News
NARC SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWS AND SUBJECT EXPERTS MAKE PRESENTATIONS

NARC SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWS AND SUBJECT EXPERTS MAKE PRESENTATIONS
By: Our Reporter
The Friday, 22 November 2024, edition of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall A, TY Buratai Block Abuja. There were two presentations made by the Subject experts on Eastern Europe and East/Central Africa.
The first presentation was made by Brig Gen AK Egwuagu (Rtd) subject expert on Eastern Europe, he centered his presentation on how BRICS Welcomes Nigeria. Nigeria has officially joined BRICS alongside 12 other nations, further strengthening its economic ties with the inter-governmental bloc. This announcement was made during the last BRICS summit held in Russia from 22-24 Oct 2024 (The Punch, 25 October 2024). Twelve additional countries including Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam joined the BRICS alongside Nigeria, making them 13 in number, as partner countries of BRICS and not full members (Nairametrics, 25 October 2024).

This followed the full membership granted Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Jan 2024, which qualified them to attend their first BRICS summit as full members at the Oct 2024 gathering in Russia. The group which was initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) in 2009, welcomed South Africa as a member in 2010 to rebrand the alliance to BRICS, with a core mission to foster trade, investment, development, security and cooperation among leading emerging market economies. Nigeria’s inclusion came up on the heels of a significant surge in foreign capital inflows from BRICS nations, having risen by 189% in the first half of 2024, reaching $1.27 billion compared to $438.72 million during the same period in 2023 (Arise News, Oct 25, 2024). By inviting Nigeria to participate in initiatives and discussions aimed at strengthening economic ties and cooperation between BRICS and other emerging nations due to her economic potential, large population and strategic location in Africa, the bloc is signaling its intention to diversify as a global economic force.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen AK Egwuagu (Rtd) pointed out that, last year, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shetima attended the BRICS summit in South Africa, but did not push for Nigeria to become a member when the bloc admitted new full members including two from Africa – Ethiopia and Egypt. Despite her membership to many international and regional organizations including UN, AU, ECOWAS etc, Nigeria needed to reassess its foreign policy and economic strategies in order to become a viable candidate for BRICS. Nigeria’s non-invitation to join BRICS in 2023 was largely due to its foreign policy thrust and lack of alignment with BRICS goals.

Her foreign policy needed to align with that of BRICS, and could be challenging to the Western countries that had historical relationship with it. But surprisingly in November 2023, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, expressed the country’s intention to join BRICS as a full member within the next two years, and to also join the G20, leveraging on its large economy and population. As a follow-up to the plan, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe confirmed Nigeria’s partnership with BRICS on Thursday 24 Oct 2024 (The Punch, 25 October 2024). With the realization of the minister’s dream of Nigeria becoming a member of the BRICS family, it is pertinent to note that while joining the bloc is a significant move for the country with many advantages, there are also some disadvantages. Hence, a BRICS membership will enable Nigeria to benefit from the bloc’s diverse economies, leading to increased trade and investment opportunities that would serve as alternative to Western dominance on the economic system (Meta AI). It will also provide Nigeria with more flexible opportunities in its economic policies, enabling it to gain more prominence on the global stage and allowing it to play a more significant role in international affairs. Joining BRICS will make Nigeria more resilient to economic shocks, giving it access to large consumer markets of BRICS countries and increased demand for Nigerian goods and services
He recommended that, the Federal Government of Nigeria, NASS and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should undertake a critical review of Nigeria’s foreign policy in line with the current realities and also Nigeria should engage with both BRICS and Western countries towards maintaining a diplomatic balance.
Similarly, the second presentation was made by Brig Gen ED Idimah subject expert on East and Central Africa who focused his presentation on, Contractors Association Urges Government to Address Outstanding Debts of Members. On Monday 11 November 2024, the Guardian newspaper, Tanzania, reported that The Tanzania United Contractors and Allied Services Association (TUCASA) has called on the government to address substantial overdue payments owed to many of its members. In a statement issued yesterday, TUCASA Chairman Samuel Marwa emphasized that these delayed payments, which are associated with completed government contracts, have significantly disrupted the operations and financial viability of numerous companies, thereby jeopardizing the future of Tanzania’s construction and supply sectors.
Marwa highlighted that TUCASA’s members encompass contractors, suppliers of construction materials, and equipment providers, all of whom have diligently fulfilled their obligations by despite their commitment, these businesses are experiencing extensive delays in receiving payments from the government, with some waiting for years. Delivering essential infrastructure projects and supplying vital materials. “The situation is increasingly untenable as contractors face mounting costs from unpaid bank loans, accumulating interest, and intensifying pressure from creditors. The ramifications of these overdue payments are severe,” he stated. He elaborated that many contractors are struggling to meet their financial obligations, with some companies on the brink of insolvency or contemplating liquidation.

