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West African defence chiefs to activate ECOWAS standby force
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the West African Chiefs of Defence have agreed to activate the standby force of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Musa said the decision was taken at the end of the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, held between Wednesday and Friday in Abuja.
The CDS, who is the Chairman of the committee, commended the defence chiefs for their commitment, dedication and contribution throughout the meeting.
He said the meeting had notable ideas, discussions and objectively came up with creative solutions that would define the security landscape of West Africa.
“So, key discussions during this conference covered the proposed ECOWAS security support in Sierra Leone and the activation of the ECOWAS standby force.
“Furthermore, we deliberated on issues pertaining the operationalisation of our logistic deployment in Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS peace support operations amongst others.
“More importantly are the pledges made by member states on commitment toward activation of the ECOWAS standby force and security support mission and Sierra Leone among others,” he said.
Musa expressed confidence that incredible ideas and noble solutions proffered would undoubtedly enhance the defence chiefs’ individual and collective capacity to confront and support contemporary and futuristic security challenges.
He expressed regret that Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger were absent from the meeting, adding that efforts were on to return them to the regional bloc.
“They are brothers and we look forward to when they will come back safely into ecosystem because as nations, no one nation can withstand the current challenges that we have.
“We need to work as a team because we are stronger together.
“It is also imperative that we continue to encourage collaboration among other countries by reducing differences, share resources and leveraging each other’s strengths to maximise our impact and achieve shared objects,” he added.
The CDS emphasised that the security landscape was evolving and required a continuous collaboration to effectively address the emerging threats.
He reiterated that democratic values must be upheld as well as support for various governments in line with their statutory responsibilities to ensure economic growth and development going forward.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, said there had been trends that had defiled political life in the West African region.
Musah said that there had been an expanding insecurity spearheaded by terrorism and violent extremism as well as challenges of governance in the sub region in recent time.
According to him, West Africa is gradually being turned into an arena of great power rivalries and competition and it is within this dynamic that we see where Africa is.
He said the chiefs of defence staff had expressed their commitment and adherence to good governance, democracy and rule of law in the region.
“They, as the guardians of security, have ensured that they create that environment for governance to thrive.
“And one of the key items of the agenda is the continued activation of the ECOWAS standby force in its kinetic mode to fight terrorism in our region, and all our member states have pledged support to this initiative.
“This committee has been fine tuning the roadmap towards the eventual activation of the kinetic force.
“We need to fight terrorism because our region is in mortal danger and you can see terrorism moving downwards from the Sahel to the coastal countries,” he said.
The Tide source reports that the meeting had in attendance chiefs of defence staff from all the members countries except Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.