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ECOWAS Raises the Alarm of Worsening Climate-related Disruptions in West Africa

ECOWAS Raises the Alarm of Worsening Climate-related Disruptions in West Africa
By: Michael Mike
Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has raised the alarm that the West Africa sub region is at the risk of worsen climate-related disruptions.
Speaking at the ECOWAS Hydrology and Meteorology Directors’ Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs & Agriculture. Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse said according to the WMO’s 2024 State of the Climate in Africa report, West Africa experienced a 1.2°C temperature rise above pre- industrial levels, and 2024 was among the five hottest years on record for the Sahel. While some parts of the Gulf of Guinea saw above-average rainfall, the Sahel and northern regions experienced extended dry spells, disrupting planting cycles and water availability.
She added that: “Moreover, recent data from the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN) showed that between 2021 and 2024, the region experienced a 47% increase in flood-related incidents, affecting over 5 million people, with damages estimated at over $1.3 billion USD.
“A recent ECOWAS study handled by WASCAL found that climate-related disruptions reduced agricultural productivity in the region by up to 10% in 2024, contributing to food insecurity and inflationary pressures. This situation will be worst if nothing is done in terms of mitigation and global temperatures reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 as forecast.”
Toure-Litse, who was represented by ECOWAS Acting Director Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Yao Bernard Koffi noted that: “Our populations, particularly those who lives in rural areas need accurate and timely meteorological data and information to adapt,” insisting that: “The accessibility to data and information is a critical issue that was emphasize by African Ministers while they were adopting the African Meteorological Strategy.
Consequently, the importance of generation climate forecast information from Meteorological and hydrological Directorates and their transfer to relevant national development agencies and
dissemination towards rural and urban populations are critical.”
She added that: “This underscores the urgent need for enhanced hydrological and
meteorological capacity that are now refer to collectively as hydromet services. According to the World Bank, every dollar
invested in early warning systems can yield up to $9 in benefits, including avoided losses and enhanced productivity.
“Honourable Minister,
Ladies and gentlemen, Noting the importance of strengthening the hydrological and meteorological services, the ECOWAS Commission adopted an
Hydromet Initiative 2021. It provided an assessment of the capacities of meteorological and hydrological services at regional and national levels as well as an overview of priorities and investment needs. These needs were estimated at $324.5 million, including $290 million for Member States and $34.5 million to support regional institutions for the strengthening and
modernization of hydrometeorological services in West Africa.”
She disclosed that: “In order to mobilize necessary resources for the implementation of the said Initiative, the ECOWAS Commission has worked with the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat to develop a regional project concept note to
be submitted to the Green Climate Fund.
“The concept note will be
presented during this workshop to collect your views and comments
that will contribute to its improvement. Your attention and support are therefore needed in that regard in order to ensure that the
project fully responds to the regional and national hydromet services improvement needs.”
Honorable Minister,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Over the next three days, I urge you to engage deeply, share
experiences and challenges, and most importantly, identify clear
actions that will contribute to improving hydromet services in our
region.
On his part, the Nigeria’s Minister of
Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo while declaring the meeting open, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening NiMet’s operational capacity, expanding its reach, and promoting regional collaboration, emphazing that the need for accurate, timely, and actionable weather and climate information has never been more critical to saving lives, securing livelihoods, and driving sustainable development across the region.
He said: “The WMO State of the Climate Report for 2023 stated that on average, climate-related hazards cause African countries to lose 2%–5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually, with many diverting up to 9% of their budgets to respond to climate extremes. Specifically in West Africa, rainfall deficits in Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana led to localised shortfalls in agricultural production in 2023.
“This further highlights the enormity of the challenge facing the entire continent and the ECOWAS region in particular.
In the face of these realities, the work of our meteorological and hydrological services has become indispensable.
“This meeting couldn’t have come at a better time and provides the opportunity for us to assess the readiness of the region to meet its early warning target.
“Recall that at the launch of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, the United Nations had set an ambitious target of ensuring that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027. How Ready is ECOWAS? This is one of the questions that we must answer at this meeting.
“This meeting reflects our shared commitment to regional cooperation as well as a clear indication of the growing recognition of the critical role that meteorological and hydrological services play in our pursuit of sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and mitigation among others,” he said.
The Director, WMO Office for Africa, Dr Agnes Kijazi in his Goodwill Message said during the past 75 years, the WMO community provided scientific evidence, information and services which have shaped decision making to safeguard and promote public well-being, and to make the world safer, more secure, and prosperous.
He said: “WMO acknowledges the challenges faced by Members in the ECOWAS region which are putting pressure on resources and increasing the complexity of competing needs and priorities. It is in this regard that WMO and partners initiated ongoing interventions such as the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), the Climate Risk Early Warning Systems (CREWS), and the Early Warnings for All initiative which provide support to some Members.
“I would like to let you know that WMO reaffirmed its commitment to work with all national meteorological and hydrological services to ensure a more climate resilient West Africa,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Director General of the Nigerian Meterorogical Agency, Nimet, Prof. Charles Anosikewho stressed the importance of leveraging technology for enhanced service, expressed
NiMet commitment to regional cooperation and advancing the cause of meteorology
resources in pursuit of a more resilient and climate-smart West Africa.
“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency remains committed to regional cooperation and advancing the course of meteorology and hydrology within ECOWAS. We are ready to share our experiences, expertise, and resources in pursuit of a more resilient and climate-smart West Africa” he said.
ECOWAS Raises the Alarm of Worsening Climate-related Disruptions in West Africa
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Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth

Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace peace-building through education and social media.
He, however, ddescribed Nigerian youth as the country’s most potent force against violent extremism, terrorism, and insurgency.
Musa made the call while addressing a students, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and security officials at a Multi-sector conference on countering extremism ideology and insurgency on Saturday in Maiduguri.
The event was organised by the Kaltu Foundation for Peace, Network of Civil Society Organisation.
The event which focused on “Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism Through Youth Engagement and Civic Dialogue,” featured the unveiling of a new book.
The book is titled Stand Against Violence, Terrorism, and Extremism: An Admonition to Nigerian Youths, co-authored by Gen. Musa and other senior defence stakeholders.
In his keynote address, the Defence Chief emphasised that the burden of national security and peace cannot rest solely on the military, stressing that “the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth.
“If we want to defeat insurgency, it is the youth that will do it. If we want to prevent violent extremism and reclaim our schools, our homes and our dignity, it is the youth that must lead the charge,” Musa declared.
Drawing from his personal military experience in the region, Gen. Musa reflected on his service in the North-East as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai and Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, stressing the resilience of the people and the importance of civic support to military success.
He thanked the people of Borno for their sustained cooperation with the armed forces, adding that the current military leadership under Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar as “capable and committed.
“Nation building is a continuous, painstaking, and tireless effort, especially for patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians like you,” he said. “We must not relent.
“Things are improving. With your support, we will achieve total peace,” he said.
Speaking on the power of information in the digital age, Musa warned against the misuse of social media platforms by extremist elements, calling on the youth to use technology to promote peace, unity, and truth.
“Social media today does not merely shape opinions, it influences behaviour, identity, and belief systems.
“We must repurpose it as a tool for civic education, truth-telling, countering disinformation, and supporting our security forces,” the CDS said.
He urged students and youth to become “ambassadors of peace,” leveraging peer influence and community engagement to challenge radical ideologies and reclaim their spaces from those who sow division and hatred.
“Let us start a new movement. A movement of young Nigerians committed to rebuilding their communities through values that reflect our collective national identity – peace, unity, truth, and purpose,” Musa said.
The CDS, however, expressed optimism that the publication would become a key resource in educational and security institutions, saying he welcomed reviews and constructive criticism.
“There are no perfect solutions to the complex issues we face but through multilateral collaboration and thoughtful dialogue, we can sharpen our strategies and outpace the ever-evolving tactics of non-state actors,” he added.
Musa also paid tribute to the Borno government, traditional rulers, scholars and members of the academic and civil society for what he described as their “unwavering commitment to peace.”
The event was attended by top officials from the military, Borno Government, Network of Civil Society Organisations, youth groups, and students from tertiary institutions across the North-East.
Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth
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Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe

Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Two young men have been arrested in Ngalda town, Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State, for allegedly beating an 18-year-old boy, Abbas Zakari, to death over a missing phone and power bank.
Zagazola gathered from sources that the incident occurred on Friday, June 27, at about 5:00 p.m., when the suspects, identified as Musa Sale, 25, and Muntari Suleiman, 23, accused the deceased of stealing two mobile phones (an Android and a keypad model) and a power bank.
According to a relative, Hussaini Zakari, who reported the matter to the police, the suspects apprehended Abbas in Potiskum, where he had reportedly gone to sell the items, and recovered the handsets from him.
Instead of handing him over to the police upon returning to Ngalda, the suspects allegedly took matters into their own hands and severely beat the teenager with sticks.
The victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Fika by police officers, but was confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor. His remains were released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The suspects have since been arrested and have reportedly confessed to the assault during preliminary interrogation.
Police say the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe
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Tinubu Commissions Locally Made Electric Vehicles in Nasarawa

Tinubu Commissions Locally Made Electric Vehicles in Nasarawa
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned indigenous electric vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in Nasarawa State,
This marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s transition to sustainable transportation.
The event, which also featured the launch of several legacy infrastructure projects, showcased the commitment of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration to innovation and environmental sustainability.

The commissioning ceremony signifies the formal establishment and operation of electric vehicle technology in the state—an initiative aligned with President Tinubu’s national policy on sustainable transportation.
Governor Sule revealed plans to empower residents across Nasarawa with electric vehicles, a move aimed at easing transportation challenges and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), Prince Mustapha Audu, expressed gratitude to both President Tinubu and Governor Sule for supporting local innovation and embracing the future of transportation.
Audu described EMVC as one of Nigeria’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, with branches in other states. He commended Governor Sule for pioneering the future of mobility in Nasarawa, noting the global shift towards electric vehicles, especially as many countries move to phase out compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles by 2030.
He said: “We have SUVs that can travel 1,200 km per charge, and sedan models suitable for ride-hailing services with a 400 km range. We also have locally made tricycles and motorcycles—popularly known as Igwe—that are affordable and built for Nigerian roads.”
Highlighting innovation in infrastructure, Audu explained that the vehicles will be supported by solar-powered charging stations. “Our charging stations can power three vehicles simultaneously without relying on the national grid or generators. We plan to increase them to five stations shortly,” he stated.
He explained that with just ₦5,000, vehicle owners can fully charge their cars depending on battery capacity.
He said the electric vehicles are powered by lithium batteries designed to reduce carbon emissions and enhance clean energy usage. To support long-term adoption, EMVC is also setting up battery assembly lines, EV repair centers, and training hubs across the state.
He further said: “Each electric vehicle comes with a minimum two-year warranty,” noting that: “Unlike traditional vehicles with over 25,000 components, electric vehicles have fewer than 300 parts—most of which are cosmetic. This greatly reduces maintenance costs and complexity.”
He emphasized that common issues will mostly be electrical, and the company already has trained technicians on the ground, with plans to train more as demand grows.
Audu acknowledged challenges such as poor road conditions and climate, but assured that the vehicles were designed with Nigerian realities in mind.

He expressed confidence in the durability of the locally manufactured electric vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles, urging Nigerians to embrace the cleaner, cheaper alternative to transportation.
Tinubu Commissions Locally Made Electric Vehicles in Nasarawa
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