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FG Says Should Europe Give Nigeria one Percent of Assistance to Ukraine, Banditry and Tourism Would be a Thing of the Past

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FG Says Should Europe Give Nigeria one Percent of Assistance to Ukraine, Banditry and Tourism Would be a Thing of the Past

By: Michael Mike

The federal government on Wednesday called on the European Union to increase its assistance to the nation’s battle against insecurity, noting that should a percent of assistance going to Ukraine to ward off the aggression from Russian be given to Nigeria, the country would be free of the threats of terrorism and banditry.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar made the statement at the Road to Schuman Security Conference jointly organised by the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the ECOWAS Commission.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana noted that it is the time for the world to come together to fight terrorism, insisting that what affects one part of the world affect the others.

He said no one would have thought 25 years ago that Nigeria would ever be bedeviled by this level of insecurity, adding that suicide bombing was never thought of in Nigeria decades ago.

He said: “If Nigeria gets one percent of the support given to Ukraine to fight back Russia, we would be free of terrorism.”

He decried the recent military coups in some West African countries, particularly in Niger which is currently under a military junta, and called for the support of all to address the situation.

He noted that Nigeria had no better or bigger neighbour than Niger, and as such  there was need for the forum to discuss how to put an end to coup in Africa.

He never ruled out the believe that Nigeria was planning to storm Niger to push out the military junta, stating that Nigeria has the capacity to do that but on second thought decided against it.

He said: “We have the capacity to send troop to Niger but we looked critically at the issues and followed the path of Schuman, the path of peace.”

According to him, Nigeria would continue to work with the EU and the Schuman Forum to end insecurity in West Africa, particularly those nations that are under the military junta, while also calling for good governance and job creation for the youth in Africa.  

He said: “This forum is an avenue to find out the causes of coup in Africa and proffer possible solutions.”

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Major General Adamu Laka called for conserted efforts of all stakeholders and partners to  address the current and emerging security threats so as to enhance national development, he said not only in Nigeria but in the ECOWAS region as a whole.

The National  Coordinator who said that the event was aimed at enhancing effective partnership in the changing security dynamics of the world, added that the crucial situation of the country in the multi-faceted security situation informed the deployment of whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches towards enhancing national responses to emerging security threats in the country.

He thanked the EU for its commitment to ensuring peace and security is maintained in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.

Also, leader of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Samuela Isopi said the meeting was to aggregate views and assessment on the main peace, security and defence challenges threatening Nigeria as a nation and its regional environment.

Isopi stressed that in view of the evolving global security landscape, the meeting would discuss how to nourish and shape a tailored security and defence partnership between Nigeria and the EU. ‘No one can afford to work in isolation,’ she said.

In the afternoon session between EU and ECOWAS, titled Reducing Vulnerabilities through Partnerships- a Stakeholders’ Engagement on Regional Defence and Security Perspectives, the ECOWAS Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah that the coup detat and subsequent withdrawal of three countries from the sub regional body has complicated the fight against terrorism in West Africa.

He noted that $2.4 billion is planned to put in place an anti-terrorism outfit in West Africa, noting that the whole region would be in trouble if terrorism is allowed to fester.

He said the three countries would have announced their exit from the regional bloc, is still not seen as non-members, stating that “they are still considered as members of ECOWAS until January next year.”

He said we want the countries back for they are important to the Community.

Musah said ECOWAS was ready to work with EU to ensure peace return to the region.

The meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria was a prelude to the Schuman Security and Defence Forum coming up on 28 and 29 May, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium where Nigeria is expected to participate alongside 27 EU member States, 60 partner countries and international organisations.

FG Says Should Europe Give Nigeria one Percent of Assistance to Ukraine, Banditry and Tourism Would be a Thing of the Past

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Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions

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Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions

By: Michael Mike

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the State of Kuwait has urged Nigerian nationals in Kuwait and Bahrain to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with host government ldirectives in light of prevailing regional developments.

In a circular dated March 1, 2026, and referenced NKT/GA/C/004/Vol. I, the Embassy — which holds concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain — advised citizens to strictly observe safety guidelines and official advisories issued by authorities in both countries.

The mission encouraged Nigerians to stay informed by monitoring credible local news outlets and official government announcements in Kuwait and Bahrain. It assured the community that it is closely tracking the situation and maintaining communication with leaders of Nigerian groups and associations in both countries.

