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Governmental Expert Meeting for The Validation Of The Study Report and Guide on Civilian Possession and Licensing of Arms In ECOWAS Region
In the framework of the reduction of illicit trafficking and the fight against the proliferation of Small arms and Light Weapons (SALW), the ECOWAS Commission organized a Governmental Expert Meeting in Lagos, Nigeria from 25th to 27th July 2023.
The main objective was to review and validate the draft study report and guidelines on civilian possession and licensing of arms based on the obligations imposed by article 14 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW, Their Ammunition and Other Related Materials. A study was commissioned to examine national practices in relation to authorizations, permits and licensing of civilians bearing arms currently in place in each member states. The study generated pertinent evidenced – based data that needed to be verified, reviewed and validated by governmental experts.
This meeting attracted relevant government experts with requisite experiences in law, law enforcement and arms control and it was preceded by independent experts meeting that took place in April 2023 in Abuja. Thus, this meeting was to further expose the documents to additional scrutiny as well as to secure the national ownership of the entire process.
It was in this regard, that the consultants, FABA Consulting, provided presentations of the outcomes of the study as well as the proposed guidelines for civilian possession licensing template. Participants included representatives from the National Commissions of SALW (NATCOMs), security experts from various Police Forces across the region and technical partners
At the opening ceremony, four statements were delivered by representatives of Nigeria Police Force (NPF), European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, ECOWAS Commission, as well as the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). In his opening remarks, Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo the representative of the NPF extended a warm welcome to all the delegates, expressing his sincere wishes for a successful and fruitful deliberation.
The EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, represented by Ms Celine Lhoste reaffirmed the commitment of EU to continually support ECOWAS in its efforts to prevent and manage security threats in the region. The EU acknowledged that the region has been facing conflicts that challenge the legitimacy of its Member States, impeding sustainable development. Concerns were raised about activities of criminal groups, conflicts and other social deprivations arising from misuse of arms in communities. To address these challenges, the EU underscored the OCWAR-T project as portent tool in support of ECOWAS and region at large and hence, the outcome of the study report on civilian possession of arms which aims to operationalize article 14 of the ECOWAS Convention.
In his submission, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security represented by Mr. Ahoba Piex Joseph, welcomed delegates to the meeting and stressed the importance of validating the guideline to enhance systematic monitoring of civilians possessing weapons. He pointed out that the draft regional guidelines symbolize the region’s collective commitment to combat organized crime and trafficking, fostering peace and security. He urged all delegates to approach the discussions with an open mind, cooperation, and determination to find practical and effective solutions.
Before declaring the meeting opened, the representative of NCCSALW, Commissioner of Police, A.N. Thomas, highlighted on the widespread challenges of SALW proliferation in the region, emphasizing its connections to trans-national organized crime. He noted that the meeting serves as a valuable platform to collaboratively develop frameworks, statutory regulations, and policy directives to combat the issue of SALW effectively. He acknowledged and commended ECOWAS for patronizing indigenous home – grown African resources with the selection of FABA Consulting firm for this very important study
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Resident Representative of the ECOWAS in the Gambia, Her Excellency Mrs. Miatta Lily French, who was represented by Mr. Claude Kondor, stated that ECOWAS has been at the forefront in the search of sustainable peace and security within its Member States. “Without peace and security, development and economic integration of the entire region will be very difficult to achieve”, he stated.
Mr. Kondor revealed that various protocols have been articulated and adopted to address the numerous security challenges that transformed the ECOWAS region into an epicenter of warlords and conflict entrepreneurs – including the 1999 Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security; the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance of 2001; the 2008 ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework and other key documents.
He highlighted that the objectives and expected outcomes of the In-Mission training are appropriate in equipping staff officers to carry out the correct operational procedures relevant to their roles and to ensure that Operating Procedures of both ECOWAS Headquarters and the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) Mission Headquarters are harmonized, standardized, and documented to simplify information flow and provide sufficient access for staff officers.
