Connect with us

Uncategorized

ECOWAS Launches €110 million Projects for Regional Peace and Stability

Published

on

ECOWAS Launches €110 million Projects for Regional Peace and Stability

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched four significant projects worth approximately €110 million, aimed at strengthening regional peace and stability, supporting institutional reforms, and promoting trade within the subregion.
.

The projects which are funded by the European Union (€82.5 million), Germany (€26 million), and other partners are support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance Project (EPSG), this is to aid ECOWAS Commission in the Implementation of the AfCFTA /Trade in Services Programme,.

It is also to support ECOWAS Commission on Organisational Development / Institutional Support to ECOWAS Phase II and Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme.

ECOWAS Commission President, Alieu Touray on Tuesday said the projects seek to strengthen regional peace and stability, as well as support institutional reforms and trade within the community of ECOWAS.

He said: “The projects align with ECOWAS’ strategic orientations, including strengthening peace and security arrangements at regional and national levels, enhancing institutional effectiveness, and promoting sustainable trade.

“This initiative is crucial, considering ECOWAS’ Peace Fund requires approximately $300 million to implement its five-year strategic plan for peace initiatives in West Africa.”

Touray while providing updates on ECOWAS’ engagement with countries that have decided to leave the organisation, stated that the status quo will be maintained in areas such as trade and free movement until a new agreement is reached.

He said: “We have agreed until we come to a new agreement, we will maintain the status quo in all areas,”

He expressed gratitude to partners for their continued support and emphasized the need for accountability and joint decision-making in implementing these projects.

“With a focus on delivering concrete results, these projects hold considerable promise for the people of West Africa.” He added.

Earier in her remarks, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Annett Günther, stressed the importance of regional integration and cooperation in West Africa.

Günther stressed the strength of the European partnership with ECOWAS, as she stated that the launch marks more than the start of four new projects.

“It reflects our shared commitment to trade, peace and security and good governance in West Africa.”

She noted that the projects address different aspects of ECOWAS’ Vision 2050, which aims to build a citizen-centered community for peace and prosperity.

Günther highlighted the importance of these initiatives, saying, “Trade and services is a key driver of employment and innovation and a powerful lever for economic transformation. In addition, countries that trade with each other are less likely to experience war or internal conflicts.”

“Germany is committed to partner with ECOWAS and its member states in advancing our shared mission – a stable, democratic and prosperous West Africa.” She said.

Also the European Union Ambassador to ECOWAS and Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, noted that the projects are part of a single strategic vision, where peace, regional integration, and economic opportunities are mutually reinforcing.

Mignot highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS’ efforts in building, a safer, more integrated, and more prosperous West African region.

He said, “The EU history illustrates that when countries are willing to come together, they are stronger, more resilient, more competitive, and more secure.”

“The projects launched today address both urgent needs and long-term goals, empowering the private sector, modernizing cross-border trade, and supporting regional responses to security challenges.”

Mignot expressed his gratitude to the ECOWAS management, the German and Spanish embassies, and implementing partners for their commitment to these projects.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of Mission, Spanish Embassy in Nigeria, Mrs. María Higón Velasco, reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to partnering with ECOWAS, highlighting the country’s long-standing cooperation program with the regional organization.

Velasco noted that the projects are designed to align with ECOWAS’ core priorities, stating, “These projects are designed to strengthen trade competitiveness, improve market access, foster regional integration, promote peace and security, and increase institutional capacity in West Africa, all of these being core priorities of ECOWAS as well.”

She highlighted the significance of the partnership between Spain and ECOWAS, which began over 20 years ago and has grown stronger over time.

“The Spanish government will provide €984,000 in funding for the institutional strengthening of the ECOWAS Commission, which will be co-financed by the European Union and Germany’s KfW Development Bank, amounting to a total of €7.4 million.

Velasco stressed the importance of this project, saying it is “rooted in the principles of aid effectiveness, as set out in the Accra Agenda for Action and the Busan Partnership.”

Velasco also highlighted the involvement of the Spanish institution, the Fiat Foundation, in the implementation of the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance project.

