Tinubu solicits Faye's help in bringing Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso back to ECOWAS  – Newstrends
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Tinubu solicits Faye’s help in bringing Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso back to ECOWAS 

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Tinubu solicits Faye’s help in bringing Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso back to ECOWAS 

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to the President of Senegal, Bassirou Faye, to join him in persuading Mali, Niger and Bourkina Faso to return to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The three countries withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2024 after ECOWAS sanctions were imposed on them following the military takeover of their governments.

The military rulers of the three countries announced their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS in a joint statement.

They have refused to return to the regional bloc despite the lifting of the sanctions.

Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS, received the younger Senegalese President on a visit to the Presidential Villa Abuja on Thursday.

“As the Chairman of ECOWAS, I am inviting you to collaborate and meet those other brothers; to persuade them to come back to the fold,” the Nigerian President said.

Tinubu however said democratic governance, democratic values, and constitutional order are sacrosanct and must be protected.

He said, “But how can we work for our people and make them the focus of our democracy if we are violating the rule of law and promoting unconstitutional takeover of government?”

The Nigerian President added that critical institutions and precepts, like the judiciary and the rule of law, must be respected and observed for the sustenance of democracy.

“Constitutional democracy is what Senegal proved to the rest of the world and Africa.

“It is a joy to have you here; to meet the hope and aspiration of our youths. You fit in perfectly well.

“A critical time it is in the history of constitutional democracy, particularly in West Africa. What you have embarked upon, a struggle couched in freedom, is remarkable,” Tinubu said.

In addition, the Nigerian President called for a common front among African nations in the fight against challenges of terrorism and human trafficking bedevilling them.

Tinubu described Nigeria and Senegal as brotherly nations, recounting both countries’ long history of cooperation.

“We must be able to partner and build the freedom we believe in – in economic growth, development and other spheres of governance,” the President said.

In his remarks, Faye acknowledged Nigeria and Senegal’s shared values, ideals, and challenges, emphasising that both nations have always had good relations since the 1960s.

“The good relations we have and the relations between our private sectors should be beneficial to our countries,” he said.

The Senegalese President called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission to strengthen bilateral relations across the areas of diplomacy, trade, and other spheres.

Speaking on regional bloc, the Senegalese President said, “ECOWAS is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally. It is something we owe to the founding fathers of the community, and I have no doubt that you want to continue this legacy of integration.

“I know I can rely on your wisdom and experience, as the leader of this great African nation, and the more recent example of Senegal; so that together, hand in hand, we can grow together, and that we can discuss with our brothers and convince them to come back into the fold.”

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Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN

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July 3, 2024

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Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN

The Senate has advanced a bill to grant all residents, including foreigners, the right to obtain and use the National Identification Number (NIN) sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau I.

Jibrin (Kano North), the bill also aims to replace criminal penalties with administrative measures to ensure compliance without severe legal consequences.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) presented the bill’s principles, emphasizing the need to repeal the current Act and establish a new regulatory framework for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enhance its oversight and regulation of Nigeria’s ID system.

“The bill’s objectives include expanding the eligible registrants under the Nigeria ID System to achieve inclusivity and universal coverage,” Senator Fasuyi explained.

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“It allows all residents in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) for official identification purposes.”

Furthermore, the bill proposes streamlined sharing of personal data with robust data protection measures to safeguard privacy and foster public trust in data handling.

It also enhances administrative enforcement powers to ensure timely compliance with ID registration requirements.

Importantly, the bill advocates for replacing criminal penalties with administrative measures for non-use of NIN, aiming to encourage compliance without burdening individuals with severe legal consequences.

After debates, the Senate proceeded to pass the bill, marking a significant step toward potential reforms in Nigeria’s identity management system.

Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN

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I never lobbied to extend my tenure — IGP Egbetokun

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July 3, 2024

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Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

I never lobbied to extend my tenure — IGP Egbetokun

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has debunked reports alleging that he has been lobbying the National Assembly to tamper with the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to elongate his tenure and year of service of personnel in the force.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the IGP’s denial in a statement, saying it is vital to clarify unequivocally that the bill was originally introduced during the 8th Assembly but did not progress beyond the initial stages before the Assembly’s dissolution.  It is standard legislative practice to review and update laws to align with current national realities.

The proposed amendment seeks to extend the years of service for police officers from 35 to 40 years, and the age limit from 60 to 65 years.

Adejobi said:  “The Nigeria Police Force is deeply perturbed by the dissemination of false information across various media platforms, notably the distorted publication by an online media, regarding the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

“The misleading publications alleged that IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun personally initiated this bill to prolong his tenure as the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, and has allegedly invested significantly in lobbying lawmakers to facilitate its passage.’

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Egbetokun decried a situation where certain media outlets and their sponsors had chosen to propagate baseless accusations, ignorantly disregarding the fact that any modification to existing legislation was designed to enhance its effectiveness and relevance.