Additionally, in a bid to reduce operational costs, numerous companies have been compelled to implement workforce layoffs, resulting in significant job losses and economic distress for many Tanzanian families. “With inadequate cash flow to maintain their operations, several companies are at risk of closure, which poses a threat to the future of Tanzania’s construction industry and the availability of dependable infrastructure services. The current crisis is forcing companies to make challenging decisions merely to stay afloat,” he noted. Marwa warned that without prompt government intervention, the repercussions will extend beyond individual businesses, adversely affecting the broader Tanzanian economy, including job security, livelihoods, and vital national development projects.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen ED Idimah stressed that, Nigeria, a country rich in resources, has witnessed significant infrastructural development over the past few decades. However, the government’s inability to pay indigenous contractors has led to a crisis that affects economic growth, employment, and the sustainability of local businesses. Historically the relationship between the Nigerian government and indigenous contractors has evolved over the years. After the end of military rule in 1999, there was a push for local contractors to participate in government projects. However, various factors have led to a backlog of unpaid debts (Adeleke, 2020).
The Public Procurement Act of 2007 was established to enhance transparency and accountability in the procurement process. Despite this, many contractors report difficulties in receiving payments for completed projects, leading to disputes and legal battles (Ogunyemi, 2019). Report by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2022 indicates that Nigerian government debt to indigenous contractors stands at N3.4 trillion. This debt has accumulated due to various reasons, including budgetary constraints, corruption, and mismanagement of funds (Okeke, 2022). The inability of the government to settle these debts has far-reaching implications. It hampers the growth of indigenous contractors, limits job creation, and affects the quality of infrastructure development (Ibrahim, 2021). Additionally, the trust deficit between the government and contractors can deter foreign investment in the sector.
He recommended that, the Federal Government of Nigeria should establish a streamlined process for ensuring timely payment of contractors and also emphasize and encourage transparency in the procurement process to reassure contractors of stability and reliability of future contracts.
NARC SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWS AND SUBJECT EXPERTS MAKE PRESENTATIONS
News
Tuggar Urges Multilateral Reform Amid Global Fragility

