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ECOWAS Takes Steps to Remove Bottlenecks in Palm Oil Industry in West Afric
ECOWAS Takes Steps to Remove Bottlenecks in Palm Oil Industry in West Africa
By: Michael Mike
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a step to boost the production of palm oil and its sales in the subregion with a convocation of the meeting of stakeholders to evolve strategies to end the bottlenecks of the industry.
Speaking at the Meeting of the Free Movement of Palm Oil under the ECOWAS Preferential Tariff Regime (ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, ETLS) in Abuja, the ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandje Toure-Litse said the meeting has become inevitable to work out modalities for tackling challenges faced by stakeholders in palm oil industry in the subregion.
Toure-Litse said one of the challenges in palm oil trading in the region was taxation, adding that ECOWAS ETLS had eradicated tariffs in business transactions within the region.
She said: “Some products will go to some countries and the countries will ask them to pay tariffs when we know that under ECOWAS law, goods produced in our region should be free of tax.
“We have invited all the countries to come and have a discussion to solve the issues in the commercialisation of palm oil in the region. The countries invited are Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia.”
On his part, the ECOWAS Commission’s Director of Customs, Union and Taxation, Salifou Tiemtore, while lamenting that West African countries are not producing enough palm oil to meet members’ needs, said there is urgent need to increase production and ensure that bottlenecks affecting the industry are removed.
Tiemtore said: “Let me tell you the truth, till now, with the statistics we have, we still need to import palm oil. What we are producing is not enough for our own consumption.
“If you take a country like Nigeria, it has the capacity to double its production in terms of palm oil but we need to put in place some incentives so that through ECOWAS ETLS Nigeria can cover the Nigerian market and also go beyond the Nigerian market.”
He said the region has the potential to meet the needs of member states if support were given to entrepreneurs to expand production and take advantage of the ECOWAS ETLS.
In his address of welcome, the Head of the ECOWAS National Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yakubu Dadu, said despite the remarkable success of the ETLS, “we find ourselves facing challenges within the pivotal palm oil sector.
“The cross-border movement of palm oil has encountered origin-related disagreements among Member States, posing a threat to the sector’s stability and growth potential.
“It is in recognition of these challenges that we have gathered here today, united by a shared commitment to have frank discussions that would strengthen and protect the palm oil sector, ensuring its resilience against external competition.”
The meeting is a platform for conversation with palm oil-producing countries and industry stakeholders to establish measurable metric thresholds based on the production capacity of palm oil, taking into account the economic conditions of ECOWAS Member States.
“We will delve into discussions on palm oil production capacity in the region, analyze import and export data, identify and understand the challenges faced by the sector under the ETLS, and collectively propose lasting solutions to address these challenges,” he said.
ECOWAS Takes Steps to Remove Bottlenecks in Palm Oil Industry in West Africa
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled simultaneous attacks by ISWAP terrorists on Jihuhi and Harang villages in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, leaving one person dead.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Jan. 27 at about 1630 hours, the terrorists invaded the villages, firing indiscriminately and setting several houses ablaze.
The attack fatally injured Adamu Inusa, also known as Daddy, 35, a member of the Hunters Group in Hawul.
He was evacuated to General Hospital Hawul, where he was confirmed dead on arrival. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital mortuary and will be released to his family for Islamic burial after clearance operations in the affected communities.
A combined team of troops of Operation HADIN KAI, police tactical units, and local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/Hunters groups responded promptly, engaging the terrorists and successfully repelling the attack.
The area remains under close monitoring as security forces continue clearance and patrol operations.
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
By: Zagazola Makama
Gombe State Police Command has arrested a suspected cattle rustler and recovered 50 sheep following a distress call in Amada.
The report revealed that on Jan. 28 at about 8:22 p.m., a mob apprehended one Sani Jamilu, 25, of Sabon Kaura LGA, Katsina State, who was reportedly seen with a flock of sheep around Dolli and Shilto communities.
The second suspect, identified only as Lawali, escaped.
The injured suspect was rescued by police and taken to Amada Primary Health Clinic for medical attention.
Sources say Police have launched an investigation into the incident and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Ambassadors of Germany and France to Nigeria have urged the country to draw lessons from decades of Franco-German cooperation, stressing that reconciliation, friendship, and shared responsibility are critical drivers of growth, stability, and regional integration.
German Ambassador Annett Günther and French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during events marking the 63rd anniversary of German-French Day, which commemorates the signing of the Élysée Treaty on January 22, 1963.
Speaking jointly, the envoys reflected on how France and Germany overcame centuries of rivalry and conflict to become close partners and allies after the Second World War.
They noted that the experience demonstrates that even the most hostile relationships can be transformed through sustained dialogue and political commitment.
“The history of reconciliation and European unification shows that no matter how dark the past may seem, a different future is possible,” the ambassadors said, adding that this message is particularly relevant for Nigeria and its partners. “We are stronger together — and stronger as friends.”
They explained that Franco-German cooperation is anchored in formal treaties that mandate continuous consultation between both countries at all levels, including heads of state, foreign ministers, and senior officials. This coordination, they said, now extends beyond Europe to global and African issues.
Fielding questions from journalists, the ambassadors pointed to Nigeria’s strategic role within West Africa, saying the country could apply similar principles to strengthen the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Fonbaustier said stronger countries within a regional bloc have a responsibility to drive integration while supporting weaker members to ensure collective progress. “A union only succeeds when all its members move forward together,” he said, noting that unity should be based on shared development rather than narrow national interests.
He described Nigeria as the leading power within ECOWAS and encouraged it to continue playing a central role in promoting regional security, economic integration, and people-to-people exchange.
Günther also echoed these views, highlighting what she described as a “Franco-German reflex” of constant consultation and coordination. She said this habit of cooperation enables both countries to respond jointly to emerging challenges and align their diplomatic efforts, including in Africa.
They both stressed that the Franco-German journey from hostility to partnership offers valuable lessons for Nigeria and the African continent, particularly in fostering regional unity, managing diversity, and building long-term peace through cooperation.
How We Turned from Foes to Friends — Franco-German Envoys Share Lessons with Nigeria
Katsina police arrest gun runners, recover AK-47 magazines and ammunition
Borno troops repel Boko Haram attack in Hawul, one killed
Security forces in Gombe arrest suspected cattle rustler, recover 50 sheep
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