National News
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the ongoing fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country, insisting that there is need for conceited efforts from all across the world to curtail the global drug problem.
The President also assured he would continue to provide necessary support and tools for the nation’s anti-narcotics agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA to fulfil on its mandate.
Tinubu, gave the assurances on Tuesday while declaring open the 31st meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Africa (HONLAF) in Abuja.
Represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the President said: “This administration will continue to provide the necessary support, motivation, and tools for the NDLEA to fulfill its mandate.”
He said: “We understand the connection between the success of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking and the attainment of a number of goals on our socio-economic and security agenda.
“For us, the commitment to the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative. We recognize that a population at war with drugs is not a dividend but a liability. We believe that the future of our youth, the strength of our institutions, and the well-being of our communities depend on our ability to eradicate this threat.
“So, I must appeal to you to see this gathering as an avenue for the exchange of novel ideas and the development of practical strategies. We must consolidate established contacts, operational partnerships, and cooperation to ensure that the outcomes of this four-day deliberation advance public safety and the emergence of drug-free African communities.”
He noted that: “Our strength has always been our proactive actions to prevent any individual or group from turning our countries into a minefield of drug trafficking. So, we must prioritize prevention, education, and rehabilitation to empower our youth with knowledge and opportunities. We must steer them away from the treacherous path of drug abuse and trafficking and protect our economy from the consequences of their actions.”
The President while emphasising the threat posed to countries by drug scourge, urged participants attending the conference to seize the opportunity of the gathering to come up with novel strategies to dismantle drug cartels across the African continent.
He said: “We are at the mercy of a threat that knows neither race nor geography, neither gender nor social class. This threat has crossed borders and destroyed societies and dreams. Without the moral commitment of the men and women in this room, this threat would have left cities, countries, and even civilizations erased. So, I must commend you for your sacrifices in the bid to keep our world drug-free, sane and safe.”
He said the choice of Nigeria to host the conference and its drug czar to chair the meeting is a profound recognition of the campaign and fight against illicit drugs led by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“We are hosting the 31st HONLAF meeting here to reassure you of our promise to participate in building a world not threatened by the infiltration of illicit drugs. Over the decades, criminal organizations have attempted to breach our security measures in their business of polluting nations and minds. But while it’s a compliment that drug-law enforcement organisations are a threat to their criminal empires, their desperation must never be taken for granted,” he added.
The President stated that: “Without you as gatekeepers of healthy nations, humanity as we know it would have long been perverted. So, on behalf of the world, I say: thank you, thank you to all of you who have kept us from being polluted and destroyed.”
In his remarks, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) who was elected to chair the conference, while citing the details of the 2023 world drug report as a challenge for Africa, charged his counterparts across the continent to strengthen operational networks and raise the bar in the drug war.
He said: “Drug use disorders are harming health, including mental health, safety and well-being,” adding that the harms caused by drug trafficking and illicit drug use are enormous, insisting that they are also contributing to many of these threats, from instability and violence to environmental devastation.
He said: “Young people are using more drugs than previous generations, and the majority of people being treated for drug use disorders in Africa are under the age of 35. What is worse, the availability of treatment and other services has not kept pace with these developments, and women in particular are suffering from treatment gaps.
“The world drug problem, in all its forms and manifestations, affects all of us. The stakes are especially high for Africa. No one country can tackle a problem of this magnitude alone; just as well, the world drug problem cannot be tackled solely through international policymaking; it also requires effective implementation and collaboration among practitioners. This is where the HONLAF comes in. The meeting is very important, as it enables its parent body, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, to learn about current regional drug trends, threats, and emerging challenges from practitioners and law enforcement experts, from all parts of the continent.
“We need regional perspectives to enrich the global policy discussion, and HONLAF is the opportunity to bring the African perspective to the global level. The sessions provide a platform to share knowledge and practices and learn from each other.
“The 31st meeting will indeed provide an opportunity for us to raise the bar and break new ground in different areas of our operations and collaborative efforts. I am as excited as a lot of us in this hall are to make presentations, listen to others, and share experiences that will positively shape our operations and redefine our cooperation at the end of this conference.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, represented by the Director, International Criminal Justice Cooperation, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Nkiruka Jones-Nebo said “It is imperative that this conference remains proactive in addressing the legal complexities that may impede seamless cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training. These barriers must be dismantled to prevent any loopholes that could potentially facilitate the activities of drug cartels operating across our borders.
“The Federal Ministry of Justice stands committed to providing unwavering support and efficient systems to empower NDLEA in its mission.”