Tuggar Urges Multilateral Reform Amid Global Fragility
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar has called for renewed commitment to multilateralism and a candid examination of the challenges threatening global peace and governance.
He made the call at the European Union–African Union Ministerial Follow-Up Committee and the 3rd EU–AU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Belgium.
Tuggar, in his statement, acknowledged the EU’s enduring support for African-led initiatives, stating that “it is at this point, when discussing peace, security and governance, that the foreign minister of a large African country is meant to outline for his hosts the progress we have made in tackling a host of complex issues – and the outstanding challenges that only closer cooperation can resolve.”
The minister, while outlining a familiar but pressing list of issues: the proliferation of small weapons; climate change; violent extremism; irregular migration; the fragility of democracy; technology, trade and markets, challenged the routine nature of such discussions, urging his counterparts to move beyond recitation and towards genuine reflection.
He said: “At this point, typically, we all nod and pledge further collective action. And we have indeed seen many positives.” He however acknowledged that: “But I wonder if perhaps our focus on the symptoms of despair and conflict obscure our vision of the underlying cause and how best we manage the condition.”
Tuggar while pointing to the broader international context, warned of an increasingly fragile global framework. He said: “We are here today as one of the most prominent expressions of faith in multilateral agencies, a rules-based international order and the search for common solutions to common problems. And yet we know that it is a framework that has never appeared so fragile.”
The minister cited the disruptive roles played by non-state actors, disinformation, and unregulated digital currencies—factors that pose existential risks to nations rich and poor alike.
Tuggar despite these challenges, reaffirmed Nigeria’s belief in multilateralism and the promise of strategic partnerships. He highlighted the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Nigeria’s stake in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and regional gains within ECOWAS, including freedom of movement as a viable economic alternative for African youth.
He said: “Nigeria believes that agencies survive only when they can adapt to circumstance,” while reiterating Nigeria’s longstanding calls for UN reform, fairer trade, and equitable access to capital.
He observed that: “Little was done,” lamenting that “and into that emerging vacuum we now face even greater uncertainty.”
He addressed the internal pressures faced by African governments—struggling to meet rising public expectations with limited capacity. “It’s a process that crowds out serious debate and empowers political snake oil salesmen,” he warned, noting that while West Africa has witnessed several coups in recent years, “the crisis of democracy is global.”
Tuggar while drawing on his tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, referenced the simultaneous popularity of two seminal works—Jean Raspail’s Camp des Saints and Hannah Arendt’s Origins of Totalitarianism. He said: “We should recognise the fears expressed in the former and the lessons in the latter,” insisting that: “We cannot allow our responsibilities to be diluted by our rights. The truth is not a supermarket, to be picked or discarded according to taste.”
He decried the double standards in global responses to hate speech and disinformation, stating that: “We were told online hate speech in Africa was the price of freedom; when it happens here, arrests follow.”
Tuggar Urges Multilateral Reform Amid Global Fragility
News
Troops kill seven terrorists, recover arms in Rann and Damboa operations

Troops kill seven terrorists, recover arms in Rann and Damboa operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in separate operations in Rann and Damboa areas of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the first encounter occurred on Wednesday when troops of 3 Battalion, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), engaged terrorists attempting to loot food items from a broken-down vehicle along the Gamboru–Ngala Main Supply Route near Rann.
The troops opened fire, killing six of the assailants and recovering two AK-47 rifles, each with a magazine. One magazine contained four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition while the other held six rounds.
In a separate operation, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Molai, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush at the fringes of Komala village along the Maiduguri–Damboa road in Damboa Local Government Area.
The ambush, which targeted terrorists transiting towards Sambisa Forest, resulted in the death of one insurgent and the recovery of multiple motorcycles and improvised explosive device (IED) materials allegedly intended for burial.
Military sources described the operations as part of ongoing clearance efforts to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement within the theatre of operations.
Troops kill seven terrorists, recover arms in Rann and Damboa operations
Crime
Gunmen kill one, injure two, abduct one on Anka–Mayanchi road in Zamfara

Gunmen kill one, injure two, abduct one on Anka–Mayanchi road in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed assailants on Wednesday attacked travellers along the Anka–Mayanchi road in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing one person, injuring two others, and abducting one victim.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred between Bobo and Yashar Rogo villages when the attackers intercepted two golf vehicles conveying passengers.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire on the vehicles, killing one on the spot and injuring two others, while another passenger was taken away.
Residents and local security volunteers responded by evacuating the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment and took the remains of the deceased for burial.
Search operations and efforts to rescue the abducted victim were said to be ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
The road, which connects Anka and Mayanchi, has in recent months witnessed repeated attacks blamed on bandits operating from forest enclaves in the area.
Gunmen kill one, injure two, abduct one on Anka–Mayanchi road in Zamfara
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