Africa Security Investigation News

Known for its diverse natural resources, including fertile agricultural land, forests, water bodies, abundant mineral deposits, and scenic landscapes is Niger State, located in the North Central region of Nigeria.

Like many regions across the globe, Niger state is grappling with challenges related to environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution which have all been exacerbated by climate change, leading to unpredictable weather patterns, increased desertification, and threats to agricultural productivity in the face of challenging financing circumstances.

With the growing need for sustainable solutions, the government of Niger State, under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, will host the first ever subnational, Green Economy Summit, with the unveiling of the Niger State Green Economy Blueprint to guide developmental choice of actions in the state.

The main objectives of the Summit are to serve as a platform to attract local and international investors interested in green assets trading, green technologies, renewable energy projects, and sustainable financing initiatives.

Recognizing the potential of green technologies and sustainable development, Niger State government aims to leverage its carbon assets and embrace eco-friendly initiatives to boost economic growth.

Consequently, the summit will focus on exploring green business opportunities, renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism as means to drive economic diversification and job creation.

It will also align with the global commitment to reducing carbon emissions, transitioning to a low-carbon economy, and promoting sustainable development, in line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It is also meant to provide opportunity to showcase innovative green technologies and best practices from around the world. This will foster technology transfer and knowledge sharing to enable Niger State adopt and implement sustainable greenhouse solutions effectively.

The gathering will place emphasis on the role of local communities in sustainable development thereby empowering communities with the necessary knowledge and resources to engage in eco-friendly practices and benefit from green initiatives.

Featuring workshops, panel discussions, and presentations, the summit shall increase public awareness and knowledge about green technologies, sustainable practices, and environmental issues.

In view of these, the Summit will attract experts and participants from around the world that will facilitate the exchange of ideas, best practices, and technologies. This will allow Niger State to learn from successful green initiatives implemented elsewhere and adapt them to its own context.

The Niger State Green Economic Summit, with the theme “Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity,” will have in attendance the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ministers, heads of relevant agencies, state governors, representatives of multilateral and bilateral international organisations, development partners and development finance institutions. 

Others include captains of industry, local and international experts on the theme and sub-themes, members of the academia, community leaders, youth and women group representatives, civil society organisations.

The two-day hybrid event will take place on the 24 and 25 October, 2023 in Minna, the Niger State capital. The date will coincide with the United Nations Day as well as the climate advocacy group, 350.org’s International Day of Advocacy for Climate Action, held on the 24 October annually.

The choice of the date is to underscore the resolve to partake in achieving collective global goals through responsible local action, especially as Nigeria prepares to participate in the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai, UAE, between November 30th and December 12th, 2023.

Five hundred (500) participants shall be drawn from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, this will ensure harvesting of innovative ideas that will enable the state  make good use of its arable land in aggregating cash crops and low-hanging fruit in addressing environmental challenges, harnessing carbon assets, and fostering green economic development.

The maiden subnational summit will position Niger State as a leading example of sustainable growth and responsible environmental stewardship in Nigeria and beyond which others can take a leaf from.

Aliyu Umar Aliyu is the Chairman, Communication subcommittee, Niger State Green Economy Summit Initiative

The Federal Ministry of Transportation/Marine and Blue Economy has marked the 2023 Civil Service Week Ministerial Recognition Awards celebration to honour deserving officers who have exhibited excellence in the discharge of their duties.

According to a press release signed on Tuesday by
Olujimi Oyetomi,
Director Press & PR, disclosed that the  celebration is an annual event aimed at encouraging effective discharge of work, diligence, and commitment to service delivery in respect of Government policies for the transportation and marine sectors.

At the 2023 edition which was held at the Auditorium of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Maitama, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who championed this year’s event, called on staff of the Ministry to exhibit punctuality and commitment, diligence and honesty in the service of their nation.  “You should serve with honesty and truth and give your best in ensuring that good service delivery is maintained.”

Dr. Ajani further stressed that the award should not only bring joy to the awardees but encourage others who were not so rewarded this time to see it as challenge to strive to be so honoured, next time.  “Therefore, you must all be ready to work and discharge your duties efficiently.”
In her welcome remark, the Director of Human Resource Management, Ms Tetshoma Dafeta revealed that as part of Federal Civil Service Strategic Implementation Plan 2021 – 2025 (FCSSIP25) which seeks to reward dedicated Civil Servants, the Ministry did set up a committee to select the staff who met the necessary requirement for this year’s award and they were the ones being awarded.  