The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (UNODC), Oliver Stolpe on his part, said the drug problem has changed from what it used to be 20 years ago, noting that: “Today, the picture is different, local consumption is increasing, and increasingly problematic. We need a balanced approach to supply and demand reduction. We need to invest in prevention and in treatment. And, we need alternatives to imprisonment for drug users that are more effective and help decongesting prisons. At the same time, we need to strengthen cooperation between countries along drug trafficking routes with the aim of dismantling the ever more sophisticated trafficking networks.”
The Executive Director, UNODC, Ghada Waly and the Chairman, UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs who both spoke via video messages expressed support for the gathering and charged delegates to maximise the opportunities provided by the platform.
One of the highpoints of the ceremony was the presentation of a report on Organised Crime in Nigeria: A Threat Assessment (NOCTA) produced by the National Institute for Security Studies in collaboration with security agencies and supported by the UNODC. Speaking on the report, Commandant of NISS, Ayodele Adeleke said “With investigations to connect transit and production countries, the report is hoped to encourage other partnerships to create a coalition that fights organised crime in partnership and collaboration. We must not give up, let us give Nigeria the true future it deserves.”
Tinubu Expresses Commitment to Fight Against Illicit Drug
ECOWAS Reports Resilient Growth and Major Regional Achievements in 2025
By: Michael Mike
The President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Omar Touray on Thursday said the Commiswion has recorded notable economic, social, and institutional progress in 2025, despite global uncertainties and regional security challenges.
Speaking at a meeting with development partners, Touray said the regional economy grew by 4.6 percent in 2025, up from 4.3 percent in 2024, with projections of 5.0 percent growth in 2026.
He noted that this performance reflects the implementation of structural reforms, increased fiscal discipline, and measures to strengthen key sectors such as extractive industries and trade.
Touray said the regional inflation also eased from 24.4 percent in 2024 to 16.8 percent in 2025, supported by coordinated monetary and fiscal policies.
He highlighted improvements in budget management, with the regional deficit declining to 3.1 percent of GDP in 2025, adding that the debt-to-GDP ratio fell slightly to 45.7 percent.
He noted that current account balances remained positive, led by export surpluses from Nigeria, Ghana, and Guinea.
On the political and security front, Touray said ECOWAS strengthened peacekeeping and preventive diplomacy efforts across the region. He revealed that missions in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau assessed operational and financial implications, with recommendations for improved training, monitoring, and exit strategies.
He stated that counter-terrorism initiatives intensified following a rise in fatalities from attacks, with regional intelligence sharing and specialized training programmes expanded, adding that arms control efforts also advanced with the donation of weapons-marking machines to four member states.
On trade and economic integration, Touray said ECOWAS continued to consolidate economic integration, advancing the free trade area, customs union, and common market initiatives.
He said efforts to facilitate cross-border trade included support for women and youth entrepreneurs, the rollout of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card in six countries, and the launch of digital platforms to track trade compliance. The region also participated in major trade fairs and forums, including the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algeria and the first ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum in Lagos.
Touray noted that significant progress was made in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, adding that clean energy programmes certified solar technicians, while broadband connectivity projects prepared the deployment of a second submarine cable.
He said ECOWAS also advanced regional road standards, aviation safety capacity, and interconnection hubs for internet access.
He said the Commission strengthened agricultural governance, climate-smart practices, and food security programs, reaching millions of beneficiaries with improved farming technologies, school feeding programmes and livestock development projects. Partnerships on climate resilience, carbon markets, and sustainable resource management were expanded.
He added that through the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO), ECOWAS enhanced epidemic preparedness and laboratory capacities, stating that humanitarian support focused on vulnerable populations, including women cured of fistula and youth employability initiatives, including programmes on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and anti-trafficking capacity building were implemented in multiple member states.
Touray said ECOWAS strengthened internal governance, financial management, and staff capacity development, including training in strategic leadership and risk management.
He revealed that the ECOWAS Court of Justice held 79 sessions and increased public outreach to improve citizen access to justice. International partnerships and diplomatic engagements with the UN, EU, World Bank, IMF, and AfDB yielded support for regional development projects across transport, agriculture, energy, and digital transformation.
He said he these achievements position ECOWAS to advance regional integration, economic growth, and stability, despite ongoing challenges such as geopolitical tensions, security threats, and the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Community.
ECOWAS Reports Resilient Growth and Major Regional Achievements in 2025
Kadafur Swears In 27 Newly Elected Local Government Chairmen in Borno
By: Bulama Talba
The Borno State Acting Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Umar Usman Kadafur, on Thursday swore in 27 newly elected Local Government Chairmen, charging them to embrace accountability, prudence, and people-oriented leadership at the grassroots.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Government House, Maiduguri, marked the formal commencement of a new tenure for the Chairmen across the state’s 27 Local Government Areas.
