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Only Made-in-Nigeria Goods Qualify for ECOWAS Free Trade Scheme, FG Insists

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Only Made-in-Nigeria Goods Qualify for ECOWAS Free Trade Scheme, FG Insists

In a bid to boost cross-border trade and promote market growth across West Africa, the Federal Government has urged business owners in Nigeria’s Southeast to take advantage of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

The scheme targets micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large-scale manufacturers, providing duty-free access to markets in 12 ECOWAS member states.

Speaking during a one-day sensitisation workshop on Tuesday in Enugu, Ambassador Olawale Emmanuel Awe of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the scheme facilitates the free movement of goods produced within ECOWAS countries without customs duties.

However, he clarified that the initiative strictly prohibits the re-exportation of foreign goods.

“We don’t want a situation where imports from China are re-exported. Only products genuinely made in Nigeria are eligible,” he stated.

Awe described the ETLS as one of the foundational treaties of ECOWAS, established in 1975 to ensure the free movement of goods and services and to foster regional prosperity through economic integration.

He stressed that businesses must undergo a formal registration process to benefit from the scheme. To qualify, business owners are required to submit samples of their products for evaluation by the National Approval Committee, which comprises representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NAFDAC, Customs, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Export Group, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
Following this, a factory inspection is conducted to confirm that the products are genuinely Nigerian-made.

The Federal Government has continued to intensify efforts to promote the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme across the country by organising workshops to educate business owners on participation and to help them expand their market reach within the West African region.

By Miracle Chidinma Amaechi

WASSCE: WAEC Debunks Subject Restriction Rumour

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WASSCE: WAEC Debunks Subject Restriction Rumour

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has denied reports claiming it instructed schools to limit senior secondary students’ choices of subjects for the 2026 WASSCE, describing the reports as misleading.

Mrs Moyosola Adeshina, Acting Head of WAEC’s Public Affairs Department in Lagos, in a statement on Tuesday, advised the public to ignore any information not officially released by the Council.

“The Council wishes to categorically distance itself from this unfounded assumption. No directive restricting students’ subject choices for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) 2026 has been issued.”

Adeshina explained that the development and regulation of school curricula in Nigeria are strictly under the authority of the Federal Government, not WAEC, which only implements policies through assessment.

“As a law-abiding organisation, WAEC operates within the legal and operational frameworks of its host country, emphasising that curriculum changes must follow government-approved procedures,” she said.

She further clarified that WAEC does not unilaterally introduce or modify subjects, noting that all changes undergo due process overseen by the Federal Ministry of Education and relevant stakeholders.

“The introduction or modification of any curriculum is not arbitrary. WAEC only assesses based on government-approved syllabuses.”

Adeshina assured parents, schools, and candidates that the guidelines for the examination will be officially announced through WAEC’s website and verified media channels, so everyone will be properly informed.

“We remain committed to professionalism, transparency, and excellence in the service of the Nigerian child.

“And again, no student will be unfairly treated or disadvantaged,” Adeshina reassured.

She stressed that every candidate taking the 2026 WASSCE for School Candidates will be given equal opportunity for assessment, reinforcing WAEC’s commitment to being a reliable and trustworthy examining body in Nigeria.

10,000 Athletes From 22 Universities To Participate In NUGA Games – VC

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10,000 Athletes From 22 Universities To Participate In NUGA Games – VC

Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, said no fewer than 10,000 athletes from 22 universities would be participating in the forthcoming National Universities Games Association (NUGA) in Jos.

Ishaya disclosed this during a road walk on Tuesday in Jos, organised to create awareness on the forthcoming NUGA games.

The 27th edition of the NUGA games to be hosted by the university is slated for Nov. 6 to Nov. 16.

The vice chancellor, who said that the athletes would be competing in various games, promised to deliver a memorable and best NUGA games ever.

“We are fully prepared to host one of the best NUGA games in history. This road show is to tell the world that we are ready.

“The students, staff, and the entire Plateau residents are prepared to receive contingents from across the country,” he said.

Ishaya, who also said that Plateau is safe, peaceful and open to host visitors, advised Nigerians not to be swayed by the negative narratives about the state.

The vice chancellor thanked the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Education for their support towards the success of the games.

Ishaya, who particularly commended President Bola Tinubu for promoting sports, also thanked Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, for supporting the university to organise a memorable event.

