society
Gen. Buratai Reveals Why Tinubu is Right on ECOWAS Standby Force
Gen. Buratai Reveals Why Tinubu is Right on ECOWAS Standby Force
Retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Ambassador to the Republic of Benin x-rays ECOWAS’ challenges and President Bola Tinubu’s proposal of an ECOWAS Standby Force to enhance security of the regional bloc. He spoke exclusively to LOUIS ACHI on the larger emerging geopolitical scenario.
President Bola Tinubu, at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday, in Abuja, proposed an ECOWAS Standby Force, ESF, for the enhanced security of the regional block.
Yes, that’s correct.
What’s your reading of this move? Is there significant conceptual or doctrinal difference between the proposed standby force and the ECOMOG force in terms of command, control and coordination?
The proposal put forth by President Tinubu, in his capacity as ECOWAS Chair, to establish the ECOWAS Standby Force is truly commendable, and it has my full support. I have been a vocal advocate for the creation of this ECOWAS Standby Force ever since taking on the role of Army Chief back in 2015. The urgent need for such a force is underscored by the myriad security challenges facing the West African sub-region, which require a coordinated and rapid response mechanism to safeguard peace and stability in the area.
The establishment of the proposed ECOWAS Standby Force serves as a significant development in the regional security architecture of West Africa, distinguishing itself from the previous ECOMOG intervention force in terms of command, control, and coordination. Unlike ECOMOG, the ECOWAS Standby Force is designed to operate under a unified command structure, ensuring a more streamlined decision-making process and effective coordination of military operations.
This structure enhances the force’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to regional security challenges, promoting greater coherence and efficiency in its peacekeeping and crisis management efforts across member states. By prioritizing joint planning, training, and exercises, the ECOWAS Standby Force aims to uphold professionalism and interoperability among its participating contingents, bolstering the force’s overall readiness and effectiveness in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The ECOMOG (Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group) Force, established in West Africa in 1990, despite its huge successes, it encountered numerous challenges that impeded its ability to be sustained. One of the key reasons for its setback was the limited resources and logistical support provided to the force.
Inadequate funding and equipment hindered the progress of ECOMOG in carrying out its peacekeeping and crisis management missions. Additionally, the conflicting mandate and weak command structure among the member states of the force led to coordination issues and internal conflicts, undermining its operational efficiency.
Furthermore, external factors such as political interference and lack of international support also affected ECOMOG to achieve its long-term objectives in the region. These collective challenges ultimately prevented the ECOMOG Force from realizing its full potential and sustaining its operations in West Africa. In my opinion, ECOMOG could not have been the foundation on which the ECOWAS Standby Force could have found a formidable root.
As it is now, the ECOWAS Brigade (ECOBRIG) had been formed. What is required now is getting the boots on the ground. When General Ogomudia was the CDS, Nigeria pledged a formidable force. I hope this Force can be mobilised immediately to kick start the ECOWAS Standby Force. The pledged force included infantry and armour units, artillery regiment, signals and a host of others.
Is President Tinubu edging ECOWAS away from its core economic bloc status and trying to inspire a West African “NATO” – which would be an outright military alliance?
ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, stands as a dedicated economic sub-regional group, established with the noble mission of advocating for the economic and commercial interests of the various West African nations. Among its many initiatives, ECOWAS has established the ECOWAS Standby Force, designed not to transform ECOWAS into a militaristic force akin to NATO, but rather to complement the organization’s primary economic objectives in the region.
It is essential to underscore that security plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development; without a secure environment, the West African sub-region would struggle to realize its full economic potential. Presently, the sub-region grapples with a myriad of challenges posed by numerous non-state actors, including terrorist groups, bandits, and criminal gangs, which pose a direct threat to the state’s ability to maintain the monopoly on violence.
In response to these security threats, the creation of the ECOWAS Standby Force represents a strategic move towards leveraging economies of scale to assist member states in tackling security issues effectively. The current security situation in Burkina Faso highlights the daunting challenges the country is grappling with, including a severe shortage of manpower and military equipment.
These deficiencies underscore the immense difficulties faced by the nation in safeguarding its citizens and maintaining peace and stability. These pressing issues are precisely the obstacles that the ECOWAS Standby Force aims to address and assist member states in overcoming, by providing much-needed support and resources to bolster their security capabilities and effectively respond to emerging threats.
What will be the geo-political implication of this course for the continent, given Russia’s current incursion into West Africa through the breakaway ECOWAS members states of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – with the West carefully watching and possibly counter-plotting?
The situation is a very dicey one because Russia itself is in West Africa to promote its strategic and economic interest. West African countries and governments must introspect their romance with all these international powers – be it China, Russia or the West. I can tell you that NATO and especially America sees the infiltration of Russia into West Africa as a major threat to its interest especially when these juntas are closing down American and French bases to make for Russia to come in and take over.
As far back as 2023, the United States outlined in its US Security Strategy the significant threat posed by Russia and China to its strategic interests in West Africa. The emergence of these two global powers as key players in the region has raised concerns regarding their potential to challenge US influence and destabilize the security environment.
Russia’s assertive foreign policy and military presence, along with China’s growing economic investments and infrastructure projects, have highlighted the need for the US to closely monitor and address the evolving dynamics in West Africa. The situation is very complex and it is not as simple as these juntas think.
There is a strong possibility that we might witness counter coups in Burkina Faso and Mali or even Niger because of the refusal or delay of these juntas to organize elections and hand over to democratically elected leaders. I agree that the military leaders seemed to enjoy the goodwill of the people but you must know that there will always be few members of their inner circle who will be tempted to overthrow them and rule especially when some of the juntas are saying they will not conduct election till after five years.
The looming threat of coups and counter coups in the region is of grave concern, but what is even more worrying is the possibility of the sub region and the Sahel becoming a battleground for proxy wars waged by international powers, reminiscent of the ongoing conflict in Sudan that is currently unfolding before our eyes.
Recognizing that the success of his proposal requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources, Tinubu called out ECOWAS member states on their inconsistent payment of financial commitments to the regional body and also urged them upscale their own respective defense budgets. Do you agree with this seemingly hardline position
I am in complete agreement with President Tinubu’s stance that ECOWAS member states must demonstrate consistency in meeting their financial obligations to the regional body and, ideally, enhance their defense budgets. Reflecting on the past, during the ECOMOG era, Nigeria bore the significant burden of investing approximately $8 billion to restore stability in Liberia and Sierra Leone, while other member nations failed to contribute financially. Such lack of commitment is concerning, and it is imperative that as a regional bloc, we take ownership and address our challenges head-on to garner respect and credibility on the global stage.
On September 16 2023, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger signed a new mutual defence pact named the Alliance of Sahel States. This essentially signals significant discontent with alleged “ineffectiveness” of ECOWAS and their disillusionment with the West – and Russia is capitalising on this trend. How does this rebellion impact President Tinubu chairmanship of ECOWAS and how should he proceed with engaging this new competitor-bloc to ECOWAS?
The decision made by these three African countries to enter into a new mutual defense pact was primarily influenced by the absence of a robust entity like the ECOWAS Standby Force and the threat of force by ECOWAS against Niger Republic. Given that all three countries are governed by military juntas, they felt the need to band together to defend themselves.
With a collective population of 76.1 million and a combined GDP of $55 billion, their disassociation from ECOWAS represents a significant setback for the organization, particularly for President Tinubu, who is actively working as the Chairman to reintegrate them back into the ECOWAS framework.
I understand that the required procedure for member states who wish to exit ECOWAS involves providing one year’s notice to the organization. These three countries fulfilled this requirement last January, giving us until January 2025 to potentially sway them to reconsider their decision.
I believe that in the long run, these countries will engage in negotiations with ECOWAS to secure more favorable terms, leading them to ultimately remain within the organization. It would prove challenging for them to prosper and thrive independently without the benefits and support that ECOWAS provides.
Given the political and economic fragility in some member states, especially those that witnessed unconstitutional changes of government, added to terrorist activities and violent extremism threatening to spread from the Sahel region towards the coastal states, what’s the way forward for ECOWAS?
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must awaken from its slumber to ensure that true representative democracy flourishes within the sub-region. It is imperative for ECOWAS to take a firm stance on crucial issues such as implementing term limits for elected leaders, promoting good governance characterized by accountability and efficiency, creating economic opportunities for the populace, upholding the rule of law, and fostering inclusivity, among other crucial pillars of democracy.
The recent events, that are the removal of term limits in Ivory Coast, Togo, and, until the recent coup led by Mamadi Doumbaya, Guinea, serve as stark reminders of the fragility of weak democracies that lack the genuine support of their people. The scenes of unrest and public discontent in these nations point to the urgent need for ECOWAS to step up its efforts in safeguarding democracy and ensuring that leaders are accountable to their citizens.
The widespread public demonstrations in Niger in support of General Tchiani following the overthrow of President Bazzoum, as well as the jubilation on the streets of Conakry, Guinea, after Colonel Doumbaye removed President Conde from power, underscore the deep-seated dissatisfaction and lack of popular support for those in leadership positions.
It is high time for ECOWAS to prioritize the consolidation of democratic norms and practices across the region to avert further political instability and ensure the legitimate representation of the people’s will. No soldier in his right mind would dare to challenge the stability of a government that is deeply cherished and widely supported by its people.
It is, therefore, imperative for ECOWAS to prioritize the establishment of effective democratic systems across the sub-region. Additionally, ECOWAS must play a pivotal role in fostering economic integration within the sub-region, facilitating seamless movements of people and goods. The delayed implementation of the proposed ECO currency within the ECOWAS sub-region raises concerns and underscores the need for swift action.
society
Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Makinde, Ajadi, Others Converge in Ibadan for Historic Opposition Summit Ahead of 2027
Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Makinde, Ajadi, Others Converge in Ibadan for Historic Opposition Summit Ahead of 2027
In a significant political convergence that could reshape Nigeria’s democratic landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, prominent opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, gathered in Ibadan on Saturday for the National Summit of Opposition Political Parties Leaders.
The high-level summit, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House Ibadan, also drew the participation of leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, alongside several political heavyweights and stakeholders across party lines.
Convened under the theme, “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” the summit brought together representatives from major opposition platforms including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
Other notable figures at the summit included former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
Also in attendance were elder statesman Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, political economist Pat Utomi, social activist Aisha Yesufu, and former APC National Secretary John Akpanudoedehe, among others.
Speakers and stakeholders at the summit examined critical national issues, including electoral reforms, national security, economic recovery, and the need for stronger democratic institutions, as part of efforts to forge a united opposition front ahead of 2027.
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, who actively participated in the summit, spoke with journalists shortly after stepping out of the Banquet Hall. Addressing newsmen, Ajadi described the gathering as a turning point for opposition politics in Nigeria.
“This summit represents a new beginning for the opposition in Nigeria. What we are seeing is a deliberate effort to put aside differences and work towards a common goal,” Ajadi said.
He noted that the collaboration among diverse political actors signals a renewed commitment to national development and democratic consolidation.
Nigerians are looking for direction and credible leadership. The responsibility is on us as opposition leaders to provide that alternative and restore confidence in governance,” he added.
Analysts say the Ibadan summit marks one of the most coordinated efforts by opposition forces in recent years, signaling early realignments and possible coalition-building ahead of the next general elections.
As deliberations continue, political observers believe the outcomes of the summit could significantly influence Nigeria’s political direction, particularly if the unity advocated by participants translates into concrete alliances.
society
Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition 2026: Abuja and Lagos Set the Stage for a New Era of Local Innovation and Enterprise
Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition 2026: Abuja and Lagos Set the Stage for a New Era of Local Innovation and Enterprise
Abuja and Lagos are poised to surge with energy, enterprise, and cultural expression as the Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition 2026 takes centre stage—an event designed not merely to display products, but to redefine perception.
More than a conventional exhibition, this gathering signals a confident assertion of Nigeria’s productive strength. Entrepreneurs, manufacturers, creatives, and industry leaders from across the nation will assemble to present a compelling spectrum of locally made goods. From premium leather craftsmanship and cutting-edge fashion to beauty innovations, agro-based solutions, and artisanal creations, each showcase reflects ingenuity shaped by resilience and ambition.
At the heart of the exhibition lies a deliberate push to elevate emerging brands. Many small businesses operate with limited visibility, often constrained by access and exposure. This platform disrupts that pattern. By offering opportunities such as complimentary booth spaces for selected participants, it opens the door for underrepresented talents to step into the spotlight—not just to sell, but to be seen, evaluated, and remembered.
According to Bola Awosika, the driving force behind the initiative, “This exhibition is about shifting mindsets. Nigerian products are not just alternatives—they are competitive, innovative, and globally relevant. We are creating a space where local brands can be experienced, trusted, and elevated.”
The exhibition will hold biannually in both Abuja and Lagos:
Abuja Edition
• First Edition: 27th–28th June 2026
• Second Edition: 12th–13th December 2026
Lagos Edition
• First Edition: 25th–26th July 2026
• Second Edition: 19th–20th December 2026
Each edition will draw a dynamic mix of participants—buyers scouting quality, investors searching for scalable ideas, media documenting emerging trends, and everyday Nigerians engaging with products that reflect their identity. Conversations sparked within the exhibition halls are expected to extend beyond introductions, evolving into partnerships and long-term collaborations.
The experience itself goes beyond static displays.
Attendees will encounter live demonstrations, immersive product storytelling, interactive sessions, and curated networking opportunities. It becomes less about walking through aisles and more about engaging directly with the pulse of Nigerian creativity and enterprise.
Yet, the exhibition carries a broader economic and cultural message. It challenges consumer habits, urging Nigerians to support domestic production while reinforcing confidence in local capabilities. Every transaction becomes a statement—one that contributes to national growth and industrial sustainability.
For many participants, this platform could mark a pivotal shift. A relatively unknown brand may secure national recognition. A hidden talent could attract strategic investment. An early-stage idea might evolve into a scalable enterprise. The ripple effects are designed to outlast the exhibition itself.
As the momentum builds business owners have started making enquiries and booking stands for each edition, what remains is not just a successful event, but a strengthened narrative—one that positions Nigerian products as credible, competitive, and ready for global markets.
Call to Participate: Affordable Access, Strategic Opportunity
As preparations intensify, the Convener, Bola Awosika, has extended a direct invitation to entrepreneurs, brands, and industry players to seize the opportunity presented by the exhibition.
“We have deliberately structured this exhibition to be inclusive and accessible. With pocket-friendly stand rates, we are removing the usual barriers that prevent many businesses from participating. Vendors can secure their booths at ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 respectively. This is not just a cost—it is an investment in visibility, credibility, and growth. We encourage businesses across Nigeria to take advantage of this platform to position their brands for new markets and opportunities,” she stated.
Beyond vendor participation, she emphasized the importance of collaboration in delivering a world-class event.
“it will be an annual event. We are also calling on corporate organisations, development institutions, and forward-thinking brands to come on board as sponsors and partners. This exhibition is a national platform with significant economic impact, and there is immense value for organisations looking to align with innovation, enterprise, and local content development.”
Interested exhibitors, sponsors, and partners can access more information and secure participation via the official website: www.nigeriaexportsexhibition.com.ng
The exhibition is currently supported by notable institutions including Bank of Industry, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, and Sahcol, with additional sponsors and partners expected to join as momentum builds.
Powered by Bevents Logistics Synergy, the Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition 2026 stands not as a fleeting showcase, but as a sustained movement—one that redefines how Nigeria sees its own potential and how the world engages with it.
Rebalancing The Force: Why Police Visibility Must Reach The Ordinary Citizen
In every functioning society, the true test of policing is not what happens in elite corridors of influence, but what the ordinary citizen experiences on the street.
For too long, that balance has been distorted.
Recent criticism surrounding the redeployment of officers from Zone 2 Command in Lagos has been framed in sensational terms: mass transfers, alleged illegality, internal discontent. But beneath the noise lies a far more important and uncomfortable truth: Nigeria’s policing structure, particularly in high-interest zones, has been uneven, inefficient, and in urgent need of correction.
This is the context within which the actions of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, must be understood.
The ongoing exercise is not incidental. It is the direct outcome of a clearly defined restructuring objective under the leadership of the Inspector-General: one that prioritises the even and adequate distribution of personnel for effective policing across the country.
Zone 2 Command, which oversees Lagos and Ogun States, has evolved over time into something beyond its administrative mandate. Rather than functioning strictly as a supervisory and coordination hub, it has become heavily populated, far beyond operational necessity.
In practical terms, this has meant one thing: a concentration of personnel where they are least needed, and a shortage where they are most needed.
While Zone 2 swelled with officers, reportedly far exceeding standard staffing expectations, divisional police stations, community posts, and rural commands have continued to operate below capacity.
The result?
* Slower response times
* Reduced police visibility in neighborhoods
* Overworked officers in understaffed stations
* Communities left feeling exposed
No serious policing system can justify that imbalance.
Security is not theoretical. It is not a concept measured in internal postings or administrative convenience. It is measured in presence: visible, responsive, and accessible.
When citizens say they do not “feel” the police, what they are really saying is simple: the system is not reaching them.
Redistributing personnel is not punishment. It is not arbitrary. It is the essence of operational policing.
This is precisely the thinking driving the current reforms under IGP Olatunji Disu—the deliberate repositioning of the Force to ensure that policing is not concentrated in a few administrative centres, but extended meaningfully to the communities that need it most.
The Inspector-General’s position is therefore not only defensible, it is necessary:
policing must be felt everywhere.
There is also an open secret that cannot be ignored.
Assignments to certain commands, particularly those linked to high-value civil disputes such as land matters, have historically attracted disproportionate interest. The concentration of officers in such zones is not always driven by operational need, but by perceived opportunity.
This distortion has long undermined equitable deployment.
Correcting it requires more than caution; it requires leadership and resolve, both of which are reflected in the current restructuring agenda of the Inspector-General.
Under the Nigeria Police Act, the Inspector-General of Police retains administrative authority over postings and redeployments within the Force.
Transfers are not extraordinary measures. They are routine instruments of:
* Discipline
* Efficiency
* Institutional balance
To label such actions as “illegal” without reference to any breached statute is to substitute sentiment for law.
More importantly, it distracts from the real issue:
Are officers deployed where Nigerians actually need them?
Nigeria is approaching a critical period.
With elections on the horizon, the demand for:
* Crowd control
* Community intelligence
* Rapid response capability
will increase significantly.
A police force clustered in administrative zones cannot meet that demand.
Lagos needs officers.
Ogun needs officers.
Communities need presence, not paperwork.
There is also a deeper dimension often ignored in public discourse; the welfare of officers themselves.
Overconcentration in some commands and understaffing in others creates:
* Burnout in frontline stations
* Irregular shifts
* Mental fatigue
* Reduced effectiveness
A properly distributed force, one of the core objectives of the current restructuring led by IGP Olatunji Disu allows for:
* Structured shifts
* Better rest cycles
* Improved mental health
* Higher operational efficiency
This is not just about deployment. It is about sustainability.
It is worth noting that previous leaderships have attempted to decongest Zone 2. Those efforts faltered, not because they were wrong, but because they lacked the consistency and institutional backing required to see them through.
Reform, by its nature, is disruptive.
But disruption is not dysfunction.
It is often the first step toward order.
The debate, therefore, should not be:
“Why are officers being transferred?”
The real question is:
Why were so many officers concentrated in one administrative zone while communities remained under-policed?
Until that question is answered honestly, resistance to reform will continue to masquerade as concern.
At its core, policing exists for one purpose: to protect the public.
Not selectively.
Not strategically for advantage.
But universally.
If restructuring ensures that:
* more officers are on the streets,
* more communities are covered, and
* more citizens feel safe,
then it is not just justified, it is imperative.
The common man does not measure policing by internal postings.
He measures it by presence.
And under the current reform-driven leadership, that presence is being deliberately, and necessarily, restored.
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