National News
ECOWAS Calls For Improved Collaboration to Curb Worsening Humanitarian Crisis In West Africa
ECOWAS Calls For Improved Collaboration to Curb Worsening Humanitarian Crisis In West Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for improved collaboration among member states to help ease the suffering of persons displaced by worsening humanitarian crisis in West Africa.
The Commissioner, Human Development and Social Affairs, ECOWAS, Prof. Fatou Sarr made the call on Tuesday while addressing representatives of member states at the opening of a three day workshop on ECOWAS Response to Persons of Concern (PoCs-IDPs, Refugees, Returnees, Stateless People, Asylum Seekers and their Host Communities holding in Abuja
Sarr who was represented by the Director Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki Ugbe said: “In 2024, the data and information collated from the region, have shown that population displacement resulting from varied humanitarian events, especially conflicts, have contributed enormously to the worsening of the humanitarian situation.
She noted that: “Key figures shared by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on displacement as of December 2023 show that 6,919,306 are forcibly displaced of which 6,284,384 are IDPs, 634,922 are Refugees & Asylums seekers. UNHCR 2024 report, has put the figures of stateless population in the region at over 931,000.”
On tackling the worsening situation, she said: “In response to the increasing humanitarian events in the region, the ECOWAS Commission has constantly developed and reviewed its strategies in collaboration with member states and relevant partners in line with its principal mandate of assisting member states to reduce the suffering of populations affected by humanitarian emergencies and affected communities.
“In this regard, the Humanitarian and Social Affairs Directorate has developed an inclusive strategy where member states and relevant partners determine the humanitarian needs of our populations as well as the affected communities.
“This gives ownership to the member states and affords ECOWAS the opportunity to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the assistance to the utmost benefit of the affected communities and populations.”
She also noted that, “the workshop will focus majorly on addressing the impact of displacement and related humanitarian events on refugees, IDPs, migrants, asylum seekers and stateless persons as well as host communities in 2024.
“Other factors such as food and nutrition crisis and the prospects in the coming months and expected mortality rate, etc. have also formed the core reasons for ECOWAS’ decision to respond to these segments of the population in need.”
According to her, other aims of the workshop are; “The overall objective of this workshop is to come up with appropriate data and information on the needs of populations affected by the identified challenges to further close the response gaps and reduce humanitarian sufferings which if sustained will ultimately close the gap in Humanitarian Development Peace nexus.”
She urged the participants to commit to the nine humanitarian standards as they deliberate on how best to solve humanitarian crisis in the West African subregion; “Can exercise their rights and participate in actions and decisions that affect them., Access timely and effective support in accordance with their specific needs and priorities. Are better prepared and more resilient to potential crises., Access support that does not cause harm to people or the environment.”
“And, can safely report concerns and complaints and get them addressed., Access coordinated and complementary support.
Others are: Access support that is continually adapted and improved based on feedback and learning., Interact with staff and volunteers that are respectful, competent and well-managed., And Can expect that resources are managed ethically and responsibly.”
She explained that the workshop is aimed at adopting the humanitarian needs assessment for the assistance of PoCs, IDPs, Refugees, Returnees, Stateless People, Asylum Seekers, and their Host Communities in Member States.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Enitan, in his welcome address stated that, “In 2023, the challenges facing West Africa led to an estimated 64.5 million individuals requiring assistance and protection in the region.
Enitan, who was represented by the Director Humanitarian Affairs in the Ministry, Mr. Valentine Ezulu, said: “Today, we continue to witness severe humanitarian crises exacerbated by conflicts, lack of basic services, and the escalating impacts of climate change.
“As we gather here, it is crucial to recognise the pressing need to address the unprecedented levels of food insecurity, displacement and the urgent response required from each member state.”
He applauded the ECOWAS initiative for supporting member states disaster management agencies, noting that the Commission’s initiative to support national responses underscores the importance of validating baseline data on the humanitarian needs of IDPs, refugees, returnees, stateless persons, asylum seekers, and their host communities. This workshop aims to provide a platform for collaborative efforts in mitigating the immediate and medium-term effects on displaced populations across our region.
He also stated that, “in light of the prevailing challenges, characterised by violence, insecurity, armed conflicts, natural disasters and governance issues, it is evident that our region is facing deepening humanitarian crises.”
He said: “As we proceed with the needs analysis, we must prioritise humanitarian access as a critical lifeline for those ensnared in conflict zones, and emphasise the necessity of protection and assistance for all affected individuals. Our actions must be informed by accurate data and a commitment to inclusivity, while acknowledging the persistent gaps despite ongoing efforts by Member States and partners. The urgency of our collective response is paramount to offer comprehensive support to all persons of concern and their host communities, leaving no one behind.”
“The Federal Government of Nigeria underscores this commitment through its ratification of the Kampala Convention and the launch of the National Policy on Internally Displaced Persons in 2022. This policy provides a robust framework for addressing all facets of internal displacement and emphasizes government’s duty to protect and promote the rights of IDPs, returnees, and host communities.” He added
He said “As a nation, Nigeria continues to open its heart and borders, offering international protection to those in need, in line with the ethos of the 1951 Convention and Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Most importantly, we are committed towards the implementation of all the pledges made towards the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) at the last Global Refugees Forum. However, the journey is far from complete. The lingering gaps in our relief efforts, especially in combating hunger, malnutrition, Parig the shortage of essential non-food items, highlight the ongoing struggle of those affected by displacement.”
ECOWAS Calls For Improved Collaboration to Curb Worsening Humanitarian Crisis In West Africa
National News
ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration
ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is consolidating movement of citizens of West Africa by inaugurating the second phase of the European Union (EU) funded project “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM II)” to advance economic growth.
Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja reiterated the commitment of economic blog to ensure free movement and encourage commerce and economic development in the sub region at the inauguration of the FMM II in Abuja on Thursday.
The event was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the ECOWAS Commission.
The vice-president explained that the FMM is designed to promote the free protocol and movement of persons, goods and services, as vision of ECOWAS for regional integration.
According to her, the initiative would demonstrate renewed commitment to ensure migration governance and regional mobility serve as pillars of development within the sub-region.
Tchintchibidja added that: “During the first phase of the project, we made significant progress in enhancing migration governance, strengthening boarder management and operational license to drive the free protocols.
“We reinforced migration governance, harmonised policies, strengthened border management systems, facilitation of labour mobility and supporting member states in aligning national policies with ECOWAS migration instruments.
“These achievements played key roles in enhancing regional security and economic mobility within our region, however, our work is far from over, benefits of migration must be fully harnessed.
“This requires structured, coordinated approach both at national and regional levels; we are optimistic FMM II will serve as vehicle towards addressing new-migration challenges, while capitalising on emerging opportunities.
“The FMM II will enhance mobility across borders in safe and orderly manner, through specific efforts to ascertain migration governance framework, enhance coordination mechanism, data driven policy making and integrated approaches.”
She stressed the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that migration contribute positively to economic growth, stability and social-coercion in the ECOWAS region.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperation of the European Union (EU), Mr Massimo De Luka, said the five-year project aims to maximise development potential of free movement of persons and migration in West Africa.
He noted that the project would be achieved through support of the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Free Movement of Persons Protocol and the ECOWAS Common Approach to Migration.
He said: “The basis for cooperation and coordination on improving free movement of persons and migration in West Africa has been established.
“The second phase will deepen the cooperation in enhancing migration governance and at the same time commit to regional integration.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandjé Toure-Litse commended the milestones achieved during the first phase to be in line with ECOWAS mission.
Toure-Litse was represented by Mr Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director, Free Movement of Persons of ECOWAS Commission/Project Coordinator, West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI).
Toure-Litse said, “This milestone reaffirms our collective commitment to regional integration, migration governance and sustainable development, which are core principles that underscores the ECOWAS mission.”
ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration
FG Moves To Fast Track MSMEs Growth, Sets Up C’ttee To Enhance Financing
** We’ll be more deliberate in supporting small business owners to grow – VP Shettima
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said that the federal government, working in collaboration with other stakeholders, will be more deliberate in ensuring growth in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) space in Nigeria.
To this end, the National Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has set up a committee to interface with the Central Bank of Nigeria to enhance the financing of small businesses in the country.
This was part of decisions taken on Tuesday at the first meeting of the National Council on MSMEs for 2025 held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking after deliberations by members, Vice President Shettima said the federal government, through its agencies and partners, has the moral burden of supporting growth in the MSME space and facilitating job creation across different sectors for Nigerians.
Reeling out the mandate of the committee, the Vice President said the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in supporting small businesses, evident in important policies and programmes, need to be complemented by stakeholders, especially the private sector.
The committee headed by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, has Ministers of Science and Technology; Women Affairs; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MSMEs as members.
Others include the CEOs of Bank of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bank of Agriculture (BOI), Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the representative of NACCIMA and the organized private sector.
In the same vein, Council also approved a loan scheme for MSMEs known as the syndicated de-risked loans for small businesses.
The scheme will be a partnership between state governments and financial institutions aimed at enhancing access to finance for MSMEs at single-digit rates across the country.
Vice President Shettima advised state governments to set up vehicles that are devoid of political interests to drive the implementation of the syndicated de-risked loans for the MSMEs scheme.
