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NiMet, Oxfam To Partner In Minimizing Humanitarian Emergencies

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Oxfam are set to partner in minimizing humanitarian emergencies in Nigeria.

At a meeting between officials of the two organizations at NiMet’s office in Abuja, on Wednesday, 29th May, 2024, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike welcomed the idea of the partnership with Oxfam and its partners. “There is no early action without early warning. NiMet already has products such as the annual Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), and other advisories and forecasts we issue. Oxfam has the platform so this is a relationship that will work. NiMet has other partners including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and others and publishes the SCP in local Nigerian languages. The relationship with Oxfam is a welcome development as the work both organizations do are very critical”.

Earlier in his speech, William Mafwalal, Programme Manager of Oxfam in Nigeria, said that Oxfam and its partners are rolling out two anticipatory pilot projects in Nigeria focusing on flood and drought. “The objective of the one-year project which is scalable, is to minimize humanitarian actions and interventions. The pilot for flood will be carried out in Adamawa state, while the pilot for drought will be carried out in Katsina. NiMet is already working on key areas that impacts on the projects. With NiMet’s data, expertise, understanding and technology , Oxfam and its partners can develop early action protocols”.

Concluding, Mr Mafwalal said; “We are happy and excited partnering with NiMet. This is like a one-stop shop. NiMet has all the data we require available in one location. It’s not like this in some of the other countries where we have worked”.

Minister visits Tijani Babangida, says FG will not abandon him

Nigerian Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoch on Monday visited former Nigeria International, Tijani Babangida who is still recuperating from the accident he had few days ago alongside his family members.

Against notion that he has not shown much care since the accident happened, the minister apologized for visiting late but maintained that he had been in touch with the Babangidas but had unfortunately not been able to visit because of his very tight schedule.

He however assured that the Federal Government will not abandon Tijani at this his trying time, stressing that they will ensure that whatever necessary he needs to get back on his feet will definitely be provide for him. He maintained that it is in showing this kind of support that younger Nigerians would be able to have more faith to represent the country.

“We need to assist Tijani in whatever way we we can. People like him who have represented this country to the highest level cannot be left alone in their time of need.

Meanwhile, while thanking the Minister for the visit, Tijani Babangida used the opportunity to inform him about the condition of his wife saying that they would have to fly her abroad for the last rounds of treatments.

“Mr Minister, it has not been easy for me since the accident occured. There is nothing I can do for my brother and my son whom I lost in the accident, but my greatest concern now is my wife. I will need to take her abroad for surgery but it is going to cost me much. If there is any place I need help it is in this area,” Tijani said.

In his vote of thank, the secretary of the Nigeria players union, Emmanuel Babayaro who was on ground to receive the Minister re-emphasized the plea of Babangida concerning his wife pleading that the condition of his wife is more of a concern to Tijani. He informed the Minister that aside those that died in the accident, Tijani’s wife was the worst hit among those who survived and therefore all hands must be on deck to save the lady.

NAF@60: Badaru Highlights Importance Of International Cooperation And Partnership

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, has emphasized the significance of international cooperation and partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and other air forces worldwide.

According to the press release signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe
Director( Information and Public Relations) on Friday, 24th May, 2024,
speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the 60th Anniversary Celebration and Third African Air Force Forum Conference held at the International Conference Center, Abuja, the Minister stressed the importance of collaboration in enhancing capabilities and effective discharge of the Nigerian Air Force mandate.

Badaru commended the Nigerian Air Force for their substantial contributions to joint efforts in countering terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that have plagued the nation. He also praised the sharing of knowledge, experience, and resources with other air forces through platforms like the African Air Forces Forum.

The Minister acknowledged the challenging security landscape globally and in Nigeria, but expressed confidence in the Armed Forces’ ability to overcome these threats.

He highlighted the Federal Government’s significant investments in acquiring various platforms and defence equipment for the Nigerian Air Force, made possible through local and international partnerships.

