National News
Concerned ECOWAS Parliamentarians Call for Lifting of Sanctions on Niger

Concerned ECOWAS Parliamentarians Call for Lifting of Sanctions on Niger
By: Michael Mike
A call has been made for the lifting of the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Niger following the coup d’etat that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
The Head of State in ECOWAS had last July imposed sanctions on Niger Republic over the Bazoum ouster by some military officers led by erstwhile Presidential Guard Commander, General Abdourahamane Tchiani. This decision seems to be supported by many Western governments.
But on Wednesday at the opening of the 2nd Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Parliament for 2023 in Abuja, a group of parliamentarians of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament concerned with the turn of affairs in the troubled country, appealed to the Heads of State and Government in the region to lift the sanctions imposed on the Niger Republic.
The Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, who is also a member of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ali Ndume, while addressing journalists after the opening session of the parliament, said the sanctions were biting hard on the masses including Nigerians in the border states.
Ndume said: “Niger is bordering about eight states in Nigeria, namely Borno, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi. Since the closure of the border and the imposition of sanctions, poor people especially children and women have been exposed to untold hardship and no meaningful progress have been made in term of resolving this issue.
“We are, therefore, using this opportunity of the 2nd extraordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament to appeal to the ECOWAS Head of State to intensify the resolution of the political impasse in Niger by first lifting the sanctions and opening the closed border of Niger and Nigeria.
“Let me add by saying that this is a collective decision by some of us who are concerned about what is going on and the suffering our people are going through.”
He added that: “This also affects other non-border countries because Niger is a lead way for goods moving from Sokoto to Ghana, goods moving from Togo to Nigeria, and goods moving from several parts of the ECOWAS countries from the West down to the North.”
The lawmaker said they thought the sanctions were temporary and the issues would have been resolved, “but it’s getting to four or five months into the political impasse, the only thing we know that is happening is the increased suffering of the poor people of Niger and to some extent, Nigeria.”
The Senator representing Borno South in the upper chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly argued that the group was reechoing the position of the parliament, adding that the parliament had set up an ad-hoc committee, which he is a member of, to proffer solutions to the impasse in Niger.
He said the committee had submitted an interim report, noting that: “One of the resolutions which were endorsed by all the parliamentarians is the lifting of sanctions and the continuation of discussion on how to resolve the impasse. We are only reechoing the position of the ECOWAS parliament.”
Also speaking, Hon Abdullahi Balarabe Salame, from Sokoto, said his people were suffering from the sanctions on Republic of Niger.
He lamented that thousands of trailers loaded with food items to be transported to Niger were stranded at the order, lamenting that the food items were already decaying.
He said the border closure is also increasing insecurity in the region.
Meanwhile, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, has called for concrete actions to safeguard democracy and to restore the region as the bastion of democracy in Africa.
Touray made the call in his address at the opening of the fifth Parliament’s second ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament of the year 2023.
Said the Republic of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea have all experienced coups recently, creating fears that democracy could be in danger in the region.
He said: “The resurgence of coup d’états has challenged us all in more ways than one and led us to reflect on what is not working in our process of consolidating democracy.
“As politicians, you are best suited to guide us on what we must do to tackle the root causes of all these unconstitutional changes of government.
“We count on your wisdom to help in safeguarding the rights of our people and for the preservation of peace, security, and stability, which are necessary for our socio-economic development and regional integration process,” he said while addressing the parliament.
The ECOWAS Commission president said, at the political level, ECOWAS was engaging in dialogue with the Member States in transition, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea, in order to support them to return to normal constitutional order through the organization of free, transparent and inclusive elections.
“As far as the Republic of Niger is concerned, we adhere to the guidance of the current Chairman of ECOWAS to resolve this crisis through dialogue and negotiation.
“On the security front, the region continues to suffer from attacks by armed groups and terrorists who seriously threaten the territorial integrity of Mali and Burkina Faso, resulting in loss of life, material damage and millions of displaced persons and refugees.
“In this regard, we continue to provide multifaceted support to help these countries face these challenges, despite the sanctions,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr Sidie Mohammed Tunis, noted that the region’s prosperity and security are inextricably linked to its members shared responsibility to look out for one another.
He said: “Only a foolish neighbour goes to bed when his neighbour’s roof is on fire,” Tunis said. “In a region of interconnected threats and challenges, we can only address our issues effectively through broad, deep, and sustained cooperation among states.”
Tunis also called for greater self-reliance from ECOWAS member states. He said that the region cannot rely on outside help to solve its problems.
