In Enugu, Tinubu Says Nigeria Must Encourage More Private Sector Players into Politics, Lauds Mbah’s Performance
Gideon Arinze in Enugu
President Bola Tinubu has called on captains of industry in the country to come into politics to help build Nigeria.
Tinubu made the call at the weekend during a one-day official visit to Enugu State during which he inaugurated several projects executed by the Governor Peter Mbah administration.
The president said Mbah’s success in Enugu State showed that the country needed private sector players in the public sector to move the nation forward. He described Mbah as a
committed leader, who was taking Enugu on the path of 21st century development.
At the commissioning of the stateof-the art Command-and-Control Centre for full surveillance of the
state as well as 150 patrol vehicles fitted with hi-tech equipment and cameras, Tinubu said Mbah was doing everything possible to secure Enugu State, knowing what it takes to attract investment.
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The president stated regarding Mbah’s performance, “This has reassured me of the fact that more revenue going to sub-national and Continued on page 5
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PDP: With Cry of Hunger, Poverty, We Can Produce President, More Govs in 2027
Diri urges colleagues to strengthen party, serve Nigeria Mohammed reiterates commitment to party’s vision, contribute to national devt Several APC members join party in Bauchi
The national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, said with the cry of hunger and pervasive poverty in the land, the party was better placed to produce
the next president of Nigeria and more governors from its current 12. National Treasurer of PDP, Alhaji Ahmed Yayare, made the remarks
in Bayelsa State, when he led the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on a visit to Governor Duoye Diri at his country home, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area. Diri told his colleagues it was essential for the party to be united, because it was the only viable party in opposition.
Discloses c’ttee met with over 120 Ulamas, league of northern democrats
Insists panel still willing to meet with all stakeholders
Insinuates those opposed to bills may have ulterior motives
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, yesterday pushed back on allegations that the panel did not consult with Nigerian governors, disclosing that the heads of the sub-national governments canceled four scheduled meetings. Oyedele, who appeared on Arise Television, also disclosed that in the course of consultations, the committee met physically with
at least 120 Muslim clerics, mostly from the north as well as the League of Democrats, to break down the implications of the ongoing tax reforms.
Earlier, an elder statesman and northern politician, Buba Galadima had while appearing on the same programme anchored by Dr Reuben Abati, insisted that the bills were only fair to Ogun and Lagos states, maintaining that the Oyedele-led group failed to
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President Bola Tinubu (left) and the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, in warm handshakes during the president's state visit and commissioning of multiple projects executed by the Mbah Administration in Enugu, weekend
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
Nigeria’s Debt Servicing Jumped
38% YoY to $3.53bn in
Nume Ekeghe
Nigeria’s external debt servicing/ payments costs surged by 38 per cent in the first nine months of 2024, with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) spending a whopping $3.53 billion to service the country's debts, compared to $2.56 billion during the same period in 2023. This was contained in CBN’s International Payment Data published on its website.
A month-by-month analysis highlighted the scale of the challenge and showed that in January 2024 Nigeria spent $560.52 million on external debt servicing, marking a sharp increase from $112.35 million in January 2023. February 2024 followed with $283.22 million, slightly below the $288.54 million recorded the previous year.
March 2024 showed a decline,
with $276.17 million spent, compared to $400.47 million in March 2023, a 31 per cent drop. In April 2024, debt servicing rose to $215.20 million, a 132 per cent increase, compared to $92.85 million in April 2023.
May 2024 saw the highest monthly expenditure of $854.37 million, a staggering 287 per cent jump from $221.05 million in May 2023. By contrast, June 2024 recorded $50.82 million, slightly lower than the $54.36 million spent in June 2023.
The mid-year trend showed
Nine Months
mixed movements as debt servicing fell to $542.50 million in July 2024, a 15 per cent decline from $641.69 million in July 2023. August 2024 followed a similar trajectory, with $279.95 million spent compared to $309.96 million the previous year, a 10 per cent reduction. However, September 2024 marked an increase, with $515.81 million spent, up 17 per cent from $439.06 million in September 2023.
The cumulative figures highlighted the stark increase
in Nigeria’s debt burden. In the first nine months of 2023, the country spent $2.56 billion on external debt servicing. By the same period in 2024, this figure had climbed to $3.53 billion, a $970 million increase.
Speaking to THISDAY, Chief Executive of CFG Advisory, Tilewa Adebajo, raised concerns about the sustainability of Nigeria’s growing debt obligations.
"The debt profile is too high and unsustainable. The federal government must implement
OYEDELE: IT’S UNTRUE TAX C’TTEE DIDN’T CONSULT, GOVS REFUSED TO MEET WITH US
meet with any governor except that of Lagos state.
Galadima also alleged that members of the panel were disowning the report behind the chairman, observing that some members of the committee said they were not carried along before the decisions on the bills were taken.
The introduction of the bills had sparked widespread debates, especially in the north, which has said that the Value Added Tax (VAT) will cut its accruals from the federation account. But the bills had been taken before the National Executive Council (NEC) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) before they were sent to the National Assembly.
The proposed legislation aims to overhaul the country's tax collection and administration systems, presenting an opportunity to create a more equitable and efficient taxation model. They include: The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
However, one of the bills, especially the one which proposes a derivation-based model for VAT distribution, has been rejected by the 19 northern governors and traditional rulers and many northern leaders.
But Oyedele, who faulted Galadima’s allegations, stated that the committee set up on August 8, 2023, has widespread membership, at a time hitting over 120 members, from all the geopolitical zones.
“We have more than 20 government institutions represented. We have the private sector, whether it's manufacturers, whether it's women in business. We have 45 students from 22 universities across Nigeria.
“In addition to that, we had extensive engagement with the governors. I went to the governors' forum. We wrote and wanted to meet with six governors, one from each of the six geopolitical zones. Up until this moment, it's only the governor of Lagos state we were able to see.
“The other governor who was willing to welcome us was the governor of Kaduna state. And after all the logistics, we agreed on the date, on that day he wasn't able to attend. It was the deputy governor that hosted us. I will not name the other governors, but I can actually if I need to. They didn't have time for us.
“The governors' forum themselves invited us four times and canceled four times. The fifth time, we were kept waiting until 1.30 a.m., in the middle of the night. By the time they had time for us, they said we had 15 minutes.
“And I said, your excellencies, we have a lot to talk about. They said, tell us how our revenues will go up. Even that, we couldn't say in 15 minutes. We had a half a day engagement with the finance commissioners from across Nigeria. We've had more than
four engagements with the heads of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from all over Nigeria.
“We've had engagements with different groups, more than 40 sectors, from manufacturers to SMEs to FinTech. And these things were published,” Oyedele stressed, while defending the work of the committee.
According to him, the panel accelerated the compilation of the reforms because aside from the fact that Nigeria does not have the luxury of time, as it needs to relieve the ‘pain’ very quickly, the nation also needs to be set on the right path to development.
He added: “The other important factor is, a government is for four years. If you don't get things done in the first two and a half years, the rest of it is politicking. So what we did was, we said the only way we can get this job done is to break out into work groups,” the tax expert stated.
Aside from the fact that everything was debated line by line, Oyedele stressed that on the few areas of differences, committee members even voted, pointing out that the insinuation that he ignored the reports of committees, and then wrote his own was not true.
“And so it's unfortunate that he claimed that some members of our committee did that (disowned the work). And I'm sure he can't mention their names, because there's nobody. Unless on their own, they just made up the story. Nothing like that happened,” Oyedele insisted.
Besides, he stated that there was serious consultation with the Senate and members of the House of Representatives, stressing that some persons were bent on misunderstanding the content of the bills.
He explained that if the move by Rivers and Lagos states before the courts succeed that VAT should be collected by states because they feel that they are not getting enough for the contribution, it would be the equivalent of 100 per cent derivation for those states which will be disastrous for others.
“We said, if we get states to start collecting VAT in Nigeria, it will be chaotic for business… The biggest loser will be Lagos because you are changing what is benefiting Lagos today to benefit everyone else,” he argued.
He noted that the committee was expecting commendation from those he said were currently criticising it, observing that the only state it was expecting some push back from was Lagos which would have its VAT revenue reduced.
With more than 100 provisions in the bills, he expressed surprise that some persons in the country were calling for the withdrawal of the bills because of one or two provisions they disagree with.
“What they are disagreeing with is about one or two. How on earth would the solution to disagreeing with two sections of the law be to withdraw four
bills that are transformative? Why don't we discuss those things and then present it to the lawmakers and then they will make a call as to what the final position should be.
“So sometimes it appears people are using this as a proxy fight to do something else. Otherwise, the problem they identified and the solution that they prefer are totally at
variance,” he stated, adding that withdrawing the bill will not solve any problem.
Oyedele said that President Bola Tinubu understands the issues and that he was giving the committee his full backing even though he never interfered with its work.
“We've not, in my adult time in Nigeria, had a president that I say that you can sit with in 10 to
policies to grow the economy and create employment to address these challenges effectively," Adebajo said.
15 minutes and he gets it. That is this president,” he asserted, noting that the committee will continue to explain the bills to Nigerians.
“ I'll tell you that we had an interesting meeting with the Ulamas. They are the clerics mostly from the north. There were over 120. We had to explain everything to them. And many of them, when we were done, were praying for the work we had done because there was a lot of misinformation previously.
“We had meetings also with some sections of the north. I was with the League of Northern Democrats. So if they call me today, most times I get less than a 24-hour notice. I have to fly around to go to different places. So we are happy to discuss. We are willing to discuss,” he stated.
PDP: WITH CRY OF HUNGER, POVERTY, WE CAN PRODUCE PRESIDENT, MORE GOVS IN 2027
In Bauchi State, the governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, Saturday, reaffirmed his commitment to advance the vision of PDP and also contribute meaningfully to national development. Mohammed said this when members of the NWC paid him a condolence visit over the death of his stepmother.
Equally, in Bauchi, thousands of youths and others from All Progressives Congress (APC) were led into PDP by one of the youth leaders in the northern zone, Usman Adamu, in the first defection of the new year.
Yayare said due to the level of disenchantment across the country, occasioned by lingering economic hardship, PDP would produce more governors in 2027.
He said PDP was the only viable opposition party that could wrest power from APC in 2027.
Yayare stated during the visit to Diri, "If it (PDP) does not take over the leadership of the country, it could be the end of democracy in Nigeria.
"Nothing stops the PDP producing the president and the vice president in 2027. The cry of hunger and poverty is too much in the land.
“The 36 states of Nigeria are yearning for the return of PDP. The APC cannot go out to campaign because they will be stoned. Nigeria is in your hands. We need your support to salvage Nigeria."
He said they were prepared to go round PDP states to canvass support ahead of the 2027 general election and urged the governors to close ranks towards actualising their vision.
Yayare said the NWC was in
Sampou to also commiserate with Diri over the death of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (rtd), Moses Jituboh, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Elizabeth Bidei.
PDP National Secretary, Udeh Okoye, stated that the NWC was poised to reposition the party and demonstrate to Nigerians that they were an alternative that could offer quality leadership.
Okoye said the NWC would swing into action towards strengthening the party and ensure that there was respect for it and its governors.
He commended Diri for his exemplary leadership and remarkable developmental strides in Bayelsa, saying the party is proud of him.
Responding, Diri said, "As governors, we need to work closely together. We need to do what is right without minding whose ox is gored.
“We can build consensus as an alternative way of resolving issues. It is not always proper to go to court whenever we are aggrieved. We cannot because of political considerations do the wrong thing. If PDP dies in our hands, posterity will not forgive us.”
Diri assured the party of his support, adding that he is not interested in polarising PDP.
"If anybody is bigger than the party, the person can leave. It is PDP that has made most of us. We cannot be in PDP in the day time and at night be in another party. We need to do in-house cleansing," he said.
Diri expressed support for the idea of forming a mega party, with PDP standing out prominently, to take over power at the centre. He urged his
colleagues to strengthen the party so it could salvage the country from its current slide.
The Bauchi State governor, who also spoke when the NWC paid him a condolence visit over the death of his stepmother, vowed he would work closely with Okoye.
He stated, "Yesterday, I received the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at my residence as they paid a condolence visit following the passing of my beloved stepmother, Hajiya Hauwa, who lived a remarkable life of nearly 120 years.
"On behalf of the delegation, Ibrahim Yayari extended their heartfelt sympathies, offering prayers for my family and acknowledging Hajiya Hauwa’s impactful life of wisdom and guidance.
"I deeply appreciate the NWC’s solidarity during this time of mourning. I also reaffirmed my commitment to working closely with our newly appointed @OfficialPDPNig National Secretary, Udeh Okoye, to advance the party’s vision and contribute meaningfully to national development."
Meanwhile, Adamu officially led other members of APC to PDP during a ceremony held yesterday at the township stadium in Azare, Bauchi State. It was witnessed by a huge crowd under the leadership of the state chairman of PDP, Sama'ila Adamu Burga.
In his declaration, Adamu said he decided to join PDP in order to contribute to the development of the state seeing what the party under the leadership of Mohammed was
doing to transform the state.
He stated, "Senator Bala Mohammed has done great things since becoming governor, he has transformed the state to an enviable position, now, being emulated by all. The state is now in its right position. I am coming in to contribute my quota to the development of the state.
"Having seen what has been done in education, health, social sectors, human development and inclusive government, I am here to be part of the development strive.
"I am leading scores of youths to the PDP in order to strengthen the party and make it to remain in power beyond 2027. What we need in Bauchi State is a working governor, like Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir.
"Nobody should talk about 2027 now, it is still two years ahead. What we should do now is to support the present administration to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state. We need to do more for the people."
Receiving the defectors, Burga described the development as a positive move to further strengthen PDP in the state.
Represented by the deputy chairman, Falalu Mustapha, Burga assured the people that they would be treated as full members of PDP with all privileges and rights of membership.
While presenting a membership card to Adamu, Mustapha urged him to join hands with the PDP led state government to contribute to development of the state.
IN ENUGU, TINUBU SAYS NIGERIA MUST ENCOURAGE MORE PRIVATE SECTOR PLAYERS INTO POLITICS, LAUDS MBAH’S PERFORMANCE
local governments is not a waste. It is for development, especially, when we have committed leaders like Peter Mbah taking Enugu on the path of 21st century development, to greater heights, building our tomorrow today.
“I cannot forget the sight of those small children that I just met in a green 21st century school. We also went to the multi-purpose International Conference Centre, and here we are commissioning the investment in security that will bring about rapid development.
“I could see the vehicles, gadgets with 21st century technology. Yes, you are, indeed, planning for today, tomorrow and the future of Enugu.”
Tinubu added, “It is audacious to have this hall filled with technology and be ready for use to promote investment. Investment is very
cowardly. They run away from trouble. And when you assure security, development and give value for their money, they will be your friend.
“One thing we all know is that you are a private sector person. So, we must encourage more private sector players to come into politics.”
In his remarks, Mbah, who is also Founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas, a major player in the Nigerian downstream petroleum sub-sector, said his administration’s massive investment in security, education, infrastructure, among others, was tied to the vision of exponential economic growth and positioning the state as the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.
According to Mbah, “Our goals include growing Enugu State from
the $4.4 billion economy that it was on my accession to office, to a $30 billion economy in the next four to eight years. It also includes the ambition to make Enugu State one of Nigeria’s top three states in GDP terms.
“But we recognise that few things stifle dreams, such as we have, and drain life out of a city, like untamed criminality – or any hint of it.
“That understanding is evident in the substantial investments we have made in strengthening security in Enugu State.”
Mbah explained, “The framework of our security system was designed to nip crime in the bud, and react swiftly when there is any breach of security.
“However, a sense of security is not simply instilled through the
physical presence of arms-bearing personnel. It is rather reinforced by a system that helps guarantee a sense of security even when the threat of crime is remote.
“This is what our AI-enhanced security initiative, which has led to round-the-clock surveillance of our streets and neighbourhoods across the entire state, is helping us to achieve.
“This state-wide CCTV network is operated via this Command-andControl Centre commissioned today.” Other projects commissioned by Tinubu were 30 completed and equipped Enugu Smart Green Schools, out of 260 under construction across the 260 wards in the state; multi-auditorium and multi-functional Enugu International Conference Centre; and 90 completed urban roads in Enugu City.
Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has declared that the organised private sector recorded unsatisfactory economic performance in 2024.
NACCIMA expressed the view
yesterday in its New Year message, titled, “Statement on Options for Economic Reform and Consequences for The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2025-2027,” which was signed by its national president, Hon. Dele Kelvin Oye.
Oye said, “We should agree that the 2024 economic performance was
unsatisfactory for the private sector.
“All data, metrics and consequent statistics confirmed that the Nigerian private sector has borne fully the negative burdens of the current economic reforms while, in contrast, the Nigerian public sector has continued to thrive and expand.”
He stated that all economic benefits
of the current economic reforms went to the government through high capital transfers and revenues, while the private sector was faced with higher inflation, higher cost of borrowing/repayment for existing loans, $2.4 billion unpaid forwards contracts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), currency devaluation,
CNG: Tetracore Collaborates with Dangote Cement on Adequate Supply in Country
Segun James
In support of the federal government's initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), oil servicing company, Tetracore Energy, has entered into a collaborative agreement with Dangote Cement to supply CNG for its logistics operations.
Under the strategic partnership, Tetracore will deliver up to 400,000 standard cubic meters (SCM) of CNG to support Dangote Cement’s growing auto CNG demand.
The collaboration was projected to meet the growing demand from Dangote’s extensive logistics fleet, as well as the rising needs of auto CNG users nationwide, and drive
cleaner energy use.
To ensure seamless supply, Tetracore will deploy its state-ofthe-art Mobile Refilling Units and establish strategically located mother stations nationwide. This innovative solution guarantees accessibility and reliability for Dangote’s logistics operations and other auto CNG users, supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
Speaking on the collaboration, Tetracore’s Programme Executive, Dayo Williams, stated, "This collaboration underscores Tetracore’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions across Nigeria.
"By collaborating with Dangote Cement, we are not only supporting
one of the nation’s largest logistics operations but also driving the adoption of CNG, a cleaner, more efficient fuel option."
According to Williams, this initiative aligns with the federal government’s vision for energy transition and economic growth through gas utilisation and reduced reliance on conventional fuels. He added that it also highlighted the private sector’s pivotal role in achieving national sustainability goals.
Williams said Tetracore remained dedicated to enabling energy transition and natural gas utilisation in Nigeria by delivering innovative, reliable, and scalable solutions that empower industries,
enhance logistics, and contribute to a sustainable future.
Tetracore is an integrated energy company with a growing gas and power portfolio that supports energy access, industrialisation, and local content development within Africa’s biggest economy, and a growing footprint across Africa.
It deploys small-scale gas and power technologies that are better adapted to address the challenges of an economy like Nigeria.
The company has made a conscious decision to focus on natural gas, in line with Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, the country’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), and its commitment to reach Net Zero by 2060.
Management: BUA’s 200,000bpd Oil Refinery
Progressing, Not 90% Completed Yet
Says company spent $3.5bn on 12 projects in 10 years
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The BUA group yesterday clarified that although its 200,000 barrels per day crude oil refinery located in Akwa Ibom, South-south Nigeria, was progressing and would be delivered on schedule, it was not yet 90 per cent completed as erroneously reported in some quarters.
weighed down by negative burdens of economic reforms’ Departs Lagos for Accra on Monday
optimal production efficiency as well as reduce Nigeria's reliance on imported fuels and petrochemicals.
“Contrary to a misleading report stating that our 200,000 barrels per day refinery is at 90 per cent completion, BUA wishes to advise the public to disregard such misleading reports that did not emanate from us.
The Abdul Samad Rabiu-led business conglomerate, in a statement yesterday, also stated that in the last 10 years, it had spent about $3.5 billion on 12 mega projects nationwide.
The refinery is expected to produce Euro-V fuels, including diesel, petrol, and jet fuel, as well as polypropylene.
It is also envisaged that it will use advanced technology to minimise environmental impact and ensure
“As we make remarkable strides on our Akwa Ibom refinery project, we are proud to share that construction is progressing steadily.
Whilst the refinery is not at 90 per cent completion, we are however on track to meet our delivery timelines in collaboration with our partners.
“This BUA Refinery and Petrochemicals project represents a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s refining capacity and energy
security,” it added in the statement.
According to BUA, the group's other energy projects, including the construction of a mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant and several new hybrid power plants across the country to add additional capacity to its over 1,000mw installed captive power generation capacity, were also progressing rapidly.
The company advised the public to verify any news through its official channels and platforms so as not to be misled by those it described as mischievous persons.
“At BUA, we remain committed to transparency and excellence. As we have consistently done with over 12 of our completed mega industrial projects worth over $3.5 billion in the past 10 years, we will continue
to keep you updated with verifiable and accurate information only where necessary, and as milestones are achieved.
“We appreciate the public’s interest and enthusiasm for this transformative project as we work together in building a stronger industrial and manufacturing base for a self-reliant Nigeria,” the company added.
With the refinery’s expected completion, Nigeria will undoubtedly become a net exporter of petroleum products in the coming years. This projection is based on current production by the Dangote refinery's 650,000 bpd facility in Lagos as well as the coming on-stream of the Port Harcourt, Warri and upcoming Kaduna refineries.
and higher costs in all areas of its business operations.
NACCIMA said the imbalance caused by increased public sector expenditure and consequent borrowings had destroyed value in the private sector’s investments due to government’s unsustainable high interest rates.
It also debunked the notion that government’s increasing revenue was due to public sector’s improved productivity.
According to NACCIMA, “For avoidance of doubt, payment of customs duties and taxation are not due to improved government productivity.
“These revenues are purely private sector revenues, which constitute a transfer of wealth and capital from the productive private sector to an ever-expanding unproductive public sector.
“The public sector does not own factories nor does it produce any goods and services sold to the customers. Rather, it extracts value from the citizens through regulatory fiat. Awarding contracts is not the same as enhancing production.”
Oye stated that the payment of high interest rates to local and overseas creditors, regardless of asset class, was close to financial "hara-kiri," adding that financial assets should be created and counterbalanced by equivalent investment in productive assets, which are expected to repay the loans.
“If these assets are offloaded to
the capital markets, it will be possible to transfer many unproductive public sector loans off balance sheet thereby unburdening the government from excessive borrowing,” Oye said. He cautioned that the suggestion should not be misconstrued as an advocacy for the transfer of public monopoly to private monopoly or creation of private uncompetitive markets.
The national president of NACCIMA also stated that the over-subscription that attended the recent Nigeria’s Eurobond issue only confirmed that the coupon was sold beyond market offers, and warned that relying heavily on foreign borrowing “may expose the country to external shocks and currency fluctuations”.
NACCIMA also declared that Nigeria needed a coordinated approach to delivering the latest technologies and digital infrastructure that would facilitate delivery of social services, public health, educational and digital infrastructure.
It stated that the federal government should undertake a rigorous review of its current size and expenditure to identify and eliminate wasteful spending because efficient allocation of existing resources could help to reduce excessive public borrowing.
NACCIMA stated, “The Nigerian budget for elected and unelected politicians can be adjusted. The size and number of government-funded agencies can be reduced and taxes should be further reduced, which will attract greater private sector investment.”
Tinubu to Attend Inauguration of John Mahama as President of Ghana Tomorrow
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Monday, January 6, for Accra, the capital of the Republic of Ghana, to attend the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama on January 7. Mahama, who served as the 12th president of Ghana between 2011 and 2017, was re-elected in December 2024. He will succeed President Nana Akuffo-Addo( 2017-2025).
According to a release issued on Sunday by presidential spokesperson, President Tinubu's trip to Accra is at the invitation
of the president-elect, who had visited the Nigerian leader earlier in December, 2024. Mahama and President Tinubu have a longstanding personal relationship, just like Nigeria and Ghana maintain a longstanding bilateral relationship.
President Tinubu, as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, will join other African leaders at the ceremony.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca OdumegwuOjukwu and other senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.
L-R: Chairman BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during the Governor's visit to the business mogul in Lagos at the weekend.
TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE CEREMONY...
L-R: Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Father of bride/Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Groom, Ayodeji Akinyemi; his bride,
Olukemi Akinyemi, and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin with other dignitaries (back roll) during the traditional marriage ceremony of Toluwanimi in Ibadan…on Saturday
2025: NSITF in Fresh Move to Woo Employees in Informal Sector
To mount zonal campaigns
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has developed a comprehensive programme for the integration of the informal sector into the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS).
Managing Director of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, said the Fund would tap into
the immense potentials of the informal economy in broadening access to its social safety net in line with the poverty alleviation agenda of the federal government.
He noted the national economy would benefit greatly if artisans, traders, and other small service providers are brought into the safety net of the ECS.
Gas Explosion Injures over 20 Persons in Rivers
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Over 20 persons, including a pregnant woman and her children, were critically wounded at the weekend, following a gas explosion that occurred at the Orazi axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Other victims, THISDAY learnt, were passers-by. Many of the injured were rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt.
Eyewitnesses in the area disclosed that the explosion occurred in a gas refilling shop, when a technician who runs the place was said to be fixing a faulty cylinder.
It was gathered that immediately the cylinder exploded, it affected other cylinders inside the shop, triggering multiple explosions, even as the welder said to be the first victim. Besides, it affected some surrounding buildings as most of the occupants fled for their lives.
A relative of one of the victims who did not mention his name told journalists that the owner of the shop has been selling gas for years in the area without experiencing such an incident.
He said his in-law and her husband who were affected in the explosion were rushed to the hospital for treatment, lamenting that they had spent over N500, 000.
He lamented: “I was just called in the evening about the incident because my sister in-law and the husband were involved. When my wife picked the call, her countenance
changed immediately.
“So I asked what happened. She said it was a gas explosion and that her sister is at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. I lost my appetite and immediately drove to the hospital. I know how Orazi is. There are many shops scattered all over just for people to survive.”
Speaking further, the relative said:
“But this is somebody who also refills their cylinders. He has been there for sometime now and he is also doing welding work. Sometimes, you will see him welding perforated cylinders without following the normal procedure. Maybe he feels that because the cylinder is empty you can carry out any work but it is not done that way.
“So as a result of that, the gas exploded and affected the cylinders inside. The other families affected were my brother-in-law, the wife, their two children and himself. They just came back from evangelism.
“They just branched to say hello and that was how they joined. One of my uncles was just passing by and stopped to greet his two grandchildren with him. He too was affected. That was how it happened.
“They are all at the intensive unit taking treatment. So far about N500, 000 has gone for drugs and other treatment. We are not talking about the children. We are running my uncle's expenses while some other person is running that of the children. It is quite unfortunate what we are seeing this January.”
A statement by NSITF General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Nwachukwu Godson, quoted Faleye as having disclosed this during an interview on TVC television at the weekend
He further stated that such would drive national productivity and combat poverty.
“The informal sector is the backbone of our economy. If we can cover this sector effectively, we will not only safeguard livelihoods but also boost national productivity,” he said
"The fund will double down on extensive sensitization campaign across all geopolitical
zones which we already commenced in 2024."
Additionally, he said more stakeholder engagements will be held in the regions to educate informal sector players on the benefits of the ECS.
