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ECOWAS Finalizes Framework for Establishment of USD75 million Renewal Energy Facility

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ECOWAS Finalizes Framework for Establishment of USD75 million Renewal Energy Facility

…Tuggar Calls for Creation of Enabling Environment first Private Sector to Thrive

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States has finalised the framework for the establishment of of a $75million ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility.

The regional bloc is also interested in improving storage facilities, milling initiatives and enhancing mechanization in paddy production, stating that $19 billion investment is needed for this.

The President, ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray made the disclosure on Thursday at the opening of the 93rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers holding in Abuja.

Touray, while commending the ongoing work on the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, which is part of some of the integrated project for the community, listed other integrated programmes aimed at integrating the region including the 6,800km Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline projects, regulation on roaming, direct flight, water amongst others.

He said: “A Framework Document for the Establishment of an ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility has been finalised by the Ministers. This is a new blended finance facility with an initial amount of USD75 million, whose objective is to provide grants, loans and guarantees through regular demand-driven competitive calls for proposals providing clean energy solutions for the ECOWAS region.

“Towards regional self sufficiency in rice production, the “Rice Offensive” project launched by the Commission in 2014, under the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) has now reached a second cycle with the development of a Second Regional Action Plan (2025-2035) to replace the 2020-2025 plan, which is expiring next year.”

He added that to attain regional self-sufficiency in rice, the local production of 33 million tonnes of milled rice is required to meet a planned consumption target by 2035, noting that this will also require a financial investment of US15 to $19 billion dollars of capital expenditures (CAPEX) towards improving storage facilities, milling initiatives and enhancing mechanization in paddy production.”

On the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, he said: “This regional integrative project aims to build a gas pipeline linking Nigeria to Morocco, feeding ECOWAS member states and Mauritania with future extension to Europe. It is an infrastructure of 6,800 km long, including 5,100 km offshore, with a transport capacity of 30 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year.”

Touray said on other integration project: “Progress has continued to be recorded regarding the implementation of ECOWAS Regulation on Roaming on Public Mobile Communications Networks in the ECOWAS Space. Phased implementation of this roaming tariff rates is progressing through several bilateral arrangements.

“The ECOWAS Roaming is now live in at least six member states since its adoption in December 2017 by this Council.

“Regarding high cost of air transport in the Community, which hinders intra-regional air transport development, the Ministers responsible for Air Transport met recently to deliberate on a Regional Strategy for the Harmonization of Air Transport Charges, Fees and Taxes in ECOWAS Member States, and a Supplementary Act relating to the Common Policy on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees in ECOWAS Member States. The Act seeks a cancellation of all taxes deemed inconsistent with ICAO rules and principles, along with a 25% reduction in passenger and security charges. This is a significant development for the business improvement of the regional air transport sector and the facilitation of movement of persons and goods within the Community.

“Furthermore, this year, ECOWAS Commission revived its regional cooperation and integration programme in the water sector which dates to 2001. The Ministers in charge of water resources met and adopted fourteen (14) Resolutions relating to the revision of the 2008 West Africa Water Resource Policy; Management of Shared Water Resources in West Africa, Water Infrastructure Development, among others, with the goal of contributing to poverty reduction, sustainable development and environmental protection.”

Touray, assured that the “Commission will continue to measure the impact of our Community investments in regional cooperation and integration through the Human Capital Development indexes which include both regional and member state’s strategies, and commitments made towards improving health and nutrition, education, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and digital economy. “

The President of the Commission also lamented the dwindling community levy in the last six years, saying only 40% of the approved Levy for this year had been received as at October 2024.

He said “For instance, for now six consecutive years, the Community levy remittances from the Member States have been declining. This year, as of 30th October, the Community Institutions received only 40% of the approved funds from the Community Levy, thereby hindering the implementation of the Community work programme.

“This Council has a critical role in the realization of the many objectives we set for our region. The role of our member states in providing the necessary resources for our Institutions, removing non-tariff barriers, implementing regionally agreed policies and commitments is vital to our success. Our local private sector actors also have an important role, and they need the support of both the regional institutions and governments to exploit the vast potentials in our community.

“We must give our local private sector actors the right of first refusal in any investment opportunity in our community. We should harness the resources of our businessmen and women to succeed. The goal is to mobilise, develop and retain regional capital within the Community for the overall good of all.”

On the issue of security, Touray said: “While we work hard on our economic integration agenda, we will continue to pay attention to the issues of security and political stability of our community. Terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime continue to hinder our efforts towards security. The ill effects of drug abuse and drug trafficking in our region are also of great concern. These challenges are far above the capacity of any single member state of the Community to ovoverco”

He added: “That is why we are concerned about the decision of the Military authorities in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to withdraw from our community. We will continue to engage with these authorities to reconsider their decision, which will serve no one party. Together, ECOWAS member states have made progress as our unity is our strength.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Yusuf Tuggar has charged governments of Economic Community of West African States to create enabling environment for private sector to thrive.

