Niger has taken a formal step to exit the International Criminal Court (ICC), signaling the military government’s intent to move away from Western-aligned international organizations. The ICC acknowledged on Tuesday that it received the formal withdrawal instrument from Niger on June 18.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Timeline for Withdrawal: Although the request has been submitted, Niger’s departure will not be official until June 18, 2027, as mandated by the court’s founding treaty.

• Ongoing Obligations: The nation is required to remain compliant with its obligations as an ICC member state until the withdrawal date is finalized.

• Stated Rationale: Niger, along with allies Mali and Burkina Faso, previously announced their intentions to leave the ICC in September 2025. Collectively, these governments have characterized the court as a tool for neo-colonialism and foreign influence.

• Regional Context: This move follows a series of coups in the region between 2020 and 2023, after which these nations began distancing themselves from Western allies and forming new regional security alliances.

• Court Response: While expressing regret over the decision, the ICC recognized that sovereign states possess the right to withdraw from international treaties, though it noted that such departures hinder the global effort to hold perpetrators of serious crimes accountable.

The ICC, which was established in 2002 to prosecute crimes like genocide and war crimes, currently maintains 125 member states, excluding several major global powers.

Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, representing Kebbi South in the 10th National Assembly, has voiced strong opposition to the legislative handling of the State Police Bill. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the senator criticized the rapid pace at which the 146-page draft is being processed, noting that lawmakers received the document less than 24 hours before its scheduled second reading.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Prioritizing Personal Agendas: Senator Maidoki argued that the National Assembly consistently crafts legislation to satisfy specific individuals or interests rather than the needs of the Nigerian public.

• Lack of Due Process: He lamented the absence of proper stakeholder engagement, stating that good legislative practice should involve showing the draft to those who participated in public hearings to ensure their feedback was accurately incorporated.

• Skepticism Toward Implementation: While he is not inherently opposed to state policing, the senator questioned the bill’s effectiveness in solving Nigeria’s security crises. He expressed deep distrust in the current political system, citing the failures of the Electoral Act and the lack of fair local government elections as evidence that authorities often ignore existing laws.

• Call for Accountability: Senator Maidoki insisted that Nigeria should focus on enforcing and practicing current laws to identify legislative gaps before attempting to introduce complex new constitutional arrangements.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with a Mastercard delegation led by Global CEO Michael Miebach at the State House on Tuesday, where he emphasized that Nigeria’s tech-savvy youth are the country’s most valuable asset and are ready to integrate into the global market.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Empowerment Initiative: President Tinubu expressed support for Mastercard’s proposal to equip five million Nigerian businesses with essential digital skills and tools.

• Economic Formalization: The President noted that the ongoing formalization of the informal business sector is creating a pathway for increased investment, employment, and digital transition.

• Support for Growth: President Tinubu highlighted that the Bank of Industry (BOI) holds a vital database of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and emphasized the need for effective payment platforms to include these businesses in the broader economy.

• Government Reforms: Minister of Finance Taiwo Oyedele reported that recent fiscal and tax reforms have triggered a surge in interest, with over 10,000 informal businesses applying for registration daily over the past few months.

• Fintech Potential: The Minister also pointed out that Nigeria is home to five of Africa’s nine fintech “unicorns,” noting significant opportunities for Mastercard to improve credit and payment systems, including consumer and student loans.

• Commitment to Nigeria: Michael Miebach, who helped establish Mastercard’s Nigerian operations in 2011, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to the country. He noted that Mastercard currently facilitates a major portion of the economy, helping to prevent $200 million in fraud and bringing in $2 billion in foreign exchange.

• Action-Oriented Plans: Miebach outlined a three-year program focused on capacity building, cyber-resilience, and creating a “Cyber Centre of Excellence” to mitigate AI and emerging digital risks. He confirmed that the initiative to digitize 40 million small businesses is moving past the discussion phase into technical workshops and direct action.