NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

Senegal tasks ECOWAS countries on investment promotion

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By Mark Longyen

Senegal has urged Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to step up measures that would promote and attract foreign investments to their respective countries.

Ms Fama Fall from Senegal’s Directorate of Foreign Trade, Investment and Development, made the call in a presentation at the ECOWAS Common Investment Market (ECIM) Technical Committee Council meeting in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised for member states to evaluate regional investment climate and share their knowledge of cross-border investment promotion and efforts.

It also aimed to focus on interrogating policy decisions that would attract both intra-ECOWAS and extra-ECOWAS investment flows, which would trigger subregional economic integration and development.

Fall, who first reviewed Senegal’s investment climate and investment policy reforms over the past three years, also highlighted its investment promotion, facilitation, monitoring, dispute settlement and bilateral agreement efforts.

She disclosed that Senegal’s foreign direct investment hit 2.58 billion dollars in 2022, and 2.64 billion dollars in 2023, when government deliberately put in place some measures to attract foreign investment.

According to her, the country’s strategic sectors include agriculture; information and communication technologies; construction; health; tourism; as well as oil and gas, which all have potential to attract more investment.

“France is the biggest investor in Senegal, but more and more, new investors are coming from other horizons.

“From China (peanuts, industrial products, public works, etc.); Turkey (public works); and the United Arab Emirates (mainly for gold), not to mention countries like Morocco, Indonesia and the United States of America.

“Senegal currently has seven officially-created SEZs (Special Economic Zones), three of which are operational and four under development,” she said.

Fall said the Senegalese government had also set up a legal framework to attract, enhance, facilitate, promote and monitor investments in the country.

She listed the legal frameworks as the Codes on Mining, Oil, Electricity, Customs, Building, General Tax, French Public Procurement, Local Content Law, Public-Private Partnerships.

Others include the ECOWAS Common Investment Code, ECOWAS Energy Protocol, Pan-African Investment Code, FTAA Protocol on Investment, and the Trade and Investment Agreement between the U.S. Government and ECOWAS.

“Senegal has signed several bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with Turkey; India; Spain; France; Mauritius; Italy; Malaysia; South Africa; Qatar; Argentina; Republic of Korea; Tunisia; United States of America; Romania; United Kingdom; Netherlands; Sweden, Germany; Switzerland; Canada; Tunisia; and UNCTAD.

“It is important to note that the new FTAA Protocol on Investment provides for the lapse of all BITs between African countries as soon as the Protocol is adopted.

“On the other hand, BITs signed with non-African countries remain in force insofar as they are not incompatible with the provisions of the AfCFTA Investment Protocol,” Fall further said.

She explained that the latter’s provisions prevail in the event of conflict with BITs signed with countries that have now become third parties vis-à-vis African countries.

The Senegalese official recommended to member states some regional measures aimed at supporting investment promotion and attraction, such as the improvement of coordination and governance of investment management.

Fall suggested the publishing of an annual report on regional investment monitoring, with statistical data on investment flows in ECOWAS.

“Member countries should overhaul their investment governance, particularly with regard to coordination between administrative departments responsible for investment management.

“Each country should complete the “last mile” of transport infrastructure linking all ECOWAS countries.

“Member states should adopt a resolution for the holding of a mandatory ECIM ministerial meeting on the occasion of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary,” she added.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Foreign

ECOWAS Court President, others hail retiring colleagues for impactful career

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By Mark Longyen

Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, President, ECOWAS Court of Justice, and others, have commended the court’s officials, who are mandatorily retiring this year, for their impactful career and bequeathing indelible legacies.

Gonçalves stated this at a ceremony organised by the court in honour of four of its departing employees, who are retiring after many years of meritorious service to the institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retiring staff are Dr Athanase Atannon, the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar and Dr William Towah, the Director of Administration and Finance.

Others are Mr Félicien Hounkanrin, the acting Head of the Court’s Communication Services, and Mr Iliyas Jonah, an Office Aide attached to a judge’s office.