The oath of office and allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Borno State, Hon. Justice Kashim Zanna, who was represented by Justice Haruna Mshelia, in three batches.
Delivering the keynote address, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented at the event, described the occasion as a “solemn transition of democratic duty,” stressing that leadership at the local level is a covenant of trust with the people, not a celebration of power.
He congratulated the Chairmen on their victory at the polls, commending the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC) for conducting a peaceful, free, and fair election.
He however, cautioned that the real task begins with service delivery, noting that local governments are the engine rooms for implementing the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.
The Acting Governor charged the Chairmen to manage public resources prudently, avoid vanity projects, and prioritise initiatives that directly improve security, livelihoods, and the dignity of citizens.
He emphasised that prompt payment of salaries and staff welfare is non-negotiable, while discipline and productivity must be restored in local government administration.
On accountability, the Acting Governor stressed that local councils must operate with openness and transparency, encouraging citizen engagement and public scrutiny.
Alhaji Umar Kadafur also directed Chairmen to reside and work within their respective Local Government Areas, warning against absentee leadership.
The Acting Governor further called on the Chairmen to uphold the rule of law, work closely with security agencies and traditional institutions, and remain vigilant against illegal mining and deforestation, which threaten the environment and livelihoods of communities.
Kadafur tasked the Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs with strict supervision of local councils and used the occasion to commend the immediate past Chairmen for their dedication and service.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Mele, highlighted the significance of the state’s decision to grant financial autonomy to Local Governments, describing it as a bold reform that has strengthened grassroots governance.
Hon Sugun Mai Mele cautioned that financial autonomy comes with increased responsibility, noting that all expenditures must strictly follow financial regulations, procurement laws, budgetary provisions, and legislative approvals.
He urged the Chairmen to take the lead in initiating and executing impactful projects, rather than relying solely on state funded interventions.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and ALGON Chairman, Hon. Ali Umar Bolori, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and the Governor for the confidence reposed in the Chairmen.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Hon. Bolori pledged that the Chairmen would serve with honesty, fairness, and dedication, and align fully with the Governor’s development agenda.
He particularly appreciated the extension of Local Government tenure from two to three years, describing it as a strategic decision that would enhance planning and delivery of sustainable development at the grassroots.
The ceremony was attended by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Hon Satomi Ahmad,APC Party Chairman, SSG, HOS, COS ,Special Advisers,STA,SSA,government officials, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, security agencies, and APC Party stakeholders and Supporters among others.
Kadafur Swears In 27 Newly Elected Local Government Chairmen in Borno
National News
NSCDC Dismisses Claims of Withheld Promotion Arrears, Reaffirms Commitment to Personnel Welfare
NSCDC Dismisses Claims of Withheld Promotion Arrears, Reaffirms Commitment to Personnel Welfare
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has refuted reports alleging that its leadership is responsible for the non-payment of promotion arrears and the diversion of funds meant for personnel welfare, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesman of the Corps, Afolabi Babawale, the Corps said the allegations, which surfaced on some online platforms on January 23, were deliberately crafted to misinform the public and undermine the credibility of the organisation and its leadership under the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
The NSCDC clarified that the payment of salary and promotion arrears does not fall under the control of the Corps or the Commandant General. According to the statement, such payments are handled by the Presidential Committee on Arrears, which is overseen by the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation and the Accountant General of the Federation.
Addressing claims that no arrears have been paid since 2022, the Corps said available records show steady progress in the settlement of outstanding payments. It noted that the current leadership inherited about five years of unpaid salary arrears upon assuming office in 2021 but successfully facilitated the clearance of arrears covering 2015 to 2019, benefiting more than 37,000 personnel nationwide.
On the status of arrears for 2020 to 2022, the NSCDC explained that relevant departments, acting on the directive of the Commandant General, had applied to the Presidential Committee on Arrears. The request, the Corps said, has already been approved and is currently awaiting final release by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for disbursement through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The Corps added that arrears for 2023 and 2024 are yet to receive the necessary approvals, stressing that government funds cannot be released without presidential consent and budgetary provision. It also noted that promotion examination results for 2025 were only released in December, and the process of capturing them in the budget is ongoing.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and staff welfare, the NSCDC said it would not be distracted by what it described as attempts at blackmail or cyberbullying. The Corps urged the public and media organisations to verify information through official channels and disregard reports capable of causing tension among personnel.
The Commandant General also appealed to officers and men of the Corps to remain calm and patient, assuring them that efforts are ongoing to ensure the eventual release and payment of all outstanding arrears in line with government procedures.
NSCDC Dismisses Claims of Withheld Promotion Arrears, Reaffirms Commitment to Personnel Welfare
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