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ECOWAS to meet over tariffs established by Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali

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The Economic Community of West African States is set to hold a meeting later this month to address the 0.5 per cent import levy recently imposed by the Alliance of Sahel States on goods from ECOWAS member nations.

The Head of Communication for the ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji, confirmed this development to our correspondent on Wednesday, noting that the Extraordinary Council will convene on April 22 to discuss the matter and other related issues.

When asked whether ECOWAS would take any retaliatory action in response to the 0.5 percent import levy imposed by the AES, Ahofodji disclosed, “ECOWAS will have an Extraordinary Council on the 22nd of April. All these issues will be discussed.”

The AES, a new alliance comprising the junta-led states of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, introduced the 0.5 percent import duty on goods coming from ECOWAS nations as part of efforts to generate revenue for the alliance.

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The levy, which went into effect on March 28, applies to all goods entering these three nations, excluding humanitarian aid.

The move runs counter to ECOWAS’s objective of promoting the free movement of goods among its members, including those of the AES countries, despite their official exit from the regional bloc in January 2025.

ECOWAS had previously announced that goods and services from the three countries would still be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, which supports duty-free and quota-free movement of goods and services within the region.

The AES’s new import duty effectively introduces a trade barrier, challenging the ECOWAS agreement and potentially raising trade costs, disrupting supply chains, and inflating prices within the AES countries.

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The move is expected to weaken the regional bloc’s free trade framework, which had previously aimed to eliminate such barriers.

The strained relations between ECOWAS and the three countries intensified following their decision in early 2024 to leave the bloc, a move that came after months of disagreements.

The junta governments in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso accused ECOWAS of failing to support them in their battle against terrorism, and of imposing sanctions that negatively affected their populations.

Despite the later withdrawal of these sanctions, the three countries remained firm in their decision to exit the bloc.

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In response to their departure, ECOWAS issued guidelines designed to mitigate disruptions for businesses and citizens. These measures included provisions for duty-free trade, visa-free movement, and residence.

ECOWAS has also expressed a willingness to reopen discussions should the AES countries wish to rejoin the bloc in the future.

In another development, Niger officially withdrew from the Multinational Joint Task Force, a regional force combating Islamist insurgency in the Lake Chad region.

The MNJTF, which includes soldiers from Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, has been operating since 2015.

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HoR Minority Caucus decries killings in Plateau, Benue states, urges immediate presidential decisive actions

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The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed serious concerns over killings in Plateau and Benue states demanding immediate presidential decisive actions.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by leaders of the caucus, Rep Kingsley Chinda, leader, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ali Isa J.C
Minority Whip ,Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki Deputy Minority Leader ,Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
Deputy Minority Whip.

The caucus in the statement outrightly condemned the disturbing trend of killings, maiming, and kidnapping of innocent people across the country.

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” Following the killings of over 50 people in Bokkos, Plateau state; loss of many lives in twin attacks in Otukpo, Benue state, coming a few days after the Uromi, Edo state unfortunate incident, the Caucus is seriously worried about these growing acts of brigandage and unprovoked attacks on law-abiding citizens.

The Caucus is deeply concerned that with reckless abandon, deliberate disrespect for human lives, and disregard for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, these marauders inflict merciless torture, unexplainable pains, and callous killings of helpless, and defenceless Nigerians.

These gruesome murders and the shedding of the blood of innocent lives happening in quick successions in three locations across the country, stands condemnable by every conscionable Nigerian.

The ferociousness and sporadic nature of the vicious actions perpetrated by yet unknown persons remains shocking.

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Worried about the dangers this portends to the security of lives and properties of Nigerians; which is the main purpose of government, the Caucus calls on President Bola Tinubu to take deliberate, intentional, and timely decisions towards nipping the disturbing tide in the bud.

Good, he has directed that the perpetrators should be apprehended. However, given the severity of these incidents, and implications on national security, the Caucus urges the president; through the National Security Adviser to ensure that all security agencies embark on comprehensive and strategic collaboration towards arresting those involved in these heinous and gory incidents.

The government should ensure the immediate release of the numerous innocent people that were kidnapped during the dastardly incidents.

The Caucus commiserates with the government, and people of Plateau, and Benue states over the unfortunate incidents. The Caucus also expresses deep condolences to the families of the victims, and pray for the quick release of those kidnapped.