While acknowledging the unique challenges posed by the informal sector, he informed that the NSITF will develop strategies that consider its peculiarities so as to tackle each with a simple and accessible process.
To seamlessly achieve this, he further stated that the NSITF will re-engineer its operations as well as workforce to make
the ECS available to all workers irrespective of status.
Similarly, Faleye has lauded the staff of the NSITF for their roles in making possible the achievements recorded in year 2024.
Earlier in a message to mark the New Year, Faleye said that:
"Within a short time, we have made great strides, launched new initiatives, expanded our reach and overcame obstacles that seemed insuperable.
Our collective effort has been instrumental in the success of the fund, and I am proud of the impact we have made together."
Faleye said that in repositioning the fund for greater heights in 2025, he will sustain investment in innovation.
On manpower development, the Managing Director said the Fund would create opportunities for growth, "both as individuals and the Fund at large." He equated the growth of the individual staff to the wellbeing of the Fund and underscored the quest for hard work.
"We will continue to build a culture that fosters integrity, inclusivity, well-being, continuous learning and improvement," he added.
NBS Website Still in Comatose Weeks After Attack
James Emejo in Abuja
More than two weeks after the website of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) was breached, the platform remains offline, denying the public, and data users access to critical statistical information and other analysis.
While details of the attack remained sketchy, the Bureau had on December 18, 2024, announced that the website had been compromised.
It added, "Our team is actively working to resolve the issue and
restore full functionality.
"We advise the public to disregard any messages or reports published on the website until further notice."
Contacted, NBS spokesman, Mr. Sunday Ichedi told THISDAY yesterday that work was still ongoing on the website, adding that the site will be restored soon, without issuing a timeline.
There were speculations that the hack may have been premeditated.
Earlier, on December 12, 2024, the NBS had released the
Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024 report which indicated that the average amount paid by Nigerians as ransom between May 2023 and April 2024, stood at N2.67 million while about N2.23 trillion was paid within the reference period.
The report was alleged to have ruffled feathers among security agencies which weighed the security implications.
The NBS remains a key agency of government with a mandate to collect, compile, analyse and disseminate statistics and related
information on social, economic, demographic and environmental activities.
It's operations are particularly key to helping the government take informed decisions in its policy interventions.
Ichedi said, "We want to make the website very tight for these hackers to penetrate. So, we are seriously working on it and very soon it would be okay."
The bureau remains of the agencies of government that is grossly underfunded from annual budgetary provisions.
Divine Turnaround: Pastor Muoka Declares 2025 Nigeria's Year of Restoration
Mary Nnah
In a prophetic declaration, General Overseer of the Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, has proclaimed 2025 as Nigeria's year of divine restoration.
This declaration was made during the church's highly anticipated international revival in Mgbidi, Imo State, which rounded off yesterday, Sunday, January 5th.
According to Pastor Muoka, 2025 will be a year of jubilee for Nigeria, marked by
unprecedented prosperity, peace, and stability.
“This year is a year of jubilee. It is a year that this land will not experience any setback", he declared, as he prayed for Nigeria's divine turnaround.
At the four-day revival, themed "What God Has Determined Shall Be Done," thousands of attendees from Nigeria and beyond gathered at the Chosen Revival Ground in Mgbidi, seeking miracles, healings, and deliverances.
Pastor Muoka emphasised that 2025 would bring restoration and transformation to Nigeria,
urging citizens to serve God for uncommon rewards.
"God is looking for people to serve Him for uncommon rewards. Make yourself available for God to use," he urged.
He also prayed for Nigeria to overcome its economic challenges and become more fruitful. "This revival is to position the land and the people for greatness, restoration, and dominion," he stated.
The revival was marked by intense praise and worship sessions, with attendees singing and dancing to the glory of God. Fervent prayers were offered for
Nigeria and its people. As the attendees depart Mgbidi, they carry with them a renewed sense of hope and faith, knowing that 2025 holds great promises for Nigeria and its people.
With Pastor Muoka's prophetic declaration ringing in their ears, they are poised to take advantage of the divine opportunities that the year ahead presents. As one attendee put it, "We have experienced the power of God in Mgbidi, and we are confident that 2025 will be a year of divine restoration and transformation for Nigeria."
Toluwanimi Oyebanji; Mother of groom, Dr.
NPC CHAIRMAN VISITS SENATE LEADERSHIP...
Sanwo-Olu Pledges to Sustain Lagos’ Developmental Pace
Segun James
Basking on the euphoria of praise on the developmental strides of his government, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed confidence that the pace would continue in 2025 Sanwo-Olu who said this at the 2025 Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Lagos State government with the theme, ‘Harvest of Thanksgiving,’ held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, also expressed confidence that the country’s global perception was shifting from negative to positive.
This, he attributed to the country's recent economic reforms and initiatives by President Bola Tinubu.
The Governor acknowledged the challenges faced by the nation and the State in 2024, but emphasised the necessity of tough economic decisions.
He noted, “In 2024, we faced
tough and difficult, but necessary, decisions. Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we tackled long overdue economic reforms to lay the foundation for the country of our dreams.”
While recognising that the reforms had led to short-term hardships for many Nigerians, the governor remained optimistic, stating that the pain would soon give way to long-term benefits.
“We are already seeing the emerging shoots of the positive outcomes of these reforms. The harvest that awaits us as Nigerians, following our many sacrifices and perseverance, will be a very gratifying one," he said.
Sanwo-Olu pointed to the country’s growing public revenues and improving macroeconomic stability as signs of progress.
He also highlighted the positive impact of these changes on job
North-East Group Commends
Mele Kyari for Reviving Port Harcourt, Warri Refineries
Segun Awofadeji in Gombe
The Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mallam Mele Kyari, has been commended for transforming the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries and getting them back to production.
The commendation was made by a group - Concerned Citizens of North-East (CCNE) - in a press statement signed and issued to journalists, weekend by Amb. Auwal Ahmad Umar, Director, Media, Concerned Citizens of the Northeast (CCNE).
According to CCNE, "The revival of these critical and strategic national facilities has reawakened the national energy sector and strengthened Nigeria's petroleum refining capacity."
It added: "Under Mallam Mele Kyari's stewardship, the comprehensive rehabilitation efforts have been characterized by transparency, efficiency, and
adherence to global standards.
"This development aligns with the federal government's goal of reducing imported refined products, fostering national economic growth, and creating job opportunities for thousands of Nigerians."
CCNE further stated: "By prioritizing strategic investments and leveraging innovative technology, Mallam Mele Kyari has set a benchmark for excellence in the oil and gas industry. We urge all Nigerians to support Mallam Mele Kyari and NNPC Ltd in their mission to reposition Nigeria in the global energy sector."
The CCNE also called on all stakeholders to continue supporting Mallam Mele Kyari and the NNPC in their mission to reposition Nigeria as a key player in the global energy landscape.
It concluded stressing: "We remain optimistic that this transformative leadership will further strengthen Nigeria's economic resilience and energy security."
creation, investments, and social welfare, noting that the new national minimum wage was now being paid, with Lagos going beyond the minimum.
The governor also touched on the nation’s economic performance in 2024, citing the Nigerian stock market’s impressive performance, with the All-Share Index closing the year above the 100,000-mark.
He also celebrated Lagos'
infrastructure milestones, including the inauguration of the first phase of the Red Line and progress on the Blue Line project, along with the advancement of large-scale initiatives such as the food and logistics park and a new children's hospital, both among the largest in Africa.
Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu noted the significant influx of Nigerians from the diaspora, particularly in Lagos, which he described
as a glimpse into the immense cultural and economic potential of the country.
“We have seen an exciting glimpse of the huge economic and cultural potential that lies in the enthusiastic homecoming of our people from around the world,” he said, urging efforts to tap into this potential in the years to come.
The governor also commended private sector achievements,
including the start of petrol production at the Dangote Refinery and the groundbreaking of the 12,000-seat Lagos Arena, which promises to redefine Nigeria's arts and entertainment sector.
He further expressed confidence that Nigeria's future, powered by these reforms, would be bright, with the country's global image continuing to improve in the coming years.
Discordant Tunes Trail Planned Hike in Telecoms Tariff
Emma Okonji
Just as telecoms operators are pushing for 100 per cent hike in telecoms tariff, some groups are vehemently opposing the call for tariff hike, insisting it will be additional burden on telecoms subscribers.
Telecons operators under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had written to the telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), demanding for a 40 per cent hike in voice and data subscriptions.
But recently, telecons operators are demanding for 100 per cent tariff hike in order to ensure industry sustainability.
Opposing the request for tariff hike, members of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), condemned the planned hike, insisting that the planned hike negates the interest of telecoms services consumers, and will bring hardship on subscribers.
National President of
Akinwale in Abuja
NATCOMS, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, said with the planned tariff hike, a voice call will rise from N11.00 to N15.40 per minute, short message services will jump from N4.00 to N5.60 and one GB data bundle will move from N1,000 to N1,400 at 40 per cent increase in telecons tariff.
According to Ogunbanjo, "This represents additional digital costs consumers will have to square up with at the beginning of a new year among other harsh economic realities of Nigeria of today.
“This, undoubtedly, is against public interest. NATCOMS sees the increment as an official policy to price telecoms services out of the reach of generality of the citizens of this country.
“Telecoms services are taxable services under the Value Added Tax Act. The Act was amended in 2019 by the Finance Act of that year to raise the tax rate from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent which was 50 per cent increment and the increment has been borne by the consumers of telecoms services.
“That increment brought about untold hardship to our
members many of who have been forced to cut back on their Telecommunication requirements.
"As if that was not bad enough, the federal government got the National Assembly to enact the Finance Act of 2020. Former President Muhammadu Buhari by an order prescribed 5 per cent as the rate of the excise duty charge, chargeable for telecommunication services."
The Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Service Operators (ATCIS), has also kicked against the request for planned tariff hike.
ATCIS President, Mr. Sina Bilesanmi, told THISDAY that telecoms subscribers were not getting value for their money, and that ATCIS would continue to oppose such planned tariff hike until telecoms operators fix their networks and offer quality service.
"Telecons operators should fix their networks and consult with telecoms subscribers. 100 per cent increase will ground the economy.
Transparency and accountability are what we need," Bilesanmi said.
The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has expressed the need for telcos to increase tariffs as a measure of sustainability.
Toriola made this known during a recent interview with Arise TV, in which he highlighted the sector's current state, its potential for aiding economic growth, and the need for reforms to ensure its advancement and sustainability.
“We’ve put forward requests of approximately 100 per cent tariff increase to the regulators. I doubt they are going to approve that quantum of increase because they are very sensitive to the current economic situation in the country,” he said. Toriola however expressed optimism about the implementation of reforms that will enable the telecoms sector's sustenance, considering the obvious challenges it is presently faced with.
“We’re hopeful and optimistic that the realities are staring us in the face and the right decisions will be taken for the sustainability of the industry,” Toriola said.
L-R: Deputy Senate Leader, Lola Ashiru; Senate Minority Whip, Abba Morro; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Senate Whip, Mohammed Monguno; and Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Hon Nasir Issa Kwarra, when the Commission's leadership paid a courtesy call on the Senate…recently
OBA ADETONA VISITS TINUBU...
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday received the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II , at his residence in Lagos
Tinubu: Traditional Institutions Crucial to Fostering National Unity, Economic Development
Receives in audience Awujale of Ijebuland
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola TInubu has emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in fostering national unity, governance, and economic development.
The President spoke on Sunday at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence while playing host to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ogbagba II. In a post on his verified official X handle, the President shared details of his meeting with the first class traditional ruler, saying their discussion
focused on solutions to the country’s challenges, with an emphasis on building a cohesive national identity and strengthening partnerships to drive economic progress.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that the engagement would contribute to his administration’s efforts to
achieve a more united and prosperous Nigeria.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional leaders.
His words: “Now more than ever, the role of our traditional institutions is crucial for fostering national cohesion, governance,
Lagos Island Urban Regeneration: Govt Begins Drainage Reconstruction, Situation Assessment
Segun James
The Lagos State Government is to commence the reconstruction and assessment of some major roads and drains system on the Lagos Island, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed.
The commissioner who led an inspection tour of the alignments for the drains and collectors under reconstruction, said the inspection was brought about by the need to assess the situation on ground preparatory to the commencement of the urban regeneration activities to be carried out in Lagos Island.
Wahab said urban renewal across Lagos Island had become necessary in order to effectively address the problem of flooding which had posed serious threat to lives and properties in the area.
Wahab recalled that in recent past, Julius Berger was awarded the contract to build appropriate infrastructures on the Island saying that human behaviour and interaction overtime clogged the drainage system leading to the governor re-awarding the road and drainage infrastructure in the area.
"This tour became necessary as the governor has re-awarded the regeneration of the total infrastructure of Lagos Island; we need to ensure the contractors are ready to commence and see if the contract period can be abridged and thus reduce the delivery time
to 18 months or less instead of the initial 24 months projects delivery," he said.
He maintained that the state government will continue to provide requisite infrastructure but the citizens must take ownership of these infrastructures with a mind that it is for the good of all.
"We will ramp up provision of resilient infrastructure and encourage people to take ownership while government also takes ownership of the responsibility imposed by the statutes. Our people must remember that tax payers’ funds are deployed to build these infrastructure" he said.
The commissioner reminded all that there is no going back on the commencement of a total ban on single use plastics, from the beginning of January, adding that littering, especially with styrofoam has reduced drastically compared to when enforcement of its ban initially started.
The commissioner said the ministry will in the new year continue its advocacy for attitudinal change adding that citizens must know that in order to experience change, attitudes towards the environment must also positively change.
At Ilubirin, the commissioner expressed satisfaction with the level of work on the pumping station projects at Ilubirin, adding that the station will be energized within the next ten days for test running. He said the massive Ilubirin
Water Pump Project is the most critical part of the regeneration process majorly to de-flood Lagos Island and environs adding that all drainages in Lagos Island would discharge into the lagoon through these pumps, stressing these measures would permanently curb the menace of flooding in the areas.
Wahab explained the Ilubirin project has three major pumps - two 500KVA Generators, three Control Panels with a pumping capacity of three million litres of water every hour, stressing the project would be very beneficial to the entire community.
According to him, all the equipment are now in place, in ten Days or less, once the connection is completed, we would open the outlet for test running and this will also compliment the urban regeneration efforts to de-flood Lagos Island.
He advised all government agencies, especially in environment and water resources sector to move out of their offices into the field and engage in responsibilities that is required of their respective agencies.
He added that Global Warming and Climate Change is a serious issue that must be confronted from all fronts.
The commissioner sounded a note of warning to developers and residents that dump building materials on the roads and drainage channels causing serious blockage to natural flow of water to desist
from such acts while ordering the immediate sealing of 3 buildings on Adeniji Adele Road which are Number 65, 68 and 124 for dumping of building materials on the drainage channels.
The Special adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, said the urban regeneration of Lagos Island is the lasting solution to the menace of flooding in the area, stressing that government will not relent in performing its responsibilities of maintaining flood free and clean environment.
He appealed to residents of Lagos Island to support the government when the project commences, to the end, because it will be beneficial to all and for a sustainable environment.
The commissioner was accompanied by the Special Adviser on Environment, Engineer Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite; LAWMA Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin and some directors from the ministry.
The places visited by the team include Bombata Multipurpose Market; Oroyinyin area, Princess Street, Isale Gangan; Aroloya Street; Idumagbo Street; Adeniji Adele Trapezoidial Canal; Epe Collector Drain along Adeniji Adele Road and Ilubirin.
and economic development at various levels".
He described his engagement with the Awujale as productive, focusing on developing constructive solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
Discussions highlighted the need to build a unified national identity supported with shared values while driving progress and prosperity for citizens.
Expressing optimism, President Tinubu noted that such collaborations are essential to achieving his administration’s vision of a stronger, more united,
and prosperous Nigeria. According to the President: “We discussed constructive solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, emphasising the need to build partnerships and cultivate a strong national identity.
“This identity should embody our values as a Nation while fostering progress and prosperity for all citizens.
“I am very encouraged by this positive engagement with Kabiyesi as our administration continues to work assiduously towards a stronger, prosperous, and more united Nigeria".
IG to Citizens: Refrain from Jungle Justice
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has warned citizens to refrain from taking laws into their hands and report any suspected criminal activities to the nearest police division or formation around them for necessary action.
Egbetokun also condemned in totality, acts of jungle justice no matter the level of provocation.
The IG's warning followed the gruesome murder of Uromchi Okorocha by youths of Enohia Itim Village, in Afikpo LGA, over witchcraft allegations.
A statement by Force Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the efforts of the police are constant reaffirmation of the dedication to bring to book perpetrators of heinous acts of crime in the society.
According to him, "On the 3rd of January 2025, Police operatives attached to the Ebonyi State Command arrested 17 suspects in Enohia Itim Village, Afikpo LGA, for the alleged murder of one Uromchi Okorocha ‘m,’ who was accused by local youths of being involved in the killing of several individuals through alleged witchcraft and
spiritual means.
According to the Force Spokesperson, "The suspects had mobilized and apprehended the deceased, but instead of handing him over to legal authorities and committing to the rule of law, they decided to take laws into their hands, becoming judge, jury and executioner.
"The police operatives of the Uwanna Division mobilized tactical teams to the scene on a rescue mission but the angry mob had already killed and burned Mr. Okorocha before the arrival of the Police team".
The Force Spokesperson also disclosed that police operatives attached to the Imo State Command successfully executed a daring rescue operation that led to the safe liberation of four kidnapped hostages. The operation, he said was carried out on Saturday, January 4th 2025, after the operatives received a distress call reporting the abduction of four persons in Umuokanne, Ohaji LGA, Imo State.
He said the police operatives swiftly swung into action, locating the criminal hideout and engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun-duel, during which two of the kidnappers were neutralized.
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611
Extortion Galore as Soludo Moves to Secure Anambra this Month
David-Chyddy Eleke took an investigative road trip from awka to Enugu on Christmas Eve to experience firsthand the level of extortion faced by holidaymakers travelling for the yuletide as Governor Charlies Soludo moves to secure a nambra State in January, 2025.
Just before the 2024 Christmas celebration sets in, a journey from Awka, the Anambra State capital to Enugu, which should be less than one hour, and a distance of about 70 kilometers was N2,500 using a popular transport company known as Eastern Mass Transit Limited. The fare then was considered high, and this was due to the high cost of fuel, which as at early December, 2024, was still N1,200. But as the Christmas celebration sets in, the fare jumped from N2,500 to 4,000, even though the price of fuel reduced to N1,100.
On 24th December when this reporter decided to embark on this investigative trip, the fare had jumped to N5,000, but that was not the only problem, the problem was that there were no buses at all. Passengers littered the park waiting for vehicles, and occasionally scrambling for space each time a bus drives into the park.
When this reporter eventually secured a space in a bus to travel, he asked the driver: “Early this month when fuel was N1,200 per litre, you people were charging N2,500 to Enugu, how come you’re now collecting double of same amount now that fuel is N1,100?” He replied by asking this reporter to keep calm and see how much he would spend on the numerous checkpoints on the way. He said: “We are celebrating Christmas, and in the same way, police people and soldiers are also celebrating their season. You will see how we will spend money on the road.” As we drove out of the park, he announced that any passenger having in their possession incriminating materials should throw them away or tell him, to avoid unnecessary delays on the road.
While on the journey, THISDAY counted 22 roadblocks comprising of various military and paramilitary agencies manning checkpoints on the expressway. Analysis showed that there were a total of six military checkpoints on the short journey, manned by armed soldiers in checkpoints that had sandbags, barrels on the road, which narrowed down the width of the road and allowed motorists to only pass through a straight line, one at a time, with oncoming vehicles taking 10 minutes to pass through the same lane, and another 10 minutes for ongoing vehicles.
Police also had nine checkpoints along the same road, all blocked or narrowed down with sandbags stacked on the expressway. Other checkpoints mounted on the road included Customs, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and officials of Federal Road Safety Commission. In most areas, especially Amansea in Anambra State and Ugwuoba and Oji River in Enugu State, the roadblocks were so closely knitted that they strongly impeded movement by motorists.
The total number of roadblocks as recorded by THISDAY during the journey mounted by the security agencies and the various locations are as follows: “In Agu Awka, just before the International Convention Center in Awka is a military checkpoint, and immediately after is a Mobile police checkpoint too. Also still in Agu Awka is a Customs checkpoint, while further down the road at Amansea is another military checkpoint, including two police checkpoints; one by regular police and the second by Mobile police operatives.
Amansea is a border town with Enugu State, and an exit way out of Anambra. From Ugwuoba which is already in Enugu State, there is first a police checkpoint, followed by another manned by the military, then an FRSC patrol and finally a police checkpoint before one exited Ugwuoba to Oji river. In Oji River, there is a police checkpoint, three military checkpoints in quick secession, then another by FRSC. One would expect that the military
will be too refined to maintain three roadblocks within a short distance, but a passenger said they may have simply splitted the same team to maximize profile through bribe, given the busy nature of the road.
In Ezeagu community along the expressway from Anambra to Enugu, this reporter encountered only two police checkpoints, before exiting into Ninth Mile, which has only two police checkpoints and one other manned by Customs officials. Similarly, Ngwo which is the last town before one enters Enugu main town has only two FRSC checkpoints and one by the police, all in the order chronicled above, from Awka to Enugu.
Insecurity in the South Eastern part of Nigeria, especially by criminals masquerading as secessionists, seeking the independent state of Biafra are some of the reasons why roadblocks and security checkpoints have become
very necessary in the zone.
In Anambra, during a recent press briefing by Governor Charles Soludo to address the rampant insecurity in the state, he announced that by January, 2025, his government would declare war on those causing insecurity in the state and hiding under freedom fighting. He said the state had resolved to launch a military operation tagged; Operation Udo Ga Achi.
He said: “The operation will include an aggressive stop and search, and mounting of roadblocks aimed at whittling down the incidences of crime in the state. We are not unaware of the inconveniences that this may cause to our people, but we are asking that they bear with us because it is a temporary measure.”
In what looks like a license to operate, THISDAY’s firsthand experience along Awka-Enugu highway showed that even before the commencement of Operation Udo Ga Achi, security operatives have begun the implementation of the aggressive stop and search order. A journey of less than 70 kilometers, which originally
In what looks like a license to operate, THISDAY’s firsthand experience along Awka-Enugu highway showed that even before the commencement of Operation Udo Ga Achi, security operatives have begun the implementation of the aggressive stop and search order. A journey of less than 70 kilometers, which originally should take less than one hour spanned over three hours. The simple reason for this is that many of the security checkpoints insist on either searching commuters, which involves a long process, while others simply stand at the roadblocks, collecting bribe from motorists.
should take less than one hour spanned over three hours.
The simple reason for this is that many of the security checkpoints insist on either searching commuters, which involves a long process, while others simply stand at the roadblocks, collecting bribe from motorists.
Investigation showed that those who are mostly subjected to unending search are drivers of private vehicles, especially vehicles deemed to be flashy cars and driven by younger people.
Drivers of commercial vehicles, who already seem to know the reason for the checkpoints simply pay at every checkpoint. While police operatives collect a minimum of N100, checkpoints mounted by military collect nothing less than N200. Again, while checkpoints mounted by police operatives collect higher denominations and also give out balance to motorists, those by military operatives do not. During the journey, a military personnel was overheard scolding a driver who had unfortunately given a higher denomination and was expecting balance, “You no know say soldiers no dey give change? Oga dey go abeg.”
The case is not the same with private car owners whose vehicle particulars are not complete, as they get to pay as high as N10,000 or even more. A passenger in the bus who gave his name as Moses said: “In most cases, if they search your phone, they simply label you a Yahoo boy, and that is all they need to be able to charge you how much to pay. The charges sometimes depend on how much they found as your credit balance, or any other incriminating materials.”
The return journey from Enugu to Awka through the old Enugu-Onitsha expressway however proved better with lesser checkpoints as only nine checkpoints were encountered from Ngwo, Enugu State to Amansea, Anambra State. Meanwhile, many have argued that the system of policing the society through mounting of roadblocks has become old fashioned and anachronistic. Mr Valentine Obienyem, a businessman and media practitioner while reacting to the level of roadblocks and extortion on the road said: “I have always maintained that security is virtually non-existent in Nigeria. What may be prompting most Nigerians to join the security forces these days is likely the opportunity to collect bribes, as they observe others doing.
“I have proposed radical measures in the past and have suggested that drivers should all park at any checkpoint where security personnel harass people. If all vehicles were parked, causing a major obstruction, those security officers would eventually retreat and think twice before harassing Nigerians again. It is high time the citizens of this country took back their nation by exploring the enormous power of the crowd which they possess.”
THISDAY reached the state police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga for explanation on the efficacy of the policing model of using roadblocks to check crime, but call to his phone line was not responded to. But in an interview with a security expert, criminologist and civil rights activist, Mr Emeka Umeagbalasi who is the chairman of board of trustees of a foremost rights group, International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), he revealed that roadblocks have become a convinient way of extorting motorists on the highway, insisting that the various police hierarchies are aware of this and even collect returns from proceeds of such bribe.
Soludo
POLITY
Takeaways from Speaker Abbas’ Al-Hikmah’s 14th Convocation Lecture
Abdullahi Krishi
The debate around Nigeria’s oil, discovered several decades ago, is never ending. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON, added his voice to the conversation on Monday, December 30, 2024, when he delivered the 14th Convocation Lecture of the Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.
As an academic, Speaker Abbas articulated and delivered the hour-long lecture with great depth and insight. With a Ph.D in Business Management, he left no one in doubt that he was more than capable of handling the topic: ‘Beyond Oil: Exploring Alternative Revenue Potentials for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.’
Setting the ball rolling, the Speaker pointed out that the topic “speaks to one of the most pressing challenges confronting our nation,” arguing that, “As we reflect on the past decades of Nigeria’s economic trajectory, it becomes evident that our over-reliance on oil revenue has left us vulnerable to global market fluctuations, environmental degradation, and economic instability.”
The thrust of the Speaker’s lecture was how Nigeria could harness its abundant resources and human capital to diversify our economy and ensure long-term growth and sustainability.
Noting that the urgency of the discussion could not be overstated, Speaker Abbas averred that with dwindling oil revenues, global shifts toward renewable energy, and the increasing need for job creation, it is imperative that Nigeria chart a new course for economic transformation. This, he asserted, requires deliberate efforts to unlock the potential of other sectors.
Amidst intermittent cheers, and at some point a standing ovation, the Speaker drove home his point. He submitted that the discovery of oil in Nigeria remains a historical watershed in its development process and has undeniably impacted hugely on the country’s socio-economic and political landscape.
Expectedly, the Speaker stated, the impact of oil grew exponentially over the years to become a priceless commodity – the goose that lays the golden egg.
However, the performance of the oil sector, which has long been the principal source of revenue, has steadily declined. This decline has raised mounting concerns regarding its impact on Nigeria’s economic development. The repercussions are evident in the escalating budget deficit, extensive domestic and international borrowings to address these deficits, and the widening disparities in infrastructural development.
For about an hour, the audience, which comprised reputable professors, some of whom are serving and past vice chancellors, was held spellbound.