“This initiative aims to reinforce ECOWAS’ capacity to address disinformation and political violence in electoral processes, promoting innovative approaches and increasing bridges between regional institutions and civil society.”

“These projects represent more than just financial commitments. They display new opportunities to deepen cooperation and to bolster regional cohesion.

“They will create a stronger ECOWAS that will deliver greater good to respond effectively to the challenges of the present and build a brighter future for West African states, leaving no one behind.” She said.

ECOWAS Launches €110 million Projects for Regional Peace and Stability

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Uncategorized

Operation Safe Haven warns vigilantes against unauthorized missions in Plateau, says 8 vigilantes lost their lives not 70

Published

on

Operation Safe Haven warns vigilantes against unauthorized missions in Plateau, says 8 vigilantes lost their lives not 70

By: Zagazola Makama

The Headquarters of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has cautioned vigilante groups in Plateau State against embarking on unauthorized security operations without coordinating with recognized security agencies.

The warning followed a recent incident in which eight vigilantes were confirmed killed and several others declared missing after an ambush by armed bandits in Odare Forest, Kanam Local Government Area of the state.

The Army stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos, OPSH said the vigilantes, mobilised from Kanam LGA, undertook the mission without notifying the military or seeking approval from OPSH.

The group had halted temporarily in Kukawa community for administrative arrangements when they reportedly clashed with residents, looted provision shops, and seized more than 20 motorcycles under unclear circumstances.

“While advancing towards Odare Forest, the vigilantes were ambushed by armed bandits, resulting in the death of eight members. Others remain unaccounted for,” the statement said.

OPSH disclosed that troops from Sector 2 deployed in Wase have since launched search and rescue operations to recover the missing individuals.

The security outfit, which operates under the Nigerian military, warned that unauthorized missions not only endanger the lives of vigilantes but also pose significant threats to civilians and undermine coordinated counter-terrorism efforts.

“While we appreciate the zeal of community-based groups in safeguarding their areas, all security efforts must be coordinated with OPSH and other statutory forces to avoid unintended consequences,” it added.

The statement reiterated OPSH’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability across Plateau and urged residents to support the military by providing actionable intelligence and promptly reporting suspicious activities.

Operation Safe Haven warns vigilantes against unauthorized missions in Plateau, says 8 vigilantes lost their lives not 70

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

FG Saves N1bn Through Passport Reforms Annually, Issues Over 3.5m Passports in Two Years

Published

on

FG Saves N1bn Through Passport Reforms Annually, Issues Over 3.5m Passports in Two Years

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government on Tuesday said over 3.5 million passports has been issued in less than two years, adding that a massive N1 billion plus have been saved annually through reforms in the nation’s passport processing system.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Ministry’s new Passport Front Office.

Tunji-Ojo said the reforms were implemented in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance efficiency, security, and service delivery.

The minister while stating that the administration met a backlog of over 200,000 unprocessed passports and a debt of nearly ₦20 billion in the sector when it assumed office in 2023, disclosed that the backlog and debt have since been cleared.

He said. “While 3,080,141 passports were issued locally, 466,117 passports were also issued in the diaspora since August 2023. This brings the total of 3,546,258 passports issued “

Tunji-Ojo noted that the ministry also fully automated the upload of breeder documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, which previously cost government about N1 billion annually.

He said: “This is a major reform. We no longer pay contractors for what Nigerians can upload themselves. That money stays with government now.”

The Minister revealed that the number of centres issuing enhanced e-passports had increased from 26 to 44 in Nigeria and from five to 47 in the diaspora, while stating that
all passport offices now issue harmonised enhanced passports in line with global best practices.

He said: “We inherited a system where different types of passports were issued. That affected our credibility. Today, every Nigerian passport is ICAO-compliant and globally verifiable.”

Tunji-Ojo promised that a new passport central personalisation centre with modern technology, provided at no cost by Iris Smart Technologies, would become operational by August 2025.

He commended the company for supporting the government’s reform efforts and providing advanced passport production equipment without cost to the treasury.

