Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. There were four presentations made by the Subject Experts on Eastern Europe, North Africa and Turkey, East/ Central Africa and Western Europe.
The first presentation was made by Brig Gen Ak Egwuagu (Rtd) subject experts on Eastern Europe. His presentation discussed on how, US Arrests Suspect linked to 2024 Moscow Terrorist Attack. Mohammad Sharifullah, was arrested by US authorities in Pakistan on Mar 2, 2025 and extradited to the US for his role in planning and coordinating terrorist attacks, including the deadly assault on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall concert venue in Mar 2024 (RT International, 10 Mar 2025). The US Department of Justice (DOJ) identified Mohammad as an Afghan national and a member of the offshoot of Islamic State (formerly ISIS) known as ISIS-K, an organization primarily active in Afghanistan. US authorities said Sharifullah admitted during FBI questioning, that he provided the Crocus City Hall attackers with instructions on how to use their weapons and specifically named two gunmen he had previously instructed. If convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Moscow’s attack on 22nd Mar 2024 involving four gunmen, was one of the biggest terrorist attacks in recent Russian history in which the assailants killed 145 people and injured over 500 others.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen Ak Egwuagu (Rtd) noted that, The colonial Nigerian government entered into an Extradition Treaty with the US on 22nd Dec 1931, (the 1931 Treaty) which came into force on 24th Jun 1935 and after it’s independence on 1st Oct 1960, the treaty became a statute of general application and part of the legal system of Nigeria. A multi-lateral document referred to as “The London Scheme of Extradition within the Commonwealth” (‘the Scheme’) was also introduced to govern extradition between the UK and Nigeria.
Section 1 of Nigeria’s Extradition Act provides that the President may by order apply the provisions of the Act which allows Nigeria to apply for extradition of a suspect in the UK under ‘the Scheme’, in the US, under ‘the 1931 Treaty’ and in other countries, under relevant treaties with Nigeria (Global Law Experts, 2022). Before an extradition order can be made under the Scheme being the basis for Section 2 (2) of Nigeria’s Extradition Act, CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (Nigeria’s Extradition Act), a prima facie case must be established against the suspect (Global Law Experts, 2022). Unfortunately, there is a problem with the extradition of foreigners to Nigeria as Nigerians who commit crimes in foreign jurisdictions are usually extradited to face criminal prosecution in those countries, while foreign nationals are hardly extradited to Nigeria (Global Law Experts, 2022). Sadly enough, there is almost no record of foreign nationals extradited to Nigeria to face criminal prosecution, making some scholars to ask, ‘what is the essence of the extradition treaties Nigeria entered with other countries?’ (Global Law Experts, 2022).
He recommended t that, The FGN should liaise with relevant international organizations to encourage countries to adopt similar laws and regulations to make it easier to investigate and prosecute crimes across borders.
Equally, the second presentation was made by Brig Gen S Musa subject experts on North Africa and Turkey. His presentation Centered on Türkiye’s Flag Carrier Aims to Integrate Africa with the World. According to Daily Sabah news report of 16 March 2025, – “Türkiye’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines aims to integrate Africa with the world by expanding its already substantial flight network on the continent even further as part of its 2033 strategy. Since its first flight to Africa in 1956, Turkish Airlines has started operations with 5 aircraft which grew to 52 in 1945. it had established 51 destinations in 39 African countries so far. The flight network’s expansion, one of the largest in the region, is a part of the airline’s “2033 Strategic plan’’. The airline’s journey to Africa started in the Egyptian capital Cairo almost 70 years ago. Turkish Airlines plans to bring larger prominence to the continent in global aviation with its strategic plan and investments. Africa is increasingly becoming more significant than ever before, with its unique cultural heritage, fast-growing economies and strategic location, while Turkish Airlines serves as a bridge connecting the continent to Europe and the U.S. The airline supports the continent’s aviation infrastructure, tourism and trade through various investments, hence directly contributing to the economic development of the region
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen S Musa noted that, Nigeria’s aviation sector has come a long way since the first aircraft landed in 1925. The landing of the first aircraft in 1925 and the bright future for aviation sector for Nigeria, provided the British Imperial Government the possibility of citing air fields in Nigeria. Consequently, the British imperial government identified potential airport sites in Nigeria, including Bauchi, Bida, Biu, Brass, Gboko and Gusau and established airfields in the 1930s (Fed Civil Aviation Authority, 1995). Historically, Nigeria had its first national carrier, the Nigerian Airways, established as a joint venture between the Nigerian govt, Elder Dempster and the British Overseas Airways Corporation in 1958 after the dissolution of West African Airways Corporation (Oguode, Odetude, 2016). By 1976 Nigerian Airways operated a fleet of 19 aircraft. However, the airline ceased operations in 2003 due to mismanagement, corruption and safety concerns. For instance, in 1997 and 2001, UK Civil Aviation Authority banned Nigerian Airways from operating in its territory citing safety concerns.
To replace the collapse of Nigeria Airways, the FG partnered with Virgin Atlantic Airways to establish Virgin Nigeria Airways in 2005 as its national carrier. The airline later rebranded as Nigerian Eagle Airlines. By June 2010, following the acquisition of the majority share in the airline by Air Devt Ltd, it had a further name change to Air Nigeria in 2010. By 6 September 2012, Air Nigeria announced that the management has fired its staff for being disloyal and the airline will ceased all its operations and the operations effectively stopped on 10 September 2012. Sadly and instructively, since 2012, Nigeria has been without a national carrier.
He recommended t that, Federal Ministry for Aviation should explore public-private partnerships to establish a national air carrier for Nigeria, leveraging private sector expertise and investment.
Similarly, the third presentation was made by Brig Gen ED Idimah subject experts on East and Central Africa. His presentation focused on how, CSOs Urged to Engage in Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses. On 16 March, 2025, Nile Post, Kampala, Uganda reported that Resource Rights Africa (RRA), with support from the European Union and the Enable-Belgian Development Agency TV, is implementing a 21-month project to strengthen civil society’s role in Business and Human Rights advocacy in Uganda. The project focuses on improving the monitoring and documentation of human rights abuses linked to business activities, assisting Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in supporting the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MoGLSD) in developing and using a Management Information System (MIS) and fostering dialogue for collective action on Business and Human Rights. In the Busoga sub-region, growing industries, such as large-scale sugar plantations and mineral extraction, have raised concerns about human rights abuses. These include issues like the lack of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from affected communities, particularly due to developments like the Makuutu Rare Earth Project, which could impact 5,000 families. A 2024 mapping by RRA identified significant capacity gaps in the region’s CSOs, especially in understanding the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and in human rights monitoring, documentation, and reporting.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen ED Idimah noted that, the exploitation of Nigeria’s oil reserves began in the 1950s, leading to significant economic growth but also to widespread environmental degradation and social unrest. The Niger Delta, rich in oil, has been the epicenter of conflicts between local communities and oil companies, such as Shell and Chevron. The human rights abuses linked to business activities of these oil companies have severe implications for local communities, including loss of livelihoods, health impacts from pollution, and violation of rights to land.These issues contribute to a cycle of poverty and instability in affected regions (Ikelegbe, 2005). For instance, Ogoni people have faced severe environmental pollution due to oil spills and gas flaring from Shell’s operations. Similarly, Chevron’s operations in the Niger Delta have led to displacement of communities and environmental degradation. While the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights emphasize the responsibility of businesses to respect human rights, however, the implementation of these principles in Nigeria remains weak, with insufficient legal frameworks to hold corporations accountable (Ruggie, 2011).
He recommended that, The FGN should encourage businesses to adopt CSR practices that will prioritize the development of host communities.
Lastly, the fourth presentation was made by Brig Gen YI Tukura subject experts on Western Europe His Presentation discussed on Fiscal Year 2024: Audi Pushes ahead with transformation and Model initiative. The Audi Media Centre reported on 18 March 2025 the group’s solid financial performance in 2024 despite economic challenges, with revenue reaching €64.5 billion and an operating profit of €3.9 billion. The company delivered 1.7 million vehicles, including 164,480 fully electric cars. Audi aims to strengthen its market position in key regions, launching over 20 new models by 2025, including the A6 and Q3. To enhance efficiency, Audi’s management and works council secured a long-term job protection plan for its work force while streamlining operations for the transition to electric mobility. Lamborghini saw a 5.7% rise in deliveries, while Bentley and Ducati experienced slight declines. Audi’s financial results showed an operating margin of 6%, net cash flow of €3.1 billion, and a profit after tax of €4.2 billion. Looking ahead, Audi remains focused on transformation, optimizing processes through operational strategies to sustain profitability.
Despite ongoing market volatility and intensified competition, the company expects 2025 revenue between €67.5 billion and €72.5 billion, with an operating margin of 7-9%.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen YI Tukura pointed out that, The Nigerian automotive industry has experienced a dynamic journey, reflecting the nation’s economic shifts and policy decisions. In the 1970s and 1980s, the sector flourished, sustained by joint ventures between the government and international car manufacturers. However, economic downturns, currency fluctuations, and the end of the oil boom led to a decline in domestic production. Consequently, the industry struggled to maintain its momentum, leading to an increased reliance on imported vehicles (Overseas Development Institute, 2023). Currently, Nigeria’s growing middle class, estimated between 50 to 100 million people, represents a significant potential market for automobiles. Despite this, the nation remains heavily dependent on imports, with vehicle imports reaching approximately $2.3 billion in 2021 (Overseas Development Institute, 2023). Additionally, Nigeria imports automotive spare parts and other components primarily from China and South Africa, totaling $4.5 billion in 2021. This import dependency underscores the challenges facing domestic production (Overseas Development Institute, 2023).
He recommended that, The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in collaboration with the Ministry of Power should develop infrastructure to support the use of electric vehicles.
