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ECOWAS Seeks Strategies to Tackle Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade in West Africa

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ECOWAS Seeks Strategies to Tackle Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade in West Africa

By: Michael Mike

The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr Omar Touray, in order to facilitate economic exchange across the region, has called for holistic approach in tackling issues that bordered on non-tariff barriers.

Non-tariff barriers are trade barriers that restrict imports or exports of goods or services through measures other than the imposition of tariffs.

Such barriers are subject to controversy and debate, as they may comply with international rules on trade yet serve protectionist purposes.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of the two-day 94th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Touray decried the non-tariff barriers to often pose difficulty for advancing trade within the region, saying more needed to be done to achieve meaningful growth.

He said although ECOWAS institutions continued to pursue mandates towards integration and development of the region, more should be done to tackle regional and continental issues relating to trade, industry and investment promotion.

Touray asked the ministers to examine the question of Non-Tariff Barriers within the framework of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the AfCFTA, stressing that: “Non-tariff barriers have become a perennial obstacle to boosting regional trade, investment, industrialisation, competitiveness, and economic growth in our region.”

He noted that: “Despite numerous initiatives — including the Presidential Task Force on the Trade Liberalisation Scheme — the problem persists.”

He said: “In May, I travelled by road from Lagos to Cotonou to see the situation along the regional corridor and joint border post established at the Seme/Krake border between Nigeria and Benin.

“And saw first hand challenges posed by non-tariff barriers along the corridor.

“We must do everything to put an end to this and facilitate economic exchange across the region.”

On his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar reiterated the need for strategic dialogue that delivers more meaningful outcomes for ECOWAS Member States and their citizens.

Tuggar, who is the host minister and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, said: “The session comes at a time of critical reflection and decisive action, to remind ourselves of founding reasons of ECOWAS and other African Regional Economic Communities, essentially the fight against neo-colonialism.

“It has become necessary, whenever the opportunity arises, to remind ourselves that ECOWAS and Regional Integration in Africa was borne out of our yearning for economic decolonisation and not the other way round.

“Over course of our deliberations, we will consider and reflect wide range of reports, and proposals, concentrating on thematic and sectoral matters that are central to the development and stability of our region.

“These include critical issues related to economic integration, infrastructure development, health, education, agriculture and manifold institutional matters aimed at strengthening our Community.”

The minister underscored the need for strategic integration processes that were extensive and multifaceted, to reflect the complex realities of the region.

He urged the Council to approach such discussions with an ethos of collegiality, compromise, and flexibility, guided by a broader vision of a strong, united, and resilient regional economic community

“This session should be defined not only by the depth of our deliberations, but also by the courage of our decisions. I encourage us all to engage in open, constructive and foresighted discussions.

“Let us draw on our diverse expertise, share best practices and work collaboratively to ensure the decisions we make here will translate into meaningful outcomes for our Member States and the citizens of our Community,” he said.

He revealed the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), an initiative by President Bola Tinubu, scheduled to hold from Friday to Saturday in Abuja, would bolster private enterprise’s participation as the bonafide regional development partners.

According to him, this will draw participants from private and public sectors; policy makers, national and regional regulatory agencies, domestic and international investors, Development Financial Institutions, banks and startups.

ECOWAS Seeks Strategies to Tackle Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade in West Africa

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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