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ECOWAS Revisits Implementation of Community Levy on All Imports into Region

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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

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Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed

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Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is open to a fair, credible, and transparent primary election if there is no general agreement on the consensus mode.

Governor Buni started this while commenting on the crisis rocking the party over the governor candidate for the 2027 general election. He said the party has not foreclosed direct election to produce its candidates for the contestable offices for the 2027 general election.

According to him, the party is still working on dialogue; “we are talking to each other and reaching out to the stakeholders, including the aspirants, to arrive at an amicable solution.”

“As the governor of Yobe state, I will be the happiest person to see that the state and party are peaceful and united, noting that we remain citizens of Yobe state and members of APC.

“My expectation is to see us more united and collectively working for our candidates to win the 2027 general elections,” Governor Buni said.

Governor Buni further said, “As a founding member, former secretary, and national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the unity and progress of the party mean so much to me personally; therefore, I will continue to support and protect the ideals of the party to remain Nigeria’s ruling political party.”

He expressed optimism that the aspirations for public offices in the state are driven by the desire to serve the people for a better and improved life.

Governor Buni speaks on primary elections where consensus failed

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Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kaduna State, Recover Phone and Cash

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Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kaduna State, Recover Phone and Cash

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 7, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected kidnapper in Kamuru village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Security sources said the arrest was made at about 0330 hours on May 12 during a coordinated operation in the area.

The suspect, identified as Mr. Husaini Jibrin, 45, was reportedly apprehended at Kamuru village over alleged involvement in a kidnapping incident that occurred in Angwan Ali community on April 26, 2026, within the same local government area.

According to the sources, the suspect is believed to be linked to the planning and execution of the abduction, which had triggered security concerns in surrounding communities at the time.

Items recovered from the suspect include one mobile phone and the sum of ₦10,000 in cash.

The military said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as part of ongoing investigations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks operating in the region.

Authorities added that troops have intensified surveillance and patrol operations across vulnerable communities in southern Kaduna to curb criminal activities and improve public safety.

Operation Enduring Peace continues to conduct joint operations with local security outfits and community-based structures as part of efforts to address insecurity in affected areas.

Troops Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Kaduna State, Recover Phone and Cash

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Troops Repel Attack in Plateau State, Two Residents Killed — Military Launches Manhunt

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Troops Repel Attack in Plateau State, Two Residents Killed — Military Launches Manhunt

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have repelled an armed attack on an isolated settlement in Vwang Kagot community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, in an incident that left two civilians dead.

Security sources said the troops responded swiftly at about 0130 hours on May 12 following reports of an attack by suspected armed assailants on the rural community.

The attackers, reportedly described as suspected armed herdsmen, stormed the settlement and engaged in violent activities before the arrival of security forces.

Upon intervention, troops in collaboration with Keystone Kuru Division forced the assailants to withdraw from the area.

However, the attackers had already killed two residents identified as Ngo Shetu Badung, 78, and Mr. Danjuma Badung, 52, before fleeing the scene.

Following the incident, troops launched clearance operations in the general area and are currently trailing the fleeing suspects.

Military authorities said additional patrols and surveillance measures have been intensified to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.

Operation Enduring Peace noted that it remains committed to stabilising vulnerable communities across Plateau State and ensuring that perpetrators of violent attacks are brought to justice.

Local security stakeholders have also continued engagements with community leaders to strengthen early warning systems and improve response to emerging threats in rural settlements.

Troops Repel Attack in Plateau State, Two Residents Killed — Military Launches Manhunt

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