by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, commerce, government, international relations, international trade
On March 24, 2025, ENA reported from Addis Ababa—Trade and Regional Integration Minister Kassahun Gofe expressed optimism that Ethiopia will complete its WTO accession process during the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled for March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
At today’s press conference, Kassahun outlined the government’s intention to finalize the WTO accession process during the MC14 scheduled for Yaoundé from June 26-29, 2026.
As stated by the minister, the recently completed fifth negotiation cycle produced favorable outcomes.
Kassahun conveyed his optimism by stating, “Our belief is that we can accomplish our entry into the WTO during the MC14 in Cameroon. I remain hopeful.”
He went into more detail about the advancements made during the fifth negotiation round, emphasizing significant decreases in the quantity of questions raised by World Trade Organization member countries.
“In the fourth negotiation round held in 2020, approximately 181 queries were submitted to Ethiopia. The number has since reduced to 110, indicating significant advancement,” he pointed out.
The minister stated that Ethiopia will deliver detailed written responses by May 2025.
Furthermore, the minister revealed that Ethiopia has initiated bilateral market access talks with 12 out of 17 nations, including major economies like the United States and the European Union, following the principle of reciprocal trade benefits.
He highlighted that during the fifth round of meetings, 19 nations alongside the World Bank expressed backing for Ethiopia’s membership, surpassing typical levels of approval and anticipations.
Minister Kassahun Gofe stated that Ethiopia has been diligently working towards joining the WTO since 1999, having gained observer status in 2003.
Last week, during the discussions, Ethiopia emphasized its present economic situation and the ongoing economic changes, he mentioned.
The following negotiation session is set for this July.
According to the minister, the Ethiopian government has set up a systematic procedure involving a 35-member technical committee that carries out weekly evaluations along with a negotiation team that conducts bi-weekly assessments.
The minister further noted that numerous countries view Ethiopia as a nation with a GDP exceeding $206 billion and experiencing rapid economic growth. They believe that Ethiopia’s accession to the WTO would present significant market opportunities for fellow member states.
He mentioned that certain countries have gone through lengthy negotiation processes, involving over 12 rounds of talks, before successfully joining the WTO.
He mentioned that the possible advantages for Ethiopia joining the WTO entail functioning within a stable international marketplace.
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by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | female empowerment, gender, government, politics, public policy
The Nigerian federal government has reiterated its dedication to closing the gender gap in technology access during the unveiling of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy at the UN’s 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
Led by the National Information Technology Development Agency together with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, this initiative seeks to broaden digital accessibility, improve cybersecurity measures, and generate economic prospects for women and children.
At the event held in New York, Iklima Salihu, who serves as the Special Assistant to the Director-General for Strategic Partnerships at NITDA, highlighted the organization’s commitment to promoting fair digital accessibility.
“The NGDIS aims to eliminate obstacles to digital inclusion by enhancing access to digital skill development, infrastructure, and mentoring opportunities for women and girls,” stated Salihu in a press release on Sunday.
The Director-General of NITDA, represented by his special advisor Kashifu Abdullahi, referred to the strategy as a “game-changer” for attaining gender equality within Nigeria’s digital sector.
He observed that the framework emphasizes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, online safety, and gender-responsive policies to boost women’s involvement in the nation’s expanding digital sector.
Aligned with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 8, the NGDIS seeks to bridge the gender divide by providing women and girls with essential digital competencies needed for success in our rapidly advancing technological landscape.
The Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted the critical need to tackle gender imbalances in digital accessibility, pointing out startling figures.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | emergencies, government, news, politics, politics and government
As the leadership turmoil in Rivers State intensified with attacks on crucial oil and gas facilities, coupled with impending impeachment proceedings targeting Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, President Bola Tinubu took decisive action last Tuesday by declaring a state of emergency in this petroleum-rich region. In doing so, he removed both officials from office along with the obstinate state legislature for an initial term of half a year. Concurrently, he designated former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), as the new administrator overseeing the state’s operations.
Upon assuming his duties on Wednesday, Ibas embarked on addressing these pressing issues head-on. Called back into service specifically to stabilize the situation in Rivers and bring stability over the next six months, his mission presents significant challenges. As someone who must draw upon years of military experience, Ibas faces the daunting task of restoring peace and functionality efficiently.
The announcement of martial law in Rivers generated considerable discussion among critics, particularly those aligned against the administration like members of the People’s Democratic Party and various disaffected political figures organized under the banner led by ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Despite accusations leveled against them regarding personal interests influencing their stance, they argue vehemently against what they perceive as unlawful acts—namely, the removal of elected leaders without legitimate justification. However, supporters believe swift intervention was necessary to safeguard public welfare and protect essential resources.
According to Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which outlines the procedures for declaring a state of emergency, the role of the governor under such circumstances remains unspecified. Historically, however, practices regarding governors’ positions during emergencies have been inconsistent within our region.
For instance, in May 2004, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared an emergency in Plateau State due to escalating ethno-religious conflicts resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. As part of this intervention, Governor Joshua Dariye along with the entire state legislative body were relieved from their duties for half a year; subsequently, Major-General Chris Alli (retired) took over governance responsibilities aimed at restoring stability in the area.
Similarly, another similar situation occurred just two years afterward in Ekiti State where prolonged political instability prompted President Obasanjo to impose an emergency measure. This resulted in suspending both Governor Ayo Fayose and his deputy, Mrs. Biodun Olujinmi, alongside the local parliament including Honorable Friday Aderemi—the interim Acting Governor—appointing retired Brigadier General Tunji Olurin instead to oversee administrative functions and ensure safety across the territory for six additional months.
Regarding ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s actions, he imposed an emergency rule in specific local governments severely hit by Boko Haram terrorist activities within Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States back in 2013. This move did not dismantle the overall political and democratic systems in these regions. Additionally, President Jonathan kept the current chairman roles intact for those influenced local government districts. It seems his decision to avoid disrupting the governance of the three involved states—headed by their respective governors—and their legislative bodies may be attributed to how this emergency measure only targeted select council areas heavily affected.
As far as the Plateau State declaration goes, when it came before the Supreme Court, they could not establish whether dissolving established democratic frameworks under such circumstances was constitutional due to procedural issues with the lawsuit filed against it by the temporarily ousted lawmakers from Plateau. The court deemed the filing invalid since it had been initiated solely by the legislators themselves without formal backing from the state itself.
Several legal scholars have cited the Emergency Powers Act of 1961, an outdated legislation within the nation that once allowed for the dismantling of democratic institutions and the temporary removal of basic human rights during emergencies. This act came into play specifically following the declaration of emergency rule in the Western Region in 1962 under the administration led by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Two notable instances include the rulings in Adegbenro v. Attorney-General of the Federation (1962) NLR 338 and F.R.A. Williams v Dr. M.A. Majekodunmi (1962) NLR 328, wherein the highest judicial body endorsed this act as grounds for dissolving governmental bodies. Legal luminary Professor Koyinsola Ajayi (SAN), speaking on Arise TV recently, highlighted that according to his interpretation, “The judges at the Supreme Court felt compelled not to overturn decisions made by the president when faced with immediate threats to life and property; their aim being to reinstate lawfulness and protect citizens.” Their stance regarding the validation of the state of emergency proclaimed in Plateau State remains unchallenged based on these arguments.
Apart from the legal formalities, the key factors in assessing how democratic institutions function within a state under emergency rule seem to revolve around the prevailing circumstances or conditions within that state, along with the extent of threats posed to public order and citizen safety regarding their lives and properties. In times of chaos and unrest, people tend not to recall specific provisions laid out by laws. This point was clearly articulated by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who addressed queries from State House reporters on Wednesday. He stated: “The administration relies on three pillars—the Executive branch, Legislative assembly, and Judicial system—and your actions as the governor have rendered governance ineffective here. Simply stating that funds are being spent—even those allocated by you—is insufficient; these expenditures require prior approval through appropriation by the State Assembly. Such were among the observations noted by the Supreme Court. Ultimately, the court concluded that the behavior exhibited by the governor resembled tyranny, rendering governmental operations non-existent in Rivers. Given this absence of governance in Rivers, why should we seek further?”
Fubara exceeded his limits and ended up undermining himself. His actions were driven more by the emotional backing he received than by strategic thinking. He believed that resorting to force was necessary because he hadn’t resorted to underhanded tactics to secure victory earlier. When certain militant groups threatened to attack oil pipelines and essential facilities, the governor did nothing to discourage them. Instead, he publicly stated that he would inform the public about when these attacks should take place. A week later, several oil sites burst into flames. It doesn’t require much insight to grasp how this devastation came about. Additionally, the governor obstructed 27 legislators from carrying out their duties and dismantled the state assembly building. Four loyal lawmakers were relocated to the Governor’s residence where they assumed the roles typically held by all 32 members of the legislature.
In his announcement of the emergency rule in Rivers State, President Tinubu stated in his speech, “Certain militants have vowed to unleash destruction upon what they consider an adversary—the governor—who has yet to distance himself from these individuals. Additionally, neither the legislature nor the governor have managed to collaborate effectively. They fail to comprehend that their primary responsibility is to cooperate in ensuring stability and effective governance within the state.”
Critics opposing the imposition of an emergency rule in Rivers often cite President Tinubu’s past criticism of such measures when they were declared under ex-President Jonathan for Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states. However, these critics tend to overlook another instance where Tinubu spoke against then-Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State. Obaseki had forcefully taken control over the state assembly and declined to swear in 14 representatives chosen by their local communities throughout his term as governor. In response, Tinubu denounced Obaseki, accusing him of undermining democratic principles by weakening legislative bodies—just as he now condemns Governor Fubara’s actions.
Once more, the National Assembly, specifically the House of Representatives, has incorporated democratic elements into the emergency decree by declaring routine monitoring over the actions of the administrator and allowing the National Assembly to carry out the legislative responsibilities of the Rivers State Assembly as outlined in the constitution. This emergency measure also played a crucial role in rescuing Fubara from an impending impeachment, which could have led to his removal throughout his term and barred him from participating in future elections due to his recklessness.
Ultimately, the President exhibited bravery and commendable leadership by stepping in to safeguard the country’s economy, which could have otherwise suffered severely and nullified previous advancements. A few years back, oil production dipped down to merely 900,000 barrels per day; however, it now stands at approximately 1.6 million barrels daily. Key government programs aimed at assisting underprivileged youth through organizations like NELFUND, along with crucial development efforts including CREDICORP-led infrastructural developments—such as expanding our network of roads—and substantial regular disbursements received by state governors from federal funds might have faced significant threats without prompt intervention. Had she hesitated in making this critical move, these achievements could have easily unraveled.
In my opinion, what is needed at present is for political figures within the nation, especially those from the Niger Delta region, to unite and mediate between the conflicting parties—the embattled Governor Fubara, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and the members of the state House of Assembly—ensuring a swift restoration of stability in Rivers State and bringing about a conclusive settlement of the ongoing political turmoil. The National Assembly has taken a significant measure toward resolving these issues by announcing plans to establish a council of distinguished individuals aimed at facilitating dialogue amongst the disputing factions and guiding the state back onto a peaceful course. It is appropriate to acknowledge the federal legislators for promptly endorsing the emergency measures and demonstrating their commitment to swiftly addressing the situation.
Rahman serves as the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu for Media, Publicity, and Special Duties. In related news, Ibas has advised the monarchs of Rivers State to avoid engaging in partisan politics during the emergency rule.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, business, ghana, government, news
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), alongside Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (FMIST) and Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST), have officially launched Sankore, an initiative valued at £1.9 million designed to enhance science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) environments across West African nations.
As part of the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP) Program, Sankore will enhance the United Kingdom’s relationships with Nigeria and Ghana. This initiative supports crucial strategies such as the UK-Ghana Science, Technology & Innovation Strategy from 2023 to 2027 and the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, which was agreed upon in November 2024 between the UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP, and Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
Centering on Nigeria and Ghana, Sankore will collaborate intensively with stakeholders in West Africa to:
— Assist with the implementation of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) and the Nigeria National Research Fund (NRF).
— Assist Nigeria in establishing its National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) as an operational entity.
— Promote the commercialization of innovative solutions in key economic areas like agriculture and energy.
— Improve the policy and regulatory framework to foster innovation, enhancing data access and transparency for stakeholders within the ecosystem;
– Set up a demand-driven Helpdesk to support FCDO and governmental partners, offering expert guidance and advice.
At the program launch in Abuja, the UK’s Head of Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, Ms. Susan Mshana, stated that the Sankore initiative represents an exhilarating enhancement aimed at bolstering the United Kingdom’s enduring collaboration with the governments of West African nations. This new venture seeks to foster economic expansion via innovative approaches.
“Through utilizing our abilities, assets, and knowledge, we strive to hasten the common objectives of economic diversity, employment generation, and enhanced service provision in both Nigeria and Ghana,” she mentioned additionally.
Additionally, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST), Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, stated: “Innovation plays a crucial role in fostering a robust and equitable economy. The Sankore initiative will serve as a driving force behind positioning Ghana as a leader in scientific progress and technological development within the area. We are excited about working alongside numerous collaborators contributing their knowledge and skills to this collective effort.”
Furthermore, the Honorable Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Nigeria, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji stated: “At the FMIST, we aim to promote sustainable growth by encouraging locally developed innovations while incorporating international scientific advances to secure Nigeria’s advancement globally. The project known as Sankore signifies a crucial step forward in our significant and fruitful collaboration with the United Kingdom, working together towards a prosperous future for all Nigerians via state-of-the-art technologies and enhanced economics.”
Sankore will be provided by UNESCO and R4D working alongside local and international collaborators to guarantee successful execution and knowledge sharing.
The project will span 15 months, coming to an end by March 31, 2026.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | controversies, government, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Hyderabad (Telangana), India, March 25 (ANI): BRS MLC
K Kavitha
stated on Monday that the party will “resist” the
Waqf Amendment Bill
in the Parliament.
After attending an Iftar party in Banswada, speaking with ANI,
K Kavitha
stressed again the backing of the BRS party for the Muslim Community and recognized the assistance provided by the minority community throughout the Telangana movement.
We are observing Ramadan with our community in Banswada, and we’re discussing the present circumstances under the central government’s leadership. There is an effort underway to introduce legislation aimed at taking over the management of Islamic endowment properties known as Waqf lands. The BRS party firmly stands against this move. We remain steadfast supporters of our Muslim compatriots; we’ve consistently advocated for their advancement. Throughout the Telangana movement, they stood beside us… Harmony must be maintained across India and specifically within Telangana. Hence, we will contest this proposed measure.
Waqf Amendment Bill
in Parliament,” Kavitha said.
The Waqf Act of 1995, which was put in place to manage Waqf properties, has frequently faced criticism due to problems like poor administration, corruption, and unauthorized intrusions.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to tackle these issues through reforms including digitalization, increased auditing, better transparency, and new legal means for recovering properties that have been improperly seized.
The previous day, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (
AIMPLB
) initiated a countrywide protest against the suggested
Waqf Amendment Bill
.
A statement released by Mohammed Vaquar Uddin Latifi, who serves as the Office Secretary for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, reads as follows:
AIMPLB
) on Sunday remarked, “After an enormous and victorious demonstration in Delhi on March 17, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (
AIMPLB
has initiated a countrywide protest against the suggested
Waqf Amendment Bill
.”
A Joint Parliamentary Committee has been established by the government to review the Bill in collaboration with experts and stakeholders (ANI).
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | debt, financial crises, government, politics and government, social welfare
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Data from the Malaysian Insolvency Department reveals that an astonishing 14 percent of government employees were declared bankrupt last year.
This concerning figure has led key governmental figures such as Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to frequently caution against the escalating personal debts of employees in the public sector.
Consequently, this pattern has ignited vigorous discussions regarding its origins and possible remedies.
What reasons explain why an increasing number of government employees are accumulating debts?
Shamsul links the increase in individual debts amongst public sector workers mainly to their lifestyle preferences. He highlighted that governmental staff members who carry heavy financial obligations tend to overspend, giving examples of individuals buying vehicles priced at almost 20 times their monthly income or regularly acquiring top-of-the-line smartphones and laptops.
He proposed that seeking approval through social media contributes to this behavior, often known as “FOMO” (fear of missing out). This term encapsulates the tendency to buy costly things to stay current with fashion and match others around them.
Consequently, numerous government employees rack up credit card debts and then resort to taking substantial personal loans to settle these original liabilities, frequently aiming to reduce their monthly financial burdens. According to interviews conducted with bank representatives for *Malay Mail*, debtors usually stretch their loan periods across multiple years, which leads them to end up paying higher amounts in interest charges.
The increase in buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services might have worsened the issue by offering unrestricted and effortless access to credit. Experts suggest that these BNPL systems subtly “influence” customers to spend more since they allow for splitting payments into smaller, usually interest-free installments.
According to a 2023 research conducted by the Malaysian Insolvency Department, half of the bankruptcy cases involving government employees were caused by personal loans—a situation that similarly affects many young individuals working in the private sector.
Government employees were seen strolling through the Putrajaya governmental complex during daylight hours. — Image by Raymond Manuel
Rules governing loan caps for government employees
Calls have been made to impose stricter borrowing limits on civil servants. At present, these employees can dedicate up to 60 percent of their monthly income towards repaying loans—a limit that some critics believe is excessively generous.
The limitation mentioned here is established by legislation through Rule 13 of the Public Officer (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. This rule stipulates that a public officer’s aggregate debt obligations should not surpass 60 percent of their monthly earnings, thereby guaranteeing they maintain at least 40 percent of their income for personal use.
In contrast to those working in the private sector, civil servants have access to an expedited debt management service via the Malaysian National Cooperative Movement (Angkasa).
The system automatically sets aside a predetermined part of their salary for loan repayment. Nevertheless, detractors suggest that this might foster an attitude among civil servants who think that Angkasa will assist them in handling their debts, irrespective of how much they have borrowed.
The government’s reaction to the crisis
Even with warnings and the possibility of severe consequences, such as possible termination, the Malaysian Insolvency Department (MDI) Chief Executive Officer Datuk M. Bakri Abd Majid disclosed in January that certain junior government employees were permitted to incur debts amounting to up to RM1 million.
The organization has suggested reducing the debt limit to 45 percent of take-home pay, implying that an employee’s overall monthly debt obligations should not go beyond 55 percent of their earnings.
Responses to this suggestion have varied. The Public Service Director-General, Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, has shown guarded approval, emphasizing the need for a meticulous strategy when putting it into practice.
Concerns have been raised that tighter borrowing restrictions might lead public sector workers towards unauthorized lenders. Cuepacs, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Service, has cautioned that heavy debts could increase government staff’s susceptibility to corruption.
Government employees were seen strolling through the streets of Putrajaya. — Picture By Raymond Manuel
According to a 2016 survey conducted by Cuepacs, out of Malaysia’s 1.6 million public sector workers, around 170,000 individuals—or about 11 percent—were implicated in lending frauds, leading to an aggregate loss amounting to RM340 million.
As the discussion goes on, those who make policies need to find a middle ground between maintaining fiscal responsibility and making sure government employees do not resort to unauthorized or unlawful borrowing channels.