“The state government has been very supportive because they know hosting over 10,000 visitors will significantly boost the local economy,” he noted.

Also speaking, Prof. Taye Obateru, the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee for the games, highlighted the significance of the games, noting that it presents an opportunity to demonstrate the peace, hospitality and vibrancy of Jos.

“University of Jos is ready to impact society, develop sports talent and strengthen partnerships that will boost both sports and business in the state,” he said.

On his part, Dr Peter Gad, the Global President of the University of Jos Alumni Association, said that the games would not only showcase the potential of Nigerian youths but also change the narrative about Plateau.

He added that the competition would also drive infrastructural and social development in the state.

Alleged N400m Fraud: Court Adjourns Andy Uba’s Arraignment To Nov. 6

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Alleged N400m Fraud: Court Adjourns Andy Uba’s Arraignment To Nov. 6

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, adjourned the arraignment of Sen. Andy Uba and his co-defendants in the alleged N400 million fraud case until Nov. 6.

The matter, which was earlier fixed for Uba and Benjamin Etu to take their plea, could not proceed due to the absence of Justice Mohammed Umar in court.

Justice Umar, who is the trial judge, was said to be sitting in another division of the court.

The court subsequently fixed Nov. 6 for the arraignment of Uba and Etu.

The judge had, on Sept. 24, threatened to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Uba, the former Senator representing Anambra South, if he fails to appear in court on Oct. 28 to stand his trial.

The development followed an application made by the I-G’s counsel, Aminu Abdullahi, that a bench warrant be issued against Uba in line with Section 394 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, following his continuous absence in court.

Abdullahi said Uba”s consistent absence had shown a disrespect to the court which had equally stalled his trial.

He said since the charge was filed in 2024, Uba had never appeared in court.

Abdullahi, who said the ex-lawmaker’s consistent absence was unbearable, said the same excuse of ill-health was adduced by his lawyer, C.F. Odiniru, for his absence in court in July when the matter came up.

Odiniru, however, pleaded for more time to allow his client present himself in court.

The lawyer hinged Uba’s absence on his ill-health.

The judge, who adjourned the matter until Oct. 28, said: “I will give you the last opportunity.”

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had, on July 7, given the I-G of Police the permission to prosecute Uba and Etu.

The prosecution had, on March 5, amended a two-count charge filed against Uba and his co-defendant before the former trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo.

The police had earlier named Uba and two others in the first charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/538/2024.

Uba’s co-defendants, in the two-count charge filed Oct. 10, 2024 by Abdulrashid Sidi in the Legal/Prosecution Section at the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, were Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu as 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.

But in the amended charge filed March 4 by Sidi, Uba and Etu are listed as 1st and 2nd defendants, while Crystal Uba’s name had been dropped form the charge.

In count one, Uba, Etu and Hajiya Fatima now at large, sometimes in 2022, were alleged to have conspired amongst themselves to commit the offence.

Uba and others were accused of obtaining by false pretence, by making a presentation to Mr George Uboh that they had perfected ways for the appointment of the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to any interested persons who could afford N400 million.

“A presentation which you know is not true and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006.”

The offence, the prosecution said, is contrary to Section 1 (2) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006,” the count read in part.

Uboh, in a letter dated April 5, 2023, and addressed to the I-G, said the petition was based on documentary and voice recording.

The prosecution intends to call six witnesses to testify against the ex-lawmaker and Etu.

170 Foreigners Apply For for Nigerian Citizenship – Tunji-Ojo

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170 Foreigners Apply For for Nigerian Citizenship – Tunji-Ojo

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the Federal Government is currently reviewing citizenship applications from 170 foreign nationals.

The minister made the announcement on X ‘formerly known as Twitter’ through his social media handle @Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo at midnight.

Olubunmi said the Citizenship Advisory Committee was responsible for reviewing and recommending citizenship applications for President Bola Tinubu’s approval.

“We understand that the exercise is a test of our integrity as leaders and we will ensure to uphold the trust placed on us by the nation.

“Citizenship of the biggest black nation on earth is a valuable asset that requires careful consideration.

“We hereby assure Nigerians that we will prioritise integrity and proven character above all else,” he said.

The minister stated that the committee comprised top officials from key government bodies: Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of State Security, and Nigeria Immigration Service.

