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NARC SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWS AND SUBJECT EXPERTS MAKE PRESENTATIONS

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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

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Insurgency: Northeast Governors Call for Reappraisal of Strategies

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Insurgency: Northeast Governors Call for Reappraisal of Strategies

By: Michael Mike

Governors of the six Northeast states of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba have called for a reappraisal of strategies in the ongoing war against insurgency in the region.

Rising from the 11th Meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) held in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital on Thursday, the governors, in a communique, noted with dismay the rising activities of the insurgents in the subregion and called for the armed forces, other security agencies and community leaders to reappraise their strategy in the counter insurgency onslaught in the region.

The Forum while commending the Federal Government in its effort at improving the security of the country and resolve to collaborate and support in all matters to address emerging security issues in the country. however noted that addressing the security challenge in the Northeast requires a multidimensional approach of not only the kinetic strategy but also addressing the root causes such as youth employment through vocational and technical education, improved road networks, improving education and reducing poverty.

The Forum promised its commitment to addressing the issues of security by tackling the current situation while addressing some of the root causes.

The Forum also noted that the poor road network in the subregion is contributing to the insecurity in the region, and called on Mr. President to as a matter of urgent concern address the issue of abandoned project which is critical to addressing poverty, insecurity and general underdevelopment of the subregion.

The Forum also recommitted itself to the opening up of the subregion to investment opportunities, agriculture for food security, combating climate change, skills acquisition and the industrialization of the subregion to provide employment to the teeming youths who are vulnerable to recruitment into the army of the insurgents.

It also noted the role of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) in the development of the subregion and
called on the Commission to be more engaging with the various state governments on development needs and prioritize transportation infrastructure, education, and health, while equally calling on the Commission to rededicate itself to its core mandate which is to rebuild the subregion after the devastation of the insurgency and be more proactive in the delivery of existing project in the subregion by keeping track with project delivery timelines.

The Forum noted the significance of the Nigerian Law school Yola Campus within the region and resolved to support its
expansion by providing additional hostel accommodation, water supply and other facilities to improve the admission capacity of the campus and make it more conducive for training, and resolved to work closely with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE) by providing office space in each state, support the enrolment of Almajiri and out-of-school children into formal school, provision of vocational and technical education as well as develop a unified approach to addressing the menace in the subregion.

The next date for the meeting was fixed for 27th – 29th, July, 2025 in Jalingo, Taraba state, and at the meeting were Governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States, with the Governor of Bauchi state represented by the Deputy Governor

Insurgency: Northeast Governors Call for Reappraisal of Strategies

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Kadafur paid Condolence visit to families and victims Rann and Chibok attacks

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Kadafur paid Condolence visit to families and victims Rann and Chibok attacks

…… Call for community engagement and collaboration with security agencies

By: Our Reporter

In Rann, the Borno State Deputy Governor His Excellency Dr Umar Kadafur led a government delegation on a condolence visit to Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area.

It could be recalled that a few days ago at the Furunduma area in Kala balge, an IED explosion claimed lives of over twenty people and some injured during the attack that claimed several lives and suspected to be a Boko Haram insurgents.

During the visit, the Deputy Governor and other members of the delegation prayed for the departed souls and wished them eternal rest . They also prayed for the families and the entire community to bear the irreparable loss.

Dr Kadafur condemned in the strongest terms the heinous act of the insurgents, calling for intense prayers to avert future occurrences and emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts with security operatives to sustain peace that was regained in the region.

The delegation visited Rann General Hospital to sympathize with those injured in the attack, praying for their quick recovery. The Deputy Governor announced that all medical bills for the injured would be covered.

The Deputy Governor made cash donations of N300,000 to families of the 27 affected victims and also a cash support as a morale booster to military personnel, Police force, Local vigilante, Kesh Kesh and Civilian JTF , including youths group at Rann.

The Chairman of Kala Balge Local Government Area, Hon. Zanna Ajid Musa Ajid expressed gratitude to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum , Deputy Governor, and the delegation for their timely support and condolences.

…….. In Chibok LGA

The delegation led by His Excellency, Dr Umar Usman Kadafur also proceeded to Chibok town on a similar condolence visit to the families of affected attack by Boko Haram insurgents, whereby fourteen people were killed, church and houses were burnt down with properties worth millions of Naira.

The deputy governor said, “We were here to sympathise with you and the families of recent attacks, lives and properties were lost whereby we can only condone you and pray for the deceased. We are here to support the families and victims but we cannot replace what has been lost, life is irreparable “.

Dr Kadafur condemned the attack and supported the families with similar cash support of 300,000 to victims families, assured that the government will support them in rebuilding their destroyed church and houses.

Members of the delegation which includes
Member Borno State House of Assembly representing kala Balge LGA Hon.Dige Mohammed , Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Former Chairman kala Balge LGA Zanna Jabu. Member House of Assembly representing chibok LGA, Former Chairman chibok and Hon.Hauwa Mai Musa .

Kadafur paid Condolence visit to families and victims Rann and Chibok attacks

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One killed, another injured in Kum village ambush in Riyom

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One killed, another injured in Kum village ambush in Riyom

By: Zagazola Makama

A man was killed and another critically injured on Tuesday night following an ambush by unknown gunmen in Kum village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victims, identified as Joshua Ezekiel, 48, and Dung Jatau, 51, were reportedly riding on a motorcycle along the Riyom to Kum road at about 8:15 p.m. when they were attacked by armed men who opened fire on them.

Residents said the injured were rushed to the General Hospital in Riyom, where Ezekiel was pronounced dead on arrival. Jatau is currently receiving medical treatment and is said to be in stable condition.

Tension remains high in the area as locals express concern over the safety of rural commuters, especially during evening hours.

Community leaders in Riyom have called for calm and urged residents to remain vigilant. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the attackers.

Police said they have lunched investigation into the incident.

One killed, another injured in Kum village ambush in Riyom

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