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Tinubu Endorses Direct Elections Into ECOWAS Parliament

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President Bola Tinubu has announced his endorsement of a proposal for the direct election of members into the parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Emphasizing the importance of citizen participation, Tinubu stated that such a move would allow citizens of member states to have a voice in selecting their representatives.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of 97 members into the 6th ECOWAS parliament at the Abuja International Conference Centre, on Thursday, Tinubu, drawing from his experience as a former legislator, expressed his anticipation in reviewing the proposal.

He said “As a one-time legislator myself, I look forward to reviewing the proposal regarding this matter. We stand to support the direct elections into ECOWAS parliament,”

His support for direct elections signals a potential shift from the current practice of appointing lawmakers from the 15 member states to the ECOWAS parliament.

The President said, “The practice of directly electing public officers aligns with democratic principles, principles that Nigeria upholds

“This principle is also in line with the spirit of the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance.

“We believe this will ensure that citizens will have a direct say in their representation and the legitimacy and credibility it will provide.”

President Bola Tinubu pledged unwavering support to the sixth ECOWAS Parliament during its inauguration ceremony.

As the host nation, Nigeria commits to bolstering the parliament’s efforts in achieving its objectives.

Established under Articles 6 and 13 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993, the ECOWAS parliament, also referred to as the Community parliament, stands as a cornerstone of regional integration, fostering cooperation among member states.

The genesis of the ECOWAS Parliament dates back to August 6, 1994, with the signing of the initial protocol in Abuja. This historic agreement outlined crucial aspects such as the parliament’s structure, composition, competencies, and related matters.

Comprising a total of 115 seats, the parliament ensures equitable representation among member states. Each member state is guaranteed a minimum of five seats, while the remaining 40 seats are allocated proportionally based on population.

However, despite the provision for a full complement, only 97 members, representing various member states, were sworn in during Thursday’s ceremony.

The sixth ECOWAS Parliament boasts a diverse composition, with representatives hailing from various member states.

Notably, Nigeria leads with 35 members, followed by Benin Republic, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo, each contributing five members.

Additionally, Ghana is represented by eight members, while Cote d’Ivoire has seven, and Senegal and Guinea each have six representatives.

However, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are notable absences in the sixth parliament, as these states have expressed intentions to withdraw from the bloc.

In response, President Tinubu echoed earlier remarks by ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray, urging the trio to reconsider their decision.

Tinubu highlighted the potential ramifications of their exit, emphasizing the importance of their continued participation for the well-being of their citizens and the broader regional stability.

NEWS

‘Ready to Kick, Ready to Work’ — Tinubu Addresses Health Rumours

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that he is healthy, sound and ready to resume work after returning to Nigeria from his four-week working vacation in Europe.

Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday shortly after arriving in Lagos from Paris, France, where he spent the final part of his vacation.

SEE MORE: Tinubu Departs Paris for Lagos, Set for Abiola Tribute

Speaking briefly after his arrival, the President said he enjoyed the break before assuring Nigerians of his readiness to return to official duties.

“I enjoyed myself,” Tinubu said.

On his readiness to resume work, he added: “Ready to kick, ready to work. There’s nothing wrong.”

The President also addressed rumours surrounding his wellbeing, attributing such speculation to the political environment.

“Well, rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the fact remains I’m here—healthy, sound, and ready to go,” he said.

Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at about 6:22 p.m. on Tuesday, marking the end of his European working vacation.

His return comes ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, with the President expected to participate in activities marking the occasion in Lagos.

The Presidency had earlier said Tinubu would remain in Lagos for several days for Independence Day engagements and strategic meetings before returning to Abuja.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 and spent time in London and Paris during the trip, while continuing official engagements.

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‘People Never Believed NDDC Could Do This’ — Ogbuku Highlights Kaa-Ataba Bridge

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The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, has highlighted the completion of the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge in Rivers State as evidence of the Commission’s growing capacity to deliver major infrastructure projects across the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku spoke at the 2026 NDDC Partners for Sustainable Development Conference in Port Harcourt, where he attributed the Commission’s progress to the support and cooperation of its development partners and other stakeholders.

SEE MORE: Otti Commends NDDC, Charges Team Abia To Dominate NDSF

The Kaa-Ataba Bridge links Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State and is expected to improve connectivity between the communities when opened to vehicular traffic.

According to Ogbuku, the project is among developments that many previously considered beyond the capacity of the NDDC.

“These are things that, in the past, people never believed the NDDC could do. Today, we are doing them seamlessly because of the support we are getting,” he said.

The NDDC boss said the progress recorded by the Commission demonstrated the impact of collaboration between the agency and its development partners.

He thanked stakeholders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the Minister of Regional Development for their support and encouragement towards the delivery of projects across the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku said the achievements also underscored the importance of collective responsibility, in line with the theme of the 2026 conference, “Synergy for Transformation.”

 

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‘Some Lessons for Atiku’ — Onanuga Touts NNPC’s ₦7.2tn Profit, Warns Against Subsidy Return

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Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has highlighted the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC Ltd) latest financial and operational performance, saying the figures offer “some lessons for Atiku” amid the debate over fuel subsidy.

Onanuga disclosed this in a post on X on Tuesday while reviewing NNPC’s key financial performance for 2025 following the release of the company’s audited results.

According to him, NNPC’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 22 per cent to ₦18 trillion, while earnings per share increased by 32 per cent to ₦35.9.

ALSO READ: ‘We’ll Bring Back Subsidy in Our Own Way’ — Kwankwaso

He said the company’s operating cash flow also grew by 16 per cent to ₦12.8 trillion, while return on equity improved by 200 basis points to 16 per cent.

Onanuga further noted that NNPC declared a ₦5.8 trillion dividend, representing a 35 per cent increase.

Highlighting the company’s operational performance, he said crude oil and condensate production averaged 1.77 million barrels per day, its highest level in five years.

Natural gas output, he added, averaged 7.2 billion standard cubic feet per day, representing a three-year high.

Oil and condensate production totalled 565.8 million barrels, up five per cent, while NNPC’s equity share increased by 11 per cent to 223.7 million barrels.

Gas production also reached 2,606.2 billion standard cubic feet, up nine per cent, while the company’s equity share rose by 11 per cent to 1,154.9 billion standard cubic feet.

Onanuga then linked the performance to the subsidy debate, arguing against a return to petrol subsidy.

“Atiku’s subsidy programme will certainly kill this company, which could be our own Aramco. Our country has no business taking 100 steps back. Forward ever!” he said.

NNPC Records ₦7.2tn Profit

NNPC Ltd had earlier announced a 33 per cent increase in profit after tax for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.

The company’s profit after tax rose from ₦5.4 trillion in 2024 to ₦7.2 trillion in 2025, while revenue stood at ₦34.5 trillion.

NNPC also reported a 22 per cent increase in EBITDA to ₦18 trillion, a 16 per cent rise in operating cash flow to ₦12.8 trillion and a 32 per cent increase in earnings per share to ₦35.9.

The company declared a ₦5.8 trillion dividend, representing a 35 per cent increase.

On production, NNPC said crude oil and condensate output averaged 1.77 million barrels per day, its highest level in five years, while natural gas production averaged 7.2 billion standard cubic feet per day.

The company said the results reflected stronger earnings capacity and operational momentum as it continues to pursue increased production and investment across the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

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