National News
Nigeria calls for strict implementation of ECOWAS competition policy
Nigeria calls for strict implementation of ECOWAS competition policy
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
Nigeria has called for strict implementation of the competition policy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Regional Competition Authority (ERCA).
The country also demanded for strong protection against anti-competitive practices and other exploitative tendencies against consumers across the region.
Trade experts in the country on Monday converge in Abuja to discuss ECOWAS competition policy. The sensitization and advocacy programme was jointly organised by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA).
The sensitization and advocacy discussion was organised to bring Nigerians abreast of the necessary policies guiding trade, competition and consumer protection within the West African region.
Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Vice Chairman, FCCPC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera underscored the importance of competition in economic development.
He said competition encourages innovation and efficiency, which in turn bring about quality and decrease in pricing.
Irukera said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, it is very important that the competition policy of ERCA is strictly implemented across all member states. Additionally, ERCA must provide strong protection against all anti-competitive practices and unscrupulous exploitation of consumers across member states and within the region.
FCCPC EVC who was represented by EC, Operations, Dr. Adamu Abdullahi also added that: “The role of competition as a driver of trade and economic growth cannot be over emphasized, especially in a developing economy like ours. Competition creates a level playing ground for businesses to compete fairly and ethically. It encourages innovation and efficiency amongst businesses which results in increase in quality and decrease in pricing. Competition also protects consumers by offering more choices at competitive prices.”
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Irekefa stressed that “the advent of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, to which the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a signatory, now underscores the need for a strong and vibrant regional body on competition and consumer protection.”
He said: “The goal of AfCFTA is to create a single market economy within the African region. This objective is in sync with the ECOWAS Community Treaty which seeks to promote trade integration amongst member states.”
He noted that with a single market economy and competitiveness of local businesses, cross border trade will certainly be on the increase, adding that: “It is therefore very comforting for national competition authorities and business stakeholders to know that there is a regional body charged with the responsibility to ensure fair trade and competition across the region.
“And in this regard, the effort of ERCA in organizing this advocacy and sensitization campaign is very commendable.”
He assured the regional body that FCCPC will continue to support it’s advocacy efforts to sensitise consumers, business enterprises, governments and all key stakeholders on the competition principles and policies at both the regional and national levels, in order to ensure a smooth operation of both national and regional competition policies.
The Commission also pledges to support ERCA in conducting joint investigations and organizing joint capacity building training programs on competition and consumer protection in other member states.
A member of the Consultative Competition Committee of ERCA, Mr. kola Alabi, said competition and consumer protection affects the day to day living of every citizen and requires a collective effort both at the national and regional levels for us to have an efficient and effective competition and consumer protection regime within the ECOWAS region.
The Acting Executive Director of ERCA, Dr Simeon Koffi, delivered a presentation on ERCA amongst other presentations on cross border trade issues within the ECOWAS region, competition policy in relation to AfCFTA and competition and consumer protection regime in Nigeria – NGO’s perspective.
FCCPC has a core mandate to eliminate anti-competitive agreements, misleading, unfair, deceptive or unconscionable marketing, trading and business practices within the Nigerian markets or having an effect on the Nigerian economy.
Nigeria calls for strict implementation of ECOWAS competition policy
ActionAid Alleges Government Paying Lip-service to Free First Nine Years of Schooling
…Demands Immediate Government Action to End Educational Exclusion of Poor Children
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has alleged that the government is only paying lip service to the avowed policy of free education to children in their first nine years of schooling, insisting that a massive number of children are still being denied their right due to inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and a lack of transparency in the use of public funds.
A statement on Monday by the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu demanded an immediate government action to end educational exclusion of poor children in the country.
The statement read: “ActionAid Nigeria vehemently disapproves the failure of the Nigerian government to provide quality education to children from poor backgrounds- one of its most vulnerable citizens. Despite the free education policy that was enacted to cater for children in their first nine years of schooling, a massive number of children are still being denied their right due to inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and a lack of transparency in the use of public funds. This is a shocking dereliction of duty.
“This obvious inaction by the government is a clear betrayal of the trust placed in them by the citizens. The inconsistent working relationship between federal and state governments has resulted in a catastrophic failure of coordination, prioritization, and curriculum development. This is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”
Mamedu added that: The outrageously high number of poorest children who are out of school is a direct consequence of the government’s appalling neglect of public services.”
Mamedu said: “According to the Nigerian Education Factsheet by UNICEF, about one fourth of the children of primary school completion age did not complete primary education. Moreover, there’s a staggering wealth-based disparity, as 97 per cent of children from the richest families complete primary school, compared to just 34 per cent from the poorest families.
“The gap widens in senior secondary school, where 90 per cent from wealthy families complete their education, versus a mere 16 per cent from poor families.”
He lamented that: “There are also significant ethnic disparities- children from Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Ibibio, and Edo backgrounds tend to have higher completion rates, while those from Fulani and Kanuri backgrounds face lower rates of educational attainment.”
He said he firmly believes that “Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that all children have access to quality education.”
He added that: “The current state of education in Nigeria is a crisis, and we assert that the government takes immediate action to address these issues and prioritize the future of our children.”
Mamedu said: “ActionAid strongly demands that the government: Implements the policy of free education for the first nine years of schooling effectively, without delay; Improves coordination and prioritization between federal and state governments, to ensure a unified approach to education; Increases transparency in the allocation and use of public funds for education, to ensure that resources are being used effectively; Allocates sufficient funds for infrastructure development and improving the school experience for children, to provide a safe and supportive learning environment.”
He said: “It’s time for the government to step up and fulfill its responsibility to provide a decent education for all, without excuses or exceptions.”
ActionAid Alleges Government Paying Lip-service to Free First Nine Years of Schooling
Six terrorists killed as army troops raid terrorists enclaves
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Operation Hadin Kai of the Nigerian Army have killed six fighters of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) during a raid of a “notorious enclave” in Goniri in Damboa LGA in Borno.
It was gathered that the feat was recorded when the troops of 81 Division Task Force Battalion stormed the terrorists enclave in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force on May 9, 2024.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the The troops successfully cleared Wulma Mashi and Kodow and destroyed structures of the terrorists. The troops went further to clear Goniri and Kokotuma. Contact was made with the terrorists in a small market before Gorere market.
The troops gundown the six terrorists and destroyed all the structures in the area.
Six terrorists killed as army troops raid terrorists enclaves
FG Declares Wednesday Holiday to Mark Worker’s Day
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st May, 2024 as a Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in the workplace.
Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, said: “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens. Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development”.
The Minister, while acknowledging the contribution of workers, called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in in the implementation of sustainable practices and policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.
Tunji-Ojo also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as he wishes workers a happy celebration.
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