Reiterating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ending insecurity in Nigeria, the Minister emphasized that security remains a top priority, and no efforts will be spared in restoring peace and security in the country. He urged unity and determination in supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

The ceremony’s highlight was a tour of the exhibition stands, where foreign air space technological firms showcased their innovations in the aviation sector, by the Minister along with the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and other Service Chiefs.

Nigeria To Partner With The Government Of Pakistan In Defence Equipment Production – Matawalle

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has assured the Pakistan Government of Nigeria’s readiness to partner in the production of Defence equipment and hardware through the newly signed Nigerian Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act.

According to the press release signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe
Director (Information and Public relations) on Thursday, 23rd May, 2024, the Minister stated this when he received the delegation from the Pakistan Air Force led by
AVM Zaeem on courtesy visit to his office in Ship House Abuja.

Dr Bello said that besides Nigeria’s willingness to partner with Pakistan to enhance military needs and requirements, the need to collaborate in exchange of real time intelligence sharing will also deepen the long time established relationship with Pakistan Government.

He assured the delegation that the Ministry will come up with the requirements for proper documentation and further engagements that will be of great benefit to both countries.

The delegation led by Air Vice Marshal Zaeem, are in Nigeria to participate in the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force and 3rd African Air Force Forum slated for May,23rd and 24th 2024 in Abuja while the grand finale will be on May, 25th 2024 at Kaduna. This historic events will attract several Chiefs of Air Staff and many aerospace industry leaders from across the world.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation AVM Zaeem said that Pakistan will support Nigeria in the Production of Military equipment cooperation to boost the nation’s fight against insecurity.

He further said that Nigeria and Pakistan have maintained military ties over the years and they are willing to help Nigeria fight insecurity by providing real time intelligence sharing and training.

CDS Receives Chinese Deputy Air Chief, Calls for More Exchange Programs

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has today, Wednesday, 22 May 2024 received the Chinese Deputy Commander of the People’s Liberation Army, Lieutenant General Jia Zhigang at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. The Chinese Deputy Air Chief was in Nigeria on the invitation of the Chief Of Air Staff for the Nigerian Air Force ( NAF) 60th Year anniversary.

According to the press release signed by TUKUR GUSAU
Brigadier General
Director Defence Information, 22nd May 2024, the Visitor said he is grateful for the NAF invitation, while commending the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other crimilities. He further called for greater cooperation in area of research, innovation and the development of Unmanned Area Vehicles, and training of younger Nigerian Airforce officers.

General CG Musa in his response Welcomed Lieutenant General Zhigang and his team to Nigeria and DHQ in particular. According to the CDS, Nigeria and China have come a long way. He thanked China for supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and insurgency. He added that he is happy with the development recorded by China in the areas of production of military hardware.

The CDS called for an enhanced military technology to boost the capacity of the AFN. Also, he assured Lt Gen Zhigang of the AFN readiness to embark on exchange and training programmes with Peeple’s Lebaration Army (PLA) to increase and forge a better military. He express his desire for the establishment of Chinese owned companies in Nigeria for the purpose of producing Military hardware.

Nigeria To Partner With The Government Of Pakistan In Defence Equipment Production – Matawalle

By Emmanuel Daudu

According to the press release signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe
Director (Information and Public relations) on Thursday, 23rd May, 2024,
the Minister stated this when he received the delegation from the Pakistan Air Force led by
AVM Zaeem on courtesy visit to his office in Ship House Abuja.

He assured the delegation that the Ministry will come up with the requirements for proper documentation and further engagements that will be of great benefit to both countries.

He further said that Nigeria and Pakistan have maintained military ties over the years and they are willing to help Nigeria fight insecurity by providing real time intelligence sharing and training.

European Commission Humanitarian Office To Partner NiMet On Disaster Risk Reduction

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike has commended the European Union (EU) for its various interventions in Nigeria.

Professor Anosike was speaking when a delegation from the Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO), paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Monday, 23rd May, 2024.

Professor Anosike welcomed the idea of the Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO) partnering with NiMet in disaster risk reduction. “The proposed partnership with the Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO) in disaster risk reduction is good for Nigeria, for our farmers and operators in other economic sectors. NiMet already disseminates weather and other climate related information on a daily basis. The weather advisories and forecasts we issue help to reduce disasters. Also, the weather data we issue to NIHSA helps them in the preparation of their annual flood outlook”.

