NiMet Boss Appointed Into NOSDRA Governing Board

Following the request from the Honourable Minister of Environment and subsequent approval by the Honourable Minister of Aviation, the Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, ((NiMet), Prof Mansur Bako Matazu has been appointed as a member of the Governing Board of National Oil Spill Detection And Response Agency (NOSDRA).

The approval was contained in a letter to the Honourable Minister of Environment, signed on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Aviation by the Director ( Human Resource Management) of the Ministry of Aviation.

“I am directed to refer to your letter No FMENV/PRS/1782/1/18 dated 29th March 2023 on the above subject and convey the approval of the Honourable Minister of Aviation for the Director General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu to serve on the Governing Board of the National Oil Spill Detection And Response Agency (NOSDRA).” The letter reads.

By this appointment, Prof. Matazu is expected to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear.

NiMet Organizes Refresher Training on Hydro-Meteorology

To boost professionalism and deepen the knowledge of her mandate amongst members of staff, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has commenced a refresher training of her staff on probable maximum precipitation, monitoring of flood using Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and hydrometeorological data analysis using Geographic Information System methods and product.

Explaining the importance of the exercise, the Deputy General Manager, Geographic Information System (GIS) Mr. Bankole J.A, stated that the training serves as a refresher course on hydro-meteorological products and services for both new and existing staff of the hydro-meteorological unit.

The Deputy General Manager also revealed that the training is set to enhance the mapping of flood extent, predictions and frequency as well as accurate study of damage assessment to intensify the monitoring of severe weather event and boost the early warning policy of the Agency.

Mr Bankole concluded by stating that NiMet has ensured that capacity building forms the bedrock of its core mandate and it is evident in the Director General’s policy thrust which ensures that the technical competence of every unit is maximised for the overall growth and progress of the Agency.

NiMet Conducts QMS Internal Audit In PH AIRPORT

In continuation of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) Quality Management Systems (QMS) internal audit as a prerequisite for recertification for the International Standardization Organization (ISO), ISO 9001:2015 recertification, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has conducted the QMS internal audit process in PortHarcourt International Airport.

The process which is needed to maintain quality services, is also required when acquiring, maintaining and recertifying the ISO 9001:2015.

Areas covered include auditing data achieving processing and auditing forecasting process.

The first phase of this process covers the four major international airports, starting with Lagos, PortHarcourt, Kano and Abuja.

MRA, IPC, expresses dissatisfaction over NBC 5M imposition on Channels TV

By Emmanuel Daudu


For the umpteenth time, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has acted arbitrarily in the purported exercise of its powers as the regulatory authority for the broadcast sector in Nigeria.

According to a press release co-signed by Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and           Lanre Arogundade                                                    Executive Director,                                         International Press Centre (IPC), on Tuesday stated that on March 31st, it was announced that NBC had slammed a fine of N5m on Channels Television, based on the claim that it violated the Nigeria Broadcasting Code because of the interview the station’s Seun Okinbaloye had with the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Datti Ahmed on March 22, 2023.

In the said interview Mr. Ahmed expressed strong opposition to the swearing-in of the President Elect, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on May 29, 2023, weightily alleging that it would be tantamount to the end of democracy.

Although the NBC did not disclose the material fact in its announcement of the sanction, the regulatory body apparently acted on a widely publicised petition addressed to it by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Director of Media and Publicity of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, in which he demanded that the station be punished over the interview in question. The petition was published by many news mediums on March 30th, 2023.

Barely 24 hours later, the NBC struck. Against the well-established principle of natural justice, which, among others, make fair hearing sacrosanct, NBC did not avail Channels TV the opportunity of putting forward its defense against Mr. Onanuga’s allegations before slamming the hefty fine.

Assuming without conceding that Channels TV erred in the management of the said interview, it was still pertinent for the NBC to have heard their side of the story. In failing to do so, the NBC acted unfairly and unjustly as it based its heavy-handed decision on the claims of one side only.