The court’s president noted that all the retiring staffers made indelible impact on the institution and their office colleagues, stressing that it would be hard to replace them.

“Each of you leaves an indelible mark on this institution, both through your professional results and, above all, through the way you have left an impact on the people around you.

“Your wisdom and patience will continue to guide and inspire your colleagues. Your example and spirit of dedication will surely be a source of inspiration for many of us.

“The moment we share here today is also one of reflection. It is true that there is no one irreplaceable in this life but it will take years until we have someone with your experience and know-how,” he said.

Gonçalves further said that the road ahead might not be easy, particularly because their exit coincided with the difficult financial, social and security situation which ECOWAS was currently going through.

He said that in almost fifty years of its existence, for the first time, ECOWAS was faced, at one stroke, with the departure of three countries, with all the consequences that might result.

“However, we believe that our political decision-makers will know how to take advantage of this moment to carry out a profound reflection on the path taken and what is intended for our Community in the next fifty years.

“The path will still have challenges to be overcome, now focusing specifically on our Institution, if we consider that we will soon announce the recruitment competition for new employees.

“For this phase that is about to begin, it is our institution’s duty to firmly commit to excellence, rigor, and individual merit,” Gonçalves added.

Earlier in a remark of welcome, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the court’s Chief Registrar, said the retiring employees made a lasting impact on the court and colleagues through their dedication, passion and hard work.

He urged everyone to reflect on the remarkable contributions, which the outgoing employees made throughout their career, especially the moments they shared, touched colleagues’ lives, wisdom imparted, and relationships built.

“Your influence has been immeasurable, and while we will certainly miss you in the office, we know this new chapter will bring you exciting adventures and much-deserved rest.

“Let’s make today a reflection of the joy and success you’ve brought to all of us, and let’s celebrate you, your achievements, your journey and all that lies ahead,” he said.

Mr Ghislain Agbozo, staff representative at the event, in a goodwill message, said that it was fitting that the conclusion of one’s career should be marked with both joy and gratitude.

He said that the significance of the ceremony was to enable them pay tribute and gratitude to their retiring colleagues.

Mr Félicien Hounkanrin, one of the retirees, said that he was happy to retire after about twenty years of contributing to the development of the court with great impact.

The court’s outgoing spokesman said that he witnessed the evolution of the court and its achievements, especially the role which the judges played in strengthening the rule of law, democracy and justice.

“My advice to the people we’re leaving behind is that they too should contribute to the court’s success, and to know that the time will come when they will also go for their retirement.

“We did what we could do best but because of budget constraints, there are so many things we could not do. But we hope that in the years coming, they will get the funds to extend our activities.

“My wish is that those three countries that withdrew from ECOWAS would come back to their senses and rejoin the other 12 member countries so that the region will be more interesting and attractive,” he said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by prominent guests like the court’s Vice-President, Justice Sengu Koroma; Justice Gberi-Be Ouattara, and Justice Dupe Atoki, among others.

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foreign

Touray tasks ECOWAS media excellence award jury on thorough job

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By Mark Longyen

ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, has urged members of the jury, who are assessing various entries submitted by journalists for ECOWAS’ 50th Anniversary Media Excellence Award to do a thorough job.

Touray gave the charge at the opening ceremony and commencement of deliberations of the ECOWAS Media Excellence Awards 2025 Jury Deliberation Meeting, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event with the theme: “50 Years of ECOWAS – Honouring the Voices That Tell Our Story,” is the maiden edition of the awards.

He reminded the members that their inclusion in the jury was a testament to their dedication, expertise, and commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism in the subregion.

Represented by Mr Mambureh Njie, his Special Advisor on Economic Affairs, Touray said the awards were not mere accolades but part of a legacy, which ECOWAS was building for the next 50 years in West Africa.

“As you undertake this responsibility, I encourage you to uphold the highest standards of evaluation guided by the principles of objectivity, impartiality and let merit lead the way.

“You should painstakingly assess and approach each entry with fairness, consistency and regional perspective to honour contributions that uphold ECOWAS’ shared values.

