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ECOWAS Pushes Stronger for Actualisation of Free Movement within the Sub region
ECOWAS Pushes Stronger for Actualisation of Free Movement within the Sub region
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is presently pushing seriously for the actualisation of the region’s free movement as it begins the tour of major border points within the sub region.
The tour commenced with the visit of the President of the Commission, Dr. Omar Touray and a strong team from the regional bloc to one of the busiest borders in the area, Seme Border (Nigeria/Benin Border)
on Wednesday.
During the visit, Touray who took time out to speak to various stakeholders as he made the trip to the border from the Lagos before having a meeting with officials at the border, criticised the poor state of border infrastructure, urging swift reforms to protect the region’s free movement objectives.
After the meeting with Nigerian and Beninese officials at the border, Touray said “this is one of the busiest and most strategic border posts in West Africa,” and we cannot watch to see it not performing optimally.
He lamented that at the border, “we are faced with expensive facilities; scanners, lighting systems, and bridges that are simply not working. That is unacceptable.”
He said he was alarmed to find that core ECOWAS infrastructure was neglected despite heavy investment.
He cried that: “We cannot justify millions spent on equipment that lies idle. Our citizens expect results—not excuses.”
He also stressed that while the regional body is responsible for initiating infrastructure, the onus of maintenance lies with individual member states.
The commission’s president also criticised the proliferation of checkpoints within member countries, arguing that it contradicts the spirit of free movement enshrined in ECOWAS protocols.
He asked that: “Why do we have multiple customs and immigration posts for the same corridor?
“It frustrates travelers, delays trade, and creates opportunities for corruption.”
While calling for transparency, he urged officials to crack down on unofficial payments.
He however correct the notion that within ECOWAS states citizens of the Community should be unquestioned, stating that free movement does not mean movement without relevant documents especially identification card and passport.
Despite the setbacks, Touray said he was encouraged by the joint commitment from Nigeria and Benin to improve cooperation.
He said: “This border post has potential. But potential alone is not enough. We must act—and act fast.”
He pledged that ECOWAS would deliver a full report with recommendations to improve operations, address infrastructure failures, and remove obstacles to seamless cross-border movement.
The Nigerian Customs Controller of the Lagos-Seme Border, Ben Oramalugo, provided a stark assessment of the situation. “We have scanners installed, but they are not working.
“Since I reported here on February 12, they have remained non-functional. These scanners can detect things human eyes cannot.
“When you inspect cargo manually, you might miss drugs or dangerous goods hidden deep inside. We need your help to get these scanners working again,” Oramalugo explained.
He added, “We do not have electricity at all in Seme. We depend entirely on Benin. And when their power goes out, we’re left in total darkness. This is Nigeria’s number one border, connecting the entire Francophone region, yet we are not connected to the national grid.”
The customs controller also raised concern about economic policy and the impact of double taxation.
“Goods coming from Benin that should be in transit are taxed there and then taxed again in Nigeria. This discourages trade. Importers are avoiding this corridor. We need both countries to follow internationally recognized transit rules,” the customer officer stated.
Oramalugo also called on ECOWAS to reduce the number of checkpoints on the international corridor.
“From here to Badagry, I have ensured there are only three customs checkpoints. But there are still too many from other agencies. I appeal to you—let us enforce a maximum of three checkpoints total. This road tells the story of Nigeria. What people see here reflects on all of us,” the customs officer stated.
The Permanent Representative of Nigeria to ECOWAS Ambassador Musa Nuhu, described the Seme border as critical to the ECOWAS free movement agenda. “This is the busiest border in West Africa, in terms of passage of goods, people, and services,” he stated. “And if free movement is working in West Africa, it is in this border that we will be able to find out.”
Nuhu noted that the challenges raised by local officials—including infrastructure decay, overlapping security checks, and operational bottlenecks—highlighted the gap between policy and implementation. “It’s good that they mentioned these issues for you to really understand practically what is happening along this very important border.”
Nuhu also revealed that the Federal Government had taken steps to independently assess and reform the corridor. “Not quite long ago, we carried out the same exercise along the border without even the officials here knowing, for us to really take note of what is going on.
“President Bola Tinubu has just approved the setting up of the Presidential Task Force to dismantle multiple checkpoints in the whole country. We are starting with the Seme-Badagry corridor. That committee has been set up under the authority of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and we will soon start working to address this issue,” he added.
Immigration officers stationed along the Seme border have called for intensified public awareness campaigns on the rights and limitations of the ECOWAS free movement protocol, citing widespread misunderstanding among travelers and transporters.
ECOWAS Pushes Stronger for Actualisation of Free Movement within the Sub region
Majority Leader of Youth Parliament Calls for Outlawing Under-18 Marriage
By: Michael Mike
The Majority Leader of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Hon. Ridwan Barade has called for the outlaw and criminalization of marriage of male or female under the age of 18.