Tuggar, speaking at the opening of the 93rd Ordinary Session of Council of Ministers of ECOWAS, described the private sector as the driving force in the region’s integration process.

The Minister also stressed the need for a strong commitment to facilitating and improving trade within the sub-region.

Tuggar, who lamented the current low trade amongst member states which hovers around 12%-13%, urged member states to leverage on the existing instruments to promote greater regional economic cooperation.

He said: “ECOWAS stands at a pivotal point in its existence. The region faces multifaceted challenges that can only be overcome through enhanced cooperation and a deeper common understanding among our Member States. It also requires assiduous statecraft and diplomatic nous.

“Our governments must continue to make concerted efforts to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, as they are the driving force behind the economic integration agenda. And yes, sometimes integration poses difficult sovereignty issues. But in the long run, its for the benefit of all member states.

“Additionally, Member States must demonstrate a strong commitment to facilitating and improving trade within the sub-region. The current intra-regional trade percentage, which hovers around 12%-13%, is significantly low compared to other regions.

“We must therefore leverage existing instruments to promote greater regional economic cooperation, such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and the ECOWAS Investment Code.”

He also called for resolution of the non-tariff barriers amingst other.

According to him, ” We must tackle the issue of Non-Tariff Barriers, operationalize and modernize border posts, and enhance the Joint Border Management process.”

He also affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to thr process, saying ” It is crucial for our private sector to have investments and partnerships across the region. Member States need to evolve mechanisms and strategies to sensitize both the government officials and private sector groups on the economic potential of our region.”

He also said he will personally lead a delegation of all West African Ambassadors in Abuja and relevant ECOWAS Commission officials for a sensitization program in Lagos that will serve as an Economic Forum at the beginning of the year 2025.

Explaining that ” This event aims to showcase the economic potentials of the region and the regional instruments put in place to promote trade and investment. Participants will also have the opportunity to conduct physical inspections of factories producing various community products traded under the ETLS. I urge other Ministers to initiate similar activities that will unlock our economic potentials and enhance business cooperation within our region. Creating trade and Investment opportunities will yield substantial benefits and position our community to reap significant rewards, thereby improving the lives of our populace. We have been trading with each other and investing in each other’s territories long before the advent of the modern Westphalian state system and its static borders. The kola nuts and livestock are living proof,” he added.

ECOWAS Finalizes Framework for Establishment of USD75 million Renewal Energy Facility

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VP Shettima Leads Tributes At Funeral Of CBN Deputy Governor’s Mother

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VP Shettima Leads Tributes At Funeral Of CBN Deputy Governor’s Mother

** Says Deaconess Usoro’s daughter, Ms Emen, embodies a mother’s dream fulfilled

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM has paid glowing tribute to the late Deaconess Eno Nnana Usoro, mother of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor Ms. Emem Nnana Usoro, describing her as a woman whose life exemplified grace, faith, and service to humanity.

He noted that the late Deaconess’ enduring legacy is evident in the lives of her children, particularly her daughter, the CBN Deputy Governor, whom he described as a mother’s dream fulfilled.

Speaking on Saturday at the funeral reception of the deceased held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the Vice President said the late Deaconess Usoro’s life was a profound testimony of the power of prayer and the transformative influence of motherhood anchored in faith.

“The exemplary Ms. Emem Nnana Usoro is a daughter she couldn’t have been prouder of. She stands today as a symbol of a mother’s dream fulfilled—a story defined by sacrifice, prayer, and perseverance,” VP Shettima said.

The Vice President described Ms. Emem Usoro’s rise to the CBN Deputy Governor’s position as a testament to her mother’s refusal to settle for mediocrity and her belief in excellence anchored in faith.

“The height that Ms. Usoro has attained in public service, as a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, tells the story of a mother who refused to settle for mediocrity, who believed that her child could compete with the best of the world’s minds and still remain anchored in faith,” he said.

VP Shettima emphasised that Deaconess Usoro was more than a mother to her family, serving as a pillar of her church, a mentor to women, and support for the less privileged.

He noted that she exemplified humility and compassion while raising her family to understand that excellence without empathy is emptiness.

“When we celebrate the Late Deaconess Eno Nnana Usoro’s achievements, what readily comes to us are the stations of those she left behind. When we celebrate them, we are in truth celebrating the woman who shaped their character—the mother who toiled in silence, whose sacrifices were the scaffolds upon which their destiny was built,” the Vice President noted.

He added, “Those who live in the service of others never truly die. They are resurrected in every act of goodness that continues in their name.”

