Africa Security Investigation News

The Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology, Katsina (MBMIST) has been granted full accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to offer National Diploma programmes in Meteorology and Climate Change Science.

This accreditation is contained in a letter signed by Mr Sama’ila Tanko, the Director, Monotechnic Programme Department on behalf of the Executive Secretary of (NBTE) Prof. Idris M. Baguje.

” With reference to the accreditation visitation carried out by the Board to your institution from 10th to 13th May, 2023, I am directed to inform you that the National Board For Technical Education has granted accreditation to the underlisted programmes with effect from 19th May, 2023,” the letter reads.

The accreditation, which is for ND Meteorology and ND Climate Change Science is for two streams of 40 students per programme and is due for another visitation by 2028 upon invitation of the Board by the institute.
The MBMIST was founded in 2019 under the leadership of Senator Hadi Sirika , the former Minister of Aviation. It commenced academic activities in the 2020/2021 academic session with in-kind donation of a campus by the Katsina state government through the former executive governor Rt Honourable Aminu Bello Masari and was officially commissioned by Muhammadu Buhari, the immediate past President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The MBMIST which has as it’s motto, Safety, Innovation and Excellence, prides itself as the premier technological tertiary institution for studying Meteorological and Climate Science related programmes, has all the resources for teaching, learning infrastructures, academic curriculum and operations designed to meet with the standards of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and International Standards Organization (ISO).
The purpose of the institute is to transform students’ knowledge of weather and climate change science into a love of the subject.

A total of 200 personnel trained in sundry courses graduated yesterday, Friday 23 June 2023, from the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM) Kaduna. The graduates comprised 9 officers and 191 airmen/airwomen, who successfully completed one of the 9 courses organized by the institute. The courses include Initial Personnel Administration Management Officers Course, Integrated Basic Clerical Course, Basic Physical Education Course, Basic Catering Course, Basic Military Band Course, and Basic Information Assistant Certificate Course; all of which lasted for 6 months. Others include the Admin Upgrading A1 Course, Admin Upgrading A2 Course, and Advance Physical Education Course that lasted for 3 months.

Representing the Chief of the Air Staff as the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, the Director of Administration, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Yusuf, disclosed the incumbent NAF administration is poised to give adequate priority to training across all specialties with a view to developing robust capacity geared towards effective employment of air power in furtherance of national security. AVM Yusuf, therefore, urged all NAF training institutions to be proactive in their pursuit of capacity development in order to bridge the current skill deficiency across all trades and specialties in the NAF. While congratulating the personnel for the successful completion of their respective courses, the Guest of Honour urged them to exhibit high level of professionalism in discharging their assigned tasks as the course they just concluded has provided them an opportunity to contribute more to the efforts of the NAF in national security.

Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC,  at the weekend in Lagos, lifted the Platinum Award of the Nigeria Academy of Engineering (NAEng.) being a reward for his leadership of the nation’s telecom regulator for its contributions to the development and growth of engineering profession in the technological and economic development of the country.

According to Reuben Muoka, arpa, fnipr, Director, Public Affairs in a press release he signed on June 25, 2023, stated that President of the Academy, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, said during the award presented by doyen of engineering and Former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Vincent Maduka,  that the Commission deserved the award as it has done the profession proud in its telecom regulatory process and promotion of engineering as shown in its strong support for the NAEng.

While handing over the award at the 2023 Annual Technology Dinner of the Academy, Maduka said, “Prof. Danbatta has contributed immensely to the sustainability of all initiatives of the professional body, just as his role to the development of engineering profession in general is being felt in Nigeria, through his effective regulation of the telecommunications sector.”

Danbatta, a professor of electrical and electronics engineering, who is a member of Council, and a fellow of NAEng, while receiving the award, expressed appreciation to the illustrious institute for considering the Commission worthy of the award.

Danbatta dedicated the award to the ‘hardworking and diligent staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission’, who, he said, have continued to demonstrate commitment to supporting his vision to promote regulatory excellence toward sustaining growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“I could not have done the good work you credited me with, without the support and cooperation of NCC staff and we are delighted that the public is watching, listening and observing what we are doing and a testimony to this fact is the platinum category award we have just been given by the apex engineering body in the country,” the EVC stated.