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Finally, as a responsive and responsible group of lawmakers, the Caucus promises to pursue legislative actions; where and when necessary towards finding realistic solutions to these negative developments in our country.

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OERAF held memorial lecture on conflict resolution, security/safety of community in Nigeria

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The Olotu and Rowland Ekuogbe Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) on Tuesday 8th April, 2025 held memorial lecture on conflict resolution and security/safety of community in Nigeria, in honour of late chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D, who was born on April 4th 1924 and passed on April 9th 1995.

The event which took place at the popular Ughelli Kingdom Hall, witnessed several brilliant security experts and government functionalities.

Presenting his brief opening speech, the Executive Director of Olotu and Rowland Ekuogbe Akpodiete Foundation, SPY CSP Olotu Otemu Akpodiete Ph.D (JP) revealed that over the years, the foundation has been touching lives and rendering community impact services across board.

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He maintained that his late grand father was a great community leader per excellence and until his death, he was the spoke person (Otota) of the great Ughelli Kingdom. which is why as we celebrate his remembrance, I decided to use the opportunity to impact more lives.” He added.

On his part, the guest speaker of the event, Mr Sylvester Obose, CSS,MNIIS dealt wonderously on the topic.

According to him, Mr Sylvester said the training focuses on the definition, causes of conflict, and dynamics of conflicts.

He further said that the goal was to increase participants knowledge of the concept and study of conflict and conflicts prevention.

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He concluded that the safety and security of our community is something that is of paramount importance. By implementing those measures presented to you today, everyone of us stand a better chance of making community safe and secured.

Dr Wilton T. Harry, MIS, CPP,DFCSI,FNIS, also spoke extensively on the same topic during the security training. He posited that the security of lives and properties is a collective responsibility.

The OERAF Executive Director also use the medium to register several others into the Delta State Contributory health insurance scheme.

Dignitaries present during the training were: Olorogun Major Patrick A. Egone Rtd, member Delta State Advisory Council, Chief Emmanuel Ogobene, member Delta State Advisory Council, Mr Edwin Asima, LGSC, Ughelli North Local Government, Chief. Mrs Grace Akpodiete, Deaconess Florence Enughwure, Bar. Agboka Akpodiete- Omale.

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Other highlights of the event was the organizing of raffle draws for all the communities present and Ughelli Kingdom VGN, where Erhuwarien Community in Ughelli South LGA and Ekredjebo Community in Ughelli North LGA won security communication gadgets.

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NLC Warns Abure to Step Aside, Urges LP Members to Be on Standby

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By  Gloria Ikibah

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to Julius Abure, following the Supreme Court ruling on April 4, 2025, which declared the tenure of Mr. Abure and his National Working Committee (NWC) as expired and no longer legally recognized.

Despite the court’s clear ruling, Mr. Abure has continued to release statements insisting he remains the chairman of the Labour Party (LP). The NLC has strongly condemned his actions, describing them as “an affront” to the rule of law and the authority of Nigeria’s highest court.

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In a statement signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Congress accused Abure and his supporters of “crass disdain for decency” and warned that the patience of Nigerian workers and genuine LP members is wearing thin.

“The current affront of Mr. Julius Abure and co-travellers against the law… has convinced those who doubted our earlier position that Mr. Julius Abure and the few miscreants following him have sworn themselves to utter impunity,” the statement read.

The NLC also debunked allegations that it was planning to attack Labour Party offices, calling such claims false and a distraction from the real issue of compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.

“We use this medium to put every Nigerian worker, Labour Party member, and patriotic citizen on alert. We will no longer condone the antics of inconsequential characters like Mr. Julius Abure,” Ajaero said.

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He added that the NLC and its allies would not stand by while the rule of law is undermined and urged all genuine members of the Labour Party to prepare to “peacefully repossess all offices of Labour Party nationwide.”

According to the statement, the NLC Political Commission and concerned stakeholders will soon issue directives on how this will be carried out. They also called on security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police and the DSS, to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and support the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s judgment.

The statement also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully comply with the court’s ruling by removing all traces of Mr. Abure and his team from its records.

To resolve the current leadership crisis in the Labour Party, the NLC said the remaining institutional members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) are expected to appoint an interim leadership and organize a Special National Convention, as prescribed by the party’s constitution.

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“A word is enough for the wise!” Ajaero added.

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