“We need to be more self-reliant,” Tunis said. “Each Member State must take on more responsibility for the development and advancement of the ECOWAS region.”
He noted that despite its numerous challenges, the ECOWAS region is on the right track, pointing to the recent successful presidential and legislative elections in the Republic of Liberia as a sign of progress.
He said: “The people of Liberia have shown us that democracy is possible in our region,” insisting that: “We can all learn from their example.”
Tunis also praised the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for its leadership in sustaining peace and security in the West African region.
Concerned ECOWAS Parliamentarians Call for Lifting of Sanctions on Niger
Education
Billionaire Indimi inaugurated for a second term as Pro Chancellor of the Kashim Ibrahim University Maiduguri

Billionaire Indimi inaugurated for a second term as Pro Chancellor of the Kashim Ibrahim University Maiduguri
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Nigerian Billionaire Dr Mohammed Indimi has been inaugurated for the second term as Pro Chancellor of the Borno State government owned Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU).
Indimi and his team were inaugurated monday by Governor Babagana Zulum to continue developing the state owned University which has grown massively since he took charge four years ago as pro chancellor.
Speaking after their inauguration, Zulum, tasked the Governing Council of the University to foster the culture of cutting-edge research, innovation and community development to address the challenges and opportunities of the post-insurgency recovery efforts.
The Governor noted that the inauguration is part of the broader effort to reposition the University as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and moral rectitude, not just for the North-East, but for Nigeria as a whole.
He stressed that the challenges before the new council was significant as the opportunities are myriad adding that “we task you with fostering a culture of rigorous research, innovative teaching and community-relevant curricula that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of our post-insurgency recovery and development”.
Governor Zulum expressed delight that the student population alone had grown from a mere 300 in the beginning to about 10,000 in the last 6 years.
He charged the new council to prioritize the welfare of both staff and students and uphold the highest standards of academic excellence, transparency and prudent management of resources.
“You are now the legal custodians of this university’s destiny, entrusted with a sacred mandate to provide strategic direction, ensure financial prudence, uphold the highest standards of academic excellence and safeguard the welfare of both staff and students.
“This ceremony is a fulfilment of our administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the governance structures of all tertiary institutions in Borno State.
“It is pivotal to repositioning this University as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and moral rectitude, not just for the North-East, but Nigeria as a whole”.
“Section 1(1) (c) of the Third Schedule of the Kashim Ibrahim University Law, 2018, as amended, empowers me to constitute a Governing Council as the supreme governing body of the University charged with the general control and superintendence of the policy, finances and administration of the institution”.
“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to you all. Your selection was not by chance. It was a deliberate choice based on your proven integrity, vast experience and demonstrable passion for education and community development.
“In particular, I wish to address our Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Indimi. Your legendary philanthropy and unwavering support for education are well-known,” he concluded.
Responding, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr Muhammadu Indimi said he graciously accepted the appointment with the aim of serving his state and promised to provide positive change in the University.
“I accepted this position because I have to support my state. With my able lieutenants, we promise to provide positive change in the University,” Indimi assured.
Billionaire Indimi inaugurated for a second term as Pro Chancellor of the Kashim Ibrahim University Maiduguri
National News
Actively Implementing the Global Governance Initiative, Jointly Building a China-Africa and China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future

Actively Implementing the Global Governance Initiative, Jointly Building a China-Africa and China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future
By H.E. Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria
On September 1, 2025, President Xi Jinping solemnly proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting held in Tianjin, China. With itsprofound insight into the times, broad humanistic commitment and clear value orientation, this initiative aims to address a pressing subject of our times which has attracted high attention from the international community, namely what kind of global governance system to build and how to reform and improve global governance. It further contributes Chinese wisdom and proposes a Chinese approach to strengthening and improving global governance, injecting more stability and certainty into a turbulent world.
Today, transformative changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world, while the lingering gloom of Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism continues to cast a shadow. Humanity is confronted with unprecedented challenges as the world enters a new phase of turbulence and transformation, and global governance now stands at a critical juncture. The world is in greater need of strengthening global governance than ever before, and the GGI comes at an opportune time. Regarding it as the fundamental guideline to uphold the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and practice the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, the GGI seeks to promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system and work together for a community with a shared future for humanity.