                                                                                                       
Speaking further, the Director urged other staff of the ministry to work hard so that by next year, they will be the ones to get the award. 
While making his presentation as an invited Resource Person, the Acting Director of Media and Public Relations, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Engr. Emanuel Onokpono stated that Nigerians are conversant with National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), but with the new law signed by the Former President, Muhammadu Buhari on 19th May, 2022, mandated that all Government staff should enrol in the new NHIA.

According to him, the NHIA, is not meant for only civil servants but to all Nigerians, adding “that the law is legal, well documented, signed and gazetted.”
Dr. Ali Mohammed Ibrahim, a fellow of the Institute of Safety Advocate, another invited Resource Person urged the staff to be safety conscious whether in their “work place, home, hospitals or anywhere you are, safety should be the first to come to your mind.”

Contributions by Sanni Hussaini (Senior Information Officer) & Regina Osuagwu (Principal Executive Officer, Information)

By Emmanuel Daudu

Today, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen, met the ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray.

According to Mr. Kouadio Serge, Programme Officer IT and Communication, ECOWAS, in a summary made available to journalists in Abuja, disclosed that during the visit she was also accompanied by European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson.

Commissioner Urpilainen said: “The EU is a long-term supporter of regional integration, which produces prosperity through added value. Currently, ECOWAS operates in politically challenging context. It has a central role in stabilising West Africa by promoting democracy, rule of law and economic cooperation. The EU supports its work and regional leadership. Today, I was happy to sign financing agreements worth over €210 million contributing to ECOWAS programmes. Many of these actions align with the objectives of the EU’s positive and sustainable Global Gateway investment strategy.”

ECOWAS Commission’s President, Touray, said: “We welcome the visit of the EU Delegation led by H.E. Ms Jutta Urpilainen, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, which aims at strengthening the ECOWAS-EU Cooperation. This strength of our equal partnership is being reflected today with the signing of 7 new financial agreements covering the areas of trade, migration, energy, and agriculture within the context of the Team Europe Global Strategy and in line with ECOWAS 4×4 Strategic objectives and ECOWAS Vision 2050.
We appreciate the EU’s continued strategic partnership with ECOWAS in providing support to addressing regional challenges in the areas of peace and security as well as on institutional capacity development. We note the progress made so far towards the implementation of the projects identified under the NDICI-Global Gateway.”

Commissioner Urpilainen and President Touray reaffirmed strong ties and deepening partnership between EU and ECOWAS towards West Africa’s peace, regional integration and prosperity. They confirmed mutual commitments made to peace and security in the Sahel and throughout the West African region, in a context of evolving complex politics and increased security challenges. They underlined their alignment on the situation in Niger and in transition countries and discussed ways to strengthen democratic processes and democratic governance in the region and to ensure the continuity of assistance to the local populations who are the first victims of the situation.

Commissioner Urpilainen and President Touray concluded the meeting with the signature of 7 financing agreements with a total EU support of €212.5 million with a focus on trade and regional integration, energy interconnectivity, renewable energy, affordable and clean energy, sustainable food systems, food security and migration.

This new financial package for West Africa will be soon complemented by additional support in the areas of peace and security, transport, water management, environment, digitalization, health and education. Under the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package, the European Union committed to mobilize up to €150 billion in investments for Africa between 2021 and 2027 to accelerate an inclusive, green and digital transition that will boost regional economic integration, sustainable growth and decent job creation.