Concluding, Professor Anosike said; “When people are aware of extreme weather events, they prepare for it”.

On her part, a member of the delegation who spoke on behalf of the EU team, Lisa De La Rubia, said that the Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO) considers NiMet a critical agency hence the desire to partner with it. According to her, “Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO) sees strong potentials for partnership with NiMet in setting up systems and strategies over the next three years towards disaster risk reduction in Nigeria”.

The Director of Weather Forecasting Services (WFS) at NiMet, Professor Vincent Weli and other senior members of staff of the agency were present during the courtesy visit. Other members of the Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO) team are; Charlotte Billoir, Confort Agwu and Sandie Romero Ruiz.

Photo Story

Left to Right: Professor Charles Anosike, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and Lisa De La Rubia of Directorate General- European Commission Humanitarian Office (DG-ECHO), during a meeting at NiMet on Thursday, 23rd May, 2024, to discuss partnership on disaster risk reduction.

IGAD Commences Learning Mission To ECOWAS

Maryam Aminu

In a bid to transform the Community into an area of genuine freedom and enhance the free movement of persons within its member states, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has commenced the learning mission to ECOWAS Commission with focus on free movement of persons regime and migration

The learning mission which aims to share experience and gain a better understanding of the free movement regime within the context of regional protocols on free movement of persons and transhumance said Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was among the first regional bodies to
promote mobility within the region.

IGAD revealed it’s member states as Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, the Sudan, South Sudan and Uganda with ECOWAS as a regional economic community comprising of 15 Member States including Benin, Burkina Faso,Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia,Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mai, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo

IGAD Member States have continuously made commitments and made great strides towards achieving greater regional integration among Member States in order to realise trade regional expansion, economies of scale, and greater foreign direct investment, all of which contribute to accelerated economic growth and increased welfare and security of countries to benefit the IGAD citizenry.

The IGAD Secretariat noted that migration remains an irresistible and influential human process in the GAD Region visualizing it as a powerful and effective engine of growth, development and life-transforming experience for the people involved

The GAD region and the ECOWAS region are characterized by migratory movements driven by multiple political, economic and environmental factors making it difficult to establish clear lines between categories of migrants, refugees and forcibly displaced persons

Speaking during the IGAD Learning Mission To ECOWAS Commission funded by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund(EUTF) held on the 21st May, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, the Vice President, ECOWAS Commission H.E. Ms. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja commended IGAD for finding ECOWAS worthy of collaboration in the exchange of ideas in the areas of free movement transhumance and other institutional matters

Tchintchibidja expressed that over the years, the two RECs have been working together in areas of common interest.

“Beyond sharing of best practices on free movement and transhumance, cooperation between ECOWAS and IGAD could be nudged higher. By leveraging our collective strengths, we can enhance our capacity for conflict prevention, deepen our economic ties, and promote sustainable development for collective pursuit of prosperity and stability.”

“Our existing collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when neighbours support each other in areas of mutual interest. Let us build upon the solid foundation of sharing of best practices that have been laid and strive towards building and strengthening REC-to-REC cooperation and partnerships.” She added

According to her, “as the torchbearer for inter-REC coordination, ECOWAS looks forward to your continuing support and cooperation. We should continuously be reminded of the shared vision that binds us ,a vision of stability, prosperity, and peace for all our member states. Let us embrace this moment of sharing of best practices and exchanging of ideas on free movement and transhumance as an opportunity and a catalyst for deepening our ties.” Said ECOWAS Vice President

Dhq refutes allegation against AFN, urges General public to file in complaints to appropriate authorities

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN, has cleared the waves regarding an allegation of Involvement of Nigerian Military in aiding and Profiting from Terrorism activities made by the Katsina State governor, Dikko Radda.

In a statement refuting the allegation, Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations, on the 22nd of May 2024, disclosed that the attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a weighty allegation labelled against the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) by the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Governor Dikko Radda.