Speaking at a National Roundtable Dialogue with High-Level Policy Makers in commemoration of of the Day of the African Child 2025 organised by the African Youth and Adolescent Network on Population and Development (AfriYAN) Nigeria and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Abuja, Barade said: “A child who is not yet done with education, who doesn’t even have the intellect of herself, is already in a house giving birth to children, which is very wrong, and if we don’t change that narrative, then we won’t be able to move forward as a country.”
He added that: “The normal age for an adult is 18, so I believe if we can have a rule that you can’t marry before 18, then I believe we’re going to have what we’re looking for,” stressing that “the government should make a rule that no parent should give their child out before 18.”
He noted that if we can be able to penalise people that are doing such things, then we’re going to be great country.
He revealed his readiness to work with other members of the Nigerian and other stakeholders to prepare the legal framework for outlawing marriage of minors, people below 18 years.
On her part, the Nigeria National Coordinator of AfriYAN, Adek Bassey has called for the involvement of more youth in governance. She said: “We should be on the roundtable where decisions are taken.”
She also advocated for transparency of programme initiated for youth by government, noting that as at now there are dearth of programmes for youth in the country.
She added that governments in the country should embark on programmes centered around youth and release funds to build youth in the country.
Bassey while commending UN and its agencies for funding programmes meant to advance the course of youth in Nigeria, said the youth will be happy when the major funds for them are from Nigerian government.
She said: “So that when we see a call from our own pool of funds from the government, all of us will be excited that this funding, we are funded by the Nigerian government. No, we are always funded by UNFPA, we are always funded by UN Women’s Agency. We want to be funded by our own Nigerian pool fund for young people, you know, let it be that accessible.
“Put your criteria for us to meet, which we are definitely going to meet and we have track records of our work. So that is what we want to see. Every year, annual call from the government, youth apply for this fund and get to do programmes and you have a tracking system to see that this funding is actually being used for this issue.”
Majority Leader of Youth Parliament Calls for Outlawing Under-18 Marriage
PEBEC Commences Nationwide Tour on Ease of Doing Business
By: Michael Mike
The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is commencing a nationwide tour to sensitize on the ease of doing business.
The tour which would see it conducting technical sessions and town hall meetings in all the 36 states of the federation and FCT is to bring home the strategies on doing business right.
A press statement at the weekend by PEBEC read: “The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is
pleased to announce its nationwide tour, starting on June 23, 2025, to drive the ease of doing business reforms across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The tour will run from the last week of June into mid July.
“The tour will feature technical sessions and town hall meetings, providing a platform for stakeholders to engage with government officials, share experiences, and propose reforms to ease business operations.”
The press statement further read that: “The goal (of the tour) is to create a more conducive business environment, attracting investment, and driving economic growth across Nigeria.”
It revealed that the tour will provide an opportunity for businesses, investors, and the general public to interact with government officials, share concerns, and propose solutions to challenges hindering business growth.
“For more information about the PEBEC nationwide tour, including dates and venues for each state,” the statement asked interested Nigerians to visit PEBEC website or social media channels.
PEBEC Commences Nationwide Tour on Ease of Doing Business
Shettima Welcomes Akwa Ibom Governor to APC, Says Tinubu Is a Bridge-Builder
Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a decision he will never regret.
Speaking on Saturday in Uyo during a grand reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Shettima said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally sent a message to the governor, assuring him that the APC would be home to him and his supporters.
“This party is your home. You will not be humiliated. You will not be forsaken,” Shettima declared. “Mr. President asked me to assure you personally—no one will question your place here.”
Describing Tinubu as a “bridge-builder” and “deep-rooted democrat,” the Vice President praised the president’s enduring commitment to democratic values, recalling how he stood firm during challenging political periods in Nigeria’s history.
“Few figures in our national history have given as much and demanded so little in return,” Shettima said, referencing Tinubu’s past political sacrifices.
The Vice President noted that the APC is not a party driven by media hype but by vision, merit, and loyalty. “We are not just a political platform; we are a movement,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno said he joined the APC to align with the Tinubu-led administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and fast-track the realization of key infrastructural projects, including the long-delayed Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom.
“My progressive state movement is predicated on enlightened state interest—to support Mr. President’s bold and audacious reforms,” the governor said.
APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, welcomed the governor and his supporters, hailing the massive turnout as a demonstration of public trust in the APC.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the significance of the governor’s defection, describing it not as just a political move but as a full-fledged “movement.” He assured Akwa Ibom citizens of the federal government’s support for development projects in the state.
Other notable speakers included Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, who commended Governor Eno’s decision, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, who declared the South-South zone’s full alignment with the federal government.
The event climaxed with the presentation of the APC flag and broom to Governor Eno, symbolizing his official welcome into the party and reaffirming the APC’s stance as a vehicle of national progress.
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