NBC has in this instance again exercised quasi-judicial powers injudiciously, by constituting itself to the prosecutor and the judge over a case brought before it by a third party. In previous instances, it has also additionally been the accuser.

It must be stressed that Mr. Onanuga is not just anybody. He speaks for the in-coming president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ordinarily, this should have informed the need for the NBC to act more cautiously instead of exposing itself to the accusation that it has become the ruling government or ruling party’s willing tool to suppress press freedom.

Even if, as the NBC claims, it acted based on its own observation, it was still imperative for it to allow Channels Television to respond to the allegations, especially since that made it the accuser, the prosecutor and the judge.

We wish to reiterate that the fundamental principles that ought to guide the regulation of broadcasting and related activities are the ones that advance the public interest and are investment friendly both of which have been discarded in the handling of the petition.

We urge the NBC to desist from walking this path, which undermines its credibility and independence and weakens the broadcast sector as a result. We call on the commission to immediately reverse the hastily imposed fine and give Channels TV the deserved opportunity to defend itself.

ECOWAS assures member nations of its resolution to combat Small Arms & light weapons proliferation

By Emmanuel Daudu

…over 850 million small arms and light weapons in the hands of civilians, set to mob them out-ECOWAS

Following the increasing insecurity within the ECOWAS member nations, in an Independent Experts Meeting Study on Civilian Possession of Arms and Operational Guidelines on licensing in the ECOWAS region held in Bolton White Hotel, Abuja on Tuesday, ECOWAS assured its member nations of its resolution to fully participate in combating the proliferation of
Small Arms and Light Weapons across its member nations.

The Head of the Small Arms Division of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Joseph Ahoba made the statement while declaring the event open.

The Facilitator for the Civilian Possession of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the West African Region, Major General Shehu Usman Abdulkadiri rtd, In an exclusive interview with Africa Security Investigation news journalist just after the event was declared open stated that member nations should be ready to partner and willing to work with ECOWAS to achieve the required result especially now that ECOWAS has made it a priority.

While speaking further he has this to say,
“To curb this illicit arms proliferation, member states should also be on board to checkmate the excesses of these illicit arms coming into the sub-region to bring about peace and security. It is very much understood that without peace and security, there can never be development. Therefore, there is a need for the ECOWAS Heads of State and government to come together and put their best in their various countries to see how they can end the menace of Small Arms and Light Weapons proliferation in collaboration with ECOWAS”.

Speaking on the anticipated outcome of the program,
“Well, the anticipated result is that the ECOWAS would go back and put its House in order based on what the experts have suggested and what has come out of the report and then also escalated to the level of states and governments for implementation. Then, probably looking at legislation, the licensing regime, the regulatory aspects, and administrative control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, especially within the civilian fold. In the opening statement, it was mentioned there that over 850 million small arms and light weapons are in the hands of civilians, which is much more than what the state actors hold. So, it’s alarming that even though some of them could be legally owned, others may not. And therefore, those are the ones that should be targeted.

“Owned modality should be put in place as to regular checking of those weapons. And then also, the issue of training for the handlers or the owners of those weapons. It is setting that we will not be able to completely mob these arms out of our societies but at least we’ll reduce it to some extent.

Advising the ECOWAS member nations, Mr. Shehu suggested that all nations should embrace advocacy as it is one of the most friendly civic techniques that can generate a wide scope of results.
“Well, the first thing I will suggest is sensitization. There is a need for the populace to be aware of what the government is doing with the guise of regulation, and even the legal framework on small arms and light weapons within the various countries. If there’s enough sensitization I’m sure the civilian populace will see the danger inherent in the illegal possession of arms. And then again, the report was also very clear that in some countries, arms
exchanged, for example, if the owner dies, the children probably inherit the weapon without knowing the consequence or even what it means. Those are some of the gray areas that should be looked into. And then see how also artisanal manufacturers can be brought on board to make their practices legalized. With that, we will be making some substantial progress in that regard”, he said.

