General
EU Strengthens African Human Rights System
By Dipo Olowookere
Today, in the wake of the 12th AU-EU Human Rights Dialogue, the EU signed a €1.8 million grant contract with the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).
This was the last of a series of 5 contracts the EU is funding under €10 million action aimed at ‘Strengthening the African Human Rights System’ under the EU Pan-African Programme (PANAF).
The main objective of the contract with the PAP is to ensure that all AU Member States ratify, domesticate and implement the AU legal instruments in the field of good governance and human rights.
The cooperation with Regional Economic Communities (RECs), national and regional Parliaments and the African Union Commission (AUC) would be crucial to effectively address this objective by using the PAP’s oversight, advisory and consultative functions.
The contract also covers the cooperation with the European Parliament (EP) and the formulation of model laws in the field of good governance and human rights.
The other grant contracts were signed with the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR).
A last contract provides support to these four thematic contracts via a dedicated Technical Assistance team.
The major objective of the project with the ACERWC is to enhance and strengthen the function of the ACERWC with a view of enabling the Committee to effectively deliver in accordance with its mandate.
Specifically, the project aims at ensuring full ownership and implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child at country level; introducing an integrated approach of protection and promotion of children’s rights in Africa; and creating an enhanced information flow and knowledge sharing platforms and tools on the African Children’s Charter.
Some of the major activities under the project include engaging State Parties on experience sharing and cross boarder issues affecting children’s rights in Africa, litigating on child rights issues including follow up on decisions of previous communications and concluding observations and recommendations.
The third contract, with ACHPR, is to improve the respect for human rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other relevant human rights instruments.
The ACHPR will advocate for and monitor the implementation of instruments in the AU Member States. The contract also concentrates on litigation, ensuring timely adjudication of complaints to the AfCHPR as well as diligent follow-up on compliance by the AU Member States.
It will raise awareness to enable citizens to have a clear understanding of their rights and duties, document good practices in legal and policy reforms and undertake joint investigative missions.
The AfCHPR contract complements the previous one by concentrating on the streamlining of the Court’s processes to improve efficiency and understanding of the proceedings. The AfCHPR is also expected to reduce time for completion of cases and ensure adequate and timely compensation to victims.
The AfCHPR will work to increase the number of ratifications of the Protocol on the establishment of the AfCHPR and the number of countries which have deposited the Article 34(6) declaration allowing individuals and civil society organisations direct access to the AfCHPR.
The PANAF, which was set up in order to support African integration, is the first ever EU cooperation instrument that covers the whole of Africa. It was established in 2014, and constitutes one of the main EU financial instruments for the implementation of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy.
The PANAF is funded under the EU’s Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) with €845 million for 2014-2020.
The current Project ‘Strengthening the African Human Rights System’ is part of a wider approach covering governance and human rights under the PANAF which includes support to the African Governance Architecture, election observation and civil society organisations.
The objective is to contribute to a transparent, democratic and accountable environment in respect of human rights and rule of law in Africa.
The EU has been supporting the work of the Africa’s human rights organs since 2011 in the framework of the African Union Support Programme as well as the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Brand South Africa and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), is hosting the 4th edition of the South Africa Focus Week in Lagos, Nigeria, from April 22 – 26, 2026.
The annual platform continues to grow as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering social cohesion between South Africans and Nigerians while positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for business, tourism, and education. Since its inception in 2023, South Africa Focus Week has attracted over 1,500 participants, bringing together stakeholders from across sectors, including trade and investment, arts and culture, tourism, aviation, and the culinary industry.
The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic Constitution, enacted in 1996, as well as 32 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria, established in February 1994. These milestones underscore the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared history and strengthened through formal agreements and ongoing collaboration.
The 2025 economic relationship between South Africa and Nigeria reflects a strategically significant, multi-dimensional partnership anchored in trade, energy security, investment flows, and strong institutional cooperation. While bilateral trade remains structurally imbalanced – with South Africa exporting US$468.48 million and importing $1.69 billion, resulting in a $1.22 billion deficit – this dynamic is largely driven by South Africa’s reliance on Nigerian crude oil, positioning the relationship as one of strategic interdependence rather than imbalance alone.
This partnership is further elevated by the relative economic weight of both countries. According to IMF projections, South Africa’s economy is valued at approximately $443.6 billion, while Nigeria’s stands at around $334.3 billion in nominal terms for 2026. As two of the largest economies on the continent, their bilateral engagement constitutes a central axis of African economic activity, with disproportionate influence on the success of continental integration efforts.
Beyond trade, the relationship is reinforced by deep two-way investment linkages. South African firms -including MTN Group, Shoprite, and Standard Bank – maintain a strong presence in Nigeria, while Nigerian companies such as Access Bank and Paystack have established a growing footprint in South Africa. Although investment flows are asymmetrical and some Nigerian firms have faced operational challenges, these exchanges reflect an emerging bi-directional economic corridor that extends beyond goods trade into services, finance, and digital innovation.
Aligned with Brand South Africa’s mandate to build the country’s global reputation and competitiveness, the week-long programme will convene leaders from government, business, civil society, academia, and the media. Discussions will focus on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a tool for market access and global positioning, with Nigeria serving as a key focal point.
The South Africa Focus Week has features a series of high-level engagements and cultural activities designed to deepen economic ties and promote collaboration: South Africa–Nigeria Infrastructure Investment Conference (April 22, 2026) which was held under the theme South Africa–Nigeria Partnership: Unlocking Infrastructure Opportunities,” the conference will bring together key stakeholders in infrastructure development to explore collaborative projects in road, rail, and transportation systems.
The forum also examined the role of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) and facilitated discussions on project financing and implementation with institutions such as the DBSA and Nigeria’s Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
This was followed by the 2nd Economic Diplomacy Roundtable (Thursday, April 23, 2026), which was hosted in partnership with MTN Nigeria under the theme Role of Technology in Infrastructure Development, the roundtable will convene senior government officials, private sector leaders, and industry experts to identify investment opportunities and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Friday, April 24, was for Arts and Culture Experience, which is a dedicated cultural day will showcase Lagos’ creative spaces and features a panel discussion on South Africa’s arts, film, music, and culture. The programme includes a South African film screening, engagements with filmmakers, and a networking reception aimed at fostering collaboration between the creative industries of both countries.
The event continues on Thursday, April 25, with Freedom Day Celebration and Closing Ceremony. This commemorative event will celebrate 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, 32 years of freedom and democracy, and the enduring diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria. The ceremony will also provide an opportunity to reflect on outcomes from the week and outline future areas of cooperation.
The celebration forms part of Brand South Africa’s Global South Africans Programme, which recognises and connects South Africans in the diaspora as ambassadors of the nation’s values and identity.
The week climaxes with the 4th edition of the South Africa Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Golf Club on Saturday, April 26, 2026, which will be done in partnership with Crossflex International.
According to a statement, the event aims to strengthen people-to-people relations through sports diplomacy, bringing together South African and Nigerian golfers in a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Mr Tunde Ayeni, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Spokesperson of the anti-money laundering agency, Mr Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of the businessman on Friday but declined to provide further details, according to TheCable.
Mr Ayeni was accused of diverting the N36.5 billion and $30 million loans from Polaris Bank Limited to companies with which he has links.
He was alleged to have obtained the credit facilities for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects, but moved them to telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.
After the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the operating licence of Skye Bank in 2018, it nationalised it to Polaris Bank.
The EFCC has been looking into the alleged diversion of funds by Mr Ayeni, resulting in his arrest in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
He is being grilled over the matter and would be arraigned in court once the investigation is concluded.
This is not the first time Mr Ayeni has been nabbed and probed by the EFCC, as this happened a few months after his bank lost its licence.
The then acting spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Tony Orilade, said Mr Ayeni was quizzed by detectives over issues related to fraud and embezzlement allegedly committed by him when he was Chairman of the bank a few years ago.
By Adedapo Adesanya
“We are fully committed to working with the new Commissioner of Police and giving all necessary support towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities.”
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