Danbatta further said: “I want to assure the public that the NCC will do whatever it can, within its mandates, to bring out impactful initiatives that will drive the digital transformation process that will ultimately make telecom services pervasive and affordable to all parts of the country.”

He used the opportunity to speak about some of the initiatives of the Commission that have struck a rhythm in the socio-economic development of the nation.

These, he said, include the one targeted at the Nigerian youths across the country where the Commission trains the youth, provides them with laptops,  and other equipment that can make them access the internet with a view to equipping them to develop their skill and earn a living.

Danbatta assured of the Commission’s commitment to driving digital connectivity aimed at bridging extant clusters of access gaps in Nigeria. “We have a target of 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025, as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP). We are around 50 per cent currently and I can assure you that we are hopeful that we will achieve and surpass that target,” he said.

The Nigerian Academy of Engineering was established to pursue excellence in science, technology and engineering as well as provide a national platform for experts to harness their experiences and insights and make input into public and private technical policy.

By Emmanuel Daudu

As the risks facing our natural world increases by the day, environmentalists are always looking for new ways to tackle issues such as flooding, deforestation, climate change, and carbon emissions. Whilst many organizations are busy rallying volunteers to bang the drum for the environment, there is perhaps an unsung hero patiently waiting on the sidelines – the mangrove tree. Planting mangroves has been proven to help with environmental issues.

Mangroves are magical. Planting more of them could help restore the health of the planet’s lands, seas, and climate.

It is against this backdrop Compassionate Advocacy For The Poor Initiative, CAPI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Bayelsa State embarked on a two days mangrove planting exercise in Opume Kingdom to curb future flooding in the State.

The event which commenced on the 9th to 10th June 2023 is aimed at enhancing living on land as one of CAPI’s aims and objectives is to protect the former and serve as a frontline defense for the people and property along the coasts.

While declaring the event open in Bayelsa State, the founder and Executive Director, of Compassionate Advocacy For The Poor Initiative, CAPI,
Dr. Edet Umoh, stressed the need for the help the federal government and international organizations to come to the aid of Bayelsa State statistically stating that over 1.3 million people have been displaced over the years.

The first day which was characterized by community engagement activities, and stakeholder dialogues on a series of topics around flooding mitigation exposed lots of challenges the Bayelsa state indigenous people are going through and lots of lives and properties lost over the years.

Also speaking, the Director Climate Change/
Programs, CAPI, Rukaiya Mahmoud, has this to say, “The black mangrove is a species of tree that can typically be found growing in coastal areas. It is characterized by its dark leaves and deep, knotted roots, which help anchor it firmly in the muddy soil of tidal flats and mangrove swamps.

“But why is this tree so important? Well, for one thing, black mangroves provide vital habitats for many different types of animals. Fish, birds, and other wildlife rely on the shelter of mangrove forests to survive, and many species use the trees as nesting sites, feeding grounds, and breeding areas.

“But the benefits of black mangroves go beyond just providing homes for animals. These trees play a crucial role in reducing coastal erosion and protecting against storm surges and other natural disasters. They also help to filter and purify the water in which they grow, removing pollutants and other harmful substances.

“In addition, mangroves are known to sequester large quantities of carbon, making them a valuable tool in the fight against climate change. By capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, mangroves help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down global warming.

‘Unfortunately, black mangroves and other species of mangrove trees are under threat from a variety of human activities, including deforestation, pollution, and development. As we continue to expand and encroach upon these fragile ecosystems, we risk irreparably damaging some of the most important ecosystems on the planet.

“That’s why we must take steps to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems. We must work to reduce our carbon footprint, prevent pollution, and promote sustainable development that balances the needs of people and the environment.

“So let us remember the important role that black mangroves and other mangrove species play in supporting life on our planet. And let us commit ourselves to doing all that we can to protect and preserve these precious habitats for future generations”.

