Feyemi: Challenges of Poverty, Inequality, Governance Deficits and Insecurity Can Only Be Effectively Addressed in West Africa with Reform of ECOWAS

By: Michael Mike

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has called for urgent reform of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), insisting that the challenges of poverty, inequality, governance deficits, and insecurity in the West African region cannot be effectively addressed by the regional bloc in its current form.

Speaking in Abuja at the second edition of the African Political Square and the Experts meeting on Alternative Futures for ECOWAS at 50 – jointly organized with the African Leadership Centre (ALC), in collaboration with Codesria and Wathi, Fayemi said: “Clearly, the current state of the regional body underscores the need for deep reflection on how ECOWAS can move beyond being an elite-driven institution to one that truly represents and serves its people.

“The challenges of poverty, inequality, governance deficits, and insecurity cannot be effectively addressed by ECOWAS in its current form.

“There is an urgent need for a new, citizen-centered approach that responds to the real concerns of ordinary West Africans, rather than focusing solely on the priorities of political leaders.”

Fayemi, who is the co-founder of Amanda Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement, said: “It is also my hope that a key part of our discussion will focus on security and the role of the military in addressing instability in the region. It is now evident that traditional military strategies alone are inadequate in tackling the complex threats posed by insurgent and terrorist groups.”

He decried that: “Many of these groups are deeply embedded within communities and even, in some cases, within the military itself. What is needed is a more sophisticated intelligence-based approach, combined with efforts to address the underlying social and economic drivers of insecurity. We need a comprehensive human security strategy that deals with issues of poverty, inequality, and governance failures, which extremist groups continue to exploit.”

He added that: “While it is understandable that many citizens are frustrated with civilian governments that have failed to deliver on governance and security, we should also not mince words that military rule is not a viable alternative in tackling governance deficits. History has shown that military regimes do not provide sustainable solutions. In fact, in the three countries that have now exited ECOWAS, terrorism and insecurity have worsened since the military took over.”

He tasked the leadership of ECOWAS to get a working arrangement with AES countries, stressing that: “The challenge for ECOWAS is how to engage these regimes while also ensuring a pathway back to credible democratic governance. It is crucial that ECOWAS continues to leverage diplomatic efforts in finding pragmatic ways that do not alienate the breakaway states further but instead brings them back into a cooperative regional framework.

“The current effort of the Commission in this regard is noted. In this regard, ECOWAS has always been a flexible and adaptive regional body, accommodating different sub-regional groupings like UEMOA, CENSAD, the Mano River Union, and others. There is no reason why AES (the putative Sahelian bloc of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger) cannot continue to be part of ECOWAS, even if they insist on maintaining a distinct identity. The goal should be to preserve regional cooperation, stability, and development, rather than encouraging further divisions.”

He added that: “All of the issues confronting the region collectively reinforce the urgency of rethinking and reimagining ECOWAS’s role in a changing West Africa. The regional body cannot continue business as usual. It must evolve to reflect the realities on the ground and to rebuild trust with its citizens. 50 years is a significant milestone in which ECOWAS has accomplished a lot, but it must also serve as a moment of reckoning: a time for deep reflection, bold reforms, and a renewed commitment to the principles of regional integration, security, and inclusive governance. The future of West Africa depends on the choices we make today, and it is clear that ECOWAS must embrace change if it is to remain relevant in the years ahead.”

On his part, the ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray lamented that the regional bloc today faces a crisis of democracy and security.

Touray, who was represented by the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdufatah Musah, described the moment as one demanding “deep introspection and honest self-assessment.”

He said: “ECOWAS today faces a crisis of democracy and security. Manipulation of constitutions and exclusionary politics have become fashionable. Democracy is in crisis, and insecurity has worsened.”

He noted that the bloc’s history had passed through three phases: formation amid Cold War divisions, the peacekeeping era of the 1990s, and the current struggle with insecurity and governance.

“It was visionary leadership that created ECOWAS in 1975,” he recalled. “At that time, bringing together francophone, anglophone, and lusophone states was itself a miracle. Now, after fifty years, we must ask whether we are still faithful to that vision.”

He warned that “external shocks and internal weaknesses” had combined to create a turning point for West Africa. “The world is no longer bipolar; it is multipolar — even multicultural,” he said. “Countries now have choices based on their interests and values. West Africa must also choose — between people-centred democracy and authoritarian regression.”

He disclosed that ECOWAS had launched “a series of introspections” across its structures to redefine its strategy for the next 15 years.

He added that: “Citizens must be at the heart of this new ECOWAS. They must decide the direction we take. Every generation must discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it. For West Africa, this is that defining mission.”

