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ECOWAS panel calls for residence permit abolition
A joint committee of the Economic Community of West African States has called for the abolition of the residence permit system, which they argue is obstructing the free movement of citizens across the region.
The joint committee made this call on Thursday to member states and the ECOWAS Commission in their draft report at the end of their delocalised sittings in Banjul, The Gambia.
The joint committee, which includes representatives from Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Political Affairs, Peace, Security, and Trade Customs, stated that the residence permit system, initially introduced under the ECOWAS Treaty of 1975, no longer serves its intended purpose.
The system, known as the ECOWAS Residence Permit or Residence Card, was designed to allow citizens to reside in another member state for extended periods for business, employment, or personal reasons.
However, the committee now argues that the permit system contradicts the fundamental ECOWAS objective of promoting economic integration and cooperation, particularly the protocol on free movement.
“The issuance of residence permits should be completely abolished in the region in conformity with the Community Text,” the report stated, pending approval by the ECOWAS Parliament’s plenary.
The committee’s report also pointed out widespread non-implementation of the ECOWAS free movement protocols at borders within West Africa.
In response, they have called for robust sensitisation campaigns to educate both citizens and government officials on these regional agreements.
They also recommended that all Immigration and Customs officers receive training on the relevant Community Texts, with special attention to border posts.
“The Free Movement Protocol should be made available to all Immigration Officers, especially at the border posts.
“All training programmes of Immigration and Customs officials should include training on the relevant Community Texts,” the draft report said.
Further, the committee demanded the deployment of officials at border posts to monitor, document, and report instances of extortion and other malpractices.
Additionally, they urged the ECOWAS Commission to ensure full compliance with the implementation of signed Community Texts by member states, particularly the ECOWAS Biometric Identification Card.
“Ensure that all signed Community Texts by Heads of State and Government are implemented by their Member states.
“Ensure the full compliance of member states in the implementation of the ECOWAS Biometric Identification Card,” it urged the ECOWAS Commission.
The committee’s recommendations followed a series of consultations held earlier in the week, including a town hall meeting with stakeholders and an interactive session with border officials from The Gambia and Senegal.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.
Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.
He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.
This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.
This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.
During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”
The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.
Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:
- Federal Medical Centre, Bida
- Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
- Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
- Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
- Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
- Federal College of Education, Yola
- Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
- Cross River Basin Development Authority
- Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
- National Examination Council (NECO)
- Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
- Presidential Amnesty Programme
- Galaxy Backbone
- Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals
Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.
The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.
Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day
Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget
Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability
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