ECOWAS Insists Peace and Unity Important to Success of AFCTA in West Africa

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said peace and unity in West Africa remains important to the success of African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) in the region.

Speaking at the capacity building on dispute settlement mechanisms under the AFCTA organised by ECOWAS, the Director of Trade ECOWAS commission, Kolawole Sofola said given the complexity of cross border trade and investment, effective dispute resolution mechanisms are critical for ensuring the smooth operation of AFCTA agreement and its protocols.

He said this workshop comes at a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards regional and continental integration. He added that: “As we work towards realizing the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, it is clear that the mechanisms for resolving trade disputes will be a cornerstone in ensuring the success and the credibility of this landmark agreement.”

He noted that AFCFTA represents not just an opportunity, but a transformation for Africa, providing a platform for trade liberalization, economic growth and development, however, it would only succeed if the rules are adhered to and any disputes that arise are settled in a fair, efficient and transparent manner”.

He added that: “The benefits of trade agreements could be undermined, affecting investor confidence, distorting fair competition and stifling economic progress. By ensuring that disputes are addressed swiftly, we foster an environment that promotes fair trade, protects intellectual property rights, enhances innovation and ultimately contributes to the economic development of West Africa and the African continent as a whole”.

One of the organisers and facilitator at the workshop, Professor Muhammed Ladan shed light on the reason why the workshop is so important by saying “of all the 15 ECOWAS member states, only Benin Republic has signed, and that is yet to ratify, the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement and two out of 55 African member states, 54 are signatories to the African contributory agreement, and 48 are state parties through the African refugee area agreement, meaning as ECOWAS we are actually integrated into the African contributors area agreement, already by 14 out of 15 ECOWAS member states being signatories, are also parties, which means the agreement as of today are legally binding on 14 out of 15 states”.

He further explained that, “because of the AFCTA agreement itself, article one defines the regional economic communities in Africa that they are the building blocks of the African Continental Free Trade Area
agreement. And ECOWAS is one of the eight recognized regional economic communities under Article One of the agreement now, if article one recognizes by definition, that ECOWAS is one of the eight organized regional economic communities to serve as a building block for the other community area agreement and its eight protocols, then you can see the reason why we are starting actually at ECOWAS to show our functionality and viability and readiness as a truly golden block”.

He said with all the members participating in this workshop, we hope the resolution and agreement arrived at will further help to build better relationship among the members state and also foster stronger collaboration, coordination and knowledge sharing among ECOWAS Court judges, registry staff and legal officers in implementing dispute resolution mechanisms under both frameworks.

ECOWAS Insists Peace and Unity Important to Success of AFCTA in West Africa

Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, Now Ambassador of Peace 

By: Balami Lazarus 

A golden fish has no hiding place. The name Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo is a household name in hospital administration/medicine. UMTH, under the leadership of Prof. Ahidjo, is a testament to being the best teaching hospital in Nigeri in terms of healthcare services and provision of state-of-the-art medical facilities. 

Prof. Ahidjo, who was recently awarded and made Ambassador of Peace by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), are indications of his peaceful nature and efforts. In a letter signed by the Secretary General of Nigeria, Dr. George Ikpot, in parts, it reads, ‘By your actions to date, you have demonstrated an implicit understanding of the value of peace… for your community and humanity in general.’ 

The organization further wishes to salute and commend Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo for the immense development efforts experienced by the people within and outside of Borno State’during this period of your administration’. The award certificate of the Universal Peace Federation, signed by Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon, Founder, recognized and declared Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo as Ambassador of Peace’.

Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, Now Ambassador of Peace 

ActionAid Nigeria Describes Tinubu’s Independence Day Speech, Echoes of Past Unfulfilled Promises and Reforms

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has described President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech as echoes past promises and reforms that remain unfulfilled, stating that: “Despite the administration’s claims of economic progress, the reality is a worsening crisis for millions of Nigerians who cannot afford basic necessities.”

The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, lamented that fuel subsidy removal, increasing cost of electricity, mounting inflation, heightened insecurity, inflation, and rising food prices have driven the poor into deeper poverty while unemployment soar.

The statement decried that the President’s reforms have only worsened the economic and social crisis, creating ripple effects that have deepened poverty and inequality.

Mamedu, said in the statement that the President has repeatedly asked Nigerians to “sacrifice” for the country, stressing that “but how long must this sacrifice last? The citizens are already bearing the brunt of devastating economic policies, with no respite in sight.

He said: “Meanwhile, corruption festers unchecked across all levels of government. What meaningful steps have been taken to address this systemic issue? In today’s speech, the president failed to address key issues, notably inflation and the rising exchange rate, which directly impact the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. These omissions leave us questioning the federal government’s understanding of the daily struggles Nigerians face.”

He insisted that: “The removal of the fuel subsidy on May 30, 2024, as pronounced by the president, triggered an unsustainable rise in fuel prices, making transportation, food production, and energy costs increasingly unbearable for ordinary Nigerians.

“Citizens are yet to recover from this shock, and instead, they face continuous suffering. The current reform by the President mirrors the devastating policies of past regimes, particularly those during the Abacha era, which left scars that we are still trying to heal from. President Tinubu’s purported “achievements” have not yet led to tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians. On the contrary, there are growing concerns about threats to life, heightened insecurity, and rising inequality.”

He added that: “While ActionAid Nigeria acknowledges the military’s recent victories, issues surrounding the banditry in the Northwest remain largely unattended. Bandits continue to terrorise communities, displace families, and destroy livelihoods.

“These violent acts have left many Nigerians vulnerable and in constant fear. Shockingly, the President made no mention of this in his speech, ignoring the devastation that banditry has caused. The government must act swiftly to address the ongoing violence in the Northwest, providing security and protection for the citizens who have been left voiceless and unsupported.”

He noted that: “Nigerians have been speaking out, using various platforms to express their frustrations and concerns. Protests, public demonstrations, and widespread conversations on social media are clear indicators of the people’s dissatisfaction. Yet, the President and his administration remain distant and unresponsive to these cries for change. It is time for the government to truly listen to the people. Nigerians are tired of being told to “be patient” while their realities grow bleaker by the day.”

He said: “Nigerians need more than promises. We need tangible changes that will lead to affordable and improved living standards, security, and justice. Until then, ActionAid Nigeria stands in solidarity with the citizens, demanding that the government listen and act in the true interest of the people. We call for reforms that reflect the lived realities of everyday Nigerians and promote inclusivity, equity, and sustainability in governance.”

ActionAid Nigeria Describes Tinubu’s Independence Day Speech, Echoes of Past Unfulfilled Promises and Reforms