The representative of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Wakedei Davidson Ere, Director of Climate Change hampered on the need for stakeholders engagement stating that it is essential for success in any sphere of life.
“By involving all parties affected by decisions, we build trust, foster transparency, and improve outcomes. A structured approach that regularly checks in with stakeholders is essential, and we must commit to ongoing collaboration to achieve common goals”, he said.

The 2nd day which was Mangrove planting witnessed a lot of participants including community leaders out of which were Festus Egba Director of Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Bayelsa State, Diete-Spiff Michael O., Director, Mitigation, Ministry of Environment, Bayelsa State, Frank Azibaobeh, CAPI staff, Susan Enemughan, Asst Director, Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Bayelsa State amongst many others.

Deputy Army Commander Major General David Tarus visited Kenya Defence Forces Quick Reaction Force and Kenya Signals Company as they entered the homestretch phase of their pre-deployment training.

The troops will soon deploy to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

Major General Tarus commended the troops for their dedication and commitment in undertaking the rigorous pre-deployment training that is geared towards making them mission ready.

‘‘The hard work and dedication I have witnessed in your various facets of this pre-deployment training is testament of commitment to duty of the Kenyan soldier. As you continue with the remaining elements of the training, maintain the momentum and even push your limits harder for you to be able to operate with ease in the mission area,’’ said Major General Tarus.

The Deputy Army Commander further urged them to be good ambassadors of the Republic of Kenya by hoisting the Kenyan flag high through upholding professionalism, discipline, high sense of integrity and adhering to the United Nations Code of Conduct.

“For many years now, the Republic of Kenya has deployed troops in various peacekeeping and enforcement missions and have performed commendably well in the duties. As you prepare to deploy, you have an enormous task of protecting the image of the country owing to the high standards that have been set by your predecessors,” said Major General Tarus.

During the visit, the troops demonstrated impeccable skills in conducting various drills like ambushes and crowd control, among others. The Quick Reaction Force and Kenya Signals Company will be the third and second contingents to deploy to DRC under MONUSCO, respectively.

No fewer than 50 officers graduated from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada, after undergoing rigorous training of Senior Course 8, which lasted for six months.

Addressing the graduands during the ceremony that took place on Wednesday 21st June 2023, at the Ahmed Makarfi Hall of the college, the Comptroller-General of Customs, represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Jack Ajokwu, felicitates with the graduating students and implored them to be more committed and be good representatives of the college.

DCG Jack Ajokwu, who is also in charge of Exise, Free-Trade Zone and Industrial Incentives, said that “it is with great honour and privilege to be part of this graduation ceremony of Senior Course 8 2023. It is without a doubt that you have spent six months having a rigorous training. I congratulate you for your tenacity and commitment which has led us to today’s occasion.”

“From the onset, you and your fellow participants were challenged by the curriculum and external class activities, but you have come out on top with a sense of fulfilment and admiration. I am seeing this as an opportunity to break new ground.” He said.

According to him, organising such training is one of the cardinal principles of the Nigeria Customs Service to build competence and capacity corresponding to rising demands of Global best practices of Customs related matters.

He tasked them to put all they have learned during their training at the college, as the country awaits their positive contributions in the area of maximizing the security at the borders, suppressing smuggling and generating revenue.

DCG Ajokwu however described their graduation as ‘timely with the commissioning of the Service’s Modernization Project’ – which according to him, competent hands amongst them will be selected to pilot the affairs of the Service.

“I have no doubts in my mind, that considering the quality of training you have received, you all will be good ambassadors of the College and the Service at large – and I wish to implore you to exhibit your competence to your subordinates, when you go back to your places of work.”

On his part, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Al-Bashir Hamisu, while delivering his opening remarks, congratulated the graduating students and conferred them with the title of Pass Senior Course (PSC).

“I stand here today with an uncommon joy and gratitude to welcome our special guest of honour and all our guests attending this ceremony.”

He recalled that the Service had, in 2017, institutionalized the Nigeria Customs Staff College to train the principal level staff of the Service, which according to him, had contributed enormously in the area of boosting capacity building of the officers.

