Category: Business/Economy

  • ECOWAS Court declares Senegal’s internet shutdown unlawful

    ECOWAS Court declares Senegal’s internet shutdown unlawful

    By Mark Longyen

    The ECOWAS Court has declared Senegal’s shutdown of internet services and social media platforms in June/July 2023 unlawful and violated the rights to freedom of expression and access to information.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Senegalese Government had shutdown the internet in response to protests following the conviction of opposition leader Mr Ousmane Sonko.

    The government’s Ministries of the Interior and Communication had arbitrarily restricted access to the internet and blocked mobile data and social media platforms.

    The Republic of Senegal had defended the shutdowns, citing public order and national security concerns due to the dissemination of allegedly subversive messages.

    Consequently, an IT firm, the Association des Utilisateurs des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication (ASUTIC) and its President, Ndiaga Gueye, sued the government over the decision, and sought damages.

    The applicants in the suit marked: ECW/CCJ/APP/37/23, claimed that the government’s actions violated their fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, right to access information, right to assembly, and the right to work.

    Delivering judgment, the court’s three-man panel presided over by the Vice President Justice Sengu Koroma and read by Justice Edward Asante, held that the shutdown was unlawful.

    According to the court, access to the internet and social media is an essential derivative of the right to freedom of expression and information, hence, the government’s decision was a violation of the Applicants’ rights to freedom of expression and information.

    The Community Court also held that Senegal’s actions were not based on clear legal grounds, failed to meet the test of legitimacy and proportionality.

    It declared that the government’s decision violated Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

    The Court also upheld Mr Gueye’s claim that the internet shutdown negatively impacted his professional activities as an IT consultant, and a violation of his right to work.

    It ruled that the internet shutdown violated Article 15 of the African Charter and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

    The court therefore awarded 250,000 CFA francs each to ASUTIC and Mr. Gueye as compensation for the violation of their rights to freedom of expression and information.

    It also awarded an additional 250,000 CFA francs to Mr. Gueye for the violation of his right to work.

    The Community Court further ordered Senegal to refrain from imposing unlawful or arbitrary internet restrictions in the future.(NAN)

  • ECOWAS Bank opens Cote d’Ivoire country office

    By Mercy Omoike

    The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has signed an agreement with the Government of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire for the opening of its first country office.

    EBID disclosed this in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, adding that the agreement was signed in a ceremony in Abidjan.

    The Ivorian Government, represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Living Abroad, Mr Leon Kacou Adom, and the bank representative, Dr George Agyekum Donkor, signed the agreement.

    The ceremony was also graced by the presence of Nialé Kaba, Minister of the Economy, Planning and Development, Governor of EBID, representing Côte d’Ivoire.

    EBID is the development finance institution of the ECOWAS 15  Member States.

    It is committed to financing developmental projects and programmes covering diverse initiatives from infrastructure and basic amenities, rural development and environment, industry, and social services sectors, through its private and public sector windows.

    The statement described the development as part of efforts to grow the bank’s commitments in the ECOWAS sub-region, and support socio-economic development.

    According to the bank, it deems it fit to set up a country office in Cote d’Ivoire.

    In his speech, EBID President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr George Donkor, thanked the Government of Cote d’Ivoire for being a key partner of the bank.

    Donkor also lauded Côte d’Ivoire, for supporting the implementation of this initiative, which is in line with the Bank’s strategic objectives.

    He also congratulated the Government of Cote d’Ivoire on the impressive macroeconomic gains made over the years.

    He said that these had resulted in the country being rated as the best economy in the West African sub-region with a BB, stable outlook (S&P) and a Ba2, stable outlook (Moody’s).

    Outlining the aims of the office, Donkor stated that “the country office will play a crucial role in the implementation of the bank’s Strategic Plan.

    “This will be by making the bank more accessible to existing clients and potential partners in Cote d’Ivoire and surrounding Member States while facilitating impactful interventions,” Donkor said.

    The Ivorian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Nialé Kaba, welcomed the move by EBID.

    She expressed the hope that having a national presence would enable the bank to be even more relevant to the needs of economic actors, particularly in the private sector, to enhance its interventions.

