Gaborone, Botswana, 7 November 2023 (ECA) – Gaborone, Botswana, 6 November 2023, (ECA) – The Ad Hoc Expert Group (AEGM) organised back to back with the 29^th Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) of Southern Africa meeting has recommended swift action to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in order to tackle poverty and inequality in the region.

The AEGM was organised by the Economic Commission for Africa and the Government of Botswana from 6-7 November 2023 in Gaborone, Botswana. The meeting discussed the status of poverty and inequality in Southern Africa; leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for poverty and inequality reduction in Southern Africa; and Regional Integration in Southern Africa – Accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA in Southern Africa building on the acquis of the RECs FTAs.

Opening the AEGM, Ellen Richard-Madisa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Botswana, underscored the urgency of eradicating poverty and inequality in a region which is one of the poorest on the continent

Ms. Richard-Madisa said the AfCFTA is a potent route towards economic diversification and structural transformation and can support growing value chains through the opening of a larger market across Africa. Citing the case of Botswana where the government has allocated substantial budgetary resources towards poverty and inequality eradication, she advised that through its new Wealth Creation, the country has focused on supporting micro and small enterprise projects in agriculture, housing, women empowerment projects and education sectors to create employment.

The AEGM considered commissioned studies on the three themes and adopted policy recommendations on reducing poverty and inequality;  facilitating intra continental trade and on fostering regional integration to accelerate the implementation of the AfCTA.

Ms. Eunice Kamwendo Director of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Sub Regional Office for Southern Africa, highlighted that the region has continued to grapple with poverty, inequality and multiple vulnerabilities, performing poorly in all metrics of poverty and inequality.

“Southern Africa is the poorest region on the African continent both in terms of monetary and multidimensional measures of poverty, with about half (45.1 per cent) of its population living in extreme poverty,”, Ms. Kamwendo, warning that poverty was threatening the attainment of most Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) in a region where poverty and inequality have been further exacerbated by the triple crises of COVID-19, climate change and global geopolitical conflicts.

She noted that Southern Africa is the most unequal of all regions in the world both in terms of income and wealth and that seven of the ten most unequal countries in the world in terms of income are found in the region.

“Full implementation of the AfCFTA, ensuring the initiative does not merely remain on paper, is a powerful instrument to propel inclusive development and ameliorate poverty and inequality in the region,” said Ms. Kamwendo.

Research by the ECA indicates that continental integration through the regional Economic Communities – Free Trade Areas could lift more than 30 million people out of extreme poverty and raise incomes by 7 per cent by 2035.

The Southern African region needs to promote inclusive economic growth through the diversification of economies and value addition to natural resources before export. Poverty and inequality could also be tackled through strengthening and expanding social protection programmes and addressing social exclusion by promoting gender equality and empowerment of historically disadvantaged groups.

Mr. Jorge Fernando Jairoce, 28th ICSOE Chair and  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Republic of Mozambique, reflecting on the work of the Bureau of the 28th Session of the ICSOE, noted that Southern Africa member States had been assisted by the Secretariat in promoting inclusive industrialisation and  towards the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement, in developing local content thresholds and on strengthening their capacities in trade statistics.

The Southern Africa region must focus on job creation to reduce poverty, hunger and inequality, said Mr. Fernando Jairoce, calling on countries to accelerate industrialization to take advantage of the AfCFTA.

Speaking at the same meeting, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Botswana, Zia Choudhury said the multidimensional nature of poverty, Southern Africa’s paradoxical high poverty rates, and the structural causes of poverty demand unwavering attention by all stakeholders.

Mr. Choudhury was emphatic that regional integration through RECs FTAs was important for promoting peace, stability and economic growth in Southern Africa and thus contribute to addressing poverty and inequality.

“The fight against poverty, inequality, and the promotion of regional economic integration in Southern Africa is not just a commitment; it is an urgent and collective responsibility, ” Mr. Choudhury said.  “Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of regional citizens and drive positive change.”

Issued by:

=

 

ECA and IGAD join forces to promote sustainable tourism in Eastern Africa

Mombasa, Kenya, 08 November 2023 – The office for Eastern Africa of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) jointly organized a three-day meeting in Mombasa, Kenya from 24 to 27 October 2023 to discuss the development of a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for the IGAD region.

The main objective of the meeting was to develop a regional framework for sustainable tourism development that will foster socio-economic development, poverty reduction and regional integration in the IGAD member states. The tourism sector is a strategic sector at the national, regional and continental levels in Africa, as it is one of the five services priority sectors under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to Ms. Mama Keita, Director of ECA in Eastern Africa, the tourism sector accounts for an average of 8.7% of GDP in the Eastern Africa region and has a huge potential to create more income, jobs and opportunities for the people. Ms Keita praised the constructive work done by tourism experts from the IGAD member states and said that the road map agreed upon will guide the preparation and validation of the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for the region.

The meeting brought together senior officials from the IGAD member states who are responsible for tourism management and development. The meeting was presided over by Mr Osman Abdi Mohammed, the Director of the Djibouti National Tourism Agency, with Her Excellency Dr Fatuma Ibrahim Adan, the Head of the IGAD Mission in Kenya, representing the Executive Secretary of IGAD. Hon. Mohamed Osman Ali, the County Executive Minister for Tourism, Culture and Trade, represented the Mombasa County that hosted the meeting.

The IGAD member states are Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.

 

 

Tijani Quadri Olasunkanmi and Soneye Basit Abiodun jailed in Ilorin

 

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday, November 6, 2023 secured the conviction and sentencing of Tijani Quadri Olasunkanmi and Soneye Basit Abiodun before Justice Adebayo Yusuf of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State.

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one- count separate charge, bordering on internet fraud, brought against them by the EFCC.

One of the count charges reads:

“That you, Tijani Quadri Olasunkanmi between January, 2022 and December, 2022 in Ilorin, Kwara State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did knowingly had under your control the sum of N21,862,800.00 (Twenty one Million, Eight Hundred Sixty Two Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira Only) in your bank account number: 2115320752 with the name: Tijani Quadri Olasunkanmi domiciled with the United Bank of Africa which you knew to be proceeds of crime and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 319(a) of the Penal Code Laws of Northern Nigerian”

The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Isabel Adeniran prayed the court to sentence and convict the defendants accordingly.

Justice Yusuf thereafter convicted and sentenced Olasunkanmi to six months imprisonment without an option of fine. He equally forfeited a Lexus RX350 Sports Utility Vehicle, Iphone 14 promax and a MacBook laptop to the Federal Government.

Similarly, the judge convicted and sentenced Abiodun to six months imprisonment with an option of fine of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira Only). He also forfeited an iphone 6+ and the sum of N220,000 (Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira Only) to the Federal Government. Additionally, the convict was ordered to restitute the sum of $180 (One Hundred and Eighty Dollars) to his victim.

The convicts began their journey to the Correctional Centre when operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC arrested them for internet-related offences. Specifically, they impersonated foreigners and defrauded them in the process.

Media & Publicity

November 8, 2023

 

 

Centre for Democratic Studies seeks collaboration with EFCC, in fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption

 

The Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, Bayero University, Kano, has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

This disclosure was made in Abuja on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 by the Director of the Centre, Professor Habu Mohammed when he led his team on a Courtesy Visit to the Corporate Headquarters of the EFCC, in Jabi, Abuja. According to him, the Centre was ready to share its experiences with the EFCC, especially in its drive towards transparency and accountability and building stronger synergy to break the fangs of corruption.

“The purpose of coming here is actually to share experiences and to tell you good stories of our performance in the discharge of the mandate of our project, and also to solicit for your support and partnership. “One of the projects is to ensure that there is a good accountability system in Nigeria that will guarantee the empowerment of citizens, and to promote the idea of transparency and accountability, and reject corrupt practices in the society”, he said.

Responding, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede who spoke through the Secretary to the Commission, Mohammad Hammajoda said the Commission was willing to partner with the Centre in the pursuit of its goals, stating the EFCC was established to fight all forms of economic and financial crimes in the country.

“As far as the EFCC is concerned, we are willing and ready to partner with you at any point of time. What you are doing is actually a replica of what we have been doing; so your call for our support and partnership is actually a good idea, because the fight against corruption is not a fight by a single agency, but rather a fight for all. All of us are stakeholders”, he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Director, Administration and Human Resources of the Commission, Femi Gbarufu says fighting corruption is not for the EFCC alone. He urged other organizations and Nigerians to come on board, stressing that the more people are involved in the crusade, the better.

Media & Publicity

November 8, 2023

 

Court jails 22 internet fraudsters in Anambra State

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on November 2, 2023, secured the conviction and sentencing of 22 ( twenty two) internet fraudsters before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State.

They were convicted on separate count charges bordering on impersonation and obtaining by false pretences.

The convicts are: Ayodeji Jerome Olumeko, Chima Blessing Afam, Obalim Johndson, Michael Echezona Anyikaeme, Alior Chidera Emmanuel, Chidiebube Ukaigwe Emmanuel, Dim Samuel, Amobi Stanley Ajala, Irobi Kingsley Chiedozie, Oranusi Sylvester Chigozie, Agbo Michael, Chibuisi Okpara.

Others are; Casmir Ibebuogu, Nweze Chinamkpa, Precious Oluebube Chukwuka, Nzube Michael, Chisom Kingsley Mba, Chidera Hedrack Peter, Chukwuka Emmanuel, Chinedu James Nworji, Chukwunansa Igweonu and Akpata Sunday Onose.

One of the charges against Olumeko reads;

“that you AYODEJI JEROME OLUMEKO sometime in June, 2023 in Ugwuaji, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, fraudulently impersonated one Scott Herman a foreign National by means of your iphone 12 pro, through your gmail account with intent to gain advantage to yourself a pretence which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(3) (a) of the Cybercrimes ( Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act. 2015 and punishable under Section (22)(4) of the same Act”

Another charge against Onose reads; “that you AKPATA SUNDAY ONOSE sometime in October, 2023 in Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Caire Gilliard a white lady on your Facebook account using your Infinix Phone with intend to obtain money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) and punishable under Section (22) (2) (iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act.2015.

They all pleaded guilty to all the charges when they were read to them.

Justice Dimgba convicted and sentenced seventeen of the defendants to two years imprisonment, with community service each or an option of fine of N120, 000.00 ( One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira only) . Four of the defendants: Samuel, Chidiebube Ukaigwe Emmanuel, Nweze and Chukwuka Emmanuel were cautioned and given community services. Only Okpara was cautioned and discharged.

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC for internet-related offences. They were investigated, prosecuted and convicted.

Media & Publicity

November 8, 2023

 

 

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS N2.1 TRILLION SUPPLEMENTARY 2023 BUDGET

President Bola Tinubu signed the N2.176 trillion Supplementary Appropriation Act on Wednesday in Abuja to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and address Nigeria’s critical infrastructure deficit, amongst other considerations.

The President signed the Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2023, in his office at the State House in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; Majority Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele; the Chairmen of the Appropriation Committees in the Senate, Sen. Olamilekan Adeola, and the House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, as well as the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji.

Providing a breakdown of the supplementary budget, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, said the newly approved expenditure for defence and security consists of about thirty percent, while thirty-five percent is dedicated to the provision of critical infrastructure to be allocated to the Federal Ministries of Works, the Federal Capital Territory, and Housing & Urban Development.

The Minister further explained that thirty-two percent of the supplementary budget was allocated to the new Wage Award for treasury-paid federal workers to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, in addition to cash transfers to vulnerable persons, and support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amongst other considerations.

President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its expeditious consideration and approval, assuring Nigerians that the executive arm of government would ensure the judicious use of the budgeted resources.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 8, 2023

 

NLC, TUC declare nationwide strike effective next Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

 

 

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has declared a total nationwide strike effective next Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

 

The leadership of the two union reached the resolution after an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

The two major labour unions said nationwide mobilisation of members and allies have begun immediately.

 

Full text of communique issued after the NEC meeting is reproduced below:

COMMUNIQUE AT THE END OF THE JOINT NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) MEETING OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) & TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA (TUC) HELD ON TUESDAY, THE 7TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2023

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) joint National Executive Council (NEC) convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the progress made in executing its directive to initiate an industrial action in Imo state. This decision was prompted by a series of infractions and encroachments on the rights of workers within the state.

 

During the meeting, the council deliberated on the distressing incident involving the abduction and assault of the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. Additionally, the council addressed the appalling acts of violence and bloodshed inflicted upon him and fellow workers, who had assembled at the NLC Imo State Secretariat in compliance with the directive on Imo state. These acts were perpetrated by the Imo state Government, acting under the guidance of the Governor and in collaboration with the Nigeria Police.

The Joint NEC-in-session unanimously condemned in very strong terms the brutal and beastly actions of Hope Uzodimma, his goons and the Nigeria Police.

To this end, the joint NLC/TUC NEC-in-session observed that whereas:

1. the decision to embark on an industrial action in Imo state was purely in keeping with its earlier resolution; the Imo state Government under Hope Uzodimma heartlessly continues in its abuse of the rights and privileges of workers in the state viz;

• Refusal to Implement Previous Agreements: The Government has repeatedly reneged on agreements, most notably the accord reached on January 9th, 2021, between the Government and Organised Labour.
• Outstanding Salary Arrears: Shockingly, some workers have been subjected to a staggering 20 months of unpaid salaries under the unfounded label of ‘ghost workers’.
• Unjust Declaration of Workers as Ghost Workers: Approximately 11,000 hardworking individuals have been unjustly branded as ghost workers, their salaries diverted even while they diligently carried out their duties.
• Vandalism of NLC State Secretariat: The wanton destruction of the NLC State Secretariat is a blatant attack on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative body.
• Implementation of Discriminatory Pay: The introduction of discriminatory pay practices and the imposition of apartheid-like policies in determining monthly payments is an affront to fair labor practices.
• Unsettled Gratuity Arrears: The Government has failed to address the 8-year backlog of gratuity owed to retirees, showing a grave disregard for the rights of those who have dedicated their careers in service.
• Non-compliance with National Minimum Wage: The Government has persistently shirked its duty to properly implement the N30,000 National Minimum Wage, a critical safeguard for the economic well-being of workers.
• Intimidation and Harassment of Trade Union Leaders: The Government’s witch hunt against trade union leaders through various guises constitutes an alarming assault on the right to represent and advocate for the rights of workers.
• Use of Violence and Thuggery: The continued deployment of thugs and violence against workers and their leaders is an unacceptable practice that undermines the democratic rights of workers.
• Misappropriation of Union Dues: The impoundment and illegal diversion of union dues, funds rightfully belonging to the unions, is a gross violation of the rights of workers to manage their collective resources.
• Declaration of Pensioners as Ghosts: Approximately 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labeled as ghost pensioners, resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions, tragically leading to the loss of lives.
• Systematic Harassment and Intimidation of Workforce: The entire workforce is constantly subjected to threats of violence and sack, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty.
• Resistance to Social Dialogue and Collective Bargaining: The Government’s persistent resistance to the use of the instruments of social dialogue and collective bargaining is an affront to the principles of fair labor practices.
• Interference with Workers’ Democratic Processes: The violent interference and disruption of the Imo State Delegates’ Conference demonstrates a blatant attempt to impose favored candidates on the workers, undermining their democratic rights.

2. workers had gathered to peacefully protest these infractions by the Governor at the Secretariat of the NLC in Imo state as guaranteed by our extant labour laws and the Constitution;
3. the Police supported a group of Imo state Governor’s thugs led by its SA on Special Duties invaded the premises of the Imo NLC Secretariat and unleashed mayhem on the few workers who had gathered inflicting injuries and stealing and damaging personal effects including various sums;
4. the President of the NLC was subsequently subjected to brutalization, blindfolded and abducted by the Police and taken to an unknown destination where he was further subjected to further violations and humiliation;
5. the NLC and TUC have made demands on the Government which have not been met as at the time of this session;
6. the continued prevalence of the use of violence and impunity in negotiating rights and interests within the nation’s socioeconomic space against all known dictates of democracy and Social Dialogue;

Consequently, the NLC/TUC NEC-in-Session resolved as follows:

1. To order the immediate withdrawal of services and shutdown of Imo state beginning midnight today. All workers and affiliates are expected to ensure compliance from wherever they are. All flights into and out of Imo state, fuel supplies and Electricity be stopped immediately as applicable. All Public and Private Sector workers are to immediately down tools indefinitely.
2. That if our demands are still unmet, workers all over the federation shall join in withdrawing their services by Midnight Tuesday, the 14th of November, 2023
3. All State Councils of NLC & TUC and affiliates are by this resolution mandated to ensure full compliance with NEC’s decision

Comrade Adewale Adeyanju (Deputy President NLC)

Comrade Festus Osifo (President TUC)

 

 

2,469 Christians killed by Fulani militants since 2016, houses and churches burnt

 

The Rigwe tribesmen in North-Central Nigeria recently organized a cultural festival in Jos City that drew communities from across the country.

 

The annual festival is an opportunity to celebrate cultural traditions while demanding justice for killings by Fulani militants.

 

The Rigwe tribesmen are majority Christians and have a history of missionary activities dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

 

Christian missionaries, both from Europe and Nigeria played a significant role in spreading Christianity and supplied education and healthcare services in the region. 

 

The first Christian missionaries to Rigwe Land were often associated with the Church Missionary Society (CMS), the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM), and other missionary organizations. They arrived during European colonialism in Africa.

 

The impact of missionaries is waning in the wake of attacks by radical Fulani tribesmen who have killed more than the Islamic terror group Boko Haram and Islamic Provence of West Africa (Islamic State West African Province)).

 

The Fulani militants attack mostly at night with guns and machetes and shouting Allah Akbar [Allah is Great] before wreaking havoc.

 

An International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer in Nigeria recorded 2,469 Christians killed by the Fulani militants since 2016, and their houses and churches were burnt. The militants destroyed the farms of the Christians so they could graze their cattle. Forty-six communities were attacked within seven years, and some faced multiple attacks, by the Fulani militants, displacing more than 20,000 Christians without means of a livelihood.

 

Thousands of the Rigwe gathered to dance in the hot sun to celebrate the cultural festival amid heavy security.

 

Rev.  Ronku Aka, the paramount ruler of the Rigwe and retired clergy of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), demanded a quick response by the government to rebuild burnt homes and construct roads. 

 

Ezekiel Bini, president of the Rigwe Youths, said the Nigerian government continues to remain silent without investigating or arresting terrorists who want to deliberately occupy Rigwe Land for grazing and set up an Islamic caliphate in Plateau State. 

“Pray for us,” said Bini. “We are praying for Christians in Israel and Palestinian.” 

 

Bini said unlike the terrorists, they don’t have guns to defend themselves. And it’s imperative that Nigeria be named as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the U.S. Department of State.