Background information on 7 Financing Agreements:

1. Support to Free Movement of persons and Migration (€34 million): maximizing the development potential of free movement of persons and migration within a more secure and rights-based Economic Community of West African Countries in the context of regional integration process. This would be achieved by supporting the effective implementation of ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol and ECOWAS Common Approach on Migration at the regional, national and local levels.
2. Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (€50 million): increasing sustainable intra-African trade and strengthening Africa-EU trade by enhancing market access and export competitiveness for SMEs in selected value chains
3. Trade in Services in Sub-Saharan Africa (€11.5 million): increasing the liberalisation of services and exports for selected services sectors with the aim to increase intra-regional, continental and bilateral trade in services, enabling higher integration into regional and global value chains.
4. Support programme for specialised ECOWAS organisations active in the energy sector to develop the regional electricity market and operationalise its interconnected grid and increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix (€25 million): increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix through the establishment and development of the regional electricity market for sustainable, affordable and accessible energy for women and men in all their diversity.
5. Regional Clean Cooking Action in West Africa – ReCCAWA (€12 million): increasing access to clean, efficient, sustainable and affordable cooking energy solutions in West Africa by strengthening the clean cooking enabling framework at regional and national scales, by proposing innovative financing and promoting business models that will scale-up the supply, dissemination and adoption of clean cooking solutions, and by creating and disseminating evidence-based data and knowledge that will contribute to the governance of the West African cooking sector
6. Project to support the Regional Food Security Storage Strategy in West Africa – PASRSSA (€20 million): supporting the integrated and coordinated implementation of ECOWAS’s regional storage strategy and the regional governance of food and nutrition security of actors in the Sahel Club and West Africa.
7. Regional support programme for the development of the pastoral economy in West Africa and the Sahel – PRADEP-AOS (€60 million): enhancing the contribution of the livestock sector to the transformation of sustainable food systems and to inclusive and resilient green growth of the economies of the countries of the reg

By Emmanuel Daudu

The new Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has said he would align the Commission’s regulatory focus to achieve the promises of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to advance the nation’s digital transformation agenda.

 
Signed:

Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs on Tuesday, in a press release said, Maida, who spoke to the Senior Management team of the Commission at the Commission’s Head Office in Abuja Tuesday, said there is a need to ensure that the NCC strategically focuses on ensuring all Nigerians have access to affordable and reliable broadband services. Part of this is to ensure “effective broadband infrastructure diffusion across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

The new telecom regulator paid tributes to former chief executives of the Commission for their laudable role in building a resilient telecoms industry. Dr Maida said the pursuit of improved quality of service on the networks will be one of his priorities, as well as supporting the vision of the Federal Government and the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy.

“Considering the fact that many people are going more digital and virtual in everything they do, the telecom infrastructure is now under much stress. President Tinubu’s vision emphasises the need to build more robust broadband connectivity that will not only facilitate seamless digital transactions but also serve as the bedrock for e-governance and other socio-economic initiatives,” he said.

“As such, we would align with this aspiration to increase broadband penetration to 70 per cent and to cover 90 per cent of the population by 2025. Therefore, we need to build a reliable telecom industry with impressive quality of service (QoS) indicators with quality of experience (QoE) as our watchword and ultimate goal. This also requires us to address a number of issues such as the Right of Way (RoW) challenge, ensuring security of our telecom infrastructure, among others. Efforts must be made to significantly improve service delivery by ensuring the NCC is performance-driven,” he said.

“Mr President has a very clear agenda from which all of us are going to take our direction. The two major areas are job creation and enabling the digital economy. Where we are going in a nutshell is; everything that we do in this Commission has to align directly with the Strategic Plan of the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani and ultimately to the Renewed Hope agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We would not deviate from that.

“We would not entertain anything that deviates from this direction because my key performance indicators (KPIs) are fed into the Minister’s KPIs and the President KPIs come from the electorate that put him into power. The Hon. Minister has said clearly that he is ready to build a robust digital infrastructure and empower three million Nigerians digitally and we have to do our best to support him in this regard,” Maida said.

He stated further that, in the Strategic Plan of the Minister, there was a plan to empower three million Nigerians in digital skills and entrepreneurship, adding that this will require the Commission to support Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) as a digital training institution, to be well positioned in driving the government’s agenda on youth empowerment.

The EVC also emphasised the importance of effective spectrum management and utilisation in supporting the envisioned digital connectivity agenda, which is critical to service deployment to the generality of Nigerians and businesses in the country. 

Maida, while appreciating his predecessors and the entire staff of the Commission for the laudable role being played in digital transformation of all sectors by stimulating the deployment of baseline telecom infrastructure, however, called on the staff of the Commission to join his leadership with a sense of purpose as a team towards advancing the actualisation of the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, which, he said, recognises a thriving digital economy in achieving sustainable development and quality of life for all citizens. 

