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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
RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State

RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State
…Making it the 20th State to Benefit from the Support
By: Our Reporter
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Program, launched in Abuja in March 2024 to provide monthly support to vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities, has reached Yobe State—making it the 20th state to benefit from the initiative.
Since its inception, the program has covered Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto States before arriving in Yobe.
With generous support from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and another industrialist who prefers to remain anonymous, assorted food items were delivered, bringing relief to many households, particularly those with disabilities.
The First Lady and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that donors provide two truckloads of food items to each beneficiary state for onward distribution. Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, she highlighted Yobe as a major beneficiary of RHI programs and interventions.
These include:

- The Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economists Empowerment Program, which supported 500 women with ₦50,000 each.
- The RHI Women Agricultural Support Scheme, where 20 women received ₦500,000 each.
- A ₦68.9 million grant from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to the Young Farmers Club.
- Annual financial support to senior citizens, with 100 beneficiaries receiving ₦100,000 each in 2023 and 250 beneficiaries receiving ₦200,000 each.
- A ₦50 million financial grant to 1,000 petty traders.
- The Women in ICT Program, aimed at empowering women in the digital economy.
According to Senator Tinubu, these interventions are designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni represented by his Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the initiative, noting that the state has aligned with RHI through various empowerment programs for women, children, and vulnerable groups. These include the distribution of household items, skill acquisition schemes, and post-insurgency recovery programs that have economically empowered many women.
The State Coordinator of RHI and Wife of the Yobe State Governor, Hajiya Hafsat Kollere Buni, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for extending such impactful support to Yobe State. She also looked forward to stronger collaborations to further project the ideals of RHI and improve the lives of the people.
Also present at the event was Dr. Ubong Udoh, Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, one of the key donors to the program.- RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State


News
Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency
By: Zagazola Makama
Former National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), has warned that Nigeria’s fight against insurgency will remain elusive without national cohesion and a united front across society.
Monguno stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He said Boko Haram and other violent groups had thrived by exploiting Nigeria’s divisions, stressing that disunity among citizens, political actors, and institutions weakened the country’s capacity to defeat terrorism.
“Without national cohesion, insurgency will not end. Terrorists feed on our fault lines – ethnic, religious, political – and they weaponise them against us. If we remain divided, no amount of military might will deliver lasting peace,” Monguno said.
He urged Nigerians to rise above parochial sentiments and embrace a spirit of patriotism, solidarity, and common purpose. According to him, the fight against insurgency must go beyond the battlefield to include reconciliation, justice, and inclusive governance.
The retired General emphasised that the scars left by Boko Haram were not just physical but also psychological and social, making unity a vital condition for national healing.
“The book reminds us that security is not just the work of soldiers. It is the responsibility of leaders, institutions, and citizens. Unless we build cohesion, insurgency will continue to mutate in different forms,” he added.
Monguno commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experience, describing the work as a guide that combines history, strategy, and national lessons for the future.
The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, diplomats, and senior government officials.
Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency
News
Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach
By: Zagazola Makama
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency through military operations alone, stressing the need to embrace soft power and address root causes of insecurity.
Kukah made this known in Abuja on Thursday while reviewing Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He said the country’s reliance on military doctrines and repeated counter-insurgency operations had failed to produce lasting peace because Boko Haram represented an ideology, not just an armed threat.
“For years, we have had Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Safe Haven, and many others. Yet, when one operation fails, another is launched. These operations have not ended the insurgency because you cannot fight an idea with weapons alone,” Kukah said.
The cleric argued that describing the insurgency only in military terms forecloses other sources of information and non-kinetic solutions that are critical to peacebuilding.
According to him, Boko Haram’s struggle is framed as a jihad, and many of its fighters see death as martyrdom, making them indifferent to conventional deterrence.
“The challenge before us is not merely about defeating insurgents on the battlefield, but about understanding the soft issues of life and death. Guns cannot build peace; soft power must complement military power,” he said.
Kukah pointed to chapters 11, 12 and 13 of Irabor’s book, which emphasise reconciliation, good governance, justice, and national healing as critical conditions for security.
He praised the author’s reflections for going beyond military strategy, describing them as “the writings of a priest” that call for dialogue, reforms and moral renewal.
The bishop added that Nigeria must prioritise structural reforms, political inclusion, patriotism, and judicial integrity to tackle grievances that feed extremism.
“The urgency now is to invest in soft power – in human development, reconciliation, and building trust in institutions. Military operations can only create space; it is ideas and justice that will sustain peace,” Kukah said.
The event attracted former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, senior government officials, service chiefs, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
End
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