“Our government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to do everything to make our beloved country a prosperous nation and a destination of interest for all,” he said.

Spectators Hail Pillar Of Associations Football Tournament In Rivers

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Spectators Hail Pillar Of Associations Football Tournament In Rivers

Football fans at the 2025 Pillar of Associations, Rivers State Intra-Union Football Competition, currently going on at the Goldashe Allstars field at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt have commended the standard of organisation and quality of games at the competition so far.

Speaking to news men at the venue, one of the spectators, Andrew Ukpabi said that most of matches have been impressive and could pass for national league matches. Ukpabi was specially impressed by the orderliness being witnessed in the three match days of the competition witnessed for now. “The level of organisation has been top notch and the quality of the games have been interesting. I hope that the competition continues to maintain the level we have seen”, said the spectator.

Another spectator, Kingsley Ezedike noted that this year’s Pillar of Associations competition has gone to another level, going by the level of preparation and competition seen among different Unions. Also, the quality of players being paraded by the teams has made the edition very interesting.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the competition, Comrade Franklin Obute has described this year’s edition as a huge success so far. According to him, “It has been an improvement on the maiden edition held in 2023. The games have been very mature, the teams came with very good squads, if you watch the games, you’ll agree that the standard has been high”.

Comrade Obute noted that the vision behind the competition as to engender unity among members and provide a platform for people to explore and develop their talents towards pursuing additional career where possible.

“To a great extent, the competition has togetherness among various unions in the association. It is one of the reasons why the competition was initiated in the first place, bringing together different unions so that there’ll be unity among different businesses, people and players from different tribes and religion”, he said.

He stated that participation cuts across every part of the country because, “as long as you are a good player and you’re a member of the association or you are being hired by a Pillar of Association’s union, you are eligible to play”.

The Chairman assured that the competition has come to stay as it is being packaged to be a yearly affair. He explained that the competition is safe and secure as there is no loophole for participants or extraneous elements to bring the competition to disrepute.

He said, “The number one thing we considered in this competition is security and that is why we brought it to an environment that is secure. Apart from the University security, we have arrangement in place with security agencies in case of any eventuality. However, so far, so good “.

The competition which enters its day four on Friday will have two second of matches decided on the day. The first fixture will be between Rada Allstars FC and Rukpokwu FC, while Computer Dealers and defending champions, Rumuobiakani FC clash in the second match.

In some of the first round matches played on day two and three of the competition, Lions of Electronics beat Garden City 2-1, while Phase One and Computer Dealers played out a goalless draw on Friday.

Builders FC walked over Rukpokwu FC to chalk up three goals and three points on Saturday.

Anambra Election: CP Orders Coordinated Raids On Flashpoints

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Anambra Election: CP Orders Coordinated Raids On Flashpoints

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered coordinated security raids on identified flashpoints across the state ahead of its November 8 governorship election.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Awka.
The commissioner stated that the measure is aimed at nipping any emerging threats of political thuggery, cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms in the bud, with the overall goal of ensuring a secure and peaceful electoral environment.

” Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders must intensify intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security raids across identified flashpoints in their respective areas of jurisdiction in the state.”

He noted that credible intelligence reports indicated that certain individuals and groups, acting on behalf of political interests, might be mobilising youths for violent activities before and during the election period.
Orutugu emphasised that the command would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt public peace, intimidate voters, or undermine lawful electoral processes.

He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remained neutral and non-partisan in the electoral process.
The commissioner said the duty of police is to protect lives and property of the people, safeguard integrity of the electoral space, and enforce the law without fear, favour, or political influence.

Naira Gains Further At Official Market

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Naira Gains Further At Official Market

The Naira on Monday appreciated further at the official foreign exchange market, trading at N1,452.79 to the dollar.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed the Naira gained N5.16 compared with Friday’s rate of N1,457.95.

This represents a 0.35 per cent appreciation, extending the weeklong positive trend recorded in the previous week.

The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) commended the month-long appreciation of the Naira in both official and parallel markets.

ABCON President, Dr Aminu Gwadabe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that several factors contributed to the gains.

He listed them as Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, increased oil revenue, higher foreign reserves and diaspora remittances.

Gwadabe congratulated the nation for leaving the FATF grey list, noting that the Naira gained N10.00 against the dollar at the parallel market on Monday.

He said the development had boosted investors’ confidence and attracted more foreign investments into the country.

According to him, sustained reforms and information sharing among security agencies helped trace proceeds of crime and facilitated Nigeria’s exit from the list.

He added that the CBN’s success in raising foreign reserves to about 42.26 billion dollars provided a strong buffer for the Naira.

“The sustained stability has reduced speculation. Speculators’ activities have been rendered ineffective in the market,” he said.

Nigeria, Crucial Partner To European Union -MEP McAllister

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Nigeria, Crucial Partner To European Union -MEP McAllister

Mr David McAllister, Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), has described Nigeria as a crucial partner of the European Union (EU), saying that the country “matters greatly to the bloc.”

McAllister made the remark in an interview on the sidelines of a reception hosted by Mrs Annett Günther, the Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, in honour of a six-member delegation of the European Parliament.

The delegation, comprising Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), is on a working visit to Nigeria from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28.

During the visit, the team will engage with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process.

McAllister said the visit aimed to better understand Nigeria’s political and economic systems and discuss insecurity challenges affecting the country and its neighbours.

“So we are here to listen carefully and to understand better the Nigeria system, and our message when we return to Brussels while filing our reports to the European External Action Service and the European Commission is that Nigeria Matters.

“But Nigeria matters for us as an important partner, we’ve seen a lot of improvement in our cooperation but I think there is still more that we can do together.

“That is why this year we have set up dialogue with the Nigerian government on economic cooperation, and that is what our message is and we were also briefed on the security in the country.

“ We are concerned about the threat of the Nigerian people and the integrity of the country in the North, and I was personally not aware of the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis.

“Which is unfolding in the North and that really shattered our delegation and its heart breaking to see pictures of these poor children.

“I think it is important that the bloc also gives to humanitarian assistance that we can to help these people who are in desperate need have hope,’’ he said.

McAllister reiterated that Nigeria’s role as a key partner justified the visit, describing the country as a development and economic partner, as well as a thriving democracy.

According to McAllister, the EU and Nigeria share common values and interests, which make the country an important partner — particularly as a thriving democracy.

Speaking to NAN, MEP Marta Temido, who serves on the Sub-Committee on Human Rights and is Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Environment, said the visit aimed to learn from and share experiences with Nigeria.

According to her, Nigeria matters greatly to the EU, noting that “the mission seeks to strengthen existing cooperation through a peer-to-peer partnership with Nigeria and ECOWAS, as both are vital to regional development.

“It is very important to learn from countries like Nigeria, given the many challenges it faces — from ethnic diversity to climate issues,” Temido said.

“Also the extraordinary natural resources challenges which we call the malediction of resources.

“Sometimes when you have a huge amount of resources you find problems with corruption with good governance and all that.

“So, it is important for us to understand and to learn, to engage with Nigeria, ECOWAS and to be open to the world as EU sharing, learning and understanding, ‘’ she said.

Nigerians Suffer 65% Of Zoonotic Diseases -NVMA President

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Nigerians Suffer 65% Of Zoonotic Diseases -NVMA President

Nigerians Suffer 65% Of Zoonotic Diseases -NVMA PresidenDr. Moses Arokoya, President of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), has said that 65 per cent of human diseases in Nigeria were Zoonotic (livestock related).

Arokoya made the declaration on Monday at the 61 Annual National Congress/ Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NVMA holding in Jalingo.
He noted that zoonotic diseases were on the increase in Nigeria, adding that 2.7 million lives were globally lost annually due to zoonotic diseases.

He said that the choice of Taraba for the conference was strategic, nothing that a Disease Free Zone (DFZ) was to be established on the Mambilla Plateau.
The president added that the eradication of diseases from Mambilla Plateau would lead to production of large metric tones of fresh meat.

Arokoya said that more DFZ were needed in the country to make livestock production an economic stimulus.

The president further decried the state of abbatoirs in Nigeria, adding that poor abbatoirs have enhanced microbial resistance as most Nigerians consume drugs used in the treatment of livestock before they were slaughtered.

He said that modern abbatoirs were needed in the 774 local government areas to address the menace.

He commented President Bola Tinubu for the reforms in the livestock sector, adding that the vetinerians needed an empowerment from the federal government.
Arokoya also requested the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to include them on their disaster intervention Policy.
He stressed the need to include vetinerians in the preparedness and response strategies for emergencies.

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