News
Regional Bodies, Integration Key to Deepening Democracy in Africa – President Tinubu

Regional Bodies, Integration Key to Deepening Democracy in Africa – President Tinubu
*Demands sub-regional action to boost intra-African trade
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for the strengthening of regional economic communities to drive integration and trade ties among African nations in order to deepen democracy and accelerate development across the continent.
He said through bitter experience, Nigeria has learned that the solution to poor democratic governance is to have more democracy.
President Tinubu who made the call during the Summit on the State of Democracy in Africa on Wednesday in Abuja called for revitalization of sub-regional blocs like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) as vehicles to usher in an era of robust intra-African commerce, economic growth and job creation.
The President who was represented at the vent by Vice President Kashim Shettima said, “The immense potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can only be maximally realized when there is concrete economic integration and collaboration at the different sub-regional levels,”
Delivering the keynote address, President Tinubu urged the regional bodies to prioritize minimizing trade barriers, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, human capital development as well as value addition in agriculture and agro-allied sectors.
“We must deliberate on ways through which African sub-regional organizations can help foster better intra-African trade, achieve better food and energy security, promote higher rates of youth employment, alleviate poverty and realize greater prosperity for our people,” the President said.
President Tinubu noted that a reinvigorated sub-regional cooperation is critical for the successful implementation of the path-breaking AfCFTA by harmonising rules and regulations to facilitate the free movement of goods, services and people.
While acknowledging the “despair about democratic reversals” due to recent military coups, he expressed optimism about polls held successfully in nations like Liberia, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria.
He said, “The tragedies of our nations and histories inspire our concern about the reversals of democratic governments, particularly in West Africa. That’s why we are alarmed by the military coups in Mali, Guinea Conakry, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Gabon.”
The president however advocated discussions on empowering regional blocs to establish well-funded standby military forces “to help contain military adventurers and the rampaging waves of terrorism and religious extremism.”
President Tinubu urged African leaders to respect constitutional tenets like term limits, and ensure credible elections and autonomous institutions through the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to achieve democratic consolidation.
“This Summit must discuss ways of making the APRM contribute to achieving good governance and democratic consolidation on the continent,” he stated.
Declaring that Africa can no longer be the “doormat of the world with street beggar economies”, President Tinubu called for concrete measures through reinvented regional bodies to boost trade, enhance security and entrench constitutional democracy for development and prosperity.
Earlier in his keynote remarks, former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said the answer to the myriad of challenges confronting democracy in Africa is in re-examining the model of democracy passed on to countries in the continent by their colonial masters.
He said leaders across the continent must come together to devise a form of contextual democracy that takes into account past experiences, addresses contemporary challenges and emphasises good leadership, strong institutions, and a stable middle class, all reflecting Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
The former President who expressed concern about the growing discontent for democracy in the continent opined that the model that will work for Africa is one that takes into account the typical and predominant political system, and is “suitably and appropriately placed to serve the objectives of the African people”.
In her goodwill message, the UN Deputy Secretary-General and Chair of the SDGs, Dr Amina Mohammed, said the active participation of women and young people in politics, and other decision-making processes will strengthen democracy in the continent.
She drew the attention of authorities in the continent to the effective implementation of laws, adherence to the tenets of accountability, and improved investment in democratic institutions, noting that they are critical to the sustenance of democracy in Africa and beyond.
On his part, the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and member of the Board of Directors, Shehu Musa Yar’adua Foundation, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), said the focus of the summit, which is “the state of democracy in Africa”, aligns to the cornerstone of the Foundation’s mission and vision.
He said participants at the summit are expected to thoroughly interrogate the model of democracy practiced in Africa vis a vis current challenges experienced in the continent, to resolve the lingering issues and reshape democracy in the continent.
Also present at the event were the President of the Ford Foundation, Mr. Darren Walker; Executive Director of Trust Africa, Dr. Ebrima Sall, and Co-Founder of Afrobarometer, Prof. Gyimah Boadi, among others.
Regional Bodies, Integration Key to Deepening Democracy in Africa – President Tinubu
News
Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients

Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has charged personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to continue to offer excellent services to its clients, declaring that efficient customer service is a right and not a privilege.
Comptroller General of the Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nandap, gave the charge in Abuja when she declared open the 2025 SERVICOM Customer Service Week.

