Day: August 21, 2024

The Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), has vowed to recover all the region’s stolen assets taken to the western world with interest paid on them.

The President of NACIWA, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, said this in an interview with newsmen at the 6th Annual General Assembly of NACIWA in Abuja

NACIWA is an anti-corruption network made up of ECOWAS member countries while Olukoyode, its incumbent President, is the Chairman of Nigeria anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC)

Speaking at the conference themed, ‘ ‘Implementing the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption towards Strengthening Institutions for Regional Unity.’ Olukoyede , said the western world would be made to pay interest on recovered stolen assets domiciled in their countries.

President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja,

He said
NACIWA was going to engage the operationalisation of its Protocol on anti-corruption and asset recovery within the region to achieve the goal.

He noted with concerns, the existing United Nations and European Union protocols which do not address the peculiar need of Africa, especially West African sub region.

According to him, the crux of the engagement is the operationalisation of the protocol on anti-corruption within the ECOWAS sub -region.

‘This is going to bring collaboration and integration amongst us to come as a common force to fight corruption.

‘One of the highlights of this engagement is the development of protocol for asset recovery.

‘We’ve been using the existing UN protocol and the EU protocol which has come on board, but we just felt that those protocols didn’t address some peculiar needs of our sub region.

He said the assembly will use the instrumentality of the ECOWAS Protocol to address the complex issues of outflow of assets and resources out of Africa and repatriation as well as other
areas not covered by the UN and EU protocols

‘There are wide areas, the current UN protocol does not address, because they are peculiar to Africa.

‘For example, there are some artifacts that have been taken to some museums within the western world, U.S., European countries, and all of that.

‘For decades, if not centuries, people have been going into these museums, paying to look at these artifacts,’

‘`What happened to the proceeds that they’ve generated from these artifacts over the years? So, it is not just for them to return the artifacts,’ he said.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja,

Olukoyede said they were also going to demand what happened to the proceeds as well as interest paid on some of the money that have been sitting in banks in some western countries.

Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, the Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and
other related offences Commission (ICPC) said corruption must be stamped out of the region through collective effort.

He corroborated Olukoyede on the need to come together in the fight against corruption in the sub-region.

The ICPC boss said, in addition to artifacts, they must focus on how to detect other assets that were stolen from Africa and the ECOWAS.’

Mr Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, in his remarks called for collective effort in fighting corruption in the region.

Musah noted that the EFCC had been a pace setter in fighting the menace in the region since its inception, and tangible results had been achieved through it.

He said that other member states had also followed after the EFCC step in the fight against the menace in the region.

‘As we have heard during the presentation, over 80 billion dollars annually flows out of the region illegally; money that can be used to protect the livelihoods of our populations.

‘Terrorism is also a network be
tween foreign interests and local accomplices. These are difficult tasks, which require integrated approach by all concerned for us to effectively combat them,’ he said.

Musa stressed that all hands must be on deck to design integrated approach to tackle the challenges.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has announced plans to partner with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance intra-African trade.

Mr Pius Akutah, NSC Chief Executive Officer, made this known during a courtesy visit to the National AfCFTA Coordinator, Mr Olusegun Awolowo, in Abuja.

The two institutions aim to improve maritime connectivity via the Sea Link Project, a strategic initiative to boost intra-African trade.

‘The council is also collaborating with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) to develop a sea link between members of the Joint Development Zone (JDZ), comprising Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Sao Tome and Principe.

‘The Sea Link Project will establish a maritime shipping line providing cabotage, passenger services, and goods haulage among JDZ countries.

‘The project, which follows a successful comprehensive technical and economic feasibility study, aims to reduce cargo movement costs and increase maritime and trade activities among JDZ countries.

‘Upon completio
n, the project will ensure duty payment only on goods delivered to ports of final destination.

‘It will improve maritime services frequency between Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe, enhancing commerce in the Gulf of Guinea,’he said.

According to him, the project will also improve private sector initiatives by providing efficient sea transport services, giving exporters and importers a competitive edge.

He also said it would eliminate the need for cargo trans-shipment in Europe for intra-African trade, increasing trade volume and transportation efficiency in the sub-region to boost economic growth and development for Nigeria.

Earlier, AfCFTA National Coordinator, Mr Olusegun Awolowo, expressed willingness to collaborate with NSC on the sea link project due to its importance and benefits for the region.

He proposed exploring opportunities for collaboration in services trade to enhance Nigeria’s export capabilities.

Awolowo suggested establishing an AfCFTA desk at major ports to serve as a resource centre
for traders, providing guidance on AfCFTA protocols, documentation, and compliance requirements.

He also proposed intensifying port sensitisation and awareness campaigns on AfCFTA.

Awolowo expressed optimism about future collaboration to achieve the shared goal of maximising AfCFTA’s benefits for Nigeria.

He acknowledged the creation of a dedicated expert line aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and canvassed for continued efforts to further streamline port operations to reduce bottlenecks hindering trade efficiency.