    Kaba reiterated Côte d’Ivoire’s support for EBID’s contributions towards improving the livelihoods of the Ivorian people and the wider West African Community.

    The Minister for Economy, Planning and Development, who is also the Governor of EBID, representing Côte d’Ivoire, commended the bank for this bold strategic initiative.

    She described the signing of the agreement as a concrete expression of the shared commitment of Côte d’Ivoire and the Bank to address the infrastructure deficit in the ECOWAS region and improve the lives of the people.

    She emphasised that Côte d’Ivoire would be the first Member State to host a representative office of EBID which catchment area will cover Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, and Senegal.

    The establishment of a representative office of EBID in Abidjan serves as yet another illustration of the strategic importance of Côte d’Ivoire for the sub-region.

    Till date, the country has benefited from a total of about XOF 567 billion (equivalent to  $940 million) in commitments from EBID for both the private and public sectors. (NAN)

  • ECOWAS pledges collaboration with regional Chambers of Commerce to unlock economic potentials

    ECOWAS pledges collaboration with regional Chambers of Commerce to unlock economic potentials

    Participants at the event

    By Mark Longyen

    The ECOWAS Commission has pledged to work with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Member States to unlock the vast economic potentials in the region based on the principles of transparency, accountability and inclusivity.

    ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse stated this at the opening of a two-day training for members of the Lagos State Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Lagos.

    Represented by Dr Tony Elumelu, ECOWAS Director, Private Sector, the commissioner said the decision was informed by the Commission’s recognition of the private sector’s critical role in driving economic growth and development.

    “Participants should seize the opportunity by working collaboratively and leveraging available resources so that they can increase their contribution to improving the lives of ECOWAS citizens.

    “We are committed to creating an enabling environment that supports entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation.

    “With its rich cultural heritage, diverse economies and resilient peoples, the region is poised to capitalise on the opportunities presented by regional integration and continental cooperation,” she said.

    Toure-Litse noted that the region had made significant strides in promoting economic integration, trade facilitation, and investment promotion through regional policies and frameworks.

    She listed the efforts as the Revised ECOWAS MSMEs Charter; ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS); and the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), designed to promote intra-regional trade, enhance competitiveness, and attract foreign investment.

    The commissioner announced that, to augment the investment climate of the region, ECOWAS was institutionalising a Business Council as the apex body for business matters.

    She said that the council would also serve as a platform for meaningful private sector engagement, facilitating dialogue and collaboration between the public and private sectors.  

    Toure-Litse said that the council was expected to play a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation, thereby contributing to the region’s economic growth and development.

    She said that the Community’s Investment Code and Policy wee being harmonised with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

    According to her, the process is expected to enhance regional competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and create new opportunities for economic growth and development.

    “AfCFTA presents a unique opportunity for West Africa to expand its trade and investment relations with other African countries, leveraging our strategic location, rich natural resources, and diverse markets,” she noted.

    The commissioner described the capacity-building workshop as a crucial component of the region’s efforts to empower the private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

    She added that it would also help the participants to navigate the complexities of regional and continental trade frameworks.

    Also speaking, Amb. Aminou Akadiri, the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said the training was designed for selected business operators.

    He listed the selected sectors to include agribusiness, transport and clearing agencies aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills that would help them navigate the complexities of cross border trade.

    Akadiri, who represented the President of FEWACCI said that participants were expected to explore issues related to trade facilitation, customs procedures and regulatory frameworks that impacted on the free movement of agricultural products and enhance the business environment.(NAN)

     

  • ECOWAS President decries decaying Nigeria-Bénin border infrastructure

    ECOWAS President decries decaying Nigeria-Bénin border infrastructure

    3rd from right: ECOWAS President Dr Omar Touray, and top security operatives at the Seme Border during the visit (NAN).

    By Mark Longyen

    ECOWAS President Dr Omar Touray has expressed shock over the deplorable state of infrastructure at the Nigeria-Bénin Republic Seme border, in spite of the huge investment in them by ECOWAS.

