News
ECOWAS Revisits Implementation of Community Levy on All Imports into Region
ECOWAS Revisits Implementation of Community Levy on All Imports into Region
By: Michael Mike
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has revisited the implementation of community levy in the region as it tops the agenda at the ongoing 35th meeting of the Commission’s Committee on Administration and Finance.
The Commission had adopted a community levy of 0.5 percent on all imports into the region rather than the contribution from member states, but there are however challenges of implementation to the protocol adopted since 2014.
Members of the committee are drawn from 12 member states as three member states- Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic had signified their intention to pull out of the 15 member regional bloc.
Members of the committee are in Abuja for the next five days to consider ongoing reform in the commission and the issue of community levy.
Another area the committee is expected to discuss, is the Commission’s organogram, which has been in use since 2018.
The expected organogram review will touch all ECOWAS institutions including the community court, community parliament and the commission.
The review is expected to take into consideration the recent reduction of numbers of committees from 15 to 7.
The members have a report of about 100 to 150 pages to consider during the five days.
At the end of the five days, members are expected to adopt the proposal and then pass it to the council of ministers for their perusal and adoption.
In her opening remarks, ECOWAS Commission’s Vice President, Damtien Tchintchibidja, pleaded with member states on the need to adhere to the community protocol, especially the protocol on Community levy.
She said: “I would like to make an urgent appeal to all member states so that they can comply as quickly as possible with the provisions of the protocol relating to community levy.”
She stressed that remittance of community levy will “ allow us to ensure the good functioning of institutions and the implementation of projects within the community.”
She also raised the impact the exit of the three countries, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic will have on the community levy
She said: “I would like to remind you that the meeting of this day is held in a challenging context, characterised by uncertainties on a regional and global level.
“The announced withdrawal of our three member states appeals to us all in more than one way.
“We therefore must put everything in place to safeguard our unity, our secular ties, our spirit of fraternity and solidarity, as a result of an inclusive development,” she emphasised.
Speaking on the importance of the meeting, Tchintchibidja explained, “This is a retreat that would also be a win-win for our institutions in terms of community levy. Regarding the community levy, I would like to remind you that it remains the main source of funds for ECOWAS programmes and activities.
The chairman of the CAF, Ambassador Emmanuel Awe emphasised the need for members of the committee to sustain efforts in implementing policies and programmes that enhance and promote integration.
Awe said: “We owe our community the obligation to handle our mandate objectively and dispassionately.
“And fulfilling the task assigned by this committee, I urge you to further sustain the efforts in implementing the policies, projects, and programmes that enhance and promote prudent management of the community resources, as well as advance our regional integration objectives in line with ECOWAS vision 2050.”
ECOWAS Revisits Implementation of Community Levy on All Imports into Region
News
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Benue
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected cattle rustler in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 4:20 p.m. on April 15, 2026, at Anule community.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 1 OPWS deployed in the area arrested the suspect during ongoing security operations.
The suspect is currently in custody, while further investigation is underway to determine possible links to cattle rustling activities in the area.
Troops arrest suspected cattle rustler in Benue
News
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover motorcycle in Benue
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover motorcycle in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested a suspected terrorist during an operation in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 5:19 p.m. on April 15, 2026, following intelligence on the presence of a suspected criminal hiding in Tse Atu community.
According to the sources, troops of Sector 1 OPWS deployed at Anguhah and Umbagbo swiftly responded and conducted a targeted operation in the area.
During the operation, one suspect was apprehended, while a motorcycle believed to be linked to the suspect was also recovered.
The suspect and the recovered item are currently in custody, while further investigation is ongoing to ascertain the suspect’s involvement in criminal activities.
Troops arrest suspected terrorist, recover motorcycle in Benue
News
Army distributes fertilisers to farmers in Benue to boost security, livelihoods
Army distributes fertilisers to farmers in Benue to boost security, livelihoods
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has distributed fertilisers to farmers across various Local Government Areas of Benue State as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at enhancing food security and strengthening civil-military relations.
The event, held on April 15, 2026, was conducted by the Commander, Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Brig.-Gen. K.O. Bukoye, under the Army Headquarters Corporate Responsibility Project.
The initiative, themed “Using Agricultural Support to Improve Farming for Sustained Security,” is designed to support local farmers while promoting stability within the Joint Operations Area.
Security sources said the programme brought together community leaders, farmers, and other key stakeholders, alongside representatives of the OPWS Commander.
They noted that the intervention is part of ongoing efforts to foster cooperation between security forces and local communities, while addressing underlying factors contributing to insecurity.
Army distributes fertilisers to farmers in Benue to boost security, livelihoods
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