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ECOWAS Revisits Implementation of Community Levy on All Imports into Region

ECOWAS Revisits Implementation of Community Levy on All Imports into Region
By: Michael Mike
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has revisited the implementation of community levy in the region as it tops the agenda at the ongoing 35th meeting of the Commission’s Committee on Administration and Finance.
The Commission had adopted a community levy of 0.5 percent on all imports into the region rather than the contribution from member states, but there are however challenges of implementation to the protocol adopted since 2014.
Members of the committee are drawn from 12 member states as three member states- Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic had signified their intention to pull out of the 15 member regional bloc.
Members of the committee are in Abuja for the next five days to consider ongoing reform in the commission and the issue of community levy.
Another area the committee is expected to discuss, is the Commission’s organogram, which has been in use since 2018.
The expected organogram review will touch all ECOWAS institutions including the community court, community parliament and the commission.
The review is expected to take into consideration the recent reduction of numbers of committees from 15 to 7.
The members have a report of about 100 to 150 pages to consider during the five days.
At the end of the five days, members are expected to adopt the proposal and then pass it to the council of ministers for their perusal and adoption.
In her opening remarks, ECOWAS Commission’s Vice President, Damtien Tchintchibidja, pleaded with member states on the need to adhere to the community protocol, especially the protocol on Community levy.
She said: “I would like to make an urgent appeal to all member states so that they can comply as quickly as possible with the provisions of the protocol relating to community levy.”
She stressed that remittance of community levy will “ allow us to ensure the good functioning of institutions and the implementation of projects within the community.”
She also raised the impact the exit of the three countries, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic will have on the community levy
She said: “I would like to remind you that the meeting of this day is held in a challenging context, characterised by uncertainties on a regional and global level.
“The announced withdrawal of our three member states appeals to us all in more than one way.
“We therefore must put everything in place to safeguard our unity, our secular ties, our spirit of fraternity and solidarity, as a result of an inclusive development,” she emphasised.
Speaking on the importance of the meeting, Tchintchibidja explained, “This is a retreat that would also be a win-win for our institutions in terms of community levy. Regarding the community levy, I would like to remind you that it remains the main source of funds for ECOWAS programmes and activities.
The chairman of the CAF, Ambassador Emmanuel Awe emphasised the need for members of the committee to sustain efforts in implementing policies and programmes that enhance and promote integration.
Awe said: “We owe our community the obligation to handle our mandate objectively and dispassionately.
“And fulfilling the task assigned by this committee, I urge you to further sustain the efforts in implementing the policies, projects, and programmes that enhance and promote prudent management of the community resources, as well as advance our regional integration objectives in line with ECOWAS vision 2050.”
ECOWAS Revisits Implementation of Community Levy on All Imports into Region
News
Malians Youth Gang Violent Clashes Claims Life in Maiduguri

Malians Youth Gang Violent Clashes Claims Life in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
An 18-year-old youth, identified as Bakura Muhammed, was fatally stabbed on April 4, 2025, during a violent clash between rival youth groups in Maiduguri.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the altercation occurred at about 4:30 PM in the Ajari and Tashan Lara areas, where youths from both sides engaged in a free-for-all fight.
The victim was fatally stabbed on the stomach. He was immediately transported to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, by the security personnel from Maiduguri Borno police command, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
A police sources said that seven individuals, aged between 15 and 24, have been arrested in connection with the incident. They include Ba’abba Kyari (20), Ali Alhaji GoniAli (20), Muhammed Audu (18), Ali Isa (15), Adam Sabir (15), Mohammed Tujja (17), and Usman Kasim (24).
Authorities are still searching for other members of the gang who fled the scene.
The victim’s body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy and was later released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Malians Youth Gang Violent Clashes Claims Life in Maiduguri
News
Remnant IED Explosion Injures One in Borno

Remnant IED Explosion Injures One in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion occurred in Meleri Village, Damboa Local Government Area, on April 4, 2025, leaving one person injured.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that one Alhaji Sanda, a resident of Hansari IDP Camp, and Bulama Zarayye, aged 40, were collecting baobab tree seeds when Zarayye accidentally stepped on an IED.
The device, believed to have been planted by ISWAP, exploded, causing injuries to Zarayye’s buttock, right hand, and lap.
A combined security team, including the Military and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit, was promptly dispatched to the scene.
The area was cordoned off, and a search for additional explosive devices was conducted, but no further devices were found.
Zarayye was taken to the General Hospital in Damboa, where he is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Remnant IED Explosion Injures One in Borno
News
Suspect Dies After Torture in Kaduna

Suspect Dies After Torture in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident has been reported in Tudun Nupawa, Kaduna, following the death of 21-year-old Abba Bello.
It was gathered that on April 2, 2025, Bello was arrested by a security guard at Old Panteka on suspicion of theft.
Abdullahi Usman, a suspected commander of the group, allegedly supervised the torture of Bello, leaving him unconscious.
Bello was initially taken to Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital for treatment but was later transferred to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital. Despite receiving medical care, he succumbed to his injuries on April 4, 2025, around 5:00 AM.
The deceased’s family has declined a post-mortem examination, and his body was released for burial as per their request.
Efforts to apprehend the suspects are ongoing.
Suspect Dies After Torture in Kaduna
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