“The graduation ceremony we are witnessing today is for 50 officers who satisfied the requirements of the five-star course PSC. During the course, our graduands achieved impressive results both in terms of academic performance, weapon handling and other activities.”

Certificates and Awards were also presented to the graduating students, and the best overall participant of the Senior Course 8.

CSR REPORTERS, the organizing body for the annual CSR Reporters’ Nonprofit Roundtable and Excellence Award has announced that Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) has been voted as the winner of the prestigious 2022 UN-SDG GOAL 3: Good Health and Wellbeing Champion of the Year award. Announcing the award in Abuja, the CSR Reporters also indicated that AHOA’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje shall be conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award. These were communicated to AHOA and Adirieje in letters signed on the 6th of May, 2023 by Eche Munonye, the Publisher/Editor-In-Chief, and Bukola Olaosebikan Deputy Editor/Head of the Awards Committee, disclosing that, AHOA, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje won the awards of the year meritoriously. Both awards shall be formally presented on the 6th of July 2023, at Nigerian National Merit Award House, Abuja, Nigeria.

The Awards program honors non-governmental organizations, leaders, funders, and volunteers from throughout Nigeria that demonstrate extraordinary effort, innovation, leadership, and excellence in providing service to humanity. CSR Reporters’ Nonprofit Excellence. The awards do not only recognize prominent international NGOs, but also the smaller, lesser-known NGOs in remote areas, whose exemplary service and success may have gone unnoticed and unappreciated on the national stage.
Nominations were received from various individuals and organizations with knowledge of the nominee- organization and the work being done. Thereafter, nominations were reviewed by a panel of judges composed of experts drawn from both international and local NGOs, media and intergovernmental organizations.

“Dear Sir, you were selected for receipt of this award because of your work in building a more sustainable Nigerian society through dedication to social impact initiatives.”, said the award letter to Dr. Adirieje. With the theme: “Driving Nonprofit Performance and Innovation Through Effective Leadership”, the organizers stated that “this discourse will (motivate) nonprofit leaders think conceptually about performance-measurement systems, …examine the rationale behind performance measurement and how to align your organization’s mission, strategy, and performance; (thereby) developing a culture of learning and innovation at your NGO.”

In the letter of award notice to Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) as the “SDG GOAL 3: Good Health and Wellbeing – Champion of the Year Award”, the CSR Reporters said that AHOA “was selected for receipt of the award based on your commitment to the achievement of UN-SDGs (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) … The judges also considered the transparency and inclusiveness with which you carry out your operations.” Goal 3 target which is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at all ages.

Reactions have trailed the announcement of these Awards to AHOA and her CEO, some of which are shared below.
Linus Onah-Igwe of Association of Grassroots Counsellors on Health and Development (Cross River State, Nigeria) commented that “Dr Adirieje really deserves this honour and even more. Congrats in advance sir.” “Congratulations Dr you deserve it and it was long overdue” was the response of Lindokuhle Sibiya of Action against NCDs, Eswatini, Southern Africa; while Okorie Agwu Ama of the National Programme for Food Security (Nigeria) thundered “A very big congratulations to you my big brother and Oga. May God continually lift u up, Amen”

Dr. Bamgboye Morakinyo Afolabi, Chief Medical Director of the Health, Environment and Development Foundation (Nigeria) wrote to AHOA: “Big Congratulations. I am so proud of you and all your achievements.”, while Mrs. Beatrice Eluaka, an Independent Consultant Nutritionist from Nigeria wrote: “Hearty Congratulations Dr. Adirieje. More feathers to your cap!”; and Baroness Frances Ihuoma Bekey of the Women Empowerment Self-help and Social Development Initiative (Nigeria) offered “Congratulations Doc for this well-deserved honour.” In her reaction, Mrs. Anita Adeyemi of the Women in Renewable Energy Association (Nigeria) wrote: “Congratulations Dr Adirieje. Thanks for your dedicated service to the advancement of mankind”, while Rodgers Gibson Kaunda of the Bwalo Initiative, Malawi offered “Congrats to you Dr for noble tasks”; just as Elder Effiong of COHDAT, Nigeria wrote “Wao! I just saw this. You deserve it Sir. Congratulations! More grease to your elbows”.

