News
ECOWAS chair warns U.S action could undermine trade, diplomacy in West Africa
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has strongly criticised proposed U.S. visa restrictions targeting West African nations, warning that the policy could severely disrupt trade, diplomacy, and regional development.
Speaking during the opening of the 54th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the Ministerial Level in Abuja on Wednesday, Tuggar expressed concern that the restrictions—reportedly affecting all ECOWAS member states—could diminish the U.S strategic influence in a region rich in economic and security potential.
“It would be most unfortunate if it comes to pass,” Tuggar stated.
“We are a region of opportunities ready to do deals. But visa restrictions are non-tariff barriers to those deals.”
He further described the move as both economically shortsighted and diplomatically damaging, pointing out that ECOWAS nations are home to critical minerals essential to the global economy.
“We possess critical minerals and rare earths like Samarium from Monazite, found in my home state of Bauchi,” Tuggar said. “We in this part of the world have been participants in international trade even before the modern state system.”
Tuggar called on Washington to reconsider its stance and embrace a partnership model rooted in mutual benefit. He emphasized that ECOWAS is open for business but won’t wait indefinitely.
“The opportunity is there for the U.S. to partner with us on shared prosperity,” he added. “The real question is: who’s willing to take it? We welcome partners who enable smooth engagement, including the free movement of officials, entrepreneurs, and experts who close the deals that matter.”
The proposed visa restrictions reportedly stem from concerns outlined in a U.S. State Department memo, which cites poor civil documentation, weak identity verification, and limited cooperation with U.S. immigration processes.
Countries mentioned include Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Liberia, all expected to meet updated requirements within 60 days or face travel bans.
The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the general public of the planned resumption of the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit policy pending the final determination of the matter currently before the court. This decision follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens.
It is important to clarify that at no point did the court restrain the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the provisions of the law regarding the use of tinted glass on vehicles. Nonetheless, in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience, the Force suspended enforcement to allow motorists ample opportunity to regularise their documentation and complete the registration process without pressure.
Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass. Some individuals and organised criminal groups have exploited this gap to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes. In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard our communities. Consequently, enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit will resume on 2nd January, 2026.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, assures the public that the renewed enforcement will be carried out with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws. He adds that the Force remains committed to promoting public safety and upholding the rule of law while working collaboratively with all stakeholders to keep Nigeria secure.
Meanwhile, motorists who require the Tinted Glass Permit are encouraged to apply through the approved channels and ensure that their vehicles comply with legal procedures.
CSP FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
15th December, 2025
News
Bianca Ojukwu’s Daughter Joins Her Mother at the ECOWAS Council of Ministers Session in South Africa
Following a recent post by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, on her official Instagram account on Monday, 15th December, 2025, the minister shared a noteworthy moment from the ECOWAS 95th Session of the Council of Ministers held in South Africa.
In the post, Ambassador Ojukwu revealed that her daughter, Chi, who works with UN Tourism, accompanied her to the high-level regional meeting to gain firsthand insight into the demands of diplomatic service. According to the minister, the experience offered her daughter a clearer understanding of the intensity and dedication required in her role as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She explained that the council’s deliberations often stretched late into the night, sometimes well past midnight, with long hours spent in the conference hall and sustained by endless cups of tea. The demanding schedule, she noted, was far more intense than her daughter had anticipated
The post has since drawn reactions from followers, many of whom praised Ambassador Ojukwu for mentoring the next generation through exposure to international diplomacy and commended her commitment to regional cooperation and public service within ECOWAS.
News
Late Ambassador Demola Seriki’s last wife accuses family of denying her and their children access to his graveside
All appears not to be well with the family former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Late Demola Seriki, left behind. The Lagos politician and former minister passed away on Thursday, December 15, 2022, in Madrid, Spain at the age of 63 leaving behind three wives and his children.
Today marked three years since he passed away.
His last wife, Princess Sholape and her children had visited his graveside to pray for the repose of his soul. Sholape in a video she shared online this evening, said she and her kids were denied access into the vault to offer their prayers for the repose of his soul. According to her, a certain Biola has refused to grant herself and her kids access to the graveside and has instructed that visitation to his grave must be done only by her approval.
Sholape shared a video of herself and her two children at the grave.
‘’The keys for the vault has been seized and we have been refused access to it. Today we speak up and we will get on with things. It’s okay. It doesn’t stop up. We have done our prayers’’
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSS3dopDVBM/?igsh=ZDQ1ZTJsYXlobTU3
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION OF ENFORCEMENT OF TINTED GLASS PERMIT
Bianca Ojukwu’s Daughter Joins Her Mother at the ECOWAS Council of Ministers Session in South Africa
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