“Ethical responsibilities reward journalism rooted in truth and integrity. Excellence in craft recognises storytelling that informs, inspires and transforms,” he said.

Touray noted that over the last 50 years, the media had been a strong partner and pillar in ECOWAS’ journey toward promoting democracy, good governance, peace, security, and regional integration.

He said that as ECOWAS marked 50 years of existence, it was only proper to recognise and celebrate journalists who reported its challenges, championed its successes, and gave it a voice.

“The ECOWAS Media Excellence Award, launched as part of our golden jubilee celebration, is more than a recognition of journalistic achievement.

“It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering a free, dynamic, and responsible media landscape, which promotes regional integration, democratic governance.

“One which promotes a free, dynamic, and responsible media landscape and celebrate those who report with integrity, accuracy, and courage,” he said.

Speaking earlier on behalf of other members, Mr Abdoulie Gassama, the chairman of the jury, promised to approach the task before them with diligence, impartiality, and deep respect for the work.

Gassama said that the responsibility of being tasked with recognising and celebrating journalists who demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and commitment to their craft was very significant.

“We all dedicated our careers to holding the highest standards of journalistic integrity, creativity, creative excellence, and impactful storytelling.

“The submissions we are about to review represent the best of media industry. They showcase the power of media to inform, inspire, and challenge.

“They demonstrate the dedication of journalists, producers, and content creators to bring important stories to the light, to foster dialogue, and to uphold power to account,” he said.

Gassama said that the core principles that would guide the jury’s assessment of the entries for the awards would be impact, integrity, innovation, accuracy, fairness, ethics and craftsmanship conduct.

Mr Joel Ahofodji, ECOWAS spokesman, in an opening remark, explained that the jury was responsible for examining, assessing, and selecting the best submissions in each category: television, radio, print, online, and photography.

He said that the jury would also ensure that selection process was fair, transparent, free of any conflict of interest, respect the confidentiality of the deliberations and suggest the modalities  for future regulations of the award.

NAN reports that the jury comprises Gassama from Gambia as chairman alongside Paul Douakoutche from Benin; Ms Filomena Silva from Cape Verde; and Mr Bamba Mafoumgbe from Ivory Coast as members.

Other members are Dr Ibrahim Awal from Ghana; Mrs Yemi Kolapo from Nigeria; Dr Adrienne Diop from Senegal, who is a former spokesperson of the ECOWAS Commission.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foreign

ECOWAS @50: Activist on 50-day celebration journey arrives in Cotonou

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By Mark Longyen

A Nigerian activist, Mr Bishir Dauda, who has embarked on a 50-day celebration road trip across West Africa to mark ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary on Tuesday, arrived in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ECOWAS, founded on May 28, 1975, to foster subregional economic integration and political unity, is celebrating its 50th anniversary on May 28.

Dauda had earlier announced in an interview with NAN that the journey, which he intended to begin on April 1, was his unique way of celebrating ECOWAS’ golden jubilee.

The Pan-Africanist said in a statement from the country’s capital that his first port of call was the ECOWAS Resident Representative’s office, where he was received by officials on arrival.

He said that, thereafter, he had a robust interactive discussion with representatives of activists, youth groups, and ordinary citizens of the country, bordering on ECOWAS’ 50 years of achievements and challenges.

“Generally, the people commended ECOWAS for recording tangible achievements, especially in the areas of free movement of persons and goods, harmonisation of trade tariffs, boosting tourism, sporting events, humanitarian support, peace-keeping missions, and strengthening democracy and good governance.

“They also appreciate ECOWAS’ efforts in crises management within its member states, especially how it has been coping with the Sahel states, which recently withdrew their membership from the bloc,” he said.

Dauda stated that the Beninese citizens, however, identified some key challenges they perceived as threats to ECOWAS.

These, he said, include unconstitutional change of government, illegal tenure elongation by some West African heads of government and state, electoral fraud and irregularities, breaching ECOWAS treaties and protocols, lack of democracy, and weak governance in member-states.