Awolowo thanked the NSC for their invaluable support during the inauguration of the Guide Trade Initiative (GTI) under AfCFTA, describing their effort as instrumental to the event’s success.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu on Monday called on the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to ratify and fully implement the ECOWAS Protocol Against Corruption.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja.

He also implored ECOWAS member states to take action by implementing the anti-graft protocol.

The president maintained that the region’s future hinged on its capacity to build governance structures that are not just transparent, accountable, and efficient, but also serve the interests of the people.

Tinubu announced Nigeria’s donation of an office building for the permanent headquarters of NACIWA in the country.

He said, ‘In recognition of NACIWA’s pivotal role in our regional anti-corruption efforts, I am proud to announce that the Nigerian government has donated a property to serve as NACIWA’s permanent headquarte
rs.

‘This gesture underscores our commitment to strengthening NACIWA’s institutional capacity and providing a solid operational foundation.

‘As we deliberate on implementing the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption, I urge all member states to renew their commitment to this cause.’

Tinubu emphasised the need for ECOWAS countries to move beyond rhetoric and focus on concrete actions targeted at harmonising their ‘legal frameworks to close loopholes exploited by corrupt individuals.’

He listed other tangible actions required to include enhancing cross-border cooperation in investigations and asset recovery, investing in innovative technologies to detect and prevent corrupt practices.

Tinubu also urged member countries to promote transparency in public procurement and resource management, and engage civil society and the media as partners in the region’s anti-corruption efforts.

‘The task before us is enormous, but so significant is our collective resolve that by working together, sharing best practices, and
leveraging our diverse strengths, we can create a formidable bulwark against corruption in West Africa.

‘All member states must ratify and fully implement the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption. Let us move from commitment to action, from intention to implementation.

‘ The future of our region depends on our ability to create transparent, accountable, and efficient governance structures that serve the interests of our people,’ Tinubu added..

He highlighted the dangers of corruption, maintaining that it has remained ‘one of the most significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of our nations.

‘It (corruption) undermines the very fabric of our societies, erodes public trust, and impedes the equitable distribution of resources.

‘ As leaders, we are responsible for confronting this challenge head-on with unwavering resolve and concerted action,’ he added.

Tinubu outlined steps he has taken to tackle corruption in Nigeria since he assumed office in 2023.

Tinubu, who is also the ECOWAS Chairman, said
he strengthened ‘all the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria by not interfering in their activities and ensuring that they are adequately funded.

‘I have also encouraged them to operate within the ambit of the law. This is a template which I recommended to other states within the region,’ he further noted.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to NACIWA’s success and the broader anti-corruption agenda within ECOWAS.

He assured that working together in synergy will enable member countries to ‘build more vital institutions, foster regional unity, and pave the way for a prosperous and corruption-free West Africa.’

Earlier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb.. Yusuf Tuggar, emphasised the urgent need for regional and global cooperation in the battle against corruption.

He described corruption as a cancer that threatens Africa’s stability and development.

Tuggar said, ‘Corruption is a cancer that has eaten deeply into the fabric of many African nations. It has been a persistent obstacle to deve
lopment, undermining our institutions, eroding public trust, and exacerbating poverty.’

Also, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasised the crucial role of collaborative efforts in the fight against corruption.

‘The fight against corruption is not just a matter of institutional duty, but a crucial step towards securing a better future for our nations.

‘We must work diligently to implement policies and strategies that effectively counter this menace,’ Fagbemi said.

On his part, Mr Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the EFCC, in his address of welcome lauded Tinubu’s uncommon passion for transparency in governance, adding that this commitment had reinvigorated the anti-corruption efforts.

He, therefore, called for collaborative effort in fighting against corrupt practices in Nigeria and the entire West African region.

He said, ‘As the theme of the Assembly: ‘Implementing the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption towards Strengthening Institutions for Regiona
l Unity,’ suggest, we are at a critical juncture in our collective fight against corruption in our sub-region.

‘ There is no gainsaying that corruption continues to undermine our economies, security, erode public trust, and hinder the sustainable development of our nations.

‘ This requires some introspection and strategizing to forge ahead

According to him, the implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol Against Corruption is not a mere technical exercise; it is a moral imperative that demands utmost dedication and innovative thinking.

‘Our presence here today underscores the importance of collaborative and coordinated efforts in fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance across West Africa.

‘I am confident that through our collective expertise, shared experiences, and unwavering commitment, we can forge a path towards a more transparent and prosperous West Africa.’

Olukoyede urged the delegate to focus on some areas that would help in the fight against corruption in the sub-region.

Accordin
g to him, efforts should be made on how to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks, enhancing cross-border cooperation in investigations and asset recovery and promoting public awareness.

‘There is a need to leverage technology in the fight against corruption; and developing capacity-building programs for anti-corruption practitioners,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has commended the gender-responsive procurement, peace, security and capacity building initiatives by the UN Women, saying their impacts were visible.

The governor gave the commendation on Tuesday during the UN Women Open Day event for North-West in Kaduna.

‘One of the remarkable initiatives led by UN Women in our state is the affirmative procurement reform, which has strengthened public institutions to adopt gender-responsive procurement practices.

‘This programme has empowered women entrepreneurs, providing them with the skills and capacity to access public procurement opportunities.

‘ Additionally, the private sector forum organized by UN Women has been instrumental in promoting supplier diversity, ensuring that women-owned businesses are included in the procurement process,’ he said.

Sani added that the UN Women has been a key player in promoting peace and security in Nigeria, working closely with other UN agencies to implement the Peace-building Fund (PBF) project.

Re
presented by his Deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, the governor stated that the state recognised the centrality of economic empowerment in addressing gender inequality and as such, made provisions for economic lifelines to women.

He added that his administration has collaborated with the World Bank’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) as part of its effort to provide equal opportunities for the girl-child.

Speaking earlier, Mrs Beatrice Eyong, Country Representative to UN Women Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the open day was one out of the three- in-one events held in the state.

She explained that the event was a new initiative by UN Women and her partners aimed at making visible their work, advocacy and solicit political commitments from the state government.

She added that the day also provided an opportunity for UN Women partners and beneficiaries to share their success stories and challenges with their programmes.

‘The event will also allow us to reflect on where more action is requ
ired and strengthen partnership and collaboration to expand our reach and impacts as well

‘In Nigeria, UN Women design and implement interventions that contribute to the triple mandates of normative frameworks and standards, coordination and programmatic operational work.

‘This is to mobilise urgent and sustained action to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls,’ she said.

Eyong explained that the UN Women had invested in the state through different programmes and projects like the affirmative procurement reform, and promoting women’s access to the digital economy.

Others were: The programme on women peace and security in Nigeria (Phase II); and the promotion of women political participation in governance processes and leadership.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabiu Salisu, said that the state had recorded giant strides in the area of investment in human capital development.

She explained that for the first time, bu
dgetary provisions were approved for the four ‘Sexual Assault Referral Centres’ (SARCs) in the state to cater for the survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Salisu added that four courts have been designated as family courts for the trial and prosecution of perpetrators of SGBV.

‘We now have a functional women and girls shelter and a boys shelter which are basically transit camps and a diversion centre for at-risk children.

‘At present, efforts are on going toward the domestication of the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy in Kaduna State with the support of dRPC, DevAfrique and the World Bank,’she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Municipalities have been urged to work consistently with communities to maintain and protect public assets and infrastructure.

Speaking on Tuesday at an event ahead of the District Developmental Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in Ekurhuleni, taking place on Friday, Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala said it was important that all spheres of government work together with communities to ensure that community development is consistently and aggressively pursued.

This, according to Zikalala, will ensure the economy of the country is expanded and strengthened.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit Tsakani, in Ekurhuleni on Friday. This will be the first service delivery-driven visit by President Ramaphosa in Gauteng in the seventh administration under the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The Presidential imbizo in Ekurhuleni is in line with the District Development Model to enable integrated and responsive planning, implementation and budgeting.

‘It is good to atte
nd Imbizo but what is critical is to have councillors working with people in their respective wards. What is important is to have Members of Parliament working with people in their constituencies and Ministers, Deputy Ministers and MECs working with people to support the Districts and Metros,’ Zikalala said.

He emphasised the importance of energetic support for communities in their developmental and economic endeavours. He also spoke strongly against lack of service delivery to communities.

Zikalala visited two sites in the Ekurhuleni Metro as part of his pre-Presidential Imbizo engagements.

He visited the Vosloorus Township where he oversaw and took part in road patching and storm water clearing at Phumulani, before visiting an EPWP wetland project at the Benoni Lake.

He participated in the clearing of alien invasive vegetation and the removal of litter and debris from the dam.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has commended the outstanding work by BMA Border Guards following the arrest of a suspect found in possession of 34 passports at the Lebombo Port of Entry to Mozambique.

An operation conducted on Monday led to the arrest of the suspect.

During routine inspection, the BMA Border Guards discovered 34 passports and bank notes in the suspect’s possession.

Of these 34, 32 belonged to Mozambican nationals and two were identified as belonging to Angolan nationals. A case of possession of suspected stolen property has been opened and further investigations are underway to determine the origins of the passports.

Masiapato lauded the vigilance and dedication of the BMA Border Guards, stating that the successful apprehension and confiscation of the passports, is a message to the facilitators of illegal movements who continue to undermine the border control systems.

‘We will continue to charge them criminally with aiding and abett
ing, as prescribed by the Immigration Act,’ Masiapato said.

‘The BMA Border Guards’ keen attention to detail and commitment to safeguarding our ports, is crucial in our ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities and rooting out corruption taking place in the border law enforcement area.

‘We are proud of their contribution to maintaining the integrity of our nation’s ports of entry,” he said.

The Border Management Authority remains steadfast in its mission to secure the 71 ports of entry and ensure the safety and security of all citizens. The BMA will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent and combat cross-border crimes.

Source: South African Government News Agency