News
Nigeria, Seven Other Countries Get $1.96 million from ECOWAS to Tackle VVF
Nigeria, Seven Other Countries Get $1.96 million from ECOWAS to Tackle VVF
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and seven other member countries of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have received $1.96 million from the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre to tackle cases of fistula disorder (Vesicovaginal fistula).
All the eight countries got $245,000 each. The other countries are Togo, Benin, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, and Liberia.
The presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries were one of the highlights at the 91st Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar revealed that the Council would deliberate on the Community budget for the 2024 fiscal year while lamenting the current economic challenges affecting the region’s Gross Domestic Product and revenue generation.
The Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that: “We must be mindful of the prevailing economic and financial challenges confronting our sub-region, such as inflation, high food prices, and currency devaluation, which have adversely affected our economies.”
He lamented that: “These challenges have impacted on our gross domestic product, revenue generation, and in particular our mobilization of the Community Levy, due to devaluation of some of our major currencies, particularly Cedi and Naira
against the US Dollar.”
Tuggar urged Council Ministers to support the recommendations of the Administration and Finance Committee on enhancing prudence, as well as the efforts of the President of the Commission and other Heads of the Institutions on blocking leakages to ensure judicious use of the meagre resources.
Also, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, decried that member states under sanctions have stopped remitting levies, adding that ECOWAS need enough financial resources to tackle the challenges bedeviling the region.
Touray said: “For some time now, the levy collection has been a challenge. The amount of 0.5% ECOWAS levy on imports from outside the Community has been collected by member states on behalf of ECOWAS.
“However, the deposit of these funds into the ECOWAS bank accounts at the country level and access to the funds have been a challenge. This has led to low resource mobilization.
“The situation is more critical now that our member states under sanctions have stopped remitting the levy. As the financial situation gets more difficult, the tasks for ECOWAS are growing.”
He however urged the Council of Ministers to “mobilise the levy fully to be able to implement our community work programme and keep up with the successes of ECOWAS.”
Nigeria, Seven Other Countries Get $1.96 million from ECOWAS to Tackle VVF
News
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global collaboration in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) completed advanced training at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the increasing sophistication of criminal networks across borders requires deeper international cooperation and a coordinated global offensive.
Marwa stressed that criminal syndicates no longer operate within isolated territories, making intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building among nations indispensable in dismantling drug cartels and organised crime groups.
The ceremony, held at the elite DEA Training Academy, brought together officers from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya for an intensive programme designed to sharpen investigative, operational and strategic enforcement capabilities. Participants were equipped with advanced skills to combat complex drug trafficking networks and related transnational crimes.
Describing the event as deeply significant, Marwa noted that the course was dedicated to members of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Referencing the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” Marwa said it captured the collective resolve of partner countries against the global drug menace. He emphasised that only a unified, intelligence-driven response can effectively confront criminal enterprises that thrive on cross-border operations.
The NDLEA boss expressed confidence that the knowledge and competencies acquired by the graduating officers would significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of their respective agencies. He charged them to apply the training with integrity, professionalism and courage upon returning home, while upholding the highest standards of service.
Marwa also conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States Department of Justice, the DEA leadership and instructors for their continued mentorship and investment in capacity development.
He said the graduation marked not the end of training but the beginning of renewed responsibility, urging the officers to protect vulnerable communities and confront criminality wherever it threatens societal stability.
Marwa expressed optimism that the partnership between the NDLEA and the DEA would continue to deepen, yielding sustained success in the shared fight against illicit drugs and organised crime.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
By: Our Reporter
Shortly after his bilateral discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Vice President Kashim Shettima moved on to a high-level meeting on Building Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The session, organized by Africa CDC and fully supported by the Nigerian government, convenes African leaders and health policymakers to chart the path toward strengthening the continent’s health emergency preparedness, response systems, and pharmaceutical independence.
Joining the Vice President at the meeting are key Nigerian officials including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar.
Other African health ministers in attendance include Dr. Ibrahim Sy of Senegal, Madalisto Baloyi of Malawi, and Dr. Mekdes Daba of Ethiopia.
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
By: Zagazola Makama
Five civilians were abducted on Feb. 12, 2026, by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Doro Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, the Police Command reported.
Sources disclosed that the victims, Alhaji Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu, were taken while purchasing fresh fish at a local market around 7:00 a.m.
The troops of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/hunters immediately responded to the incident.
Relevant intelligence has been gathered, and search and rescue operations are ongoing to secure the release of the victims.
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
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