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a community-focused civil society organizations (CSOs) international Movement/Network Coalition and Think-tank deeply engaged in promoting policies, practices, programmes and interventions that enhance productivity, accountability, transparency and civil society’s coordination/contributions in Society Welfare/Social Safety nets, Development Work/Sustainable Development, Health; and in educational, literary, scientific, social, development, cultural, sporting, and charitable intervention(s)/purpose(s). AHOA’s mandate includes Building an inclusive and broad movement for Health and Sustainable Development; Creating avenues to influence the design and implementation of policies, practices, programmes and interventions; Promoting coordination, information exchange and harmonization among the civil society and stakeholder groups across the world; and Promoting citizen involvement, leadership and accountability mechanisms in the implementation of respective interventions. AHOA has a global membership/partnership of over 1,700 (One Thousand, Seven Hundred) organizations mainly from the global South and promotes the ‘One Health’ paradigm where Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. AHOA uses partnership/collaboration, advocacy, research/evidence generation, capacity development, outreaches, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) as strategies. AHOA’s activities/interventions are for the benefit of rural and poor urban dwellers, marginalized, vulnerable and disadvantaged populations of women, children, adolescents, persons with disability, persons in conflict-affected areas, the poor, elderly, rural, disadvantaged and vulnerable persons, orphans and the elderly. The AHOA CSOs Movement/Network Coalition and Think-tank works to explore the nexus between and within the following sectors:

1. Health – including UHC, PHC, Reproductive Health, PHC, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), Malaria, NCDs, NTDs, Vaccines/Immunization and COVID-19;
2. Energy and Environment – including biodiversity, environment, ecosystems, renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation and climate change (BEEREEECCC);
3. Nutrition/micronutrients and Food Security;
4. Gender, Democracy, Good Governance, Peace, Human Security and Human Rights; and
5. Sustainable Development across regions, populations, communities and generations
   AHOA partners with the Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN). AHOA has members/local Chapters in Nigeria’s 36 States and Federal Capital Abuja, National Chapters in some countries, sub-regional Chapters in North Africa, West and Central Africa, East and Southern Africa; and in America, Asia, Caribbean, Europe and Oceania regions. AHOA has a Consultative Status at the United Nations ECOSOC; and an Accredited Observer status at the UNEP/United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is an independent Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Consultant, Clinician, Certified Management Trainer/Facilitator; Climate Change, Energy and Biodiversity Advocate, Certified Management Consultant, Health Economist, and PMERLT (Project/Programme Planning/Management, M&E, Research and Learning/Training) Expert; Conference Organizer, Columnist/Writer, Activist, CEO of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), Global Coordinator of the ‘Disability, Elderly, Women, Vulnerable and Youth (DEWVY) Project of AHOA, Initiator of the After50 Group Club, and President of the Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN). He’s pioneer Fellow and President, Nigeria Association of Evaluators (2019-2022); Consultant that drafted Nigeria’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy which was approved by the Nigerian Government; and produced Nigeria’s SDG-3/Health Evaluation synthesis. He’s a key participant in Nigeria’s national evaluation of the Sustainable Development Goals 3 & 4; an active participant in African Evaluation Association and recipient of the 2022 Recognition Award from the International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation for his “enduring commitment and valuable contributions”. He holds a ‘Certificate of Participation’ from the 7th International Conference on National Evaluation Capacities (NEC 2022) with the theme ‘Resilient National Evaluation Systems for Sustainable Development’ held at the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) in Turin, Italy, 25-28 October 2022; and organized by the UNDP in collaboration with the Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI). In 2022, Dr Adirieje was one of 8 Africans selected by qualification to participate in the six-weeks maiden Boot Camp of the International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation (IOCE). Uzodinma Adirieje was the Chairperson of Nigeria’s National World Malaria Day Committee in 2019; Conference Manager of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) in 2005, and Projects Coordinator of the Nigeria National Health Conferences in 2006 and 2009 respectively. He was the Technical Consultant/Adviser to the Hon. Minister of State I, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Conference Coordinator for the 2nd GlobalPOWER Women Network Africa High-Level Meeting (HLM) Abuja 2013, organized by the Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the African Union and with support of UNAIDS; 27-28 June 2013. He’s a Member of, the Technical Committee Meeting on Draft Standards for Renewable Energy in Nigeria. Dr Adirieje participated in the 2018 African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) in Nairobi and the 2018 meetings/activities of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). During 2017-2018, Adirieje was Project Director of the vastly media-reported ‘Sustainable Citizen Participation (SCP) in Nigeria’s Niger Delta’ Project funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), which addressed many Energy, Environment and SDGs challenge across 81 communities/LGAs in 9 States Niger Delta. Chairman, Nigeria Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (NiPBES) since 2019. He’s Member, National Technical Working Group on M&E; member, National Core Working Group on 2020 Voluntary National Review (CWG-VNR), and Chairman, Civil Society Response for Nigeria’s 2020 VNR. He’s also the President, Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN) and Global Coordinator of the Civil Society Actions for Climate Change, Energy and Biodiversity (CSA4CEB). Dr. Adirieje is a ‘One Health’ Champion and Reproductive Health Advocate, Development Worker, Health and Community Systems Strengthening Specialist, and Community leader. Uzodinma has over twenty years of proven competencies in managing/supporting and evaluating projects, policies, programmes and interventions that enhance results/productivity, accountability, inclusivity and transparency in Society Welfare/Social Safety nets, Development Work, Sustainable Development/Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Health; using Partnerships/Collaborations, Advocacy, Research/Evidence, Capacity/Organizational Development, Community Engagements, and Outreach interventions. Dr. Adirieje was Co-Principal Consultant that drafted Nigeria’s Monitoring and Evaluation Policy recently approved by the Nigerian Government. He was the consultant that produced Nigeria’s SDG-3/Health Evaluation synthesis; and key participant in Nigeria’s national evaluation of SDGs 3 and 4. He is an active participant in African Evaluation Association (AfrEA) and recipient of 2022 Recognition Award from the International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation (IOCE) for his “enduring commitment and valuable contributions”. Uzodinma was the National Team Supervisor and Data Collection Team Leader (data collector, data analyst and data quality assessment) of the Global Fund/NMEP/ISA’s Malaria Matchbox Nigeria Project 2020-2021 in conflict-ridden Northeastern Nigeria. He’s Member of Nigeria’s National Technical Working Group (TWG) on M&E. Dr Adirieje is a gender activist, and author of the ‘Female Circumcision (Female Genital Mutilation): 40 Dangerous Effects Parents and Relations Must Know (publication now catalogued at the Media/Materials Clearinghouse of the Johns Hopkins University, USA, for worldwide distribution, as M/MC ID#: PL NGA 318)’. He’s successfully conceptualize/planned and managed scores of local and international conferences, workshops, trainings, seminars, symposia, research, advocacy, health and development programmes, projects and activities/interventions.

The ECOWAS Commission held its Annual Procurement Capacity Building Training workshop in Lagos, Nigeria from June 15-17, 2023.

The Opening Ceremony was attended by Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi DARMA, Commissioner for Internal Services of the ECOWAS Commission, the Director of Administration and General Services, Mr. Seydou BANGOURA, the Director of Strategic Planning & Monitoring and Evaluation, the Ag. Director of Human Resources as well as various procurement
practitioners and actors from ECOWAS Institutions, Agencies, and Technical Departments.

The objectives of the training were outlined by Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi DARMA, who encouraged participants to embrace and adhere to best practices with regard to the regulation and procedures of the ECOWAS Procurement Code and Manual. He further indicated that the success of the workshop will lead to improved efficiency of procurement processes within all Institutions and Agencies.

The Director of Administration and General Services, Mr. BANGOURA, also highlighted the importance of the workshop, encouraging the participants to share and discuss experiences and issues pertaining to procurement in order to facilitate the smooth implementation of projects and programmes.

The three days event will be concluded by the adoption of several recommendations proposed by the participants.