By Emmanuel Daudu

According to a statement signed by Hon. Jamaluddeen Kabir
National Communication Manager, NSIPA
On Monday, the Federal Government has said that it is ready to commence payment of backlogs to Npower beneficiaries who are on the programme.

This was made known by the Npower National Programme Manager Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo.

Egbuwalo mentioned this during a meeting with some Npower Beneficaries at his office in Abuja, adding that the main purpose for the temporary suspension of the programme was to address all matters directly affecting beneficiaries with keen focus on the issues of delayed payments of stipends.

He added that, as a result of the temporary suspension of the programme for thorough restructuring and forensic audit, funds have been recovered from the existing payment service providers and plans have been put in place by the programme to commence disbursement of the 9 months outstanding stipends to beneficiaries from November, 2023. Payments will be carried out in installment, he noted.

While assuring all beneficiaries of complete transparency and accountability, Egbuwalo stated that in line with the new agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Npower programme will be continued as Renewed Hope Job Creation Programme (RHJCP) under the supervision of the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu, which will be expanded to target 5 million beneficiaries in 5 years where 1 million youths will be absorbed each year under the graduate and non-graduate stream.

Responding, Sani Garba, a beneficiary from Yobe State who was present at the meeting noted that their concerns was mainly regarding the delayed 9 months stipends, adding that a national protest had initially been planned by different clusters of Npower beneficiaries due to inadequate information.

“Sir, as you have clearly explained the current situation of payment to us with outmost transparency, myself and other cluster of beneficiaries represented here are assuring you that we have clearly understood your position and taken your assurances, there is no need for any protest” Garba mentioned.

While encouraging all beneficiaries to keep calm as they patiently expect their payments, the cluster of beneficiaries expressed their joy over the assurances given to them for a better implementation of the programme which will ensure that no beneficiary is left behind in the renewed hope agenda of the Federal Government.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed readiness to partner with the federal government in tackling humanitarian and poverty challenges in Nigeria.It commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s efforts so far in that direction.

According to Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair (ANIPR) Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, to Honourable Minister, MHAPA, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, made this known when he led a team from the embassy and Noor  Dubai Foundation to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Abuja.

The Envoy who described  the relationship between his country and Nigeria as symbiotic, said; “Nigeria remains a strong ally of UAE and we would continue to partner with Nigeria in key areas like humanitarian aid, job creation, Nutrition, health care development and poverty alleviation”

Responding, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, applauded the government and people of the United Arab Emirates for their timely interventions in critical sectors in Nigeria. The Minister specifically thanked the Ambassador and his team for taking steps to support Nigeria in many ways. She noted that the President has a great plan to eradicate Poverty under his 8 point agenda and has begun full implementation as such it is important that the identify areas to collaborate for the good of Nigerians

Also Speaking, the CEO of  Noor Dubai Foundation, Dr Manal Taryam, said the Foundation has been on humanitarian-related interventions including an eye treatment program which commenced with Katsina State while lagos and Abuja will soon be launched. She said the Dubai foundation has over several areas, which directly links to the ministry’s mandate and will be happy to support.

Present at the meeting was the SSA to the President on Community Engagement SW Hon Moremi ojodu and the SSA on school feeding Hon Yetunde. Amongst others.

…Arase promises credible, fair, equitable and merit driven exercise, calls on Nigerian  Youths to take advantage and serve their fatherland

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Police Service Commission in conjunction  with the Nigeria Police Force has commenced the 2023 Recruitment exercise. The Recruitment is for qualified  and interested Nigerians for appointment  into the Force as Constables (Recruits) General duty and Specialists (artisans) (Recruits).

Interested Nigerians are invited to log into  Recruitment portal  http://www.policerecruitment.gov.ng for
details of the exercise.

The portal opened today, Sunday, October 15th and will close on November 26th 2023.

According to a press release signed by Ikechukwu Ani
Head Press and Public Relations on Sunday, October 15th 2023, the
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police has promised a credible, fair, equitable and merit driven exercise in line with the Commission’s rules and guidelines for recruitment.

Dr. Arase called on Nigerian Youths to take advantage of the recruitment exercise and contribute to the service of their fatherland adding that the Commission will continue to ensure that it gives the nation a Police Force it will always  be proud of.