Also speaking, the Vice President (International Engagement) at King’s College London and Founding Director of the African Leadership Centre, Professor Funmi Olonisakin, said the 50th anniversary should provoke a fundamental rethink of the regional body’s purpose and structure.

“Even without the current crises, a strong case exists for a reinvention of the West African integration project. The transition from an ECOWAS of rulers — an elite club of political leaders — to a community of the people has not happened as hoped.”

Feyemi: Challenges of Poverty, Inequality, Governance Deficits and Insecurity Can Only Be Effectively Addressed in West Africa with Reform of ECOWAS

GIFSEP Empowers Women to Champion Renewable Energy in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) has launched a campaign to empower women as key voices in Nigeria’s renewable energy transition.

The organization convened a media parley and exhibition under the theme “Empowering Women Voices for Renewable Energy: Media Coverage Parley and Exhibition in Nigeria” at Novare Mall, Shoprite, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, bringing together women leaders, activists, and clean energy advocates to promote gender inclusion in climate and energy solutions.

The gathering, which drew women from various communities and organizations, highlighted the urgent need for a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy in Nigeria.

In his statement, Dr. Michael Terungwa David, Executive Director of GIFSEP, emphasized that women are disproportionately affected by the country’s reliance on oil, gas, and coal, which continue to pollute the environment and deepen poverty.

Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, still has over 85 million citizens without access to electricity, forcing many families especially in rural areas to depend on kerosene, firewood, and diesel generators.

Dr. David noted that these traditional energy sources endanger women’s health, limit educational opportunities for girls, and worsen economic inequality.

GIFSEP’s recent Women for Renewable Energy Boot Camp, supported by Social Change Nest and UMI Fund, trained women from fossil fuel-impacted communities as solar technicians and clean energy advocates.
Participants received hands-on instruction in solar installation, maintenance, and community education, equipping them to lead clean energy adoption in their localities.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Michael Terungwa David emphasized the urgent need for a just energy transition in Nigeria, calling on governments, partners, and the private sector to support women-led renewable energy initiatives. He stressed that access to clean energy is a human right and key to equity, health, and opportunity.

“As the world prepares for COP30, GIFSEP calls on government agencies, development partners, and the private sector to invest in women-led renewable energy solutions and scale up climate and adaptation finance that directly reaches local communities. Energy is not just power, it’s health, education, and opportunity.
World leaders must remember that renewable energy access is not charity; it’s a human right. A just energy transition in Nigeria must prioritize equity, inclusiveness, and community ownership ensuring that no one, especially women and the poor, is left behind. Together, with women, we can power Nigeria’s future with clean energy, justice, and hope.’”

Dr. David also revealed that GIFSEP has launched the Women Voices for Renewable Energy in Nigeria initiative, training women from fossil fuel–impacted communities as solar technicians and clean energy advocates. The program equips participants with practical skills to transform their communities.

He further stated “Recognizing this gap, GIFSEP has taken proactive steps to empower women as key drivers of Nigeria’s energy transition through the Women Voices for Renewable Energy in Nigeria initiative with support from Social Change Nest and UMI Fund. Over the past three days, we held a Women for Renewable Energy Boot Camp, where we trained women and girls from fossil fuel–impacted communities to become solar technicians and clean energy advocates.

Through hands-on sessions and mentorship, participants gained practical skills in solar installation, maintenance, and community energy education, preparing them to return to their communities as both practitioners and change agents for renewable energy adoption.’” He stated .

He further disclosed Nigeria’s dependence on oil, gas, and coal, particularly in the Niger Delta and North Central regions, continues to fuel greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and severe environmental degradation.

“Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The country’s dependence on oil, gas, and coal particularly in the Niger Delta and North Central regions continues to fuel greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and severe environmental degradation. Gas flaring and fossil fuel combustion release significant amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, driving both climate change and environmental injustice in host communities.”

He emphasized that Nigeria Despite being Africa’s largest economy, over 85 million Nigerians more than 40% of the population still lack electricity, keeping many trapped in cycles of poverty and limiting economic development.

“Despite being Africa’s largest economy, over 85 million Nigerians more than 40% of the population still lack access to electricity. This persistent energy poverty stifles economic development, worsens inequality, and keeps millions trapped in cycles of hardship.”

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by energy poverty. Traditional fuels like firewood and kerosene expose them to health risks and reduce opportunities for education and income generation.

