News

Don’t Trigger War On Niger Republic-Experts

Published

3 years ago

August 19, 2023

The Discussants

By Umar Hamisu Kofar Na’isa

It very dangerous to trigger war on Niger Republic because it will result in serious political and socio-economic consequences said Senator Shehu Sani.

Speaking as a discussant at a Roundtable Discussion on Niger Coup and ECOWAS Intervention: Perspective on Multi-sectoral implications for Nigeria organized by Mambayya House, Aminu Kano Center for Democratic Studies, Bayero University, Kano on Wednesday, 16 August, 2023. Shehu Sani opposed the use of Nigeria’s military to invade Niger Republic with the objective of regime change.

He added that, currently there are over half million of Nigeria’s nationales who have been displaced by Boko Haram, ISWAP and bandits in Northern Nigeria who are hosted in Niger Republic, therefore, Nigeria should not take the risk of triggering war on Niger Republic.

Senator Shehu Sani lamented that, the states that are bordering Niger Republic will come under heat in the event of war. He said the forum wishes brings into notice of both ECOWAS and AU that whenever democracy come under attack either through rigged election or violation of fundamental human rights or breach of the constitution, the duo remains silent. He also reiterated that, coup can only be prevented by making sure that our democracy is a game that is played according to law.

The radical activist and politician added that, the forum is to emphasized on the consequences of war and to state clearly that they are not in support of military rule and to also call on the cirizenry to continue to apply pressure on the government because it is clear that the government is under pressure from France and United States to initiate war, therefore, the government must be mounted with pressure to avoid going to war.

Senator Sani also commended the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the rejection of President Tinubu’s proposal for military intervention in Niger Republic. He added that, “when you have a nation that is next to your border, any war will be catastrophic and disastrous to your own country, therefore if this war is triggered, you know when it start but you don’t know its end”.

He finally call for putting pressure on the junta to restore democracy not by switching off the light, but by other actions that will only affect the heads of the junta and support civil groups in Niger in order to restore democracy.

In his presentation on economic implications of the proposed war, Dr. Abdusslam Muhammad Kani, an Economist with Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kano said Nigeria is a key player in ECOWAS because the regional bloc is around four hundred million people and Nigeria is over half of the population of ECOWAS, so the war can lead to devastation in our trade and commerce relationships.

Dr. Kani added that, Nigeria is going to loose investors confidence because ideally, no investor that will invest in an economy which is under military intervention whereby it will lead to reduction in revenue as it witnessed a heightened inflationary pressure due to closure of borders with Niger Republic and other ECOWAS member states.

According to him one of the key implication is that Nigeria’s military defence budjet will be high which will add burden to the country’s debt profile, inflationary pressure leading to too much unemployment, poverty and diversion of the country’s scarce resources that should have been channeled education and other strategic sectors of the economy.

The economists recommended that peaceful dialog should be sustained to ensure peaceful resolution and to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic. He opined that military intervention is a violation of cardinal principles why ECOWAS is established with is promotion of economic integration or cooperation among West Africa.

Also speaking, Amb. Ibrahim Wayya, The President, Kano Civil Society Forum, KCSF stated that the governing system we are practicing in Africa is not really fit to the continent and its not commiserate to our own need and local content. He added that, the democracy that we copied and pasted from England and US is not working.

He further said up till now there are issues of election rigging and stealing the legitimacy of the elected ones and lots af criminality is been committed on the electoral process meanwhile the electoral umpire could not conduct election that is credible and acceptable.

In his address, the Director of Mambayya House, Professor, Habu Muhammad said the rationale behind organizing the Roundtable Discussion was to sensitize Nigerians particularly the Nigerian government about the sectoral implications waging war on a next door neighbour country like Niger Republic.

Professor Habu said it is wrong for ECOWAS to come overnight as a result change over of government which for the attention and perception of all participants, it is something that has to do with internal affairs and the regional bloc should not delve into the affairs of Niger Republic or even undertake military operation in the county.

The political scientist reiterates the need for becoming more conscious and decisive in terms of managing the the crisis through diplomatic processes. He added that these diplomatic and political processes are more constructive, far-reaching and realistic to undertake rather than military action.

The round-table discussion got the participants that cut across the academia, Women groups, Civil
Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), professional groups,
Security agencies, Labour unions, public commentators, students and the media among others. Discussants and participants critically discussed the current developments in Niger Republic, its multi-sectoral implications for Nigeria and the unity of the ECOWAS. However at the end of the sessions, a communique is issued which stated clearly the resolution, and recommendations for Nigeria, ECOWAS and all other stakeholders at the international level.

News

Ambassadorial Posting: FFK, Reno Posted to Germany, Mexico

Published

7 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations.

