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 West Africa, Gulf of Guinea. , Indian Sub-Continent, Central America and Nigeria.
The first presentation by Maj Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) subject expert on West Africa and Gulf of Guinea, discussed how Ecowas agrees on $2.4 Billion Fund for Regional Counter-Terrorism Force. Obiowo reported on 10 May 2024 that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that Heads of States of its member states have agreed to raise $2.4 billion to establish a standby counter-terrorism force to address security threats within the sub-region. Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security of ECOWAS, disclosed this during the opening of a three-day consultative meeting of commandants from the three designated ECOWAS Training Centres of Excellence on Tuesday.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Gen OO Adeleke (Rtd) pointed out that, The ASF represents a multinational, continental African, and diverse peacekeeping entity, encompassing military, law enforcement, and civilian components, all operating under the guidance of the African Union. The primary mission of the ASF is to be activated during periods of turmoil within the African continent. In view of this, in December 2022, ECOWAS reached an agreement after a summit to establish a regional peacekeeping force aimed at countering terrorism and reinstating democratic governance following military coups, and contribute to restoring democratic processes in nations affected by coups, such as Niger Republic Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. Speaking to VOA, Rotimi Olawale, a political analyst based in Abuja, welcomed the move, noting that ECOWAS has prior experience in creating peacekeeping forces, such as ECOMOG in the 1990s, which played a role in restoring peace in various countries, including Liberia.
He recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should use its position at the ECOWAS to institute a comprehensive peace arrangement that would facilitate ease of implementation of the establishment of the counterterrorism standby force.
Similarly the second presentation by Brig Gen WD Nasiru Subject Expert on Indian Sub-Continent, focused his presentation on the Nepal Government Aims to Construct Waterways Transportation in the Sunkoshi and Narayani Rivers. On 15 May 2024, Tourism Mail, a prominent publication in Kathmandu, Nepal, reported a significant development in Nepal’s transportation sector. The Nepalese government has announced plans to enhance transportation via waterways, marking a new chapter in the country’s infrastructure advancement. President Ramchandra Poudel made this announcement during the presentation of the government’s policies and programs to a joint session of the Federal Parliament. The President outlined the strategic vision for the country, emphasizing the need for diversified and modern transportation solutions.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Brig Gen WD Nasiru, Recall that, Nigeria, with its vast network of rivers, lakes, and a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, has immense potential to develop water transportation as a significant means to enhance economic development. The country’s inland waterways span over 10,000km, providing a natural infrastructure that, if properly harnessed, can alleviate congestion on roads, reduce transportation costs, and facilitate trade both domestically and internationally (Akpudo C. and Stephens S. 2020). According to Professor Bamidele Badejo (2010), Nigeria boasts over 3000 km of navigable waters, many of which remain in their natural state. Historically, these waterways served as vital communication routes, connecting the coast to the hinterland. Foreign trading companies utilized the Niger and Benue Rivers, along with the Delta Creeks, for transport.
He recommended that the federal government of Nigerian, through the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMoT) in conjunction with the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) should prioritizes the modernization and expansion of ports and inland water facilities through public and private investments.
Equally the third presentation by Brig Gen Cc Ogbu subject expert on Nigeria discussed how Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Increases To 33.69% For the Fourth Time In 2024. On Wednesday, 15 April 2024, Intel Region News reported that Nigeria’s inflation rate has increased again to 33.69% for the fourth time in 2024. The headline inflation accelerated to a new 28-year high in April, hitting 33.69% year-on-year, up from 33.20% in March. This was according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released the same day, Wednesday. In April 2024, the headline inflation rate increased to 33.69% relative to the March 2024 head line inflation rate, which was 33.20%,” the Bureau said in its report. Looking at the movement, the April 2024 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 0.49% points when compared to the March 2024 headline inflation rate.“ On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.47% points higher compared to the rate recorded in April 2023, which was 22.22%.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria Brig Gen Cc Ogbu pointed out that, Inflation refers to an overall increase in the prices of goods, services and the cost of living over a period of time (IMF, 2024). It is a complex economic phenomenon with varied causes. According to Meta AI, 2024, causes of inflation include: Demand and Supply Imbalance: When demand exceeds supply, businesses respond by increasing prices. Monetary Policy: An increase in money supply, often caused by central banks printing more money, without an increase in the production of goods. Economic Growth: A rapidly growing economy can lead to increased demand and higher prices.
He recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria through The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should adjust interest rates and money supply to reduce inflationary pressures and also should enforce the regulation of prices of essential goods and services in order to alleviate the burden on citizens.
Lastly the fourth presentation by Brig Gen Ed Idimah subject expert on Central America discussed how Nicaragua Cancels A Controversial Chinese Interoceanic Canal Concession. After nearly a decade, Nicaragua’s congress finally canceled on Wednesday, May 8th, a controversial canal concession granted to a Chinese businessman that critics said endangered the environment and threatened to displace rural communities. Despite a symbolic “groundbreaking” in 2014, no work was done on the canal that was to link Nicaragua’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts. At one point, crews broke ground on access roads near the canal but digging the waterway never started. Thousands of Nicaraguan farmers had protested against land seizures meant to create a route for the government-backed project.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria Brig Gen Ed Idimah stressed out that, however, detractors argued it posed serious environmental risks, would displace thousands of families in the countryside and was financially unfeasible the canal concession was granted to the Hong Kong-based company HK Nicaragua Canal Development Investment Co. Limited, owned by Chinese businessman Wang Jing. Overall, Nigeria can learn from Nicaragua’s experience to ensure the successful and sustainable implementation of the Lagos – Calabar superhighway, addressing environmental, social, financial, and security considerations while prioritizing transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
He recommended that the Federal Government of Nigeria should ensure community engagement and consultation with affected communities to address concerns and prevent resistance and also implement measures to prevent environmental degradation, deforestation and habitat destruction.
