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NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites

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NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites

By: Michael Mike

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr Ogbonnaya Orji has called for the creation of special squadron to ward off threat and insecurity at various mining sites in Nigeria and elsewhere in West Africa.

In his keynote address at the gathering of stakeholders from different mining communities in West Africa to deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that are confronting mining activities in the region organized by the international Non-governmental Organisation (INGO), Global Rights and Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA), Orji said there is need for the creation of a special squadron for the mining sector to fight insecurity and other issues affecting the mining district.

Orji while noting that Africa is blessed with abundant mineral resources, ranging from gold and diamonds to oil and gas, added that “these resources hold the promise of transformation, the potential to elevate the lives of our people, and to power the development of our nations”.

He however expressed concern that the communities where these resources are gotten from are often left vulnerable and continue to face several security challenges.

He said: “The challenges faced by these mining host communities need urgent resolutions. There is a need for collaboration with security agencies and mining host communities to help curb insecurity in the mining sector.

“It is also the responsibility of the government to ensure that the wealth derived from our minerals is utilised for the common good, and are equitably shared among our people, the environment is protected for generation to come and that the human rights of the people are well protected. “

Also speaking, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, who hailed the enthusiasm of the stakeholders for embracing the ideas and proposing many pathways to achieving the roadmap, said Nigeria government shall continue to ensure good business and security for mining host communities by ensuring policy consistency and adequate security.

While commending Global Rights for continuous work in protecting and advocating for marginalized communities, the Minister charged the stakeholders to be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and shared responsibility.

The international Non-governmental Organisation (INGO), Global Rights and Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) who organized the gathering expressed worry over the growing challenges facing mining host communities in West Africa, insisting that the troubled communities need to come together, deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that they are confronted with.

Global Rights in conjunction with Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) have gathered the stakeholders in Abuja for the 2023 West African Mining Host Communities’, called INDABA.

The West African Mining Host Communities INDABA is a Natural Resource Governance Summit that provides a critical platform for Mining Host Communities in West Africa to engage and have critical conversations on strengthening safeguards for the sustainability of mining host communities in the subregion.

Speaking at the conference, the Executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, said the conference is aimed at bringing together the host communities to deliberate and find solutions to the common challenges that they are confronted with as West Africans.

“It’s a platform for an open and inclusive dialogue where ideas, experiences and solutions are shared collectively.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the wealth of West Africa’s minerals benefits the many, rather than the few and that becomes a catalyst for peace, development, and progress” She said.

A communique issued at the end of the conference stated that sustainable West African Regional Policy Initiatives must reflect the United Nations Guiding
Principles of protect, respect and access to remedies.

It also highlighted that the sub-region must expedite processes to adapt National Action Plans on Business
and Human Rights.

The conference pointed out that policies on water management, and sustainable resource management should be coherent
with climate-smart mining as an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practice in the mining industry in Africa.

NEITI Calls for Creation of Special Squadron for Mining Sites

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, reportedly shot by a police officer in Effurun, warning that the authority of law enforcement must never be abused to take lives unlawfully.

In a statement released in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, described the April 26 incident as “deeply disturbing” and a direct violation of constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.

He stressed that no citizen should lose their life at the hands of those entrusted with their protection, noting that the reported conduct of the officer involved was “condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”

The NHRC boss raised alarm over what he termed a troubling pattern of excessive force by security personnel, urging the Nigeria Police to take immediate and decisive action to curb the trend.

He called for systemic reforms, including mandatory periodic psychological and mental fitness evaluations for officers, particularly those deployed on special assignments, to ensure they are capable of handling firearms responsibly and engaging civilians within the bounds of the law.

Ojukwu further demanded swift disciplinary measures against the officer implicated in the incident, insisting that accountability must be pursued in line with existing laws and police regulations. He also pressed for the full implementation of recommendations from past panels on police brutality, arguing that meaningful reform remains critical to preventing future abuses.

“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that justice must also include adequate compensation for the victim’s family.

He warned that delays in justice risk eroding public trust in state institutions and weakening confidence in law enforcement agencies.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to human rights protection, Ojukwu said the NHRC would closely monitor the case while continuing its advocacy for accountability and justice.

“Nigeria must never normalize brutality,” he said. “Justice must speak louder than silence.”

No Badge Should Become a License to Kill — NHRC Condemns Alleged Extrajudicial Killing in Delta

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria has reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral relations, describing Bangladesh and Nigeria as natural partners bound by shared aspirations for development, cultural understanding, and global cooperation.

Speaking at the Bangla New Year 1433 celebration in Abuja, the High Commissioner, Miah Md. Mainul Kabir, emphasized that although geographically distant, Bangladesh and Nigeria share strong historical and developmental parallels as populous, dynamic, and rapidly evolving economies in their respective regions.

He noted that the relationship between both countries has continued to expand steadily in recent years, particularly in areas of trade, education, capacity building, and cultural exchange.

According to him, there remains significant untapped potential for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, ICT, and human capital development.

The High Commissioner stressed that cultural diplomacy remains a vital bridge in strengthening bilateral relations, adding that events such as the Bangla New Year celebration in Abuja provide an important platform for fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations. He described such engagements as essential tools for building trust and expanding cooperation beyond formal diplomatic channels.

He further underscored the importance of people-to-people connections, noting that the Bangladeshi community in Nigeria plays a key role in reinforcing goodwill and serving as informal ambassadors of their country. He commended their contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic environment while also preserving cultural identity abroad.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s interest in stronger engagement with Nigeria, the High Commissioner said both countries stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation in trade diversification, knowledge exchange, and investment partnerships. He expressed optimism that continued dialogue and cultural interaction would translate into more structured bilateral initiatives in the near future.

He described the celebration of the Bangla New Year in Abuja as a reflection of the growing warmth in bilateral relations and a symbol of shared commitment to friendship and mutual progress between Bangladesh and Nigeria.

The event was arranged by the High Commission of Bangladesh in Abuja. And present were Ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of think tanks, media, business community of Nigeria and expatriate Bangladeshis. The venue was colourfully decorated with traditional Bangladeshi artifacts, symbols of cultural heritage. Diversity of Bangladesh’s landscape in different seasons were put on display. A spectacular cultural performance by Bangladeshi and Nigerian artists displaying different aspects of the six seasons of Bangladesh charmed the audience. Traditional Bangladeshi food items including various pithas were served among the guests.

Bangladesh Seeks Deeper Strategic Ties with Nigeria

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 5 Operation Peace Enforcement (OPEP) have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching incident in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom Militia.

Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on April 28 in Maiduna village, Dafof district, when armed individuals attacked a civilian and attempted to seize his motorcycle.

The sources said troops deployed at Maiduna general location responded swiftly to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the scene.

According to the sources, the victim was rescued with injuries and his motorcycle recovered by troops during the operation.

They added that the victim was later evacuated to a clinic in Dafof, where he was confirmed dead despite medical attention.

The recovered motorcycle is currently in military custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Troops Foil Motorcycle Snatching Attempt in Plateau by Berom Militia, Victim Later Dies

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