The meeting concluded with closing statements, expressing appreciation to all participants for the quality of their inputs and for adopting the study report and the guidelines/templates.
This training was organized by the ECOWAS Commission through the OCWAR-T project, which is co- funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Demands Full Disclosure on Refurbished Refineries
A coalition of lawyers and civil society organizations (CSOs) today submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), seeking full disclosure on the status of refineries refurbished during the tenure of Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer.
The Concerned Citizens Against Corruption, leading the coalition, demanded transparency and accountability on the reported expenditure of $4 billion on refineries repairs.
Led by Comrade Ogwuche Emmanuel, the group alleged inflation of refineries rehabilitation contracts, fraudulent allocation of crude oil proceeds, misappropriation of funds, and other questionable practices during Kyari’s tenure from July 2019 to April 2025.
The FOI request seeks specific details on payments to consultants and contractors, crude oil allocations, budgetary provisions for the AKK Pipeline Project, documentation on gasoline imports, and information on crude-backed loans and oil exploration activities.
The group emphasized the need for accountability and restoring public trust in NNPCL’s operations.
They urged the NNPCL to provide the requested information within the stipulated timeframe under the Freedom of Information Act.
“We are concerned about the growing reports of monumental Inflation of the Refineries Rehabilitation Contracts with allegations that the costs of refurbishing the refineries were significantly inflated, Fraudulent Allocation and Mismanagement of Crude Oil Proceeds, Misappropriation of Funds in the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, Fuel Subsidy Fraud, Value Review for NNPCL’s Crude-Backed Loans, and Fraudulent Oil Exploration Activities that have yielded no benefits to the nation,” the letter signed by Comrade Ogwuche Emmanuel said.
“Our findings, supported by reliable intelligence, suggest a pattern of institutionalizing of these questionable practices during Mallam Kyari’s tenure. As an organisation of law-abiding Nigerians, who are affected by these identified issues, we require information to seek judicial intervention.
“Consequently, we require the following information from July 1, 2019 to April 29, 2025: Specific details of payments to consultants and contractors, work scopes, and the justification for payments for the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries.
“Information regarding crude oil allocations and financial transactions under the guise of pipeline security payments. Details of the budgetary provisions, foreign financing arrangements, and physical progress of the AKK Pipeline Project.
“Documentation including ship records, bills of lading, and discharge certificates for gasoline imports during the stated period. Information regarding the structure, terms, and purposes of crude-backed loans taken from 2019 to date.
“Documentation and feasibility outcomes of oil exploration activities in Gombe, Bauchi, Ogun, and Nasarawa states. Given the gravity of the allegations that necessitated this request, it is imperative that the NNPCL provides full transparency on the expenditures and activities undertaken during Mallam Kyari’s tenure”.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) Chairman for Zamfara State, Alhaji Tukur Umar Danfulani, has lauded Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, for his unwavering support.
The commendation came as Danfulani presented his appointment letter as the new Board Chairman, Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi state, a position conferred by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During a visit to the minister’s office, Tukur Danfulani expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust and opportunity, pledging to execute his duties with integrity and dedication to align with the president’s expectations.
“I am profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for this appointment and his generosity,” Danfulani said.
He also acknowledged Dr Matawalle’s consistent backing, crediting the minister’s support as instrumental to his new role.
In response, Dr Matawalle urged Danfulani to uphold honesty, commitment, and patriotism in his leadership at the Medical Centre, emphasising the importance of serving with distinction.
The appointment marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare administration, with Danfulani expected to bring his experience to enhance the operations of the Federal Medical Centre in Azare, Bauchi state.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested businessman Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, on Tuesday morning.
E-Money, who is the CEO of Emmy Cargoes Nigeria Limited and Five Star Music, was arrested in Lagos State for alleged abuse of the naira.
He is being held at the EFCC facility in Lagos, according to sources who confirmed his arrest to ELANZANEWS on Tuesday.
According to the source, E-Money is being investigated for allegedly spraying both Naira and US dollars at a party in Lagos in violation of Nigeria’s currency laws.