The Kingdom of Denmark is seeking greater collaboration with ECOWAS to strengthen the current partnership between both entities to foster peace, security and stability of the West African region.
The Ambassador of Denmark to the Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Jens Ole Bach Hansen, who led a delegation to the Commission, made the disclosure while conferring with the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, on 5th February 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Danish envoy stated his country’s desire to see an ECOWAS region that easily reaches its full prosperous potential with safe citizens who are motivated to invest in their own lives under a stable and peaceful atmosphere.
He stated that the recently signed African Partnership for Peace and Sustainability (APPS V) Programme would be of benefit to the ongoing peace building programmes of the ECOWAS Commission when it takes off in earnest and that many positives are expected when a mid-term review of the agreement with ECOWAS is held later in the year.
On his part, Commissioner Musah, who agreed with Ambassador Hansen that the ECOWAS region is still fragile, stated the need to restructure the very idea of democracy, while allowing the various historical experiences of the African peoples to guide the modern states in the region as a way of guaranteeing the delivery of the dividends of democracy to the greater good of citizens of the region.
According to the report distributed by the APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Commissioner further disclosed that in reviewing its regional integration agenda, and seeking fruitful and equitable partnerships, the ECOWAS Commission is also conscious of the need to guarantee basic infrastructure for the youthful citizens of the region, post-elections behaviours in ECOWAS Member States and the realignment of ECOWAS’ programmes with the region’s new realities, while striking the right chord that enables it to find a common ground of priorities with partners such as the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA).
GIK/APA
Nestlé Nigeria recognised by NCS for supply chain security, compliance excellence
Nestlé Nigeria Plc has been awarded the highest level of Authorised Economic Operator, AEO, certification by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.
The company achieved Security and Safety status under the NCS AEO programme, a certification valid for five years that recognises its compliance with trade regulations, supply chain security requirements, and global best practices.
The certification followed a rigorous evaluation process, including detailed customs audits and on-site operational assessments.
Out of 391 applications received nationwide, only 35 companies were granted full certification, with even fewer achieving the Security and Safety status.
Highlighting the significance of this milestone at the recent formal presentation of certificates in Abuja, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said: “With the presentation of certificates today, it is a clear testament that compliance is indeed possible, even within an ecosystem often challenged by non-compliance.”
Providing operational perspective, Assistant Comptroller NU Awa, AEO National Lead, added: “Nestlé Nigeria was granted AEO Safety and Security certification in recognition of the very high safety and security standards observed during the validation process. This certification reflects the Service’s trust in the company’s compliance framework and its commitment to strengthening supply chain security.”
For Nestlé Nigeria, the AEO Security and Safety status supports faster customs clearance, reduced inspections at ports and warehouses, improved material availability, and stronger engagement with regulators and trade partners. These benefits enhance supply chain efficiency, while supporting business continuity and the consistent delivery of products to consumers across the country.
Commenting on the achievement, Kasum Diabate, Supply Chain Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, said the certification reflects the company’s disciplined approach to operating responsibly.
“This certification is a clear recognition of the strength and integrity of our supply chain. At Nestlé Nigeria, we are deliberate about building systems that are secure, compliant, and resilient from sourcing to delivery. Being awarded the highest AEO Security and Safety status by the Nigeria Customs Service reinforces the trust placed in our operations and our responsibility to support efficient and responsible trade in Nigeria.”
Nestlé Nigeria has operated in Nigeria for over six decades, consistently prioritising compliance, transparency, and collaboration as it serves millions of consumers daily.
This milestone reinforces Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to being a trusted partner in Nigeria’s economy, setting standards for how business should be done, and continuing to meet the evolving needs of consumers through responsible and sustainable operations.
GIK/APA