Earlier, in a keynote speech, the Deputy Director of UNREC, Dr. Jiaming Miao,  lauded ECOWAS’s effort in resolving to curb the situation ravaging lots of lives and properties across its member nations stressing that collaboration should be strengthened among all stakeholders to ensure a wide range of results.
“The unregulated civilian use, possession, and production of SALW have exacerbated armed violence, insurgency, terrorism, jihadist activities and crime in the sub-region. Therefore, it is essential that we work together to address this issue.
UNREC is committed to supporting regional organizations and member states in Africa to promote disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation. We recognize the importance of working collaboratively with our partners to identify and address the root causes of arms proliferation in the region.
The study we are reviewing today, which was implemented by ECOWAS Commission and funded by Organized Crime-West Africa Response to Trafficking (OCWAR-T) and the GIZ Nigeria, provides valuable insights into the current state of civilian possession of arms and related licensing in the ECOWAS region, while promoting the harmonization of the processes, methodology, and procedures for the control of possession of SALW by civilians in accordance with the ECOWAS Convention on SALW and other relevant international frameworks regulating arms possession and transfer, particularly the Arms Trade Treaty.

“The study highlights several challenges, including poor physical security and management of state stockpiles, illicit transfer of weapons to criminal and insurgent groups, unsuccessful disarmament and weapon destruction programs, weak judicial systems, unresolved conflicts, and the emerging problem of artisanal manufacture of weapons. However, the study also identifies best practices that can be adopted to address these challenges.

“I am confident that the collective review of this study and the further refinement of draft operational guidelines on licensing will contribute significantly to efforts aimed at reducing the proliferation of SALW in the ECOWAS region. UNREC remains committed to supporting regional organizations and member states in their efforts to promote disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation”, Jiaming added.

To retrospect superficially, West African Response to Trafficking (OCWAR-T) support ECOWAS member states and Mauritania in reducing transnational organised crime (TOC). For this purpose, the project is strengthening national and regional structures and capacities and is fostering evidence – led policy and decision-making. Specially, we support efforts in enhancing criminal investigation and prosecution, improving small arms control and reducing human trafficking.

Similarly, the Head of ECOWAS Light Weapons Division: Controlling, Nanan Ahoba Joseph added his voice to that of others stating that there is need to control its proliferation to avoid insecurity.

OCWAR-T is an ECOWAS project, commissioned by the German government and co-founded by the EU. GIZ jointly implements OCWAR-T with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, Mines Advisory Group, MAG, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, ICMPD, Institute for Security Studies, ISS, and the Global Initiative Against Organised Crime, GITOC

NO Cause For Alarm Over Presence Of UN Fighting Vehicles, Equipment In Nigeria

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Defence Headquarters wishes to react to some social media video clips been circulated arising from the presence of some United Nations Peacekeeping fighting vehicles and equipment sighted recently in Benin, Edo state. This has resulted to insinuations which are inimical to public peace and may even cause panic.


According to Brigadier General, Tukur Gusau, Acting Director Defence Information in a press release on Tuesday said, The Defence Headquarters hereby state that presently, Nigeria is contributing troops to various United Nations Peace keeping operations, the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.  The Mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr.  It should be noted that the UN doesn’t have its own troops, rather it enter into agreement with troops contributing countries to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.

Therefore, it is imperative to state emphatically that the military fighting vehicles and equipment painted in UN colour as sighted are being moved through the Warri port for movement to the mission area in Southern Sudan to marry up with our troops who were inducted into UNISFA mission last month.

The Defence Headquarters under the leadership of General Lucky Irabor CFR wish to assure Nigerians that our nation is not under any threat that will warrant the deployment of United Nations troops in our soil.

Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu commends Mojeed Kamar As He Bags PhD From American Varsity

Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, UNESCO Laureate and Vice Chancellor, Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., USA, has commended Barr. Mojeed B. Kamar for bagging Doctor of…

Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, UNESCO Laureate and Vice Chancellor, Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., USA, has commended Barr. Mojeed B. Kamar for bagging Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Common Law from Crown University International Chartered Inc (CUICI), USA.