    The President stated this during an official on-the-spot assessment visit to the border, which is one of West Africa’s busiest and most strategic corridors.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was aimed at assessing how the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Goods and Services was being implemented and identify inhibiting obstacles.

    Touray called for urgent reforms to safeguard the region’s free movement protocol, and pledged to deliver a full report and recommendations toward addressing the decadence and removing all cross-border obstacles.

    The Commission’s president also called on border security officials and national authorities to align more closely with ECOWAS protocols.

    “This is one of the busiest and most strategic border posts in West Africa, yet, we are faced with expensive facilities; scanners, lighting systems, and bridges that are simply not working. That is unacceptable.

    “We cannot justify millions spent on equipment that lies idle. Our citizens expect results, not excuses.

    “If a lightbulb goes out, ECOWAS should not be called to replace it. Member states must step up and take ownership,” he said.

    According to him, while ECOWAS is responsible for initiating infrastructure, the responsibility for maintenance lies with individual member states.

    Touray also decried the proliferation of checkpoints within member countries, arguing that it contradicted the spirit of ECOWAS free movement protocol.

    “Why do we have multiple customs and immigration posts for the same corridor?

    “It frustrates travellers, delays trade, and creates opportunities for corruption,” he said.

    The Commission’s president demanded transparency, and urged officials to crack down on unofficial payments.

    “We have received troubling reports of citizens being asked to pay without receipts.

    “This damages trust. If any fee is legitimate, it must be receipted. Period!,” he stressed.

    He further clarified that the protocol on free movement under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) does not eliminate the need for proper documentation.

    “Free movement does not mean no documentation; free movement does not mean a free-for-all.

    “The appropriate identity papers, security checks, and customs procedures remain necessary to balance openness with safety and order.

    “Our people must understand that they need valid identification to travel. Security and freedom must go hand in hand,” he said.

    Dr Ben Oramalugo, Comtroller of Customs, Nigeria Customs Service, Lagos-Seme Border, while briefing the President earlier, painted a pathetic picture of the problems hampering their operations.

    “We have scanners installed, but they are not working. Since I reported here on February 12, they have remained non-functional. These scanners can detect things human eyes cannot.

    “When you inspect cargo manually, you might miss drugs or dangerous goods hidden deep inside. We need your help to get these scanners working again.

    “There is also no light in the pedestrian passage, and criminals take over the area at night. There is no roofing for those passing through, and we do not have water in the offices.

    “Every morning, labourers fetch water in jerrycans just so we can function. This isn’t acceptable for such a significant facility,” Oramalugo said.

    He said that the scanners were not working, hence, officers spent a lot of time checking goods manually.

    Oramalugo said that there is no electricity at all in Seme Border as it is not connected to the National Grid, so they depend entirely on electricity from Benin and whenever their power goes out, they are left in total darkness.

    “This is Nigeria’s number one border, connecting the entire Francophone region, yet we are not connected to the National Grid.

    “This road tells the story of Nigeria. What people see here reflects on all of us,” he said.

    The senior customs officer also decried the plethora of checkpoints on the international corridor.

    “From here to Badagry, I have ensured there are only three customs checkpoints.

    But there are still too many from other agencies. I appeal to you, let us enforce a maximum of three checkpoints total,” he said.

    Also speaking, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Amb. Musa Nuhu, who was on the president’s entourage, said that the Seme border was critical to the ECOWAS free movement protocol.

    According to him, the challenges of infrastructure decay, overlapping security checks, and operational bottlenecks raised by border officials highlighted the gap between policy and implementation.

    “This is the busiest border in West Africa, in terms of passage of goods, people, and services, and if free movement is working in West Africa, it is in this border that we will be able to find out.

    “It’s good that they mentioned these issues for you to really understand practically what is happening along this very important border,” the ambassador said.

    He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu recently approved the setting up of a Presidential Task Force to dismantle multiple checkpoints in the country.

    “That committee has been set up under the authority of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and we will soon start working to address this issue,” he said.

    NAN also reports that the visit enabled Touray to engage directly with community citizens on both sides, security operatives, and commuters, for him to understand the realities on ground better.(NAN)

  • Italian PM advocates end to foreign powers’ exploitation of Africa

    Italian PM advocates end to foreign powers’ exploitation of Africa

    Georgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister 

    By Jeff Harris

    Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for an end to Africa’s exploitation by foreign powers.