Moving on, Speaker Abbas did not mince words when he said the discovery of oil in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, in 1956 marked a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s economic focus. Prior to this, he asserted, agriculture was the backbone of the economy, contributing significantly to employment and export revenues. But the oil boom of the 1970s led to a rapid transition towards an oil-centric economy.
Going down memory lane, the Speaker said the newfound oil wealth resulted
in the neglect of the agricultural sector and other non-oil industries, fostering an economic structure heavily reliant on petroleum exports.
He dotted his lecture with real statistics, which pointed to the issue at hand. He said despite the economic growth witnessed during the oil boom, allowing the country to undertake largescale infrastructural projects such as the construction of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and the Ajaokuta Steel Company, a downturn set in during the 1980s when oil prices collapsed, leading to a sharp fall in GDP from $34.6 billion in 1980 to $23.4 billion in 1990.
According to the Speaker, Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil has presented several economic, environmental, and strategic challenges.
On the economic front, the country faces significant volatility due to fluctuations in global oil prices. The volatility has resulted in shortfalls in fiscal revenues, forcing Nigeria into borrowing to finance deficits, thereby increasing its debt burden.
Environmentally, the Speaker maintained that oil dependency has contributed to severe degradation. The Niger Delta region, where most of Nigeria’s oil production occurs, has experienced widespread environmental damage caused by oil spills and gas flaring.
That’s not all. The Speaker submitted further that Nigeria faces the strategic challenge of adapting to the global transition towards renewable energy sources. As the world moves to reduce carbon emissions and adopt cleaner energy technologies, the demand for fossil fuels is expected to decline. This transition poses a long-term risk to Nigeria’s oil revenues and economic stability.
Therefore, Speaker Abbas believes that without a robust strategy for economic diversification, Nigeria may struggle to remain competitive in a changing global energy market. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts to enhance economic resilience, protect the environment, and position Nigeria for sustainable growth in a low-carbon future.
Citing China, which leads the transition towards renewable and sustainable energy
sources, setting ambitious targets to phase out fossil fuels and embrace cleaner alternatives, Speaker Abbas noted that the Asian country has already surpassed its 2030 target of 1,200 gigawatts six years ahead of schedule.
But what is our continent, Africa, up to? The Speaker submitted that the African continent is also making strides in adopting renewable energy. As of 2023, South Africa led the continent with 10.62 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity. Morocco has invested heavily in solar and wind energy, including the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the largest in the world. Kenya has focused on geothermal energy, which now accounts for about 50% of its electricity generation.
Speaker Abbas affirmed that in alignment with global commitments, Nigeria ratified the Paris Agreement in 2017, pledging a 20% unconditional reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with a potential 45% reduction conditional on international support. To achieve these targets, Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan outlines strategies for decarbonising the energy sector and attaining net-zero emissions by 2060. Key focus areas include integrating renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting cleaner technologies.
The Speaker declared further that with a population exceeding 200 million and projected to become the third largest globally by 2050, Nigeria faces significant challenges related to resources, infrastructure, and employment.
It was in recognition of these challenges that Nigeria has pursued economic diversification for over 30 years to reduce its dependence on oil revenues, through policies and programmes such as the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS), Vision 20:2020, National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), among others.
The Speaker informed the large audience that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has prioritised economic diversification through bold reforms, including removing fuel subsidies
and implementing the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The administration’s tax reform programme aims to improve Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, currently at 10.9%, by streamlining administration and broadening the tax base.
So, what are the potential sectors for diversification? The Speaker provided some to include agriculture, solid minerals/mining, manufacturing and industrialisation, ICT and digital economy, technology, and innovation in economic transformation, and creative industry and tourism.
The Speaker argued that for effective diversification in Nigeria, certain strategies should be adopted. They include a robust and consistent policy framework; infrastructure development; human capital development, which includes education and skills acquisition; research and development, and publicprivate partnerships (PPPs).
As the head of the Green Chamber, the Speaker dedicated ample space in the lecture to highlight the role of the Parliament in economic diversification.
First, he spoke about the legislative oversight, which is a fundamental mechanism for ensuring accountability in economic diversification projects.
He noted that the 10th House of Representatives, tagged the “People’s House,” has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing economic challenges through its Legislative Agenda. The agenda prioritises unlocking economic growth and developing Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources, emphasising legislative reforms and strategic oversight to support diversification.
Another area that the Parliament plays a vital role for economic diversification is policy formulation and legislation, crafting and enacting laws that create an enabling environment for diversification. There is also the area of appropriation and budgeting, which allows Parliament to allocate resources to ensure that funding aligns with national priorities.
Recognising the need for economic restructuring, the 10 House has supported legislation to reduce dependence on oil revenues, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote industrialisation. Also, the Speaker held that effective implementation of diversification strategies requires continuous legislative monitoring.
In addition to its formal legislative functions, parliament serves as a platform for advocacy and representation. Legislators amplify the voices of stakeholders, including local businesses, workers, and civil society groups, in shaping policies, argued the Speaker.
Diversification, especially in Nigeria, comes with its challenges too. Institutional weaknesses, infrastructural deficits, and global economic pressures impede economic diversification in Nigeria, the Speaker submitted. But such challenges can be mitigated through governance reforms; stakeholder engagements, and longterm planning.
In the end, everyone left the hall convinced that indeed, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen did justice to the topic. It was the last official function the Speaker performed in the year 2024. What a way to end the year!
•Krishi is the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives.
Musa
Abbas
INTERVIEW
Aminu Abdullahi: Education is Powering New Sokoto
Sokoto State has centralised education using priority budgeting, sweeping infrastructure revamp and unrelenting visioning by the Governor Ahmed Aliyu administration to fast-track human capital transformation. Hon. Aminu Abdullahi, Commissioner of Higher Education, shares related insights with Louis Achi
You are heading the Higher Education Ministry out of three related education ministries. Could you please clarify this
It’s important I make the point that His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, is well guided in his decision to create the three ministries. It’s backed by the decision of the National Council of Education which is the highest policy making body on education in Nigeria on the separation of the ministries for effective supervision. It is a national policy
Aligning himself with this policy shows the importance the governor attaches to the educational sector. The first reason for the creation of the three separate ministries is because the governor wants an effective supervision of the educational sector which by the way is huge.
So, in Sokoto State like some other states we have three ministries - basic and secondary, science and technology and higher education. Though we are three ministries but we collaborate because we are dealing with essentially the same raw materials or if you like, we are in a sense like the three arms of government - the executive, the legislature and the judiciary - though distinct, we must work harmoniously to deliver development to the people.
So, the Ministry of Higher Education is solely concerned with tertiary education - the institutions of higher learning that offer different courses to students after their secondary level of education. We have Diploma, Certificate and Degree Awarding Institutions under the ministry numbering about ten.
Our mandate and responsibilities include policy formulation for higher education and recommending same to the governor who in the case of the university is the Visitor, carrying out needs assessment to determine the state’s needs in higher education in both public and private institutions. We also advice the government on the appointment of heads of the various institutions working in collaboration with their governing bodies.
The other critical responsibility is in assisting the various tertiary institutions with accreditation from the relevant bodies. We also have the mandate to establish linkage programmes with other institutions of higher learning.
But at the recent State Executive Council meeting the Council in its wisdom took the decision to return the School of Nursing to the Ministry of Health and the School of Legal Studies to the Ministry of Justice, for more effective supervision.
The fact is that these five tertiary institutions were transferred to their mother ministries in line with the laws establishing them. Only God knows why the previous administration decided to put them under ministry of higher education. We equally have 20 privately owned tertiary institutions in Sokoto State that are also under our supervision only because the government doesn’t fund them like it funds its own schools.
Like every other sector, when this administration assumed office, things were at different levels of decay and the educational sector wasn’t spared which is most unfortunate. The handover note that officials of the ministry put together for me was depressing because the situation in all our institutions was alarming. The morale of the workers was expectedly low because their course was not accredited and they were not paid their teaching incentives.
For instance, the state university was without power for more than three years. Most of the lecture theatres were in a state of dilapidation. On assumption of office Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto instantly instructed the Kaduna Power Company to restore power immediately to the university and the other institutions after reaching an agreement with them on payment of the backlog.
That singular act elicited wild jubilation and confirmed that a Daniel has indeed come to judgement. I am ashamed talking about what Sokoto State suffered in the hands of Aminu Tambuwal, a man who at one time was the Number Four citizen and who could have been president in line with the constitutional succession process and who on his own had attempted
being the president of our dear country twice.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has shown by words and actions that his commitment to the development of education is not political, that he in fact means his campaign promise to revamp the educational sector. He has paid all outstanding salaries, including the teaching allowances and rehabilitated dilapidated infrastructures in our higher institutions.
If you visit them, you will find an environment that is conducive for learning. We can’t be blaming the students for poor performance when we haven’t provided them with the necessary tools and environment to study. The situation we met was terrible. We have equally gotten most courses being run by institutions accredited under one year.
How on earth can any institution worth its salt run unaccredited courses? It certainly amounted to a sheer waste of everybody’s time, especially that of the students. Thankfully the examination bodies have shown an understanding which has gone a long way in resolving the issues. The governor has approved the payment of accreditation fees to the various bodies like the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto in all sincerity has restored the hope of these students that was dashed by the past administration. As a mark of his commitment there is no memo from this ministry seeking his intervention on any urgent matter that hasn’t received his prompt response. He understands the importance of education and is determined to change the narrative.
Is there a synergy between the higher and basic education ministries. In Northern Nigeria there is a large number of out-of-school children. What is Sokoto State doing?
There is a close collaboration between the three ministries. About out-of- school children - it’s a challenge - but I can assure you that we are addressing it on all fronts. To some extent the Nigerian culture of marrying many wives and having many children is partly responsible for the problem. But things are beginning to change.
I’m glad because in the past only the few of us went to school, but now there is no household that you will not find with students in higher institutions. Education would help people understand the importance of producing children they can cater for. …meanwhile we would continue to deploy
policies that would help address the problem.
Considering the premium placed on education by the governor, how well has he funded education. Does his budgeting allocation to education meet the UNESCO standard of 25%?
I want to recall that in November 2023, several countries under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), adopted the Recommendation on education for peace and human rights, international understanding, cooperation, fundamental freedoms, global citizenship and sustainable development.
Today, UNESCO remains the only global standard-setting instrument that lays out how education can and should be used to bring about lasting peace and sustainable development and in positioning education as a key driver of peace and international understanding. Education in the 2024 budget was allocated the highest percentage and in 2025 it has equally maintained its number one position in terms of budgetary allocation.
Sokoto State in the last two years has in fact surpassed the UNESCO budget recommendation. And what does this say about Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s unwavering commitment to education? It no doubt clears whatever doubt about his desire to rewrite the ugly story of education in the state.
As a professional accountant I prefer to talk more in terms of releases because you can be allocated a fantastic budget without it being cash backed. So, we say thank you to the governor for not only allocating funds to education, but for his express approvals and for cash-backing them. Our modest achievements are due to his leadership and support.
Given the economic situation, many states have been forced to increase fees in their institutions. Should your students expect increase in fees and wouldn’t it affect enrollment?
You know the story of Sokoto State. We remain eternally grateful to our father who by the way was my teacher and leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, for laying a solid foundation for our educational system using his experience as an educationist. As governor of Sokoto State, he put in a place several fundamental policies; free and compulsory education.
He encouraged girl child education and so many other policies. We certainly won’t be increasing fees rather we would continue to encourage our students with incentives like scholarships to pursue their education to the highest level. The robust policies of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has continued to attract more students to enroll into schools in the state and abroad.
In fact, enrollment has increased and very interestingly is the fact that students have stopped skipping school. We have achieved all these due to the policy of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto who understands the importance of education and is walking the talk. The previous government had for inexplicable reasons stopped the stipends and other privileges of the students which Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto immediately restored.
It’s important I make this additional point. In Sokoto State non-indigenes are treated as indigenes. They don’t pay school fees and the government doesn’t exclude them when it is paying examination fees. Once you are resident in Sokoto State, you are automatically an indigene of the state, you pay the fees that the indigenes are paying.
Are they specific interventions for girl-child education?
Yes. But that is in Basic and Secondary Education. It would be great if you equally interview the commissioner in charge of the ministry.
To what extent has your state varsities benefited from The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) interventions?
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in its farsighted wisdom in 2011 to disburse, manage, and monitor education tax to government-owned tertiary
institutions. You know that before the establishment of the agency in 2011, government-owned tertiary institutions were poorly funded so the scheme was designed to improve the crisis in the sector through its interventions especially in the area of facilities where the decay was monumental. In fact, facilities in most schools had almost collapsed, teachers and lecturers’ morale were at their lowest. The enabling environment for conducive teaching and learning was absent. So, the government took this step to arrest the rot. This background is important so we can appreciate the seriousness of the situation and why the agency was set up.
TETFund’s interventions is only for the universities. Primary schools have the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) that is saddled with the responsibility of providing greater access to, and ensuring quality of basic education throughout the country.
Each year TETFund intervenes based on specific requests of the concerned institution. They don’t decide for you, because you know what you need most. For example, if we need a laboratory, we will spell out our specific needs to TETFund and they would react appropriately. So, they can’t come and build hostels for us when what we need is a lecture hall or ICT facilities.
Our schools have well equipped hostels, we have beds so we don’t need them, so we can’t ask them to buy beds that we have. So, the answer is a big yes. The state university has tremendously benefited from the intervention of the Fund in various areas.
Exactly what does the governor want to achieve with his investment in education?
Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto is absolutely clear about what he wants to achieve in education, which is development of human capital that’s important to the development of the state. The governor is driving the economic development of the state, so it’s important that we have indigenes that are skilled to work in the industries he is attracting.
We recently graduated eighty medical doctors and being our citizens, they can operate better in our environment because they understand the language and culture of the people. He sees education as both a social and economic investment. An educated person would easily understand the need to pay his/her tax and to be law abiding.
Are your institutions of higher learning running entrepreneurship courses or are their curriculum still geared towards the continued production of public servants?
The National Policy on Education introduced entrepreneurship into the curriculum of higher institutions. In the year 2000 the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) partnered to incorporate Entrepreneurship Education (EEd) into Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) curricula. The main goals of entrepreneurship education in Nigeria include, preparing the students to be self-reliant and self-employed, creating employment opportunities, helping students to transition from a traditional economy to a modern industrial economy, training students to be creative and innovative in identifying business opportunities and to establish careers in small and medium-sized businesses.
In Sokoto State our tertiary institutions have embraced the entrepreneurial message. I understand that even at the Secondary School Level the students are being thought Entrepreneurship. This is the way to go because government has a limited capacity to create jobs.
In terms of personnel, do you have the adequate manpower in your schools?
On the whole yes, but I know we have some departments that are over staffed while others are lacking personnel. That’s being addressed.
Abdullahi
www.thisdaylive.com
opinion@thisdaylive.com
TRANSFORMING NIGERIA'S POULTRY VALUE CHAIN FOR THE EXPORT MARKET
Nigeria’s poultry industry possesses a unique competitive advantage due to the weak Naira, argues JUNAIDU MAINA
See page 20
NIGERIA AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
TIMI OLUBIYI contends that despite challenges of infrastructure, the future increasingly beckons to electric vehicles
See page 20
Contrary to Ali Mazrui’s observation, the entire year is now infected with a turbulent contagion, contends CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU
DOES AFRICA HAVE A JANUARY PROBLEM?
Fifty-seven years ago almost to the month, celebrated Kenya political scientist, Ali Mazrui, observed that “for some reason a disproportionate number of the historic acts of violence in Africa since independence have tended to happen in the months of January and February.” He had good reason for this.
In January 1961, the Belgians and the Americans arranged to hand over to Moise Tshombe in Katanga, Patrice Lumumba, the inconvenient post-colonial Prime Minister of the country now known as the Democratic of the Congo. The following month, the world learnt of the brutal fate that befell Lumumba. The Congo and, indeed Africa, have both paid a heavy price for those events.
Togo’s first president, Sylvanus Olympio, was killed in January 1963. Two years later, in January 1965, Pierre Ngendandumwe, Burundi’s Prime Minister, was assassinated. In the year before the assassination of Ngendandumwe, meanwhile, Ugandan, John Okello, led overthrow of Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah in the very bloody Zanzibar Revolution. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) would later record with clinical economy that the effect of the revolution was that “the Arab regime of Zanzibar vanished in a single day as its leaders fled, died or were interned.”
The year after the assassination in Burundi, it was the turn of Nigeria’s Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa together with the regional premiers in the Northern and Western regions. The following month, Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown while on his way to see Mao Tse Tung in Beijing, China.
Professor Mazrui never did manage a dispositive answer to his question as to whether there is “any special reason why the opening months of January and February from year to year should have had such a disproportionate share of Africa's great acts of turbulence?” Instead, he offered a telling insight, arguing that these events were the fallouts of the search for two forms of legitimacy essential to the trajectory of Africa after the colonial experience. One was the legitimacy of the state and the other was the legitimacy of regimes or of rulers.
Nearly six decades later, these twin problems of state and regime legitimacy continue to afflict African countries but the ways in which different countries now respond to them have arguably made our collective African Januaries a little more interesting.
In many countries, elections - rather than assassinations - have become the chosen path. In 2024, the people defenestrated ruling parties in Botswana, Ghana, Senegal, and even South Africa. Namibia’s ruling party edged a contest that produced the country’s first female president in an act of political survival for the ruling SWAPO that may just have postponed its day of electoral reckoning.
Some of the elections during the year, of course, re-enacted familiar scenes from a discredited part in Africa’s history. Tunisia’s election in October 2024 arranged to re-select law professor and incumbent president, Kais
Saied, with 90.7% of the votes cast. It was like a scene from the period before the Arab Spring. Since the turn of the millennium, however, many of Africa’s elections have been increasingly decided by judges not voters. In the latest example, in Mozambique, the ruling FRELIMO party procured a judicial validation of an election widely seen as heavily rigged in its favour. A country already ravaged by a murderous insurgency in its northern region of Cabo Delgado and a destructive cyclone must now live with self-inflicted ungovernability.
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), in power since independence in 1966, made a different choice when the people rejected it. Judicial involvement in elections is not without high risk to the judges involved or to political stability. To deliver their judgment nullifying the rigged presidential election in 2020, the Malawi Defence Forces arranged to clothe all five judges of the Constitutional Court of Malawi who sat on the case with bullet-proof vests.
In the same year, by contrast, the ruling party in Mali chose to steal through the courts 31 seats won by the opposition in parliament. The result was an uprising that led first to the dissolution of the Constitutional Court, and later the overthrow of the government in a military coup.
Ghana’s 2024 election was the first in nearly one and a half decades not to end up in the courts. The candidate of the ruling party and incumbent Vice-President, Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded the race long before a farfrom-credible electoral commission had got around to announcing any results. Ahead of the election, the opposition had made it clear that they would not contemplate going to court if they were denied victory. In his concession, Bawumia saved the country from what would have been an assured date with instability.
Judges do not always wait until after the ballot to weigh in with their own votes. In Burundi in 2015, President Pierre Nkurunziza was determined to run for a third term even though it seemed clear that he was constitutionally barred from doing so. The case ended up before the Constitutional Court
where the judges initially decided to uphold term limits barring the president from running for a third term. Under pressure from a barrage of very personalized presidential threats, the Vice-President of the Constitutional Court, Sylvere Nimpagaritse, fled into exile and “the remaining judges then changed their decision in Nkurunziza’s favour.”
The model of judicial overthrow of the popular will and its replacement with judges as the only eligible voters is, of course, an exclusively Nigerian invention. The politicians who control Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are quick to intone “Go to court” at the end of every rigged election, secure in the knowledge that they have also rigged the courts and have many of the judges safely locked away inside their bedrooms.
In the 2023 election cycle, over 81% of the seats contested ended up being decided by the judges. This business model of managing elections is bad both for democracy and for independence of the judiciary.
First, it denies citizens the right to decide who governs them or on what platform.
Second, the way in which judges achieve this result is not much different from the toppling of elective government by soldiers with guns. The only difference when the judges do it is that they deploy the artifice of law when in fact what they seek to do is to replace legality with corrupt whim.
Third, the depth of judicial involvement in elections in Nigeria makes the judiciary a plaything of the politicians who have every incentive to capture and corrupt it.
Fourth, this creates an internal market in judicial business that casualizes all but political cases where the judges involved increase their chances of trading in judicial power and legitimacy for cash or powerful networks at the hands of politically exposed litigants.
In 2025, Nigeria will enter the foothills of another major election cycle. With all the political parties all but defanged, the main theatre of activity will be the judiciary. In Imo State, for instance, where the National Judicial Council (NJC) has removed the Chief Judge for falsifying her age, the State Governor has chosen not to designate any replacement because, ostensibly, he does not find the options available politically palatable.
In the elections in Tanzania this year and in Uganda at the end of the year, judges will be very active persecuting regime opponents. In Nigeria, that is already routine even before the electoral gong tolls. The upshot is almost assuredly to guarantee uncertainty instead of ending it.
When he wrote in 1968, Ali Mazrui thought that the opening months of the year seemed to guarantee turbulence in Africa. Today, that tendency occurs all year round. Far from becoming less turbulent, Africa’s January may have infected the remaining months of the year with a turbulent contagion.
A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu
Nigeria’s poultry industry possesses a unique competitive advantage due to the weak Naira,
argues JUNAIDU MAINA
TRANSFORMING NIGERIA'S POULTRY
VALUE CHAIN FOR THE EXPORT MARKET
‘It always seems impossible until it’s done’Mandela
Poultry farming is a dynamic, fast-growing segment of Nigeria's livestock sector, contributing significantly to food security, job creation, and income generation. While primarily serving the domestic market, with some informal trade in ECOWAS, the growth of this multi-trillion Naira industry stems from deliberate government policies, public-private partnerships, and Nigerians' entrepreneurial spirit.
Initially, most poultry products consumed in Nigeria were sourced from rural family poultry systems. Over time, commercial poultry farming emerged, though quality standards were initially suited only for local franchises and roadside eateries. Through continuous improvements in sanitary and trade standards, Nigerian poultry products eventually met the requirements of KFC, an international franchise, albeit for local operations only. This achievement marked a significant milestone, granting access to premium markets governed by stringent public health regulations.
The next logical step for Nigeria’s poultry industry is to venture into the export market. Achieving this goal requires strict adherence to international food safety standards established by the WTO's Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures and FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission standards on veterinary drug residues, pesticide use, food additives, and contaminants.
Nigeria’s poultry industry possesses a unique competitive advantage due to the weak Naira, which reduces production costs. This positions Nigerian poultry meat as an appealing option for export, particularly to markets with increasing demand for affordable protein sources. Compliance with international benchmarks will unlock these lucrative export opportunities and establish Nigeria as a leading poultry producer in Africa. What is required is strategic investments in infrastructure, compliance with global standards, and effective marketing.
Fortuitously, Nigeria has signed a USD 2.5 billion partnership with JBS, the world’s largest meat processing company. According to the Memorandum of Understanding, JBS will establish six modern factories for processing poultry, beef, and pork. This initiative aims to develop robust meat supply chains across the country. In return, the Nigerian government is committed to providing the necessary economic support, high sanitary and regulatory standards to ensure the project's success.
In the beef value chain sequence, farmers produce yearlings, which are then managed by backgrounding and feedlot operators who prepare the animals for market. Aggregators collect and consolidate the livestock, and processors subsequently handle the preparation of beef products for domestic and international markets. JBS, aka corporate scale Sarkin Pawa, represents large-scale meat processing, seamlessly integrating modern butchery operations with the broader value chain. This partnership represents a crucial milestone in positioning Nigeria as a potential key player in the global meat trade.
A newly established African think tank, the Forum for African Animal Resources (FAAR), has recommended in a recent publication that Nigeria draw lessons from Thailand’s successful transformation of its poultry industry. The Thai government facilitated the transition to a vertically integrated poultry production system, linking smallholder rural farms with larger, professionally managed commercial farms. This integration improved oversight and quality con-
trol across all stages of the value chain, including feed manufacturing, breeding, rearing, processing, and exporting.
Thailand also adopted Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) as standard protocols in processing facilities, significantly enhancing food safety. Furthermore, the country conducts regular inspections and audits of farms and processing facilities to ensure compliance with these standards. This proactive approach has strengthened the confidence of high-value market importers.
Since JBS uses HACCP and is GMP certified, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development could replicate Thailand’s success by adopting and implementing these strategies;
One, Strengthen the Veterinary Services; enforce strict sanitary standards, conduct rigorous disease surveillance, regular testing, and culling to control disease outbreaks, especially avian influenza (AI); maintain non-vaccination policy for AI alongside improved biosecurity and enhanced farm management practices; create digital platforms for networking, quality assurance of delivery of veterinary service and animal welfare; develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all routine operations.
Two, Strengthen Animal Husbandry Services; establish baseline data for participating farmers, farms and companies; promote vertical integration of small-scale farms with larger, well-managed commercial farms; partner with financial institutions to create innovative financing models; facilitate access to livestock insurance to mitigate risks from disease outbreaks and climate-related events.
Three, empower Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN); strengthen its Market Information Systems to provide real-time market data on prices, demand, and consumer preferences through digital platforms and traditional media; enable farmers to make informed decisions, plan production effectively, and reduce intermediaries; promote collective bargaining and access to quality inputs; liaise with stakeholders to address perennial feed shortages; develop mentorship programs to help farmers meet export market requirements. Effective implementation of these strategies should unlock access to lucrative export markets and associated opportunities, while also serving as a road map for navigating the more complex beef market. In the meantime, Minister Idi Mukhtar could showcase successful chicken farmers with fat bulgy pockets as symbols of prosperity, to inspire cattle farmers to foster inclusive growth across the beef value chains.
Dr Maina is Chair Danwaire Consulting Ltd and Vice President FAAR
TIMI OLUBIYI contends that despite challenges of infrastructure, the future increasingly beckons to electric vehicles
NIGERIA AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES
2025 comes with a lot of hope and many aspirations, one of such is the increased benefits and possibilities around electric vehicles (EVs). Even though, it is no more news and that it does not come as a surprise that the petrol and diesel-powered automobile/cars we have long been accustomed to still dominate the motoring landscape and indeed Africa with all the innovations and developments around mobility and transportation. No doubt the world is advancing clean and renewable energy options in particular around electric vehicles (EV) adaptations. More so the popularity of EVs is growing and the disruption is already rapid in developed economies. But what baffles the author is that Nigeria seems not to be bothered and we continuously move on with our daily tasks without referencing what happens around us globally. It is a common knowledge that the way to go is net zero emissions by 2050 across all business units and supply chains including transportation. This is a key priority and a growing renewable energy footprint around the world but Africa is to the contrary from context observation. From the records and with a follow up survey by the author in 2024 across the Republic of Ireland a small country with a population of less than six million, as it stands four out of every five homes now power their cars with 100% electric because the future of energy is electric. Such acceptance can promote energy security, zero-emission, reduced energy cost and sustainable future easily without any economic concerns. Is this achievable in Nigeria in the nearest future?