“Families across rural Nigeria continue to depend on kerosene, firewood, and diesel generators options that are expensive, unsafe, and harmful to human health and the environment. The consequences are especially severe for women and girls, who spend hours fetching firewood and are exposed to dangerous indoor smoke, losing valuable time for education, income generation, and rest.”he added.

Doorcas Nicanor, Team Lead of Women Voices for Renewable Energy, introduced the women participants and highlighted the importance of energy access as a human right for communities, homes, schools, and health facilities.

“Energy access is not charity, it is a human right ,it is renewable energy for our small scale businesses.” She stated .

Juliat Ooja Okoh, Coordinator of Owukpa Women in Training, spoke on the challenges women face in coal-impacted communities like Owukpa and Awo, emphasizing energy deprivation and the empowering effect of the boot camp.

“For us, renewable energy is no longer charity, it’s our right lending our voices to the issues of renewable energy is going to make the world know what women are going through.”she added.

Amanie Stella, Executive Director of Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA), highlighted the Niger Delta’s oil exploitation, environmental degradation, and energy poverty, calling for climate and energy justice for women and their communities.
“This boot camp has given us the opportunity as women to demand climate justice ,it will be nice if women have clean energy in their homes so their children can read at night.”

Rejoice Asoloko, a member of Brum Brum Community, addressed the poverty and insecurity in mineral-rich areas like Asraigon, noting that renewable energy access can empower women and improve community development.
“This boot camp is an eye opener,it shows the need for women to get involved in renewable energy and have access to it.”

Best Nbani of Lekeh Development Foundation, representing youth from the Niger Delta, called on multinational oil companies like Shell to remediate environmental damage in Oguni, linking energy access to justice and environmental restoration ahead of COP30.

“Shell should come and clean up Oguni land ,Shell should remediate, restore, and repair.” She added.

GIFSEP Empowers Women to Champion Renewable Energy in Nigeria

Ahead Of UN COP 30 In Brazil, FG Okays National Carbon Market Framework

*Nigeria to access $3bn annually as President sets agenda for country’s participation

By: Our Reporter

Ahead of the 30th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the adoption of a National Carbon Market Framework, the operationalization of the Climate Change Fund.

The goal is to establish and manage Nigeria’s participation in carbon markets, enabling the nation to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade to help meet climate goals.

The approvals followed a presentation by the Director General of NCCC, Mrs Omotenioye Majekodunmi, at the second meeting of the Council held on Thursday evening at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the approvals were part of measures by his administration to properly position Nigeria to leverage opportunities in the global carbon market and be more active in climate change ecosystem.

The Nigerian leader also set the agenda for Nigeria ahead of the forthcoming 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) scheduled for Belem, Brazil, saying the focus is to harness all of the opportunities for financing climate resilient projects and related interventions, particularly from the global carbon market.

The President said his administration recognizes the fact that addressing climate change is not just an environment imperative but an opportunity to unlock new investments, jobs and innovations across the nation’s energy, agriculture and industrial sectors.

He said, “Nigeria stands ready to takes its rightful place as a global leader in climate action, ensuring that our voice and our reality are heard and respected in international negotiations.

“We have demonstrated this commitment through our active participation in the UNFCCC process, our progress towards implementing our nationally determined contributions and our efforts to mobilize climate finance for adaption and mitigation across all levels of government.”

The President assured that as chairman of the Council, Climate action will continue to be prioritized in his administration’s development agenda.

“We will continue to champion policies that protect our people, strengthen our economy and position Nigeria as a destination for green investment and innovation”.

Earlier, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change and Secretary to the Council, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, informed the council chaired by Vice President Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, that the meeting was timely ahead of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) scheduled to hold in Brazil.

She said the deliberations and decisions of the council would shape how Nigeria is perceived globally and determine how effectively the country can mobilize support to achieve its climate goals.

The Council Secretariat expressed its commitment to providing the technical leadership and coordination needed to translate Nigeria’s climate goals into measurable results.

Presenting the Council’s progress report, Majekodunmi disclosed that Nigeria is now eligible to access new rounds of climate finance from multilateral funds.

Highlighting the Secretariat’s key requests, she said the Council sought the adoption of the National Carbon Market Framework to enable Nigeria unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade.

The Council also requested the operationalization of the Climate Change Fund to ensure immediate readiness for fund mobilization and utilization.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, backed the Council Secretariat’s recommendations, noting that Nigeria must secure a strong position within the carbon framework.

He assured the Council of the Finance ministry’s support, including coordination with the ministry’s economic department to host a quarterly Climate Finance Tracking Dashboard.

Ahead Of UN COP 30 In Brazil, FG Okays National Carbon Market Framework