In the list which was released by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential spokesman, on Friday afternoon, a total of 65 ambassadors and High Commissioners were posted across the country.

The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December last year.

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, was posted to Qatar, Femi Fani-Kayode was posted to Germany, while Reno Omokri was posted to Mexico.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahin was posted to the United Nations; former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau was posted to China, while ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is the new ambassador to Spain.

Below is the list:

POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS

S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO
2. SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA
3. IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN
4. NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL
5. MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR
6. PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE
7. VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES
8. MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
9. HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
10. MRS. ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: PORTUGAL
11. BARR. OLUMILUA OLUWAYIMIKA AYOTUNWA: TOKYO, JAPAN
12. RT. HON. UGWUANYI IFEANYI LAWRENCE: ATHENS, GREECE
13. BARR. CHIOMA PRISCILLA OHAKIM: WARSAW, POLAND
14. AMINU DALHATU: UNITED KINGDOM, UK
15. LT. GEN ABDULRAHMAN BELLO DAMBAZAU: BEIJING, CHINA
16. HON. TASIU MUSA MAIGARI: GAMBIA
17. OLUFEMI PEDRO: AUSTRALIA
18. BARR. MUHAMMED UBANDOMA ALIYU: ARGENTINA
19. LATEEF KAYODE ARE: USA
20. AMB. JOSEPH SOLA IJI: RUSSIA
21. SEN. JIMOH IBRAHIM: UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
22. FEMI FANI KAYODE: GERMANY
23. PROF. ISAAK FOLORUNSO ADEWOLE: OTTAWA, CANADA
24. AJIMOBI FATIMA FLORENCE (F): AUSTRIA
25. MRS. LOLA AKANDE (F): SWEDEN
26. AYODELE OKE: FRANCE
27. YAKUBU N. GAMBO: SAUDI ARABIA
28. SENATOR PROF. NORA LADI DADUUT: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
29. BARR. ONUEZE CHUKWUJIKA JOE OKOCHA SAN: DUBLIN
30. DR. KULU HARUNA ABUBAKAR: TUNIS, TUNISIA
31. RT. HON. JERRY SAMUEL MANWE: PORT OF SPAIN, T&T

POSTINGS OF CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS LIST

S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. AMB. NWABIOLA EZENWA CHUKWUMEKA: COTE D’IV/OIRE
2. BESTO MAIMUNA IBRAHIM: NIAMEY-NIGER
3. MONICA OKWUCHUKWU ENEBECHI: SAO TOME, STP
4. AMB. MOHAMMED MAHMUD LELE: ALGIERS-ALGERIA
5. ENDONI SYNDOPH PAEBI: OUAGADOUGOU-BURKINA FASO
6. AHMED MOHAMMED MONGUNO: CAIRO EGYPT
7. AMB.JANE ADAMS (NEE OKON) MICHAEL (F): KINGSTON-JAMAICA
8. AMB. CLARK-OMERU ALEXANDRA (F): LUSAKA-ZAMBIA
9. CHIMA GEOGGREY LIOMA DAVID: BAMAKO-MALI
10. AMB. ODUMAH YVONNE EHINOSEN: MALABO –E/GUINEA
11. AMB WASA SEGUN IGE: BEIRUT, LEBANON
12. RUBEN ABIMBOLA SAMUEL (F): ROME, ITALY
13. AMB.ONAGA OGECHUKWU KINGSLEY: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
14. AMB.MAGAJI UMAR: KINSASHA, DR CONGO
15. AMB.MUHAMMAD SAIDU DAHIRU: NEW DELHI-INDIA
16. AMB. ABDUSSALAM HABU ZAYYAD: DAKAR-SENEGAL
17. AMB SHEHU ILU BARDE: ACCRA GHANA
18. AMB.AMINU NASIR: ETHIOPIA
19. ABUBAKAR MUSA MUSA: N’DJAMENA, CHAD
20. AMB. HAIDARA MOHAMMED IDRIS: THE HAGUE-NETHERLANDS
21. AMB.BAKO ADAMU UMAR: RABAT-MOROCCO
22. AMB. SULU GAMBARI OLATUNJI AHMED: MALAYSIA
23. AMB.ROMATA MOHAMMED OMOBOLANLE (F): TANZANIA
24. AMB. SHAGA JOHN SHAMAH: BOTSWANA
25. SALAU, HAMZA MOHAMMED: TEHRAN, IRAN
26. AMB.IBRAHIM DANLAMI: KENYA
27. IBRAHIM ADEOLA MOPELOLA (F): COTONOU-BENIN
28. AMB.AYENI ADEBAYO EMMANUEL: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
29. AMB.AKANDE WAHAB ADEKOLA: BERNE-SWITZERLAND
30. AMB. AREWA (NEE ADEDOKUN) ESTHER (F): WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA
31. AMB.GERGADI JOSEPH JOHN: LIBREVILLE-GABON
32. AMB. LUTHER OGBOMODE AYO-KALATA (F): SIERRA LEONE
33. DANLADI YAKUBU NYAKU : KHARTOUM-SUDAN
34. BELLO DOGON-DAJI HALIRU: BANGKOK, THAILAND

The statement added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agreement from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu.