According to the press release, “The Governor granted an interview on Channels television programme ‘Politics Today’ on 5 April 2024 alleging that the Military is aiding and profiting from terrorism activities in Katsina State.

“The AFN is hereby making it unequivocally clear that, it is subservient to all elected government representatives and therefore regards the relationship with utmost respect. In the light of the aforementioned statement of His Excellency the Governor of Katsina State, the AFN elects not to join words with the state Governor, rather would encourage him to approach the military high command to substantiate his allegations.

“It is worthy of note to state that, the AFN led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and any form of criminality in the conduct of operations across the country. It is for this reason that, there are standing court martials to treat any form of misbehaviour by troops especially those that portray the military negatively to the general populace.

“Meanwhile, the military remains unperturbed by such statements capable of demoralizing or dampening the spirit of troops in operational theatres. Rather, we will continue on the trajectory of conducting operations as well as working assiduously in the fight against terrorism.

“Overall, the Armed Forces is for Nigerians and as such citizens are urged to own it and also report any credible observed bad conduct within the ranks, so that they can face the appropriate military justice system. Kindly use your Media house to disseminate this information for the awareness of all.”

Security: Minister Set Up Reform Committee Gives 3 Weeks To Submit Report

Maryam Aminu

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has set up a 9 member reform committee headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, Dr Aishatu Gogo Ndayako

This according to him, is in determination to reposition the practice of Private Security Guard Company and enhance their contribution to the security architecture in Nigeria.

Speaking as the Chairman of a Stakeholders Consultative Meeting held in Abuja on Nigeria Private Security Practice, the Hon. Minister explained that two other members of the committee are to be drawn from the Ministry of Interior while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), are to produce three members each.

“The NSCDC is Statutorily empowered to Training, Supervision, Monitored and issuing of License of operation to Private Security Practitioners in Nigeria”. He recalled

The Minister gave the reform committee meeting three weeks to submit its report which required it to work assiduously towards ensuring the standardisation of private security Companies in the country to meet the security needs of the Nigerians.

According to the minister, private guard companies have great roles to perform in enhancing the security architecture of the country in addition to complementing the duties of conventional security agencies in terms of Intelligence gathering.

While reiterating the need for adherence to the regulatory rules by operators he charged the NSCDC to enforce and regulate accordingly.

Giving assurance through support from the interior ministry and cooperation, Dr Olubunmi announced that the dividends of the proposed reforms would be enjoyed by members of Private Guard Companies who would comply with standardized regulations.

In an address of welcome, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Aishatu Gogo Ndayako, explained that the stakeholders meeting was to address key challenges, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen the professionalism of private security services.

While stating that the forum was to ensure constructive dialogue and collective expertise to foster a more secure environment for communities and businesses, the Permanent Secretary called for maximum participation and contribution from operators who were drawn from across all zones in the country.

On his part, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni OFR, said Nigeria is bedevilled with security challenges stating that the situation requires coordination, cooperation and collaboration from all state actors with the support of private security operators to be effectively addressed.

While emphasizing the crucial role of Private Security operators, the CG maintained that no agency has a monopoly of strategies, hence the need for the companies to cover the vacuum which may be left by conventional agencies.

Concerning the sole mandate of the Corps in regulating activities of Private Guard Companies as contained in the NSCDC Act (Amendment) 2007, the CG stated that the Corps is empowered to recommend private security companies to the Minister of Interior for licensing, monitor and supervise their activities and train their operatives.

While assuring of the readiness of the Corps to improve on its regulatory activities, he disclosed that as at take off in 2006 when the regulation of PGCs was handed over to NSCDC with 525 licensed companies under the ministry, the Corps through its regulatory activities has discharged its duties thus, increased the number of companies to 1,333 nationwide as at 2023.

Speaking on behalf of other operators, the National President of, the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria, ALPSPN, Mr Chris Adigwu, commended the Minister for the stakeholder’s consultative meeting and pledged on behalf of his members to adhere to new reforms that will be put in place.

Other highlights of the meeting were presentations on challenges and solutions by representatives of operators from different zones which were articulated and responded to by the Minister of Interior, Honourable Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who presided over the meeting