This was contained in a press statement personally signed by Aremu on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Delta State by his Assistant on Media, Publicity and Communication Matters, Comrade Sir Bieni Victor Emenike.

Aremu described CUICI USA as a globally recognized private University that offers vocational training and higher education.

The statement reads in part: “As the Vice-Chancellor of Crown University International Chartered Inc CUICI, USA, I, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu use this medium to commend Barr. Mojeed B. Kamar for the highest academic feats he has attained as a PhD holder in Common Law from our global research University.

“Barr. Mojeed B. Kamar, PhD, M.A, LLB, BL, ACIS, FICPA, FIMC, CMC was born on 23rd day of May, 1968 in Lagos State. He hails from Ogun State. He commenced his Academic career with University Diploma, Zulikha Abiola College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, further his studies in Combined Law degree in Common Law and Islamic Law from the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto. He had bagged M.A in Corporate Governance with Major in Corporate Law from West Coast International University of Science, Technology, Management and Arts, PhD in Common Law from Crown University International, USA.

“In addition, he is a graduate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) London equivalent to a Masters degree in Nigeria. He started his career with a brief stint as a Legal Officer with Agip Nigeria Plc which he left to go into private practice. He was at inception the Assistant Company Secretary/Legal Adviser of Oil Gas Consult International Limited, a sister Company of Gasoline Associates Int’l Ltd (Refinery & Petrochemical) since the year 2002 and presently holding the position of ED, Legal /Company Secretary.

“Barr. Mojeed is a Member of several Professional Associations which include the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators of Nigeria, an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of UK and Nigeria (ICSAN) and the Chartered Governance Institute in London. He is a fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Administrators of England and Wales, a certified Management Consultant and a Fellow of Institute of Management Consultants in Nigeria. He is happily married with children.

“I also commend Barr. Kamar’s supervisor, Prof Abiodun Amuda Kannike, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is the current Dean of Faculty of Law at Kwara State University, who also is a member of World Grand Board of Trustees, Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc. for his great efforts in making this great achievements a reality as Barr Kamar’s research work is the field of Common Law.”

NIPSS To Partner With NiMet On Research

The  National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), has indicated interest to partner with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in the area of research.

This was disclosed by the team leader of the Senior Executive Course 45  of the institute,  Dr. Emmanuel Sambo Mamman when they visited NiMet headquarters yesterday.

Dr. Emmanuel Sambo Mamman who doubles as the Institute’s librarian, highlighted the functions of the NIPSS and its activities, describing the institute as the centre for research and dialogue for academics and policymakers also added that participants are drawn from the public and private sectors of Nigeria and converge annually in order to solve problems of Nigerian society.

Dr. Mamman revealed that the Senior Executive Course programme is the flagship programme of the institute and runs for ten months.

He explained that the programme is driven by a theme given by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria every year and the theme for this year is  Industrialization, Climate Change, and  Energy Security in Nigeria with emphasis on Issues, Challenges, and Prospects.

On their purpose for the visit, “we are here because we think your organisation is strategic to the theme for the set of 2023”.

He said the participants are expected to conduct research and their reason for coming is to gather information for the research after which the participants will produce a final report which would be presented to the President.

In his remarks, the Director General of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu described NiMet as an extension of the University because  “Our main duty is to collect, collate and produce products and services in all socio-economic sectors of Nigeria that are climate induced or influenced”.

He added that almost all the socio-economic sectors are climate-induced or influenced and this shows how relevant  NiMet services are to the existence of this country adding that the agency has data dating as far back as 100 years.

Explaining further Prof. Matazu cited how the intervention of NiMet saved CBN about N120 billion because they adhered to NiMet’s weather advisory.

Part of the visit include presentations by Prof. Matazu and by the Director of Research and Training in NiMet, Prof. Effiom Essien  Oku.