Achieving net-zero emissions in Africa presents significant challenge due to factors like limited access to reliable electricity, reliance on traditional fuels, and underdeveloped and old infrastructure.
In Nigeria and indeed most countries in Africa transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, with traditional gasoline (fuel) and diesel vehicles being primary sources of air pollution and environmental degradation. In response to these concerns, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) could represent a significant shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options yet we are at the infant stage of adoption on the continent. As the world grapples with climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels, electric vehicles offer a promising solution to reduce pollution, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainability. Therefore, this piece presents key benefits, and the need to explore policy options for future potential of electric vehicles in Nigeria and indeed on the continent of Africa.
From observation, one of the most compelling benefit of wide spread usage of electric vehicles is their environmental impact. Unlike traditional vehicles that run on internal combustion engines, EVs are powered by electricity stored in batteries, which means they produce zero emissions. This can significantly reduce air pollution, particularly in urban areas like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and the likes where traffic congestion and poor air quality are major concerns. By shifting from gasoline (fuel) to electricity, EVs can help reduce the number of harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, which are linked to health challenges and serious climate change. Emissions, primarily carbon dioxide is a key driver of climate change. The gas is usually trap heat in the atmosphere gradually warming up the planet and causing intense heat wave and disruption of the ecosystems. So to reduce the emissions of CO2 from combustion engines, working by burning fuel and overheating with high engine noise, electric vehicles are desirable. Because they more energy-efficient compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts, more so, EVs are with less maintenance culture and repair expectations are low. In fact, EVs are more costeffective in the long run, despite high initial purchase price because over time the operational costs of running are lower. Believe it or not, EVs have fewer
moving parts compared to conventional cars, where there is no need for oil changes, oil filters and radiator or coolants. In fact, the brake systems tend to last longer because of regenerative braking technology, a feature common in many electric vehicles. The cost of electricity for charging is also typically lower than the cost of the usual fuel or diesel, further reducing the lifetime costs of owning an EV. With all the aforementioned the future of electric vehicles looks promising but technological advancements in battery storage, such as solid-state batteries and faster-charging technologies, are expected to improve to enhance the overall EVs performance, its affordability, and convenience. As the global demand for clean energy grows globally, it is the hope of the author that governments in Africa in particular Nigeria will step up their efforts to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. Though effort on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) promotion is high in Nigeria in recent times which is a clear alternative to high cost of fuel currently but the real global standard and future of transportation is electric.
Many countries have now introduced stricter emissions regulations, offering financial incentives such as tax credits, rebates, and subsidies to make EVs more accessible to consumers. Nigeria should not be an exemption, our government can also initiate similar policies. Additionally, several governments have set ambitious goals to phase out the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles in favor of zero-emission models EVs within the next few decades, Africa can also start promoting this. In addition, businesses and investments drive can be channeled into this developing critical area. Such as investment in home charging solutions, public charging infrastructure, wide spread charging stations, encouraging car manufacturers and private companies to set up assembling plants in Africa countries. Investing in home charging solutions, will make it easier for individuals to charge their vehicles overnight. These investment options and widespread infrastructure will help reduce range anxiety and make electric vehicles a more viable option for everyday consumers in Africa. While challenges such as charging infrastructure, battery costs, and range limitations remain, ongoing advancements in technology, along with supportive policies and growing consumer demand, are driving the transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system; this can also happen in Africa. As electric vehicles become more affordable and accessible, they have the potential to significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Dr. Olubiyi is an Entrepreneurship & Business Management expert
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
FOOD CRISIS: PLAYING WITH HUNGER
Government should do more to address the food challenge
During the last Christmas holiday, dozens of Nigerians were killed in stampedes that occurred from desperation to access foodstuff from charity groups, underlining the level of hunger in the country. Unfortunately, despite repeated promises by President Bola Tinubu to address the challenge of food insecurity, the government has been paying lip service to the issue. On 15 July last year, the federal government announced the implementation of the import duty waiver programme on food items expected to run till 31 December 2024. The window ended last Wednesday without action on the policy despite skyrocketing prices of foodstuff in the country.
When the policy was announced to alleviate the current hardship in the country, the gravity of the situation was better expressed in a statement by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation Director-General, Qu Dongyu. “It
The challenge at had is not only that Nigerians are battling acute hunger but also that the federal government has created a serious credibility problem for itself on how it has handled this issue
is incumbent upon all of us to act now and to act fast to save lives, safeguard livelihoods and prevent the worst situation,” he said while noting that the magnitude of suffering at the time was alarming. Even when the situation has since degenerated, the federal government is yet to act with the urgency the situation deserves. Going by the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Consumer Price Index, food inflation had climbed to 42.29 per cent as of November 2024, representing a 55-percentage point year-on-year increase compared to 23.74 per cent recorded in November 2023.
Last July, the minister of agriculture and food security, Abubakar Kyari, had announced that the 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities involved the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. We fail to understand why the federal government would initiate a
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
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THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
T H I S D AY N E
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GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
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Letters to the Editor
policy it has no desire to implement, especially at a period many Nigerians are going through harrowing times. The first indication of a lack of sincerity came three months later when the Nigeria Custom Services (NCS) said it had not received any list of beneficiaries from the ministry of finance regarding the suspension of duties on imported food items. Since food Is needed for survival and well-being, there is a need for urgent intervention to avert a human catastrophe in the country. As of June last year, according to the Cadre Harmonisé analysis on national food insecurity, the number of Nigerians grappling with food insecurity had reached a whopping 31 million. “Unless targeted humanitarian actions in the forms of food assistance, emergency agricultural support and resilience livelihood re-building interventions are urgently implemented among the risk populations, their FNI situation may deteriorate further,” the report stated.
While it is a general problem, the food crisis is more pronounced in the Northeast. Indeed, the head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Nigeria, Trond Jensen said food insecurity and malnutrition are among the main drivers of humanitarian need in the BAY (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe) States. Over the past year, dozens of farmers have lost their lives, and others have been abducted or injured while eking out a living outside the security perimeters of Borno’s garrison towns due to limited farming lands and few or no livelihood options.
A combination of climate-induced issues and socio-political instability in various regions are sparking growing food crisis. The situation is compounded by recent policies on removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the Naira. The challenge at had is not only that Nigerians are battling acute hunger but also that the federal government has created a serious credibility problem for itself on how it has handled this issue.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
ABDOURAHAMANE TCHIANI’S OUTRAGEOUS ALLEGATIONS
A surge of state-sponsored stupidity recently shot through the illegal military junta in Niger Republic when it mouthed the outrageous allegation that Nigeria and a handful of other West African countries are marching in lockstep with France to sponsor terrorism in the country to destabilize it.
It is an astonishing allegation coming from a country whose parasitism rather than mutualism has been detrimental to Nigeria over the years.
The allegation can be understood in the Igbo proverb that explains the fate of the chicken, which farts and is then pursued by the ground. In 2023, Niger Republic joined West Africa’s ring of coup republics which already included Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea. The coup plotters took over the government and imprisoned Mohammed Bazoum, the democratically elected but impossibly corrupt president of the country.
The coup in Niger, Nigeria’s closest geographical neighbor, was a devastating blow to the incipient presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu who had just become Nigeria’s president and chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). A democrat in his heart of hearts, the president was never going to be silent or passive about the illegal change of government.
Niger Republic and its renegade military junta is a classic example of the lizard which having just grown teeth is biting its owner hard. When he was president, Muhammadu Buhari ignored critical Nigerian infrastructure to build railways connecting his hometown, Daura, to Niger Republic. Nigeria’s porous border with Niger has also complicated the insecurity the country is reeling from. Terrorists have continued to pour over the Nigeria-Niger border into Nigeria to destabilize the country. Yet, they have the cheeks to say that Nigeria is sponsoring terrorism in the country.
This allegation smacks of shameless ingratitude to say the least. It provides more evidence of how reckless military regimes are. It is understandable that Niger Republic resents its former colonial masters for the indescribable depredations that colonialism visited on the country. But why drag Nigeria which has been its greatest benefactor into its historical resentments just because the military wants to clap back at the country for its forceful denunciation of the military coup?
While Nigeria cannot actually ignore what is happening in Niger Republic as a destabilization of the country would put Nigeria and the entire West African sub-region in a lot of difficulty, it must now reassess its relationship with the landlocked and apparently
ungrateful country. It is a matter of national pride for Nigeria to refuse to make sacrifices for the country or any other country that will mock her sensibilities especially through the leprous lever of an illegitimate government.
Nigeria’s image may be walking on crutches in the rest of the world. But in Africa and especially in the West African sub-region, Africa’s most populous democracy and economy has continued to play key roles as a stabilizing force. Were it not for Nigeria’s vital contributions to the economy and security of the sub-region, there is no doubt that the sub-region would be in far greater peril.
The outrageous allegations by the military junta in Niger which by all indications has failed, though not unexpectedly, to improve the lives of Nigeriens, again point to the grave folly of military intervention in government.
Military coups have never saved any country but have often succeeded to water the ground for long-term destabilization.
More than ever, it has become imperative that democracy be restored in Guinea, Burkina Faso, and especially in Niger Republic. There is no other option.
Meeting Nigeria’s Urgent Needs in 2025 through Comprehensive Reforms, Strengthened Governance
As Nigeria welcomes 2025 amid widespread socio-economic challenges and growing public frustration, the call for decisive governance and bold reforms has never been more critical. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head of Transparency International (TI) Nigeria, has once again urged the government to confront the nation’s pressing issues head-on
Already five days into the new year, the need for workable reforms, political stability, transparency, and governance have never been more urgent for Nigerians.
Leading this call is Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head of Transparency International Nigeria.
With the nation grappling with the aftermath of difficult policy decisions made in 2024, Rafsanjani, as a critical force demanding change, has been relentless in his advocacy for good governance, enhanced security, and robust anti-corruption measures positions.
Also doubling as Chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), and Board of Trustee Chairman of Amnesty International Nigeria, Rafsanjani recently re-echoed his clarion call for Nigeria to strengthen its governance and security systems in a transparent way too.
Rafsanjani’s message comes at a crucial time given that the year 2024 was marked by difficult macroeconomic policies that worsened the living conditions of millions of Nigerians, eroded purchasing power, and deepened inequality. With public discontent growing and trust in governance waning, his call for comprehensive reforms in governance, security, the economy, and anti-corruption efforts strikes a chord.
He said: “As Nigeria, like the rest of the world, prepares for the New Year—2025, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International in Nigeria expresses deep concern over the lingering socio-economic challenges that plagued the nation throughout 2024. The organisation calls on the current administration to implement rapid and holistic measures to address citizens’ plights and meet their expectations moving forward.”
The Rising Cost of Governance
One of the central issues highlighted by Rafsanjani is the rising cost of governance, which has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s fiscal challenges. Despite widespread poverty and inequality, government spending has remained inefficient, with duplications of roles and wasteful expenditures persisting across multiple tiers of government.
In his statement made available to THISDAY, Rafsanjani pointed to the lack of progress in implementing the recommendations of the Orosanye Report, which advocates the rationalisation of public institutions to reduce waste. The report, which has been on the government’s desk for years, proposes merging or scrapping redundant agencies to cut costs and improve efficiency.
Thus, Rafsanjani’s advocacy in 2025 is focused on pushing the government to finally act on these recommendations with the goal to only to reduce unnecessary expenditures but also to free up resources that can be channelled into critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. At the sub-national level, he demanded greater accountability from state governments, many of which engage in unproductive ventures that yield no tangible benefits to the public.
Tackling Insecurity through Strategic Reforms
Insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, affecting nearly every region of the country. The North-East continues to battle Boko Haram insurgents, while the North-West is plagued by banditry and kidnappings. In the southern regions, rising cases of violent crime and communal conflicts have further destabilised communities.
Therefore, Rafsanjani’s statement underscores the need for a more coordinated approach
to security. He advocated adopting international best practices in intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, and tactical implementation given that for years, the lack of synergy among Nigeria’s various security agencies has hindered effective responses to security threats.
In pushing for these reforms that prioritise the welfare and training of security personnel, he called for better remuneration and working conditions for the police and civil defence forces, arguing that this is essential to improving morale and performance. Additionally, he drummed support for the implementation of Early Warning/ Early Response systems, which would help communities detect and respond to threats before they escalate.
Constitutional and Electoral Reforms: Securing Nigeria’s Democracy
The imperative for constitutional amendments and electoral reforms is another critical area in Rafsanjani’s advocacy agenda. Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution has long been criticised for
its inadequacies in addressing the country’s complex socio-political realities.
Rafsanjani’s call for reform focused on addressing systemic flaws that perpetuate inefficiency, corruption, and political instability. Political party reforms are particularly vital, as many Nigerian parties lack internal democracy, transparency, and accountability. Without proper reform, the political space remains closed to credible candidates and dominated by a few elites.
Electoral reforms are equally important, especially with the general elections approaching. In 2024, concerns about electoral integrity were widespread, with cases of vote buying, violence, and voter suppression marring the process, an anomaly that led Rafsanjani to advocate for stronger electoral laws that promote fairness and transparency with a push for the empowerment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to operate independently and without political interference.
Judicial reform is another key area Rafsanjani has emphasised as a judiciary that lacks independence and efficiency undermines democracy and weakens public trust in the rule of law. By advocating for judicial independence and
As Nigeria, like the rest of the world, prepares for 2025, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/ Transparency International in Nigeria expresses deep concern over the lingering socio-economic challenges that plagued the nation throughout 2024. The organisation calls on the current administration to implement rapid and holistic measures to address citizens’ plights and meet their expectations moving forward
the strengthening of oversight mechanisms, Rafsanjani aims to restore faith in Nigeria’s legal system.
Combating Terrorism Financing and Strengthening Border Security
Terrorism financing remains a significant threat to Nigeria’s national security. According to the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria ranks among the top ten countries most affected by terrorism. This grim reality is exacerbated by weak border controls, which allow the free movement of terrorists, small arms, and illicit funds.
In his statement, Rafsanjani highlighted the alarming number of unguarded borders, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions. Out of 261 recognised borders, 137 remain unprotected, providing a fertile ground for cross-border criminal activities.
In 2025, Rafsanjani pushed for stronger financial regulations to curb money laundering and terrorism financing, just as he advocated for increased funding and capacity-building for anti-corruption and financial intelligence agencies while Strengthening border security through the deployment of modern surveillance technology and well-trained personnel.
Revamping Anti-Corruption Efforts
Rafsanjani’s anti-corruption advocacy has been a defining aspect of his leadership. In 2024, attempts to undermine anti-corruption agencies through political and legal manoeuvres threatened the progress made in recent years. To counter this, he has called for the operational and financial independence of key institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
With focus towards ensuring the full implementation of anti-corruption laws like include the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, and the Beneficial Ownership Registry, he said implementing these laws effectively could remove Nigeria from international grey lists and improve its standing in global anti-corruption rankings.
Fostering Local Government Autonomy
Another key issue highlighted by Rafsanjani was the need for local government autonomy. In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled against state governors’ mismanagement of local government funds, a decision hailed as a victory for grassroots governance. However, without constitutional reforms to guarantee financial and administrative autonomy, he said local governments remain at the mercy of state executives.
Charting a Path to Economic Recovery
Nigeria’s economy faces numerous challenges, from high inflation and unemployment to a shrinking industrial base. Rafsanjani posited that a holistic economic blueprint underscores the need for strategic publicprivate partnerships, particularly in agriculture and industry, adding that by diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil revenue, Nigeria can chart a path toward sustainable growth.
He further advocated for economic policies that prioritise job creation, investment in critical infrastructure, and social welfare programmes that target the most vulnerable. With his clarion call as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for Nigeria’s leaders, Rafsanjani is bent on ensuring that the government implements the necessary reforms to tackle the country’s lingering challenges- from governance and security to anti-corruption and economic revival even if th road ahead is fraught with difficulties.
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani
24 Icons of 2024
From marking landmark milestones to impacting lives, these iconic individuals have made a lasting impression on a challenging year. Vanessa Obioha reports on their significant achievements as we bid farewell to 2024
Abubakar Suleiman
Sterling Bank made headlines this year, especially in the tourism and fashion sectors, thanks to the leadership of its amiable Managing Director, Abubakar Suleiman. Under his guidance, the bank's tourism division, Torrista, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), launched ‘Uncover Naija,’ a visual storytelling competition that highlighted Nigeria’s rich tourism landscape. According to Suleiman, the primary aim was positioning Destination Nigeria as a global tourism brand.
Sterling Bank also partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to host a familiarisation tour that showcased notable cultural and heritage sites in Lagos such as Freedom Park and the J. Randle Yoruba Cultural Centre.
In addition to its tourism efforts, the bank expanded its influence into the fashion industry, sponsoring the 2024 edition of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria.
Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, the bank, through its electric mobility initiative Qoray Mobility, introduced electric vehicle (EV) transport solutions and charging infrastructure at the eco-friendly Isimi Lagos estate, developed by LandWey.
A passionate leader, Suleiman remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that position Nigeria as a forward-thinking and innovative nation.
Ademola Lookman
The crowning of the Nigerian footballer as the CAF African Player of the Year was a momentous occasion, one that resonated widely and brought joy to many Nigerians. He becomes the seventh Nigerian to claim this prestigious honour, joining the ranks of Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Osimhen.
Arguably, 2024 was a standout year for the Super Eagles forward. Not only was he the sole African player nominated for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, finishing 14th overall, but he also became the first player to score a hat-trick in a European Cup Final.
Buoyed by his CAF win, Lookman returned to his Italian club, Atalanta, where he secured a crucial goal that boosted the team’s position in the Serie A standings. His impressive performances have significantly raised his profile, with his market value soaring from €30 million at the end of 2023 to €55 million. This leap makes him Nigeria’s second most valuable player, trailing only behind Victor Osimhen.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
Following the death of the Group CEO of Access Bank Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede returned to the bank as Chairman. Under his leadership, the bank expanded its global footprint, with new branches in Tanzania and Malta.
But beyond the boardroom of Access Bank, Aig-Imoukhuede recorded a few personal milestones. In May, he was appointed President of the France Nigeria Business Council (FNBC) by French President Emmanuel Macron. That same month, he was honoured with the prestigious African Banker Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Banker Awards gala in Nairobi. His leadership extended into the health sector as well. In September, under his guidance, the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth) was appointed the new Secretariat for the Corporate
Alliance on Malaria in Africa (CAMA).
Beyond the accolades, Aig-Imoukhuede is committed to transforming Africa’s supporting African government initiatives that can transform economic performance.
In a joint effort with Access Bank Group and his Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, he pledged $300 million to establish an African-led NGO focused on bridging the gap between Africa and the rest of the world. The initiative is supported by academics, experts, and philanthropists globally.
In celebration of women in arts, the business mogul in September held a special exhibition at the Coronation Art Gallery.
Indeed, 2024 was a banner year for Aig-Imoukhuede, as he continues to make an impact in various sectors of the economy.
Aliko Dangote
The long-awaited realisation of the Dangote oil refinery, which finally began producing and exporting Nigerian crude this year, marked a major milestone for the country. Commissioned early last year, the refinery built over seven years ago was hailed as the solution to Nigeria’s oil challenges, with promises to end costly fuel imports for Africa’s top crude oil producer and provide affordable pump prices without the need for a $10 billion government subsidy.
However, the path to this achievement was not without obstacles, as disputes over pricing and distribution arose along the way. Despite these challenges, the Dangote oil refinery commenced operation and has since contributed to a more competitive downstream sector. The refinery has been recognized as one of the best business developments for Nigeria, especially considering the government's previous decade-long efforts to repair the country's ailing refineries.
Recently, the refinery reduced the price of petrol for the yuletide season. Dangote's ambitions extend beyond Nigeria, as he recently met with Angolan President João Lourenço to finalize plans for the construction of a new refinery in Angola.
In addition to his business ventures, Dangote remains committed to philanthropy. He donated a generous sum of N2 billion to support victims of the Borno flooding and, earlier this year, distributed 10,000
kilograms of rice to impoverished individuals in Anambra State through the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Forty years after Lagos' first metro line was envisioned by the state’s first civilian governor, Lateef Jakande, but ultimately aborted, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu brought that dream to life this year. In October, the much-anticipated Red Line rail project commenced full operations.
But the governor is not stopping at the Blue and Red Rail lines. He's already seeking investors for the proposed $1.9 billion Purple and Green rail lines. The Purple Line will connect Lagos with Ogun State, while the Green Line will link the Lekki Free Zone to Marina. In October, the governor announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the state had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to bring the Green Line project to reality.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
One of Nigeria’s greatest exports, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received resounding support for a second term as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). About 58 countries rallied behind her reappointment to the organisation, including groups such as the African Group at the WTO and the General Council Chair Petter Ølberg.
Ølberg in a letter confirming Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment praised her outstanding leadership during her first term which was instrumental in securing meaningful outcomes at pivotal moments.
Okonjo-Iweala who marked her 70th birthday this year has automatically become the first African and female to lead the organisation twice.
Bright ‘Basketmouth’ Okpocha
Over the past eight years, comedian Bright Okpocha, better known as Basketmouth, has been flexing his muscles on the sound and sight medium with productions such as ‘My Flatmates’ and ‘Ghana Jollof.’ This year he reached a new milestone by releasing his first feature-length film, ‘A Ghetto Love Story,’ in November. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Patience Ozokwor, Wale Ojo, Nobert Young, Beverly Osu, Akah Nnani, and Basketmouth himself.
Since its release, the film has garnered positive reviews, particularly for the authenticity brought to the screen by Basketmouth and co-writer Victoria Eze. Riding on this success, Basketmouth has
revealed that he is ready to fully immerse himself in Nollywood.
Buba Marwa
General Buba Marwa (rtd) continued his relentless fight against illicit drugs this year with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) where he serves as the Chief Executive Officer. In 2024, over 16,000 arrests were made, 2.52 million kilograms of illicit drugs were seized, 219.16 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed, and 3,324 convictions were secured. Additionally, over 7,000 individuals received counselling and rehabilitation, while the agency’s public enlightenment efforts reached over a million people.
One of the agency’s major achievements was the prosecution and conviction of four drug lords involved in Nigeria’s largest-ever cocaine seizure in Ikorodu, Lagos, in 2022. The trial of the fifth suspect is still ongoing. The NDLEA also secured the forfeiture of two luxury properties in Victoria Island and Ikorodu, as well as N70 million, USD 50,000, and a Tacoma SUV, all linked to the drug cartel.
The NDLEA achieved several firsts this year, including moving into its permanent national headquarters after 35 years and commissioning two new forensic laboratories in Enugu and Abuja, the first outside Lagos. The agency also completed three new treatment and rehabilitation centres, expanding its capacity to address substance abuse nationwide.
Prevention efforts were equally robust, with more than 4,000 sensitization programs conducted in schools, motor parks, worship centres, and workplaces. The agency also launched the "Save Our Families" (SOF) initiative on World Drug Day to promote drug integrity tests and encourage early treatment for drug users.
As part of its advocacy, the NDLEA introduced Narco Tales, a video series featuring stories from drug survivors and their families, and continued its weekly X Space discussions with youth and experts on drug-related issues.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy’s streak of firsts continued in 2024. He was the first Afrobeats star to perform on the Grammy Awards stage, teaming up with Brandy and 21 Savage. He earned the biggest streaming debut for a solo song by an African artist in Spotify history with his single ‘Higher’ and was crowned the most-exported Nigerian artist by the streaming platform. He is also the only Nigerian artist featured in the UK's Top 100 this year. Since he won the Grammy back in 2021, Burna has become a regular feature on the awards nominations list. For the 2025 Grammys, the self-titled African Giant fetched a nomination for Best African Music Performance for his single ‘Higher.’
Chidimma Adetshina
Chidinma Adetshina’s journey from xenophobic attacks to becoming the first Nigerian and African to achieve the first runner-up position at the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant exemplifies her resilience. Born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, and raised in Soweto, South Africa, Adetshina initially gained attention during the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant.
Abubakar Suleiman Ademola Lookman
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Aliko Dangote
Buba Marwa
This Week In Tech
Nigerian Subscribers Hit with 40% Surge in Telecom Tariff Hike: New Year, New Burden?
As Nigerians bask in the new year, a 40 per cent hike in telecom tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to deepen the financial strain on consumers already grappling with soaring inflation at 39.93 per cent. Nosa Alekhuogie writes that this sharp increase in the cost of phone calls, SMS, and data bundles raises urgent concerns about affordability and access to essential communication services for millions across the country. NCC recently approved a 40 per cent increase in telecom service tariffs, set to take effect this month.
NCC recently approved a 40 per cent increase in telecom service tariffs, set to take effect Soon. This hike is set to impact the cost of phone calls, SMS, and data bundles nationwide.
UNDERSTANDING THE TARIFF HIKE
The new tariffs approved by the NCC include calls from ₦11 to ₦15.40 per minute (a 40% increase), SMS (₦4 to ₦5.60; a 40% increase), and data (1GB bundle will rise from ₦1,000 to at least ₦1,400). Telecom operators argue that these increases are necessary to cover rising operational costs. However, for millions of Nigerians, these hikes may further strain already tight household budgets.
Feranmi Adewale, a small business owner in Ibadan, explained that he had to cut down on data bundles for his business because the cost had “become unbearable.”
“It’s affecting my ability to connect with clients and run my business efficiently,” stated Adewale.
Similarly, Paul Kehinde, a graduate intern in Abuja, shared his frustration.
“I can’t afford the data I need for my online professional courses anymore,” said Kehinde. “It is difficult to keep up, and the internet is essential for my education.”
ECONOMIC PRESSURES BEHIND THE INCREASE
Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has grown significantly over the last few years, playing a vital role in the country’s economic expansion. By mid-2024, the sector’s contribution to the national GDP had risen to 16.36 per cent, up from 10.30 per cent in 2019, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The sector is facing significant challenges due to a combination of economic factors. Inflation has surged to a near 30-year high of 34.6 per cent in November 2024, driven by escalating food prices and energy costs. This inflationary pressure has made it increasingly difficult for telecom operators to absorb rising expenses without adjusting their pricing structures. Additionally, the depreciation of the Nigerian Naira against major currencies has intensified financial pressures on telecom companies, particularly those reliant on imported technology.
BROADER ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS
Rising telecom fees could have significant broader economic implications, particularly for digital inclusion. Higher costs may widen the digital divide, making it more difficult for low-income individuals and rural communities to access essential services such as e-learning, healthcare, and job opportunities. The impact may also extend to economic activities, especially for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs. Increased connectivity costs could limit their ability to stay connected, stifling innovation and hindering overall business growth.
TRENDS IN VOICE CALLS, DATA FEES IN NIGERIA (2019-2024)
In 2019, Nigerians enjoyed a relatively stable telecom environment. The average price of mobile voice calls was ₦11 per minute, and 1GB of mobile data cost about ₦1,000. The market was marked by increased competition among telecom giants such as MTN, Airtel, GLO, and 9mobile. A notable decline in mobile data costs occurred in 2019, as highusage bundles dropped by 142 per cent. According to the ICT Price Trends report,
a typical mobile data and voice package cost fell from $16.34 in 2018 to $6.73 in 2019. However, despite this reduction, mobile services remained out of reach for many Nigerians, particularly those in lower-income brackets.
