Nigeria News (Standard)
Minister Jumoke Oduwole Leads ECOWAS Ministers to Approve Regional Industrialisation Plan in Accra
West African bloc establishes Trade Facilitation Committee as countries seek to boost productivity amid global tariff tensions
West African bloc establishes Trade Facilitation Committee as countries seek to boost productivity amid global tariff tensions
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, has joined counterparts from across West Africa to approve a new policy framework aimed at driving regional industrial growth. The decision was reached at the fifth joint meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ministers of Trade and Industry (ECOMOTI-5), which concluded in Accra, Ghana on Monday.
The meeting saw ministers from all ECOWAS member states formally adopt recommendations designed to accelerate industrial productivity across the sub-region. A key outcome was the establishment of the Regional Trade Facilitation Committee (RTFC), which is expected to translate regional integration policies into practical benefits for over 400 million citizens in West Africa.
This move comes as African economies contend with a global trade landscape marked by ongoing geopolitical unrest and rising tariff barriers. The summit also aligned ECOWAS priorities with the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signalling renewed commitment to harnessing intra-African trade as a lever for sustainable development.
According to officials, the new RTFC will provide a platform for member states to coordinate on trade barriers, standards harmonisation, and transaction-level challenges that have historically hindered cross-border business. The body will also serve as a bridge between national governments and private sector stakeholders across industry, agriculture and services.
Dr Oduwole stated that Nigeria remains committed to supporting ECOWAS-led initiatives that foster economic diversification. “We are focused on implementing policies that will position our country—and indeed our region—as a competitive industrial hub,” she said during her intervention at the summit. No immediate opposition response was available as at press time.
The adopted policy recommendations are expected to be implemented in phases over the coming year, with regular reviews scheduled by ECOWAS institutions. Observers say success will depend on sustained political will from member governments and effective coordination among regional bodies.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sultan, Catholic Bishops Demand Immediate Action on Worsening Insecurity Nationwide
Religious leaders call on federal government to prioritise citizen safety as violent attacks rise across states
Religious leaders call on federal government to prioritise citizen safety as violent attacks rise across states
Prominent religious figures including the Sultan of Sokoto and senior Catholic bishops have called for urgent intervention by the federal government to address Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. The appeal was made on Wednesday, 17 June, amid increasing reports of kidnappings, attacks, and unrest in several states across the country.
The Sultan of Sokoto, who is the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, joined voices with Catholic bishops to highlight the growing threat posed by armed groups and criminal gangs. Their joint statement emphasised that communities in both urban and rural areas are now living in fear as incidents of abduction, armed robbery, and violence continue unabated.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges over the past decade, including Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and separatist agitation in the South-East. Recent months have seen a surge in attacks targeting civilians, with many Nigerians criticising what they describe as a slow or inadequate response from authorities. The latest call from religious leaders reflects rising public anxiety and frustration over the government’s ability to ensure safety for all citizens.
While the federal government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen security operations and deploy more resources to affected regions, critics say progress remains slow. The Sultan and Catholic bishops urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take concrete steps beyond promises. “It is time for decisive action that will restore confidence among Nigerians,” they said in their statement.
Security analysts note that collaboration between religious leaders could add momentum to ongoing advocacy for reforms in policing and intelligence gathering. As pressure mounts on government officials, many Nigerians are looking towards concrete policy measures and improved coordination among security agencies to stem the tide of violence.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Belgium, Japan Secure Surprise Wins as Volleyball Nations League Betting Odds Shift in Lagos
Early upsets force bookmakers to adjust odds, with mid-tier nations gaining ground and favourites facing fresh scrutiny
Early upsets force bookmakers to adjust odds, with mid-tier nations gaining ground and favourites facing fresh scrutiny
Unexpected results in the opening week of the Volleyball Nations League have seen betting markets in Lagos and across Nigeria recalibrate odds, after Belgium, Japan and Turkey delivered surprise victories against traditionally dominant teams. The early phase of the tournament, which began last week, has already disrupted pre-tournament predictions among volleyball enthusiasts and punters alike.
Belgium marked their return to the competition with a 3-1 win over Bulgaria—an outcome few analysts foresaw. The match took place on the first day of fixtures, immediately alerting bookmakers to potential shifts in team form. In another key encounter, France narrowly defeated Italy 3-2 after a challenging game that saw both sides struggle for dominance. Meanwhile, Japan’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Poland demonstrated the increasing competitiveness of this year’s league. Turkey also made headlines by defeating France 3-0, despite having lost earlier to the United States.
These unexpected results have led to swift reactions from betting agencies operating within Nigeria’s growing sports betting sector. According to market analysts, odds on mid-tier nations such as Belgium and Turkey have shortened considerably since the tournament began. Traditional favourites like France and Italy still receive strong backing from punters, but their inconsistent performances have raised questions about their prospects going forward.
Sports analyst Chinedu Okeke commented on Tuesday that “the early rounds are always unpredictable but this year has shown even more volatility than usual,” noting that many Nigerians are now placing bets on underdog teams in anticipation of further surprises. Betting operators have advised customers to monitor team performance closely before making further wagers.
The tournament continues this week with more fixtures expected to test the resilience of both established powers and emerging contenders. Observers say the evolving dynamics could see even more shifts in betting patterns as at next round, especially if upsets persist. Volleyball fans across Nigeria are watching closely as teams seek to build momentum amid a rapidly changing competitive landscape.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/volleyball-nations-league-teams-creating-early-betting-value-in-2026/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Approves 1,000 Forest Guards for Katsina to Tackle Insecurity
Deployment targets rising bandit attacks in North-West state; local authorities welcome move, urge community cooperation
Deployment targets rising bandit attacks in North-West state; local authorities welcome move, urge community cooperation
President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment and deployment of 1,000 forest guards in Katsina State to strengthen security operations amid ongoing attacks by armed groups. The initiative, announced on Wednesday, aims to curb banditry and restore safety in rural areas across the North-Western state.
The decision follows persistent incidents of kidnapping and violence in Katsina, which have displaced thousands and disrupted agricultural activities. According to local officials, the newly recruited forest guards will work alongside existing security agencies to monitor forests and difficult terrains often used as hideouts by criminal elements.
Katsina State has been at the centre of North-West security concerns, with frequent reports of villages being raided and communities living under threat. The deployment is expected to boost confidence among residents and support ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and other agencies operating in the region.
A senior state government official welcomed the presidential approval and called on communities to cooperate fully with the new forest guard corps. “We believe this measure will help secure our forests and improve intelligence gathering,” he said during a briefing in Katsina on Wednesday.
No official timeline for the commencement of training or deployment was provided as at press time. Authorities say further details regarding selection criteria, operational command structure, and funding will be released soon. Security experts argue that sustained support and proper equipping of personnel will be crucial for the success of this intervention.
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