Others are external manipulation, inadequate funding, and failure to achieve the ECOWAS Common Currency (ECO), among others.

“The people recommended that ECOWAS should continue to pursue policies and programmes that will strengthen unity and cooperation amongst its member states.

“They demanded that the launching of the ECO should be achieved by 2027 as promised by ECOWAS.

“The citizens also called on ECOWAS to continue pursuing dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, while urging the Sahel states to re-consider their decision, and return to ECOWAS, in the interest of African unity, cooperation and integration,” Dauda said.

Dauda further said that the citizens also recommended that ECOWAS should continue to uphold and enforce its Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and all other treaties.

He said they also called on ECOWAS to develop more programmes and initiatives targeting youth, women, and people with disabilities.

The activist said the citizens also wanted the ECOWAS Standby Force to become fully operational to address the major security threats facing West Africa, such as terrorism, insurgency, and several armed conflicts.

He said that many citizens supported ECOWAS’ gigantic projects, such as the Lagos-Abidjan Highway and the West African Power Pool.

“The community citizens have underscored the imperative of maintaining peace and enjoined stakeholders in West Africa to be ambassadors of peace.

“Many of the citizens have expressed their preference to a democratic system of government in which citizens have the power to choose or remove their leaders,” he said.

Dauda, the Executive Director, Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiatives, an NGO, says ECOWAS’ monumental achievements under 50 years amid formidable challenges motivated him to embark on the celebration solidarity journey. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foreign

ECOWAS urges investment agencies to tap diaspora remittances

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By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged Investment Promotion Agencies of West Africa (IPAWAS) to explore the use of diaspora remittances for infrastructure development in their respective countries.

ECOWAS Director of Private Sector, Dr Tony Elumelu, made this call during a meeting of the IPAWAS Technical Committee in Abuja.

Elumelu said that West Africa’s huge infrastructure deficit could be addressed if regional investment agencies collaborated with government institutions to channel diaspora remittances into infrastructure projects.

“Leveraging these remittances could help bridge the region’s massive infrastructure gap, especially considering the increasing financial pressures on ECOWAS member states,” he said.

He highlighted that, according to World Bank records, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal received approximately 28 billion dollars in diaspora remittances in 2024.

“These three West African nations rank among the top ten recipients of diaspora remittances in Africa.

“This inflow has become a critical external funding source, surpassing both official development assistance and foreign direct investment”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GIZ, the German international development agency, also made a presentation at the meeting on unlocking sustainable development opportunities in West Africa.

GIZ emphasised the need for new strategic initiatives to enhance regional investment and cooperation and strengthening regional value chains to improve economic resilience.

The meeting was preceded by a capacity-building programme organised by ECOWAS for members of the IPAWAS Technical Committee.

Delegates and resource persons from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reviewed and adopted capacity-building modules and training schedules for ECOWAS member states.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO

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By Mark Longyen

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has pledged to partner the Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) to publicise the activities of the ECOWAS Parliament, particularly its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director of the agency, made the pledge when the leadership of the association paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

Ali expressed appreciation to the association’s officials for deeming it worthy to pay him a courtesy visit, stressing that as Africa’s biggest news content provider, NAN was home to all.

“For deeming it worthy to come and pay us this courtesy call, the agency is appreciative.

“We hope that it will help the Parliament achieve its goals, and raise awareness, like you said, about its activities.

“On our part, the News Agency of Nigeria, like you know, is Africa’s biggest news content provider,” he said.

According to the NAN Chief Executive Officer, the agency is the most authentic and biggest news hub in Africa, with a domineering influence and reach within the West African subregion.

“So, with an association like this, certainly in the News Agency of Nigeria, you find a soulmate, a fellow traveler.

“So, you’re welcome. We look forward to partnering and doing more, and the News Agency of Nigeria is your home,” he said.

Speaking earlier, AWALCO President, Mr Innocent Odoh, explained that the purpose of the visit was to seek the collaboration and support of NAN, as the indisputable leader in terms of news credibility reportage, and viability.

