The military regimes of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have severed ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and officially formed a new alliance.

Niger’s ruling general announced the move during the inaugural summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in Niamey on Saturday.

Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tiani at the summit, which saw the participation of the three nations’ leaders stated “our people have irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS”.

The AES was established after the countries withdrew from ECOWAS earlier this year.

In September, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso signed a mutual defense pact, marking a significant shift in the region’s political landscape.

Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso left ECOWAS, citing accusations of Paris manipulating the bloc and insufficient support for anti-jihadist efforts.

“The AES is the only effective sub-regional grouping in the fight against terrorism,” Tiani stated on Saturday, highlighting ECOWAS’s “conspicuous lack of involvement in this fight.”

The exit marks a shift away from their former colonial ruler, France, with Tiani advocating for a new bloc that is a “community far removed from the stranglehold of foreign powers.”

All three nations have expelled French anti-jihadist troops, turning instead to their “sincere partners” — Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

Facing deadly jihadist violence, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso will focus on “the fight against terrorism” and the “consolidation of cooperation” during Saturday’s agenda, according to the Burkinabe presidency.

ECOWAS is set to hold a summit of its heads of state in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Sunday, where relations with the AES is anticipaed to be a key topic.

After multiple bilateral meetings, the three Sahelian leaders are convening for the first time since seizing power through coups between 2020 and 2023.

In mid-May, the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger met in Niamey to draft a text establishing the confederation, which the heads of state are set to adopt at Saturday’s summit.

Niger’s General Abdourahamane Tiani first received Burkinabe counterpart Ibrahim Traore in the capital on Friday, followed by Malian Colonel Assimi Goita on Saturday.

“Don’t expect many announcements; this is primarily a political event,” remarked Gilles Yabi, founder of the West African think tank Wathi. “The goal is to demonstrate that this is a serious project with three dedicated heads of state showing their solidarity.”

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has warned transport workers in the state against actions and activities capable of resulting into violence and lawlessness.

This was contained in a government statement issued in Osogbo, which was made available to Biztellers.

Gov Adeleke also directed immediate suspension of the Senior Special Assistant on Civil Societies pending outcome of investigations by the Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye, according to the statement.

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He directed the Commissioner for Transportation to again summon a reconciliatory meeting of all the warring groups within the transport sector.

“The officials and their members should desist from distracting Osun people from many ongoing laudable projects and delivery of good governance.

“This administration will not condone lawlessness and acts of violence. We must not and cannot afford to return to the era of the previous administration. Our government has zero tolerance for violence.

“Any issue within the transport management should be resolved in line with due process. Internally Generated Revenue in Osun State is strictly regulated within a framework of accountability and transparency that can not be breached.

“Our government has automated revenue collection while integrating multiple revenue points into a single billing process. Our IGR has increased as a consequence of our innovations and zero tolerance for revenue leakages. Diversion of revenue is a thing of the past in Osun State.

“The Commissioner for Transportation is to engage the transport officials and reconcile all financial records. Any transport official who engages in violence will face the full wrath of the law”, the statement quoted the Governor as saying.

The National Examination Council (NECO) has initiated the construction of seven new offices across the country’s geopolitical zones.

The ceremonial commencement of these projects took place on Friday in the Shabu community of Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The new offices will be established in Nasarawa, Abia, Jigawa, Lagos, Rivers, Sokoto, and Taraba.

The groundbreaking ceremony was performed by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, along with Governor Abdullahi Sule.

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NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, stated that a comprehensive assessment of the council’s facilities nationwide highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.

He said “Many of our state offices were housed in rented apartments, often ill-equipped and unconducive to the efficient discharge of our duties.

“This realisation fueled our determination to prioritise the provision of modern, purpose-built facilities that would not only elevate the working, conditions of our dedicated staff but also enhance the overall image and standing of NECO,”

He mentioned that the new offices would serve as beacons of excellence in the administration of examinations in Nigeria. He noted that the project directly reflects the federal government’s commitment to developing infrastructure within the education sector.

He further added that these offices would enhance staff morale and productivity while projecting a positive image of NECO both within Nigeria and internationally as an organization “whose assessments are trusted worldwide for their credibility.”

The new buildings, he stated, would renew and invigorate the council’s commitment to quality, fairness, integrity, and transparency in conducting examinations.

He said “As we look to the future, we envision a NECO that is not only a leader in the administration of examinations but also a catalyst for educational transformation in Nigeria. We are committed to leveraging technology and innovation to improve the quality and accessibility of our services.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Nigerian students have access to fair, reliable, and valid assessments that will prepare them for success in the 21st century.

“As we break ground on this new chapter in NECO’s history, we reaffirm our commitment to providing quality examinations and assessments that meet the highest standards of excellence. We pledge to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian students have access to the best educational opportunities.”

At the event, Governor Abdullahi Sule praised NECO and the Federal Ministry of Education for selecting Nasarawa as one of the office locations.

He affirmed the state government’s dedication to assisting the examination body in all its endeavors in the state.