Similarly, France has sent the agreement for Ambassador Ayo Oke.

It added that the Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agreements in line with standard diplomatic practice.

News

FG Launches N250 Billion Single-Digit Loan Scheme for Smallholder Farmers

Published

7 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The federal government has launched a N250 billion credit facility for smallholder farmers, channeled through the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to provide much-needed access to credit at a single-digit interest rate. The initiative is designed to bolster agricultural productivity and enhance food security across the nation.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Session held on Friday in Abuja. He explained that a key priority for the ministry involves strengthening agricultural insurance and finance mechanisms by leveraging institutions such as the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), the National Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

In the past two years, the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation has provided risk cover worth N700 billion to 199,275 farmers, generating N2.43 billion in premium income while paying out N200 million in claims to enhance farmers’ resilience. The newly announced credit facility aims to build on such efforts by supporting food production, improving mechanisation, and creating sustainable livelihoods.

The Minister emphasised that the ministry’s overarching mission is to accelerate growth in the agricultural sector by boosting productivity and creating economic opportunities. He described the stakeholder engagement session as a critical step toward ensuring transparency and incorporating public feedback into government programmes.

Over the last two years, several initiatives have been implemented to strengthen the agricultural sector. These include the distribution of more than 1.9 million bags of fertilisers to nearly one million farmers, alongside 12,000 litres of organic fertilisers to promote sustainable soil management.

To combat the circulation of counterfeit fertilisers, the government has prosecuted offenders, constructed a National Reference Laboratory, and upgraded the National Fertiliser Management Platform to enhance quality control and transparency. Additionally, 109 fertiliser inspectors and over 329 industry stakeholders have received training on regulatory compliance.

International collaborations have also been established with Russia, Türkiye, India, and Canada to facilitate technology transfer and improve fertiliser production capacity. More than 3,500 farmers have been trained on organic fertilisers and soil management techniques to encourage sustainable agricultural practices.

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has been driving transformative change through research and development, focusing on crop production and varietal improvement. The council has distributed 40 million cocoa seedlings aimed at revitalising the nation’s cocoa industry, supporting long-term plantation development and boosting export potential.

Meanwhile, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has recorded significant milestones over the past two years in advancing the agricultural sector.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the engagement forum as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s governing philosophy rooted in transparency, participation, and accountability.

He stressed that governance must remain open and responsive to the people, adding that his ministry is committed to bridging the gap between policy decisions and public awareness. “Communication is not propaganda; it is accountability,” he said, noting that citizens should be well-informed and given the opportunity to provide feedback on government initiatives.

In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus Ogunbiyi, underscored that transforming Nigeria’s agricultural and food systems is not merely an aspiration but an urgent national imperative.

News

National patron, Moss Andishu condoles SWAN over the demise of two prominent sports journalists

Published

7 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Abdulgafar Oladimeji

The national patron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Moses Andishu has commiserate with the Nigerian sporting press over the death of two prominent Nigerian sports writers.

It would be recalled that, Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke breath their last within the span of 24 hours.

Tonex served as the image maker of two time back to back African club football champions, Eyimba fc International of Aba.

Late Niyi Oyeleke former SWAN Lagos chairman, NTA sports reporter , until his demise was a contributing member of the Super Sports crew.

Tonex Chukwu, who nursed injuries sustained from an auto crash, which occurred on 14th February 2026, finally passed away.

Moses Andishu in a press statement issued by his country director for Nigeria, Joseph Andishu, on Wednesday evening in Kaduna, said “ with an heavy heart I send this condolence message to SWAN to offer you comfort, expressing my sympathy, and honor to the deceased veteran comrades , Late Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke.

“ at this moments of grief, I offer my love, and support to my SWAN family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

“I am sending strength and love to all sports writers in Nigeria. My deepest condolences .

“I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke. Within the span of hours in between they both transited to the great beyond .

“Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss”.

“Sending you love and strength during this difficult times for the sports journalism fraternity in Nigeria.”

“may almighty God in His infinite mercies grant them eternal rest. Amen.”

“May the soul of all the departed, rest in peace .” Amen.