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ECOWAS parliament adopts $26m 2026 budget

The ECOWAS Parliament has adopted a budget of 19,636,030 Units of Account (26 million dollars) for the 2026 fiscal year, and announced plans to commemorate its 25th anniversary in November.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Hadjia Memounatou Ibrahima, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Ibrahima said the development followed the recent conclusion of its 2025 Second Extraordinary Session in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

She said the budget was adopted by the Parliament during plenary, stressing that, beyond being a mere accounting act, it was the engine of parliament’s commitment to West Africans.

”It will enable us to carry out our priority missions, including implementing the conclusions of the seminar on AI, while ensuring virtuous and transparent management of public funds entrusted to us.

”This budget represents a five per cent increase compared to the 2025 fiscal year budget, reflecting an upward adjustment of UA 939,233 from last year’s UA 18,996,897.

”Out of the budget of UA 19,636,030 for 2026, the sum of UA19, 368,394 representing 98.64 per cent is expected to be financed through the proceeds from the Community Levy, while UA257,636, equivalent to 1.36 per cent, will accrue from other sources,” Ibrahima said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ECOWAS Community Levy is a mandatory 0.5 per cent tax imposed on goods imported into ECOWAS member states from non-ECOWAS countries.

Member states are under a statutory obligation to pay the community levy, which is the main source of funding for ECOWAS institutions and their activities.

She, however, expressed dismay that some members of the community were still defaulting on the payment of the levy, and warned that, going forward, such would be met with sanctions.

Ibrahima also said that the commemoration of its 25th anniversary in November would highlight the ECOWAS Parliament’s achievements in deepening regional democracy, cooperation and growth, amid formidable challenges.

The Speaker describes the forthcoming anniversary as “a chance to showcase resilience and chart a more innovative, youth-focused future for the community”.

NAN

Niger gov hails Speaker Abbas at 60

Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has congratulated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

Bago, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Tuesday, said clocking 60 was a milestone that calls for celebration.

“60 years is a milestone; it is a diamond jubilee, a significant age that marks a life well lived, and this calls for celebration,” the governor was quoted as saying.

He described Abbas as “a calm, humble, passionate and intelligent lawmaker who has been making significant contributions to the National Assembly from 2011 to date.”

The governor commended the Speaker for providing exemplary leadership in the House, saying “it is a testament to his experience, competence, and commitment to fostering vibrant legislatures.”

He added, “The leadership of the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives has been characterised by peace and unity regardless of party affiliations for the common good of the people.”

Bago prayed that God would grant Abbas more years, sound health, and wisdom as he continues to lead the Green Chamber.

Income earned by ‘runs girls’ taxable – Taiwo Oyedele

The Federal Government has said that all income earned in Nigeria, including money made by ‘runs girls,’ is taxable under the law.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, stated this in a now-viral video from a tax education session by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Lagos.

Oyedele explained that upkeep money sent to dependants or relatives is not taxable, describing such transfers as “non-exchange transactions.”

He said, “You earn a certain amount of money and you have to send upkeep to your cousin, your brother, even a stranger, it doesn’t really matter.

“If the amount you’re sending to someone is money you are giving to them as a gift, that’s not taxable. It is you that should have paid tax before giving them a gift.”

However, he stressed that once payment is made for a service or product, the law requires taxation—regardless of whether the activity itself is legitimate.

He added, “If somebody is doing runs girls, right, they go and look for men to sleep with, you know that’s a service, they will pay tax on it.

“One thing about the tax law is it does not separate between whether what you are doing is legitimate or not. It just asks you whether you have an income.

“Did you get it from rendering a service or providing a good? You pay tax.”

Oyedele, however, urged Nigerians to look at the broader context of the new reforms, which he described as the most far-reaching in the nation’s history.

He said, “The starting point for me is always to give context. And the first thing, the first message, is a proverbial blind man and an elephant.

“Depending on the side of the elephant that they touched, they concluded what it was, maybe a fan, a wall, or a tree. But none of them got the right answer because they didn’t feel the big picture.”

According to him, the same mistake could be made if citizens focus only on one aspect of the sweeping tax changes.

He added, “One thing I can tell you is that the tax reforms enacted into law a few months ago, that will take effect from January next year, is the most transformative, most significant in our nation’s history.

“With over 200 significant changes and more than 400 pages combined, it is very easy and could be tempting to narrow it down to one issue. That would be making the same mistake as the blind man and the elephant.”

The reforms, he said, would impact individuals, business owners, employees, employers, and civil servants, with the aim of simplifying the tax system and improving compliance.

Canada lists India’s Bishnoi gang as ‘terrorist entity’

Canada on Monday declared India’s Bishnoi gang a “terrorist entity,” targeting a group linked to a murder that triggered a breakdown in relations between Ottawa and New Delhi last year.

Canada has accused the notorious syndicate — known for assassinations and extortion in India — of possible involvement in the murder of prominent Sikh activist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver.

Nijjar, who had advocated for a separate Sikh state carved out of India, was shot dead in a parking lot in 2023.

