By David Torough, Abuja

The West African Health Organization (WAHO) and key health sector stakeholders across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called for a comprehensive mapping of health training institutions in the sub-region to strengthen health workforce planning, improve training capacity and promote regional integration.

The call was made at the opening of a three-day regional workshop on Training Institution Service Availability Mapping (TISAM), held in Abuja, Nigeria, with representatives of governments, academic institutions, professional regulatory bodies, postgraduate colleges and other health sector stakeholders in attendance.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Country Liaison Officer, Dr. Daku, said reliable data on health training institutions was essential for effective workforce planning, equitable resource allocation and improved healthcare delivery across West Africa.

Dr. Daku, who represented the minister due to competing official engagements, welcomed participants on behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, stressing that countries could not effectively plan, strengthen or integrate their health systems without knowing the actual capacity of their training institutions.

He explained that TISAM would provide comprehensive information on the location, programmes, infrastructure, equipment, funding sources and training capacities of accredited health institutions across the ECOWAS region.

According to him, the exercise would address longstanding gaps in information about health training institutions, some of which remain largely unknown, while others operate in regions with unequal access to training opportunities.

He urged participants to work towards three major outcomes: a complete and reliable regional mapping framework, evidence-based planning and investment, and a foundation for harmonising health training curricula, mutual recognition of qualifications and the mobility of health professionals.

Dr. Daku noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reforms, particularly efforts to strengthen training institutions, expand accreditation, improve regulation and invest in health workforce data.

He challenged participants to conclude the workshop with a validated mapping framework, clearly defined responsibilities for member states and a realistic timeline for completing the exercise across the region.

In his remarks, the Director-General of WAHO, Professor Stanley Okolo, represented by Professor Joseph Olorunda, described TISAM as a critical instrument for identifying the capacity of institutions responsible for training different categories of health professionals in West Africa.

He explained that WAHO had undertaken a situation analysis of health training institutions between 2010 and 2015, laying the groundwork for a regional mapping initiative aimed at improving the production and equitable distribution of qualified health professionals.

Professor Okolo said the overall objective was to ensure that the region produced adequate numbers of well-trained and motivated health workers capable of responding to the healthcare needs of its population.

He warned that the absence of accurate and readily available health workforce information remained a major obstacle to effective policy formulation, recruitment, training, deployment and retention of health professionals.

Without reliable data, he said, countries would struggle to determine whether they were training the right number and proportion of health workers required to meet projected demands, identify workforce shortages and develop appropriate retention strategies.

He disclosed that the mapping exercise had been completed in countries including Burkina Faso, Ghana, Benin and Sierra Leone, although their data required updating.

Data collection was ongoing in Nigeria, Togo, The Gambia and Liberia, while Guinea, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal had commenced the process but required additional support, particularly for national-level step-down training.

Outlining the next steps, the WAHO Director-General said the organisation was targeting the completion of training and data analysis, followed by country-level validation in the first quarter of 2027.

He added that stakeholder validation, evaluation, publication of the findings and dissemination of a regional inventory would follow as part of the 2026–2027 implementation milestones.

Representing the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Professor Awa Seck emphasised the importance of reliable and updated information in understanding the health training capacities of member states and preparing the region’s health systems for future demands.

She described the mapping exercise as a strategic investment in understanding existing institutional resources, capacities and development opportunities, noting that producing more health professionals must go hand in hand with developing the specific competencies required by West African populations.

Similarly, the representative of the Deans of Faculties of Health Sciences, Professor Cyriaque Degbey, commended WAHO for its leadership and technical coordination, describing the exercise as an important regional effort towards establishing a reliable and comprehensive inventory of health training institutions.

He stressed that accurate information would support rigorous human resource planning and provide a clearer understanding of the training capacities available in individual member states.

Representing the President of the Regional Council of Health Professionals Education, Professor John Mulbah called on participants to approach the exercise with commitment, transparency and determination.

Using the acronym “PREPARED” to illustrate the requirements for successful programme implementation, he highlighted the importance of project planning, identifying reasons and gaps, setting expectations, considering probabilities and alternatives, ensuring adequate resources and making informed decisions.

He said the mapping exercise would establish an evidence-based database to guide institutional decision-making, strengthen service delivery and address existing weaknesses in healthcare systems across the sub-region.

Professor Mulbah urged participants to treat the data-gathering process with honesty and ensure that the findings accurately reflected the realities of their respective countries.

On his part, the representative of the West African Postgraduate Colleges, Professor Yawo Téttéy, said TISAM was particularly relevant to ongoing efforts to harmonise training curricula, procedures and professional standards to facilitate the free movement of health workers across ECOWAS member states.

He explained that mapping and publishing information on recognised training institutions would enable health professionals moving between countries to identify credible institutions where they could pursue further training and improve their professional competencies.

He also called on recognised institutions to obtain national accreditation and pursue regional accreditation through WAHO, stressing that credible accreditation systems would improve confidence in qualifications and facilitate the recognition of professionals across national borders.

Professor Téttéy noted that the availability of a reliable regional inventory would address uncertainty among employers and regulators regarding the credibility and recognition of qualifications obtained from institutions in other countries.

Across the goodwill messages, speakers consistently underscored the need for accurate data, stronger institutional collaboration, quality assurance and regional harmonisation as essential pillars for building a resilient West African health workforce.

The three-day workshop is expected to consolidate the regional mapping framework, strengthen collaboration among member states and establish a pathway for validating and publishing a comprehensive inventory of health training institutions across the ECOWAS region.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that the successful implementation of TISAM would enable countries to make informed decisions on where to establish or expand training programmes, invest in infrastructure, deploy faculty and address disparities in health workforce production.

The overarching expectation is that the initiative will help ensure that West Africa trains the right health professionals, in the right numbers, with the right competencies and in the right places to meet the healthcare needs of its people.

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called on officers and men of the Customs Police Unit (CPU) to uphold discipline, professionalism and integrity, stressing that accountability must begin within the Service.

Adeniyi made the call while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Customs Police Summit 2026, held at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja.

The summit, with the theme, “Reimagining Customs Policing: Learning From the Past, Responding to the Present, and Preparing for the Future,” brought together customs personnel and representatives of security and law enforcement agencies to discuss ways of strengthening the unit and preparing it for emerging enforcement challenges.

The Customs boss, who is also the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, said the Service must first demonstrate the discipline and integrity it expects from traders and members of the public.

He described the Customs Police Unit as a critical part of the Service’s internal control system, noting that its responsibility goes beyond investigating misconduct to ensuring that officers exercise their powers within the confines of the law.

According to him, the unit, formally inaugurated in July 2019, was established to investigate erring personnel, prevent crime and promote compliance, guided by the principle that no officer is above the law.

He said the experience of the Service over the years had reinforced three important lessons: integrity must begin at home, enforcement powers must be exercised responsibly, and effective policing requires cooperation among relevant institutions.

The Comptroller-General expressed concern over the growing sophistication of criminal networks, which he said were increasingly exploiting legitimate trade routes and digital platforms to move illicit goods, including firearm components, narcotics, counterfeit medicines, protected wildlife and proceeds of illegal activities.

He maintained that tackling these threats required more than aggressive enforcement, calling instead for smarter, intelligence-driven operations supported by technology and international best practices.

Adeniyi pointed to several World Customs Organization instruments, including the SAFE Framework, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, advance rulings, Time Release Study and Revised Kyoto Convention, as important tools for promoting compliance, facilitating legitimate trade and reducing opportunities for corruption.

He also highlighted the role of technology and data management in strengthening customs operations, citing the B’Odogwu platform, which integrates declarations, valuation, risk management and AEO processes.

He added that the INTERPOL Data Centre at Customs Headquarters had provided the Service with access to global criminal databases, while the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 had strengthened the legal foundation for intelligence-led operations, joint border activities and mutual administrative assistance.

The CGC identified Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation as the three pillars that must shape the future of customs policing.

He explained that consolidation would require stronger operational procedures, improved investigations, properly documented cases for prosecution and continuous professional development of personnel.

He called for closer working relationships with the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Department of State Services (DSS), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), neighbouring countries and border communities.

He also encouraged the Service to take advantage of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, advanced scanners, geospatial tools and electronic cargo tracking, to improve investigations and strengthen enforcement operations.

Adeniyi urged participants to use the summit to develop practical recommendations, including a Customs Police doctrine based on the NCS Act 2023 and Revised Arusha Declaration, improved protocols for joint operations and evidence management, guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in investigations, and better training and welfare for CPU personnel.

Addressing officers of the unit, he reminded them that their red berets represented the confidence Nigerians placed in the Service and must therefore be worn with discipline, restraint and pride.

He stressed that integrity remained the greatest badge of honour for every customs officer.

The Acting Provost Marshal of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller TS Sanusi, described the summit as an important step towards strengthening the institutional capacity and repositioning the Customs Police Unit.

Sanusi said the unit was established to provide a dedicated structure for maintaining discipline, investigating misconduct and ensuring compliance with professional standards among personnel and stakeholders.

He observed that the Service could not effectively enforce laws and regulate international trade without having strong mechanisms to promote discipline and accountability within its own ranks.

