News
ECOWAS finalises framework for $75m renewable energy facility
The Economic Community of West African States has finalised the framework for a $75m Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility.
The announcement was made by the President of the ECOWAS, Dr. Omar Touray, during the 93rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja, on Thursday.
According to Touray, the facility aims to provide grants, loans, and guarantees through competitive calls for proposals, focusing on clean energy solutions across the region.
“A Framework Document for the Establishment of an ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility has been finalised by the Ministers.
“This is a new blended finance facility with an initial amount of USD75m, whose objective is to provide grants, loans and guarantees through regular demand-driven competitive calls for proposals providing clean energy solutions for the ECOWAS region,” the president said.
Addressing food security, he highlighted the progress of the “Rice Offensive” project, which aims to achieve regional self-sufficiency in rice production by 2035.
This initiative targets the production of 33 million tonnes of milled rice and requires $15–$19 billion in investments to improve storage, milling, and mechanisation.
“Towards regional self sufficiency in rice production, the “Rice Offensive” project launched by the Commission in 2014, under the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy has now reached a second cycle with the development of a Second Regional Action Plan (2025-2035) to replace the 2020-2025 plan, which is expiring next year.
“To attain regional self-sufficiency in rice, it would require the local production of 33 million tonnes of milled rice to meet a planned consumption target by 2035.
“This will also require a financial investment of US15 to $19 billion dollars of capital expenditures towards improving storage facilities, milling initiatives, and enhancing mechanisation in paddy production,” he noted.
The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline project also took center stage, with Touray noting its importance for regional integration.
The 6,800 km pipeline, including 5,100 km offshore, is expected to transport 30 billion cubic feet of natural gas annually, connecting Nigeria to Morocco and extending to ECOWAS member states, Mauritania, and Europe.
He noted, “This regional integrative project aims to build a gas pipeline linking Nigeria to Morocco, feeding ECOWAS member states and Mauritania with future extension to Europe.
“It is an infrastructure of 6,800 km long, including 5,100 km offshore, with a transport capacity of 30 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year.”
Touray also emphasised ongoing progress in regional integration projects. These include the phased implementation of affordable roaming tariffs, now live in six member states, and a proposed strategy to harmonize aviation charges, with plans to reduce passenger and security fees by 25 per cent.
Additionally, efforts to manage shared water resources and develop infrastructure in the water sector have been revived, aiming to reduce poverty and protect the environment.
However, challenges persist. Touray lamented that only 40 per cent of the Community Levy approved for 2024 had been received by October, hindering the implementation of ECOWAS programmes.
He called on member states to fulfill their commitments and support regional private sector actors in driving economic growth.
Security concerns, including terrorism, violent extremism, and organised crime, remain a significant focus.
Touray reiterated ECOWAS’s commitment to addressing these challenges and expressed hope that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger would reconsider their withdrawal from the organisation.
The president concluded by emphasising the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving ECOWAS’s objectives, underscoring that the region’s strength lies in its collective efforts.
News
Multiple Accident on Karu Bridge Abuja (Video)
Reports are coming in of multiple accidents which occurred on Thursday evening, November 13th on the Karu Bridge in Abuja.
Details of the accident are still emerging, but a video posted on X, shows cars in flames while eyewitnesses calls for fire fighters to put out the engulfing inferno.
Authorities are likely on the scene, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.
Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when approaching the area and to consider alternative routes if possible.
Video ccredit.
Crime
Robert Mugabe Jr. Convicted of Drug Offense, Says He’s a Single Father
Robert Mugabe Junior, 33, the son of late former president Robert Mugabe, has been found guilty of illegal possession of drugs by the Harare Magistrates Court. Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki delivered the ruling on Thursday, 13 November 2025.
Mugabe pleaded guilty to possessing two grams of dagga, admitting the offence in open court. During proceedings, he appealed to the court for leniency, revealing that he is a single father of two.
“I am a single father raising two children. I ask the court to be lenient with me,” he said.
Sentencing is scheduled for later Thursday afternoon.
Found With Dagga During Traffic Stop
The case stems from a traffic stop on 1 October 2025, when police intercepted Mugabe’s silver Honda Fit in central Harare. Officers discovered a small quantity of dagga in his bag.
Prosecutor Mandirasa Chigumira told the court the search uncovered:
- Two sachets of dagga
- One pack of Rizla rolling papers
- A white dagga crusher
The total haul weighed two grams, with an estimated street value of US$30 (R550). Chigumira also noted that Mugabe had initially refused to sign the seizure receipt issued by police.
Previous Court Appearance and Bail
Mugabe first appeared in court on 2 October 2025 and spent two nights in custody before being granted bail of US$300 (R5,500). Magistrate Mutendereki ordered him to report weekly to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and remain at his registered address until the case concluded.
The trial has attracted widespread attention on social media, with public reactions divided over his conviction.
Police Allegations of Wider Syndicate
Earlier, the Zimbabwe Republic Police suggested Mugabe might be connected to a larger drug network. Commissioner Paul Nyathi told reporters on 2 October 2025 that authorities had recovered 25 sachets of Indo hybrid dagga and six ecstasy pills linked to a syndicate allegedly involving Phillip Munetsi Chiyangwa, Mitchel Jackson, Simbarashe Kaseke, Wellington Icube, and Tanaka Kashamba.
However, prosecutors focused solely on Mugabe’s personal possession charge in court, leaving the wider syndicate allegations unaddressed.
History of Legal Trouble
This is not Mugabe Junior’s first legal issue. In February 2023, he was arrested for allegedly damaging property at a party in Harare. That case was later dropped following compensation. His lawyer, Ashiel Mugiya, who represented him in 2023, again defended him in this case, saying:
“He accepts responsibility for what happened and has cooperated with the authorities.”
Mugabe is expected back in court Thursday afternoon for sentencing, when Magistrate Mutendereki will determine his punishment.
Business
Nigerian govt suspends implementation of 15% petrol import duty
The Nigerian government has suspended the planned 15 per cent import duty on premium motor spirit (PMS) and automotive gas oil (diesel). The announcement was made by George Ene-Ita, spokesperson for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in a statement on Thursday.
The regulator urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying, assuring that there is adequate supply of petroleum products nationwide.
“It should also be noted that the implementation of the 15 percent ad valorem import duty on imported premium motor spirit and diesel is no longer in view,” NMDPRA stated.
The statement added that both domestic and imported supplies of petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products are sufficient to meet demand, especially during the peak period. The authority warned against hoarding, panic buying, or unwarranted price increases, and affirmed that it would continue to monitor supply and distribution closely.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the 15 per cent import duty last month to encourage the use of products from Dangote Refinery. While some stakeholders supported the move as a boost for local refining, critics argued it could increase fuel prices and worsen economic hardship for Nigerians.
-
Opinions3 days agoSoludo’s Historic Victory and the Anambra Renaissance
-
News3 days agoAccident: Taskforce vehicle crush two in Imo
-
Politics2 days agoCourt order Halts PDP National Convention
-
News2 days agoWike in heated clash with naval officers over Abuja land (Videos & Photos)
-
News2 days agoOrji Uzor Kalu backs using U.S military action to “smoke out terrorists”
-
Politics2 days agoSoludo, Deputy receive certificate of returns from INEC
-
News2 days agoJarigbe dumps PDP for APC, cites deep division in party
-
News2 days agoEditors Conference Kicks Off in Abuja
