vietnam’s travel market.

The memorandum envisages joint promotional campaigns, streamlined visa facilitation, and infrastructure development within the BRICS+ framework.

This is reported by Pretoria News, a partner of the TV BRICS.

The memorandum outlines joint promotional campaigns and the exchange of information on travel opportunities in both countries, covering beach holidays, cultural routes, and medical tourism.

Ministerial talks are also underway to facilitate visa processes, improve infrastructure, and attract investment in the hotel sector.

The agreement aligns with Malaysia’s BRICS partnership strategy, reinforcing ties within the Global South, fostering regional cooperation, and encouraging cultural exchange. (TV BRICS/NAN) 

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed/Emmanuel Yashim

ECOWAS solicits collaborative regional response to tackle plastic pollution

ECOWAS solicits collaborative regional response to tackle plastic pollution

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By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is soliciting coordinated collaborative regional response from member states to tackle plastic pollution which it has identified as a “transboundary challenge”.

Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, ECOWAS Commissioner, Economic Affairs and Agriculture, said this at the World Environment Day celebration on Tuesday in Abuja with the theme: “Together, We Can Beat Plastic Pollution.”

Represented by Mr Bernard Koffi, ECOWAS Ag. Director, Environment and Natural Resources, she described the challenge of plastic pollution as a “global, regional and national crisis.”

She affirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to addressing the persistent challenges of plastic pollution by adopting the 2023 Regulation C/REG.17/12/23 on plastics management.

According to her, tackling the challenges requires member states to harmonise regulations on plastic products and adopt best practices in plastic waste management.

She stated that ECOWAS is prepared to support member states to harmonise environmental standards and promote green industrialisation.

Toure-Litse, therefore, urged member states to address the menace of plastic pollution collectively and urgently, adding that ECOWAS Vision 2050 identified environmental sustainability as a pillar of inclusive development.

“There is growing recognition that plastic pollution is a transboundary problem that requires a coordinated regional response.

“Tackling plastic pollution is a test of our resolve to act together, as governments, private sector actors, civil society, and citizens.

“To this end, a draft regional plastics management plan has been developed with support from the World Bank,” she said.

She said that the theme for this year’s celebration, which coincided with ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, resonated deeply with regional priorities.

“It is fitting that in this landmark year, we reaffirm our commitment to a clean, resilient, and sustainable environment for future generations,” Toure-Litse said.

She further disclosed that West Africa generated nearly 8 million metric tonnes of plastic waste yearly, noting that it would rise by 52 per cent in five years’ time.

Toure-Litse said more than 80 per cent of plastic waste was poorly managed in West Africa, and this adversely affected human health, ecosystems and blue-economy sectors such as fishing and tourism.

The commissioner, however, noted that the challenge was not insurmountable because innovative approaches were already underway across the entire West African subregion.

She listed such approaches to include the scaling up of circular economy initiatives by Ghana and Nigeria, and   plastic bag bans and extended producer responsibility frameworks introduced by Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.

“We call upon all stakeholders in the region to invest in eco-innovation and plastic alternatives; and support community-led waste management solutions.

“They should also strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations; and foster youth-driven climate action, because the future belongs to them.

“The ECOWAS Commission remains resolutely committed to working alongside member states to beat plastic pollution,” she added.

Also speaking, Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, said the event’s theme resonated with a global urgency that cannot be overstated because plastic pollution was an environmental, economic, and public health crisis.

“Every minute, plastic waste is being dumped into our oceans, rivers, and drainage systems, endangering wildlife and contributing to flooding in our urban centres.

“Like many other nations, Nigeria faces significant challenges in managing plastic waste, and we are taking decisive steps to address plastic pollution at all levels.

“This is a fight for the preservation of our ecosystems, the future of our children, and the survival of our dear planet,” the minister said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Environment Day, an annual event that is celebrated globally, was jointly organised by ECOWAS and the Ministry of Environment.(NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

UAE strengthens global leadership in metrology to drive innovation

UAE strengthens global leadership in metrology to drive innovation

188 total views today

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday said it is reinforcing its global standing in the science of measurement or metrology as a drive to sustainable growth.

According to the UAE, this step is the cornerstone of its national strategy to build a knowledge-based economy fueled by innovation, advanced technology, and international quality standards.

This is reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

The new initiatives are aimed at creating high-tech laboratories in strategic sectors of the economy, the government said.

As part of its mission, the UAE says it is implementing a portfolio of advanced national projects aimed at enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and global recognition of UAE-based measurement systems.

According to official data, these initiatives focus on establishing high-tech laboratories across strategic sectors of the economy.

Key projects include the mass, volume and flow laboratory to support industrial and commercial measurement systems.

It also includes electricity, time and frequency laboratories to guarantee the precision of measurements in the energy, telecommunications and defence sectors.

The other is the length and angles laboratory to serve construction and precision engineering industries.

According to the data, further facilities in development include laboratories for thermal and humidity measurements supporting environmental and industrial applications.

It also includes the development of a force, pressure and torque laboratory to ensure accuracy in infrastructure, and the oil and gas operations.

According to the source, a feasibility study is also underway to establish a National Chemical Metrology Laboratory that will benefit healthcare, food safety and environmental monitoring. (Tv Brics/NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed/Deborah Coker

Zimbabwe advances knowledge-driven industrialisation with strategic China partnership

Zimbabwe advances knowledge-driven industrialisation with strategic China partnership

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Zimbabwe has called on Chinese investors and partners aligned with China’s global development vision to help accelerate its transition to a knowledge-based, resource-driven industrial economy.

Prof. Amon Murwira, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, outlined the policy shift,  according to a report by The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS.

“Zimbabwe is open for business. Under this transformative vision, we are ready to engage and foster robust socio-economic partnerships with the People’s Republic of China,” Murwira said.

The Zimbabwean foreign minister reaffirmed the strong diplomatic and economic ties between Zimbabwe and China, which have been elevated to “five-star ironclad” status, signifying a deepened strategic alliance and shared development objectives.

This elevation follows the consensus reached between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Xi Jinping during their meeting in September 2024.

To facilitate deeper economic cooperation, Murwira highlighted several bilateral frameworks already in place.

These include a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and Memoranda of Understanding on economic development cooperation, trade facilitation, and investment coordination.

These instruments aim to improve regulatory clarity, streamline procedures, and enhance investor confidence.

Officials also detailed plans to establish a vertically integrated industrial cluster that includes coal mining, power generation, and steel production.

The goal is to create the largest and most advanced metallurgical hub in Africa. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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