He said that ECOWAS Parliament would be marking its 25th anniversary on Nov. 16 and a series of activities had been lined up for it.

Odoh said that AWALCO, being the association of the parliament’s press corps, was fully involved in it by way of planning to give the occasion a media and publicity glitze.

He said this would help to propagate the ideals of ECOWAS in general, and ECOWAS Parliament in particular, and make the objectives of ECOWAS Commission and Parliament known globally, starting from the subregion.

“In terms of viability, if we talk about the repository of news in all ramifications, in all dimensions, I think the News Agency of Nigeria comes first before any other one.

“So, what we are doing is in line with the media advocacy that we are projecting for the ECOWAS Parliament at 25.

“We can see that if the collaboration with NAN takes off as we planned it, I think it will go a long way in expanding the vision of the association,” he said.

The AWALCO president further said that the partnership would determine how the regional bloc is run, especially at a time  that so many things about ECOWAS needed to be interrogated.

“That is why we’re here, to seek that collaboration, to seek that support, how we can deepen that collaboration to ensure that the citizens of the Parliament understand what is happening around them.

“ECOWAS has a vision of 2050 but many people may not be aware of it, but collaborations like this can open up an opportunity for people to understand the vision of ECOWAS,” he added.

Mrs Uche Duru, Chief Communication Officer, ECOWAS Parliament, who was part of the delegation, in a remark, extended greetings from ECOWAS Parliament Speaker and Secretary-General to Ali and NAN’s management.

She explained that AWALCO was her brain child and the parliament’s official press corps, which was created to reposition the parliament’s media coverage.

The spokesperson for the parliament said the association was beyond Nigeria, as its membership encompassed the entire West Africa, including even from member states that were threatening to exit or had already exited.

“Permit me at this juncture also to talk briefly about NAN and how NAN has been giving us coverage. It’s been a wonderful journey.

“So, as far as Nigeria is concerned, NAN is our first port of call, so we can express our appreciation of the work that we’ve done so far.

“I want to convey that we’re most grateful to have NAN very, very actively involved in the work of Parliament,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Foreign

ECOWAS@50: Man embarks on 50-day celebration road trip across W/Africa

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By Mark Longyen

A 40-year-old Nigerian, Bishir Dauda, plans a 50-day advocacy and solidarity journey across West African countries to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.

Dauda announced his initiative in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Dauda is a pro-democracy activist, human rights defender, Pan-Africanist, and Executive Director of Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiatives, a non-governmental organisation.

He described the journey as his unique way of honouring ECOWAS’ golden jubilee.

The Pan-Africanist highlighted ECOWAS’ remarkable achievements over the past five decades, emphasising the organisation’s resilience and unity  in spite of significant challenges.

According to him, any institution that has endured for 50 years while positively impacting nearly 400 million people deserves recognition.

“Over the past 50 years, ECOWAS has transformed from a mere international organisation into a dynamic community with strong institutions and tangible achievements that continue to benefit the region.

“One major milestone worth celebrating is the removal of visa restrictions, which has facilitated free movement across member states.

“This has boosted trade, education, tourism, and other activities.

“As a citizen of the ECOWAS community, I see this advocacy journey as an opportunity to express my appreciation for the organization’s contributions over the past five decades,” he said.

Dauda, who hails from Nigeria’s North-West state of Katsina, and a graduate of History from the Umaru Yar’Adua University, disclosed that he would begin the journey on April 1, from Lagos State, Nigeria.

Dauda is also canvassing for the return of Sahel states to ECOWAS bloc.

The activist said that during his journey, he would engage with ordinary citizens in the countries he visits, gathering their thoughts on ECOWAS and its achievements.

“I will also use this opportunity to debunk the false narrative being spread by some that ECOWAS is merely a puppet of Western powers,” he said.

Dauda added that he would visit key ECOWAS projects, including the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) in Lomé, and the West African Power Pool (WAPP) in Cotonou.

He hopes to also visit the Abidjan-Lagos Highway project, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan.

As a committed Pan-Africanist, Dauda noted that he would also urge fellow West Africans to appeal to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to reconsider their recent withdrawal from ECOWAS.

“I will use this advocacy journey to call on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to rethink and reverse their decision to leave ECOWAS.

“Anyone who is truly passionate about African unity and integration will hope to see these countries return to the bloc.

“Part of my mission is to send a message to their military governments, urging them to reconsider because regional integration is crucial for our collective progress,” he said.

Dauda also revealed that the journey was entirely self-funded, with no financial support from any individual or organisation.

According to him, he plans to document his experiences and insights from the trip in a book, aiming to contribute to the advancement of Pan-Africanism.

NAN recalls that ECOWAS, founded on May 28, 1975, to promote economic integration and political unity in the subregion, has lined up various activities ahead of its 50th-anniversary celebrations in May.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Foreign

SMEDAN DG urges ECOWAS member states to implement ESBC programmes

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By Mark Longyen

The Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, has urged ECOWAS member states to actively implement the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition’s (ESBC) programmes.

Odii gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Praia, Cape Verde, on Wednesday, at a meeting of West African countries’ ESBC presidents and stakeholders.

NAN reports that the event, organised by ESBC in collaboration with ECOWAS, aims to empower West African Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to drive subregional economic growth and integration.

It also aims to promote gender-inclusive trade policies across member states, and prepare them to leverage the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

Odii said ECOWAS had done the necessary thing by producing the articles and the laws required for the MSMEs to thrive, stressing that it was now left for the individual member states to ensure implementation.

“Right now, there are conversations around access to credit, around access to land for development of SMEs, around access to finance.

“But this would not be implemented by ECOWAS as an organisation.

“Rather, it will be implemented by the member states of ECOWAS.

“So, we need the member states to take action and key into this by going out there and ensuring that the ecosystem has cohesion and collaboration,” he said.

He said that the gathering was an opportunity for the ESBC presidents to consider the challenges facing them collectively, with a view to holistically tackling them as a subregion.

“The challenges that affect small businesses in Ghana are very similar to those that affect small businesses in Nigeria.

“Challenges that affect small businesses in Togo are very similar to the ones found in Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, and so on.

“So we are looking at these challenges, and many of them border on financing; many of them border on corporate governance, trade and investment and many of the challenges border  on communication,” he said.

He expressed optimism about the future of MSMEs in West Africa, describing the enterprises as “the engines of progress in the subregion”.

The director general urged them to harness industrialisation possibilities, leverage trade frameworks, and ignite investments that could transform challenges into opportunities.

He disclosed that Nigeria alone has no fewer than 39,654,844 million MSMEs, saying that 13 out of 15 member states attended the meeting, with the conversation tailored to foster MSMEs’ development across the West African subregion.

Odii emphasised that mutual collaboration among member states is critical to achieving success.

He, therefore, urged them to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

“I think that the future is very bright for small businesses here because one of the things that we are doing here is actually to deliberate on identity.

“We’re also deliberating on payment and on how to facilitate payment from different countries into another.

“We’re deliberating on data, on how we can access data and use data to make informed decisions for the citizens in the different ecosystems.

“And lastly, we’re also deliberating on capacity development and infrastructure – infrastructure that will help facilitate this and help member countries and for export,” Odii said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Foreign

ECOWAS boosts MSMEs for regional growth

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By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of regional economic growth and development.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandjé Toure-Litse, stated this during a meeting of the ECOWAS Small-Scale Business Coalition (ESBC) in Praia, Cape Verde, on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, with the theme ‘Empowering Women for Sustainable Trade, Investment Opportunities and Economic Growth,’ also marked the 2025 International Women’s Day celebrations.

Represented by Dr Tony Elumelu, ECOWAS Director of Private Sector, Toure-Litse urged member states to collaborate in shaping actionable strategies for integration, competitiveness, and innovation.

She also encouraged them to harness the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost industrialisation, strengthen trade frameworks, and attract investments that turn challenges into opportunities.