One of the Best non governmental organization promoting public safety, security and accessible justice
Election Security, CLEEN Foundation has called for security alertness and corporation ahead of the Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa Off-Cycle Elections.

According to a statement signed by the Executive Director, Gad Peter, recently, the November 11th off-cycle elections, there are fears of potential violence surrounding the electoral process in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States which are considered to be volatile. “As the scheduled off-cycle elections in these States draw near, the CLEEN Foundation wishes to address the concerns and challenges surrounding election security in these States.

“As an organization, we are deeply committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the safety and integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria. There is a risk of weaponization of social media, drugs, small arms and light weapons, separatist groups, militias and voter suppression as drivers of conflict, misinformation and instability as has been clearly shown in the political antecedents of these states. We have seen tribal context playing out already in Kogi as all 3 candidates from the leading political parties are representing the 3 major ethnic groups in the State.

“The upcoming off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States represent a significant opportunity for the citizens of these states to exercise their democratic rights and choose their representatives. However, we acknowledge that the elections also come with certain security challenges that require the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved, including political parties, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and the electorate.

“Flashpoints: In Imo State, places like Orlu, Orsu, Oru-East, Ohaji-Egbema, Ngor-Okpala, Ehime-Mbano, Isiala-Mbano, Okigwe, Njaba, Mbaitolu, Oguta, Onuimo are Local Government Areas that the Nigeria police and other security agencies should pay attention to.

“In Kogi State, special attention should be given to Kogi Central, Kogi West, Ofu, Olamaboro, Omala, Dekina, Ajaokuta, Okene, Adavi, Okehi and Ijumu. Indicators have thrown up these locations.

“While in Bayelsa State, the traditional locations of Brass, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Nembe, Southern Ijaw, Sagbama, Ogbia require strategic attention.

“We are particularly concerned about the following election security threats:

“Violence and Intimidation: Instances of election-related violence and intimidation have been reported in the past. We strongly condemn any acts of violence, threats, or harassment aimed at disrupting the electoral process and intimidating voters.
Voter Suppression: Efforts to suppress voter turnout or manipulate the electoral process to undermine the fundamental principles of democracy. We call on all parties involved to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot freely and without fear.
Security Preparedness: The security agencies in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States must be adequately prepared and equipped to maintain law and order during and after the elections. Timely and effective response to security incidents is crucial to ensuring a peaceful voting process.
Hate Speech and Incitement: Hate speech, incitement, and the dissemination of false information can exacerbate tensions during the electoral period. We urge all political actors and citizens to refrain from using hate speech and promote responsible communication.
In light of these challenges, the CLEEN Foundation calls for the following:

“Security Alerts: The Nigeria Police alongside all security agencies should put together adequate security infrastructure in volatile LGAs ahead of the elections as a measure to prevent, contain and deter any form of violence that might play out.
Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security: INEC should activate and institutionalize its Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to enhance pre, during and post-election electoral security in these states. This will encourage civic engagement and voter registration to increase citizen involvement in the electoral process.
Election Stakeholders’ Collaborative Efforts: We encourage all relevant stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, electoral bodies and civil society organizations in these states, to collaborate closely and share information to mitigate security risks. Security agencies should implement proactive measures to identify and address potential security threats, such as monitoring and addressing the activities of political thugs.
Civil Society and Media Vigilance: Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. We commend the efforts of community watch groups and encourage their active participation in safeguarding the electoral process. We implore the IGP to ensure that security agencies act professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law. Provide them with adequate training on election security and human rights.
Peaceful Conduct: Political parties and their supporters are reminded of the importance of peaceful conduct before, during, and after the elections. We call for strict adherence to the principles of non-violence as enshrined in the Electoral Act. Government must ensure that security agencies act professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law. Provide them with adequate training on election security and human rights.
Respect for the Rule of Law: We remind all actors of the importance of respecting the rule of law and the independence of the electoral institutions responsible for conducting the elections. We encourage political parties to conduct issue-based campaigns, refrain from hate speech and incitement, abide by the INEC code of conduct for political parties and adhere to campaign finance regulations.
In conclusion, CLEEN Foundation remains committed to supporting the electoral process in Nigeria and ensuring that the citizens of Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States can exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful and secure environment. We call on all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and integrity of the electoral process and work together to address election security threats effectively.”