To be more specific, the GGI embodies five core concepts: First, adhere to sovereign equality. All countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, shall have the right to participate in, make decisions in and benefit from the global governance as equals. Second, abide by the international rule of law. There shall be no double standards, and the self-defined rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others. Third, practice multilateralism.The irreplaceable and crucial role of the United Nations in global governance must be given full play.Fourth, advocate a people-centered approach. It is essential to ensure that people of all nations jointly participate in global governance and share in its outcomes. Fifth, focus on taking real actions. More tangible results should be delivered, and global governance should avoid lagging behind the times or becoming fragmented.
The above five core concepts advocated by the GGI are closely aligned with the inherent needs of China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation. Africa, which includes 54 United Nations member states, is the continent with the largest concentration of developing countries. It is not only an important participant in global governance but also a major force driving global multi-polarization. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country and majoreconomy, serves as a critical growth engine on the continent and an influential representative of the Global South. It is also a key strategic partner for China in Africa. It is fair to say that China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation not only enjoy a solid historical foundation but also correspond to practical needs of reformingthe global governance system and transforming the global order.
The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, which represented a pioneering practice by the international community in initiating global governance. In 1971, African countries strongly supported the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations, with Nigeria casting a sacred vote in favor. This moment marked the beginning of the joint participation of African nations and the People’s Republic of China in global governance. In 1992, China worked closely with the Group of 77, in which African countries served as a major force, ultimately leading to the incorporation of the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Since the 21st century, China has actively promoted solutions to address the under-representation of African countries in the United Nations, advocating that the Security Councilreform must genuinely reflect international fairness and justice, prioritize correcting historical injustices faced by Africa, and support special arrangements to address Africa’s demands as a priority. In 2022, China took the lead in explicitly expressing support for the African Union’s accession to the G20 and facilitated the formal admission of the African Union as a member of the G20 the following year. The Beijing Declaration issued at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024emphasized that China supports African countries in playing a greater influential role in global governance, particularly within inclusive frameworks addressing global issues, and will continue to support Africa-related priorities in G20 affairs. China also appreciated and welcomed more African countries joining the BRICS family. Shortly thereafter, Nigeria, with China’s active support, became a BRICS partner country. China firmly supports Africa’s efforts to enhance its international standing and voice, fully demonstrating the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, and profoundly illustrating China’s role as a major country in promoting the improvement of global governance.
The year 2025 also marks the 25thanniversary of the establishment of theFOCAC. The FOCAC mechanism itself is a model of the vision of the global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith towards Africa and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, China is committed to supporting Africa in advancing its integration and enhancing its capacity for self-drivendevelopment. From the “Ten Cooperation Plans” and the “Eight Major Initiatives” tothe “Nine Programs” and the recently launched “Ten Partnership Actions for China-Africa Collaboration on Modernization,” a series of practical cooperation plans have focused on Africa’s priority areas such as infrastructure connectivity, healthcare, agricultural modernization, and capacity building. This cooperation comes with no political strings attached, emphasizesaction-oriented approaches and aims to enhance the “self-development capacity” of African countries, representing a tangible contribution to building a more just and equitable global governance system. On September 3, 2024, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a state visit to China and attended the FOCAC Beijing Summit. The leaders of the two countries jointly announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and were committed to building a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future. Over the past year, China-Nigeria relations have achieved rapid growth across all sectors. We have more frequent high-level exchanges, deeper political and strategic trust as well as increasingly substantial outcomes in practical cooperation. We have supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns, while maintaining sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs under a results-oriented approach. We can proudly say that China and Nigeria are setting an exemplary model for South-South cooperation.
In conclusion, Chinese president Xi Jinping has proposed four major initiatives to date: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). Together, these initiatives form the four pillars for building a community with a shared future for mankind. The GDI focuses on promotinginternational cooperation on development, the GSI on encouraging dialogue and consultation over international discord, the GCI on promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and the GGI on the direction, principle and path for reforming the global governance systems and institutions. The four initiatives have their respective priorities and can be pursued simultaneously. They will each be a source of positive energy for a changing and turbulent world and impetus for humanity’s development and progress.
China is willing to work with African countries, including Nigeria, under the framework of the GGI to promote reforms in the UN Security Council and the international financial system, to make the existing international system and international institutions better at taking actions and working effectively, to step upcoordination among multilateral bodies, and to prioritize consensus-building in such areas as the international financial architecture, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, climate change, trade and outer space to bring about early harvests.