“Some of these initiatives are laudable and will need to outlive the present administrations in the States. Regardless of political affiliations, Nigerians must be seen to be the ultimate beneficiaries of these schemes that we are trying to put in place,” the VP stated.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, presented the ‘syndicated de-risked loans’ scheme for small businesses, seeking the cooperation of members and describing it as a game-changing programme to provide affordable and available loans for businesses.
He said the initiative is in acknowledgement of the President’s passion and commitment to the development of small businesses and aimed at providing more jobs for Nigerians.
In his presentation on the state of MSMEs in Nigeria, the DG SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, said the agency was proposing an initiative which was born from a 3-day MSME conference held in 2024.
He said the initiative known as the GROW Nigeria strategy is to provide guidance, resources, opportunities, and the workforce to support the about 40 million small businesses across 8 distinct sectors.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai; the representatives of the Governors of Benue and Katsina States; the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh; Ministers of Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji; Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi; representative of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.
Others are the CEOs of Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); National Bureau of Statistics (NBS); the Presidents of NACCIMA and National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).
FG Moves To Fast Track MSMEs Growth, Sets Up C’ttee To Enhance Financing
Akume Insists Tinubu Means Well for the Nation
By: Michael Mike
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen.George Akume has said President Bola Tinubu means well for the nation, pledging to continue to work hard to support the Nigerian leader to achieve his many laudable programmes and vision for the country.
Akume made the promise at the weekend when he was decorated as “Star Associate of President Tinubu,” and Grand Patron of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA),
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made the declaration while he was decorated as “Star Associate of President Tinubu” by the National Co-ordinator/President of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA), Hon. Henry Nwabueze, who led a delegation of leaders of the Movement to the SGF ‘s office at the weekend in Abuja.
Akume pledged to continue to support the policies of President Bola Tinubu in his quest to make Nigeria safe and economically viable again.
He also pledged to continue to work hard to support the Nigerian leader to achieve his many laudable programmes and vision for the country.
Nwabueze, on his part said Sen. Akume has given so much in service to Nigeria and in support for the Tinubu Administration that he became the best choice for the position of the Movement’s Grand Patron and the first to receive the award of “Star Associate of President Tinubu,” an award intended for those in diverse fields of endeavour whose very efforts are promoting the vision of Mr. President for a better Nigeria.
According to Nwabueze, a former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and distinguished Delegate at the 2014 Justice Kutigi Nigerian National Conference initiated by the Jonathan Administration, Sen. Akume represents the Tinubu Administration’s efforts aimed at injecting competence, maturity as well as discipline and hard work in public governance, and thanked the SGF for accepting the two honours, revealing that in the weeks ahead Nigerians would see the advocacy campaigns of the Movement in support of President Tinubu’s efforts at repositioning the country.
He reiterated the advice to Nigerian politicians that anyone who is wishing to contest for the Office of President in 2027 should have a rethink, stressing that there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa in that year.
Nwabueze added that: “The occasion today is a very short one and, therefore, does not require long speeches.
“Let me start by conveying the appreciation of the entire membership of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA), both at home and in the Diaspora, all who have unanimously agreed that the man that has been chosen as our Grand Patron more than fits the bill.
“For several years, even before some of us were born,His Excellency, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) George Akume,CFR,has continued to serve this nation in diverse capacities.
“Whether as Permanent Secretary or Governor in his native State of Benue, Sen.(Dr.) Akume has for over fifty odd years held the flag of service and servant-leadership that has produced men and women of consummate repute and honour.
“Whether as Senator, Minister or even Secretary to the Government of the Federation,Sen.(Dr.) Akume’s place in the annals of history of our great nation remains one of honour well-deserved and laurels perpetually treasured.
“So, as we stand here today to decorate him as our Grand Patron and Star Associate of President Tinubu,the first in our list for such Honours,we are merely giving expression to what those who came before us saw to enlist him in the Benue Plateau Civil Service of his day,to make him Permanent Secretary in the Benue State Civil Service many years later,to make him Governor,to make him Senator, Minister and, today, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
“On behalf of the National Executive Council and, indeed,the General Congress of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates at home and abroad, I, Uche Henry Nwabueze, with the powers tacitly conferred on me by the Constitution of our Organisation, and in the name of the Most High God… Decorate you as Grand Patron of NTCA and as a Star Associate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Your Excellency, the SGF is by this decoration welcomed to function in this capacity with all the rights and privileges attached thereto.
“Accept our humble congratulations,Your Excellency, our Grand Patron,”
The Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates( aka: No Vacancy in Aso Rock 2027) is a registered group of like-minded Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora,who are committed to the promotion of the laudable efforts and programmes of the Tinubu Administration to repositioning Nigeria for greatness
The Movement has membership in all the States of the Federation and the 774 Local Government Councils.
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