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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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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.

Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.

The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.

The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.

One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.

Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

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UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

By: Michael Mike

A high-level United Kingdom trade mission on education and skills has concluded a week-long skills and schools trade mission to Nigeria, laying a solid foundation for expanded collaboration in education and workforce development between both countries.

The mission, which ran from April 19 to 23 in Abuja and Lagos, brought together leading UK private schools, skills providers and education institutions with Nigerian stakeholders, including policymakers, investors and school operators.

Organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade, the engagement is part of the UK’s broader International Education Strategy, which identifies Nigeria as one of five priority markets for global education partnerships. The initiative is being championed by Steve Smith, who is expected to return to Nigeria later this year to sustain momentum.

The mission builds on diplomatic and educational engagements during a recent state visit to the United Kingdom in March, further reinforcing the growing importance of education within UK–Nigeria bilateral relations.

At the heart of discussions was the expansion of in-country delivery of British education, including the establishment of internationally recognised UK schools in Nigeria, as well as the development of industry-aligned skills programmes, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

In Abuja, the delegation held high-level talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, securing strong political backing for deeper institutional cooperation. Both sides explored pathways for partnerships that would strengthen Nigeria’s education system while equipping young people with skills tailored to labour market demands.

The delegation also visited several British curriculum schools and colleges in Abuja and Lagos, gaining first-hand insight into teaching standards and operational models already in place within Nigeria.

Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, highlighted education as a key pillar of bilateral engagement.

“The UK and Nigeria share a deep and longstanding relationship, and opportunities in education are one of its most exciting frontiers,” he said, noting that the mission demonstrated “strong appetite on both sides to deepen collaboration.”

He added that connecting UK institutions with Nigerian partners would help build sustainable, in-country education systems, while positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for high-quality learning.

Also reflecting on the mission, Sarah Chidgey described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the UK’s education strategy in action.

According to her, progress in UK–Nigeria education collaboration has grown steadily since her first visit in 2022, with the current mission reinforcing mutual commitment to expanding access, quality, and innovation in the sector.

The delegation included representatives from prominent UK institutions such as Harrow International School, The King’s School Canterbury, Whitgift School, Bedford School, and Pearson, among others.

The mission concluded with a robust pipeline of follow-up activities, including one-on-one engagements, memorandum of understanding (MoU) discussions, and agreed next steps aimed at translating dialogue into tangible partnerships.

Analysts say the initiative signals a shift toward more structured and commercially viable education cooperation between both countries, with potential benefits spanning student mobility, local capacity building, and skills development aligned to Nigeria’s economic priorities.

With sustained engagement expected in the months ahead, stakeholders believe the mission could mark a turning point in positioning Nigeria as a major destination for international education investment in Africa.

UK–Nigeria Trade Mission Deepens Education, Skills Partnership

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