    Meloni emphasized that Africans did not need to migrate to Europe or the U.S. to succeed if their continent was free from external control.

    She has been particularly critical of the CFA franc, a currency used by several West and Central African countries and managed by France.

    The Prime Minister called it a form of colonial dominance that hampers true economic independence.

    In Jan. 2024, Meloni launched the “Mattei Plan,” a 5.5 billion Euro initiative aimed at promoting energy, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development in Africa.

    She argued that fostering growth at home would reduce irregular migration.

    She insisted that Africa was not poor but rather rich in resources and potential, needing partnership not charity from Europe.

    While some African leaders welcomed the plan, they also urged for genuine, respectful cooperation.

    Critics, however, questioned whether the initiative primarily serves Italy’s strategic interests, particularly in energy and migration control.

    They expressed concern over continued ties with authoritarian regimes, warning against new forms of neocolonialism under the guise of development.

  • ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, others decry W/Africa’s high airfares

    ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, others decry W/Africa’s high airfares

    6th from right: Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mémounatou Ibrahima and other stakeholders at the opening session of a Delocalised Meeting of  ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committee in Lome Togo on Tuesday

    By Mark Longyen

    Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mémounatou Ibrahima and other stakeholders have decried the high fares of traveling by air within West Africa, saying such was inimical to subregional economic growth.

    They made this known at the opening session of a Delocalised Meeting of  ECOWAS Parliament’s Joint Committee on Infrastructure, Energy and Mines, Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources, on Tuesday in Lomé, Togo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event has as its theme: “Air Transport as a Means of Integration for West African Peoples: A Strategy for Reducing Airline Ticket Costs.”

    It was held to enable stakeholders and experts to brainstorm on the development and chat the way forward.

    The Speaker noted that there would not be free movement of people within West Africa without effective and affordable transportation, and air transport was a vital tool for regional economic development and integration.

    According to her, the prohibitive airfares are obstacles to the successful implementation of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocols to achieve its ECOWAS of the People vision.

    “The theme that brings us together today, ‘Air Transport as a Means of Integration for West African Peoples: A Strategy for Reducing Airline Ticket Costs,’ is of paramount importance to our community.

    “It reflects a major issue facing our citizens: the prohibitive costs of air travel between our countries, which hinder the free movement of people and compromise our ambitions for regional integration.

    “Therefore, there is no need to emphasise the importance of air transport in a country’s economy, especially within a sub-regional community. Indeed, air transport is an essential lever for economic development and sub-regional integration,” she said.

    The speaker further said that air transport promoted trade, stimulated tourism, strengthened cultural and social ties, and contributed to the growth of member states’ economies.

    She attributed the soaring air fares to multiple taxes and charges imposed across airports in the region.

    “For my part, several factors may contribute to the high cost of airfares in our region.

    “The airports contribute financially to state budgets in several ways, including landing fees, air ticket taxes, security taxes, non-aviation taxes, and revenues from commercial activities at the airport.

    “However, it is clear that all these fees make air ticket costs prohibitive within the ECOWAS region, thus hampering a major driver of development, which is tourism.

    “Others are national airlines operating in isolation rather than in synergy; lack of modern infrastructure adapted to the needs of air transport; and weak implementation of agreements liberalising African airspace, notably the Yamoussoukro Declaration,” she said.

    Ibrahima warned that the ECOWAS Vision 2050 would remain elusive without an efficient and affordable air transport system.

    “If we are to achieve the objectives of the third pillar of ECOWAS Vision 2050, ‘Economic Integration and Interconnectivity,’ it is up to us, as representatives of the peoples of ECOWAS, to explore viable and sustainable solutions.

    “In view of our responsibility in the community’s decision-making process, our role is crucial in the realisation of these reforms.

    “I am convinced that the discussions that will take place during this meeting, to which we have invited African air transport experts and leaders, will be fruitful and will lead to concrete proposals to address this major challenge,” she stressed.