To enhance real-time communication, the Embassy announced the creation of a dedicated mobile and WhatsApp line to ensure active engagement with nationals.

For further inquiries or assistance, Nigerians were advised to contact the Embassy via email at nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or through the designated telephone and WhatsApp numbers provided by the mission.

The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of all Nigerian citizens in its jurisdiction and pledged to continue providing timely updates as the situation evolves.

Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions

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Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei

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Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei

Dr Salihu Bakari Girei, Gubernatorial aspirant under the platform All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 described the defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the ruling party as a welcome development for the APC in the state.

Girei said that his defection is coming at the right time to galvanise the party’s victory in 2027 General Elections at the national and sub national level.

Dr Girei who is one of the founding fathers of the APC in the state disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Yola.

He said, Fintiri joined APC at the right time considering his outstanding performance in the state which he said was in line with President Tinubu’s transformation agenda.

He added that the defection would add value to the APC family and also help deliver dividends of democracy to the ordinary people that are yearning for good governance as well as to fast-track development.

He said Fintiri has performed credibly well, in line with his 10-point agenda for the state to justify the people’s trust in his leadership and administration.

Dr Girei further lauded President Bola Tinubu for his effort and strategy in addressing Nigeria’s challenges for and ensuring rapid development.

He said, “President Tinubu is very strategic in addressing Nigeria’s challenges and many now understood that Mr President meant well for this country and has turned the fortune of the country around for good.”

According to him, records have shown that the dollar has crashed, the economy stabilized, security improved, food is affordable and issues of strikes are no more among others.

Bakari-Girei said, all these are factors that naturally attract people joining the APC across the country for more development in the country.

He queried those saying that President Tinubu is turning the country into a one-party system, recalling that the PDP once had 30 governors and no one complained.

“Today people have decided to join APC because of many factors initiated by the President Tinubu administration that naturally attracted people to join APC and support Mr President.”

He pointed to President Tinubu’s history as governor of Lagos, where opposition platforms continued to function, as evidence of his commitment to multi-party democracy.

He also appreciated the foresight of the President for appointing Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser who has invested much in APC in the state.

He further urged unity and understanding of all APC stakeholders in the state for the progress and success of the party at all levels.

Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei

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Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea

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Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea

By: Michael Mike

The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS will hold a high-level bilateral meeting in the Republic of Guinea from March 2 to 4, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the enforcement of its judgments across Member States.

The three-day engagement, organised in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States, is expected to bring together the Court’s delegation, Guinea’s Competent National Authority (CNA), senior government officials, and representatives of civil society to address persistent challenges in implementing the Court’s rulings.

At the heart of the meeting is the push to close the gap between judicial decisions and their execution at the national level. While the ECOWAS Court continues to deliver landmark judgments on human rights, governance, and community law, enforcement remains a critical concern in several jurisdictions. The Guinea dialogue is aimed at building a more effective, coordinated, and transparent enforcement framework.

Discussions will focus on practical strategies to improve compliance rates, streamline procedures, and strengthen collaboration between national institutions and the regional court. Participants are expected to review existing bottlenecks, share best practices, and identify sustainable solutions that can enhance uniformity in enforcement mechanisms across the sub-region.

The programme will include a dedicated forum examining the current status of enforcement of the Court’s judgments in Guinea, alongside presentations on the Court’s enforcement processes and the national legal landscape. Civil society organisations will also engage directly with the Court in a bilateral dialogue designed to promote accountability and inclusive participation.

Beyond the technical sessions, the Court’s delegation will pay courtesy visits to key government figures, including the Minister in charge of ECOWAS Affairs, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, the President of the Supreme Court, and the Speaker of Parliament. Meetings are also scheduled with the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission and the President of the Bar Association.

The delegation will be led by the President of the Court, Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, and will include Vice-President Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Honourable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara, as well as directors and other officials.

Similar bilateral meetings have previously taken place in the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reflecting the Court’s broader strategy to institutionalise cooperation and reinforce the authority of its judgments throughout West Africa.

As ECOWAS marks five decades of regional integration, the Guinea engagement signals a renewed determination to ensure that the decisions of its judicial arm are not only pronounced but fully implemented—strengthening the rule of law and deepening trust in regional justice systems.

Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea

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