He added that the increasing challenges of transnational organised crime, illicit financial flows, corruption and emerging security threats had made the work of the Customs Police Unit more important.

The Acting Provost Marshal expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General for his leadership, support and approval of funds for the inaugural summit, noting that the gesture reflected management’s commitment to strengthening the unit.

He also recognised the contributions of former Provost Marshals and personnel who helped establish the unit’s operational structures and professional standards.

Sanusi urged serving personnel to lead by example, insisting that discipline must begin with them if they were to earn the respect and confidence required to enforce it among others.

In his remarks, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs at Headquarters, MS Shuaibu, called for a renewed approach to customs policing, with greater emphasis on professionalism, intelligence gathering and institutional accountability.

Shuaibu said the summit provided an opportunity to reflect on the unit’s achievements, address existing challenges and develop strategies to respond to changing global trade patterns and security threats.

He acknowledged the unit’s contributions to internal discipline, investigation of infractions and the protection of the Service’s interests, but stressed the need to continually improve its operational capacity.

He identified intelligence gathering, surveillance, risk analysis, inter-agency cooperation and modern investigative techniques as key areas requiring attention.

The ACG further emphasised that the exercise of police powers must be guided by respect for human rights and due process, warning that enforcement must never become an excuse for unjust treatment.

He urged officers to remain firm but lawful, courageous but responsible, and impartial in carrying out their responsibilities.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, has urged Nigerians to make selfless service their watchword, asserting that true reward comes only from God who elevates people into higher positions of leadership and responsibility.

Dr Akpe made the call at the grand finale of the Legacy, Impact and Future Award Dinner organised by the Special Evangelistic Association and Leadership Society (SEALS) in conjunction with the Zadok Foundation, held at the Best Western Plus Hotel, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour and recipient of the Defender of the Christian Faith Award at the event, the Deputy Governor said no appreciable progress would be made in any organisation or society where more emphasis is placed on reward at the expense of good work.

Highlighting the relationship between effective service delivery, productivity and prosperity, the Deputy Governor said he had always put service first in all the positions he had held in life, stressing that through service, God promotes men by opening doors for reward and higher service.

Dr. Akpe, while making a biblical allusion to the inspiring story of Rebekah in Genesis chapter 24, where she provided water and fodder for the camels of Abraham’s servant, said she never knew that her act of kindness to a complete stranger was tied to her destiny.

He therefore reminded the political class and Christians holding various positions of responsibility in the house of God to avoid showmanship, adding that God is the One who truly rewards every man according to his service.

In his exhortation, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey provided a scriptural insight and justification for the awards, citing the case of the Roman centurion, for whom the Jewish leaders approached the Lord Jesus and testified about his worthy contributions to the service of God, including building a synagogue.

Apostle Zilly-Aggrey, who is the Grand Patron of SEALS in Bayelsa State, said the awards were given to individuals and some Christian organisations in recognition of their distinguished services to the body of Christ.

According to the Founder of the Zadok Foundation and the Royal House of Grace International Church, the awards were in four major categories, including the Defenders of the Christian Faith Award, the Longest Serving Male and Female Ministers Awards, among others.

The Chairman of SEALS, Revd Vincent Dowell, said the Legacy, Impact and Future Awards Dinner was the crowning moment of a journey marked by vision, excellence and sacrifice.

Revd Dowell, who appreciated the Zadok Foundation for supporting the activities of SEALS over the years, noted that the goal of the ceremony was to inspire a culture of service in the body of Christ, as well as build a society where excellence and effective service are encouraged and rewarded.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the various awards by Apostle Zilly-Aggrey, including the Distinguished Defender of Christian Faith Award to Dr. Peter Akpe as the first Pastor to emerge as Deputy Governor in Bayelsa State.

Other recipients of the Defender of Christian Faith Award included Senator Konbowei Benson, the late Justice Kate Abiri, Pastor Julius Obegha Oworibo, Prof. Ongoebi Etebu, Engr Gesi Asamowei, Chief Robert Ayalla Enogha and Dr. Rowland Akpolo.

The Longest Serving Gospel Minister Award went to 103-year-old Revd Samuel Arabina and Dr Irene Buseri, while a special award was given to Evangelist Bannerman Embiowei and Evang. Abraham Ikiouks, for their contributions to the promotion of Ijaw gospel music over the years.

The Christian Leaders Award went to all past CAN State Chairmen, Rev. Jacob Akpiri, Bishop Israel Ege, Reverend Father Joseph Opelema and the incumbent, Rev. Abili Samuel Abili.

Churches recognised for special awards include the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Assemblies of God, the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, and the Greater Evangelism World Crusade.