News
ECOWAS Finalizes Framework for Establishment of USD75 million Renewal Energy Facility

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
News
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara

Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Two persons have been confirmed dead and several others injured following a bandit attack on vigilante operatives in Edogi, Lafiagi axis of Kwara State.
The incident, which occurred during a clash between the vigilantes and suspected bandits, also left four persons with gunshot wounds. Among the injured are Mohammed Ndagi,Saidu Jiya,and Philips John,all members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). A civilian passerby, Babangida Daniel was also caught in the crossfire.
They were rushed to the General Hospital in Lafiagi for emergency treatment. However, the VGN Commander, Mohammed Yatsu (50), and Babangida Daniel were confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The remaining injured victims have been referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) for further medical care.
Meanwhile, ASP Sado Sunday, who was reportedly involved in the operation, remains missing as search efforts continue.
Security sources say efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and restore calm in the area.
Two killed, several injured as bandits attack vigilantes in Kwara
Crime
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau

Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A joint security operation has reclaimed several deserted villages in the Horop District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, following persistent attacks and occupation by suspected Fulani militias.
Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the clearance operation was launched after residents of Hokk and neighboring villages fled their homes, reporting that the attackers had taken over their communities and erected temporary shelters.
In response, a combined troops of the Nigerian Army, team of Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel were deployed to the area to restore order and secure the villages.
The troops, encountered strong resistance from the armed attackers. A fierce gun battle ensued, but the attackers were eventually overpowered and forced to retreat into nearby bushes.
During the operation, several makeshift huts erected by the militias were destroyed, and two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing assailants were recovered.
Authorities say patrols and security presence in the area have been intensified to prevent further incursions and allow displaced villagers to safely return to their homes.
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
News
Troops arrest 25 suspected bandits, kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, Benue

Troops arrest 25 suspected bandits, kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint security operatives have arrested 25 suspected bandits and kidnappers during a coordinated operation along the Katsina-Ala–Takum Federal Highway in Benue State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the patrol, which was conducted on Monday, was initiated following intelligence reports of planned attacks on Tor-Donga town by suspected armed herdsmen and bandits, the Benue State Police Command said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, credible intelligence led the patrol team to Gbisetown, a known flashpoint along the highway, where four suspects were initially apprehended after attempting to flee upon sighting the security convoy.
“While returning to Tor-Donga, the operatives again sighted suspicious movement around the same Gbisetown area. A general raid of the surroundings was carried out, leading to the arrest of 21 more suspects believed to be linked to recent kidnappings and banditry in the area,” said the sources.
Security has been heightened in Katsina-Ala and its environs in response to growing concerns over armed herdsmen attacks and kidnapping incidents.
Troops arrest 25 suspected bandits, kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, Benue
-
News1 year ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics3 weeks ago
2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift