₦airaland Forum

Nato countries discussed deploying troops to Greenland in response to Donald Trump threatening to use the US military to seize the Danish island.

Germany was among dozens of European allies understood to have held informal talks over “what Nato troops would do” if the US president followed through on his threats, diplomatic sources told The Telegraph.

Questions were even raised over whether Article 5, the Western military alliance’s mutual defence clause, could be invoked in the event of an American invasion of a fellow Nato member state.

It came after Mr Trump started his second term in the White House by openly considering a forcible takeover of Greenland, an autonomous part of Denmark.

The US president has said it would be an “unfriendly act” if Copenhagen refused to give up the Arctic island while Russia and China both push to bolster their presence in the area.

Berlin’s involvement in the clandestine discussions has attracted criticism from some of Nato’s most ardent backers of Ukraine given the refusal of Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, to consider a deployment of troops there.

“Berlin doesn’t want to send troops to Ukraine because the situation is ‘too ambiguous’ but is openly flying kites about sending Nato troops to Greenland,” a Nato diplomat told The Telegraph. “It’s a moral compass without a needle.”

Robert Brieger, an Austrian general in charge of the EU’s military committee, said it would send a “strong signal” to deploy Brussels-led forces to Greenland.

Mr Trump’s remarks have prompted divisions among European nations over how to react without causing a transatlantic crisis.

Mr Scholz has been Europe’s most vocal critic of Mr Trump over Greenland, declaring that “borders must not be moved by force” as an international principle, addressing his words in English “to whom it may concern”.

But Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, has urged allies not to respond to the US president to avoid exacerbating the current tensions. She has welcomed US security concerns over the Arctic and promised to boost Denmark’s military presence on Greenland, but insisted the island is not for sale.

Ms Frederiksen has embarked on a European tour to privately secure the backing of EU member states and Nato allies, including a stop at Downing Street for talks with Sir Keir Starmer.

Denmark has unveiled plans to spend $1.5 billion (£1.2 billion) on two new inspection ships, two drones and two dog sled patrols to boost security on the island. It has also promised to upgrade an airfield to allow F-35 fighter jets to operate from Greenland.

France and Germany have openly touted sending European troops to join the Americans already stationed there, but some European leaders have suggested staging a more robust “fight back” against the US president’s overtures.

In discussions inside Nato’s headquarters in Brussels, member states have pondered whether Article 5, which states that a military attack on one ally is considered an attack on all, could be invoked if Mr Trump does sanction an invasion of Greenland.

However, the option was quickly ruled out because it would require the unanimous backing of Nato’s 32 member states, including the US. The mutual defence has only been triggered once in the alliance’s history, after the 9/11 attacks on America.

Article 4, which allows a national capital to launch emergency consultations if its “territorial integrity, political independence or security” is threatened, was seen as a more suitable measure. It is often considered in the context of Turkey and Greece as the best possible mechanism to address tensions between allies.

Talks over using Nato’s treaties to address Mr Trump’s Greenland comments have been kept out of the North Atlantic Council, Nato’s main political decision-making body, on which the US holds a seat.

A third option being debated is using Nato troops to plug security gaps in the Arctic to address the US president’s concerns.

Melting ice caps in the area are creating new shipping routes and opening up access to rare earth materials, which both Russia and China are seeking to control.

Mr Trump is concerned because the Pituffik Space Base in north-west Greenland is used by the US for crucial missile warning systems, as well as satellite and space surveillance.

Mark Rutte, Nato’s secretary-general, has attempted to defuse Mr Trump’s threats by offering to let the alliance ramp up its presence in the Arctic. “It’s absolutely clear that Trump is right when it comes to the high north, that we have to do more,” he said earlier this week.

lawani:
6000 is inconsequential. There is no way to stop Nigerien Hausa or Beninoise Yoruba from mixing with Nigerians.

Xisnin:
Only 6000?
That's like a drop in an ocean.
Yet, the idiotic Niger junta leader thinks he is some superman despite
his country heavily depending on Nigeria.

The National Identity Management Commission has identified over 6,000 Nigeriens registered on its database with the National Identification Number.

This was as President Bola Tinubu directed an inter-ministerial committee to ensure comprehensive data for the National Social Register for the Federal Government’s social investment programmes.

Impeccable sources in the Presidency told Saturday PUNCH that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, briefed the Federal Executive Council on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, on the activities of NIMC, an agency under his purview.

The minister reportedly affirmed that the NINs were withdrawn from the illegal holders in an ongoing database clean-up.

On October 13, 2022, the Defence Headquarters in Abuja said troops in conjunction with the Nigeria Police and operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service intercepted two suspected fake NIMC officials.

The Director of Defence Media Operations at the time, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, in a statement, said, “It was revealed that the suspects had visited the Gagamari IDP camp in the Niger Republic to register non-Nigerians in the IDP camp.

“Items recovered from the suspects include National Identification Number registration machine, printing machine, laminating machine, a computer tracking machine and a generator set among other items.”

The fake agents were reportedly charging non-Nigerian citizens, primarily from neighbouring countries such as Niger Republic, to obtain Nigerian NIN.

Investigations revealed that such fraudulent registrations occurred in border communities, further heightening the risk of unauthorised access to Nigerian identity credentials.

The NIMC enrols citizens and legal residents, assigning them a unique NIN.

The 11-digit number is tied to an individual’s biometric and demographic data, providing a centralised system to verify personal identity for various governmental and private transactions.

Sources at the Presidency told our correspondent that President Tinubu wanted the existing database to reflect the details of the most vulnerable Nigerians who needed social interventions such as conditional cash transfers and student loans.

A source said, “It was the Minister of Interior that gave that briefing because, you know, NIMC is under him.

“The interior minister said NIMC is tidying up the database because they found over 6,000 people from Niger Republic who obtained NIN. But they have been wiped from the database.

“The humanitarian ministry needs the data for its social register to perform its function. Also, the education ministry needs that data for student loans. The President doesn’t want to disburse money to people they cannot identify.

They (NIMC) are ensuring that they verify the data. They are also registering more Nigerians and fine-tuning the data. So, the President wants it done quickly.”

The source revealed that after the briefing, the President asked the national security adviser and the interior minister to join an existing panel overseeing the humanitarian ministry.

SalamRushdie:
This country is just ruining itself to the ground

The NUPRC disclosed that efforts are being made to reduce the production cost to $20.

Nigeria’s cost of producing crude oil has risen to about $40 per barrel, a report by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has said.

This is 300 per cent higher than the cost of producing the same crude in Saudi Arabia, which is $10 per barrel.

According to the NUPRC, rising production costs, coupled with volatile global oil prices, have made it increasingly difficult for Nigeria to remain competitive on the global stage.

“At an average of $25 and $40 production costs per barrel, the nation’s upstream oil production costs are among the highest in the world.

“This range is significantly higher than production costs in top oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia, where efficient operations allow for costs as low as $10 per barrel,” the NUPRC said in a publication.

The commission worried that this discrepancy affects Nigeria’s ability to attract good investment and compete on a global scale, as high production costs can limit profitability for investors, particularly when global oil prices are low.

Our correspondent reports that if crude sells for an average of $75 per barrel, it means a producer might have spent more than half of the price on production.

The regulator noted that the country is not unaware of where the challenges lie.

“For a long time, it has identified many factors contributing to the high production costs. Many facilities, pipelines, and storage systems are outdated, leading to frequent maintenance needs and operational inefficiencies. Modernising infrastructure to cut down on repair costs, extend asset life and bolster productivity is therefore crucial.

“Oil theft and pipeline vandalism are another setback that impacts operational cost in the sector. Nigeria understands it must develop urgent solutions to curb these menaces and continue to show its determination to address them. The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021 marked a pivotal point in this regard,” the commission said.

The NUPRC disclosed that efforts are being made to reduce the production cost to $20.

“Since its emergence as the regulatory powerhouse in the upstream sector, the NUPRC has wasted no time in embracing the task of tackling existing challenges.

In 2023, barely two years after its institution, it drew up a 10-year roadmap as a comprehensive strategy to revitalise and return the oil sector to its glory days.

“In 2024, in a shorter-term focus initiative under the broader decade-long Strategic Plan, the NUPRC effectively rolled out its Regulatory Action Plan with one of its key objectives being to lower the production cost per barrel of oil to at least $20,” the publication disclosed.

It maintained that an oil industry lacking production cost efficiency as a core strategy will undoubtedly struggle to open up avenues for investments, retain higher profit margins, improve resilience to market fluctuations, and attain broader economic growth.

With oil accounting for around 90 per cent of Nigeria’s export revenue and a large portion of government income, it was stated that a high cost of oil production poses risks to the country’s economic stability and growth.

The regulator posited that the stakes for Nigeria to achieve the objective are high and although it is not an easy task, the short and long-term benefits of a reduction in production cost cannot be overstated.

“Firstly, lowering production costs will make Nigeria’s oil sector a more appealing destination for foreign and domestic capital. This can inspire the country to compete more effectively with other oil-producing nations and retain a share of the global market.

Similarly, by controlling oil production costs, oil companies can secure higher profit margins, even during periods of lower global oil prices.

“An increased profitability would ultimately benefit both operators and the sector, potentially leading to higher tax revenues and royalty payments.

A combination of these factors can significantly boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and strengthen its resilience in the global oil market,” the report said.

CodeTemplar:
No,we must improve the structure instead of just saying it is manageable. You said that because you are eating.

ivandragon:
Not an entirely bad idea.

The issue as always would be corruption...

helinues:
Very good. With conditions

CodeTemplar:
The federal system is suppose to be the driving force that motivates the states to be productive but unconditional transfer of funds to useless and purposeless states has made the states part of the party structures they use to control the masses.

States that establish the Rural Access Road Authority and the State Road Fund by law, as well as meet additional requirements, will be eligible for the funding.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, has said that states meeting specific criteria will receive a $30m allocation as part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project scale-up initiative.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, on Monday, said that states meeting specific criteria will receive a $30m allocation as part of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project scale-up initiative.


This funding aims to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensure national food security.

This funding aims to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensure national food security.

States that establish the Rural Access Road Authority and the State Road Fund by law, as well as meet additional requirements, will be eligible for the funding.

“States that meet these minimum eligibility criteria will receive a $30m allocation, which must be disbursed within two years of effectiveness. So this is an opportunity, and you agree with me that when you are committed to your citizens, you want to remove the most difficult and painful part of their lives. And I think this is an opportunity for all states to grab,” he said.

While opening the RAAMP 8th mission on Monday, the minister said “This initiative will promote a culture of investment in sustainable farming practices, translated directly to increase food availability and food security for our citizens.”

He emphasised the importance of the project in strengthening rural access and improving agricultural marketing.

The project, which is open to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is designed to develop climate-resilient infrastructure, especially rural roads, which are critical for transporting agricultural products to markets.

Abdullahi noted the significant impact of poor infrastructure on farmers’ ability to transport their goods, leading to economic instability and post-harvest losses.

“Poor road conditions often hinder farmers’ ability to transport their products to market, resulting in decreased income and economic instability because of high post-harvest losses,” he said.

He added that improving rural infrastructure would foster more efficient supply chains and create opportunities for farmers to participate in competitive markets.

The minister also acknowledged the support from international development partners, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

“The flurry of interest from these states already underscores the project’s potential to drive widespread economic benefit and improve the livelihood of millions of our citizens,” Abdullahi remarked.

The Task Team Lead from the French Development Agency, represented by its Project Manager, Sali Ibrahim, acknowledged the importance of the mission in fostering dialogue and sharing experiences between states.

“This is an opportunity to discuss all of this in one group, one team, overall team, which is the RAMP team in Nigeria,” Ibrahim said.

She expressed the agency’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, including launching the value chain programme in 2025, which was discussed with the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture.

“We will continue putting our efforts and we will continue also trying to see how we can have an added value, especially in agricultural markets, to help the federal government boost food security,” she said.

The World Bank Task Team Lead, Rakesh Tripathi recalled the early challenges in implementing the project but praised the work done so far.

“Four years back, when I looked at the SBIUs, I was like, everybody’s coming from different ministries. Nobody had any experience contracting on a World Bank project,” Tripathi said.

“But where we were four years ago compared to where we are now, I think it is a huge, huge improvement and achievement.”

He also credited the Minister for his continued leadership and involvement in the project.

“With the visionary leadership of the minister and creation of new institutions at the federal level and with the scale-up, I think we can accomplish that sustainability in the sector,” Tripathi added.

Most economists agree that trade tariffs could increase U.S. inflation, prompting the Federal Reserve (Fed) to maintain higher interest rates for an extended period. Additionally, a weaker-than-expected U.S. ISM Services report raised the probability of another interest rate cut later this year.

“The Fed will be in a tough position: It will have to decide whether inflation is due to overheating or tariffs if we see rising inflation or stagnant progress in 2025,” Goolsbee stated.

The Nigerian Army has announced 2025 screening exercises to provide education sponsorship for children of its deceased personnel.

The screening, intended for the 2024/2025 academic session, is for children of decesed soldiers who died in active service.

In a statement issued through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the army said the screening would occur across the country’s six geopolitical zones and Abuja from 8 February to 17 March 2025.

It said the initiative is open to new applicants, existing beneficiaries seeking to upgrade, and those who missed the screening in 2024.

The army said the initiative aims to guarantee access to quality education at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

It said the scheme is part of its welfare package for the families of personnel who lost their lives in active service.

The verification process will be held at designated military headquarters in Port Harcourt, Enugu, Ibadan, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Abuja, ensuring accessibility for applicants nationwide.

Candidates must present a handwritten application listing the children’s names, an admission letter, and the latest academic report card, among other documents.

South-South Geo-political Zone

Date: 8 – 11 February 2025
Venue: Headquarters 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

South-East Geopolitical Zone

Date: 13 – 16 February 2025
Venue: Headquarters 82 Division, Enugu, Enugu State.

South West Geo-political Zone

Date: 18 – 21 February 2025
Venue: Headquarters 2 Division, Ibadan, Oyo State.

North East Geopolitical Zone

Date: 24 – 27 February 2025
Venue: Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps, Bauchi, Bauchi State.
North-West Geo-political Zone

Date: 1 – 5 March 2025
Venue: Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Kaduna State.
North Central and Abuja Geopolitical Zone

Date: 10 – 17 March 2025
Venue: Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess Asokoro, Abuja

At least 46 soldiers of the Nigerien Defense and Security Forces (SDF) were killed in a coordinated attack by militants of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) on Saturday.

The assault targeted an SDF position in Iknewane, Tilia Department, near the Mali border in Niger’s Tahoua Region. Security sources described the attack as large-scale and highly intense, catching the military by surprise.

According to reports, the attackers, heavily armed and in large numbers, overran the base, destroying or seizing nine out of the 16 military vehicles stationed there. Weapons and ammunition were also looted.

In addition to the casualties, a dozen soldiers were reportedly taken hostage, while several others remain missing. Local sources confirmed that some soldiers managed to escape on foot and were later rescued.

In response, a military convoy of about 20 vehicles from the Niger Armed Forces (FAN) and another from the National Guard (GNN) have been deployed from Tahoua to conduct operations in the area.

This is not the first attack on the Iknewane position. On September 18, 2024, EIGS militants carried out a similar assault, killing at least 24 soldiers, according to official reports.

The Tahoua Region, particularly areas bordering Mali, has seen a rise in militant violence. The Nigerien government continues to face security challenges in its border regions, with armed groups launching frequent attacks on military and civilian.

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has confirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has approved CFA Franc to be captured on Nigeria Export Proceeds, NXP, forms for the repatriation of export proceeds.

Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of the NEPC, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on the Non-Oil Export Performance for the year 2024 in Abuja on Friday.

Ayeni said that the council had earlier engaged the CBN on the inclusion of the CFA Franc to boost trading.

She said that the currency was one of the currencies to be received as export proceeds by the bankers.

“I am delighted to inform you that the CBN has magnanimously approved CFA to be captured on NXP forms for the repatriation of export proceeds.

“We will be working with CBN and the banks to ensure full implementation. “I must say that this is a remarkable breakthrough for the council and further reaffirms the impact of the council’s current flagship programme,” she said.

[b]She also highlighted other efforts by the agency to facilitate exports, including certification of 400 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) exporters.[b]

Putindbutt:
In the west, especially in the US, the law wins more than morality. I will predict this case 70%-30% victory for law. Also, for the birthright citizenship, I'd predict 98%-2% for the law. In both cases, Trump loses 2-0. My betting kings, follow my predictions, na sure bet.