According to her, the coalition serves as a beacon of hope and is well-positioned to create jobs, empower women and youth, and enhance economic cooperation among member states.

“Let us use today’s discussions to shape bold, actionable strategies that advance integration, competitiveness, and innovation across our region.

“With AfCFTA as our springboard, we must capitalise on industrialisation, trade frameworks, and investment opportunities to drive economic transformation,” she added.

Toure-Litse described the formation of ESBC as a milestone that underscores the coalition’s determination to drive economic growth, innovation, and empowerment across the subregion.

She noted that ESBC had established a thriving ecosystem that supports businesses and communities, highlighting the coalition’s progress and inspiring achievements.

“Today, we gather not only as partners in progress but as architects of a brighter and more prosperous future for our region.

“As we celebrate Women’s Day, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of women entrepreneurs and leaders who are driving our economies forward,” she added.

Dr Abdulrashid Yerima, ESBC President, said the event’s theme was not just a slogan but a clarion call to action for economic transformation.

He emphasised that AfCFTA and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) serve as gateways to unlocking opportunities for millions of women-led businesses.

Yerima stressed that investing in women’s access to finance, digital tools, and cross-border markets is essential for fostering sustainable growth that benefits entire communities.

He described the event as a tribute to the resilience of women in West Africa and beyond, whose leadership and innovation are shaping a future of shared prosperity.

“As we celebrate, let us also recommit to breaking barriers, amplifying women’s voices in policymaking, and creating ecosystems where every woman entrepreneur can thrive.

“The women of West Africa are not just participants in this journey—they are its architects,” he added, praising their resilience, innovation, and leadership.

Cape Verde’s First Lady, Mrs Debora Carvalho, expressed gratitude to ECOWAS for hosting the event in her country and pledged support for ESBC’s objectives.

Similarly, Cape Verdean Minister of Entrepreneurship, Domingo Monteiro, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to collaborating with ESBC to achieve West Africa’s economic integration and development goals. (NAN (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Foreign

Group urges women to report rights violations to ECOWAS Court

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By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court Women’s Forum has called on West African women to always seek redress at the ECOWAS Court of Justice for gender-based violence and discrimination.

The forum’s President, Mrs Frances Ibanga, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She spoke on the sidelines of a Street Walk organised by the group to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day with the theme “Accelerated Action” on Saturday.

According to Ibanga, the ECOWAS Court primarily serves as a human rights court, and urged women to bring forward cases of gender-based violence and discrimination for adjudication.

“Women have previously taken cases of gender-based violence to this court and achieved justice,” she said.

She cited the case of a female Air Force officer who was abused and raped, saying that the court upheld her rights.

“When she turned to this court, she found confidence and had her dignity restored.

“Today, she is enjoying the justice she fought for,” Ibanga added.

On the significance of the celebration, Ibanga said that it was all about advocacy for women to be given equal rights and opportunities in all ramifications.

According to her, there is need for women to take immediate steps, and be encouraged, to achieve whatever they want.

“We’ve come together for gender equality and, especially for the fact that the campaign theme for this year is “Accelerate Action.”

“Women have actually been talking, we have been making the proposals.

“We have been doing advocacy so that we can be integrated and have a place in society.

“The time for too much talk is gone, now is time for affirmative action,” she stressed.

She explained that the forum had over the years been at the forefront of supporting women and young school girls, by doing a lot for them.

“First and foremost, we create awareness, letting them know about their rights, and at the same time, empower them economically.

“We’ve made efforts to empower women economically; that way a lot of their poverty will be alleviated and women will be financially independent.

“We go to them from time to time to encourage them and to drive the campaign against all the vices, for example, drug abuse and all what not,” Ibanga said.

The Court’s Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, said women should be encouraged to change their mindset, to overcome inferiority complexes, and believe in their ability to achieve anything men could.

Also, Mrs Ami Savage, Head of the ECOWAS Court’s Administration and Human Resources Division, urged the Federal Government to make university-level education compulsory for every girl-child. (NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

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