Following the incident, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have alleged that members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government worked with the “Bishnoi Group” to target Sikh activists in Canada.

India furiously rejected those charges, sparking a diplomatic fallout that saw both countries expel top diplomats.

Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said Monday’s terrorism designation gave Ottawa “more powerful and effective tools to confront” the Bishnoi group.

A statement from his office called the Bishnoi gang “a transnational criminal organization operating primarily out of India, with a presence in Canada, that generates terror through extortion and intimidation.”

The move comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office in March, seeks to repair ties with India that collapsed under his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.

Carney has courted India as part of an effort to deepen Canada’s trade ties in Asia, which the prime minister says is essential to offset the impact of the trade war with the United States.

Carney met one-on-one with Modi at the Canada-hosted G7 meeting in June, stressing “the significant commercial links between Canada and India.”

AFP

Schools, public spaces closed amid flood risk in Spain

Schools, libraries, and parks were closed on Monday in Valencia in eastern Spain after heavy rains prompted a red alert and fears of a repeat of deadly floods that hit the area last year.

Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, warned of a “very complicated situation” in the Mediterranean region.

The overnight downpours caused localised flooding and a ravine to overflow in Aldaia, one of the towns hardest hit by October 2024’s floods that killed more than 230 people. No injuries have been reported.

AEMET warned of “extraordinary danger” in the provinces of Valencia and Castellón, as well as the province of Tarragona in the neighbouring region of Catalonia.

Schools and universities will stay closed in the city of Valencia on Monday, as well as public spaces including libraries, parks, gardens, markets, and cemeteries, local officials said.

Last year’s disaster sparked public anger over warning systems and emergency response, fuelling tensions between Spain’s left-leaning central government and conservative regional authorities.

Residents continue to protest, accusing officials of failing to provide timely alerts.

Because a warmer atmosphere holds more water, climate change increases the risk and intensity of flooding from extreme rainfall.

Nepal imposes travel ban on ex-PM over protest violence

Nepal has imposed travel bans on ousted prime minister KP Sharma Oli and four former senior officials as part of an investigation into deadly unrest earlier this month, the interior minister said Monday.

Youth-led protests that began on September 8 over a brief social media ban, economic hardship and corruption quickly morphed into nationwide fury after a deadly crackdown.

Two days of violence left at least 73 people dead, the parliament and government offices were burned down, and forced the government’s collapse.

In addition to Oli, travel bans have been placed on former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, former head of the National Investigation Department security agency, Hutaraj Thapa, and two other senior bureaucrats.

Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who is leading the Himalayan nation until elections in March 2026, set up a commission to probe the violence.

The restrictions were recommended Sunday by the commission.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal told AFP on Monday that the ban is “already in effect.”

Commission member Bigyan Raj Sharma said in a statement on Sunday that the five men must obtain permission to even leave the Kathmandu Valley as they “may need to appear for investigation at any time”.

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) estimates the private sector, including automobile, hotel and retail industries, endured losses worth $600 million.

Former prime minister Oli has blamed “infiltrators” for inciting bloodshed and alleges rifles used in the protests came from another source.

AFP

UPDATED: Russian strikes injure 10 in Ukraine

Ukraine said Sunday that Russia pounded the country with “hundreds” of drones and missiles overnight, wounding at least 10 people, as neighbouring Poland scrambled jets to secure its airspace.

The attacks came after Russia warned NATO against taking sterner action in response to alleged incursions into airspace covered by the military alliance.

They also followed the revelation by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Kyiv had received a US-made Patriot air defence system from Israel for use against Russian assaults.

“Russia launched another massive air attack on Ukrainian cities while people were sleeping,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said on X.

“Again, hundreds of drones and missiles, destroying residential buildings and causing civilian casualties,” he said.

He posted footage of flames bursting from the windows of a multi-storey apartment block, which Sybiga said was as a result of the attack.

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that the Ukrainian capital was under a “massive” assault and urged people to stay in shelters.

He said at least six people had been wounded “as a result of the enemy’s attack”, five of whom were treated in hospital and one at the scene.

The governor of the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region said Russian strikes there had wounded at least four people.

Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, accused Moscow of waging a “war against civilians”.

“There will be a response to these actions. But the West’s economic blows against Russia must also be stronger,” Yermak said.

Poland’s armed forces said on X that they had scrambled fighter jets in its airspace and put ground-based air defence systems on high alert in response to the Russian strikes in Ukraine.

The moves were preventive and aimed at securing Polish airspace and protecting citizens, especially in areas close to Ukraine, the forces said.

– ‘They will regret it’ –

In recent weeks, several European countries have accused Russia of violating their airspace with drones and fighter jets, in what NATO has viewed as a test of its resolve.

Russia has denied that it is responsible for the incursions or that it plans to attack any NATO nation.

Speaking during an address at the UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday, Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said “any aggression against my country will be met with a decisive response”.

Speaking later to reporters, Lavrov said that if any country downs objects still within Russian airspace, “they will very much regret it”.