On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT and the Federal Government, VP Shettima extended condolences to the Usoro family, describing the deceased’s life as “a sermon, her kindness a ministry, her legacy an inheritance that will outlive her.”

The Vice President urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the late matriarch’s example, noting that success in life stems from being nurtured by love, discipline, and prayer.

“Let us not say that Mama is gone. Let us say that she has returned home to rest from her labours,” VP Shettima said, while praying for divine strength for the bereaved family.

Earlier, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State @aksgovt, Pastor Umo Eno @_PastorUmoEno, paid glowing tribute to the deceased and expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family, praying for the repose of the soul of late Mama Eno Nnana Usoro.

“When we came to the world, a few of us came very quietly, but when you leave and the ovation is high, it shows the lives you have touched. So, I know that you must be happy that God has helped you give your mother this honour. You have brought Nigerians, standing to send her home in glowing bliss.”

The Governor thanked God for her life and, on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, welcomed all guests, and commended Vice President Shettima for honouring the invitation to visit Akwa Ibom State, saying “it shows the love he has for the Akwa Ibom people and for the family.”

The President of the Senate @SPNigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said the deceased lived a life worthy of emulation, noting that “today heaven is happy to receive an angel in the late Eno Nnana Usoro.”

“My dear sister, the Deputy Governor of CBN, Emem Usoro, let me thank you for doing Akwa Ibom proud, let me thank you for the resounding applause and ovation with which you have sent your beloved mother to heaven,” Senator Akpabio said.

“I thank you and your brothers and sisters for this wonderful tribute. I thank God Almighty for your life and the lives of your family and, like I said in the Church, may the peace of the Lord which surpasses all understanding, console you and take care of you now and forever.”

The Senate President, who appreciated the Vice President for his presence at the event, noted that the people of Akwa Ibom State hold the Vice President in high esteem.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Rep. Abdulmumini Ari; members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council; captains of industry; staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria; members of the State and National Assemblies; chief executives of banks; and other top government functionaries.

VP Shettima Leads Tributes At Funeral Of CBN Deputy Governor’s Mother

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Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala

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Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by fighters of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) in Gamboru Ngala, a border town in northern Borno State.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the insurgents launched the attack on Saturday evening at about 6:15 p.m., attempting to infiltrate through the Flatari axis of Gamboru.

The sources said the troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to retreat after a brief exchange of gunfire.

“No adverse report was recorded during the encounter. The troops are currently on exploitation to track fleeing elements,” one of the sources said.

The situation in Gamboru Ngala has since returned to normal as residents commended the vigilance and prompt response of the military.

Gamboru Ngala, which shares a border with Cameroon, has been one of the strategic towns targeted by insurgents due to its proximity to transnational routes used for smuggling and movement of fighters.

The latest attack comes amid sustained military operations across the North-East aimed at dismantling remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists still operating in isolated enclaves.

Troops repel ISWAP attack on Gamboru Ngala

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Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri

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Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri

By: Zagazola Makama

The Gombe State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd.), his orderly, Cpl. Adam Hussaini Gamawa, and his driver, have died in a fatal auto crash along the Malam Sidi–Gombe Road.

The tragic incident occurred on Friday, shortly after the trio departed Maiduguri, Borno State, where they had participated in the North-East Regional Consultation on the development of a national Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) framework.

Col. Bello and his team were said to have left Maiduguri cheerfully after the closing ceremony of the three-day consultation, which brought together delegates from Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States.

According to sources , who was among the panelists at the consultation, Col. Bello actively participated in the session, contributing valuable insights on Gombe State’s role in hosting the Operation Safe Corridor facility.

“Col. Bello introduced himself as the third Commissioner since the ministry’s establishment in 2019. He spoke passionately about consolidating the foundation laid by his predecessors and reaffirmed his state’s commitment to the DDR process,” the sources recounted.

He described the late commissioner as a vibrant participant who engaged meaningfully during discussions and later shared perspectives on the unique security dynamics of different states.

“Our last conversation centered on the importance of integrating Disarmament and Demobilization into any dialogue with armed groups. I emphasized that without those key components, such dialogues amount to mere temporary ceasefires,” sources said.

Sources said the consultation ended successfully on Friday, with delegates departing for their respective states. He added that news of the accident broke later that evening, sending shockwaves through the participants and officials of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“Col. Bello and his orderly lost their lives instantly, while the driver, who was critically injured, passed away on Saturday morning. It was heartbreaking these were people we had just interacted with, full of life and dedication,” sources said.

He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and the people of Gombe State, describing the tragedy as “a painful reminder of the fleeting nature of life.”

“May their souls rest in peace. Indeed, life is transient, and we are all living on borrowed time as mortals,” he added.

Gombe commissioner, orderly, driver die in auto crash after attending DDR consultation in Maiduguri

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