The highlight of the event was participants taken on a tour of NiMet facility.

ERCA receives recommendations from Experts on draft communication plan

Recommendations of Media Experts following the review of ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority Draft Communication Plan, the three (3) Media Experts from ECOWAS Member States, namely Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia; after meeting in the Senegalese capital Darkar for three days, from March 29-31, 2023, to review the draft Communication Plan of ERCA has proffer lots of recommendations as outcome of it’s three (3) days group meeting on the draft.

While making the presentation to the Executive Director, ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority, ERCA, Dr. Simeon Koffi. The News Director, ECOWAS Radio, Liberia,
Mr. Raymond Kolubah Zarbay thanked the Executive Director, Dr. Simeon Koffi and his Team for their preferment from among hundreds of other professionals in West Africa, to perform the review task.


That ERCA considers imploring the expertise of the Media Experts in the capacity building of its Communication Department. That the ERCA takes into consideration, the regular decentralization of its media and other activities in other ECOWAS Member Countries.That the ERCA considers gender sensitivity, the youth, student groups and the civil society in its activities. That ERCA solicits web Ambassadors and Influencers known to deal with economic issues to talk about the Agency and its attributions while urging the targeted stakeholders not to hesitate to solicit it. That ERCA has a free download or package the ERCA logo in high definition to allow the media especially to have a file every time they visit the website. As part of the evaluation of the impact and the effectiveness of the deployment of the communication campaign, that the official pages of ERCA on the social networks Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp be used to carry out regular surveys on the level of knowledge of the Agency by Internet users. That ERCA makes use of the International Web Media ”BRUT” to do interviews with the Executive Director of ERCA and certain stakeholders. That ERCA produces video capsules to make a web series for broadcast on the ERCA website and on its various social media platforms, including Youtube. This web series will highlight information on the ARCC and regional provisions on competition as well as practices to avoid in order not to be in breach of the sub-regional rules established by the institution. In furtherance of its visibility campaign via information websites, that ERCA considers the production and posting of useful web articles for publication and dissemination via web banners. The web banners used in this case must be in HyperText Markup Language HTML and after the click by Internet users it will redirect to the ERCA website. From the point of view of Internal communication at ERCA, that the Regional Body’s Agency updates the Mail signature of its Executive Director to make it clickable and effective for redirections via its website and its Social media networks.
From the point of view of TV communication; Radio and Press releases, that ERCA includes in the final communication strategy, the three media selected by broadcast channel (TV; Radio, Press) justifying their choice, if possible, with figures on their audience in their respective countries. That ERCA includes in the Agency’s website and in the paper presentation, brochure on Infographic presenting the Key Figures of ERCA’s activities. That ERCA builds its own image bank that will serve as an archive but above all allow the Agency to have images of its own areas of intervention of which it owns the copyright, and which can be used to illustrate its Facebook posts, its activity reports and to produce its Campaign visuals. That ERCA considers collating testimonies from users on its website to motivate other players such as the business sectors in playing fairly within the Ecosystem.
That ERCA considers the purchase of photo and video cameras for the coverage of its activities.
That ERCA considers web referencing strategy through Google.
Done this day 31 March 2023 in the Senegalese Capital of Darkar at Fleur de Lys Hotel, Plateau
By: Mr.Emmanuel Huleji Daudu, Chief Executive Officer, ZENNITH Global Media Services & Consultancy. Mr. Nehemie M’BOKE, Executive Director, Communication-Trader BTP-Technology-Agro business; and Mr. Raymond Kolubah Zarbay, News Director, ECOWAS Radio”.

Dr. Koffi while reacting to the recommendations made by the team of media experts, expressed satisfaction in the work done pointing out that the team has indeed done a great job stressing that soon as the communication draft is approved, activities of the agency would unfold in full force in all the ECOWAS member Nations.

“After scrupulously and critically reviewing and discussing the 38-page draft communication document, intended to provide wider visibility for ERCA, one of the Specialized Agencies of the Regional Body ECOWAS with the Consultant, Mr. Bakary Kone’, we are pleased to recommend the following:
That the Communication Plan, following review and approval, be implemented using the three recognized Languages of ECOWAS, English, French and Portugese. That ERCA also considers using at least two other popular and widely spoken languages from each of the ECOWAS Member States. That ERCA begins considering a comprehensive budgetary allocation for the effective implementation of the Communication Plan when approved. That the approved Plan be implemented over a three-year period, considering monitoring and evaluation during the halfway period annually.
That ERCA in addition to the use of Radio and TV advertisements, considers Google Ads. That the use of documentary in gathering basic facts and information dissemination of ECRA, be considered. That the production of a monthly Newsletter on ERCA activities also be considered. That ERCA creates and manages all its social media platforms, considering the boosting of its Facebook and YouTube platforms regularly. That ERCA does a bi-weekly voice pops, engaging the final consumers and business sectors on their experiences of the business climate in West Africa, especially on competition, subsequently getting reactions from the Hierarchy of ERCA. That ERCA in addition to the production of souvenirs, including diaries and calendars, also considers the printing of customized T-shirts and Paper Bags. That a continuous collaboration be brokered between ERCA, the Consultant and the Team of Media Experts to enhance efficiency regarding the implementation of the Communication Plan. The collaboration should also lead to support to the Team of Experts in setting up Media Networks in their respective Countries and subsequently to other West African Countries.

ECOWAS, UEMOA meets, validates cooperation strategy in Senegal

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Workshop on the Cooperation Strategy for Convergence between ECOWAS and UEMOA (2024– 2033)

The Technical Validation Workshop of the Draft Cooperation Strategy for Convergence between ECOWAS and WAEMU (2024 – 2033) took place from 27 – 31 March 2023 in Dakar, Republic of Senegal.

The validation workshop was attended by Directors and technical staff of both the ECOWAS Commission and WAEMU Commission and consultants that supported the development of the strategy.

The workshop was declared open by Prof. Filipa Michel Sawadogo, the Commissioner responsible for Regional Market and Cooperation at the WAEMU Commission while the technical session was co-chaired by the Director of External Relations at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Jerome BOA and the Director of International Cooperation at the WAEMU Commission, Mr. Rabiou Albert Boura.

The delegation of the ECOWAS Commission at the workshop comprised of the Executive Director of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), Dr. Simeon KOFFI; the Director of Customs and Taxation, Mr. Salifou TIEMTORE; the Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, Mr. Albert SIAW-BOATENG and the Special Advisor to the President of the Commission on Economic and Financial Integration and Partnership, Mr. Mambury NJIE. Also in attendance were Commission officials from Directorate of External Relations and the Office of the Vice President.

The cooperation strategy for convergence builds on the existing legal texts and instruments put in place by both ECOWAS and WAEMU to strengthen the cooperation and partnership between the two (2) regional integration institutions. It is aimed at identifying strategies for the effective harmonization or unification of legal and regulatory texts as well as joint management of Community programmes and projects.

The strategy document includes a diagnostic section which examines the achievements and challenges of the existing cooperation between the two (2) institutions within the convergence framework. It also contains recommendations for revitalizing the convergence process under the following key strategic areas: (i) Effective functioning of the Joint Technical Secretariat set up to oversee the cooperation; (ii) Development of

common positions on key issues; (iii) Improving the visibility and perception of the convergence process both at the level of Institutions and Member States; and (iv)Improving the governance of the convergence process through high level leadership. Finally, the strategy elaborates an action plan for implementing its recommendations. 

The successful implementation of the strategy is expected to result in the following benefits for the region: (i) effective utilization of human, financial and technical resources; (ii) reduction in the enactment of conflicting texts; (iii) non-duplication of Community policies, programmes and projects; (iv) articulation of common  West Africa position at international fora; and (iv) realization of economies of scale for the benefits of the population and economic operators in West Africa, which will help West Africa to fully implement its regional integration agenda.