He said Nigeria now produces passports in more than 50 locations, both within the country and abroad, and has joined the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Public Key Directory for global passport authentication.

He announced that effective July 31, all applications for Special Expatriate Permits and Temporary Work Permits must be submitted online.

“Manual processing will no longer be allowed. We must have the data, biometrics and documentation of every applicant for national security,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo said the reforms reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to digital governance, transparency, and efficient service delivery.

FG Saves N1bn Through Passport Reforms Annually, Issues Over 3.5m Passports in Two Years

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

RARARA’: Atiku Abubakar, Nasiru El-rufai, and Rotimi Ameachi lack the cohesive strength and popular support necessary to unseat Tinubu-Shettima in 2027

Published

on

RARARA’: Atiku Abubakar, Nasiru El-rufai, and Rotimi Ameachi lack the cohesive strength and popular support necessary to unseat Tinubu-Shettima in 2027

By: Maina Maina

The political landscape leading up to Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is marked by intense rivalry, particularly between the trio of Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, and the incumbent Bola Tinubu alongside his running mate Shettima. Despite their vocal opposition to Tinubu’s administration, many analysts argue that this trio lacks the cohesive strength and popular support necessary to unseat Tinubu. 

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed suggests that Atiku, El-Rufai, and Amaechi should step aside to mentor younger leaders who can offer fresh perspectives rather than pursuing power themselves. This recommendation underscores a broader call for renewal in Nigerian politics rather than recycling established figures.

While Atiku and his allies vow to challenge Tinubu’s re-election, citing national insecurity and economic hardship, public sentiment appears divided, with some Nigerians urging unity behind alternative candidates like Peter Obi. However, those truly committed to a vibrant democracy may find greater promise in supporting Tinubu’s proven political strategy combined with Kashim Shettima’s appeal. Thus, dismissing the claims of the opposition trio as lacking substantive engagement aligns with calls for pragmatic leadership that prioritizes national stability over fractious political ambition.

Also, Dauda Kahutu Radar, a prominent Hausa musician, asserted his confidence that he would be given the opportunity to contest the Nigerian presidential election against notable political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Nasiru El-Rufai, and Rotimi Ameachi. He emphasized that his widespread popularity and deep connection with Nigerians surpass the influence of these politicians, who he claims are forming a coalition against the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. 

Rarara’s statement reflects a growing trend where cultural icons leverage their public appeal to challenge traditional political actors. This claim underscores an evolving dynamic in Nigerian politics where celebrity status translates into political capital. Although not speaking for himself but for President Tinubu, his confidence stems from his perceived ability to mobilize grassroots support through his music and public persona.

His position challenges established political alliances and raises questions about voter preferences in contemporary Nigeria. Dauda Kahutu Rarara’s declaration highlights how non-traditional candidates might disrupt conventional electoral contests by capitalizing on popular appeal rather than entrenched party structures, a case that makes the coalition’s appeal child’s play. 

The Hausa musician, in an interview with DCL Hausa, critically assessed the political legacies of Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, emphasizing their failure to meet the expectations of Nigerian citizens during their respective tenures. According to the musician, these figures have consistently revealed governance approaches that fall short of delivering tangible development and accountability. This pattern of underperformance has eroded public trust and credibility, thereby diminishing their capacity to effectively challenge the current Tinubu administration.

The musician argued that despite their political ambitions and vocal opposition to President Tinubu’s government, Atiku, El-Rufai, and Amaechi lack the moral authority necessary for substantive critique. Their previous governance records do not inspire confidence among Nigerians who seek progressive leadership. Consequently, this perceived deficiency undermines their legitimacy as credible alternatives or critics in Nigeria’s complex political landscape. The musician’s perspective underscores a broader discourse on accountability and leadership efficacy within Nigerian politics.

  • Maina Maina writes from Kano.

RARARA’: Atiku Abubakar, Nasiru El-rufai, and Rotimi Ameachi lack the cohesive strength and popular support necessary to unseat Tinubu-Shettima in 2027

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights