African Leaders Resolve To Pursue Implementation Of E-visa For Free Movements

July 16, 2023

African Heads of State and Government have declared their commitment to pursue the implementation of E-visa to facilitate free movements of the citizens of the continent.
It also expressed determination to advance integration, development and cooperation within the continent.
The leaders, representing the Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) and Chairpersons of the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as well as Regional Mechanisms (RMs), made the resolutions with the adoption of a draft, at the end of the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of AU in Nairobi, Kenya today, July 26.
The meeting, chaired by President Azali Assoumani of Comoros and the Chairperson of the African Union, was attended by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria who doubles as Chairperson of ECOWAS. In attendance too were the Presidents of Kenya, Egypt, Gabon, Djibouti, Libya, Senegal and DR Congo.
The leaders expressed the support for initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity and tourism within Africa, including the implementation of E-visa facilitation.
They pledged to champion the ratification of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons to effectively support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.
The leaders vowed to support the operationalization and expansion of key initiatives such as the AfCFTA Adjustment Facility, Payment and Settlement System, and Guided Trade Initiative, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and economic cooperation.
Earlier at the meeting, President Tinubu, in his capacity as the Chairperson of ECOWAS, presented a comprehensive report on the progress and challenges faced in regional integration.
He emphasized ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting stability, democracy and economic growth in Africa, underscoring the sub-regional organization’s dedication to good governance, rule of law and democratic values.
President Tinubu reaffirmed ECOWAS’ readiness to actively combat security challenges, working towards the integration and prosperity of the region.

We Cannot Afford To Create 2 Africa; One Moving, The Other Stagnating – Tinubu

Editorial staff

July 16, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cautioned against creating two Africa from one continent.

He said: ”we must advance as one continent toward peace and prosperity.

”Otherwise, we risk the creation of two or more Africa, one a select group of nations moving steadily while the rest remain trapped in the age-old mire of poverty, conflict and lack of hope.

”It is very clear that in the area of peace, security, and stability, our region is confronted with the twin challenges of terrorism and reversal of democratic gains through undemocratic changes of Government.

”To address these challenges, the ECOWAS Authority, which I have the honour to chair, has given directive regarding the enhancement of the role of the ECOWAS Standby Force for deployment to fight terrorism and undemocratic changes in government.

”The Authority has also resolved to raise our own funding internally to finance the peace support operations in our community.”

President Tinubu spoke today, July 16 in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (5thMYCM) of the African Union (AU), the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and the African Union Member-States.

President Tinubu warned that past plundering and exploitation of the continent should remain in the past and never be repeated.

The Nigerian leader, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, highlighted the progress made by ECOWAS in various sectors of its integration process, including trade, free movement of persons, investment promotion, infrastructure development, and security.

In the statement entitled “Address on Status of Regional Integration in ECOWAS,” he emphasized the need for Africa to overcome its challenges and work towards a prosperous future, focusing on inclusive growth, good governance, and leveraging the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Calling for good governance to ensure a prosperous future for Africa, free from the exploitations of the past, President Tinubu said: “As Africans, we forge ahead no matter the barriers thrust before us.

“The world we inhabit is often unkind and uncertain. Past history and current global difficulties argue against our future success.

”Lessons of the past few years teach us that the world economy can be disrupted in ways that halt progress and invite downturn. Our nations can suddenly find themselves in dire situations if we choose to be passive observers of our fate.

”Such passivity does not commend itself to me. I will not listen to it. Neither should any African. The challenges we face mean that governance will be difficult.

”They also mean that visionary good governance is necessary. Some observers assert a new scramble for Africa is afoot and it is much like the old scramble that plundered our continent.

”But, here and now, let it be said to whomever the new scramblers might be that our continent may be old but our spirit is new. And it is strong. The bad that took place in the past must stay there. It shall never be repeated.”

On peace, security, and stability, the Nigerian leader acknowledged the challenges faced by the sub-region, including terrorism and anti-constitutional changes in government.

”We sit here in meaningful discussion of vital economic matters. Yet, it will be impossible to bring full meaning to what we attempt unless we give due consideration to the instability and conflict that now scar many of our nations.

”The fullness of the integration we seek will elude us as long as several of our nations stand in the mist on violence and war.

”The trade and commerce we talk of today refers to valued goods and services that improve life. The trade and commerce these nations suffer is of destruction and disorder that takes lives and steals opportunity.

”We cannot integrate Africa and attain the prosperity we seek while our nearby brothers and sisters suffer in pain and anguish, they should not suffer.

“Meanwhile, we have continued to monitor the transition programmes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.”

President Tinubu said that during the recently concluded ECOWAS Summit in Bissau, West African leaders resolved to maintain engagement with Mali, Burkina Faso, to assiduously work towards the implementation of the 24-month transition calendars agreed with ECOWAS.

According to him, to assist Burkina Faso and Mali in defending their territories from occupation by terrorists, ECOWAS has decided to provide support for their security agencies.

He appealed to international partners to assist to provide necessary support that will ensure the restoration of democratic order in these Member-States.

On trade, President Tinubu said that ECOWAS has achieved the Free Trade Area and is working on establishing the Customs Union and Common Market.

He expressed concern about the low level of intra-community trade among member-states, noting that the European Union remains the major trading partner for the region, followed by Asia, North America, and the rest of Africa.

Highlighting efforts made by ECOWAS to consolidate the gains of its trade liberalization scheme and support the implementation of the AfCFTA, the Nigerian leader said the ECOWAS Commission had been assisting member-states in the negotiations, ratification, and implementation of the AfCFTA.

He noted that 13 out of the 15 ECOWAS member states have ratified the agreement.

On free movement of persons, President Tinubu said that ECOWAS has commenced action towards the implementation of the Harmonized Visa-Regime (ECOVISA) to facilitate the free movement of non-ECOWAS citizens.

On regional infrastructure development, President Tinubu reaffirmed ECOWAS’ focus on building regional infrastructure, including the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor Highway, to promote economic activities and integration.

”The Feasibility and Preliminary Design and Studies show a significant investment cost of nearly US$15 billion for the whole highway with an average economic rate of return of 15% per annum. In the same vein, preparations are under way for the development of the other corridors, namely the Abidjan-Praia-Dakar.”

On intra-regional cooperation, the President said that a joint border post between Nigeria and Cameroon was recently commissioned and handed over in November 2022 to the authorities of the two countries.

He described the project as a bridge between ECOWAS and ECCAS and a solid foundation for future cooperation and integration between the regions and ultimately the African continent.

President Tinubu also provided an update on the energy sector, expressing delight that several generation and inter-connection projects had been implemented within the region.

According to him, with the completion of the electric interconnection between Cote d’Ivoire-Liberia-Sierra Leone- Guinee (1,300 km) and between Senegal-The Gambia-Guinee Bissau and Guinee (1,700 km), all the 15 countries in West Africa have now been interconnected.

”The completion of the Information and Coordination Centre of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) will enable member-states to buy and sell electricity in the region as this centre will act as a regional system operator within the framework of the regional electricity market,” he said.

The ECOWAS chairperson also provided updates on investment promotion, the ECOWAS Cybersecurity Agenda to combat cybercrime and improve cybersecurity capabilities in member states.

As the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu expressed his honour to participate, for the first time, in the Mid-Year Meeting of AU.

While commending AU for their efforts in strengthening collaboration and coordination between the continental and regional bodies, President Tinubu thanked the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya for hosting the meeting and providing excellent facilities for the participants.

Group Identifies 3.3 Million Refugees In Nigeria, Moves To Launch Appeal Fund For Them

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2023

A faith-based philanthropic group, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society has identified over 3.3 million people that are currently internally displaced in Nigeria.
The group, in partnership with a UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has concluded an arrangement to organise fundraising activities to mobilise resources to support such internally displaced persons in the country.
“This partnership with UNHCR is an expansion of the work Al-Habibiyyah is doing to support the less privileged in society.”
A statement today July 16 from the group, quoted the National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, as saying that the over 3.3 million IDPs in Nigeria cut across different regions of northeast, northwest, and northcentral.
“The perennial farmers-herders clashes in the northcentral as well as the banditry and kidnappings in the northwest have added to the displacement emergency in the northeast caused by non-state-armed groups. “These displaced communities are in dire need of support for basic amenities such as shelter, health, education, access to clean water, and protection from sexual violence.
“UNHCR has been at the forefront, responding to the needs of these IDPs, but the increasing number of displaced persons in Nigeria has exacerbated resources.
This partnership between UNHCR and the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society intends to mobilise support from Nigeria’s Muslim community and galvanise the spirit of Islamic philanthropy as a tool to support some of the most vulnerable populations amongst us.”
Imam Fuad Adeyemi recalled that the group fed no fewer than 2,000 people per day during the last Muslim Ramadan fasting through its food bank program in Abuja.
“We have over 20 years experience in fundraising as evident in our annual distribution of Zakat,”
Al-Habibiyyah is a faith-based organization in Nigeria whose mandate includes the propagation of Islam in Nigeria and beyond, Islamic & secular education, inter-religious dialogue, provision of social services such as health care, education & welfare assistance to people in need as well as the advancement of Islamic culture in all facets of human activities.
The group collaborates with fellow Muslims, Islamic organizations, and other refutable impact-making organizations whose vision & mandate matches theirs to deliver interventions that promote the well-being of the people and human dignity.
Similarly, UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency that leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution.
It delivers life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future.
Since its formation by the United Nations General Assembly in 1951, UNHCR has helped millions of forcibly displaced people restart their lives and has received the Nobel Peace Prize twice.
In line with its global mandate, UNHCR in Nigeria works to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and asylum-seekers, refugee returnees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and stateless men, women and children.

Military Coups Threaten Peace, Security; Cause Poverty, Others In Africa – Tinubu

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2023

Nigerian President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that military Coups threaten peace, security and stability, and engender poverty, displacement and humanitarian crises in Africa.

Speaking today, July 15, in Nairobi, Kenya, Tinubu asked African leaders to respect democracy, rule of law, and ensure political stability.

In his statement at a high-level event, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the margins of Fifth Mid-Year African Union (AU) Coordination Meeting, President Tinubu called on African military institutions and states to recognize and respect the need for democratic renewal.

The Nigerian leader, who is also the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said coups d’état should be discouraged in the continent, especially in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, and climate change.

The President, in his statement, presented by Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that it is regrettable that West Africa, despite its numerous instruments and mechanisms for promoting democracy and good governance, is leading other regions in the use of unconstitutional means to change governments.

He warned that the ugly trend of the military straying into the political arena is causing threats to peace, security and stability, and engendering poverty, displacement, and humanitarian crises.

”This ugly trend has only succeeded in threatening the peace, security and stability of the sub-region and by extension the African continent, leaving in its trail poverty, internally-displaced persons and humanitarian crisis. In the same vein, this ugly trend has also led to food shortages and escalated health challenges.

”We therefore must take deliberate steps to address the root causes of unconstitutional changes and coups d’état in Africa. As a continent, we cannot make progress toward achieving the goals and targets of the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, as well as those of AU Agenda 2063 for the “Africa We Want.

”Between 2020 and now, Africa has witnessed six successful coups d’état and three unsuccessful attempts. This rise in military takeovers and unconstitutional changes in government disrupts our democratic processes and undermine stability on the continent.

”It is for this reason that I call on all African leaders at all levels to make concerted efforts in respecting the tenets of democracy and the rule of law, in order to ensure political stability on the continent.”

Reiterating that Africa has no intention of regressing on its democratic gains and credentials, as well as its maturing democratic political culture, President Tinubu said:

”I call on all Afro-centric supranational organisations, especially the African Union, the various Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms, to individually and collectively adopt Protocols on democracy and good governance, and ensure their effective implementation.”

While acknowledging that democracy may present challenges in terms of management and dynamics, President Tinubu reiterated that it is the best form of government for 21st century Africa.

Drawing a comparison between military rule and democratic regimes, he noted that democracy ensures good governance, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.

Emphasizing the need to disincentivize coups d’état, the ECOWAS Chairperson urged the United Nations to take a firm stance against military coups.

”It is my view that while grappling with the challenges caused by the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other geostrategic tragedies, including insecurity and climate change amongst others, African leaders must disincentivize coups d’état.

”The United Nations must also stand firm and unyielding in its opposition to military coups,” he said.

He acknowledged that democracy and development are interconnected in achieving sustainable goals and the African vision, adding that commitment to democratic principles and governance is crucial for long-term peace, security, and economic growth.

As Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President expressed his readiness to work with the UNDP and other development partners to advance the course of democracy on the African continent.

The Nigerian leader thanked UNDP for inviting him to deliver a goodwill message at the event and assured the organization of his commitment to confronting the issue of military coups and promoting democratic renewal in Africa.

”The issue of Military Coups and the need for Democratic renewal in Africa is one that I am passionate about and indeed committed, along with my colleagues, to confront and we are prepared to change the narratives,” he said.

He commended the UNDP for launching its flagship report “Soldiers and Citizens: Military Coups and the Need for Democratic Renewal in Africa,” stating that the military has no place in the governance of the 21st Century Africa.

Jide Okeke, UNDP Regional Programme Coordinator (Africa), said his organization invited the Nigerian leader after his inspiring message, denouncing military coups, during his inauguration as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on July 9.

He expressed delight that President Tinubu’s presence and participation in the UN high-level event demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values and stability, reasserting Nigeria’s leadership in Africa and the global community.

He described the President’s message as sending a positive signal to the international community about Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values and stability.

On UNDP flagship report, the African Regional Coordinator said it is timely in advancing Nigeria’s vision of stability for West Africa and the continent as a whole.

He explained that the report combines empirical data, literature, and personal stories from citizens who have lived through coups, contrasting their experiences with those in countries transitioning to democracy.

Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambian Abroad, Dr Mamadou Tangara, Hanna Tetteh, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission, delivered their respective remarks at the event.

DSS Charges Suspended CBN Gov, Emefiele, With Possession Of Firearms

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2023

After all the noise, the Department of State Service (DSS) has finally charged the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition

The charge of illegally possessing of firearms is a downgrade of much weightier allegations of terrorism financing and economic sabotage which the DSS earlier levelled against Emefiele.

The case is based on two counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

A copy of the charges shared on the television’s website showed that the case was filed on Thursday (13 July), the same day a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja gave the DSS one-week ultimatum to either charge him in court or release him.

The DSS had held Emefiele, who was arrested on 10 June, for over a month without charge until Thursday’s ruling.

In the newly filed case, the agency accused Emefiele of possessing a single-barrel shotgun (JOJEFF MAGNUM 8371) without a licence; an offence said to be contrary to Section 4 of the Firearms Act, and punishable under Section 27 (1b) of the same Act.

In the second count, the DSS charged him with illegally possessing 23 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a licence. The offence is also said to be contrary to Section 8 of the Firearms and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b)(il) of the same Act.

The case has not been assigned to a judge.

Source: Channels Television reports.

Dana Air To Train, Employ 50 Youth Corpers

Greenbarge Reporters

July 16, 2023

Dana Air has announced plans to absorb and train over 50 Corp members and interns as part of it’s broad Corporate Social Responsibility,
The airline said that the training will be across various areas which includes Human Resources, IT, Ticketing, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Commercial, Marketing and others.
Speaking on the CSR drive, the Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Ememobong Ettete said: “Dana Air’s CSR initiative is broad-base and inclusive.
“Since inception, we have trained a lot of corps members and interns who ended up becoming Cabin crew, Ticketing officers, customer Service agents, HR Officers and even Accountants.
“The list is endless, and this is because we believe that we can create a career path for these young Nigerians and give them a clear direction as most of them are actually very passionate about aviation but have not got the opportunity to explore or venture, but we have been creating that window for them and the impact has been huge.
”Yes, it is happening at a peculiar time but CSR is a commitment and everything doesn’t have to be rosy for you to be driven to implement it.
”We also have those who are currently doing their OJT ( On the job training) with us and they are doing incredibly well also.”

Don’t Try The “Nonsense” Of Sit-At-Home In Yoruba Land, Aare Onakakanfo Warns Biafran Agitator

Greenbarge Reporters

July 15, 2023

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams has warned Simon Ekpa, factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), not to bring the sit-at-home protest into Lagos State, the heartbeat of Yoruba Land.
Adams further warned that the South-West is not part of “the Biafra Republic’ and as such, it is preposterous for “outsiders to dictate or impose their agenda on people of other regions who they cohabit with as residents.”
Aare Onakakanfo was today, July 15, reacting to Simon Ekpan, self-acclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu who ordered a sit-at-home protest in Lagos State, saying that the order is part of actions to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Gani Adams cautioned the Finnish-based ethnic propagandist to desist from “repeating the mistake of the 1970s,” and drop the move.
“I can’t go to the South East now and say I want to decide for the people of that region. So, it is not possible to import the South-East agenda into Yorubaland. It would be counter-productive. We advise him (Ekpa) to drop that idea.
“He should not try that nonsense. The South West is not Biafra Republic. Any attempt to impose the Biafra Republic agenda will be resisted. He should desist from repeating the mistake of the 1970s. He should be very, very careful.
“They are entitled to their opinion, but South West is not their Biafran region. He should be very, very careful,” Gani warned Ekpa.
Source: Tribune.

We’ve Fully Settled Our Financial Obligations To African Union – Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

July 15, 2023

The Permanent Secretary in the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa has confirmed that Nigeria has fulfilled all its financial obligations to the African Union (AU) by making full payment of its assessed contributions for the year 2023.
Speaking today, July 15, on the sidelines of the 43rd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU in Nairobi, Kenya, Ambassador Lamuwa said that the payment demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to its responsibilities as an AU member-state.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for living up to expectations not only as the Chairperson of ECOWAS but also as a President who emphasizes prompt payment of financial assessments.
During the Executive Council meeting, the Permanent Secretary shared Nigeria’s stance on the proposed 2024 Budget of the AU.
He welcomed the consideration of the economic outlook of African countries and the execution rate of AU departments and organs, over the past three years, in the budget drafting process.
‘‘Nigeria emphasized the importance of an austerity-driven, results-oriented budget that avoids duplication.
‘‘Accountability and prudent resource management were also highlighted to encourage other member countries to fulfill their financial obligations.”
The Permanent Secretary called for synergy and complementarity among AU organs and departments and requested that the AU Commission (AUC) reduce travel costs by hosting more meetings at its headquarters in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia.
He stressed the need for compliance with internal audit processes to ensure transparency and accountability.
Ambassador Lamuwa also highlighted that the ministerial-level meeting preceding the Heads of State’s participation adopted the theme of Education for the AU in 2024.
He said that this aligns well with President Tinubu’s focus on education as a priority area domestically, making his leadership in Nigeria and ECOWAS timely and beneficial.
President Tinubu is scheduled to attend the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting tomorrow, July 16, in Nairobi, where discussions on other significant matters will take place.
Nigeria is one of the major financial contributors to the African Union (AU), alongside four other member-states.
The AU’s 2023 budget of $654.8 million is primarily financed through annual statutory contributions and voluntary contributions from development partners, as well as other miscellaneous income.
Development partners play a crucial role in supporting the AU’s budget, covering at least 67% of the total amount while Member-states, including Nigeria, contribute to the remaining balance of the budget based on the approved scale of assessment by the Executive Council.

NAF Aircraft Crashes In Benue, 2 Occupants Survive

Editorial staff

July 14, 2023

Nigerian Air Force FT-7NI trainer aircraft has crashed in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

In a statement today, July 14, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, e said that the incident occurred this evening, while the aircraft was on a routine training exercise.

Gabkwet said that two pilots onboard the aircraft survived and were being observed in a military facility.

The statement reads: “Luckily, the two pilots on board survived the crash after successfully ejecting from the aircraft. Additionally, there was no loss of lives or damage to any property around the area of impact.

“Both pilots are currently under observation at NAF Base Hospital, Makurdi. Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has constituted a Board of Inquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash.”

Source: NAN.

Reps To Probe Poor Handling Of This Year’s Pilgrimage In Saudi Arabia

Editorial staff

July 14, 2023

The House of Representatives have resolved to probe this year’s hajj operations in Saudi Arabia.

The decision to probe the Hajj operations was taken after the adoption of a motion, titled: “Need to Investigate the Untold Hardship Faced by Nigerian Pilgrims at the Recently Concluded 2023 Hajj,” sponsored by Ahmed Idris Wase (Plateau APC).

Wase, who was the Deputy Speaker of the 9th House, said that many public officials had no tent and were made to sleep in unhealthy places and conditions during the operation, and accused the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) mandated to cater to the pilgrims’ affairs of not ameliorating the plight of Nigerian Hajj pilgrims.

“We are aware that Nigerian pilgrims were subjected to untold hardships during the Hajj exercise from the inability of some airlines (such as Arik) to lift pilgrims due to lack of aircraft; lack of adequate tent accommodation at Mina and Arafat; substandard tents with unhealthy living conditions and environment; lack of proper medical attention to pilgrims in cases of emergency; lack of proper transportation logistics for Nigerian pilgrims; Nigerians being made to miss their flights due to stringent bottlenecks regarding withholding of their passports; and inability to secure airport slots for Nigerian airline operators for lifting of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia back to the country and many others.

“VIP pilgrims were made to pay about $5,000 for VIP tents and despite this exorbitant amount, pilgrims were stranded while others got tents of lesser value than what they paid for.

“Some tour operators perpetrated the worst form of unprofessionalism by failing to provide services promised to pilgrims in terms of accommodation, tent, feeding or transportation.

“It is disturbing that there was the absence of emergency medical services for sick pilgrims in distress at Mina camp as many distressed patients could not be attended to due to restrictions of ambulance access to the camp.”

The House ordered the Committee on Pilgrims Affairs, when constituted, to investigate and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

It also ordered the Committee on Legislative Compliance, when constituted, to ensure implementation.

Fourteen pilgrims died during this year’s Hajj.

According to the head of the Nigerian medical team for the pilgrimage, Dr. Usman Galadima, seven pilgrims died during pre-Arafat, and that there was one casualty from Plateau State; two from Kaduna; two from Osun; one from Borno; one from Yobe; one from the Federal Capital Territory; one from Benue; while Lagos had one.

The House said that 95,000 Nigerians went for Hajj pilgrimage this year.

1...283284285...2,494 Page 284 of 2,494