Connect with us

News

ECOWAS Revisits Implementation of Community Levy on All Imports into Region

Published

on

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

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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

News

Senator Lawan visits Geidam in Abuja

Published

on

Senator Lawan visits Geidam in Abuja

By: Yahaya Wakili

The President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, Ph.D., GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid homage to Nigeria’s Minister of Police Affairs and former Yobe State Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ibrahim Gaidam, at his Abuja residence.

In a statement issued and signed by him, which was made available to newsmen in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital,.Senator Lawan said that when His Excellency served as Executive Governor of Yobe State between 2009 and 2019, he left enduring legacies, from the introduction and implementation of visionary infrastructure projects to his tireless efforts in education, healthcare, and security.

According to him, under his leadership of the Police Affairs ministry, Sen. Gaidam, in his last year of assuming office, has recorded significant achievements in restoring security to our nation by spearheading efforts to reform and modernize the Nigeria Police Force.

He pointed out that, in addition to advocating for increased funding for the police to ensure adequate resources for operations, recruitment, and training, the ministry under His Excellency has fostered strong collaboration between the police and other security agencies, including the military, intelligence services, and community vigilante groups.

The President of the Ninth Senate revealed that this coordination has enhanced information sharing and joint operations, leading to improved security outcomes.

Senator Ahmed Lawan further said that Sen. Gaidam’s remarkable efforts as Police Affairs Minister have no doubt had a profound impact on our nation’s security landscape. Crime rates have declined significantly, public confidence in the police has been restored, and our communities are a lot safer.

“Beyond our shared history as Senators who both served in the 9th National Assembly and also exchanged views on current national issues, his insights and wisdom are invaluable to any discussion about Nigeria.

“I was filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be hosted by such a distinguished and respected figure. I wish His Excellency well as he continues to serve our great nation with distinction,” he said.

Senator Lawan visits Geidam in Abuja

Continue Reading

Health

VP Shettima In Maiduguri, Consoles Victims Of Gwoza Suicide Bombings

Published

on

VP Shettima In Maiduguri, Consoles Victims Of Gwoza Suicide Bombings

*** Says President Tinubu’s heart is with them, makes personal donations to affected persons

By: Our Reporter

In a swift response to the suicide bombings in Gwoza area of Borno State on Saturday, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday paid a condolence visit to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the gory attacks.

He described the incident as pathetic, even as he quoted the late Dele Giwa saying, “One life lost in cold blood is as gruesome as millions lost in cold blood.”

Speaking with journalists immediately after meeting and commiserating with victims of the attack at the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Senator Shettima conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Borno State government and the people of Gwoza.

The Vice President who made a personal donation to all the victims of the attacks and condoled with the families of those killed by the multiple explosions, saying the heart of the President is with them.

“The heart of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is with the victims and he specifically instructed us to come and offer our condolences and commiserations to the victims of this incident.

“We are here with the Director General of @nemanigeria, with the Minister of Agriculture, with the Minister of Transportation and, of course, the Chief Whip of the Senate, a son of the soil from Gwoza, who was here since yesterday (Sunday), and the Acting Governor. They have been working round the clock to provide succor and support to the victims,” VP Shettima stated.

Pegging the death toll at 32, the VP noted that while 42 persons injured in the suicide bomb attacks were brought to the Specialist Hospital, 14 have been discharged after receiving treatment, with 26 still receiving treatment.

He said, “It was a very pathetic scene. Our hearts go out to the victims. So far, we have recorded 32 deaths; 42 of those injured were brought in from Gwoza and about 14 have been discharged, while about 26 are currently receiving attention.”

“I want to use this forum to most sincerely register our profound gratitude to the Borno State government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and @ICRC_Nigeria for rising to the challenges of the times and giving their best in terms of support.”

While in Maiduguri, the Vice President also attended the funeral prayer for the late mother of former Borno Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Hajiya Aisa, at the family residence of Late Galadima Modu Sheriff along Damboa Road.

The mother to the former Governor died in Abuja on Sunday at the age of 93 after a protracted illness.

In the VP’s entourage were the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur; Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali; former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Baba Ahmed Jidda; the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, and other top government officials.

VP Shettima In Maiduguri, Consoles Victims Of Gwoza Suicide Bombings

Continue Reading

News

Zulum griefs passing away of former Borno Governor’s mother

Published

on

Zulum griefs passing away of former Borno Governor’s mother

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed his grief over the passing of the mother of former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, Hajjiya Aisa Modu Sheriff.

Hajjiya Aisa passed away on Sunday in Abuja after battling a prolonged illness at the age of 93. She was laid to rest on Monday at the family residence of the former Governor Sheriff in Maiduguri.

Zulum’s condolence was contained in a statement issued by His Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, on Monday.

Zulum noted that the passing of the fomer governor’s mother was saddening not only to her immediate family but also to thousands of the people of Borno.

Zulum extended his condolences to the former Governor, Ali Modu Sherriff, and other family members and associates for the huge loss.

Governor Zulum prays to the Almighty Allah to grant repose to the gentle soul of Hajja Aisa Modu Sherriff.

Zulum griefs passing away of former Borno Governor’s mother

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights