News
Nigeria Contributes ₦85 Billion Levy to ECOWAS.
In a significant development for regional cooperation, the Nigerian government has announced the release of ₦85 billion (approximately $54 million) as a community levy to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This payment was confirmed by Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, during his introductory remarks at the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
This contribution marks a historic moment, as it represents Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling 100 percent of its community levy obligations for the first time in 19 years, covering the period from January 2023 through July 2024. President Touray expressed his appreciation for this milestone, highlighting the leadership of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and the dedication of the Nigerian government and its citizens towards the ECOWAS community.
However, the ECOWAS President also addressed ongoing challenges related to the remittance of community levies from other member states. He noted that delays in payments remain a pressing issue, underscoring the need for member nations to fulfill their financial obligations to ensure the community’s financial stability.
The meeting, chaired by President Tinubu, brings together twelve heads of state amidst rising tensions due to the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS. Key topics on the agenda include evaluating sanctions against these nations, addressing regional security threats, and discussing the implementation of the proposed single currency, the ECO, aimed at enhancing economic integration within the region.
As ECOWAS navigates these complex issues, Nigeria’s substantial financial commitment stands as a testament to its leadership role and dedication to fostering unity and stability within West Africa.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