    She urged the parliamentarians to develop strong recommendations that would guide member states and relevant institutions in establishing a policy framework for more accessible regional air transport.

    Also speaking, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization, Sédiko Douka, said that air transport fares within the West African subregion was the highest globally.

    He said the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government was concerned about the situation and had mandated the Commission to coordinate and harmonise member states’ air transport policies, programs, and projects.

    “The task now lies in working towards the implementation of these community texts by ECOWAS member states, whose effective implementation start date has been set for January 1, 2026, a 15-month period to allow them to prepare, particularly from a budgetary perspective.

    “The subregion is counting on you the members of parliament to implement the community texts that the states themselves initiated and participated in the development, review, and adoption process,” Douka said.

    The Vice President of the Togolese National Assembly, Dzereke Yao, said West Africa’s air transport challenge must be urgently addressed to foster stronger economic and human connections among ECOWAS citizens.

    He said prohibitive airfares were undermining the region’s integration aspirations, adding that the outcome of the five-day meeting should go beyond discussion.

    “This paradoxical situation merits our attention because our community boasts considerable potential, whether in population size, economic growth, or youthful dynamism.

    “I therefore hope that it will lead to solid, pragmatic, and ambitious recommendations because a competitive and open airspace would benefit all citizens in the region,” he added.(NAN)

  • EFCC arrests sacked top NNPCL officials over alleged $2.9bn fraud

    EFCC arrests sacked top NNPCL officials over alleged $2.9bn fraud

    Mr Mele Kyari, ex-NNPCL GMD

    By Abdul Fagge

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has began a probe and arrest of the recently sacked top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    The arrested sacked officials include the immediate past managing directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries.

    It was gathered that the EFCC discovered a staggering 80 billion naira in the account of one of them.

    They are being investigated over the alleged mismanagement of a whooping sum of 2.9 billion dollars that was earmarked for the rehabilitation of the refineries.

    Details of the investigation indicate that the EFCC is probing the sum of 1.5 billion dollars released to the Port Harcourt Refinery for repairs; 740 million dollars for the Kaduna Refinery; and 656 million dollars for the Warri Refinery.

    The arrested officials are Mr Ibrahim Onoja, the sacked Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd; Mr Efifia Chu, the sacked Managing Director of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd.

    Also arrested is Mr Mustafa Sugungun, the sacked Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd.

    An EFCC source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, confirmed the probe and the arrests.

    He disclosed that the arrest of the three ex-MDs and top officials were part of an ongoing investigation into the billions of dollars released for the quick-fix maintenance of the three state-owned refineries.

    “We are investigating the money that was released for the rehabilitation of all three refineries—money disbursed in recent times.

    “All the principal officers within that time frame are being invited.

    “Some have been arrested already, and we are still on the lookout for others. Nigerians are interested in seeing our refineries work.

    “We are asking: where is the money, and what has happened to the refineries?” He queried.

    The EFCC document indicates that the probe also includes Mr Mele Kyari, the immediate past NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer and 13 of its other former senior executives.

     

  • Billionaire BUA boss Rabiu mulls construction of palm oil refinery in Dubai

    Billionaire BUA boss Rabiu mulls construction of palm oil refinery in Dubai

    By Abdul Fagge

    Nigerian billionaire and the third richest man in the country, Abdulsamad Rabiu, has signed a deal for the construction of a 1,000 metric tonnes-per-day palm oil refinery in Dubai, UAE.

    The chairman of BUA Cement also stroke a big deal for the construction of Power Plant deals in the country.

    The billionaire’s bold steps are expected to further boost Nigeria’s industrial and agricultural landscape.

    Rabiu signed the multiple high-impact industrial and agro-processing agreements aimed at expanding his company’s footprint and supporting national development during a business engagement in Dubai.

    The 1,000 metric tonnes-per-day palm oil refinery project is poised to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported edible oil.

    The refinery is expected to enhance local value addition, create jobs, and stimulate the agriculture value chain, especially in the oil palm sector.

    In addition to the refinery, BUA Group will also establish a 20-megawatt gas power plant.

    This project is designed to support the refinery’s energy needs.