The statement read: “To understand the true motivations behind this initiative, one needs only look at the Inspector General of Police steadfast commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force.

“His advocacy for this bill stems from a genuine belief in its potential to improve the conditions of service for police officers and thereby bolster security nationwide, rather than seeking personal gain. It comes from the place of duty rather than benefit.“

“Furthermore, it is important to note that the tenure of an Inspector General of Police is already prescribed as four years, with the President being the sole authority empowered to remove an IGP before the completion of his tenure.

”Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force called on the public to exercise caution and discernment when consuming information, particularly from sources known for sensationalism and unverified claims.

“Such misinformation not only misleads but also detracts from constructive dialogue and efforts towards meaningful police reform.”

I never lobbied to extend my tenure — IGP Egbetokun

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Despite generating $1tn in 40 years, Nigeria’s debt rose to $91.46bn — Agbakoba

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July 3, 2024

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Dr. Olisa Agbakoba

Despite generating $1tn in 40 years, Nigeria’s debt rose to $91.46bn — Agbakoba

Human rights activist and senior lawyer, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, yesterday, said Nigeria’s public debt rose to $91.46 billion (N121.67 trillion), despite its ability to generate $1 trillion in 40 years.

Agbakoba identified the alleged exclusion of Nigerians from key value chains, weak enforcement of local content laws, incorporation of foreign agreements, tax avoidance and corruption as possible reasons for the development.

He also called for the implementation of new measures, including the increase of Nigerians’ participation in legal services, shipping, banking, insurance, drilling, oil field services and engineering within the oil and gas industry.

In his presentation, titled ”The Paradox of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry: A Policy Paper”, at an engagement with the media in Lagos, Agbakoba, said: “Over the past 40 years, the cumulative revenue from oil and gas has exceeded $1 trillion, an amount that should have been sufficient to transform the nation’s economy and infrastructure.

“Yet, Nigeria consistently resorts to borrowing, with the total public debt standing at N121.67 trillion ($91.46 billion) as of March 31, 2024, according to the Debt Management Office, DMO.

“There are 36 value chains related to crude oil exploration, with at least seven crucial ones largely excluding Nigerian participation: Legal, shipping, banking, insurance, drilling, oil field services, engineering and construction.

“Over $1 billion worth of legal work is lost to foreign firms annually due to a perception of superior expertise and international experience.

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“Nigerian shipping companies are not engaged to ship crude oil products due to the absence of a legal framework for developing a national fleet of vessels, leading to significant loss of potential revenue and employment opportunities.

“Funds from crude oil production are often domiciled in foreign banks, sometimes held for months before remittance to the Central Bank of Nigeria, depriving Nigerian banks of substantial business and the economy of potential multiplier effects.

“The Nigerian insurance industry plays a very insignificant and limited role in the oil and gas Industry.

”No major Nigerian insurance underwriters cover risks for the over 25,000 foreign vessels in Nigerian cabotage waters or the over 1,000 oil rigs in Nigerian waters, representing a massive loss of premium income for the Nigerian insurance sector.““Nigerian companies are often excluded from major drilling contracts, with these lucrative opportunities primarily going to foreign firms.

“The oil field services sector, which includes activities such as seismic surveys, well completion, and production optimization, is dominated by international companies, limiting opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

“Large-scale engineering and construction projects in the oil and gas sector are frequently awarded to foreign companies, despite the potential for local capacity building and job creation if Nigerian firms were more involved.

“Despite the existence of laws like the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, Cabotage Act, and Merchant Shipping Act, Nigerian participation in key industries remains limited.

“Incorporation of foreign agreements often excludes Nigerian laws and designates adjudication forums outside Nigeria, contradicting local content policies.

“The complexity of these contracts often puts Nigerian entities at a disadvantage due to limited expertise in international oil and gas law.

“The use of foreign legal frameworks has sometimes resulted in unfavorable outcomes for Nigeria in international arbitrations.

“The current structure heavily favors IOCs, resulting in a significant portion of revenues leaving the country.

“IOCs often have more bargaining power in negotiations with the government due to their technical expertise and financial resources.

“The dominance of IOCs has led to a lack of technology transfer and skill development among local companies.”

He said: “Oil rig companies have formed a cartel for tax avoidance, with NIMASA confirming they do not collect tax from oil rigs. This represents a massive loss of potential government revenue.

“The revenue attributable from oil rigs is estimated at N3 trillion yearly, approximately 15% of the national budget. The loss of this revenue significantly impacts the government’s ability to fund development projects and public services. The practice of tax avoidance by these companies creates an uneven playing field and discourages compliant companies.”

Despite generating $1tn in 40 years, Nigeria’s debt rose to $91.46bn — Agbakoba

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