After returning from his own trip to New York, where he also addressed the UN, Zelensky told reporters that “the Israeli (Patriot) system is operating in Ukraine”, adding that Kyiv would receive two more this autumn.

While initially neutral in the conflict, Israel’s ties with Moscow have cooled as Russia has drifted closer to Iran and condemned Israel’s war in Gaza.

Kyiv and Moscow also said on Saturday that the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant — Europe’s largest — had been off the grid for four days, stoking fears of a potential nuclear incident.

International Paralympic Committee lifts partial suspensions of Russia, Belarus

The International Paralympic Committee on Saturday decided to lift a partial suspension of Russia and Belarus imposed since Moscow’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This decision, taken at the IPC’s general assembly meeting in Seoul, opens the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games next year.

However, competition in the six sports on the programme is governed by international federations that have so far maintained a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.

To be eligible, each athlete must have an active licence for the 2025/26 season from their international federations for para Alpine skiing, para cross-country skiing, para snowboarding, para biathlon, para ice hockey and wheelchair curling, which have currently suspended both countries.

The partial suspension was adopted by the IPC General Assembly in 2023, authorising Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games under a neutral flag and strict neutrality conditions.

The IPC had excluded the Russian and Belarusian Paralympic Committees from the Beijing 2022 Games.

The IPC’s latest decision comes eight days after the International Olympic Committee authorised the presence of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games under a neutral flag and strict neutrality conditions.

AFP

Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing Celebrates the Coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland

The Aare Apesinola of Ibadanland and Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, KOF, has felicitated with His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, FNSE, on the historic occasion of his coronation as the 44th custodian of the revered throne of Ibadanland.

In his congratulatory message, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing described the coronation as “a sacred fulfillment of divine destiny and a powerful confirmation of the timeless heritage of Ibadanland.” He noted that the Olubadan stool is a living symbol of authority and the embodiment of the Ibadan people’s indomitable spirit, collective wisdom, and resilience through the centuries.

“This enthronement is evidence of Your Imperial Majesty’s decades of service, sterling integrity, and selfless leadership. Today, Ibadan has been blessed with a king, a father to all, a custodian of tradition, and a paragon of truth, justice, and peace. Your emergence at this pivotal time assures us that Ibadan’s future is anchored on wisdom, prosperity, and unity,” he declared.

He further emphasized that the new reign marks a new dawn of hope and progress, not only for Ibadanland but also for Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. He pledged his loyalty and support to His Imperial Majesty, expressing confidence that under his guidance, Ibadan will continue to flourish as a cultural, political, and economic force.

He prayed for divine strength, sound health, and a long, peaceful reign for the monarch. He also urged all sons and daughters of Ibadanland to rally behind their king in unity of purpose.

“Kabiyesi o! Long may you reign in peace, honor, and greatness. May your throne continue to be a fountain of wisdom and a pillar of unity for generations to come,” he concluded.

NDLEA unveils German-built sniffer dog facility

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has lauded the donation of a newly built canine facility by the German government, stating that it will strengthen Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs.

The Agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), stated this on Friday at the commissioning of the modern canine complex in Lagos.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the German government’s intervention demonstrates the importance it attaches to supporting Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.

Marwa assured stakeholders that the provision of the facility would significantly boost the Agency’s capacity to fulfil its core mandate.

“The quality of the infrastructure at the new NDLEA dog facility is commendable. It speaks volumes of the commitment, goodwill and tenacity of our partners,” he said.

He commended the German government for its support over the years, noting that the Canine Unit had played a critical role in several successful operations, including the seizure of 74.119kg of captagon at Apapa Port in 2021.

While acknowledging the progress made, Marwa stressed that more work is required to sustain the current level of operational excellence.

“This newly commissioned facility will, without doubt, provide a comfortable and dignified environment that will motivate our Canine Unit personnel to discharge their duties effectively,” he said.

Marwa highlighted that NDLEA’s sniffer dogs have been instrumental in the seizure of more than 17.9 metric tonnes of illicit substances since their deployment, but that poor infrastructure had previously limited the Unit’s capacity.

He noted that the construction of the new complex, sponsored by the German Federal Criminal Police through its Liaison Office, commenced in August 2024 and was delivered on schedule.

The NDLEA boss expressed gratitude to German Consul General Daniel Krull, and officials of the German Federal Criminal Police for their role in the project.

In his remarks, Krull said NDLEA’s success benefits not only Nigeria but also Germany and the wider region.

“The amazing work of your Agency under your leadership is important for Nigeria, for the region, and for Germany. I encourage all members of NDLEA to keep up the good spirit,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Florian Bulow, Deputy Head of Section IZ14, BKA Berlin, described the collaboration with NDLEA as one of the longest-running projects in police capacity building.

“Like in a marriage, cooperation needs trust. We share the same goals and values in the fight against drug smuggling and abuse, and our long-standing teamwork has yielded these achievements,” he added.

The NDLEA has intensified its anti-drug campaign under the leadership of Marwa, recording record seizures and high-profile arrests in recent years.

The Canine Unit, established to detect concealed narcotics, has become a critical component of its operations at airports, seaports, and land borders.