    It is expected to also contribute to broader energy supply, potentially powering surrounding communities and boosting productivity.

    These strategic agreements mark yet another milestone for BUA Group.

    Over the years, the industrialist has steadily become one of Africa’s largest conglomerates in food production, mining, cement, and manufacturing.

    Rabiu’s latest move signals a strong commitment to driving industrialization in Nigeria through foreign partnerships and sustainable infrastructure development.

  • Journalism facing new threats from AI, censorship —UN

    Journalism facing new threats from AI, censorship —UN

    UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has urged countries to do everything to ensure that free and independent news reporting thrive.

    Türk said this in a message to mark World Press Freedom Day.

    The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 to be World Press Freedom Day.

    It is observed to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.

    “Amid spiraling conflict, climate chaos, growing divisions, and a rapidly changing digital landscape, a free press is more vital than ever.

    “The media help us understand the world around us and encourage critical thinking and dialogue,” Türk said.

    According to him, free and independent media are the best antidote to disinformation but press freedom is under threat in every region of the world.

    “States harass, detain, torture and even kill media workers, simply for doing their jobs.

    ”In some conflict zones, warring parties restrict or deny access to journalists,” he said.

    He noted that since January 2025, no fewer than 20 people who worked in media have been killed.

    Impunity for crimes against journalists remain widespread, with more than 80 per cent of killings going unpunished,” he said.

    Türk said this year’s observance of press freedom was a reminder that media repression was increasing.

    He added that AI was entirely overhauling how information was produced, distributed, and consumed.

    “Although AI can be a useful tool for journalists, it also carries significant risks for press freedom.

    “AI-based algorithms often dictate what we see, shaping our opinions and perceptions of reality.

    ”Politicians use AI to weaponise disinformation and advance their own agendas.

    “States are also using AI tools to monitor journalists and their sources online, violating their right to privacy.

    “This has a chilling effect on media workers everywhere. And women journalists are disproportionately targeted,” he said.

    Furthermore, “a small group of corporations and individuals have almost total control over AI technology and influence on the global media landscape,” Turks said.

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres also highlighted the opportunities and risks posed by AI in his message on press freedom.

    “Biased algorithms, outright lies, and hate speech are landmines on the information superhighway.

    “Accurate, verifiable, fact-based information is the best tool to defuse them,” he said.

    He pointed to the Global Digital Compact adopted last year by UN Member States, which includes “concrete steps to strengthen international cooperation to promote information integrity, tolerance and respect in the digital space.”

    Türk said that World Press Freedom Day was an opportunity for everyone to urgently commit to changing course now, starting with States.

    “They must ensure that journalists are safe from attacks, hate campaigns and surveillance, as well as physical and legal harassment.

    “It is crucial to have more transparency in how data is used, how content is curated, and how algorithms are designed.

    “Media concentration laws – that is, legislation around ownership of mass media outlets – also must be updated to reflect the power of AI and tech platforms.

    “The laws must also promote a diverse media landscape that secures space for independent journalism,” he said.

    Meanwhile, tech companies have a crucial role.

    In this regard, Turk announced that his Office and UN educational and cultural agency UNESCO were offering guidance to help tech companies assess the risks their tools pose to journalists and civil society.

    “A  free, independent, and diverse media can help to heal the divisions in our societies. We must do everything in our power to protect it and allow it to flourish,” he said.

  • Zenith Bank reports N311bn profit

    Zenith Bank reports N311bn profit

    Miss Adaora Umeoji, Zenith Bank MD/CEO

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Zenith Bank Plc has generated N311.83 billion as profit after tax for the first quarter of 2025.

    The figure represents an increase from N258.34 billion realised as profit in the same period under review of 2024.

    The bank disclosed this in a corporate disclosure sent to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.

    Its profit before tax also rose from N320.19 billion in the previous year to N350.82 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

    The bank’s gross earnings grew from N780.62 billion to N949.86 billion while its total asset also increased from N24.28 trillion to N32.42 trillion in 2025.

    However, its earnings per share witnessed a decline from N8.22 recording in the first quarter of 2024 to N7.59 in 2025. (NAN)