She assured that the Service is on an irreversible path of reform, modernization and improved transparency in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The CGIS noted that the week-long event, themed “Mission Possible” with the NIS sub-theme “Meeting and Exceeding Expectations”, was an opportunity for officers to recommit themselves to the principles of courtesy, timeliness and citizens-centered service delivery.
She said: “The Nigeria Immigration Service must not only meet expectations but exceed them. Every passport issued, every permit processed, every encounter at our borders is a test of our professionalism and integrity. We must continue to build public trust and prove that we are a Service that delivers”, the CGIS declared.
She noted that on assuming office in 2024, she raised concerns over negative practices that dented the Service’s image and challenged officers to “go back to the drawing board.”
Nandap said that directive resulted in far-reaching reforms, including the passport automation and contactless processing system, designed to minimize physical interaction and eliminate bottlenecks.
She highlighted that: “Others are the deployment of e-gates and body cameras at airports, enhancing border security while promoting transparency; Intensified sensitization campaigns across formations to combat corruption and entrench professionalism.
“These reforms are already paying off,” she noted, citing improved national ratings, commendations and awards recently received by the NIS at government performance review retreats.
Nandap however urged NIS personnel nationwide to use the 2025 Customer Service Week as an opportunity to recommit themselves to exceeding public expectations, charging officers to uphold the Service’s reputation at all times.
She added that: “This celebration is not for fanfare. It is a solemn call to renew our pledge of service and to institutionalize transparency, courtesy and excellence as our standard culture.”
Earlier, Special Assistant to the CGIS on SERVICOM and Reform Champion, Barr. Muhammad Awwal Abubakar, a deputy comptroller of immigration, described the Customer Service Week as “a call to reflection, action and renewal.”
He emphasized that the global theme “Mission Possible” challenges public institutions to see obstacles as opportunities for innovation rather than excuses for inefficiency.
“Customer service is not a privilege given by government institutions but a right owed to the people. Our duty is to ensure that every interaction with the NIS leaves citizens and travelers with confidence in our integrity and efficiency”, Abubakar said.
The 2025 NIS SERVICOM Customer Service Week will feature activities across commands and formations nationwide, highlighting innovation, best practices and the Service’s ongoing transformation agenda.
Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients
Crime
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A herdsman has been killed and 36 cows shot dead by unknown assailants in a fresh attack at Ndinn village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident, which occurred on Monday evening, is the latest undocumented violent attacks that have continued to claim lives and property in parts of the state.

Witnesses said the attackers ambushed the herder, identified as Abubakar Alhaji Woda, while he was grazing his cattle, and shot him dead before opening fire on his herd, killing 36 cows on the spot.
Residents described the attack as unprovoked and expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in rural parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring local government areas.
They lamented that despite several similar attacks in recent weeks, no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators continue to operate with impunity.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FUYODA Riyom chapter coordinator, Muhammad Saidu, described the attack as “a heartbreaking reminder of the persistent insecurity and injustice faced by peaceful Fulani communities in Plateau.”
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served,” Saidu said.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and called on the government to take decisive steps to restore confidence among pastoral communities who continue to suffer silent losses in the ongoing communal crisis.
“May Almighty Allah grant Abubakar Alhaji Woda Jannatul Firdaus, forgive his shortcomings, and comfort his family with patience and strength during this difficult time,” he added.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Plateau State Government or security agencies regarding the attack.

Zagazola report that the recurring cycle of violence in Plateau State has often been reported only from the angle of reprisals, while several attacks on herders go undocumented or receive limited attention.
Community leaders have called on security operatives to fish out the perpetrators and ensure justice is served to prevent further escalation of hostilities in the area.
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
News
Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis

Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis
By: Zagazola Makama
Maj.-Gen. Rogers Ibe Nicholas (rtd), Chairman of the Fact-Finding Committee on Insecurity in Plateau State, says the crisis in the state involves both indigenes and non-indigenes across all ethnic and religious divides.
Nicholas, a former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, made this known while reacting to reports that the committee’s findings had indicted Fulani herdsmen as the aggressors in the prolonged conflict.
He clarified that the committee’s report, submitted last month to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, did not attribute blame to any single ethnic group, stressing that the violence in Plateau was a multi-dimensional problem involving various communities.
“The committee was set up by the state government to make findings and recommendations, which have been submitted to the government. The document is still classified until a white paper is issued,” Nicholas said.
He explained that during the committee’s engagements with community leaders across the state, it became evident that all sides had suffered and contributed to the cycle of violence.
“I think people need to be corrected based on the statement that Fulani are the ones causing the problem. The report did not say that,” he stated.
“While we are clear, everybody — all the ethnic groups in Plateau — are in one way or another involved in the crisis. In some areas, fingers have been pointed at particular groups, but our findings show that every community has played a part,” Nicholas added.
He further noted that many of the attacks in the state were reprisals triggered by earlier assaults, which often led to further bloodshed and destruction of property.
Nicholas maintained that the committee’s recommendations, once made public, would help guide the government in addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering lasting peace in the state.
Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis
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