The successful practices of China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation demonstrate that the GGI embodies strong vitality and broad prospects for development. Moving forward, China will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with African countries, especially our Nigerian friends, to actively advance the GGI, jointly address global challenges and work toward building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Actively Implementing the Global Governance Initiative, Jointly Building a China-Africa and China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future
National News
Nigeria Sets for Cyber, Digital Diplomacy, Creates Cyber Unit at Foreign Ministry

Nigeria Sets for Cyber, Digital Diplomacy, Creates Cyber Unit at Foreign Ministry
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar on Tuesday announced the creation of a Cyber Diplomacy Unit within the Ministry as part of the efforts to keep the nation’s diplomatic cycle abreast of happenings in the cyber and digital space.
Tuggar noted that the unit is to coordinate Nigeria’s cyber and digital-related foreign policy and ensure Nigeria’s voice becomes influential in international cyberspace governance.
He noted that this has become imperative in the evolving technological space, which has come to redefine the foundations of diplomacy.
The Minister speaking at the seminar on anticipatory cyber, digital diplomacy organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; an initiative designed to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture and equip diplomats with the necessary tools to confront the challenges of the emerging digital age, said: “In the spirit of this forward-looking vision, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a dedicated Cyber Diplomacy Unit. The Unit’s mandate is clear: to coordinate Nigeria’s cyber-related foreign policy across all diplomatic platforms, build capacity for cyber negotiations, champion ethical and inclusive digital governance, foster public–private partnerships for national cyber resilience and ensure that Nigeria’s voice is influential in global cyberspace governance.”
He explained that: “We are living through a historic transformation. The convergence of disruptive technologies, shifting geopolitical alignments, and deepening digital interdependence is redefining the foundations of diplomacy.
“From artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to the geopolitics of data and the militarisation of cyberspace, the very nature of statecraft is being rewritten before our eyes.
“Nigeria must not be a mere bystander, we must act with purpose, to position ourselves as a principled, capable and forward-looking actor in the evolving global digital order.”
The Minister further stressed that the new global order as orchestrated by technology “requires embedding anticipatory, cyber and digital diplomacy into the core of our foreign service, our national security architecture and our multilateral engagements.”
Tuggar noted that “anticipatory diplomacy provides us with the ability to detect early warning signals, foresee systemic shocks and plan strategically for the future, whether in the global race for critical minerals, the regulation of artificial intelligence, or the restructuring of global supply chains.”
He therefore stated that the nation’s “diplomats must be trained, not merely to react, but to influence events before they unfold.”
The Minister stressed that cyber diplomacy is about how we reach global standards to combat cybercrime and cyberwarfare, “how we balance national sovereignty with bilateral treaties and multilateral co-operation. It is how we engage with our partners to tackle malicious activities, protect critical infrastructure and support the integrity of elections and other interests vital to peace, stability and progress. Cyber diplomacy is about how we work together on data privacy, internet freedom and control over information. It is about working together on capacity building and sharing expertise. We hear a lot about AI.”
He added that “The purpose of cyber diplomacy is to help systems to catch up, to promote the best technology can do to accelerate growth, stability and freedom.”
He therefore said that the country can learn from parallel initiatives, such as the 2018 Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace, or the EU’s Cyberdiplomacy toolbox.
He also disclosed that the challenges confronting the country are urgent, and delicate; with state-sponsored hacking, as well as criminal and non-state actors, which has brought the country into the global equation mix.
“As we seek greater influence within ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations, our engagement must be anchored in sovereignty, trust, and innovation.
“We must lead Africa’s digital future, training a new generation of cyber negotiators, expanding regional incident response capabilities, and championing African-led solutions to global digital challenges. This includes advancing climate-conscious data practices and ethical AI development,” he added.
The minister described as Nigeria’s digital gift to the world the launch of the Anticipatory, Cyber, and Digital Diplomacy Masterclass Series for diplomats from Africa and the Global South.
He said it is an open platform designed to build a globally competitive diplomatic corp.
On his part, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi said the Federal Ministry of Justice has a crucial role to play in this new diplomatic paradigm, to ensure legal
frameworks are updated to address these emerging challenges.
He assured that the Ministry is committed to collaborating with security agencies,
foreign affairs officials, the private sector, and civil society to build a comprehensive and effective strategy.
Fagbemi said: “You will agree with me that the 21st century has introduced a
paradigm shift in the nature of conflict, communication, and cooperation, demanding a fundamental transformation of traditional statecraft. The rise of a globally interconnected digital
landscape presents both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges, rendering traditional diplomatic methods insufficient.
“As Nigeria’s Chief Law Officer, the Ministry of Justice is positioned to address this new reality with strategies that are proactive,
technologically astute, and ethically grounded.”
Nigeria Sets for Cyber, Digital Diplomacy, Creates Cyber Unit at Foreign Ministry
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