THE COVID-19 IMPACT: INCREASED DEMAND, STAGNANT PRICES
In 2020, the global pandemic altered telecom consumption patterns dramatically. As millions turned to online work and education, mobile data usage soared. However, telecom operators faced challenges related to inflation and currency devaluation, which made maintaining stable prices difficult. While there was a surge in demand for data and voice services, prices largely stayed the same as operators focused on retaining customers during a tumultuous time.
The NCC reported that in 2020, Nigerians spent ₦1.77 trillion on national calls and text messages. Despite the increased use of telecom services, operators struggled with rising costs, particularly with the introduction of a 7.5 per cent VAT on telecommunications, further straining consumer finances.
2021: A YEAR OF STABILISATION AND DIGITAL EXPANSION
In January 2021, Nigeria had 187.9 million mobile connections, reflecting a 10% increase of 17 million connections from the previous year. This number was equivalent to 90 per cent of the country’s population, underscoring the significant role of mobile technology in Nigeria’s communication and digital infrastructure.
The telecommunications sector demonstrated resilience despite economic challenges such as rising inflation—peaking at 18.77 per cent in March 2021—and foreign exchange volatility. MTN Nigeria, the nation’s largest telecom operator, reported a 45.5 per cent increase in profit after tax, reaching N298.7 billion in 2021, up from N205.21 billion the previous year. The company’s revenue also rose by 22.9 per cent to N1.7 trillion, marking its highest turnover in five years.
2022: TARIFF INCREASES ON THE HORIZON
As inflation and rising costs continued to affect Nigeria’s telecom sector, the
Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) formally requested a 40 per cent tariff increase in 2022. ALTON cited escalating operational costs driven by inflation, foreign exchange issues, and rising energy prices. The request for tariff hikes was not just about keeping the industry afloat but ensuring the continued delivery of services. Despite strong opposition from consumer groups, the Nigerian government introduced new taxes, including a 12.5 per cent excise duty on telecom services, adding an extra financial burden on Nigerians.
Operators argued that they could no longer bear the costs of these taxes, with some, like Gbolahan Awonuga, Executive Secretary of ALTON, stating, “We cannot subsidise the new excise duty; we will pass it on to subscribers.”
2023: A YEAR OF INTENSIFIED
FINANCIAL STRAIN
In 2023, Nigeria’s telecom operators faced intensified financial pressures, driven by a soaring inflation rate of 33.88 per cent and severe currency depreciation. MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, two of the country’s leading providers, reported significant financial setbacks. MTN Nigeria alone suffered losses of approximately ₦137 billion, while Airtel Nigeria’s parent company, Airtel Africa, recorded a 15.55 per cent decline in Profit Before Tax (PBT), which dropped to ₦1,034 million. The primary drivers were a 79.40 per cent surge in finance costs, largely attributed to foreign exchange and derivative losses.
Energy costs compounded the sector’s woes, with Airtel Africa incurring $245 million in energy-related losses across its operations, 88 per cent of which came from Nigeria. The country’s unreliable power supply and surging fuel prices were major contributors.
To mitigate these losses, telecom operators raised service tariffs. Voice call rates increased to an average of ₦11 per minute, with data prices also climbing. Imposing a five per cent excise duty added further pressure on pricing, leaving operators with limited options to offset mounting costs. Subscribers began feeling the pinch as the cost of essential telecom services rose steadily, affecting accessibility and affordability.
The tariff hikes sparked widespread
discontent among telecom subscribers. The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), led by Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo, criticized the government’s policies and called for urgent intervention to prevent further strain on Nigerians.
2024: A NEW ERA OF RISING TARIFFS
In Q1 2024, the sector’s GDP contribution dropped by 12.60 per cent quarter-on-quarter to ₦2.67 trillion, reflecting sustained financial challenges for telecom operators. Foreign investments in the telecom industry have also plummeted, exacerbating its economic challenges. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), capital importation into the sector fell by 87 per cent in Q3 2024, attracting just $14.4 million compared to $113.42 million in Q2. On a year-on-year basis, this represents a 77 per cent decline from the $64.05 million recorded in Q3 2023.
Contributing factors include the devaluation and scarcity of foreign exchange, inflationary pressures, high energy costs, and declining active mobile subscriptions. These challenges have hindered profitability and reduced investor confidence, as teledensity dropped from 102.49 per cent in October 2023 to 72.70 per cent in October 2024.
THE REAL COST OF RISING VOICE AND DATA FEES
As the telecom industry grapples with these pressures, the real question is: What does this mean for the average Nigerian consumer? With 160 million mobile subscribers in Nigeria, the financial strain is far-reaching. Families, small businesses, and students who rely on affordable telecom services for work, education, and communication are now being forced to re-evaluate their spending. Despite the challenges, telecom operators maintain that these increases are necessary to sustain the industry. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON, stated, “We are not in the business of increasing prices for the sake of it. The reality is, without these adjustments, the sector will collapse.”
For Nigerians, this rising cost of mobile communication represents the harsh reality of living in an increasingly digital world, where staying connected is more expensive than ever. The hope remains that the government and telecom companies can work together to ensure that communication remains accessible without compromising quality or affordability.
Kayode Tokede
Following the tight monetary policy regime by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which led to liquidity squeeze, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and merchant banks borrowed a whooping N131.42 trillion from the CBN in 2024 to meet their daily business obligations.
According to data released by the CBN, the N131.42 trillion borrowed in 2024 is about 636.6 per cent increase over N17.84 trillion banks and merchant banks operating in Nigeria borrowed in 2023.
The CBN data showed that DMBs and merchant banks borrowed the highest amount in March 2024 and the lowest amount in January 2024.
Specifically, about N21.74 trillion was borrowed by DMBs and merchant banks in March 2024, while N2.9 trillion was the lowest amount borrowed in January 2024.
DMBs and merchant banks access lending from the apex bank using the Standing Lending Facility (SLF) window and deposit
excess liquidity with the apex bank using the Standing Deposit Facility window (SDF).
The CBN provides the SLF, a short-term lending window for banks and merchant banks, to access liquidity to run their day-to-day business operations.
According to THISDAY investigations, banks’ and merchant banks aggressively borrowed from the apex bank in 2024, indicating liquidity challenges in the financial sector.
The hike in liquidity can also be traced to low cash deposit by bank customers which has resulted in cash scarcity in banks.
These financial institutions in 2024 borrowed from the CBN at an interest rate of 32.50 per cent as the asymmetric corridor around the MPR at +500/-100 basis points.
The applicable rates for the SDF and SLF in 2023 increased by 50 basis points to 11.50 and 19.50 per cent, respectively, following the hike in the policy rate by 50 basis points to 18.75 per cent in June 2023.
The interest rate at which these banks and merchant banks borrow from CBN changed in 2024 amid the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN hike in MPR. In 2024, the MPC members voted to increase interest rate from 18.75 per cent to 27.50 per cent amid its mandate to tackle inflation rate and unstable Naira at the foreign exchange market.
The Director of the Financial Markets Department, CBN, Dr. Omolara Duke in a circular had stated that the apex bank allowed banks to borrow at a rate of 31.75 per cent when the MPR was at 26.75 per cent.
Banks can access the SLF through the Scripless Securities Settlement System (S4) within the specified operating hours of 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Additionally, authorised dealers are permitted to access the Intraday Lending Facility (ILF) at no cost, provided it is repaid on the same day.
He stated: “The MPC adjusted the upper corridor of the standing facilities to five per cent from 1.00
percent around the MPR, at its 296th meeting. Consequently, the suspension of the SLF is hereby lifted and Authorised Dealers should send their request for SLF through the Scripless Securities Settlement System (S4) within the operating hours of 5.00pm to 6.30pm.
“To this end, Authorised Dealers are permitted to access the SLF at 31.75 per cent; Permitted to access Intraday Lending Facility (ILF) to avoid system gridlock at no cost if repaid the same day; The five per cent penalty (as stated in the S4 business rules) is retained, for participants that do not settle their ILF, which the system will convert to SLF at 36.75 per cent; Collateral execution (the rediscounting of instruments pledged by participants at the penal rate by CBN) is reintroduced as stipulated in the approved repo guidelines. “The circular takes immediate effect.”
Analysts have hinted that the increasing MPR has forced banks and merchant banks to sustain borrowing from CBN, stressing that the rush for festive season
spending has further driven increasing borrowing from CBN.
Analysts at Cordros Securities in a report titled, “Nigeria in 2025. Reform to recovery: Navigating the rebound,” stated that the MPC is set to pause its rate-hiking cycle as inflation begins to moderate in 2025, owing to the high statistical base effect and reduced naira volatility.
“Furthermore, the anticipated reduction in interest rates in the advanced economies will reduce the pressure on the MPC to raise interest rates further. However, the still elevated inflation risks will likely induce the MPC to hold the policy rate steady for a longer period to consolidate gains of previous rate hikes while achieving a lower negative real rate of return.
“Also, GDP growth is poised to remain resilient, which diminishes pressure on the CBN to lower rates prematurely. All told, we anticipate that the MPC will likely keep the policy rate unchanged for most of 2025E after a 25bps hike at the January meeting, with a 50bps rate cut projected for
MPC’s November meeting.”
On his part, the Vice President Highcap Securities, Mr. David Adnori, said, “The development points to lack of liquidity on the part of banks. Monetary policy has been tightening and this has led to low liquidity. It is cheaper for banks to borrow from the CBN. This development is not positive but negative. We cannot continue to tighten because it will reflect of economic growth.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf had stated that, “This is a reflection of liquidity pressure some of the banks are going through. The facility is typically short term. This may not necessarily indicate that the banks are stressed or unstable. Meanwhile, the recapitalisation of banks is long overdue. The minimum capital requirements of N25 billion is no longer adequate, if discounted for inflation.”
The current African economic outlook shaped by global market dynamics and international markets as well as key regulatory changes in the import/export landscape, global future market access are some of the important reasons why African female entrepreneurs must go green if they want to remain relevant in business. These assertions were agreed upon by various experts at the maiden edition of the African
Women Sustainability Conference held in Abuja, Nigeria with the theme: “Igniting Africa’s Green Revolution: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs as Catalyst for Sustainable Growth and Unlocking Access to Eco-financing.” The conference was held in partnership with the African Union, hosted by the FCT, Abuja and supported by Aruwa Capital, ToolUp and UNDP with various African governments in attendance.
According to the Founder, ImpactHER, Efe Ukala, “the
current African economic predicament cannot follow the same economic pathway of developed markets to achieve prosperity, we must chart a new course, we must think sustainably, whilst pursuing growth, this approach will afford the African development story a new pathway to prosperity that will allow us leapfrog certain challenges and accelerate our advancement. This is why our path forward must embrace both industrialization and sustainability - our future market
access depends on it. With over 1,400 female entrepreneurs from about fourteen African countries in attendance, we can make a change by going green.”
Giving an example, she said: “Europe have moved beyond merely preferring green certifications – they’re now legally requiring them. The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which came into force in June 2023, requires strict certification that products are deforestation-free before they can enter the EU market.
This affects key African exports including cocoa, coffee, and palm oil. Additionally, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), starting in 2026, will require carbon emissions reporting for steel, cement, and other industrial exports.
“For African businesses, especially our women entrepreneurs, these aren’t just regulations - they represent a fundamental shift in market access. The EU remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with total trade valued at €288 billion in
2022. Meeting these new standards isn’t optional - it’s essential for maintaining and growing our share of this crucial market”. In her own speech, Honourable Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, explained that the African female entrepreneurs must be equipped with the right green tools for them to excel in their business endeavours. She called on various African governments to prioritise the needs of female entrepreneurs to boost their nation’s economy.
Eromosele Abiodun
NDDC to Continue Deployment of Solar-powered Streetlights in Niger Delta to Improve Security
Arthur Eriye
In a bid to light up more areas and improve the security of lives and property in the Niger Delta region, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has said that the commission will continue the distribution of solar-powered streetlights.
Ogbuku disclosed this in a Press statement released by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt.
He said the deployment of solar-powered streetlights is being done under an initiative tagged “Light Up the Niger Delta,” in which all nine states of the Niger Delta, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers, are beneficiaries.
He stressed that the project is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Niger Delta.
According to Ogbuku, the program includes the installation of solar-powered streetlights throughout the Niger Delta region as part of a broader effort to combat crime, enhance peace, and create a better living environment for the residents.
“We are delighted that this project has transformed how people live and work, fostering peaceful coexistence and improving security in previously unsafe areas. We decided to adopt the clean energy approach, which will not only light up our streets and roads but also help mitigate the effects of climate change on our environment. In addition, it has reduced crime in various communities that were previously hideouts for criminals operating under the cover of darkness,” Ogbuku added.
He pointed out that the project is based on a needs assessment, which found that many communities’ grievances were not solely about lacking
NCGC to Boost Funding for Women SMEs
Arthur Eriye
The Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Chinyere Almona, has lauded the federal government’s initiative to establish the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), depicting it as a pivotal step toward improving credit access for women, youth, and small-scale enterprises.
Almona in her New Year address emphasised that an efficiently implemented credit scheme could stimulate demand for agricultural and industrial products, enhance manufacturers’ capacity utilization, and create more jobs in the medium term. She, however, urged for swift implementation and a transparent framework to prevent bureaucratic delays.
Highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s push for stronger international collaboration, Almona noted the need for Nigeria to create a businessfriendly environment to attract more Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). She stated, “Diplomatic efforts should prioritize boosting foreign trade, especially increasing non-oil exports to achieve trade
surpluses by 2025.”
The LCCI Boss also underscored the importance of investments in the telecommunications sector to support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. Furthermore, she stressed the need for infrastructure investment to advance the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, viewing both digital transformation and energy transition as critical to Nigeria’s journey toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy.
The LCCI Director-General applauded the government’s proposed National Values Charter and Youth Conference, describing these efforts as essential to fostering patriotism and unity among citizens. For the business community, she highlighted the significance of a stable and cooperative societal framework, emphasizing that adherence to the rule of law is the cornerstone for protecting human rights and ensuring justice in a democratic system.
Almona expressed optimism that these initiatives, combined with a focus on policy execution, could drive sustainable economic growth and industrialization in Nigeria.
water or school buildings.
“Instead, it was because of perceived inequality compared to those living in International Oil Companies (IOCs) camps. These camps enjoy uninterrupted electricity and other basic amenities, which often heightens the sense of inferiority among those in less developed areas,” Ogbuku explained.
The NDDC Boss emphasized that the move to solar-powered streetlights is part of the commission’s efforts to promote clean energy and reduce the impact of climate change.
Ogbuku mentioned that the project has received praise from the communities benefiting from it, and plans are underway to extend the initiative to more
areas in the region.
To ensure the initiative’s longterm success, Ogbuku revealed that the commission has hired a consultant to develop a carbon credit framework.
“NDDC aims to recover carbon credits generated through these projects, further contributing to environmental sustainability,” he said.
He called on youths in the Niger Delta to continue supporting the policies and programs of the Federal Government, reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to the region’s development.
“President Tinubu has the best interests of the Niger Delta people at heart, and we urge everyone to collaborate in realising these goals,” Ogbuku said.
UnoTelos, Niral Networks Set to Revolutionise Connectivity in Africa
Emma Okonji
UnoTelos, a leading telecommunications innovator in Nigeria, has announced its strategic partnership with Niral Networks, an advanced Private 5G and EDGE AI computing solutions provider from India, aimed at addressing connectivity challenges and driving digital transformation across Africa.
The partnership emerges from a shared vision to overcome critical network infrastructure limitations that have traditionally hindered technological progress in the region. By combining UnoTelos’ deep understanding of the African market with Niral Networks’ cutting-edge NiralOS 5G Core and Edge AI technology, the collaboration aims to deliver secure, low-latency, and scalable connectivity solutions.
Speaking about the strategic partnership, Founder/CEO,
UnoTelos, Jude Egbokwu, said: “This partnership is more than a technological alliance—it’s about empowerment. We are not just solving connectivity problems; we’re creating opportunities for businesses to innovate, grow, and compete on a global stage.”
Founder/CEO, Niral Networks, Abhijit Chaudhary, said: “Our collaboration with UnoTelos represents a pivotal moment in the digital transformation journey across Africa. By integrating Niral Networks’ advanced Private 5G and Edge AI technologies with UnoTelos’ profound system integration capabilities and market insights, we are not just deploying telecom infrastructure—we are engineering ecosystems for innovation. This partnership is strategically designed to address the continent’s most critical connectivity challenges, enabling industries from mining to oil and
gas to leapfrog technological barriers and compete on a global scale.”
The initial partnership will concentrate on pilot projects across key strategic sectors, including: Mining; Oil and Gas; Manufacturing; Shipping and Ports; Aviation and Airports; Logistics and Warehousing
The modular design of NiralOS Private 5G and Edge provides the flexibility to customize solutions that meet the unique requirements of each industry, ensuring efficient and targeted deployment.
By leveraging NiralOS Private 5G and Edge, UnoTelos is positioning itself at the forefront of telecommunications innovation.
The partnership enables enterprises in Nigeria to access advanced connectivity solutions that were previously unavailable or prohibitively expensive.
Key technological advantages
of the partnership include: Secure and reliable private network infrastructure; Low-latency communication; Scalable edge computing capabilities; and Tailored solutions for specific industry needs.
The partnership is expected to catalyse digital transformation across multiple sectors. Potential applications include smart factory solutions, enhanced remote operations, and sophisticated IoT-enabled systems that can dramatically improve operational efficiency and competitiveness. Looking ahead, UnoTelos and Niral Networks envision expanding their collaboration, with plans to increase deployment scope, develop more advanced connectivity solutions, support the development of Private 5G and EDGE infrastructure, and advance critical sectors like telemedicine and autonomous systems.
Nigeria’s foremost composite e-commerce giant, Konga, has announced its first major sales event of 2025—Konga Jara, an exciting campaign that offers shoppers massive discounts of up to 70 per cent, providing a perfect opportunity to save big and kickstart the year with unbeatable deals.
The 2025 edition of Konga Jara, themed ‘Confam New Year Deals’, commenced on Wednesday, January 1, and is set to run through Friday, January 31. The promotion is accessible across all
of Konga’s platforms, including its online store at www.konga. com and retail outlets nationwide.
Konga Jara is a well-loved annual shopping campaign designed to deliver extra value to customers, as its name implies. The initiative is a thoughtful response to the financial challenges many Nigerians face in January, offering a wide range of products at heavily discounted prices to ease their burdens and meet their needs.
Shoppers can look forward to incredible deals on various items, including essential food staples such as bags of rice, cooking oil, tomato
paste, condiments, and beverages. Other discounted categories include Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), computing, groceries, fashion items, home and kitchen appliances, and quality wines and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.
In addition to the exceptional discounts, Konga Jara meets the yearnings of customers seeking value and affordability as it addresses the practical challenges of post-holiday season shopping. By delivering competitive prices and substantial savings, the campaign reinforces Konga’s commitment to enhancing the
shopping experience for its teeming customer base.
Speaking about the promo, Head of Marketing at Konga, Kunle Ajani, highlighted the campaign’s strategic timing and consumer-centric approach.
“We understand that January can be a challenging month for many. Konga Jara is our way of supporting our customers and helping them start the year on a positive note. With discounts of up to 70 per cent across various categories, shoppers can enjoy great value and significant savings while purchasing essential items and more,” Ajani said.
Emma Okonji
L-R: African Union, CIEFFA, Success Barbara Azwe; Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Social Affairs and Microfinance, Republic of Benin, Sakinatou Gambari Imorou; Head of MANSA Digital Initiative, African Export-Import Bank, Maureen Mba; President and Founder, ImpactHER, Efe Ukala and Director of Gender and Equity at the Minister of Women, Families and Children of Cote d’Ivoire, Kouame Kouadio Issoufou at the 2024 African Women Sustainability Conference organised by ImpactHER held in Abuja… recently
How Pension Sector Weathered 2024 Storms
ebere nwoji narrates how players in the pension sector weathered the storm in 2024 to stand tall amidst economic downturn
The pension sector currently sitting on N21.9 trillion assets is one sector of the economy that can be relied upon for providing long term investible funds.
The sector is one of the few sectors of the economy that dared the prevailing economic downturn in the country to stand tall in terms of long term investible fund accumulation. The sector as at October 2024 accumulated N21.9 trillion assets registered 10.5 million contributors. This was a significant improvement on the N17.66 trillion assets accumulated by the sector in the same period in 2023.
The Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), going by its performance since inception, especially in the Q2 up to last Q4 2024 has apparently positioned the pension sector as one of the few sectors that have weathered the storm in the face of the ravaging economic downturn plaguing businesses and high inflation rate affecting businesses in the country.
Indeed, the sector’s performance during the year and various initiatives implemented by the regulator the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has proved that the CPS which Nigeria copied from Chile 20 years ago is, after all, not a mistake, having to a large extent improved the condition of pensioners in the country.
However, the sector operators said one of the major challenges of the CPS scheme over the years has been the need to get Nigerians see the value of financial planning through pension savings. According to the operators, after these 20 years of its existence, many Nigerians know little or nothing about pension. They added that even those who know about the scheme do not have the trust as to understand that the sector is a protected industry as such there should be no fear of loss of the saved funds.
The fund keeps growing as it is invested in various portfolio that yields interest with the result that today, the pension assets has grown from N2 trillion deficit to N20.48 trillion assets under management.
CPS PerformanCe
According to report released by PenCom, in the second quarter 2024, the sector witnessed significant growth in the second quarter of the year compared to what it was in the first quarter. PenCom in its report said remittance of contributions increased by 20.26 percent during the period from N314.17 billion in Q1:2024 to N377.83 billion in Q2:2024.
The commission in the report dated September 10, 2024 said overall pension funds and assets witnessed 4.17 percent growth from N19.66 trillion as at Q1:2024 to N20.48 trillion as at Q2:2024.
“The Nigerian economic landscape in Q2 2024 continued to experience a mix of growth and significant challenges, particularly with the rate of inflation, increasing to 34.19 percent in June, 2024 from 33.20 percent in March, 2024. The increase led to an upward adjustment of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by the monetary authority from 24.75 percent in Q1:2024 to 26.25 percent in Q2:2024. Many other factors including depreciation of the Naira, sluggish agricultural productivity
and increased transport costs due to fuel subsidy removal and regional instability has continued to affect the economic landscape and ultimately disposable incomes,” it said.
Paid BenefitS Via CPS
Giving a breakdown of benefits paid to retirees during the year, the Chief Executive Officer, Pension Operators Association (PenOp), Mr Oguche Aguda, said in the past 15 years Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) have paid a total sum of N1.63 trillion to retirees in both public and private sectors under both programme withdrawal and annuity.
He said the above figure was paid to 442,000 Nigerians who retired from services in various employments in the country during the period. Aguda said out of the N1.63 trillion lump sum paid on both life annuity and programme withdrawal, in the second quarter 2023 total life annuity payment stood at N665.1 billion. This, according to him, was received by 111.708 applicants. He said in third quarter 2022, a total of N595.22 billion was paid to 102,696 applicants as annuity lump sum.
Also in Q2 2024, 2024, a total of 2941 Retirement Savings Account holders under the CPS requested to access up to 25 percent of their RSA balance for payment of equity contributions for residential mortgage. PenCom said out of this, approvals were granted to 2,305b requests amounting to N18 billion while 186request were rejected due to incorrect documentations.
miCro PenSion
In 2024, PenCom said development and
“this year, we achieved a major milestone with the launch of the e-application Portal for Pension Clearance Certificates (PCC) in october. this initiative replaces the previous manual process, enabling companies to seamlessly apply for and receive PCCs online.We have issued over 38,000 PCCs, significantly enhancing ease of doing business and ensuring compliance. additionally, the Pension industry Shared Service initiative is in advanced stages of implementation. this initiative will digitise pension contributions and remittances, ensuring seamless processing of contributions and resolving discrepancies caused by incomplete remittance details.”
deepening of the Micro Pension scheme was a task that must be achieved by all means.
PenCom said a total of 16,624 Micro Pension Contributors (MPC) were registered in the second quarter of the year by 15 pension fund administrators, bringing the total number registered MPCs from inception to 143,565 as at 30 June, 2024.
PenCom Director General Ms Omolola Bridget Oloworaran, at the 2024 media retreat organised by the commission in Lagos said: “Micro -Pension initiative in particular, is something we are very passionate about. It is our way of saying that no one should be left behind, no matter how small their earnings might be.”
She noted that technology plays a vital role in driving the scheme from mobile enrollment to real-time account management to benefits administration.
The PenCom DG said she intends to use technology to scale the micro-pension plan.
Highlighting some of the major achievements recorded by the sector during the year under review the PenCom boss said: “This year, we achieved a major milestone with the launch of the e-Application Portal for Pension Clearance Certificates (PCC) in October. This initiative replaces the previous manual process, enabling companies to seamlessly apply for and receive PCCs online. “
BenefitS of PCC initiatiVe
On the benefit since its deployment, she said: “We have issued over 38,000 PCCs, significantly enhancing ease of doing business and ensuring compliance. Additionally, the Pension Industry Shared Service Initiative is in advanced stages of implementation. This initiative will digitise pension contributions and remittances, ensuring seamless processing of contributions and resolving discrepancies caused by incomplete remittance details.”
She said to further enhance contributors’ experiences, PenCom has introduced a revised programme withdrawal template, simplifying access to voluntary contributions and revising the threshold for en-bloc payments in line with the new minimum wage. These measures she said were designed to make retirement processes more efficient and user-centric
Also during the year, operators established a new Pension Contribution And Collection system to institute the regime of electronic remittances without schedule.
The commission during the year intensified efforts to put to an end delays seen in payment of accrued rights ensuring that government released a whooping N44 billion to pay workers’ accrued rights.
PenCom said it’s target was to ensure that issue of delay in payment of accrued right of retiring workers becomes a history.
“moving forward, we are working with the federal Government to put in place a sustainable solution that ensures retirees receive their benefits promptly and without undue stress. Since assuming office, my team and i have been focused on strengthening compliance, enhancing service delivery, diversifying pension assets to optimise returns, improving benefits, and expanding coverage to include more nigerians, especially those in the informal sector.”
“Moving forward, we are working with the Federal Government to put in place a sustainable solution that ensures retirees receive their benefits promptly and without undue stress.Since assuming office, my team and I have been focused on strengthening compliance, enhancing service delivery, diversifying pension assets to optimise returns, improving benefits, and expanding coverage to include more Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector.” PenCom DG stated. Other initiatives implemented by the commission during the year include lifting restriction on 50 percent maximum lump sum access to RSS balance .Also the commission during the year lifted restriction placed on LPFAs on commercial papers and directed PFAs to resume investments in commercial as well as grants approval for retirees whose monthly or quarterly pensions are less than N23333representing one third of the current minimum wage.
The commission said the reason for all these initiatives and their implementations is to ensure that Nigerians work and retire seamlessly.
BUSINESSWORLD PERSPECTIVE
When Betrayal, Redemption Come Full Circle
Oluchi Chibuzor
“To err is human but forgiveness is divine. You, my daughter, have a touch of divine in you. I know it.”
These words capture much of what makes Full Circle a heartfelt and relatable story. They are a poignant reminder that though betrayals hurt — especially when we receive them from those we love and trust — we can rise above them if we let love lead. We become capable of forgiveness and redemption when we allow the divine light within us to illuminate our hearts and paths.
Set against the backdrop of contemporary Nigerian society, Full Circle follows the story of childhood friends, Alice and Uzo, as they navigate friendship, love, betrayal, redemption and forgiveness. It highlights the fact that insecurities and comparisons often beget envy and, when given leeway, envy births betrayals. And, in case we think we are incapable of such negativity, Full Circle proves that the tipping point can be in something as cunning and unassuming as the whisperings of ill-intentioned people on an unguarded heart or the poisonous tree that sprouts from the traumas and self-doubt we refuse to confront and deal with.
Although the plot is not unfamiliar, the storytelling keeps the reader engaged until the end with its natural dialogue and believable interactions. Ajayi uses simple language to deliver her message and the mix of Nigerian pidgin, humour and irony lend a richness to the narrative. Her symbolisms are meaningful, with the Christian themes adding depth to the overall story. Ajayi sets a steady pace throughout the novel, striking a good balance between action and introspection, and arriving at the climax and resolution satisfactorily.
The characters further enrich the story with their unique voices and personalities. They are people we can relate with because we have either been one of them or known people like them. Uzo stands out as an epitome of confidence and strength. She is down to earth, loyal and securely vulnerable. She is also conscious of her perceived shortcomings, but by no means diminished by them. Though her trust comes across as blind naivety in some instances, it is a testament to her pure heart and kind intentions.
Alice, however, is a canvas of unmet desires, impatience and insecurity. And while she
starts out as a well-meaning friend and confidant, we see how these characteristics become a handicap in her life and friendships. Through her journey, and much of her internal monologues, we discover that comparison and envy often blind us to the fact that we don’t actually want what another has; we are just unhappy that they seem to be getting a good thing while we are seemingly left out. We want it because they have it, not because we like it. This is evident in her thoughts and feelings towards Ugo.
Then we have Ugo, whose presence becomes the catalyst that shifts Uzo and Alice’s relationship. He is a charming, flawed, but ultimately redeemable love interest. His arc from indecision and fear to commitment feels earned, though his initial wavering might frustrate some readers.
The supporting characters also add richness and depth to the story. We are alternately eager to shut Tope up while looking forward to Baba’s prayers and wisdom.
Full Circle is an enriching narrative that not only explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships, it is also a testament to the power of love, the pain of betrayal, and the healing that comes with forgiveness. It is a heart-warming and inspiring read that will leave a lasting impression on its audience. The book was published by Love Legacy Media Limited.
CITYSTRINGS
In Providing Care for Society’s Most Vulnerable, Tony Elumelu’s Family Reinforces Import of Giving
In a heartwarming act of generosity, the Tony Elumelu family has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting the vulnerable by donating N30 million each and essential food items to three orphanages in Lagos. Flagged off by Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, the initiative aims to address critical needs such as rent, medical care, and daily sustenance for children in these homes. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that this latest outreach was part of a larger philanthropic programme that will see seven more orphanages across Nigeria receive similar aid in the coming weeks
the
Philanthropy is not just about giving; it’s about touching lives and making a difference. Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Heirs Holding and Transcorp, known for his dedication to uplifting communities across Nigeria, has once again with his family, demonstrated the power of such impactful giving by donating N30 million each and essential food supplies to three orphanages in Lagos.
This year, the donation flagged off by his wife, Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, underscored their unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of Nigeria’s most vulnerable—its children.
The donation drive kicked off at the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice in Surulere, an institution that caters to children with severe health challenges, many of whom require ongoing medical care. The hospice, which has struggled with limited resources over the years, received much-needed financial support and food supplies that will ease its burden.
After a tour of the hospice and sharing laugh and hugs with the children, Dr. Awele highlighted the family’s resolve to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children across the country. “We recognise the ongoing needs of children in these homes. This initiative is part of our effort to provide both immediate relief and long-term support. Everyone has a role to play—whether through cash, kind, or time—to make a difference in the lives of these children,” she said.
A Needs-tailored Giving
It wasn’t just giving, it was one tailored to meet the specific needs of the orphanages and care homes. At the flag off, the Elumelu family’s donations extended beyond Hearts of Gold
of
Children’s Hospice to two other homes: the Open Arms of Mercy Orphanage in Ago , Okota and the Atunda Olu School for the Physically and Mentally Challenged, in Surulere.
Each orphanage received 33 cartons of Indomie noodles, 20 bags of rice, 20 bags of beans, 10 bags of sugar, 10 cartons of milk, 10 cartons of Milo, and N10 million. These donations were carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of the homes, with the financial contributions aimed at covering expenses such as rent, medical care, and surgeries.
The thoughtful planning that went into this outreach was evident in the way the Elumelu family addressed the specific challenges faced by each orphanage. Alero Ladipo, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications for UBA Bank, while highlighting the donation said: “We conducted surveys to understand the specific needs of each home. Beyond the food items, the N10 million for each orphanage is intended to address medical needs, rent, and other requirements such as diapers for the children.”
Mrs Laja Adedoyin, Founder of the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice, could not hide her joy and appreciation for what she described as an unprecedented act of kindness. “The magnitude of the foodstuff and financial support
we received today is extraordinary. Food is life, and in today’s Nigeria, having food means having everything. This is the largest donation we have ever received, and we are overwhelmed with joy. We sincerely thank Dr. Awele Elumelu and the family for their generosity,” she said.
Commitment to Philanthropy
This generous gesture is part of a broader, pan-Nigerian initiative by the Elumelu family. In the coming weeks, seven additional orphanages across the country are set to receive similar donations.
The Elumelu family’s commitment to philanthropy has been consistent, as evidenced by their recent donation of 1,800 bags of rice to their community in Onicha Uku, Delta State, during the festive season. In each instance, the family ensures that their contributions are impactful, addressing both immediate and long-term needs. Through such efforts, the family has consistently demonstrated that philanthropy is not a one-off event but a way of life.
Beyond financial support, the Elumelu family’s philanthropic efforts embody a holistic approach to giving. It’s not just about providing resources but about empowering communities, fostering sustainability, and inspiring others to contribute in their own ways. Their philanthropy extends through various initiatives, including the widely acclaimed Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has
This initiative is part of our effort to provide both immediate relief and long-term support. Everyone has a role to play—whether through cash, kind, or time—to make a difference in the lives of these children…
empowered thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa and the UBA Foundation, which was recently nominated for Philanthropy of the Year for the forthcoming THISDAY/ARISE Commemorative Award.
For many of the children in these orphanages, this act of kindness offers more than just immediate relief—it represents hope. In a country where access to basic necessities like food, healthcare, and shelter can be a struggle for many, especially orphans and children with special needs, interventions like this are lifelines. By easing the burden on the administrators of these orphanages, the Elumelu family has allowed them to focus on their core mission: caring for the children.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with socioeconomic challenges, the role of philanthropy in bridging gaps has become increasingly important. Initiatives like those undertaken by the Elumelu family not only provide critical support but also set an example for others in the private sector to follow. It’s a call to action for individuals and organisations to step up and contribute in ways that make a real difference.
As succinctly put by Dr. Awele Elumelu, “Everyone has a role to play—whether through cash, kind, or time—to make a difference in the lives of these children.” Perhaps, it is this philosophy that drives the family’s charitable endeavours, ensuring that their giving is not just about charity but about change.
As more orphanages prepare to receive similar support from the Elumelu family in the coming weeks, the ripple effect of this initiative will be a testament to the power of compassionate leadership and the impact of giving with purpose given that through their actions, the family has reinforced the idea that when people come together to support one another, society becomes stronger, kinder, and more humane.
Dr. Awele Elumelu with Mrs Laja Adedoyin, Founder of
Hearts
Gold Children’s Hospice and one of the children
Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited with the children of the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice, Surulere, Lagos, where she flagged off the Tony Elumelu’s family donation to 10 orphanages across the country
Dr. Awele Elumelu flanked by Mrs. Adedoyin (fourth left); Alero Ladipo, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications for UBA Bank (third right); Ramon Olanrewaju Nasir, Group Head, Media and External Relations, UBA Plc (second right), and other members of the team, as well as the children from the Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice
HomeS & Design
Live, Work, Play at Blue Water Lagos
Blue Water Lagos is an iconic mixed-use facility and brainchild of seasoned developers of the e lalan g roup and African Capital Alliance and master-planned and designed by n gonyama Okpanum & Associates, recipient of numerous design awards. Bennett o ghifo writes
Blue Water Lagos is a veritable work, live and play affair standing tall on a prime piece of land in Lekki Phase 1.
The Managing Director of Elalan Construction Company, Andrea Geday, describes it as a mixed-use development ( residential and commercial).
It comprises 500 flats: one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom with high-quality interiors, open space living, Wi-Fi, and fire sprinkler systems. It has great outdoors in a free space with a tennis court, swimming pools, and play areas, among other facilities. It has underground parking that is well-ventilated and secure, including a
commercial area of about 10,000sqm.
Elalan has come a long way in Nigeria’s real estate sector, and according to Geday, they entered into the sector in 1984 and have “done hundreds of thousands of square metres of construction” in the industrial, residential and commercial space. He added, “You’ll see our work all over Lagos, Ogun states, Abuja, and Kaduna, as well as the new Flour Mills of Nigeria head office and WAPIC head office. We have been active in various areas in Nigeria.”
They are the developers of luxury
buildings such as No. 4 Bourdillon, Tango Towers and Olympic Towers.
The company is one of Nigeria’s fastestgrowing and most dynamic construction and civil engineering companies.
Elalan’s partner, African Capital Alliance (ACA), is an equally sturdy, leading pan-African investment firm sponsoring funds and managing investments of over $1.2 billion, according to Elalan’s statement posted on its website.
African Capital Alliance (ACA), founded in 1997, is an independent, private equity firm focused on investing in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.
It has raised aggregate commitments of over $1.2 billion since its inception and has a track record of successfully exiting investments and delivering strong returns to investors.
The company has two decades of experience investing in the region, with nine years of experience in the real estate sector, resulting in a thorough understanding of the market and variables that can affect investment results.
According to Geday, ACA is a strategic partner to Elalan, and the company has been investing in real estate across the nation, but this was their first residential development.
Business Special
b and of Industry b oosts lending to msmes with fresh capital Injection
The Bank of industry has, over the years, played a critical role providing credit needed to drive lending to the Micro, Small and Medium enterprises, a sector pivotal to Nigeria’s economic landscape. Kayode Tokede examines the bank’s recent capital raising exercise to boost lending activities under its Managing Director/chief executive Officer, Dr. Olasupo Olusi
With the mandate to transform Nigeria’s industrial sector by providing financial assistance for the establishment of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and rehabilitation of ailing ones, Bank of Industry (BOI) has consistently raised fresh capital to boost the critical economy of the country.
BOI has extended its capital raising exercise to international communities with the aim to expand its funding capacity for small, medium, and large enterprises; support priority sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and technology; boost employment and economic diversification efforts and finance specialized programs, such as green energy initiatives.
Specifically, BOI in 2017 commenced raising funds on the international market with a $750 million AFREXIM loan. It also raised over $5 billion from the international capital markets through Eurobonds, loan syndications, and green finance instruments.
In 2024, BOI under the current management successfully raised €1.879 billion from international financial markets, marking a historic milestone as the largest amount ever secured by any Nigerian or African development finance institution (DFI).
According to BOI, the 187.9per cent oversubscription of the syndication highlights the innovative financing achieved through a dual-layer guarantee structure, leveraging support from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for optimal risk-sharing.
This structure allowed BOI to secure much lower interest rates than those typically applied to Nigerian debt instruments, resulting in savings of approximately 3.6per cent per annum (or an estimated N295.7 billion over the three-year tenor). These favorable terms will reduce the cost of borrowing for the real sector making it more competitive.
The syndication attracted considerable interest from a diverse array of international investors, with over 10 new participants, particularly from the Middle East and Asia.
Commenting on the successful fundraising, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BOI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, in a statement said that the favourable terms associated with this funding will facilitate access to low-interest, long-tenured loans for Nigeria’s burgeoning private sector, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for economic growth.
He said the bank’s enlarged balance sheet will boost its interventions and operations and ultimately enhance its developmental impact in bridging the current annual developmental financing funding gap of over $35 billion, support the implementation of BOI Strategy for 2025 to 2027 as well as enhance the capacity of BOI to deliver on its mandate.
The new funds have substantially bolstered the bank’s balance sheet, increasing it from N3.9 trillion in 2023 to N7.1 trillion by the end of December 2024.
This robust engagement underscores BOI’s reputation as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s industrialization efforts and highlights its growing appeal to investors from emerging markets.
The favourable terms will reduce the cost of borrowing for the real sector, making it more competitive.
The DevelopmenTal ImpacT of
The €1.879bn
The enlarged balance sheet occasioned by the fund raised would boost the bank’s interventions and operations and ultimately enhance its developmental through bridging the current annual
development financing funding gap of over $35 Billion (BCG, 2024).
Also, it will support the implementation of BOI Strategy for 2025 – 2027. One of the key themes is increase BOI financing along several areas to meet Nigeria’s developmental needs. This funds raised provides the capacity for BOI to deliver on its mandate.
BOI will seek to address infrastructure challenges which impose a high cost of doing business on manufacturers in Nigeria. Infrastructure Finance requires long-term and high value financing which the freshly raised fund will support.
The confidence in BOI demonstrated by this historic transaction will enhance its ability to access additional sector specific funds particularly funds that are targeted at vulnerable sectors and segments like Gender, Youth, MSMEs, Agriculture, ESG and Sustainability etc.
The bank would also be able to more specifically programme and fund impactful projects that will lead to Nigeria’s long-term industrial development on a transformational basis due to the flexibility and extent of funding available to BOI.
From a risk management perspective, the raised funds will help the bank with: Credit Risk: Higher/longer payback periods and leveraging our partnerships to de-risk Lending to MSMEs, Gender
etc. and expand access to financing; Liquidity Risk: Build a strong funding base to support its financing operations; Market Risk: Inflation, foreign exchange and inflation stabilization and operational Risk: Help implementation of internal operational strategies including digital transformation
In addition, Green, Climate and Environmental Financing are also key considerations of BOI’s new strategic focus. The €1.879 billion fund raised would enable the bank to play more efficiently in this space.
Key mIlesTones aTTaIneD by boI’s funD raIseD
The key milestones attained by BOI’s landmark fund raised include: largest single transaction done by BOI in its 65 years history, largest deal done by a Nigerian development finance institution, largest deal done by any Nigerian financial institution and largest deal done by any African development finance institution thereby setting a benchmark.
Also, the inclusion of BOI by President Bola Tinubu in his New Year message as one of the major promoters of National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) will enable BOI to deploy more securely the huge resources that it continues to
mobilize from the international financial markets by sharing risks with NCGC.
Having BOI loans, particularly to MSMES, guaranteed under the new scheme would enable the bank to safely disburse more loans to Nigeria’s private sector.
According to Tinubu, the Company— expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter—is a partnership involving various government institutions alongside private sector entities and multilateral organisations.
Tinubu stated that this collaboration will enhance confidence in Nigeria’s financial system, expand credit access and support underserved demographics such as women and youth, ultimately driving growth and improving living standards across the nation.
boI’s achIevemenTs
BOI in 2024 commemorated 65th anniversary of empowering Nigeria’s industrial growth, fostering innovation, and contributing to the socioeconomic development of our great nation.
Olusi highlighting some of the bank’s key achievements over time, said: “In 2007, BOI’s authorised share capital was increased to N250 billion to put the bank in a position to address its mandate better; this was subsequently increased to N500 billion in May 2023.
“In recognition of the pivotal role of MSMEs in national economic development, the bank, in 2014 engaged 122 SME consultants and entered strategic alliances with 10 SME-friendly commercial banks. Today, we have over 300 Business Development Service providers supporting SMEs nationwide. The bank also has a robust on-lending program with various financial institutions, including microfinance banks and fintechs.
“In 2015, BOI commenced a national footprint expansion by opening eight state offices. This drive has continued through the years, and I am proud to say that today, the bank has a presence in 33 states nationwide.”
He noted that one key thread in achieving these milestones through the years is through partnership.
“BOI has established strategic partnerships with key local public and private institutions, as well as global financial and multilateral institutions to enable the bank to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“BOI partners with State Governments, and Foundations to establish the “Matching Fund” scheme. We also have partnerships with trade associations, such as the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), to deepen real sector financing.
“BOI recently signed a partnership agreement with SMEDAN to provide Nano and Micro Enterprises in Nigeria with a N1 billion fund at a single-digit interest rate. We have partnerships with several other public agencies like NCDMB, to support specific sectors,” he said.
He added that “In November 2023, the Federal Government of Nigeria appointed BOI as the executing agency for the N200 billion FGN MSME Intervention Fund, which includes a N50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS), a N75 billion Manufacturing Sector Fund, and a N75 billion MSME Intervention Sector Fund.
“This programme is currently being disbursed and there are numerous stories on the impact on private enterprises.”
Olusi
SEC Vows to Crackdown on Ponzi Schemes to Protect Investors
Kayode Tokede
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has emphasised that protecting investors remains a cornerstone of its mission assuring that the commission will intensify efforts to stamp out Ponzi and pyramid schemes while paving the way for legitimate investment opportunities to thrive in 2025.
Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama who stated this in a New Year message to the capital market community at the weekend, expressed excitement about the road ahead and opportunities it holds for the capital market.
He noted that this year the Commission will focus on key initiatives that aim to deepen market integrity, enhance investor confidence, and drive economic growth.
According to him, “The SEC is positioned with a dual mandate in regulating and developing the capital market in Nigeria. Naturally, our top priority in 2025 will cut across the dual mandate. For us, mainstreaming the Nigerian Capital Market into the economy is very vital”.
He added: “Enforcement is the backbone of effective regulation. We are revamping our investigative processes to
enhance efficiency and hold bad actors accountable more decisively.
“Insider trading undermines activities and dampens market fairness. By revising our regulatory framework, we aim to strengthen detection, prevention, and accountability mechanisms.
“Transparency is at the heart of investor confidence and capital markets. We will introduce measures to ensure greater visibility and trust in securities transactions.
The DG disclosed that to resolve market disputes efficiently and fairly, the Commission is enhancing the operations of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST), making it more effective in delivering timely resolutions and improving efficiency.
Agama stated that a critical area of focus for the Commission in 2025 is strengthening the legal framework of the commodities market to enable it attain its full potential of aiding economic development.
“The commodities market is indeed a major area of interest for us at the SEC. Nigeria is purely an agrarian nation and as such, taking that comparative advantage to the next level, is something that the SEC is proud to be a part of.
“It is a vital part of the Nigeria economy. This year, we will focus on reinforcing the legal and regulatory structures that support growth so we can create a solid foundation for the vibrant commodities ecosystem. Be it a soft commodity or a hard commodity.
“More so, when we have a plethora of commodities all over Nigeria. The SEC as a partner in development will make sure that we will make the difference,” he stated.
The SEC DG said these initiatives represent the Commission’s vision for a stronger and more inclusive capital market in 2025 as the SEC is poised to build wealth, creating confidence and making a difference like never before.
“As we embark on this journey, I invite all stakeholders to work with us in achieving these goals. Together, we can unlock the potentials of the Nigerian capital market and make this a defining year for our economy.
“What we intend to do in all of the efforts that we want to put forward to the Capital Market Community is to steer the Capital Market towards a direction that ensures that development gets to the doorstep of every Nigerian,” he added.
Polaris Bank, Partners Support 16,000 Students to Reduce Out-of-School Children
Nume Ekeghe
Polaris Bank, in partnership with key stakeholders, has reaffirmed its commitment to combating the alarming rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Through its targeted interventions, the Bank has ensured continuous education for over 15,000 students, providing them with the opportunity to learn, thrive, and contribute to a better future. While the initiative primarily focuses on empowering the girl child, male students in the targeted schools were not left out reflecting the project’s inclusive approach.
Since 2020, these collaborative efforts have ensured continuous education for 16,000 students, showcasing the transformative impact of teamwork in fostering positive societal change.
In a statement, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/
CEO, Kayode Lawal, said the intervention is in line with the Bank’s ongoing sustainability efforts aimed at reducing Nigeria’s current out-of-school children population and increasing access to quality education, especially for the girl-child. It states: “As part of its broader mission, Polaris Bank between November and December 2024 visited eight schools across various states, including Opebi Junior Grammar School in Lagos, National High School Arondizuogu; Iheme Memorial Secondary School; Akokwa High School in Imo State, Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila in Kano, Fortune Secondary School in Kogi, and Government Day Junior Secondary School, Maitama in Abuja, with that of Gbaja Junior and Secondary School, both in Surulere, Lagos moved to
mid January 2025.
“The program aims to support 50,000 students by 2028, building on its current impact of 16,000 students across nine states.
Beyond the provision of school essentials to indigent students of public schools, the initiative also embeds the Brighter Minds Programme, a transformative project bringing innovative brain-training techniques and emotional intelligence education to young learners.
“This program has achieved remarkable milestones, expanding access to a holistic learning approach that builds resilience, focus, and confidence in students. Each pilot group represents a new step in the journey of empowering young minds with life skills, made possible by the unwavering support of Polaris Bank, partners like EvolveCSR, schools, and parents.”
Citibank Nigeria Celebrates 40 Years in Nigeria
Nume Ekeghe
Citibank Nigeria Limited (Citi) is celebrating 40 years of operations in Nigeria.
The bank in a statement noted that from the bank’s foundation as Nigeria International Bank Limited, Citi’s has been one of continuous growth and transformation
Commenting on this significant milestone Chair of the Board of Directors Citibank Nigeria Limited, Dr Shamsudden Usman said: “Citi has grown steadily, adapting to the evolving needs of its clients, embraced digital transformation, and expanded its services to meet the demands of a dynamic world. Through it all, the bank has remained true to
the values that inspired the founders of Citibank Nigeria Limited a commitment to trust, service, and community.”
The bank hosted a gala recently as part of activities to commemorate its 40-year operating presence.
While paying homage to the continued support and trust of clients, alumni and valued partners, Middle East & Africa Head for Citi Ebru Pakcan said: “Nigeria is a key market to watch, with enormous potential and is an exciting investment proposition. For Citi, helping our clients navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities of our rapidly changing world is fundamental to our mission
of enabling growth and economic progress.”
Chief Executive Officer Citibank Nigeria Limited, Nneka Enwereji highlighted the indelible mark Citi has had in the banking industry, she said: “The past 40 years have been an incredible journey. We have navigated economic shifts, technological advancements, and unprecedented global events. Yet through it all, we have remained resilient and dedicated to providing trusted financial solutions that enable growth and economic progress. The needs of our clients and communities are at the heart of everything we do. We remain inspired as we continue to build on our legacy and chart new paths.”
made
following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
Stock Market Gains N402.42bn in 2025 First Trading Week
Kayode Tokede
The local stock market gained N402.42 billion first trading week of 2025, attributable to investors’ surge demand for MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (3.1 per cent), BUA Foods Plc (5.1 per cent) and 80 other stocks quoted on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).
The market capitalisation that opened for trading in 2025 at N62.763 trillion, appreciated by N402.42 billion or 0.64per
cent to close at N63.166 trillion.
As a result, the NGX AllShare Index advanced by 1.4per cent week-on-week to 103,586.33 basis points from 102,926.40 basis points, with the Year-to-Date return settling at +0.6per cent.
The stock market had opened for four days for four days last week as the Federal Government declared Wednesday January 1, 2025, as Public Holiday to commemorate the New Year Day Celebration.
Sectoral performance was broadly positive, as the NGX Insurance index (+26.9per cent), NGX Consumer Goods Index (+2.2per cent), NGX Banking Index (+0.6per cent) and NGX Industrial Goods Index (+0.5per cent) recorded gains, while the NGX Oil & Gas Index (-0.4per cent) index closed the week lower. According to the weekly market report, a total turnover of 2.618 billion shares worth N69.742 billion in 47,953 deals was traded last
week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 1.387 billion shares valued at N52.023 billion that exchanged hands in 33,411 deals in prior week.
The report stated that, “The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.751 billion shares valued at N17.079 billion traded in 20,595 deals; thus contributing 66.88 per cent and 24.49per cent to the total equity turnover volume and
value respectively.
“The Services industry followed with 205.807 million shares worth N1.829 billion in 3,654 deals. Third place was the ICT Industry, with a turnover of 189.938 million shares worth N1.844 billion in 3,686 deals.
“Trading in the top three equities namely Royal Exchange Plc, Chams Holding Company Plc and Universal Insurance Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 612.033 million shares worth N773.439 million
in 2,108 deals, contributing 23.38pepr cent and 1.11 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.” Analysts at Cordros Research, “As the new year unfolds, we anticipate heightened market volatility with a bullish tilt, driven by ongoing portfolio rebalancing activities as investors respond to evolving macroeconomic conditions, shifting market sentiment, and position for the earnings season ahead.”
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF j A n UAR y 2/25
2024 AFRICAN WOMEN SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE...
L-R: African Union, CIEFFA, Success Barbara Azwe; Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Social Affairs and Microfinance, Republic of Benin, Sakinatou Gambari Imorou; Head of MANSA Digital Initiative, African Export-Import Bank, Maureen Mba; President and Founder, ImpactHER, Efe Ukala; and Director of Gender and Equity at the Minister of Women, Families and Children of Cote d'Ivoire, Kouame Kouadio
Wanted Drug Kingpin, Nollywood Filmmaker Arrested Over Huge Illicit Drug Shipments
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a wanted drug kingpin and Lagos socialite, 61-year-old Alhaja Aishat Ajoke Elediye, on New Year’s Day in her mansion at Okota area of Lagos, following the interception of a truckload of illicit drug consignment from her staff same day.
Alhaja Ajoke known in the drug underworld and social circle as “Iya Ruka”, has her true identity shrouded in mystery for years while she remained on the wanted list of NDLEA for leading one of the drug cartels operating from Mushin area of Lagos.
The lid was however blown off her invincibility last Wednesday when NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence intercepted a white Izuzu truck carrying 44 jumbo sacks containing 1,540 kilogrammes of imported cannabis and driven by one of her staff, 41-year-old Abideen Adio.
The operatives subsequently stormed her hideout at 33 Adebayo Oyewole Street, off Ago Palace Way, Okota, where she was arrested.
According to the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, on the surface, Alhaja Ajoke is a businesswoman who imports fabrics and shoes from China but beneath is a massive illicit drug trade.
She is also recognized as the Iyalaje of Blessing Sisters, an influential club of society women in Lagos.
Babafemi said in another major operation, NDLEA officers on Friday 27th December 2024 arrested a UStrained Hollywood and Nollywood filmmaker, Emeka Mbadiwe, who is also a motivational speaker at his Lekki Hotel room.
This followed the arrest of his partner, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu, earlier same day at a warehouse in Ajao Estate Ikeja, where he was sent by Mbadiwe to collect a shipment of 33 parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 17.3 kilogrammes,
which arrived the Import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on 24th December 2024 from the United States, on a Delta Airline flight, concealed in large wooden boxes.
In Kwara State, a fresh graduate Khadijat Abdulraheem, 24, and a 20-year-old student of the University of Ilorin, Ayomide Morakinyo were on Sunday 29th December 2024 arrested by NDLEA operatives at Tanke-University of Ilorin Road, Oke Odo, Ilorin based on credible intelligence that they were producing and selling drug laced cupcakes to students in the community. When their apartment was searched, 42 pieces of drugged cakes were recovered from them.
Babafemi also said an ex-convict, Sodade Eniola, who was arrested by operatives of the Tincan Command of NDLEA in June, 2024, for drug trafficking, prosecuted and sentenced to four years in prison has been arrested again by officers of the MMIA Strategic Command of the
agency for passport racketeering.
Earlier, when he was convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos on 14th June 2024, the trial judge gave him an option of paying N750,000 fine, which he paid and was let go.
The spokesman said however, in series of operations in December 2024, NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Lagos airport intercepted no fewer than 52 passports of different countries from shipments going to Canada, Russia, and other countries concealed in shoe soles and food items.
Further investigations led to the arrest of four members of three syndicates involved in the racket.
The arrested suspects include: Sodade Eniola; Ayinde Awwal; Salaudeen Ayode; and Sheriff Bamigbade. Both the exhibits and the suspects were last Monday handed over to the Zonal Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service in Lagos for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Babafemi said not less than 316, 800
Bauchi Gov Challenges 500 BAROTA Marshalls To Maintain Integrity, Professionalism
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has pledged his administration will never interfere in the operations of the newly established Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency (BAROTA) to maintain integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their assigned responsibilities.
This was as he directed the agency to establish its offices in 20 local government areas, promising not to interfere in the activities of BAROTA.
The governor explained that the establishment of BAROTA was conceived out of the urgent need to address the growing challenges of road traffic management, safety, and law enforcement in the state.
Speaking at the passing out parade of the first batch of 500 Cadets and Marshals of the agency, held at Dr. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu Square, Government House Bauchi, weekend, Governor Bala Mohammed emphasised that BAROTA was established with a clear mandate to tackle the many challenges facing
road transport sector. According to him, the agency’s functions which are wide-ranging include, traffic law enforcement, accident prevention and investigation, road safety awareness and advocacy as the enabling law of BAROTA has given powers to its operatives to arrest any person suspected of committing or having committed an offence under the law.
Others are to impound any vehicle by which an offence under the law is reasonably suspected to have been committed until the case is determined or disposed of, tow away and park impounded vehicles in designated parks.
His words: "Over the years, road accidents, traffic congestion, and general disorder on our roads have had devastating effects on our citizens. Consequently, my administration presented the Bauchi Road Traffic Agency Bill to the State House of Assembly in 2020 to enact a law to address the problem.
“Upon passing the bill into law, I assented to it which brought BAROTA into existence as a legal entity to protect the lives of road users in the State.
"Today’s occasion is indeed a landmark in our journey towards entrenching a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable road transportation system in our state. I wish to congratulate each and every one of the 500 Cadets and Marshals who have completed their rigorous training.
“Your training has prepared you to serve a new generation of leaders entrusted with the monumental task of ensuring safer roads for all road users in Bauchi State."
He cautioned the Cadets and Marshals of BAROTA that they have been entrusted with the power to enforce the law in accordance with international best practice and therefore their duties are to serve as peace keepers, educators, and protectors of public’s safety.
Governor Bala Mohammed assured that the establishment of BAROTA is not a one-time effort as his administration remains fully committed to supporting the agency in every way possible including equipping BAROTA with modern technology and tools to enhance efficiency.
He said: "Let me assure the good people of Bauchi State that as
a government, we are resolute in our vision to employ more youth to reach our target of 2000 of the cadets/marshals.
“This policy initiative is in line with our priority in human capital development through economic empowerment and engagement, especially of our teeming youth.
“I urge you to serve with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. Each life saved and each accident prevented will be a direct result of your dedication and commitment.
"Our administration will not tolerate laxity, indiscipline and abuse of opportunity, usually associated with corrupt tendency and lackadaisical attitude on the part of our youth."
The governor then promised the agency would be allowed to operate with decency, faithfulness and strict compliance with the dictates of its mandate and policy objectives and therefore directed all local government areas chairmen in the state to liaise with BAROTA to hasten the establishment of local government offices for efficient coordination and seamless operation of the agency throughout the state.
bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from two containers by NDLEA officers at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State, during a joint examination of the shipments with men of Nigeria Customs and other security agencies last Tuesday.
He disclosed that the seizure followed credible intelligence processed by the Port Harcourt Port Command of the agency.
In Kano, NDLEA operatives last Tuesday 31st December 2024 raided Mafarki, Dan Dishe area of Dala LGA where they recovered 149,090 pills of tramadol and exol-5 from a local dealer, 45-year-old Ismail Muhammad.
Babafemi said with the same
vigour, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. Meanwhile while commending the officers and men of MMIA, Lagos, Kano, PHPC and Kwara Commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.
NGO Trains Over 500 Youths in Kogi
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
A Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi Foundation, DAM, has trained no fewer than 500 youths and women in a Skill acquisition programme in Okene, the headquarters of Central Senatorial District of Kogi State, at the weekend.
The empowerment Programmes which took place at weekend in Okene, Okene Local government area of the state was aimed at taking the teeming youths in the senatorial district out street to enable become self-reliant and generate wealth for themselves.
During the programme, the youths received training in various professional fields while thousands of exercise books were distributed to students to support their studies.
Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Mustapha Abdullahi, founder of the NGO, has in addition provided hundreds of empowerment tools such as POS machines, welding materials, carpentry materials, umbrellas for market women, and overalls for mechanics were also distributed to beneficiaries to enhance their livelihood.
The Energy Commission boss expressed his unwavering dedication to the development of Ebiraland.
The ceremony was witnessed by distinguished guests, including the
Paramount Ruler, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Dr. Tijani Muhammed Anaje and other esteemed personalities from both the state and federal governments.
Speaking at the event, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, charged the beneficiaries to take the advantage of the empowerment to better their lives.
The royal father thanked the Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, for his kind gesture and urged other well to do sons and daughters of the land to invest in human capital development.
Dr .Abdullahi had earlier paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland at his palace in Okene.
According to him, the visit served as an opportunity to foster mutual understanding, strengthen ties between the traditional institution and the commission to enhance massive development of the land.
While highlighting the various projects he has successfully attracted to the community, the Director General ECN, stated that his foundation has impacted meaningfully in transforming lives of the downtrodden.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring peace and security within the senatorial district, noting that such stability was fundamental to the successful implementation of developmental projects.
Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
Issoufou, at the 2024 African Women Sustainability Conference organised by ImpactHER the Conference, held at the Palms Hotel, Abuja... on Friday
BRAND AND LEGENDS MARKETING COMMUNICATION AWARD...
L-R: CEO, Marketing Mix and Co. Lagos, Mr. Akin Adeoya; CEO Ladybird Advertising and Past AAAN President, Mrs. Bunmi
Oyo State Governor, 'Seyi Makinde, yesterday, said the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standard and the Ibadan Circular Road projects were dear to his government and key to the expansion of the state's economy.
Makinde, who stated this at the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan, said the Airport when upgraded, would be viable and would compete favourably with the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
the people of the state in 2025.
He promised to deliver part of the airport project and the 32km East Wing segment of the Ibadan Circular Road in the current year, assuring the people that his administration would do more for
He reiterated that his tenure would be remembered for building lasting infrastructure and institutions in the state, stating that Nigerians would survive the current economic hardship, because tough people are wont to outlast tough times.
“I have always said that when I leave office, I do not want to be remembered just for the projects.
But some projects are dear to my heart. These include the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to an international standard.
“Some people have said it is not a viable project because Ibadan is close to Lagos. That is true. But Ibadan Airport should have been an alternative airport to Lagos from day one.
“When we came in, there was no storage and fuel dispensing
Sani: We’ll Continue to Support Military Operations against Criminal Elements
John Shiklam in Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has restated his administration's continuous support to security operations to achieve lasting peace for sustainable development in the state. According to a statement by his spokesperson Ibraheem Musa, the governor spoke on Saturday, during the 2024 annual cultural activities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Kaduna.
He commended the collaborative efforts of security agencies in fighting criminal elements in the state and urged them to "remain vigilant and sustain the onslaught against bad elements."
Sani, who was represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, James Kanyip, commended the NAF personnel for executing the military operations in the North West geopolitical zone and for maintaining a very cordial civilianmilitary relations with residents.
The governor noted the vital role of cultural diversity in the country and praised the NAF for promoting national values and unity through cultural celebrations.
He added that the event was a demonstration of the strong bond between government and security agencies in Kaduna State.
"The Base Socio-Cultural activities is a platform for fostering comradeship amongst personnel and celebrating our diversity as the cultural performances showcased Nigeria's rich heritage," he said.
He praised the organisers of the event for highlighting the nation's unity in diversity.
The event was attended by senior military officers, including the Air Officer, Training Command, AVM Abubakar Abdullahi, and the General Officer Commanding 1st Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Mayirenso Saraso
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and other distinguished personalities were also at the event.
Dokubo Warns Oil Thieves, Kidnappers to Stay Clear of Rivers Communities
or
Dokubo gave the warning when residents of his communities also known as Elem Kalabari came to celebrate with him on 2025 New year day, after the Ekine Sekiapu traditional rites had been performed. He said, “Illegal oil bunkering destroys the environment and pollutes the waters which affects the livelihood of our people who are fishermen.
“If you know anyone involved in oil bunkering around here or who has an oil bunkering point here, be he your friend or relative, no matter how highly placed, tell them I said enough is enough.
“They must pack and leave otherwise, we will catch them, deal with them before handing them over to the government. We won't tolerate such in this kingdom anymore."
He also warned drug lords and sea pirates, who have been plying their nefarious trade in Elem Kalabari and neighbouring communities, saying, “Illicit drugs destroys the mind of its users and makes them useless to themselves and the society.
“Those who are involved in such business will not be tolerated in this vicinity henceforth. They must leave our land immediately.”
facility at the airport. How will it be viable if planes cannot come and refuel in this place?
“Now, we have put the aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility in there and, yesterday, I saw with my eyes how airplane was being refueled in our airport in Ibadan.
“So, we have removed one of the obstacles that have been making the airport not to be viable. We are also extending the runway so that a Boeing 787 will be able to land in the airport shortly.
“We made a terminal that is only good for 100,000 people yearly. We are now building a new terminal that can take over one million passengers through that airport. With what we are
doing, Ibadan Airport will be viable and would compete with Lagos Airport.
“A part of the project would be delivered this year. The terminal would be delivered first quarter of next year, because we have deployed the resources.
“Also, on the Circular Road, the first segment, which is 32km from Technical University to Badeku, will be delivered this year. So, continue to pray and support this administration.”
Makinde urged residents of the state to be ready to be held responsible for their actions, as according to him, the government will enforce the rule of law across different sectors.
Aiyedatiwa Declares 3-Day Mourning in Honour of Late SSG, Temitayo Oluwatuyi
Fidelis David in Akure
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, yesterday, declared a three-day mourning and prayers in honour of the late Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Temitayo Oluwatuyi.
The late SSG died on Saturday at an undisclosed hospital. He was involved in a ghastly car accident on Sunday, 15th December, 2024, while traveling to Ibadan and was subsequently hospitalised.
However, Aiyedatiwa declared that the 3-day mourning and prayer would hold from Sunday, 5th to Tuesday, 7th January.
The governor, who also led members of the State Executive Council on a condolence visit to his wife and members of his family, in Akure, said the deceased was a recurring decimal in the politics and governance of Ondo State, adding that the history of
the state would not be complete without a mention of his impacts.
The governor, who also spoke, via a video call, with the children of the deceased, who were abroad extolled the virtues of Oluwatuyi, describing him as a complete gentleman, who conducted his public and private life with decorum and humility.
Aiyedatiwa prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased, and promised the support of the government for the family at this difficult time.
In the condolence register, the governor wrote: "Hon Tayo Oluwatuyi, you came, you lived, you performed your God-given tasks and impacted lives.
“You have decided to leave us at a time we never expected but God said it is time to come home. May you have rest at the bosom of your creator, God. Amen."
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The newly installed traditional ruler of Torusasama Piri in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo has warned oil thieves, kidnappers, and land grabbers operating around his communities in Kalabari axis of the state to leave the area
face full wrath of the law.
Oke;
President, Mr. Funmi Onabolu,
the "Legends of Marketing
Award" to Mrs. Bunmi Oke during the Iconic Brands and Legends of Marketing Communications Award held in Lagos...
INSPECTION TOUR TO ILUBIRIN PUMPING STATION...
Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, during an inspection tour to Ilubirin Pumping Station, Lagos Island, Lagos State…on Sunday
SERAP Wants NNPC to Account for Alleged N825bn, $2.5 Billion ‘Missing’ Oil Money
Okocha
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) yesterday urged the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, to give account of the alleged missing N825 billion and $2.5 billion meant for refinery rehabilitation and others.
The alleged missing funds, it said in a letter, was documented in the 2021 annual report by the Auditor General of the Federation, published on Thursday, November 27, 2024.
SERAP urged Kyari to identify those suspected to be responsible for the disappearance of the money and hand them over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
It urged him to formally invite
former president Olusegun Obasanjo to tour Nigeria’s refineries and to extend the same invitation to the EFCC and ICPC to monitor the operations of the refineries, and any spending on them, including the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
In the letter dated January 4, 2025 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “We welcome your timely public invitation to former president Obasanjo to tour the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
“While your invitation is clearly not disrespectful, contrary to the claims by the former president because no one is above the law, we urge you to formally invite him, and to extend your invitation to the EFCC and ICPC for the sake of transparency and accountability.
“Your public invitation to Obasanjo is well-justified, and entirely consistent with the letter and
spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and the country’s international obligations of the NNPC and the roles of citizens in preventing and combating grand corruption,” it added.
SERAP stated that the allegations by the Auditor General suggest a grave violation of the public trust and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, national anti-corruption laws, and the country’s international obligations.
“The allegations have also undermined economic development of the country, trapped the majority of Nigerians in poverty and deprived them of opportunities.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel the NNPC to comply with our
requests in the public interest,” it stated.
According to the recently published 2021 audited report, SERAP quoted the Auditor General as saying that the NNPC failed to account for over N825 billion and $2.5 billion of public funds, noting that there were concerns that the money may be missing.
“The NNPC reportedly failed to account for over N82 billion meant for ‘refinery rehabilitation and repairs.’ The money was deducted from the sale of Crude Oil and Gas between 2020 and 2021.
“The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the Federation Account. He also wants the NNPC ‘to ensure that the amounts due for the Federation Account are not subjected to any deductions before remittance of net.
“The NNPC also reportedly failed to account for over N343 billion
Emir Sulu-Gambari Refutes Story of Altercation with Kwara Gov, AbdulRasaq
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim SuluGambari, yesterday reacted to a story at the weekend, insinuating that there is an ongoing spat between him and the Governor of Kwara state, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The Emir’s spokesman, Arowona Abdulazeez, in a statement, explained that the relationship between the monarch and the governor remains cordial, likening the bond to that of a father and his son.
“The stool of Emir of Ilorin and the seat of authority in Kwara state under the leadership of our amiable governor, His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON), is cordial with constant rapport for the growth and development of the state.
“Governor AbdulRazaq has not only been displaying his strength and competence as the people’s governor, but he has also been showing high regards for the Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) in the state through regular consultations and welfare upkeep for royal fathers,” the statement stressed.
It pointed out that the report on the High Life Page of THISDAY Newspapers dated Sunday January 5, 2025 with the caption “Who Will Settle the Cold War Between Emir of Ilorin and Kwara Governor?” was a deliberate attempt to blackmail the royal stool and seat of power in the state.
It quoted the Personal Assistant to the Emir, Dr. Muritala Abdulraheem, as setting the records straight, explaining that the governor has utmost respect, trust, and confidence in the traditional ruler.
“Since his inception (ascension) to the seat of power as the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has been relating with the Emir as his father with utmost respect, trust, and confidence. There is absolute trust and love between the duo and the Emir always accords him high regards as the number one citizen of the state.
“The Emir loves him and he loves the Emir. Anytime the Emir requests to see him, he will insist that the Emir should not come, rather, he will be the person to quickly visit the Emir despite his very tight schedules both in the state and across the country as the chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).
“He is the first governor who always responds to the Emir and quickly visits him within a space of less than one hour of telephone calls. All the tours of the Emir are usually sponsored by the governor,” the statement quoted the Emir's personal assistant as saying.
Regarding the visa to Germany, he said the Emir was granted a visa but the aides had some documents such as personal bank statements
and I.D cards missing in their files which led to the refusal of their visa applications in line with immigration policies globally.
When the governor heard about the refusal, the palace said, he made arrangements with the French Embassy for to get a Schengen visa which can also admit the entourage into Germany.
“Following the governor’s directives, I received a call from the France Embassy in less than two hours, and an appointment was fixed for us for capturing (of data). Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it due to some other official engagements. However, because of the medical emergency, the Emir consulted the governor for permission to travel to the Republic of Turkiye where he has previous travel history and documented medical records.
“The governor also enquired from the Emir if he could proceed to Germany from Turkiye but the Emir said he would prefer to go to Germany later after he has returned from Turkiye. The government of Kwara state provided the chartered flight through one Mr. Benjamin which conveyed His Royal Highness from Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja where we boarded a flight to Istanbul, Republic of Turkiye.
“He made arrangements for all the allowances due to us. Throughout our stay in Turkiye, he ensured constant
check on the Emir and progress on his health. He also made the same arrangement for chartered flight to bring him back to Ilorin. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, can come between father and son. The governor has been so nice to a fault and keeping to the traditions and cultures of promoting the welfare and wellbeing of the traditional institution,” it stressed.
The statement noted that an investigation was ongoing to unravel the mastermind of the “frivolous, unwarranted, condemnable, and uncharitable article” that it said is capable of causing crises in the state.
“There is peaceful coexistence and harmonious working synergy between the palace and the Government House under His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Sardauna of Ilorin Emirate. Nothing can change the status quo,” it added.
Editor's Note: We have since found out that the information that formed the basis of the story: “Who Will Settle the Cold War Between Emir of Ilorin and Kwara Governor?” was totally wrong.
We therefore retract the story in its entirety and apologise to the revered monarch and the governor unreservedly for any damage the referenced story may have caused them. The public is hereby advised to disregard the report.
‘being proceeds from domestic crude sales.’ The money, meant for ‘pipelines maintenance and management costs, was unilaterally deducted from the gross domestic crude sales,” SERAP added.
It said the NNPC also reportedly failed to account for over N83 billion, being miscellaneous income from the NNPC joint venture operations from 2016 to 2020, with the money withdrawn from the CBN/NNPC sinking fund account.
“The Auditor General is concerned that this practice has led the Federation to resort to borrowings. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. The NNPC also reportedly failed to account for over N204 billion ‘being unjustified deductions from the oil royalties for 2021.’ The money was due to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), now Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
“The NNPC also reportedly failed to account for over N3.7
billion being money purportedly paid to a Company as a shortfall on sales of MT cargo of PMS. The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury,” the group pointed out. It said the report further noted that the NNPC also reportedly failed to account for over N28 billion, being outstanding bridging allowance from NNPC retail for 2021 and over N13.5 billion, being outstanding bridging allowance claims from three major oil marketers in 2021.
In the same vein, it observed that the NNPC failed to account for over N15 billion, being outstanding revenues from debts owed by 26 marketers for 2021 as well as over $29.6 million outstanding royalties payable to the DPR’s CBN account.
“The NNPC failed to collect over $2 billion, being outstanding oil royalties from oil companies for 2021, and failed to collect over N48 billion, also outstanding oil royalties from oil companies,” it added.
PDP Chieftain Woos Deltans in Diaspora to Contribute to State Devt
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has appealed to Delta State indigenes residing outside the state and in Diaspora to channel their resources into investment in the economic development of the state.
He made the appeal at the weekend in a New Year message when he hosted his loyalists and well-wishers in Warri, Delta State, as part of the yuletide celebration.
Onuesoke maintained that there were many opportunities in the state, especially in maritime, agriculture and oil and gas sectorsm begging for investments, noting that these opportunities were waiting for investors to unlock and reap bountiful economic benefits.
He said it was time for the people of the state in the Diaspora to think about home and ways to deploy huge resources in the state endowed with using their vast professionals.
The PDP chieftain, who decried the emphasis on crude oil referred to the palm oil sub-sector as another opportunity with huge economical potential begging for attention, stressing that palm oil has broader market, greater economic value and better profit if serious investments
could be made to harness it.
He reiterated that their investment at home would encourage international investors to participate in the spirit of investment in Delta State, stressing that the state is blessed with professionals in various fields of human endeavour, which should be used in the development of the state.
Onuesoke, who disclosed that Delta State needs investments in areas like agriculture, information, Communication and Technology (ICT), health, water resources, education and engineering among others, explained: “As we visit home to celebrate the Christmas and New Year, let’s also think of investing in these areas. Our state will benefit in terms of employment, training, funds transfer, jobs and wealth creation.
“Our youths will be the greatest beneficiaries and they will re-train their fellow youths from the knowledge they acquired. Ones there are employment for the youths, insecurity will become thing of the past.
“Delta State boasts the most secure and welcoming environment for professionals and entrepreneurs to thrive, as well as for individuals to relax and unwind, setting us apart as a haven among other states in the country.
Chuks
in Abuja
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji; Special Adviser on Environment, Engr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; and Permanent Secretary,
ENUGU SCIENCE AND TECHONOGY VARSITY’S CONVOCATION CEREMONY…
L-R: Airport Manager, Victor Attah International Airport. Uyo, Dr. Aniema Ukpong; Director of Studies, ESUT Business School, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Prof Fred Eze, and Board Member, Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Hon. Isaac Ukutt, at the 20th convocation ceremony of Enugu State University Science and Technology held in Agbani, Enugu State.... recently
Northern Pressure Group Seeks Transformation to Political Party
Says APC, PDP have
Chuks Okocha in abuja
Ahead of the politics of 2027, a northern political pressure group, the League of Northern Democrats (LND) said that it is planning to transform into a political party.
It also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of failing Nigerians to achieve a viable front of
failed Nigerians
eliminating hunger, poverty and insecurity in the country.
It equally sought support from political pressure groups in the south to join it in forming a solid political party.
The LND said that its quest to transform to a political party is in line with the call by former National Vice chairman of the APC, Salihu Moh’d Lukman’s recent New Year message
‘United Front ‘ll Unseat Oyebanji’
Gbenga Sodeinde in ado Ekiti
The Ekiti Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Frontier Group has restated its readiness to work with other leaders of the party to unseat the incumbent Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in the next election through a united front.
The Coordinator of the group, Hakeem Adebomojo, who spoke during an interactive session with the state’s zonal representatives, expressed the group’s commitment to party principles, urging party leaders to work in harmony.
The group condemned the Oyebanji-led administration in the state, describing it as an “affliction” that must not be allowed to rise again.
The zonal officials, Chief Adeola Ogunrinde and Mrs Lanre Fajuyi, who were represented by the South-west Publicity Secretary, Chief Sanya Atofarati, commended the state’s Caretaker Committee under the chairmanship of Chief Dare Adeleke for its efforts to unite the party in the state.
The leaders praised the group for raising the party’s flag with pride.
BUA Foods Rewards Top Distributors with N2bn
In line with its mission to create long-term value for all stakeholders, BUA Foods has recognised and awarded dealers of its IRS Premium Wheat Flour, for their support and loyalty to the brand over the past years.
This, the organisation did, during a customer awards dinner which took place in Lagos with various dealers from across the country in attendance. The awards event was put together to reward top performing dealers and foster a healthy competitive environment to encourage better future performance. They were honoured with
awards and significant cash prizes amounting to a total of N2.4billion.
Among the winners were Yahuza Abdullahi from Kano state who won N454.6 million, Ashiru Ali Yamusa who won N284.1 million and Maimuna Rabiu, who won N185.8 million. The event also featured a unanimous review of the past financial year and deliberations on future strategic business plans.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, BUA Foods, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, highlighted the transformative and invaluable contributions of the dealers to the company’s growth strategy.
Nominations Open for JCI Nigeria 2025 Young Persons Awards
Ayodeji Ake
Leading youth organisation, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria, has commenced the call for nominations of qualified and deserving young Nigerians for the 2025 edition of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Awards.
JCI TOYP (Ten Outstanding Young Persons) was introduced by JCI in 1983 to formally recognise 10 active citizens between the ages of 18 and 40 every year. These individuals’ exemplary achievements inspire innovation, leadership, and social impact across various fields.
Speaking during the inaugural press conference to herald the beginning of the administration in Lagos, the 2025 JCI Nigeria President, Oluwatoyin Atanda, disclosed that the flagship projects embodied the principles of tri-sector leadership and strategic pillars of the ELV8 leadership philosophy and the importance of the TOYP awards.
Atanda explained further that the projects aim to elevate JCI’s impact in Nigeria, foster collaboration, and build a sustainable future for its members and communities.
incisive critiques of the systemic failures of Nigeria’s current political structure, particularly the undemocratic practices and
mediocrity entrenched within the APC and PDP.
According to LND, the former APC chieftain challenged Nigerians
to embrace a bold, transformative vision: the establishment of a truly democratic political platform that fosters patriotism,
political competition, prioritises honesty and accountability, and produces leaders of character and competence.
Gunmen Kill Miyetti Allah Chairman, Two Others in Katsina
Gunmen have killed the Katsina State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeder Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Surajo Leader and two others in Kusada Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Saturday night when the gunmen
invaded Mai Rana community in Kusada LGA.
Sources revealed that the gunmen also abducted two of the deceased wives and his daughter who is an undergraduate student.
The deceased has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites amidst apprehension in the area.
The Katsina Police Command spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, who confirmed the incident, said that police operatives responded and engaged the gunmen in a shootout.
He said that the gunmen were forced to flee leaving one of their operational vehicles and one of the abducted wives.
Aliyu said that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims, and arrest the gunmen. He urged the public to assist the police with any credible information on the whereabouts of the fleeing criminals.
Saudi Arabia Releases Nigerians Arrested, Prosecuted for Alleged Drug Trafficking
Michael Olugbode in abuja
Three Nigerians arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking on March 5, 2024, in Saudi Arabia has been released after spending 10 months in detention.
The trio are Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah and Fatima Kannai Gamboi. They were at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport Madinah, Saudi Arabia for alleged drug trafficking.
Announcing their release in a statement yesterday, the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that three Nigerian nationals, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking onMarch 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport Madinah, Saudi Arabia, has been released after spending 10 months in detention.
“The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of cocaine weighing 900.28 grammes and 70 capsules of cocaine weighing 789.5 grammes, respectively.”
Seven Escape Death as 3-Storey Building Collapses in Rivers
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Over seven persons have been rescued from a collapsed 3-storey building under construction at Aboga axis of Igwuruta-Etche road in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
THISDAY observed that this
is the fourth building collapse in the state within three months.
Residents of the area, who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said the collapse occurred at about 1:30p.m. on Saturday while construction work was ongoing.
They said though no life was
loss, seven out of nine workers who were working in the building were rescued with various degrees of injuries.
According to one of the eyewitness who disclosed his name as John Dike, “Getting here I saw the building collapsing, while some of the workers were
able to jump out others could not as the building collapsed on them”.
“They were able to rescue everybody but many were injured, the last person was rescued towards the night with serious injuries, he was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.”
Onion Farmers Link Price Hike to Flood, Climate Change
The Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria has explained reasons for the upsurge in the price of onions and scarcity of the produce in the country.
The National President of the Association, Mr Aliyu Isah, gave the reasons in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN) yesterday in Lagos.
Nigeria witnessed a soaring rise in the price of onions from the fourth quarter of 2024 with a bag selling between N250,000 and N270,000 as against N70,000 and N90,000 per bag in previous months.
While a medium-sized bulb of the produce sells at N500 as against N50 per bulb.
Isah told NAN that the reasons for the hike in onion price were multifaceted, leading to low production of the produce.
“What caused the scarcity and high cost of onions from the last quarter of 2024 till now is as a result of the flooding.
“The flooding of 2024 that ravaged all our onion farms, from the producing bed of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, up to Adamawa states resulted in the scarcity of the produce.
“We also had the problem affecting onion production with the release of water from dams from the northern states.
KWASAA Explains Removal of Billboards on Some Major Roads in Kwara
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
The Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KWASAA) at the weekend said that the new directive on the removal of billboards on some major roads in Ilorin, the state capital, is to enhance
A’Ibom
the aesthetic and infrastructural development of the state.
The agency, however, directed that all billboards and signage owners, including private and government entities, should immediately remove all forms of outdoor advertisements erected along the Ahmadu Bello Way,
including the first flyover to the second flyover, along Murtala Muhammad Way in Ilorin.
The development, according to THISDAY checks, might not be unconnected with the recent removal of the billboards erected by the Senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district
in the National Assembly, Saliu Mustapha, to greet Christians for the just concluded Christmas and new year celebrations in the state.
Senator Mustapha’s billboard at Police ‘A’ Division was removed because of the construction work in the area.
Warns Against Illegal Structures along Proposed Road Projects Site
Okon Bassey in uyo
Akwa Ibom State government has warned that it will not tolerate erection of illegal structures along proposed road project site in the state urging such action to stop.
The Senior Special Assistant to
the State Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, spoke while reacting to spate of unapproved structures springing up along the Afaha Offiong (Nsit Ibom)-Itreto (Nsit Ubium) Road project executed by the state government.
“Anyone who builds
illegal structures along roads designated for construction and expansion will likely suffer monumental losses as government will not be driven by sentiments to part with public funds.
“While Governor Umo Eno is passionate about building and expanding infrastructure, especially to open up rural communities, he will not patronise shenanigan attempts to cook up illegal structures on project corridors, with a view to extorting funds from Government,” he warned. Ndueso expressed concern
CARTER, THE GOOD WHITE MAN
The BBC Board of News debated for ten hours whether it was journalistically appropriate to call a US President “Jimmy.” In the end, they adjourned when they heard that the Board of Editors of the New York Times had been debating the same issue non-stop for 24 hours. BBC decided to follow the example of the New York Times. The next day, New York Times’ lead story referred to “President Jimmy Carter...”, and all the world’s newsrooms followed suit. That precedent enabled President William Jefferson Clinton to call himself Bill Clinton in 1993.
Carter’s top-level appointments were copiously reported in those days. He appointed his old Navy Academy classmate, Admiral Stansfield Turner, as Director of the CIA. I read in TIME magazine that Carter graduated 59th in their 1946 class of 820 cadets. Tuner came first. Carter’s Secretary of Defence, Harold Brown, was described as “the bookish son of a New York City lawyer” who scored 100% in his final year degree Physics exams. Most of Carter’s White House appointees were from his home state of Georgia and were called “the Georgia Mafia.” They included his White House Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan, his press secretary Jody Powell and his budget director, Bert Lance.
Carter’s most controversial appointee was his Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young, a black man from Georgia and top aide of Martin Luther King. Young soon became well known for his gaffes. I remember a Newsweek interview he did in 1977 in which he said, “[Somalia’s ruler] Siad Barre is a con man. So is [Ethiopian leader] Mengistu.” Carter’s Secretary of State Cyrus
Vance had nothing of the flamboyance of his predecessor, Henry Kissinger. Vance, who was very liberal, had behind the scenes running battles over foreign policy with Carter’s hawkishly anti-Soviet National Security Adviser, the Polish-American Columbia University professor Zbigniew Brzezinski. Brzezinski however had humour. In 1979 when Vance resigned and was replaced by the Polish-American Senator Edmund Muskie, reporters asked Brzezinski if he will also quarrel with Muskie. He said, “We are not Poles apart!”
Carter soon launched an international human rights campaign which emboldened Soviet dissidents such as Professor Andrei Sakharov and Anatoly Schransky. Carter’s foreign policy however retained the normal American double standards. It overlooked human rights abuses by Latin American dictators, the Shah of Iran, Filipino dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Haiti’s Jean Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier and pro-US African dictators such as Mobutu Sese Seko. Apartheid South Africa was hardly molested, though Andrew Young later teamed up with British Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington to put pressure on Rhodesian rebel leader Ian Smith that ultimately led to Lancaster House Talks of 1979 and Zimbabwe’s independence the following year.
Carter boldly got the US Senate to ratify a treaty to return control of the Panama Canal to Panama [a treaty that incoming President Trump recently said he will abrogate]. In the middle of the treaty debate in the US Senate, President Carter visited Nigeria in March 1978, the first ever to Sub-Saharan Africa by a US President. TIME magazine reported at the time that White House aides
POSITIVE SIGNALS FOR HEALTHCARE
in the health sector boosts public morale, reinforces trust, and fosters innovation.
Under Professor Pate’s leadership, the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) was introduced to overhaul the health sector by addressing systemic issues and driving sustainable improvements. The initiative is anchored on four critical pillars: strengthening leadership, policy development, and accountability; enhancing infrastructure, training, and healthcare delivery; encouraging private sector investment and local manufacturing; and focusing on preparedness and response to health emergencies. NHSRII aims to reduce healthcare inequalities, promote gender equity in access to services, and ensure the sustainability of health reforms.
NHSRII is implemented through a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), which ensures coordinated action across all levels of government, aligns donor efforts with national policies, and fosters collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful progress. This integrated approach draws inspiration from successful models in countries like Ghana and Tanzania, where SWAp has been used to streamline donor funding and align development assistance with national healthcare strategies.
One of the most notable achievements in the past year in the health sector is the reduction in under-five mortality by 16.7%.
This decline, from 132 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 per 1,000 live births in 2023, marks significant progress in child health. The reduction highlights improvements in prenatal care, better nutrition programmes, and expanded vaccination campaigns. This significant reduction in under-five mortality should reassure the audience about the effectiveness and progress of the Healthcare system, instilling a sense of confidence and trust.
In 2024, Nigeria achieved a milestone in HPV vaccination, with 12.3 million girls aged 9-14 years vaccinated across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), representing 96% of the target population. This achievement is the highest global coverage for HPV vaccination, providing a critical defence against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths among Nigerian women, making this effort pivotal in reducing longterm mortality rates. The initiative also underscores the importance of community engagement, school-based vaccination programs, and public awareness campaigns. By involving the community, these initiatives
didn’t want him to be caught on Lagos streets while they wanted him to speak on phone to a recalcitrant senator on the Panama Canal treaty.
Previous US presidents had signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, called SALT with the USSR. Jimmy Carter signed the SALT II treaty with Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev in 1979. Though it was not ratified, the two super powers agreed to abide by its terms. His biggest foreign policy triumph, from American viewpoint, was when he got President Anwar Sadat and Israel’s hawkish Prime Minister Menachem Begin to sign the Camp David Peace Accords in 1978. That’s the American point of view; in reality, Camp David accords neutralised Egypt and encouraged Israeli intransigence in the overall search for Middle East peace.
US allies General Anastasio Somoza of Nicaragua and Shah of Iran Mohamed Reza Pahlavi were toppled under Carter’s watch. Republicans and US media began asking, “Who lost Iran?” Carter’s worst foreign policy moment was when Iranian students, backed by the revolutionary government, occupied the US Embassy in Tehran for 444 days. The episode only ended a day after Carter left office. It contributed greatly to Carter’s defeat by the far-right Republican candidate Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Carter had kept on campaigning until the polls opened in the eastern states. TIME magazine later reported that his pollster told him that Reagan was ahead, hence the last-minute campaign. After Carter made his last campaign speech and retreated into his cabin on Airforce One for the flight back to Washington, the pollster went in, gave him the latest poll figures which showed Reagan’s
make every individual feel integral to the process, fostering a sense of involvement and responsibility.
In November 2024, Nigeria launched a malaria vaccine pilot program in Bayelsa and Kebbi states. Currently, 41,145 children have been vaccinated, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing endemic diseases. Malaria accounts for 23% of child mortality in Nigeria, and the successful pilot paves the way for nationwide expansion, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.
Health insurance expansion is another critical area of progress. By 2024, all states had functional State Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs). Over NGN 12 billion has been disbursed, covering 1.7 million lives. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) surpassed its 2024 target by enrolling 2 million Nigerians, representing a 14% increase from the previous year. Currently, 19.4 million individuals are insured, marking an essential step towards universal health coverage and reducing the financial burden of healthcare.
lead had widened, and that the election was lost. Carter and his wife then held each other and wept. Days later Carter walked into his first cabinet meeting after the election and said, “Let me start by announcing the result of the election. We lost.”
So much for my Carter-era stories. Jimmy Carter became much more respected around the world from 1982 when he established the Carter Centre in Atlanta. In addition to helping peace negotiations and combating diseases, including leading the effort to wipe out guinea worm from Abakaliki, Carter Centre also became the most credible election monitoring agency in the world. In the 1980s and 1990s, no election anywhere in the world was free and fair until Jimmy Carter determined it to be so. In 1997, General Sani Abacha was toying with the idea of contesting election here in Nigeria, as joint candidate of all five registered political parties, but was worried that the Western powers will reject it. I advised him [tongue-in-cheek] in an article in New Nigerian that all he had to do was to ensure that Jimmy Carter declared the results as free and fair. Trouble was, I wrote, “hell will freeze over” before Carter declared Abacha’s election as free and fair.
His international efforts were crowned in 2002 when Jimmy Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize. During the investiture ceremony in Oslo, CNN showed a short film clip of his tenure. The anchorman asked Carter what he thought of the clip and he said, “I will be kinder than that.” World history will be very kind to Jimmy Carter, dattijon bature, the good White man and best former President of the United States.
outcomes, reduce medical errors, and increase patient satisfaction.
One of the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system is workforce migration. The exodus of skilled healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad has led to a shortage of qualified personnel, straining the capacity of health facilities across the country. The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration was introduced in August 2024 to address this. This policy focuses on improving working conditions, offering better incentives, and providing career development opportunities to retain healthcare professionals. Salary increments, improved job security, and enhanced welfare packages are among the measures implemented to curb migration. Additionally, the initiative seeks to attract Nigerian healthcare workers from the diaspora, encouraging them to return and contribute to the local system by providing reintegration programs, competitive salaries, and grants for healthcare entrepreneurship.
The healthcare sector is experiencing increased investment, with 74 pipeline companies actively discussing 22 significant projects. Most initiatives involve foreign manufacturers deploying funding to establish or support local manufacturing operations in Nigeria. This effort, amounting to over $2 billion, highlights the importance of regulatory support and market-shaping strategies.
Human resources for health have also been prioritised, with 53,732 health workers retrained across 32 states, contributing to improved service delivery. This retraining programme equips frontline health workers with updated maternal and child health skills, disease prevention, and emergency response. The curriculum integrates the latest medical advancements and emphasises hands-on training, ensuring healthcare workers are prepared to manage various health conditions. This investment in human capital is expected to enhance healthcare
Despite the modest progress, Nigeria faces budgetary constraints that threaten the sustainability of these reforms. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed 2025 budget allocates only 5.18% (2.48 trillion naira) to healthcare, falling short of the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration. This underscores the need for more effective use of available resources. The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) will be instrumental in ensuring that limited funds are maximised. By aligning donor contributions with national policies and creating a unified framework, Nigeria can enhance the efficiency and impact of health spending. Increasing domestic investment, fostering public-private partnerships, and expanding tax revenue allocated to healthcare will be crucial for sustaining progress and driving economic growth.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s renewed focus on healthcare signals a critical turning point in the nation’s development. The progress achieved through initiatives like NHSRII, immunisation programmes , and workforce retention strategies reflects a broader commitment to improving public health. Recognising achievements in the health sector energises the sector. By celebrating milestones and addressing challenges proactively, Nigeria can build a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting future needs and improving overall societal well-being. Sustained investment, collaboration, and accountability will be essential in ensuring the longevity and impact of these reforms.
Ali Pate
Ideye Scores in Debut as Enyimba Hammer Black Bulls to Revive Hopes
Femi Solaja with agency report
Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye came off the bench to score on his CAF Confederation Cup debut as Enyimba recorded their first win in the group stage of the competition.
Enyimba trounced Black Bulls of Mozambique 4-1 in Uyo on Sunday evening.
It was a sweet revenge for the Nigerians, who lost to the Mozambicans in Maputo last month.
Ideye showed great composure in the 68th minute, when he rounded up Black Bulls goalkeeper before he slotted home Enyimba third goal of the match.
Enyimba took the lead after six minutes through the lively Joseph Atule only for the Mozambicans to draw level six minutes later through Nigerian Ejaita Ifoni.
Ifeanyi Ihemekwele restored the home team’s lead on 45 minutes.
Atule got his brace when he
scored a brilliant solo goal on 90 minutes to make it 4-1 in favour of Enyimba. Elsewhere in the Group D other game, reigning champions Zamalek were held to a goalless draw in an Egyptian derby by Al Masry.
The two Egyptian sides Zamalek and Al Masry are first and second on eight and five points respectively while Enyimba who are on same four points as the visitors however remain at the bottom of the four-team standings as a result of the away goal rule in favour of the Mozambicans.
In Group A, the rich vein of form continues for Tanzanian giants, Simba AC who overcame Tunisia’s SC Sfaxien 1-0 away from home in a tightly contested TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group A match on Sunday evening.
Okereke Rescues Point for Gaziantep, Omeruo Missing in Action
David Okereke yesterday scored his fourth goal of the season for Gaziantep FK to earn a valuable 2-2 draw at Kasimpasa.
Okereke, 27, drew the visitors level 1-1 after just nine minutes.
Nuno Da Costa gave Kasimpasa the lead after nine minutes before Okereke’s equaliser for the visitors two minutes later with a fine finish.
The Nigerian striker was replaced by Cyril Madouki four minutes from time.
Nuno Da Costa scored his second goal of the game for Kasimpasa four minutes before
the break.
Substitute Halil Dervisoglu salvaged a point for Gaziantep seven minutes from time.
Okereke’s club are now eighth on the Super Lig table with 22 points from 17 matches.
Kasimpasa’s Nigerian defender, Kenneth Omeruo was missing in action as he has been sidelined by injury.
In the Super Lig other game of the day, Fenerbahce defeated Hatayspor 2-1 to narrow Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray lead to nine points.
Oshodi Highlights Busy Schedule for Africans in 2025
The result further propels Simba’s rich vein of form, as they remain top of the group with Sfaxien remaining at the bottom with zero points. Meanwhile in South Africa, Stellenbosch FC revived their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages
with an impressive 2-0 victory over Angola’s Lunda Sul to move second in Group B in a match played in Pretoria.
A second half brace by Andre de Jong means the debutants now stand in line for a historic knockout stage berth on their very
scored the
United to have a share of
Manchester United Hold Leaders Liverpool in a Four-goal Thriller
Amad Diallo struck a late equaliser as Manchester United made a mockery of their recent form to hold Premier League leaders Liverpool to a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday.
It looked as though Ruben Amorim's United would go home empty-handed despite a vastly-improved display but Diallo swept in a shot in the 80th minute to earn his side a point.
United had gone ahead in the TURKISH
The newly constituted executive council of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), under the leadership of Wahid Enitan Oshodi, is set to kick off the year with an exciting array of events. 2025 promises to be a thrilling year for table tennis enthusiasts across the continent.
With three major continental events scheduled for 2025, African players will have numerous opportunities to compete in regional tournaments and world championships, showcasing their skills against top players from other continents.
The year begins in February with Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egypt’s Dina Meshref defending their titles at the 2025 Africa Cup in Tunis, Tunisia. From February 25 to 27, some of Africa's best players will gather in the Tunisian capital for this prestigious event.
Additionally, five regional tournaments will be hosted in various locations: Nigeria (West), Madagascar (East), Namibia (South), Congo Brazzaville (Central), and Tunisia (North).
In July, the continental spotlight shifts to Lagos, Nigeria, for the
African Youth Championships (AYC). This event will also see the debut of the African Youth Cup, a new tournament for young players.
President Oshodi emphasized the importance of the AYC, expressing his delight at seeing young table tennis players participate in major competitions across Africa.
“The players need to do what they need to do to improve their games,” Oshodi said. “They cannot continue to play against each other and believe they can improve. We have world tour events all over Africa. The African Table Tennis Federation will assist the best young players from the continent. The African Youth Championships will be held for the first time in Nigeria in July,” he said.
Towards the end of the year, in October, Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, will host the African Senior Championships, welcoming players from across the continent.
Other notable events include the WTT Youth Contender tournaments in Tunisia and Egypt, as well as the WTT Contender Series in Lagos and Tunis in July and October. Cairo, Egypt, will also host the para stars for the African Championships.
52nd minute when Lisandro Martinez powered home a ferocious shot from a tight angle.
But an off-key Liverpool responded seven minutes later with Cody Gakpo curling home a stunning equaliser before Mohamed Salah put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot.
After Diallo's leveller both
sides had chances to win in a frantic finale but it was United's fans who went home happiest. Liverpool have 46 points from 19 games, six more than Arsenal, while United moved up a place to 13th with 23 points.
In an earlier fixture, Raul Jimenez completed a penalty double in stoppage time to rescue a point for Fulham in
Boniface to Miss First Bundesliga Game of 2025
Super Eagles striker, Victor Boniface, will have to wait longer before returning to action for Bayer Leverkusen, as he has experienced a setback in his rehabilitation process.
Boniface had a decent start to the season, helping Bayer Leverkusen with eight goals and one assist in 15 appearances. But he suffered a hamstring injury in mid-November, and that has kept him out of action until now.
However, the Nigerian striker has appeared to be back to good health recently. During the Christmas break, there were also reports that Boniface would be available for action for Bayer Leverkusen’s first German Bundesliga game of the year against Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park on January 10.
But it now seems that the 24-year-old may have to spend
a few more days on the sidelines.
This is as Werkself Xtra have revealed that Boniface has experienced a slight setback in his rehabilitation and would have to spend some additional time on the sidelines.
Following this update, Boniface’s return date has not been confirmed yet. But aside from the game against Borussia Dortmund next week, he will likely miss the next game against Mainz on January 14.
Nonetheless, Die Werkself will play Borussia Monchengladbach on January 18, and the Super Eagles star should be back in time for that fixture.
Coach Xabi Alonso has decent cover though, as Patrik Schick was in brilliant form just before the end of the year. If the Czechia star continues from where he left off, Boniface’s absence will not be felt much.
a 2-2 draw against Ipswich as three spot-kicks were awarded in a dramatic second half. Despite Fulham dominating possession, Ipswich were in front at the break after Sammie Szmodics fired in the opener when wing-back Ben Johnson's header came back off the bar. But the game really came to life in the second half, with the drama beginning as the home side levelled through a coolly taken Jimenez penalty.
first appearance in the competition. In Abidjan, Asec Mimosas were held to a 1-1 draw by former winners, USM Alger who’s point away from home sees them maintain their leading position in group C, followed by Mimosas, Jaraaf as well as Orapa United.
Jean Ahoua’s solitary strike in the first half meant the Tanzanian giants make it two wins over Sfaxien following their 2-1 victory on December 15.
Amad Diallo
late equalizer for Manchester
the spoil in the four-goal thriller at Anfield... yesterday.
PHOTO: Reuters
Victor Boniface...his return to action for Bayer Leverkusen suffers another setback
MISSILE
Petroleum Marketers to FG
“PETROAN requested for a grant of N100 billion from President BolaTinubu to help prevent the closure of 10,000 marketers' businesses.The request is in response to the threat of job losses that would result from the removal of the fuel subsidy.The Nigerian government's decision to remove subsidies on petroleum products led to a more marketdriven pricing regime" –PetroleumRetailOutletOwnersAssociationofNigeria(PETROAN), urgesFGtomakecrudeoilavailabletolocal refineries.
MAHMUDJEGA
VIEW FROM THE GALLERY
Carter, the Good White Man
In several decades of reading about his activities, I and many other people in this part of the world came to believe that former US President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday last week at the age of 100, was the dattijon bature, the [only] good White man. We all felt sad nine years ago when it was announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer, which had spread to his brain. We felt sad in 2003 at the passing of his wife, Rosalyn. We watched happily last October when Carter was brought out, on a wheel chair, to celebrate his 100th birthday. Our respect for him increased when he said he hoped to be alive by early November to cast a vote for Kamala Harris, which he did because his native Georgia State had provisions for early voting. Jimmy Carter was a good friend of African-Americans and of African during his presidency. The American presidential elections of 1976 were the first that I was old enough to follow, in my early years in secondary school. There was no cable television at the time, but TIME and Newsweek magazines as well as BBC World Service reported copiously on the run up to those elections. In 1975, then Governor
of Georgia State Jimmy Carter began his quest for the American presidency. At first it looked like a tall order; no one from the Deep South had been elected US President since the American Civil War ended in 1865. When I first read in TIME that Carter was a peanut [what we call here groundnut]
farmer, I wondered how a farmer could ever hope to become president. Here in Africa, “farmer” is almost synonymous with poverty and illiteracy.
In all pictures and cartoons of him in those days, Jimmy Carter spotted a very wide grin, which was said to be part of his campaign strategy. TIME said he was a nuclear engineer and a US Navy Lieutenant who quit in 1953 in order to tend his father’s peanut farm upon the latter’s death. The 1976 US presidential election was promising for Democrats because the Republicans that controlled the White House were severely wounded by the Watergate scandal, which led to President Richard Nixon’s forced resignation in 1974. Carter managed to win the Democratic ticket and was up against President Gerald Ford.
Ford was America’s Goodluck Jonathan, even more so. He became US President without standing for election. Ford was House Minority Leader in 1973 when Nixon’s Vice President Spiro Agnew was forced to resign. Nixon nominated Ford to replace Agnew. The following year Nixon too was forced out and Ford replaced him. Early in his tenure, Ford committed a major political blunder when he granted Richard
DAKUKU PETERSIDE
BENEATH THE SURFACE
Nixon full pardon for Watergate crimes. Still, Carter was so little known in national politics that major US media were asking the question, Jimmy Who? Carter wrote a traditional campaign book to explain his vision. It was titled Why Not The Best? Weeks later, an auditors’ report emerged that indicated that the accounts of Carter’s peanut farm were muddled up, so TIME magazine did a story with the headline, Why Not The Best Accounts? Still, Carter managed to defeat Ford by a narrow margin and took over as president on January 20, 1977. Pictures were splashed of him, with his wife Rosalyn and daughter Amy, walking to the White House after the swearing in, the first new US President to walk instead of riding in a limousine.
That same day, katakata erupted in the world’s top newsrooms when the White House announced that President Carter wanted to be known as Jimmy Carter, not by his formal name, James Earl Carter. The question of Jimmy Who? had by then ended with Carter emerging as US President, TIME magazine did a story on the new controversy with the headline, “Who Carter?”
Continued on page 38
Positive Signals for Healthcare
Economic, social, and political conditions influence healthcare, a reflection of societal advancement. From ancient civilisations to modern nations, the development of healthcare systems has been a testament to societal priorities and quality of governance. The ability to deliver healthcare services reflects the state’s commitment to its citizens' welfare and fosters long-term national growth by improving human capital and productivity. A nation’s healthcare infrastructure plays a vital role in shaping economic output, as healthier populations are more likely to contribute effectively to the workforce, innovate, and drive forward a country's social and economic engine. Moreover, healthcare advancements can serve as a unifying factor, bridging gaps in inequality and reinforcing trust in governance. The evolution of healthcare over the centuries reflects the continuous journey of societies striving for better living standards. From rudimentary herbal remedies to sophisticated surgeries and digital health solutions, healthcare
advancements mirror human resilience and ingenuity. Societies prioritising health have often experienced more excellent political stability, longer life expectancies, and accelerated economic growth.
Ancient Egypt stands out as a prime example of a society that understood the importance of healthcare. In Deir el-Medina, a village housing workers was constructing royal tombs, and organised medical care was provided, highlighting the existence of one of the earliest governmental healthcare systems. Egyptian medicine was advanced, incorporating surgical skills, specialisation, and formal training. Physicians such as Imhotep revered as the first recorded physician, set foundational practices for the medical profession.
Modern parallels can be drawn to nations like Germany and Japan, whose healthcare systems are ranked among the best globally. Germany’s universal healthcare system, dating back to the 1880s under Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, covers over 90% of its population. The German system comprises comprehensive services, including maternity care, preventive medicine, and mental health
support. Japan’s focus on preventive care has contributed to one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, with average life expectancy reaching 84.6 years by 2023. This is primarily attributed to regular health check-ups, early disease detection, and an emphasis on diet and exercise.
Just as Ancient Egypt’s healthcare advancements reflected societal values, modern nations viewed healthcare improvements as essential progress indicators. Healthcare systems today drive societal growth by reducing mortality, enhancing quality of life, and enabling greater productivity and participation. However, a 2022 Lancet report ranking health systems performance using healthcare access and quality placed Nigeria at 142 out of 195 countries, right in the basement. The maternal mortality rate remains high, at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births as of 2023, the third highest globally. Only 39% of children were fully immunised, compared to the global average of 85, reflecting systemic challenges in healthcare delivery. High out-of-pocket expenses, limited healthcare infrastructure, and a shortage of medical Continued on page
personnel contributed to these statistics. However, countries like South Africa have an immunisation coverage rate of 82%, and Rwanda boasts a 95% immunisation rate, showcasing the potential for improvement through targeted healthcare policies and community engagement programs. At the start of 2024, there was a palpable sense that healthcare was returning as a national priority in Nigeria. This renewed focus came after the appointment of Professor Muhammad Ali Pate as Coordinating Minister of Health in 2023. Last year witnessed a pivotal change in Nigeria's health sector. Public intellectuals must objectively criticise government policies and officials because that forms the basis for improvement and growth. This critique often highlights areas of concern and challenges and calls for action by government officials and institutions responsible for them. However, recognising achievements and encouraging and praising where necessary are essential. Recognising achievements
