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Nume Ekeghe
In keeping with its acclaimed annual tradition, Zenith Bank once again set the stage for the Yuletide season with the Light-Up of Ajose Adeogun
DRIVING THE LAGOS INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE VISION... Delegates from TheCityUK (TCUK) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), led by Anna Rogers, Director of International Development, TCUK, and Kris Camponi, Head of Prosperity, FCDO, along with the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC) Council, led by Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, and the CEO of EnterpriseNGR, Ms. Obi Ibekwe, met with the Governor of Lagos State, H.E. Babajide Olusola SanwoOlu for a pre-briefing on private sector stakeholder engagements and Working Group sessions aimed at establishing the Lagos International Financial Centre.
Emmanuel Addeh in
Abuja
A US Senator, Lindsey Graham, has issued a warning to the UK and other nations about potential economic sanctions if they assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) in enforcing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant.
This comes after a statement from Downing Street suggested that Netanyahu could face arrest if he enters the UK due
to the ICC warrant, the Times of India reported.
The ICC during the week issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant over alleged war crimes committed in Gaza, sparking outrage among US Republicans, including Senator Graham.
"If you are going to help the ICC as a nation and enforce the arrest warrant against Bibi (Netanyahu) and Gallant… I will put sanctions on you as a nation," Graham said during an interview with Fox News.
Graham stressed that
countries aiding the ICC in arresting Israeli politicians would face economic consequences, specifically naming the UK, Canada, Germany, and France.
“You’re going to have to pick the rogue ICC versus America. I’m working with (Senator) Tom Cotton to pass legislation as soon as possible to sanction any country that aids or abets the arrest of any politician in Israel.
“What they’re doing in Israel is trying to prevent a second Holocaust. So, to any
ally—Canada, Britain, Germany, France—if you try to help the ICC, we’re going to sanction you," he said.
When asked about the penalty, Graham responded: “We should crush your economy because we’re next…Why can’t they go after Trump or any other American president?”
Graham further expressed his intention to collaborate with Trump and Congress on a strong response.
“Any nation or organisation that aids or abets this outrage should expect to meet firm
resistance from the United States, and I look forward to working with President Trump, his team, and my colleagues in Congress to craft a powerful response," he posted on X.
The UK government has expressed its respect for the ICC's independence and acknowledged its legal obligations regarding the arrest warrants.
However, the UK's opposition party criticised the ICC's decision, calling it "concerning and provocative," according to a The Independent report.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Oil marketers at the weekend struck a deal with the $20 billion Dangote refinery for the supply of at least 28 million litres of petrol daily in the next six months for domestic consumption.
The development came amid an announcement by the refinery that it had cut ex-depot petrol price from N990 per litre to N970 per litre, saying it is its own way of thanking Nigerians for their support.
A stakeholders’ meeting at the weekend in Abuja resolved that oil marketers will henceforth cease importation of products. It stressed that if they must bring in new stock, it would be dependent on the unavailability of products from Dangote refinery.
Confirming the new agreement in a statement in Abuja, petrol retailers under the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), said the deal was expected to bring succour to Nigerians.
A release by the organisation’s spokesman, Dr Joseph Obele, said other stakeholders that signed the deal included Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), and Edo Refinery.
Others were Dangote Refinery, Waltersmith Refinery, Aradel
Refinery, and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), among others.
The oil and gas sector players said henceforth they would purchase all their petroleum products from Dangoted refinery located in the outskirts of Lagos. They lauded all stakeholders that contributed to the agreement.
“The resolution includes Dangote refinery guaranteeing to sell an average of 28,000,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily for the next six months to oil marketers for domestic consumption in the Nigerian market,” PETROAN stated.
It quoted National President of PETROAN, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, as expressing the view that the resolution will bring succour to the downstream sector and improve the Nigerian economy.
It added that the resolution will attract many benefits, including stability of petroleum products supply, control of price fluctuations, transparent communication, addressing of conflicts proactively, and fostering of collaboration among key players.
According to the new deal, the availability of aviation fuel and diesel from all domestic refineries would be afforded NMDPRA for the same period of six months and must be subject to consideration for import as may be required. The downstream regulator,
Street and Roundabout, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, 23 November 2024. The Light-Up ceremony was performed by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON. The Light-Up ceremony is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Zenith Bank. Now in its 18th year, the beautiful Christmas decoration, which transforms the entire stretch of Ajose Adeogun Street (home to Zenith Bank’s Corporate Headquarters) and Roundabout into a breathtaking yuletide wonderland, has come to be recognized as an iconic tourist attraction, bringing visitors from far and wide who visit with their families and friends to take pictures and enjoy the ambience of the street.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji said “Over the years, Zenith Bank has hosted this spectacular event, transforming the entire Ajose Adeogun Street into a breathtaking yuletide wonderland. Our beautiful and elaborate Christmas decorations have become a centre of attraction and shared on social media platforms globally. As we light up the street tonight, we celebrate the essence of Christmas and Zenith Bank’s unparalleled CSR. Our customers will always be at the centre of all that we do in Zenith Bank.” She urged everyone to imbibe the message and spirit of Christmas which is about love, kindness, generosity and respect for humanity, and thanked the Lagos
State Government for creating an enabling environment for the initiative.
She also praised the efforts of Quantum Markets, who have been responsible for the annual decorations, for their expertise and creativity in putting together the lovely decorations. In her words, “I want to thank the management of Quantum Markets for all the beautiful, creative and innovative ideas they keep coming up with. Quantum Markets always make it bigger and better every year, and we are always looking forward to it.”
Zenith Bank remains committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of its host communities. The bank’s sustainability and CSR initiatives are hinged on the belief that today’s business performance is not all about the financial numbers – the bank believes that an institution’s social investments, contributions to inclusive economic growth and development as well as improvements in the condition of the physical environment, all constitute a balanced scorecard.
As a testament to its contributions and social investments in its host communities and the society at large, the bank was recognised as the “Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria” in the 2023 and 2024 International Banker Banking Awards and “Most Responsible Organization in Africa” at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021.
NMDPRA, it was learnt, must also establish the basis for allocating import volumes to oil marketing companies on the assumption of the aggregate of domestic refineries’ capacity, with the understanding to cover shortfalls for respective marketers.
PETROAN said with the resolution, the domestic refineries would provide fixed quantities and delivery windows, which must be a period of two months preceding the month of delivery to the customer and NMDPRA.
Besides, individual oil marketing companies were to enter direct commercial agreements with domestic refineries on a willing buyer and willing seller basis, the petrol retailers added. There had been a back and forth between the government, the management of Dangote refinery, oil marketers, and other stakeholders, as some downstream industry players previously raised concerns about Dangote refinery’s capacity to reliably supply the market and maintain consistent distribution across Nigeria’s expansive network. Marketers also questioned
whether the refinery’s production and logistic systems were adequately prepared to handle the country’s fluctuating demand, a poser that Dangote had now dispelled as unnecessary.
Dangote petroleum refinery, also yesterday, announced that it had effected a reduction in the prevailing price of its PMS from N990 per litre to N970 per litre for the oil marketers.
A statement signed by the company’s Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the price reduction was part of its plans to lessen the burden of Nigerians, who had supported the company over the years.
Dangote said in the statement, “As the year comes to an end, this is our way of appreciating the good people of Nigeria for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true. In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective wellbeing.
“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption, thus dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”
In the meantime, a report by S&P Global Commodity Insights indicated that Dangote refinery had successfully exported its jet fuel to various international destinations, including South Korea, as well as airports in Iceland, Tenerife, and London.
With its aviation fuel now also used in Heathrow Airport in the UK, S&P stated that Dangote’s petrochemical facility had continued to scale up production.
It emphasised that between January and October this year, the majority of the refinery’s supply was delivered to the Lome transhipment hub, Togo, with South Korea emerging the largest single export destination and receiving 23,000 bpd of naphtha.
Besides, significant volumes of gasoil were exported to Ghana and other West African nations from the facility, the report added. It stated that at least eight African countries were gearing up to import Dangote refinery’s products, when it achieves full operational capacity next year, thereby positioning Nigeria as a net exporter of jet fuel, naphtha, and fuel oil. According to the report, Nigeria can export almost 50,000 bpd more gasoil from Lagos than it would import by next year, with volumes expected to almost triple by 2026. S&P stated, “From January to October this year, the refinery has delivered the majority of its supply to the Lome transhipment hub off Togo, while South Korea has emerged as its single-largest export location, drawing 23,000 bpd of naphtha.
“Large volumes of gasoil have flowed to Ghana and other West African countries, while for the first time in history, Nigerian-made jet fuel has found its way to airports ranging from Iceland to Tenerife and London's Heathrow.”
who spoke exclusively on the matter to THISDAY yesterday night, others who bared their mind on the Supreme Court decision included constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Prof Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN). Olanipekun, described the judgment of the Supreme Court "as another watershed in the annals of the nation's historical evolution and an example of the fidelity of the Nigerian legal infrastructure to federalism in the Nigerian context.”
Lagos state had, through its counsel, approached the Supreme Court to seek a total of 11 reliefs anchored on the contention that the National Assembly can only legislate on Lottery for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
After initiating the suit, the Supreme Court on November 15, 2022 ordered that all other states of the Federation be joined as parties. Consequently, 21 other states aligned with Lagos State, while 14 states took sides with the federal government.
At the heart of the contention of Lagos state through its lawyers was that lottery is neither contained in the exclusive nor concurrent legislative lists to invest the National Assembly with the power to legitimately legislate on it or regulate it within the territory of the states.
The counter position of the federal government (and the states aligned with it) in the presentation by their lead counsel, Abdul Rafindadi (SAN) was that lottery was a significant revenue earner for the government and forms a part of trade and commerce between states because of its trans-border nature enhanced by technology and online betting and therefore can be accommodated under the exclusive legislative list. Olanipekun had maintained
that lottery does not contain elements of contract, buying and selling to classify it as part of trade and commerce between states.
Olanipekun further said: "The Justices of the Supreme Court have by this landmark judgement launched Nigeria onto the path of restructuring of the over-centralised federal system. This is historic and this is a victory for true federalism. "
But in its landmark decision on November 22, the Supreme Court agreed with Lagos state that under Nigeria’s model of federalism, the National Assembly cannot legislate on lottery operations within the states. The decision of the Supreme Court was given by a full panel of seven justices and the lead judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Mohammed Idris.
The decision of the Supreme Court which is a watershed, introduces a newer perspective into the conversation on fiscal and legislative federalism within the Nigerian construct.
Olanipekun further declared: "The judgment would have a redefining impact on the revenue generation of states, given the recent increase in lottery practice and engagements.”
He added that it also “objectivises” the much mouthed campaign against excessive centralisation of the polity, as same is antithetical to the philosophical ideals of federalism.
For his part, Ozekhome, who described the judgement as a ‘very good decision’ remarked that, "Our federalist union does permit the federal government making incursions and intrusions into matters that have been exclusively reserved for states by the constitution".
According to the law professor, lottery and gaming are not
included in the 67 items of the exclusive legislative list of the constitution.
"The warped unitary system that passes for a federalist system must be broken down and recalibrated,” Ozekhome said, describing the apex court's decision as "one of such several ways of dismantling the un-working edifice".
Also speaking, another senior lawyer, Raji, clarified that the Supreme Court rather limited the application of the law to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
"The law was not nullified. The supreme court ruled the law is only applicable in FCT and does not apply in the 36 states of the federation because under the constitution, lottery and gaming fall under residual matters over which the states have exclusive power,” he argued.
Speaking further on the implication of the judgement, the senior lawyer observed that it has put a stop to situations where the federal government has been benefiting from the Act over the years.
Also yesterday, the Lagos state government applauded the decision of the Supreme Court, saying the judgement was a historic victory for the rule of law, federalism, and the constitutional rights of states.
The state government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said that the judgement was a vindication of the consistent belief of President Bola Tinubu, regarding the nation's quest for true federalism.
He said: “It is gratifying to see that the restructuring battle he has led is coming to life during this administration. This judgement is a fitting tribute to his visionary and progressive leadership.
"It is also worthy to salute the tenacious belief of his
successor in office, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) who followed the traditional pathway Asiwaju Tinubu had charted to test all contentious constitutional issues in court. Fashola's courage to follow through with the suit has brought the nation to yet another dawn of light.
"Also, kudos to the steadfast leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending the rights of Lagosians has been pivotal in securing this outcome.
“This outcome would not have been possible without the vision and resolute backing of Mr. Governor whose commitment to integrity in governance has set a benchmark for true federalism."
The state government reiterated that the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) remains the sole regulatory body for lotteries and gaming in Lagos State. It will continue to ensure that gaming activities are conducted transparently, responsibly, and in alignment with international best practices, it said.
The government urged all illegal and unlicensed lottery and gaming operators to immediately approach the LSLGA for regularisation or face prosecution.
The government said it will foster a conducive environment for legitimate operators and safeguard residents from the adverse effects of unregulated gaming activities.
"Lagos remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment for licensed operators. The Lagos state government remains committed to ensuring that the gaming sector contributes to the state’s economic growth and prosperity of its citizens," the statement noted.
Rich nations of the world have set a new global target to channel $1.3 trillion of climate finance to developing countries by 2035, including a new core finance goal of $300 billion, which triples the previous $100 billion target.
A statement from the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP), which ended at the weekend in Baku, Azerbaijan, stressed that COP29 succeeded in getting the fund for loss and damage up and running, and ready to distribute the money as from 2025.
COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev, said in a statement yesterday, “The Baku Finance Goal represents the best possible deal we could reach. In a year of geopolitical fragmentation, people doubted that Azerbaijan could deliver. They doubted that everyone could agree. They were wrong on both counts.”
Before now, developed countries, which emitted the highest percentage of dangerous substances, had failed
to fulfil their promises to less developed countries, like Nigeria, and, by extension, Africa, which released less than three per cent of total global methane.
Nigeria, under the ex-President Muhammadu Buhari administration, had pledged to hit NetZero in 2060, although it was unclear how it intended to get there, with the country still up to 85 per cent dependent on fossil fuels for its foreign exchange earnings.
The statement from the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, held November 11-22, added, “The COP29 presidency of Azerbaijan today announced the agreement of the Baku Finance Goal (BFG), a new commitment to channel $1.3 trillion of climate finance to the developing world each year.
“Success on the COP29 presidency’s top priority for the UN Climate Summit represents a significant uplift from the previous climate finance goal of $100 billion and will unlock a new wave of global investment.”
The statement said the Baku finance goal contained a core target for developed countries to take the lead in mobilising at least $300 billion per year for developing countries by 2035. It said this represented a $50 billion increase on the previous draft text, and was the product of 48 hours of intensive diplomacy by the COP29 presidency, paying special attention to supporting the least developed countries and small island developing states, with provisions on accessibility and transparency.
The breakthrough, according to COP29, was the result of months of intensive diplomacy to deliver some of the most complex and controversial tasks in multilateral climate action, marking a critical step in putting in place the means to deliver a pathway to 1.5C.
It said COP29 also ended the decade-long wait for the conclusion of Article 6 negotiations on high integrity carbon markets under the UN.
The statement said financial flows from compliant carbon markets
could reach $1 trillion per year by 2050, with the potential to reduce the cost of implementing national climate plans by $250 billion per year.
It stressed that the years ahead will not be easy, saying the signs show that the challenges will only grow, and the ability to work together will be tested.
It added that the new collective quantified goal on climate finance was aimed at contributing to accelerating the achievement of Article 2 of the Paris Agreement of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.
According to the statement, this is in recognition that it would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change; increasing the ability to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change and fostering climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emission development in a manner that does not threaten
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) at the weekend said that there was need for massive intervention in Nigeria’s agricultural sector to reduce the 40 per cent seasonal post-harvest losses for farm produce in-country.
In a communiqué in Abuja, read by the NSE’s President, Margaret Oguntala, the umbrella body for all engineers in the country, stated that storage facilities, cold chains, and transportation networks were needed to ensure food security.
The release of the communiqué marked the end of the 2024 edition of the NSE’s 57th International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting, themed: "Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change”. Besides, the conference observed that about 70 per cent of Nigeria's agriculture produce is from rural areas, where poor road network hinders transportation and distribution of
produce from farms to market, causing spoilage, raising costs and reducing accessibility to consumers.
Oguntala said: “With substantial post-harvest losses representing about 40 per cent of food produced in Nigeria challenging food security, conference underscored the importance of improved storage facilities, cold chains, and transportation networks.
“Such infrastructure reduces food spoilage, ensures better market access, and strengthens the resilience of food supply chains.”
According to her, water scarcity and inadequate irrigation systems are significant constraints to sustainable agriculture in Nigeria, stressing that out of over 84 million hectares of arable land, only about 1.6 million hectares are irrigated, leaving the rest reliant on unpredictable rainfall.
The conference therefore observed the need for advanced water management solutions, including water-efficient irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater reuse.
The NSE also called for the deployment of solar and wind energy to power irrigation, mechanised farming, and cold storage, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to sustainable food security.
On how environmental pollution was affecting food production, the organisation said that oil spills have devastating effect on farmland and ecosystem.
It explained that with engineering innovation, oil companies should adopt technology to prevent oil spills and minimise damages to agricultural land in their operational areas.
The NSE also lauded President Bola Tinubu for the pronouncement to establish the National Engineering and Innovation Fund which is purposely designed to provide grants and resources to engineers and technologists working on solutions for Nigeria’s unique challenges.
According to the engineers, government and relevant stakeholders,
including research institutes, food processors, aggregators, exporters among others, should embrace and promote innovations and technologies that enhance agricultural productivities and reduce greenhouse gas emission.
The NSE further recommended that there should be synergy among stakeholders in mitigating climate change at both individual and societal levels.
“Also, relevant government agencies should implement recommendations on different climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies relevant to Nigeria as contained in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report of Conference of Parties (COPs).
“It recommends that government policies should prioritise funding for research, capacity-building, and incentives for adopting sustainable practices in agriculture through Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Bank of Industry (BOI) and other funding bodies,” the
food production. It highlighted that “costed” needs reported in nationally determined contributions of developing country parties were estimated at $5.1 trillion to $6.8 trillion for up until 2030 or $455 billion to $584 billion per year, while adaptation finance needs were estimated at $215 billion to $387 billion annually for up until 2030.
Besides, it called on all actors to work together to enable the scaling up of financing to developing country parties for climate action from all public and private sources to at least $1.3 trillion per year by 2035.
The statement added, “It reaffirms
Article 9 of the Paris Agreement and decides to set a goal, in extension of the goal referred to in paragraph 53 of decision 1/CP.21, with developed country parties taking the lead, of at least $300 billion per year by 2035 for developing country parties for climate action.”
It encouraged parties, in carrying out their functions as shareholders of multilateral development banks, to continue advancing efforts to promote an evolution agenda for bigger, better and more effective multilateral development banks in order to address global challenges and poverty eradication.
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has urged the management of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to intensify efforts towards the enrolment of more workers in all sectors into the Employees Compensation Scheme(ECS) .
A statement signed by General Manager, Corporate Affairs at NSITF, Nwachukwu Godson quoted the minister as having stated this in his address at the NSITF 2022/2023 Service Award which held over the weekend at the Treasure Suites and Conferences, Abuja.
The minister also harped on efficient resource management as key to optimum productivity, while commending the Fund for contributing to the uplift of the nation’s workforce.
The DG who represented by the Director Social Security Department of the Ministry, Ngozi Anukwu, underscored the importance of the Service Award at a time the federal government renewed emphasis on excellent stewardship as a precursor of optimum national productivity.
“This award ceremony is coming at a time the government of President Bola Tinubu is encouraging effective utilization of resources for optimum productivity.
“It came at a time the federal government places more premium on the ratio of valuable output to input as a measure of efficiency
and effectiveness in the service of the federation.
“Suffice that this award measures the ratio of the energies put in by the staff of the fund, especially the awardees in the implementation of the Fund’s social security mandate which anchors on the ECS,” the minister said.
The minister therefore urged the recipients of the awards to see it as an opportunity to double their efforts towards the progress of the Fund and the nation.
Also in his address, the Managing Director of the NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye said the occasion was not just an opportunity to celebrate exceptional contributions but also an avenue to reaffirm the core values of hard work, dedication, and excellence which is the hallmark of an efficiently run organization.
He further assured that the strategic objectives of his administration which anchor on five pillars aim to re-engineer the fund and reach new heights in providing social safety nets to Nigerians, expressing pleasure that all hands were already on deck.
He said: “As we reflect on today’s recognitions, let’s consider what it means to truly excel. Exceptional performance goes beyond meeting targets or deadlines. It’s about going above and beyond, overcoming challenges, and embracing teamwork. It’s this commitment to our mission that drives our continued success.”
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has identified the creative economy as a cornerstone of his administration's economic diversification agenda.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to positioning Nigeria's creative sector as a key driver of the country’s global influence.
The president made the assertions at the weekend, during the launch of the 2024 Abuja International Carnival at Eagle Square, Abuja.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said, "We are not here just to celebrate a carnival but to reaffirm the essence of who we are as Nigerians – a people of culture, a people of art, a people of colour, and a people of shared values."
The president reaffirmed the carnival's role in strengthening Nigeria's position in the global creative economy.
He stated, "Our creativity continues to shine on the global stage, drawing admiration and respect. This heritage is the truest measure of what it means to be Nigerian – proud, resourceful, and innovative."
Themed, "Carnival of Renewed Hope: A Pledge to My Country," the event showcased performances from across Nigeria and beyond, demonstrating the administration's commitment to cultural diplomacy.
"The unifying power of art and culture on display here is a reflection of what we can achieve when we work together," Tinubu said.
He emphasised the carnival's economic impact, stating that
The federal government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) of Brazil, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance private sector development in fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology, and agricultural finance.
The MoU is aimed basically at boosting agric-business in all the 774 local government areas of Nigeria between now and 2029.
According to a release issued on Sunday by the State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the MoU was signed on behalf of the government by the Permanent Secretary of FMAFS, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, and the President of FGV, Professor Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, at FGV Headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit.
The agreement marked a new phase of strategic collaboration between Nigeria and FGV, the Green Imperative Project (GIP) lead implementer, one of the largest international agricultural technology transfer initiatives.
Conceived in 2018, GIP is a $1.2-billion cooperative effort between Brazil and Nigeria, designed to modernise Nigeria's agricultural
sector through Brazilian expertise in tropical agriculture.
Since the MoU was conceived in 2018, both parties have engaged in many meaningful discussions to advance its design and implementation.
The project, supported by Deutsche Bank, aims to deliver transformative agricultural technologies and knowledge transfer over its 10-year duration.
Over the next five years, the project will identify and support one agribusiness in Nigeria’s 774 local government areas with technical and financial resources, driving sustainable development and economic growth.
“This partnership paves the way for Brazil to engage with Nigeria’s dynamic and rapidly growing agricultural sector. Together with FGV, we are poised to unlock the potential of private sector investment in key areas critical to our food security,” Fashedemi said at the signing ceremony.
Under the MOU, private-sector projects on fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology and agricultural financing are projected to attract $4.3 billion in private-sector investment.
Senior members of Nigeria’s presidency, officials of FMAFS and FGV’s leadership attended the signing ceremony.
Nigeria's creative industry is already contributing significantly to the country's GDP.
According to him, "Over the years, this carnival has become a stage for showcasing our rich cultural heritage and a driving force behind our growing creative economy. It has revitalised local industries, fostered cultural diplomacy, and contributed immensely to Nigeria's position as a cultural powerhouse on the global stage."
Addressing international participants, the president reinforced Nigeria's commitment to cultural exchange, stressing, "Their presence affirms that culture transcends boundaries, and it is through cultural exchange that we build bridges of understanding, friendship, and shared humanity. In this carnival, we offer not just a spectacle but a home away from home for our guests."
Tinubu called for deeper reflection on the event's significance, stating that it is more
than mere celebration.
He said, "A carnival of this scale is not merely an occasion for festivities; it is a call to action. It reminds us of the pledge we owe to our nation: to promote peace, preserve our unity, and contribute, in whatever way we can, to the Nigeria of our dreams."
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, working alongside the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Abuja International Carnival Secretariat, also received presidential commendation for their role in organising the event.
The president praised their "dedication and vision in making the carnival a source of pride for our nation."
He stated, "Our diversity is not just a mark of identity but a powerful force that strengthens our unity and inspires us to dream bigger for our country."
Earlier in her opening remarks, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu
Musawa, explained that the carnival is a brand that binds Nigerians together and promotes the nation's beauty and strength in diversity.
The minister, represented by the acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Oraelumo Raphael, said, "The carnival is a unique brand that involves the 36 states and the FCT, and countries from all over the world, with Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy as the Coordinating Ministry and the FCT as the host.
"The unique aspect of Abuja Carnival is the fact that it is a platform for artistic expression, innovation, and cultural exchange among local and international participants and the activities are highly competitive, which has given Nigerians the platform to develop and showcase their creative ingenuity as a tool for harnessing the power of culture and strengthening our nation's bond to foster a brighter future."
FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, represented by Director, Social Welfare in the FCTA, stated that the theme of this year's carnival, "Carnival of Renewed Hope: A Pledge to My Country," was a call to action, a reminder and a promise.
Wike said the event did not just celebrate the country's vibrant culture but also the spirit of resilience and hope that define Nigeria.
He said, "As we gather here, adorned in the colours, sounds, and expressions of our diverse heritage, we are also united by a shared vision for Nigeria, a vision rooted in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of hope, renewal, and the commitment to work together toward a brighter future.
"The Abuja International Carnival is a testament to the power of culture in binding us together. It serves as a bridge, connecting generations, ethnicities, and regions across Nigeria."
Dike Onwuamaeze
Dangote Industries Limited, Heirs Holdings, MTN Nigeria Plc, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Tropical General Investments Group (TGI), and Nestle Nigeria Plc were among corporate organisations that shined at the Annual Employers’ Excellence Awards 2024, organised by Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), with the theme, “Defying The Odds.”
The award, which took place on Friday at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, was geared towards promoting and encouraging best practices in corporate performance, people management, and industrial relations practices among employers in Nigeria.
Dangote Industries, Heirs Holdings, Emerging Africa Group Limited, and Channels TV were recipients of “Visible Impact Award: Resilience & Entrepreneurship,” while Nestle Nigeria PLC, Urban Shelter Nigeria Limited, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, and GB Foods Nigeria received the “Visible Impact Award: Investment in SDG and Green Projects.”
In addition, the International Labour
Organisation (ILO) and Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) received the “Visible Impact Award: OPS Support and Empowerment.”
Similarly, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), were recipients of “Visible Impact: Public Service.”
The recipients of the Employers of the Year Award were MTN Nigeria Communications Plc., Fidson Healthcare Plc., and NLNG.
Many other companies received various categories of award during the night.
President of NECA, Dr. Ifeanyi Eric Okoye, said the award ceremony was to celebrate the excellence, resilience, innovation and unwavering commitment demonstrated by businesses across the various sectors of the Nigerian economy in 2024.
Okoye said the theme for this year’s award, “Defying the Odds,” reflected the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian enterprises that had consistently risen to the challenges posed by the dynamic and demanding local and global economic
landscape.
He said, “This annual ceremony is a testament to remarkable progress made by organisations that share our vision of a thriving private sector as the bedrock of national development.
“Over the years the NECA’s Excellence Award has become a hallmark of prestige highlighting organisations that exemplify best practices in corporate governance, industrial relations and environmental sustainability.
“Our honours tonight do not only serve as a beacon of hope, and a reminder that in the face of adversities excellence is achievable, it is also an opportunity to increase visibility by highlighting their achievements and innovations to a wider audience.
“As we celebrate tonight, let us not only celebrate the achievements of the award recipients, let also celebrate all businesses here present and those that have left in the past few years and recommit ourselves to fostering innovation, inclusivity and resilience in all that we do.
“Together we can build a future where Nigerian enterprises thrive as global leaders.”
Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, explained that the awards were a statement that irrespective of the challenges “we have been facing since January till now, there is time for all of us to sit down and just breathe and celebrate the resilience, doggedness, innovations your businesses were able to bring on-board and their contributions to national development”.
Oyerinde stated, “So, we are gathered this evening to celebrate your businesses, contribution and support to NECA.
“We have braked away from the traditional issues of labour and employment that you know us with and are now dealing with all fundamental issues that affect your businesses either now or in the future like ESG sustainability issues.
“We are also deepening our collaboration with CIPE moving into the realms of ethics with emphasis on doing business correctly.
“We are also deepening our engagements with International Labour Organisation (ILO) in the context of responsible business conduct for our members to operate responsibly within the context of the law.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) have expressed concern over the long-term implications of arbitrary taxation on businesses and the nation’s economy.
Speaking at the 45th Trade Fair hosted by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KACCIMA), the
NACCIMA President, Dele Oye, argued that high taxes hinder innovation, stifle investment, and pose a threat to the sustainability of enterprises.
Oye specifically called for a review of sections of the 2024 tax bill, citing provisions that negatively impact businesses, particularly those operating within free trade zones.
He therefore urged the federal government to adopt a more collaborative and long-term
approach to taxation policies so as not to destabilise critical sectors of the economy, a statement by the organisation said yesterday.
“ High taxation restricts the power of the people while giving more authority to the government. As we strive for economic prosperity, I must also draw attention to the issue of arbitrary taxation. I urge all levels of government in Nigeria, especially state and local governments, to consider the long-term implications of high
taxation on businesses.
“High tax burdens can stifle innovation, deter investment, and threaten enterprises critical to our economic growth. Let us work collaboratively to create a businessfriendly environment that encourages entrepreneurship and fosters economic development,” he stated.
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider advice from the genuine organised private sector in Nigeria and to always
Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), the renewable energy business subsidiary of Oando Plc, and its technical partner, Yutong Bus Co., a sustainable transport company, have deepened collaboration with the Lagos Ministry of Transportation and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
The delegation led by the President and Chief Executive, OCEL, Ademola Ogunbanjo, and James Li, Vice President, Yutong’s International Business Department, met with their Lagos state counterparts to discuss the next phase of the ongoing collaboration on sustainable mass transportation improvements in the state.
A statement by Oando said it was prompted by the successful 18-month performance of their electric mass transit buses project, with the meetings reaffirming OCEL’s commitment to transforming public transportation
in Lagos.
“Since inception of the electric buses project, key milestones achieved include: A total distance coverage of 169,794 km across Oshodi-Obalende and Oshodi-Ikorodu routes, serving 301,435 riders.
“The project has also significantly impacted the environment by cutting 229,221.9 kg of carbon emissions and achieving cost savings of circa N122,250,000, equivalent to 84,897 litres of diesel,” the statement added.
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, reiterated the government’s continued support for OCEL, recognising electric buses as a critical component of the state’s transformative solution for public transport.
In reappraising the proof-of-concept phase that preceded the project’s pilot, he confirmed the viability of the e-buses, highlighting their efficiency, comfort, and adaptability to the peculiarities of Lagos roads.
“The buses have proven dependable and adaptable for Lagos roads and highways”, Osiyemi stated, while also emphasising the long-term cost benefits and efficiencies that electric buses can deliver over fuel-based models.
Osiyemi commended OCEL’s key role in promoting awareness of the electric mass transit buses project, while urging them on providing electric buses models that can serve diverse socio-economic groups, with the aim of reducing the number of cars on the roads.
Highlighting the critical role of collaboration in driving the project’s success, Ogunbanjo stated: "We appreciate the Lagos State government's support and acknowledge the crucial role of our partnership in making this project a reality.
“Together, we are creating a more sustainable, efficient, and reliable transportation system that benefits Lagos and its residents".
During their meeting, all parties
reiterated their shared long-term commitment to sustainable transportation.
LAMATA’s Managing Director, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, shared the authority’s vision on long-term viability beyond bus procurement.
She emphasised the need for a fully integrated support system for the buses, including maintenance facilities and a training centre for drivers, engineers, and support teams to sustain electric bus operations.
Speaking to this concern, Li reassured the LAMATA MD that the goal was to provide sustainable transportation solutions, not just sell buses.
“We're dedicated to supporting our partner, OCEL and Lagos State in their quest of making a positive impact on the environment and improving the quality of life for Lagos residents,” he added.
The partnership aims to build a cleaner, more efficient transportation network for Lagos residents.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nigeria-India investment relations has received a boost with Indian Group, Padiyath Healthcare, disclosing that it had earmarked investment worth $100 million for Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The remark was made by Padiyath Healthcare Chairman, Dr. Hazeeb Padiyath, during an address he made in Abuja when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently made an official visit to Nigeria.
According to Padiyath, the investments when completed will enable Nigerians access world class treatment at affordable cost. He disclosed that already the company is set to commission a world-class hospital, in Abuja as part of the long term investment drive of the India company in the country.
He revealed that that the first investment is “Padiyath Mayfields Hospitals”, a 300-bed tertiary care hospital which is being constructed in Suncity estates, Galadimawa, Abuja,”
adding that “When commissioned it will be Nigeria’s largest private sector hospital”.
He told the visiting India PM that the hospital brings in advanced diagnostic equipment, which will be the first of its kind in West Africa, noting that the project will be ready for unveiling by February 2025.
The India investor also disclosed that the second Hospital Padiyath Cancare Hospitals which will be domiciled in Abuja and will be a 200-bed hospital world class cancer
institute.
He said: “This centre will be a full-fledged cancer hospital with equipment like Pet Scan, Linear accelerator & Gamma knife.”
The Group Padiyath healthcare is an Indian multinational healthcare provider with operations in India, Middle East & Africa, the company’s boss said.
The Africa expansions are spearheaded by Padiyath as part of his vision to provide quality affordable healthcare across the Africa.
hold stakeholders’ forums before implementing major economic policies.
“In this regard, we appeal to reconsider and withdraw the approval of the memorandum dated October 20, 2024, authored by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chairman.
“This memorandum inadvertently overlooked the legal basis for the incentives on free trade zones granted by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2002, predicated on Section 23(s) of the 2007 CITA.
“We urgently call on the federal government to take the following actions: Expunge Sections 60, 198(2), and 198(3) from the bill; exclude free
zone enterprises from the scope of Section 57 of the bill, and delete the current Second Schedule of the bill in its entirety, which was inserted into the tax bill 2024,” Oye added. Speaking on the theme of the event: “Non-Oil Export for Economic Prosperity," the NACCIMA president said it resonated deeply with NACCIMA’s collective aspiration for sustainable economic growth. Oye proposed that the government must take deliberate and proactive steps to create market access for nonoil exports by implementing strategic policies and programmes that connect local producers to global markets.
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), are to strengthen their collaboration in the interest of Nigeria’s continued socio-economic development.
Speaking at a meeting at the NGF’s Office in Abuja over the weekend, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, said that a formal relationship between the NGF and NiMet was in the best interest of the country as it will benefit the people.
He said it was no longer news that the country is seeing increasingly weather events that are affecting communities.
"Every year, we count losses of the number of our people that have been killed, families and communities displaced, and the economic damages. These extreme weather events also trigger human trafficking, disease outbreaks, and other negative impacts,” he added.
Anosike stressed that NiMet and NGF believe strongly that something should be done to mitigate the impact of climate change, and would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide their relationship.
“If we can proactively collaborate and coordinate our activities, we should be able to reduce the impact of climate change. This is why NiMet has come to the NGF. Our collaboration will ensure that weather and climate information get to the last mile the Nigerian people.
"Weather and climate information are critical to the sustainable economic development of our people. Early
warning systems are systematic activities that will ensure that weather and climate information get to the Nigerian people and to the vulnerable to ensure that they would be able to respond accordingly.
“Not reactively, but proactively. Early warning saves lives but for it to work effectively, synergistic leadership has to be demonstrated by all the relevant stakeholders," he explained. He also said that NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) was an early warning tool in support of the United Nations Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) initiative.
“The forecast is a painstaking and rigorous scientific exercise that involves the utilisation of global and regional models and other atmospheric drivers with strong teleconnection with our region to arrive at the outlook," Anosike noted. On his part, the Director General of the NGF, Abdulateef Shittu, said that climate change was impacting the economic wellbeing of people nationally and globally.
“NiMet is a critical federal government agency, hence the NGF has agreed to sign an MoU with NiMet so that we can support and partner with them to implement all the climate change initiatives that the agency has in the interest of the Nigerian people
“Climate change is all about mitigation and adaptation. We have discussed a lot about that and what needs to be done. We have to face the reality of climate change and see how we can mitigate it, especially about preventing food shortages and ensuring food security. These are critical," he noted.
anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has presented 2025 budget estimate to the State House of assembly for necessary scrutiny and evential passage. David-Chyddy Eleke looks at the budget size and what the Governor sets out to achieve with it.
Last week, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State approached the State House of Assembly with the budget estimate for the year 2025. He announced in his speech the size of the budget, which totaled about N607billion. This is against the 2024 budgets which stood at N410billion, and represents a 48.0% increase.
Though this would be the third budget estimate the governor will be submitting before the house of assembly, it is important to note that the 2025 budget is significant because it’s an election year budget, where Soludo would be expected to be reconnecting for the position of governor to retain his office. This of course is a well known fact that the project is one that involves heavy financial implications.
Presenting the budget proposal before the 30-member house of assembly, Soludo took time to analyze the performance of the 2024 budget, what has been achieved so far, and what his government hopes to achieve with the new budget for next year when passed into law.
He said: “Let me put on record that this honorable Assembly has been a very strong and progressive partner in our drive to lay solid foundations for Anambra as a livable and prosperous smart mega city. History will indeed be kind to this 8th Assembly for your commitment, hard work, and productivity.
“On November 21, 2023, I was here to present the 2024 Anambra State Budget entitled “Changing Gears: The Transformation Agenda Begins”, which you passed into law. We presented a modest budget of N410 billion for the fiscal year 2024, compared to N259 billion for 2023, which reflects an increase of approximately 57.8%. Recurrent expenditure accounted for N96.2 billion (23.46%), while capital expenditure totaled N313.9 billion (76.54%). The budget deficit was estimated at N120.8 billion.
“As you are aware, the general macroeconomic conditions under which we had to implement the 2024 budget have been challenging, especially with the immediate consequences of the courageous removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rates. Inflation has continued in double digits, with significant pressures on costs of living and cost of governance. Our IGR has been grossly underperforming and as of October 2024, budget performance stood at about 50% pro rata, and we still have resisted the temptation to borrow.
“Despite the macroeconomic challenges, we have remained focused on the ball—delivering on all the five fingers of the Solution Agenda: Security, Law & Order; Infrastructure and Economic Transformation; Human Capital and Social Agenda; Governance and Value System; and Environment. We are working hard, rejigging and strengthening our security architecture, and in some days and weeks to come, Ndi Anambra will fully experience our zero tolerance to criminality. Together as a people, we must bond together to defeat the criminals among us.”
He said working with the 2024 budget, his government was able to extend its free education policy up to Senior Secondary School Year 3 (SS3) and recruited an additional 3,115 teachers, bringing the total number of teachers recruited to 8,115.
Soludo said there can be no school of any sort—smart or otherwise - without qualitative teachers, and his government
has rightly prioritized the competitive recruitment of the best teachers in schools.
According to him: “We equipped 60 secondary school laboratories with the required STEM equipment. Furthermore, we have increased the operational budgets for both primary and secondary schools to ensure they can deliver the quality education we promised, among other initiatives.
“In the health sector, we continue to offer free antenatal and delivery services for pregnant women in the state with over 70,000 women as beneficiaries. The construction/ modernization and equipment of 326 primary health centres are at advanced stages.
“A historic Trauma Centre is being constructed at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital. The Okpoko General Hospital has been completed and fully operational, and four other new general hospitals will soon be completed. As a proactive government, we have initiated the
construction of the Coordinated Wholesale Centre at Oba, and the jinx will soon be broken. This is a crucial step towards eliminating the issues associated with open and unregulated drug markets in the state. To ensure our hospitals are properly equipped, we have begun renovating them and equipping primary healthcare facilities with the necessary solar power, boreholes, and medical equipment. Additionally, we have started the construction of a new nursing school in the state.”
The governor mentioned several other projects executed by his government through the 2024 budget, including the One Youth, Two Skills training program, the Solution Innovation District (SID) training of 20,000 youths, the endorsement of the new minimum wage, tax-free cash award of N10,000 per month to all pensioners in the state, the state’s palm and coconut revolution, and the construction of over 540 kilometers of roads, among several other projects.
His words: “Our vision to turn Anambra into a destination rather than a departure lounge is fully on course. The Solution Fun City, primed to be the biggest in West Africa, is quickly becoming a dream come
Soludo said he will not give any excuses or complaints for work not done as he duly applied for the job and was interviewed, found worthy and hired by the people of Anambra state, as such he must deliver dividends of democracy to the people in spite of all the constraints. The governor is optimistic that by the time he concluded his plans for the state, it would become an investment destination rather than a place where people will be struggling to leave to other places for their business to thrive.
true and will be inaugurated in some weeks to come. Pilling work is on steroids for the 10-storey Marriott Hotel in Awka, while construction will soon begin in the 20 Hectare Awka City Leisure and Entertainment Park. Work is ongoing around Agulu Lake, and an international consultant will soon finalize the masterplans for the four Anambra’s historic tourist sites. Anambra is indeed one big construction site and Awka is gradually looking like a state capital. The list is long.”
For the year 2025, Soludo expressed optimism that the budget proposals will further help the state remain consistent in acceleration and in a steadfast execution mode. He said even though 2025 would be a governorship election year in Anambra State, he will remain focused and ensure delivery of projects.
According to him: “Yes, while the politicians will be focusing on politics, we will be intensely and intentionally focusing 100% on the execution of our multi-faceted agenda with a deadline. Consequently, we have titled this budget: “Changing Gears 2.0” with emphasis on acceleration and execution.”
Analyzing the budget, Soludo said: “The proposed budget size is N606,991,849,118 for the fiscal year 2025. Compared to the 2024 budget of N410,132,225,272, this represents a 48.0% increase. Recurrent expenditures account for N139.5 billion (YoY growth of 45.0%), while capital expenditure is N467.5 billion (YoY growth of 48.9%). The Capital Budget constitutes 77% of the total budget size, while recurrent expenditures account for 23% (the same ratios as for the 2024 budget). The budget deficit is estimated at N148.3 billion (24% of the budget compared to 30% in the 2024 budget).
www.thisdaylive.com
Monday November 25,
opinion@thisdaylive.com
Government must enforce stricter safety regulations for tanker operators, argues ELVIS EROMOSELE
page 21
LINUS OKORIE writes about the power of small steps
We have all been there—facing down the decision to start something new, a step toward a goal, or a commitment to change. You feel the pressure of its importance, but somehow, instead of starting, you linger in place. Why does taking the first step feel so intimidating?
The struggle to start is not always laziness or lack of desire; it is anticipatory anxiety. A phenomenon that shows that our brains are wired to protect us from the unknown, magnifying fears, doubts, and insecurities the moment we consider leaving our comfort zones. This resistance to change is normal, but if left unchecked, it becomes a barrier to progress and fulfilment.
However, the good news is that anyone can overcome the inertia of that first step by understanding the mental blocks at play and using simple strategies to break them. Several mental barriers often keep us from taking the first step, and one of the most common is fear of failure. The fear of falling short can paralyze us before we even try. Whether starting a business, applying for a dream job, or writing a book, we are often haunted by "what if" questions that focus on negative outcomes.
See page 21
UBA SANI AND ICT-DRIVEN KNOWLEDGE TAOFEEK MUSA ABUBAKAR writes that the Kaduna State governor has launched an initiative meant to bring AI to Hausa speakers across Nigeria EDITORIAL
Perfectionism is another key barrier, and perfectionists are especially susceptible to paralysis by analysis. They hesitate to start until they feel everything is perfectly planned or the conditions are ideal, making them wait endlessly. Additionally, the enormity of a goal can be overwhelming. Sometimes, reaching the top of a mountain looks insurmountable, and that perception alone can be enough to keep us from climbing.
Finally, fear of the unknown adds another layer of difficulty. As humans, we gravitate toward familiarity, and venturing into uncharted territory can activate our primal “fight or flight” instincts. This is why even positive change can cause apprehension. When you realize that these psychological hurdles are normal, they become less personal and easier to manage. Recognizing that the reluctance you feel is a natural part of the process can be the first step in disarming it.
Knowing the psychological roadblocks is only half the battle. To overcome them, you need actionable strategies. A powerful approach is to break down the goal into small, achievable tasks. The prospect of starting an enormous task can be paralyzing, so break it into smaller steps. Consider an aspiring author: instead of setting out to “write a best-selling book,” the task can be simplified to “write 300 words per day.” This shift reframes the goal, making it manageable and easier to begin. Psychologists recommend the “two-minute rule”—if you are putting off something, commit to doing just two minutes of it. For instance, if you want to start a fitness routine, begin with two minutes of stretching. More often than not, you will want to keep going
after those initial minutes.
Shifting focus from results to the process also helps. When we focus exclusively on results, it amplifies anxiety. Instead, focus on engaging in the process itself. A Harvard study found that people who emphasize learning over achievement experience less stress and are more likely to start projects. This focus on the process makes each step its own reward, reducing the pressure tied to achieving a particular outcome.
Visualizing success while also preparing for setbacks is another effective strategy. Visualization is powerful, but so is preparing for obstacles. When you imagine yourself succeeding, it primes your mind for positive action. However, studies show that balanced visualization—where you also anticipate challenges and plan how to respond—leads to greater persistence and resilience. One exercise that may help is called “mental contrasting.” Visualize your success, then think of potential obstacles, and plan how you will overcome them. This technique reduces your fear of failure by reframing obstacles as part of the journey.
Lastly, embrace imperfection. Perfectionism is often the enemy of progress. Embrace the idea that your first attempt does not have to be flawless; it just has to be a start. It is better to start messy and refine as you go than to wait indefinitely for the perfect moment.
The truth is that taking small initial actions has a cumulative effect that can lead to enormous achievements. This phenomenon, known as the “snowball effect,” leverages the power of momentum. Once you begin, each completed action builds confidence, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment, which propels you forward.
James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, illustrates how small, consistent actions compound over time. Clear advocates for a 1% improvement each day, which can result in remarkable progress. If you improve just 1% daily, you will be 37 times better after
a year. This approach, which emphasizes small, manageable actions, has helped millions build successful habits and reach goals that once seemed impossible. History is filled with stories of individuals whose first steps led to monumental success in their careers. Oprah Winfrey was a smalltown news anchor who struggled with self-doubt and rejection in her early career. Her first step was to take a low-paying job in television news that ultimately gave her a name in media. Another example is J.K. Rowling, who before becoming one of the best-selling authors of all time, was a struggling single mother, rejected by 12 publishers. The first step of writing Harry Potter in a small café, despite her circumstances, was her pivotal moment. Each small task involved completing chapters, submitting manuscripts, and revising them eventually led to her success.
Every thriving business today was once a startup driven by founders who dared to take the first step and relentlessly pursue their vision. The story of Steve Jobs and the inception of Apple are business case studies of compound effect. In 1976, Jobs and his partner Steve Wozniak started Apple from a garage, building a prototype that did not have all the answers but served as a crucial first step. From there, each small step involved repairing the prototype, finding an investor, improving the product that grew Apple into one of the world’s most valuable companies. He even launched other successful companies by leveraging Apple’s earlier success.
Elon Musk also exemplifies the power of small steps. Musk’s vision for SpaceX seemed unrealistic at first. After multiple failed rocket launches, many wrote off the company. Yet, Musk’s incremental steps, from securing funding to engineering solutions for each failure, ultimately led to SpaceX’s success in launching and reusing rockets, a breakthrough in space technology. The journey to achievement and fulfilment is often starts with a single, sometimes scary step. Recognizing that it is normal to feel intimidated by beginnings is crucial. You need to understand the psychological barriers that hold you back, employ practical strategies to start with confidence, and embrace small steps.
The first step is the hardest—but also the most important. As Confucius said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Embrace that truth, and you will find that even the smallest actions can lead to profound accomplishments. Remember, greatness often begins with a hesitant first step. The only way to unlock your potential is to take it.
Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 30 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre
In Nigeria, tankers carrying petroleum products are a common sight on the nation’s highways. These massive vehicles, often loaded with flammable and hazardous liquids, are an integral part of the country’s transportation system, facilitating the movement of crucial fuel supplies across the nation. However, the increasing number of tanker accidents, many resulting in devastating fires and environmental disasters, has raised serious concerns about road safety.
One of the primary factors contributing to the frequency of tanker accidents in Nigeria is the state of the country’s roads. While urban areas like Lagos and Abuja have relatively better road networks, the majority of Nigeria’s highways, especially those in rural and semi-urban areas, are poorly maintained. Potholes, lack of proper drainage, and uneven surfaces create hazardous conditions for all vehicles on the road, but for tankers carrying volatile materials, the risk is exponentially higher.
The weight of these tankers, combined with their unstable cargo, makes them particularly vulnerable to accidents on uneven roads. This is likely why spills, fires, and explosions are becoming tragically common on Nigerian highways.
The frequency of these accidents has become a serious concern for the public and emergency services alike. In many cases, these spills are not limited to small quantities of fuel—they often involve large amounts, turning the accident sites into disaster zones.
One of the greatest risks associated with tanker accidents is fire. Petrol and diesel are highly flammable substances, and when they spill, even the smallest spark can set off a catastrophic blaze. Tanker accidents frequently lead to massive fires that engulf entire vehicles, block roads for hours, and sometimes claim the lives of not only the truck driver but also passersby or those trying to scoop free fuel.
The fires are also a huge strain on Nigeria's already overstretched emergency services, which are often ill-equipped to handle such large-scale incidents.
A significant factor contributing to the risk posed by tankers is the lack of effective safety measures and regulations. Although there are laws and safety guidelines in place, they are not always enforced, and the implementation of regulations remains lax. Tankers are often seen speeding, overtaking recklessly, and driving without the necessary safety equipment or proper inspection.
Furthermore, many of these tankers are old and poorly maintained. Some vehicles are known to be overburdened or improperly loaded, which increases their likelihood of toppling over or spilling their contents in the event of an accident. The absence of a uniform safety standard for tanker operators further intensifies the
TAOFEEK MUSA ABUBAKAR writes that the Kaduna State governor has launched an initiative meant to bring AI to Hausa speakers across Nigeria
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has taken some giant steps that put the state firmly in the driver's seat in the field of Information Communications Technology (ICT) in Northern Nigeria. With the disclosure recently during a stakeholders engagement on the draft "National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill" by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in Kaduna, it's is obvious that Governor Uba Sani is way ahead of the lot in this area.
danger on Nigerian roads.
Installing automatic fire suppression systems is one of the most effective ways to reduce the fire risk in tanker accidents. These systems are designed to detect and extinguish fires as soon as they start, reducing the likelihood of a small flame growing into a massive inferno. By installing such systems on all tankers, the chances of a fire spreading out of control could be greatly reduced.
In many countries, fire suppression technology is mandatory for vehicles carrying hazardous materials. It is not yet a widespread practice in Nigeria. The introduction of automatic fire suppression systems would not only improve the safety of tanker operations but also provide peace of mind to the public, knowing that there are mechanisms in place to prevent disasters.
In addition, the installation of spill containment systems is essential. These systems should be installed in tankers to quickly contain any fuel spills, preventing them from spreading across large areas and mitigating potential environmental damage.
Also, proper loading and unloading mechanisms are crucial. Tankers must be equipped with secure systems to prevent leaks or spills during transportation, ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials.
Besides, advanced warning systems should be integrated into tankers. These systems are designed to alert nearby vehicles and pedestrians during an impending accident or hazard, enhancing overall road safety.
Moreover, driver training and certification are vital. Drivers must undergo rigorous training in handling hazardous materials, defensive driving techniques, and emergency response protocols. Only certified drivers should be permitted to operate fuel tankers.
Furthermore, regular inspection and maintenance are non-negotiable. Tankers should undergo frequent safety checks to ensure they are in optimal working condition. Any mechanical issues should be promptly addressed to avoid operational failures and ensure continued safety.
The current state of tanker operations in Nigeria often resembles a ticking time bomb. The combination of poorly maintained roads, outdated vehicles, inadequate safety equipment, and a lack of effective regulations creates the perfect storm for disastrous tanker accidents. In many ways, the tanker is like a “Molotov cocktail on wheels,” a disaster waiting to happen.
Urgent reforms are needed to mitigate this risk. The Nigerian government must enforce stricter safety regulations for tanker operators, including mandatory fire protection systems and regular vehicle inspections. This is a good time to start.
Eromosele,
Represented by the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai, the governor revealed that his administration has trained over 5,000 women across the state in ICT by collaborating with Data Science Nigeria (DSN) and Google.Org in the "Arewa Ladies4Tech Initiative" across the state. The outcome, the governor said, is that "most of these ladies have become gainfully employed, some internationally, working remotely from the comfort of their homes".
But more fundamental is the revelation that Uba Sani has launched the AI4All Initiative that is meant to bring AI to Hausa speakers across Nigeria and beyond. It is important that this initiative be thoroughly examined to unearth possible advantages via a visits application for knowledge acquisition by youths and students in the state through series of short lessons on AI in Hausa language which are downloadable from NITDA site and can be shared by phone with others. And, here again, Governor Uba Sani has scored yet another first through the AI Hausa as the first of its kind in Africa. The question is what are the specific deliverables from Governor Sani's initiative in this regard?
In modern education, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into knowledge gathering represents a remarkable advancement for societies worldwide. In Northern Nigeria, where access to quality education and resources has historically been challenged by socioeconomic and cultural factors, the recent initiatives led by the Governor of Kaduna State spotlight the transformative potential of AI. By promoting ICT education centered around AI applications, particularly in the Hausa language, the governor is paving the way for enhanced educational opportunities for the youth and students of the region.
Northern Nigeria has long faced significant challenges in education, such as inadequate infrastructure, low literacy rates, and a lack of qualified teachers. The introduction of AI into knowledge gathering can help bridge these gaps by providing a more flexible and personalized learning experience. AI-powered platforms can adapt to individual learning styles and paces. By utilizing local languages like Hausa, AI tools can communicate complex concepts, making education more accessible and engaging for students. This localized approach ensures that educational materials are not just translated, but culturally relevant, thus fostering a deeper understanding of the content.
In this regard, the quality of education in Northern Nigeria can be significantly improved through AI-driven initiatives. These technologies can assist educators by providing analytics that identify areas where students struggle, allowing for tailored teaching methods that can address specific needs. Moreover, AI can offer diverse
educational resources, from interactive lessons to gamified learning experiences that maintain student interest and motivation. This integration not only promotes a deeper understanding of subjects but also equips students with critical thinking and problemsolving skills essential for the modern workforce.
AI can significantly enhance access to educational resources, especially in remote and rural communities where educational facilities may be limited. Online platforms powered by AI can host vast libraries of information, courses, and materials that are accessible to anyone with internet connectivity. By incorporating local languages, such as Hausa, these platforms can ensure that students are not disenfranchised by language barriers. This democratization of knowledge allows even the most marginalized youths to engage with quality educational materials, thereby leveling the playing field.
Governor Uba Sani's approach to ICT education is not just about content; it is equally about developing digital literacy skills among the youth. In a technology-driven world, the ability to navigate digital platforms and understand AI tools is crucial for future employment opportunities. By championing AI-driven knowledge, the government is investing in the future workforce of Northern Nigeria.
Initiatives that teach students how to use AI technologies will empower them, giving them the skills needed to thrive in various fields such as data science, software development, and cyber security.
The introduction of AI into education can serve as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in Northern Nigeria. As students become acquainted with AI technology, they also cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that is essential for driving economic growth. AI education encourages creativity and the application of knowledge to solve real-world problems, which is crucial for developing innovative solutions tailored to local challenges. By supporting a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs, the region can look forward to economic diversification and job creation. In a region like Northern Nigeria, where tradition is rich and cultures are unique, the incorporation of AI-driven knowledge gathering in the Hausa language serves a dual purpose.
‘If
As Nigeria grapples with diverse maritime threats, the recent proposal to establish a Coastguard has sparked debate across security and policy circles. While proponents argue that the new body will bolster maritime safety and economic security, critics warn of redundancy, inefficiency, and jurisdictional conflicts with the Nigerian Navy, as well as the burgeoning cost on an already over-bloated economy. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that at the heart of the debate lies a critical issue of if Nigeria truly needs a separate Coastguard instead of adequately funding and empowering the already existing Nigerian Navy and other maritime agencies to continue to meet the nation’s maritime security needs
It was a folksy idiom that posited that
“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it”, which literarily means one shouldn't try to change something that's working well. This idiom brings to the front burner the recent quest to establish a Nigerian Coastguard despite the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Navy to secure the nation’s territorial maritime integrity.
To secure the maritime zones within Nigeria, the bill for a Coastguard was recently proposed. In fact, the bill has currently scaled second reading in the Senate. The bill to establish a Coastguard as a civilian-led agency was not only proposed to tackle the country's pressing maritime security challenges, but to also enhance the enforcement of maritime laws, protect critical offshore installations, and bolster search-andrescue capabilities.
However, what the bill was silent on was on how it would overlap with the constitutional mandate of the Nigerian Navy and cost the nation scarce resources.
Sponsored by Wasiu Eshilokun, he said amongst other things, the bill was also aimed at maintaining a state of readiness as a specialised service in support of the Nigerian Navy in war situations, but with a special focus on the country’s maritime interests and regional coastal security, as well as in adherence to global norms and standards as they relate to maritime security.
Also, the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, said the bill would ensure that Nigeria’s territorial integrity was protected, adding that “This will also ensure that our defence is not jeopardised at the naval side”. Thereafter, he referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Marine Transport for further legislative actions and to report in four weeks, which is next week.
What the Coastguard Bill Proposes
The Coastguard Bill seeks to establish a new agency responsible for ensuring the security and governance of Nigeria’s waterways. According to its provisions, the proposed Coastguard would be tasked with Combating Maritime Crimes including piracy, armed robbery at sea, and other unlawful activities.
It also proposed to protect Offshore Infrastructure; safeguarding oil and gas facilities vital to Nigeria’s economy; carry out search-and-Rescue Operations; coordinate responses to maritime accidents and emergencies; regulate Maritime Activities; and enforce laws related to shipping traffic, environmental protection, and safety regulations.
Also, the Coastguard would operate as an independent civilian agency, headed by a Director-General appointed by the President, while its funding would come from federal allocations, levies on shipping operators, and international partnerships.
With regional offices to be established in key coastal states, complementing a central headquarters in Abuja, the proposed Coastguard’s mandate while appearing comprehensive, however significantly overlaps with the Nigerian Navy’s existing roles, raising questions about the necessity of creating a new maritime agency.
As one of the three branches of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, the Nigerian Navy holds a constitutional mandate to protect the country’s maritime domain. Over the years, the navy has effectively combined military and constabulary functions to address a range of maritime security challenges but its key responsibilities include Enforcement of Maritime Laws where it plays a pivotal role in enforcing the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act (SPOMO),
which has been instrumental in curbing piracy and armed robbery in Nigerian waters.
Also, the navy protects Critical Infrastructure including offshore oil and gas facilities, which account for a significant portion of Nigeria’s revenue. Another role is in Search-and-Rescue Operations and the navy’s response capabilities include rescuing distressed vessels and crew members within Nigeria’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
In terms of Surveillance and Monitoring, its Advanced systems like the Falcon Eye and the Maritime Domain Awareness provide the Navy with real-time monitoring of maritime activities, enhancing its ability to pre-empt and respond to threats.
The Navy also collaborates with other national and international stakeholders, such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Customs Service, and regional frameworks to combat transnational maritime crimes.
It is also pertinent to note that the NN is a brown water Navy capable of military operations in the littoral zone waters, which means they can protect
vessels in the interior waters and those on the open water. Additionally, being a brown navy means they can use small gunboats and patrol boats and the capital ships to support them. Already, in proving its competence in protecting and providing patrol for 4,000 navigable routes and 850 shorelines of Nigeria, the statutory responsibilities of the navy be it in military, diplomatic and policing roles have been called to bear either in seaward defence, deterrence, sea blockade, amphibious operations, strategic sealift operations or in diplomatic show of flags or prevention of illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and smuggling, as well as Anti-piracy and sea robbery patrol, Fisheries protection patrol, Immigration and drug control patrol, Anti-pollution patrol and environmental protection, and Search and Rescue operations.
With all the above listed roles of the NN, it’s not surprising that maritime stakeholders and critics have argue that the establishment of a separate agency through the Coastguard Bill would duplicate the roles already performed by the Nigerian Navy, leading to jurisdictional confusion and operational inefficiencies.
Chief amongst the points raised against the bill was the duplication of roles given that the
The bill is fundamentally flawed…the overlapping duties could lead to interagency conflicts, erode trust, and strain the armed forces’ already limited resources. What it implies is complete anarchy in the maritime space…rather than solving existing issues, the bill could exacerbate them. Every entity will be competing to secure and assert relevance
Nigerian Navy already fulfils most of the functions envisioned for the Coastguard-from combating piracy to protecting offshore installations. Thus, establishing a new agency with overlapping responsibilities risks creating conflicts during operations and diluting accountability.
Also, given the resource constraints, setting up a Coastguard would require substantial investment in infrastructure, personnel, and equipment. To this end, those against the bill argue that these funds would be better allocated to strengthening the Navy’s existing capacities, which are already geared toward addressing Nigeria’s maritime security needs.
On the issue of Jurisdiction upon arrests, the lack of clear role delineation between the Navy and the proposed Coastguard could result in operational disputes, especially during critical incidents. Essentially, this confusion would undermine the unified response necessary for effective maritime governance, which most often than not, would lead to inter-agency rivalry. Already, the security landscape is often lodged by competition among agencies, which hampers coordination and effectiveness. Adding a Coastguard to the mix, especially with overlapping functions, could exacerbate these issues, further fragmenting maritime security efforts.
According to former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba (rtd), the proposed Coast Guard Bill could duplicate the roles of the Nigerian Navy and create confusion, potential conflicts, and a weakened maritime security framework.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS after the bill scaled second reading, Ezeoba, while stating his strong reservations about the bill, described it as fundamentally flawed, arguing that its policies fail to address Nigeria’s specific maritime challenges, potentially introducing more problems than solutions.
He said there was doubt if a proper gap analysis was done because the Coast Guard’s outlined responsibilities closely mirror those of the Nigerian Navy, rendering its creation redundant. Citing specific sections of the bill, he said, “Part 1, Articles 2(a-i) clearly enunciate responsibilities that duplicate the Nigerian Navy’s functions.”
Ezeoba further warned that overlapping duties could lead to interagency conflicts, erode trust, and strain the armed forces’ already limited resources. “What it implies is complete anarchy in the maritime space,” he stated, suggesting that rather than solving existing issues, the bill could exacerbate them. “Every entity will be competing to secure and assert relevance,” he added.
He further advocated for channeling resources toward strengthening the Nigerian Navy’s existing capabilities for a more unified and effective approach to maritime security.
Other stakeholders also worried about the lack of command and control structure, policy overlap with the Nigerian Navy, and other ambiguities the bill had, including not carrying stakeholders along.
Need to Take a Cue from Oronsaye Report In 2012, the Presidential Committee on the Rationalisation and Restructuring of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions, and Agencies, chaired by Stephen Oronsaye, identified the proliferation of government agencies as a major drain on Nigeria’s resources. The committee recommended the merger or dissolution of several agencies with overlapping functions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Editor,
Editorial
Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
The authorities must do more to bring down the cost of food
The 5th Wave of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) General Household Survey 2023/2024 which tracked the resilience of Nigerians over time was released last Thursday. A combination of climate-induced issues, recent reform programmes and security challenges are sparking growing food crisis in the country. That's the conclusion of the latest NBS report done in collaboration with the World Bank. In the past 12 months, the report further stated, “more than one-third of households faced food shortages, which occurred more frequently in the months of June, July, and August. Price increases on major food items were the most prevalent shock reported by households, affecting 71.0 per cent of surveyed households.”
Approximately two out of three households indicated being unable to eat healthy, nutritious or preferred foods because of lack of money in the last 30 days, according to the report. “Similarly, 63.8 per cent of households ate only a few kinds of food due to lack of money, 62.4 per cent were worried about not having enough food to eat, and 60.5 per cent ate less than they thought they should,” the report stated. “Between Waves 4 and 5, the proportion of households that reported being worried about not having enough food to eat because of lack of money increased significantly, from 36.9 per cent to 62.4 per cent.”
On 15 July, the federal government announced the implementation of the import duty waiver programme on food items expected to run till 31 December 2024. But more than four months after that announcement, not much has happened with reports that stringent guidelines have hampered its operation. Yet, the gravity of the situation was better expressed in a statement by UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation Director-General, Qu Dongyu who noted that “The magnitude of suffering is alarming. It is incumbent upon all of us to act now and to act fast to save lives, safeguard livelihoods and prevent the worst situation.”
Since food is needed for survival and well-being, there is a need for urgent intervention to avert a human catastrophe in the country
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
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
Even before the latest report, the United Nations had predicted a looming acute hunger in Nigeria and 20 other countries in the coming months. But it is concerning that domestic food price inflation in Nigeria remains among the highest globally. The price surge has strained household incomes, making it increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford basic food items. To compound the challenge, it would seem that the federal government is not serious about bringing down the prices of essential food commodities in a bid to alleviate the current suffering by Nigerians.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI
SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI
CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI
DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO
TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
While hunger is a general problem in the country, the food crisis is more pronounced in the Northeast. “Food insecurity and malnutrition are among the main drivers of humanitarian need in the BAY (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe) states,” said the head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Nigeria, Trond Jensen. “People have been forced to adopt negative coping mechanisms such as survival sex and child labour to stay alive. 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.”
In the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI) report, Nigeria was reported to have “a level of hunger that is serious.” Yet today the situation is far worse. Since food is needed for survival and well-being, there is a need for urgent intervention to avert a human catastrophe in the country. While commend both the Minister of Budget and Planning, Abubakar Bagudu and the Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, for the survey that captures the dynamics of Nigerian households, we enjoin authorities at all levels to come up with practical solutions to the challenge of food security in Nigeria.
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.
People have been talking about the proposed bill, discussing its potential, the concerns, and the necessary changes it could bring to Nigeria’s tax system. The Tax Reform Bill, with its proposed shift in the VAT derivation formula, is no small matter. The reform has the power to reshape Nigeria’s tax system and, by extension, its economy. It promises to address long-standing issues within Nigeria's tax structure, with a focus on making the VAT distribution process more equitable for all regions.
During a recent session at the House of Representatives on the proposed tax reform bills, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), presented an insightful case for restructuring the Value Added Tax (VAT) derivation formula. His explanation highlighted both the advantages of the reform. The tax boss explained that VAT is fundamentally a consumption tax, and as such, it should reflect where goods and services are consumed rather than where transactions are recorded. Under the current VAT framework, revenue is allocated based on the location of corporate headquarters or business operations rather than where actual consumption takes place. This approach has resulted in states like Lagos, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) receiving a disproportionate share of VAT revenue.
For instance, Lagos currently accounts for 42%, Rivers 16%, and the FCT 9% of the nation’s VAT collections. Meanwhile, states such as Borno and Bauchi receive less than half a percent each.
One of the primary benefits of the new VAT derivation formula is the potential for a more equitable distribution of tax revenue. The current system heavily favours states with high production capacities, such as Lagos and Rivers, leaving other regions with far less. This has created an imbalance where wealthier states continue to prosper while others struggle with fewer resources. The shift to a consumption-based formula means that revenue will be distributed based on where goods and services are consumed, not where they are produced. This change could be especially beneficial for states with large populations but lower production capacities, ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of where they live, have access to improved public services and infrastructure.
By distributing VAT revenue more evenly, the reform will help bridge the development gap between regions. States that have been marginalized due to their low consumption rates would see an increase in their share of the national revenue. This would allow them to invest in sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are essential for improving the quality of life for their
residents. The reform also has the potential to promote national unity. By ensuring that all states receive a fair share of VAT revenue, the government could reduce feelings of regional inequality.
A concern with the reform is that states like Lagos and Rivers, which currently bring in the most VAT revenue, may see a decrease in their share under the new formula. This could strain their budgets and lead to delays or reductions in public services and key projects. However, while these states may face some short-term challenges, they have the means to adjust over time. In the long run, the goal of the reform is to share the country's wealth more fairly, which will benefit all states, including those that generate the most revenue.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr. Zacch Adedeji is not just tackling the current problems between regions, but also offering solutions that will help the country grow steadily and stay united in the long run. His goal is to create a Nigeria where all regions have the chance to succeed equally, which is necessary for a better future for everyone in the country. Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue
The unprecedented rebound of Oando Plc in its 2023 performance, which was further solidified by its huge profitability in the half year 2024 results, is a testament to Wale Tinubu’s doggedness and ingenuity which promises more wins for the oil giant, writes Festus Akanbi
For Oando Plc, 2024 has been a hugely prosperous year in terms of its staggering revenue growth and visibility which has consistently put the leading indigenous energy group in the news.
Today, the story of Oando is that of a successful transformation of a company which at one point was grasping for breath as a result of the interplay of debilitating forces which included industry-related challenges.
But with a chief executive like Wale Tinubu, who does not sulk over setbacks but will rather tackle the problems and move ahead, it was not difficult for the company to stage a spectacular comeback to profitability as shown in the 2023 full year report and the 2024 half year performance.
So with his I- can-do -it spirit, Tinubu successfully led the board and management of Oando to bounce back to profitability despite the reality of operational hurdles occasioned by security breaches and persistent pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
So instead of failure, Oando was able to tell the story of its outstanding profitability in its full-year 2023 and half-year 2024; the story of the transformational acquisition of NAOC Ltd, which was adjudged the Deal of the Year; the resultant 12% increase in total production, and the favourable exchange gains from its foreign currency denominated assets.
Without doubt, Wale Tinubu has carved a niche for himself as a silent achiever who has ticked all the boxes of innovative leadership by taking Oando to the top of the table of oil majors in the country.
Indeed, Tinubu has steered the company through turbulent economic tides, crafting a narrative of innovation and growth. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, he championed the audacious transition from a downstream oil marketer to an integrated energy solutions powerhouse, securing Oando’s place on the global stage. His deft navigation of mergers, strategic investments, and sustainable practices has not only fortified the company’s foundations but also illuminated a path for African enterprises to ascend beyond conventional frontiers.
This extraordinary feat stands as a testament to his bold vision, relentless drive, and profound belief in the limitless potential of homegrown. So, when Oando released its half-year result, which ended June 30, 2024, earlier last week, declaring N2.03 trillion in revenue, an increase of 51 per cent from N1.35 trillion reported in H1 2023, economic watchers were quick to describe the performance as a consolidation of its 2023 feat, where it defied the current economic imbalance in the operating environment to make the difference.
Similarly, the energy group, listed on both Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), announced N62.6 billion profit after tax in H1 2024, from N112.4 billion reported in H1 2023.
The release of H1 2024 results and accounts came as the company resumed trading on the NGX, along with the publication of its 2023 Financial Year End (FYE) audited reports.
Following the performance set in its audited 2023 results, Oando continued to show impressive results across its key financial metrics.
In telling his story, Tinubu disclosed that despite the setback caused by sabotage, Oando has continued to invest in production-enhancing initiatives which are already yielding fruits.
“In the first half of 2024, we delivered a profit after tax of N62.6 billion, despite persistent challenges occasioned by sabotage and theft across our assets in the Niger Delta, which led to frequent shut-ins and impacted production.
“Since assuming operatorship, we have implemented a series of production-enhancing initiatives, which are already yielding results, as demonstrated by a 36 per cent increase in output within the first 30 days following the acquisition.
“As we navigate a dynamic market environment, we are confident in our trajectory toward sustained production growth, positioning us to deliver long-term, sustainable value for all stakeholders,” Tinubu stated.
Industry watchers attest to the fact that through the commitment of the management of Oando, the company’s N2 trillion revenue, in comparison with other industry contemporaries, such as Seplat, which recently declared a N575.1 billion revenue in H1 2024, reinforces the company’s resilience despite continued security challenges faced by all operators in the Niger Delta region.
Oando began its return to profitability in its 2023 full year results, in which it reported a profit after tax of N60.3 billion, which was described as a substantial improvement from its 2022 financial performance.
As usual, the financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2023, was marked by other noteworthy developments as the company recorded a 43 per cent increase in revenue, reaching N2.9 trillion compared to N1.9 trillion in 2022.
It was a report that signposted the winning streak of the company as indicated by the remarkable turnaround, transitioning from a loss in 2022 to a profit-after-tax of N60.3 billion in 2023. This amounted to a 961 per cent increase in its operating profits despite the 24 per cent reduction in the realised oil price ($83.15/bbl in 2023 compared to $109.55/ bbl in 2022).
The company said the reduction was consistent in gas prices as the value fell from $14.74/bbl in 2022 to $12.19/bbl in 2023; and in Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) prices with a similar decline from $6.23/boe in 2022 to $4.87/boe in 2023.
However, Tinubu attributed the impressive showing to the strength of the company’s global trading alliances, a 12 per cent increase in total production, and favourable exchange gains from our foreign currency-denominated assets.
According to Tinubu, Oando is still basking in the euphoria of its recently completed transformational acquisition of NAOC Ltd, which he described as a pivotal moment for the company due to the expansive reserves
and vast infrastructure network.
Despite persistent operational security challenges in the Niger Delta, Oando said it reached 23,258 bpd in 2023 compared to 20,703 bpd in 2022.
Expanding on the performance of its production portfolio, Oando said it averaged a daily production of 6,211 bbls/day, making a 26 per cent increase to its 4,939 bbls/day in 2022.
As Group the Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu has demonstrated exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial skills, building a global business empire that spans the energy value chain.
There is no doubt that Tinubu loves to dream big and follow it till he actualises it. His astute enterprise acumen has allowed him to navigate the complexities of the Nigerian, nay African energy market and foster collaborations with leading international companies.
One such was the historic milestone achieved this year when Oando sealed a monumental deal with the Italian energy giant, Eni for the acquisition of 100% shares of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC Ltd).
As a reward for the historic acquisition Oando earlier this month emerged winner of the ‘Deal of the Year’ award at Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2024 in South Africa. The Africa Energy Chamber (AEC), the organisers of the annual week-long oil and gas conference, disclosed that in a category comprising other high-profile deals in the sector and across Africa, Oando won the award in recognition of the Company’s recently completed landmark $783 million acquisition of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from the Italian Energy firm Eni on August 22, 2024.
An elated Tinubu, in his remark at the all-important occasion, said, “We are delighted and honoured to receive the ‘Deal of the Year’ award from Africa Energy Week. It’s been a remarkable year on many fronts. First, we marked our 30th anniversary as a business, then concluded our strategic plan to acquire our second IOC in a decade, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and step up to the role of operator.
“This award is more than just an accolade for a successful deal closure; it represents a public acknowledgement of the culmination of 30 years of grit, hard work, resilience, and sheer belief in our vision. It is a testament to my belief that with the #HumansOfOando, the impossible is nothing. I’d like to thank the dream team, the #HumansOfOando, our financiers, and partners for their belief and role in making this award a reality.” He described the acquisition as the culmination of a decade of preparation, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to a vision of becoming Africa’s first indigenous International Oil Company, saying it is a testament to the organisation’s 30-year journey spanning the entire energy value chain, with consistent and deliberate actions at each stage that have led to the advancement of indigenous participation in the industry.
Kayode Tokede
No respite for banks customers in Nigeria as the sector’s average maximum lending rate increased to 30.28 per cent as of October 2024, a record since February 2022 when it was at 30.73 per cent.
Maximum lending rates refers to the average of the highest lending rates charged by deposit money banks in Nigeria.
Trend analysis showed that increase in the average maximum lending rate is in pattern with hike in Monetary Policy Rate (MPR).
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increase MPR primarily to address key economic challenges such as double-digit inflation, foreign exchange stability, and
financial system stability.
When inflation is high (currently at 33.88 per cent as of October 2024), the CBN raises the MPR to make borrowing more expensive and saving more attractive.
However, the steep increase in the policy rate has sparked concerns regarding the potential impact on the cost of credit for businesses already facing economic hardships.
The CBN “money market indicators” revealed that average maximum lending rate increased to 30.28 per cent in October 2024 from 30.21 per cent in September 2024 when Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members of CBN voted to increase MPR to 27.25 per cent from 26.75 per cent. Early in the year, the money
market indicators of CBN revealed 27.07 per cent average maximum lending rate in January 2024 when MPR was at 18.75 per cent, while in March 2024, it closed at 29.38 per cent as MPR stood at 24.75 per cent in March 2024.
In Nigeria, the maximum lending rate—the upper limit banks charge on loans, especially for higher-risk customers—has been volatile.
The banking sector lending rate in Nigeria averaged 14.17 per cent from 1961 until 2024, reaching an all-time high of 37.80 per cent in September of 1993 and a record low of 6.00 per cent in April of 1975.
In 2020, the average maximum lending rate reached a peak of 30.73 per cent when the MPR rate stood at 13.5per cent
Updates as of October 2024 showed average maximum lending rate for “General” lending as high as 48 per cent and low of 10.70 per cent.
For example, Ecobank, and Signature Bank had average maximum lending rate of 48 per cent as of October 25, 2024, followed by FCMB Bank with 45 per cent average maximum lending rate to general lending rate.
Nova Bank has one of the lowest average maximum lending rate of about 10.70 per cent as of October 25, 2024, followed by Standard Chartered Bank with 28 per cent and Guaranty Trust Bank Limited at 29 per cent average maximum lending rate, respectively. Other top banks average lending
rate as of October 25, 2024 showed that Zenith Bank Plc, 38.50 per cent; Access Bank, 35.00 per cent; United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), 32 per cent and FBN Limited, 36.00 per cent.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) had lamented that the average maximum lending rate charged by banks on loans to its members rose to 35 per cent in second quarter (Q2) of 2024, up from 28.6 per cent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024.
The report by MAN showed that the aggregate index score of the manufacturing sector decreased from 53.5 points to 51.9 points in Q2 2024.
The report added: “The continuous hikes in MPR have
tightened financial conditions for the productive sector, with the average maximum lending rate charged by commercial banks on manufacturers’ finances rising to 35 per cent in Q2 2024 from 28.6 per cent in Q1 2024.” Meanwhile, analysts have predicted further increase in the average maximum lending rate amid an unstable foreign exchange market and double-digit inflation rate.
The unanticipated rise in MPR has impacted on the banking sector lending rate as the CBN sustained pressure in tackling inflationary pressure.
Data published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), showed that the average price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly called cooking, increased by 2.58 per cent month-on-month, rising to N16,313.43 in September 2024 to N16,734.55 in October 2024. According to the latest Cooking Gas Price Watch report from NBS seen by THISDAY, on a year-onyear basis, the price increased by 58.68 per cent from N10,545.87 in October 2023.
State-by-State analysis showed that Rivers State records the
highest average price for a 12.5kg cylinder at N17,895.00, followed by Osun at N17,739.06 and Benue at N17,731.25. Katsina reports the lowest price at N14,725.00, followed by Nasarawa at N15,390.55 and Adamawa at N15,474.21.
Regional analysis revealed that the South-South region reports the highest average price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N17,114.67, followed by the South-East at N16,906.19. The North-Central region records the lowest average price at N16,411.19. The numbers also revealed that the average price of refilling 5Kg Cylinder of cooking gas On a Yearon-year basis, jumped by 51.58
per cent, climbing from N4,562.51 in October 2023 to N6,915.69 in October 2024.
Regional analysis revealed that the North-East recorded the highest average price for cooking gas, with residents paying N7,319.03 for a 5kg cylinder. Contrarily, the North-West reports the lowest regional average at N6,703.95, which is below the national average.
State-by-state breakdown showed Borno emerged as the state with the highest price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N7,939.29, followed by Yobe at N7,580.00 and Benue at N7,578.00. Katsina posts the lowest average price at N6,270.00, followed by Zamfara at N6,410.71 and Delta
at N6,427.78.
What Nigerians are saying
Commenting, a businessman and father of Four, Mr Femi Adesida told THISDAY he had no choice than to adjust his budget to accommodate the increase in cooking gas price.
“When the prices of items increase, my first response is to adjust to accommodate my spending immediately, especially, for things like cooking gas that you cannot do without. For instance, I have a 12.5kg cylinder, but I can’t remember that last time I filled it to that capacity. So what I do, I purchase like 5kg or a little more depending on the fund I have.
“If I spend close to N17,000 to buy gas alone, then meeting needs becomes a challenge; especially when your income has not is not increased. Government’s intervention is urgently needed at this time so Nigerians can breathe because we are not breathing,” he said.
A trader, Mrs Funmilola Aderibigbe said the increase in cooking gas had forced so many households to return to traditional cooking methods.
“The truth is that not many people can afford this current increase in price coupled with other expenses like food and transportation? My mum has
gone back to using charcoal and I also use a charcoal stove as an alternative now. Nigerians are really suffering, it is time for the government to listen and hear the cries of Nigerians,” she said. Experts have said that the continuous increase in cooking gas prices places additional pressure on households already struggling with the hike in food prices and transportation. The solution, they said, is for the federal government to boost local production of LPG and address the foreign exchange issues to make importing the product cheaper so it becomes more affordable and accessible to Nigerians.
The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has called on the judiciary to expedite the resolution of cases involving its operations, citing the importance of adhering to the 60-to-90-day timeframe outlined in the AMCON Act.
According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gbenga Alade, timely judicial intervention is essential for recovering billions of naira in unresolved debts and fulfilling the corporation’s mandate.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ retreat in Lagos, organised in collaboration with the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, Alade noted that AMCON is currently burdened with over 3,000 unresolved cases.
He emphasised that judicial efficiency is critical to addressing these challenges and enabling the corporation to meet its statutory goals.
He said: “We have more than 3,000 cases in various courts around the country; from the court of first instance to the Supreme Court. We have continued to deepen our interaction with the leadership of these courts.”
Alade explained that AMCON’s recovery efforts are increasingly reliant on judicial efficiency. “Our hope is that AMCON cases would be adjudicated within the time limit enshrined in the AMCON Act,” he stated, underscoring that they are not seeking anything beyond what the law stipulates.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru said
The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, has called for transparency and accountability at all tiers and aspects of governance in the country.
The AGF made the call at the 2024 meeting of the National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) in Bauchi State.
She said transparency and accountability should not be solely about finances or financial mangers, adding that other variables,
including human resources, should be accounted for.
Madein said, “Transparency doesn’t end with finances, it goes round to even the store keeper and those that manage the kitchen. Infrastructure has to be accounted for, everything that can be used indiscriminately, must be properly accounted for in a transparent manner.
“If we only build structures around how finances can be controlled, and leave the other areas without much control mechanism, then we are just doing haphazard job. We need to build serious control measures around our assets.”
In a statement issued by Director, Press and Public Relations, OAFG, Mr. Bawa Mokwa, the AGF noted that it was imperative for persons in positions of authority to adequately account for assets that are procured through public funds.
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She said, “When funds are released for the purpose of increasing assets of the government, those assets must be accounted for by those that are handling them.”
On fiscal discipline, Madein, further urged governments at all levels to adopt appropriate control measures and imbibe the culture of savings and viable investments to guarantee availability of financial and other resources during the rainy day.
According to her, “Savings is good and savings at the time of plenty is advisable. Governments at all levels should save from whatever comes to them so that they can have what to fall back to in any adverse situation.”
the theme of the retreat provided an invaluable opportunity for senators to reflect on the critical role that AMCON has played in stabilizing the financial sector and to chart the path forward in
view of its sunset clause.
He noted that the Corporation was established as an intervention agency to halt the drift caused by Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) in the banking industry with its
adverse impact on savers and the entire economy.
“Admittedly, the setting up of AMCON has succeeded, to a large extent, in not only stabilising the banking industry given that
the purchase of Eligible Banks Assets (EBA) reinjected the much-needed liquidity into the banking system, but also helped in restoring confidence in the financial sector.”
Emma Okonji
The Managing Director, Project Management Institute (PMI), subSaharan Africa, George Asamani has recommended a revolutionary shift in skills-building to enable African countries experience industrial transformation.
Asamani said this in a statement he released to the media recently, to mark Africa’s Industrialisation Day. According to him, “As we mark Africa Industrialisation Day, we are reminded of the transformative
potential of industrialisation in reshaping the continent’s economic landscape, generating employment, and raising standards of living for the approximately 1.5 billion inhabitants. He said, “We look toward a future driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the rise of automation, advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, and Artificial Intelligence, the question emerges: How do we best prepare Africa’s workforce for this new age. The answer lies in building a robust base of project management skills—skills
that are not just peripheral but central to successful industrialisation.”
Asamani stated that each era of technological advancement, from the age of steam to the advent of digital, has been propelled not merely by inventions and resources but by skilled people capable of harnessing and managing those resources effectively. Each leap forward required new knowledge, execution, and the ability to navigate complex projects clearly.
“Industrialisation is not just about factories, machinery, or
technology; it is about managing these elements cohesively to create value. And this is where project management skills play a pivotal role. Whether establishing new production facilities, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, integrating digital technologies, or flying back to the moon, the success of these efforts hinges on structured, disciplined approaches to planning, executing, and monitoring complex projects. Project management is, in essence, the backbone of industrial progress.”
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) disclosed that it uncovered the availability of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets.
The commission noted that the products are particularly smuggled brands from Brazil, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean and Arapora Bionergia.
In a statement FCCPC Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the products, failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements, pose serious health risks to consumers, undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry, and contribute to price manipulation that harms the market.
He said acting on a tip-off, FCCPC operatives conducted discreet investigations across the country,
particularly in the South-West and the North-East.
According to him, “The investigations revealed that many of the identified sugar products lacked normal labeling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and the mandatory National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration.
“Even more concerning, most of the products were not fortified with Vitamin A, a critical nutrient
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector have emphasized the need for collaboration among government agencies and unions in the industry in order to promote safety and enhance seamless management operations.
Speaking at the second 2nd edition of the Annual Strategic Aviation Trade Unions’ Leadership Conference, themed: “Synergy for Safety and Productivity: Management-Labour Collaboration,” organised by Joint Aviation Trade Unions’ Forum (JATUF), the stakeholders said the gathering reflects the enduring commitment of aviation unions to foster dialogue, build consensus, and strengthen the aviation sector, adding that the theme of the conference was timely and underscores the essence of partnership in driving industry success.
The Minister of Aviation and
Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emphasized that safety and productivity are non-negotiable and imperatives in aviation, noting that achieving these objectives requires a shared vision and concerted action by all stakeholders, especially the management and labour arms of the sector.
“As the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, I recognize and deeply value the critical role aviation unions play in maintaining workforce morale, advocating for best practices, and ensuring the seamless operation of our industry,” he said.
The Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, who also gave a goodwill speech at the event, said it has been his policy since his inception to prioritize level management relationship and collaboration.
He added that the theme of the
conference is well-crafted and also very much appreciated, especially as the concept of building level management cooperation is very essential for the industry.
Najomo who was represented by the Director, Human Resources and Administration, NCAA, Dr Mrs Anastasia Gbem, said Collaboration is the way to go, adding that during conflict situations, people still have to sit down and dialogue to resolve whatever issues that may be affecting the situation.
In her goodwill message, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku said aviation is inherently a collaborative enterprise adding that achieving safety and productivity— the twin pillars of operations in the sector—demands the concerted efforts of management and labour.
She stated that as the heartbeat of the industry, aviation unions play
essential for good vision, immune health, and overall well-being.
“The absence of this fortification exposes Nigerian consumers to serious health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.”
The statement added that the commission was also deeply concerned about the economic impact of these products.
an indispensable role in fostering an environment of trust, professionalism, and innovation. Kuku who was also represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Joy Agunbiade, said: “Since the inception of my administration, I have been committed to nurturing a positive and inclusive relationship with our unions. Through regular dialogue, mutual respect, and shared vision, we have achieved significant milestones that underscore the power of collaboration. These engagements have been instrumental in resolving challenges, advancing employee welfare, and enhancing service delivery across our airports.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Joint Aviation Trade Union’s Forum (JATUF), Amadu Illitrus said the idea of JATUF was nurtured and perfected between the unions in aviation and the Ministry of Aviation.
Raheem Akingbolu
In a bid to deepen industry engagement and pioneer further development in the marketing and communications industry, the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) is unveiling ADVAN-X, a groundbreaking online brand marketplace that is reshaping the landscape of Nigeria’s marketing industry.
Making this known to members of the media in an interactive virtual press conference, ADVAN President, Mr. Osamede Uwabanwem,
stated that ADVAN-X connects brands, marketing agencies, media platforms, and service providers in an innovative hybrid environment that combines virtual and physical networking opportunities.
He added that by fostering continuous engagement, the platform positions itself as an indispensable tool for collaboration and growth in the competitive marketing ecosystem.
He said, “ADVAN-X offers a dynamic hub for brands and service providers to form meaningful connections,
access cutting-edge marketing solutions, and drive innovation. Featuring advanced tools such as interactive partner profiles, lead generation forms, and a comprehensive analytics dashboard, ADVAN-X empowers brands to enhance their strategies and create impactful partnerships.”
Osamede further described the platform as a “transformative space breaking down silos and enabling long-term success across the marketing ecosystem.”
Nume
Ekeghe
Capsa Technology, an invoice factoring platform, has achieved exceptional growth in 2024, with its transaction volumes soaring by more than 300 per cent.
The firm in a stamen noted that their platform has facilitated over N15 billion in trades as of October, underscoring its role in enabling suppliers, procurement teams, and supply chain stakeholders to navigate Nigeria’s challenging economic landscape effectively.
Chief Executive Officer, Capsa Technology, Mustapha Suberu, said: “This year, the company has experienced a remarkable 300 percent jump in
transaction volume, with trades surpassing 15 billion Naira before October even ended.
“What is clear is that in today’s tough economic environment, businesses are actively seeking fast and reliable cash flow solutions, adding that the growing demand has been a major driver of its success in 2024.”
Speaking on how the platform supports its users, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Segun Dada, said the platform is a marketplace where suppliers can sell their invoices and access cash within 48 hours, adding that this is a real gamechanger for businesses managing tight cash flow.
Dada stressed that this been especially helpful for suppliers in complex supply chains, keeping their operations running smoothly.
“What we often see is that businesses who join and start transacting with us quickly scale up, increasing their turnover. This naturally leads to trading more invoices on our platform, and for larger amounts.
“For example, one of our FMCG clients grew their total transaction volume with us by over 400 percent this year, an incredible achievement for an industry that has been one of the hardest hit by Nigeria’s current macroeconomic challenges,” he said.
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Amid the high-stakes world of Black Friday shopping and the allure of deep discounts are the risks that often accompany them. From missed deals and sold-out items to counterfeit products and buyer’s remorse, Nosa Alekhuogie sheds light on the challenges shoppers face during the frenzy, offering insights into how e-commerce platforms and consumers can navigate the pitfalls of this shopping phenomenon
Uchechi had set his alarm for 5:00 a.m., determined to snag the discounted laptop he had been eyeing for months. With fingers poised over his keyboard, he refreshed the retailer’s website incessantly, hoping to beat the rush. But by 5:05 a.m., the item was already sold out. Frustrated yet undeterred, he settled for another deal that seemed as good. Days later, his excitement turned to disappointment when the delivery arrived—a counterfeit product perfectly wrapped in a box.
This is the story of countless Black Friday shoppers drawn by the promise of unbeatable discounts, only to face the pitfalls lurking beneath the surface of the holiday sales frenzy.
THE EVOLUTION OF BLACK FRIDAY: FROM U.S. TRADITION TO GLOBAL PHENOMENON
What started as a single day of steep discounts in the United States has now transformed into a month-long global retail event, drawing millions of shoppers worldwide. In Nigeria, Black Friday has gained significant traction, with e-commerce platforms reporting some of the highest traffic and sales figures during this period.
THE RISE OF E-COMMERCE IN NIGERIA
E-commerce in Nigeria has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and increased internet penetration. Platforms like Jumia, Konga, and PayPorte have become household names, offering everything from electronics to fashion at competitive prices.
Black Friday, along with other sales events, has further propelled online shopping, making it an integral part of the retail landscape.
According to a report by Statista, Nigeria’s e-commerce market is projected to reach a transaction value of $54.81 billion by 2029, with the number of users expected to hit 28.6 million and user penetration reaching 15 per cent by the same year.
However, this growth also brings challenges, particularly in the areas of fraud and customer trust. While online shopping offers unparalleled convenience, Nigerian consumers must remain vigilant as the digital marketplace continues to evolve and attract both legitimate retailers and malicious actors.
As the popularity of online shopping continues to soar, Black Friday has become an integral part of the retail calendar, shaping not only consumer behaviour but also the strategies of businesses aiming to capture the attention of bargain hunters.
This shift has been especially evident in Africa, where the online shopping market is forecasted to reach $75 billion by 2025, with Nigeria emerging as one of the leading countries driving this growth.
For Nigerian consumers, Black Friday offers a chance to stretch their budgets amidst rising inflation and economic challenges. According to a survey by TechNext, 43 per cent of shoppers participate in Black Friday for discount opportunities, while 26 per cent consider better deals the main incentive to engage.
This evolution of Black Friday reflects a broader retail revolution, one that is redefining the shopping experience and fostering a digital-first mindset among Nigerian shoppers.
As Black Friday approaches, shoppers are drawn by the excitement of discovering massive discounts, hoping to snag the best deals on items they have had eyes on for months. The thrill of securing a bargain can be exhilarating, especially when it feels
like you are getting more for less. However, this rush often leads to impulsive buying, where consumers fall for flashy deals that may not be as good as they seem. With the temptation to purchase more than planned, it is easy to overspend and regret choices later. In the heat of the moment, many forget to check product quality, compare prices, or evaluate the authenticity of the deals.
This shopping frenzy also opens the door to potential pitfalls, including counterfeit goods, which can leave customers disappointed when their purchases fail to meet expectations.
With fake products being peddled online, it is essential for shoppers to remain vigilant, as some retailers may deceive with convincing listings that do not live up to their promises. The thrill of finding a deal could quickly turn into frustration if the item turns out to be subpar or, worse, a complete fraud.
Moreover, the limited-time offers that define Black Friday can create a sense of urgency, pressuring shoppers into making quick decisions. This often leads to buying things that are not really needed simply because of the fear of missing the discount. What seemed like a good deal now may eventually feel like a poor investment once the euphoria wears off. Despite the excitement, shoppers need to approach these sales with caution, ensuring they remain disciplined and focused on purchasing items that truly add value to their lives.
SHOPPING
To make the most of Black Friday sales without falling into common traps, shoppers need a well-thoughtout approach. First, planning ahead is
crucial—creating a detailed shopping list and setting a strict budget can prevent impulsive purchases and overspending. It is equally important to research products thoroughly, compare prices across different platforms, and read reviews to ensure quality and value for money.
Timing also plays a significant role; savvy shoppers often wait for flash sales or special late-day discounts that offer even greater savings.
Above all, discipline is key—while the deals may seem irresistible, it is essential to remember that the ultimate goal of participating in Black Friday is to save money, not spend unnecessarily on unplanned items. By following these strategies, shoppers can navigate the frenzy and emerge with meaningful savings and quality purchases.
Beneath the glittering facade of Black Friday lies a more sinister reality: a surge in scams. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) warns that fake online stores spike by 135% during the shopping season, preying on unsuspecting customers. Scammers replicate legitimate websites, sell counterfeit products, or lure consumers with offers too good to be true.
Black Friday, while celebrated for its enticing deals, often becomes a breeding ground for scams that prey on unsuspecting shoppers. One prevalent scam involves fake websites that mimic popular retail platforms. These sites lure consumers with flashy offers, only to steal their money or personal information. Counterfeit products are
another significant issue, with items that appear genuine but lack quality or warranty assurances, leaving buyers disappointed and at a loss.
Additionally, delivery scams have become increasingly common. Fraudsters send phishing messages claiming a failed delivery attempt, tricking consumers into clicking malicious links that compromise their financial or personal details. Phishing emails are also widespread, often crafted with a sense of urgency to prompt quick action, such as entering sensitive payment information on fraudulent platforms. These scams highlight the need for vigilance during the shopping season, as the allure of a bargain can sometimes overshadow the potential risks.
As the excitement of Black Friday fades, Cyber Monday emerges as a second wave of shopping frenzy, specifically tailored for tech enthusiasts and online deal hunters. Falling on December 2 this year, Cyber Monday focuses heavily on electronics, gadgets, and digital products, often featuring discounts rivalling or surpassing Black Friday. This day represents an opportunity for consumers to snag online-exclusive offers, especially on high-demand items like laptops, smartphones, and home tech accessories. However, just like its predecessor, Cyber Monday is not without its risks. Fraudsters and counterfeiters remain active, exploiting the digital nature of the event to target unsuspecting shoppers.
Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant, double-check the legitimacy of websites, and ensure their payment methods are secure. Cyber Monday, while promising significant savings, demands careful navigation to avoid pitfalls, making it as much a test of consumer caution as a celebration of digital commerce.
Consumer awareness is the most effective defence against the risks of Black Friday shopping. To shop safely, it is crucial to verify the legitimacy of websites before making purchases. Shoppers should scrutinize URLs for accuracy, ensuring they lead to official retailer platforms rather than cleverly disguised clones. Avoiding deals that appear too good to be true is another key strategy, as these are often red flags for scams.
Opting for secure payment methods, such as credit cards or trusted payment gateways, provides an added layer of protection. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication on online accounts can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
These precautions, when combined with vigilance and careful decision-making, can help shoppers enjoy Black Friday deals without falling victim to fraud or deception. While the Black Friday rush shows Nigeria’s growing e-commerce potential, challenges remain. Retailers must invest in cybersecurity and transparent practices to rebuild trust among consumers. As platforms expand, the focus should shift to creating safer shopping experiences, ensuring that the benefits of e-commerce outweigh its risks.
For shoppers like Uchechi, Black Friday holds the promise of bargains but serves as a stark reminder to proceed with caution. Behind every dazzling deal lies the potential for disappointment, making vigilance the most valuable tool for navigating the holiday sales season.
Oluchi Chibuzor
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) have expressed concerns over the long-term implications of arbitrary taxation on businesses and the nation’s economy.
Speaking at the 45th Trade Fair hosted by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KACCIMA), NACCIMA President, Dele Kelvin Oye, emphasised that high taxes hinder innovation, stifle investment, and pose a threat to the sustainability of enterprises.
Oye specifically called for a review of sections of the 2024 Tax Bill, citing provisions that negatively impact businesses, particularly those operating within free trade zones, and therefore urged the Federal Government to adopt a more collaborative and long-term
approach to taxation policies so as not to destabilize critical sectors of the economy.
According to him, “As Margaret Thatcher warned, we should be wary of high taxes. High taxation restricts the power of the people while giving more authority to the government. As we strive for economic prosperity, I must also draw attention to the issue of arbitrary taxation. I urge all levels of government in Nigeria, especially state and local governments, to consider the long-term implications of high taxation on businesses.
“High tax burdens can stifle innovation, deter investment, and threaten enterprises critical to our economic growth. Let us work collaboratively to create a business-friendly environment that encourages entrepreneurship and fosters economic development.”
On free trade zones, Oye stated, “While congratulating the board and management of
Dala Economic Zone, I would like to appeal to Mr. President to consider advice from the genuine private sector and organized private sector in Nigeria and to always hold stakeholder forums before implementing major economic policies.
“In this regard, we appeal to reconsider and withdraw the approval of the memorandum dated October 20, 2024, authored by the FIRS Chairman. This memorandum inadvertently overlooked the legal basis for the incentives on free trade zones granted by President Obasanjo in 2002, predicated on Section 23(s) of the 2007 CITA.
“We urgently call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to take the following actions: Expunge Sections 60, 198(2), and 198(3) from the bill; exclude free zone enterprises from the scope of Section 57 of the bill, and delete the current Second Schedule of the bill in its entirety, which was inserted into the tax bill 2024.”
A delegation from the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), led by its Chairman, Bolaji Sunmola, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, at her office in Apapa, Lagos on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Haastrup charged the NPCC to reclaim its esteemed position as a leading advisory body on port matters, emphasising the critical role advocacy plays in advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“The NPCC was once a formidable voice in the port industry, shaping policies and driving improvements. It is
crucial for the council to regain its lost glory and reposition itself as a pivotal contributor to the development of our ports,”
Princess Haastrup said.
She highlighted the transformative impact of the 2006 port concession program, which handed over port operations to private terminal operators, noting the strides made since then.
“Since the port concession reform, private terminal operators have invested heavily in modernising infrastructure, improving efficiency, and creating employment opportunities. Today, our ports are better positioned to compete globally, and this progress must be sustained
through effective collaboration with bodies like the NPCC,” she added.
Bolaji Sunmola, the NPCC Chairman, outlined the council’s mandate to advise on port efficiency, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and ensure Nigeria’s ports remain competitive.
Haastrup responded positively to the appeal, encouraging private operators and government agencies to support the NPCC.
“The success of our maritime sector depends on collaboration. Terminal operators understand the value of a robust advisory body like the NPCC, and I believe together we can overcome these challenges,” she said.
AaraGO, a pioneering Nigerian green technology startup, has launched an innovative batteryswapping service for electric motorbikes, manufactured by KYMCO, a renowned Taiwanese company with over 60 years of experience producing reliable two-wheelers. The launch, held at Alliance Française in Ikoyi, Lagos, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and advance the energy transition from petrol to electricity.
The event celebrated the inauguration of AaraGO’s first fully solar-powered battery-swapping solution, now operational at the NNPC Station on Alfred Rewane Road
in Ikoyi. This station enables seamless and sustainable energy access for riders, demonstrating the company’s commitment to off-grid solutions powered by renewable energy.
During the event, Co-founder and CEO of AaraGO, Mr. Philip Handschin, highlighted the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions considering Nigeria’s skyrocketing petrol prices.
“When we started AaraGO, petrol cost about N180 per litre. Two years on, it is N1,100, a staggering increase of over 520%. This surge places immense financial pressure on motorbike riders and underscores the urgency to transition from petrol to
sustainable electric mobility,” Handschin explained.
Immediate past chairman of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), who gave the keynote welcome address, emphasized AaraGO’s commitment to offering practical, sustainable transportation solutions.
“Nigeria has over five million motor bikes, many consuming five to seven liters of petrol daily, presenting a massive opportunity to transition to cleaner energy. The AaraGO solution is entirely off-grid, leveraging renewable energy to power transportation efficiently,” Adeosun said.
Uchechukwu Nnaike
Sales professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs recently gathered in Lagos to learn from industry experts on how to master the art of closing deals.
The third edition of Sales Pro Conference, with the theme ‘Seal the Deal’, was powered by Pertinence Group and supported by PettySave Microfinance Bank.
The conference featured insightful panel sessions led by accomplished speakers, including the co-founders
of Pertinence Group, Wisdom Ezekiel and Sunday Olorunsheyi. In their joint session, moderated by Tolu Oduselu, the co-founders delved into proven strategies for successful sales.
“Sales is a technique. It is a skill that must be acquired,” Ezekiel emphasised. “If you want to be a top salesperson, you must be taught. Interpret rejection differently- let ‘no’ sound like ‘yes’ or ‘try again’,” he said.
Another panel featured former Pertinence staff turned
successful entrepreneursDamilare Oshokoya, co-founder of Abode Assets, and Yemi Olodun, CEO of Hybrid Landtech, was moderated by operations expert Yemisi Itepu. The session offered practical advice on navigating the real estate sector and achieving sales success.
On his part, Olodun highlighted the importance of thorough product knowledge, saying that “in real estate sales, your knowledge must far exceed that of your prospects.
KayodeTokede
The Nigerian stock market maintained its positive trend last week, with the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) edging up by 0.11 per cent week-on-week (W-O-W) as the capital market predicted mixed trading in the new trading week.
The NGX ASI closed at 97,829.02 basis points, about 106.74basis points or 0.11 per cent from 97,722.28basis points
when the stock market opened for trading. As a result, the Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns settled at +0.2per cent and +30.8per cent, respectively.
The market capitalisation gained N77 billion WoW to close at N59.292 trillion, primarily boosted by the addition of 3.12 billion ordinary shares of Haldane McCall to the main board of the exchange through a listing by introduction.
The week’s gains were broad-based across most indices
except for the NGX Banking Index, which shed 2.57 per cent week-on-week. Conversely, the NGX Insurance Index led the sectoral performance with a 4.54 per cent week-on-week gain. NGX Consumer Goods Index followed with a weekly gain of 1.93 per cent, while NGX Industrial Goods and NGX Oil & Gas indices rose by 1.75 per cent and 0.18 per cent respectively for the week.
The market breadth for the week was positive as 52 equities
appreciated in price, 33 equities depreciated in price, while 68 equities remained unchanged. Eunisell Interlinked led the gainers table by 60.72 per cent to close at N19.27, per share. Tantalizers followed with a gain of 57.33 per cent to close at N1.18, while John Holt went up by 42.49 per cent to close to N11.00, per share.
On the other side, MeCure Industries led the decliners table by 18.53 per cent to close at N10.55, per share. MUltiverse
Mining and Exploration followed with a loss of 17.61 per cent to close at N6.55, while PZ Cussons Nigeria declined by 11.62 per cent to close at N22.05, per share.
Overall, a total turnover of 1.952 billion shares worth N35.864 billion in 48,553 deals was traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 1.482 billion shares valued at N38.875 billion that exchanged hands previous week in 44,795 deals.
The Financial Services In-
dustry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.041 billion shares valued at N16.207 billion traded in 21,099 deals; contributing 53.34 per cent and 45.19 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Oil and Gas Industry followed with 273.407 million shares worth N6.717 billion in 5,489 deals, while the Services Industry traded a turnover of 141.184 million shares worth N779.166 million in 3,072 deals.
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, said all Nigerian presidents since independence were accidental, except President Bola Tinubu
Tracing the history of Nigeria's leadership, Kukah observed that none of the country's past leaders, including former presidents Muhammadu Buhari, Goodluck Jonathan, Umaru Yar'adua, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ernest Shonekan, and Sani Abacha, came to power prepared.
He, however, lamented that the citizens were still suffering despite Tinubu's preparedness to govern.
Kukuh spoke in his keynote address at the fourth Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture, with the theme, "Leaders of Tomorrow: Creating Lasting Change in A Complex World," held weekend in Abuja.
Amaka, the late wife of former Senate Leader, Senator Ndoma Egba,
died in an auto crash in Ondo State in 2020.
The event, which was held at Start-Rite Schools, Abuja, saw the commissioning of a legacy building in honour of the deceased by the governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu.
Kukah lamented that Nigeria's leadership crisis was due to the lack of knowledge, capacity, and preparedness of its leaders, who simply wanted to govern and enrich themselves and their cronies.
He stated, "I don't want to bore you, but run through, from the beginning, you'll find that almost everybody who came to power in Nigeria was as the result of one accident or the other.
"President Tinubu, well, he prepared for it... However, we're still trying to get off the ground. But he took over from Buhari, who had already given up.
"Buhari took over from Jonathan, who was thinking that after finishing being deputy governor, he would go
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, has engaged students and educators of tertiary institutions in Borno State over low application of the student loan scheme which he said is for all Nigerian students needing assistance in the pursuit of their tertiary education.
In highlighting the benefits of the NELFUND initiative, Sawyerr who emphasized the commitment of the federal government in revitalizing education in the country, said the loan programme is designed to also reduce unproductivity and unhappiness amongst Nigerian students, which often leads to broader societal issues.
Sawyerr explained that the loan’s modalities which include creating an online profile as prerequisite for application, stated that "the loan is interest-free and does not require a fixed repayment period. This is deliberate and to make it accessible and flexible for students."
The Borno State Commissioner for
Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, in his commitment towards ensuring that students of the state are well guided in accessing the loan, reiterated the state government’s commitment and went ahead to announce the establishment of a dedicated desk officer for NELFUND in the state.
He announced that his office in achieving this will work hand in hand with Mr. Ali Sheriff, the Special Adviser to the state governor, Prof. Zulum, on Higher Education and other educators
According to Wakilbe, "This initiative has been added to guide students throughout the application process and ensure they fully understand the benefits of the loan which is a low-risk grant and every eligible student is encouraged to take advantage of the programme."
During the session, questions were raised seeking further clarification, where the managing director provided detailed responses, shedding more light on the programme and its benefits.
somewhere else and then something happened. Jonathan took over from Yar'adua, who had actually said he was going to teach at Ahmadu Bello University as he was finishing his term as governor.
"Yar'adua took over from Obasanjo, who was in prison, and was not expecting to come out but he somehow found himself out of prison.
“Obasanjo took over from Abacha, who, sadly, even though the five political parties had said he would rule forever, nature took him.
“Abacha took over from Ernest Shonekan, who was busy at the United African Company of Nigeria, and then they told him to come and be head of state. We can go all the way down but fundamental to
governance is knowledge."
The bishop also argued that the benefits of democracy went beyond physical infrastructure.
According to him, if democracy were solely about infrastructure, people would still be praising authoritarian regimes, like Adolf Hitler and apartheid South Africa, which he said built impressive infrastructure during their reigns.
"Democracy's benefits are often not necessarily measurable. They are largely intangible. It is understanding how to expand the frontiers of human imagination," he stated.
Kukah decried the culture of nepotism in the country, saying ministerial and other appointments are often based on personal
relationships rather than merit.
He observed that Nigerians were impatient with the current state of democracy in the country, which he said was hardly working.
Kukah stated that despite the country's little progress, Nigerians were never satisfied, adding that the country will never be in a perfect place because such places do not exist.
He said, "We have made a choice to live with democracy as it is, we know that our democracy is hardly working, hardly functioning, although I'd make quick to say that we are very impatient with ourselves, very, very impatient.
"Nigerians are surprised when I say we have done pretty well. We are absolutely not happy and
we will probably never be happy, because that's not how the world is. You've got this, you want this, you want that. We are insatiable.”
He added, "Now, we are not in a perfect place, because perfect places don't exist, and we shouldn't be looking for leaders who will take us to a place of perfection, because nobody has found that kind of place.
“However, there are minimum conditions that we require in a leader, and I think we need to use them to measure the whole concept of leadership.”
The bishop stressed the need for leaders to have set goals, boldness, courage, and patriotism, adding that true leadership is about influencing citizens, not just holding office.
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The federal government has assured Nigerians that it would spare no effort to tackle all manner of infectious diseases spotted in any part of the country.
The government appealed to stakeholders, including healthcare providers and public health practitioners, to do more in working together to find solutions to disease outbreak.
The pledge was contained in a speech by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, at an annual symposium organised by APIN Health Initiative in Abuja.
The representative of the United States Centre for Disease Control (US-CDC) said the centre will not relent in its support for Nigeria's health sector.
He said the American government had always prioritised its health intervention programmes in Nigeria, adding that the outcome of the APIN symposium will further guide future engagements in the sector
Pate said the reason government
introduced the Sector Wide Approach (SWAP) in the health sector was to ensure that it tackled all diseases.
The minister, who was represented by Director of Port Health Services, Dr. Nse Akpan, said none of the diseases identified these days would be taken for granted.
Pate said, "We have been working together to make sure that the prevalence of diseases in this country is reducing and we are able to contain a lot. We want to talk about malaria, HIV, TB, which is the leading public health disease of importance, is also dropping. But we still have a lot to do.
"And that's why the government is working toward a one health approach these days to ensure that without limited resources, we'll be able to integrate all programmes and tackle it with effective response so that we'll be able to contain and be able to eliminate and eradicate all diseases of importance in this country."
The minister also stated, "These days we are talking about health for all now. So, the onus lies on us to ensure that we work together to achieve this now. Over the years, a lot
of attention has been given to major public health diseases of importance.
"Then we tend to shift from others. If you look at it today, within our communities, a lot of neglected tropical diseases have been related to shanties. And these are diseases that are common among the poor.
"People are staying within the slums and shanties. Faced with these diseases, we still call on the public health practitioners to do more on this direction. You also look at it that within our environment, we still face a lot of pollution and sanitation related diseases.”
He added, "We still have a lot to do. And that's why the government is implementing the SWAP policy to ensure that we tackle all diseases. None of the diseases these days would be taken for granted."
The minister said more was needed from local stakeholders to support the efforts of government in the provision of healthcare services.
He stated, "While we are still struggling to contain one of the infectious diseases, before another one has come up, before we tackle that, another one has come up.
And we need to see how we can collaborate with every sector. And that's why, Minister of Health, the federal government is calling on all the MDAs to come together and tackle diseases.
"We have a role to play. It's not only in public health. And there are many out there that we still need to encourage them to join the federal government to see how we can tackle diseases. And if we do so, in no distant time, we will be able to achieve success."
While welcoming participants, Chief Executive Officer of APIN Public Health Initiative, Dr. Prosper Okonkwo, said one of the organisation’s most significant contributions to advancing global health security in Nigeria had been its public health surveillance solution and system, known as the "Five-Street Project".
Okonkwo explained that the annual symposium, with a theme on global health security, will focus on how to enhance health security in Nigeria with a spotlight on infectious disease surveillance and some emphasis on HIV surveillance.
L-R: The Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Financial Institutions, Senator Tokunbo Abiru; Managing Director/CEO, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, Mr Gbenga Alade; Executive Director, Resolution & Enforcement, Mr. Adeshola Lamidi; Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Lucky Adaghe; Executive Director of Assets, Dr. Aminu Mukhtar Dan'Amu; and Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Financial Institutions, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, during a stakeholders retreat tagged"Transforming Beyond AMCON: Navigating The Path to Sustainable Financial Stability”, held in Lagos…last Saturday
Wale Igbintade
A British court has ordered Nigerian journalist, David Hundeyin, to pay £95,000 in damages to Charles Northcott, a BBC journalist, for publishing defamatory allegations in his article, titled, "Journalism Career Graveyard."
The Royal Courts of Justice in London found Hundeyin guilty of libel, ruling that his claims have caused significant damage to Northcott’s reputation and career.
In a judgement delivered on October 8, 2024, Justice Julian Knowles
also instructed Hundeyin to publish a summary of the court’s decision and demanded that the relevant parts of his article be removed from websites.
The case stemmed from an article Hundeyin published in 2022, where he accused Northcott of exploiting his position as director of the BBC’s Sex for Grades documentary to engage in inappropriate behaviour.
Hundeyin alleged that Northcott had used his authority to pressure Kiki Mordi, the Nigerian journalist who worked on the documentary, into providing sexual favours.
Hundeyin also claimed that
Northcott favoured Mordi over Oge Obi, another journalist he claimed was the actual brain behind the documentary.
The court heard that the allegations had a severe impact on Northcott, who worked alongside Mordi on the Sex for Grades project, a groundbreaking BBC documentary that exposed the exploitation of female students by university lecturers in Nigeria.
In his judgement, Knowles accepted Northcott’s testimony that the defamatory publication had caused him “serious harm and distress,” both
professionally and personally.
He acknowledged that the claims had not only tarnished Northcott’s reputation but also jeopardised his career, particularly in the area of investigative journalism focused on sexual abuse and human rights issues.
“I regard the libel in this case as being very serious. It was a direct attack on C's professional integrity which, as a journalist, is of vital importance to him,” the judge held, according to the court document stated.
The court further found that Hundeyin’s conduct post-publication,
Wale Igbintade
Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has urged both the federal and state governments to allocate sufficient financial resources in their 2025 budgets to enable the judiciary to independently fund the construction of housing and purchase vehicles for judges.
Falana argued that these provisions are crucial to protecting judges from undue executive influence.
In a statement titled - "Financial Autonomy for the Judiciary Must Be Actualised in 2025 Budgets" - Falana emphasized that financial autonomy is essential for preserving the independence of the judiciary, which he believes is currently compromised by executive control.
He highlighted a glaring disparity
in the treatment of judges compared to other government officials. For instance, when President Bola Tinubu took office, new SUVs were quietly distributed to members of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.
In contrast, judges who received replacement vehicles after a decade of service were subjected to public ceremonies where state governors handed over keys, an event Falana described as humiliating. This issue, he added, reached a new low when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, publicly assembled senior judges for the launch of a project to build 40 housing units for judges.
Wike revealed plans to allocate 20 houses to FCT High Court judges, 10
to Federal High Court judges, and 10 to Court of Appeal justices. Falana criticized this gesture as diminishing judicial independence by making judges dependent on the executive.
Falana also condemned attempts by some legal professionals to justify the executive’s involvement in providing housing and vehicles for judges. He reminded critics that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees financial autonomy for the judiciary. He cited legal precedents, including rulings by the Federal High Court and the National Judicial Council, which support the constitutional mandate for judicial independence.
Referring to specific provisions in the Nigerian Constitution, Falana pointed out that Section 81(3) guarantees direct payments from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to the
National Judicial Council, which is responsible for disbursing funds to heads of courts at both the federal and state levels.
While acknowledging that the federal judiciary is better funded, Falana noted that full financial autonomy remains an unresolved issue, especially at the state level.
“The call for financial autonomy has been ongoing for years. Former President Muhammadu Buhari issued Executive Order No. 10 of 2020 to address the issue, but state governors successfully challenged its validity in the Supreme Court.
“Following that, an amendment to Section 121(3) of the Constitution mandated that state governments pay the judiciary directly, but implementation has been inconsistent,” he explained.
including promoting the article on social media and tagging Mordi, was aggravated, and contributed to the harm caused to both Northcott and Mordi.
The article, published on Substack and widely shared on social media platforms, reached a large audience, including many in the UK, where Northcott was based. According to Northcott’s witness statement, the article and its associated posts generated over 40 million impressions between September 27 and October 31, 2022.
Hundeyin’s online actions were not limited to the article itself. He also posted a video of Northcott and Mordi together at Trafalgar Square, with a caption attacking Mordi and suggesting her career was over. Despite the court’s order to remove the defamatory article, Hundeyin ignored the directive, further compounding his actions.
The damages, which include both compensatory and aggravated elements, were awarded based on the article’s publication in England and Wales, with an estimated readership of up to 60,000 people.
The court emphasised the gravity of the allegations, stating that they are
likely to have a long-term negative effect on Northcott's professional standing within the BBC and the broader media community.
The court’s judgement was passed in Hundeyin’s absence, as he did not attend the proceedings nor was he represented in court.
But in a reaction on his X handle, formerly Twitter, Hundeyin taunted the judgement sum awarded against him.
He stated, “So I should spend my £800 to fly to London to go and prove to a white man why a story I wrote in West Africa about West African events involving West African people on a West African platform did not ‘defame’ some salty white boy. As for me, I feel say na craze.
“Please it wasn't £95,000. Nigerian media should get it right and report it correctly. It was £950 million with two plots of land in Asokoro and one of my kidneys. I'm in the hospital typing this.”
The Sex for Grades documentary, produced by the BBC in 2019, shed light on sexual exploitation in Nigerian universities, where lecturers were shown demanding sexual favours from vulnerable female students in exchange for academic benefits.
The usually tranquil atmosphere of highbrow Banana Island in Ikoyi Lagos came alive at the weekend as telecoms company, Globacom, sponsored the community’s Starlight Night to signal the commencement of the Yuletide season.
where we operate. This is our way of giving back and spreading joy and hope to our fellow Nigerians, especially as we prepare to enter the new year," it said.
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
Ex-media aide to former Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, has described the barrage of empty probes by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as a smoke screen to mask his incompetence and unpreparedness for office.
Osagie, in a statement on Sunday, said the governor, who couldn’t secure his mandate from the people, is devoid of ideas and lacks a clear vision to drive development in
the state, noting that Okpebholo is resorting to cheap political theatrics and using a circus of meaningless probes to hide his glaring incompetence and lack of direction.
He said the governor is acting as if the people of Edo State were an undiscerning mob and is now staging a spectacle similar to a gladiatorial duel in the Ancient Roman Colosseum, with the plan to deceive the people with such theatrics and diversionary probes.
The statement read: “Our attention
has been drawn to a laughable and utterly ridiculous statement by the Monday Okpebholo’s administration setting up a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to probe the administration of his predecessor, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, who is globally acclaimed to have run one of the most transparent, accountable and prudent governments in the history of Nigeria.
"This is another in the list of the barrage of meaningless probes which the governor and his directionless government is embarking on since
they got into Dennis Osadebey Avenue through the back door.
“From probing civil servants' employment to probing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and probing vehicles and other assets of government, among others, the governor has continued to show that he is bereft of ideas and lacks a clear vision for the development of the state and has therefore resorted to these charades of empty probes to buy time and distract from his incompetence and unpreparedness for office.
According to the Banana Island Property Owners and Residents Association Lagos (Biporal), which organised the event, the 2024 Starlight Night, the fifth in the series, was an evening to usher in the Yuletide season with families and friends as well as “a day to reflect on how the year has been, and be thankful for where we are under a beautiful weather”.
Globacom said it was delighted to spread the festive cheer by sponsoring the celebration as well as the lighting of a Christmas tree and street light boxes across key locations in Banana Island.
"Christmas is a time for unity, joy, and togetherness, and as a company, we believe in contributing to the communities
The special event brought together local residents, friends, community leaders, and corporate partners, and witnessed electrifying performances by entertainment groups, Art Afrique and SPAN.
The night ended with Christmas fireworks which lit up the sky with dazzling bursts of colour and sparkle, adding a vibrant and festive glow to the celebrations. The event will culminate in the illumination of street light boxes which will be strategically placed throughout the island’s key streets.
Globacom’s sponsorship of the Starlight night, it said, has added a touch of festive season to the Banana Island neighbourhood, reinforcing the company’s commitment to bringing joy to Nigerian communities during the festive season.
L-R: Artist/Psychologist, Amanda Iheme; Photojournalist, Tosin Adedokun; Activist for women’s
Rape and Make A Change Initiative, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe; and Director, French Institute of Nigeria, Thierry
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Blessing Ibung in Port Harcourt
A South-south socio-political body, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has commended the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government for not withholding the statutory allocation due to Rivers State, despite a recent court ruling. National Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali, gave the commendation in a statement by the group's spokesperson, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, yesterday in Abuja Igali expressed delight that
Tinubu “took such a state manly decision, which is a relief not only to the people of Rivers State but all of Nigeria.”
He stated further that this decision would ensure that the innocent citizens of Rivers State did not suffer vicariously from the family feud between some of the political leaders of the state.
He further expressed the hope that the decision would further aid the efforts by the Obong Victor Attah-led High level Peace and Reconciliation Committee recently constituted by PANDEF.
Igali again called on all political actors and leaders in Rivers State as well as youth
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Kwara State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, weekend, reiterated the commitment of his administration to the implementation of a Food System Transformation Pathways (FSTP), which promotes access to safe and nutritious food for all Nigerian citizens.
AbdulRazaq stated this in Ilorin during a two-day bi-annual zonal review meeting on implementation
of FSTP, organised by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic planning.
Food System Transformation Pathways was introduced by the United Nations following the outbreak of COVID 19 pandemic and the attendant food crisis.
It is to address food security issues in countries all over the world. It is anchored on three core pillars: home garden, school garden, and farm estate practices.
The zonal meeting, which took place between Thursday
21st and Friday 22nd November, drew participants from Northern and Southern states: Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Kogi, Oyo, Osun, FCT and Kwara, which was the host. Benue State was not represented.
Speaking, AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development Hajia Sa'adatu Modibbo Kawu, said Kwara was leaving no stone unturned to achieve the objectives of the programme.
“Over three hundred public Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary Schools have school farms which also include Animal husbandry like Poultry, Fishery and Goat and Sheep rearing,” he said. According to him, there was a synergy between the State Committee for Food and Nutrition (SCFN) and the Committee for the Food Systems Transformation Pathways (FSTP) to strengthen nutrition activities and ensure that nutritious food is available to eradicate malnutrition in the state.
Chinedu
Nigeria’s largest carrier, AirPeace is collaborating with the Boeing Company, a leading global aerospace company in the US, and the UK based Cranfield University, to advance safety in the airline’s operations.
The collaboration will see to the training of top officials of Air Peace, which include all the executives, postholders and management leadership of the various departments of the airline in a five-day in-person classroom training.
This is aimed at improving their safety leadership skills, transform the workplaces’ safety culture, gain practical tools to implement the new knowledge, thus fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
A statement by the Head of Communication of Air Peace, Dr Ejike Ndiulo, explained that the partnership between Air Peace and Boeing is borne out of a shared commitment to shaping the future of aviation leadership.
“Over the years, Air Peace has recognised that a deep,
unwavering commitment to safety is key to its continued success. The programme aimed to build upon that vision, enabling executives to lead with confidence, manage risks effectively, and create high-performing teams that prioritize safety at every level,” the airline said.
According to the Senior Organisational Consultant and Programme Manager, Boeing Global Learning Institute, Harry Magui, “The Boeing company has long recognised the importance of supporting
continuous learning of our aviation partners.
“To that end, the Boeing Global Learning Institute designs and delivers numerous learning programmes to both emerging and established leaders of our partners.
“These efforts aim to develop leadership, business, and technical skills so that our partners can improve their business processes, increase operational efficiency and enable leaders to strengthen their teams to ultimately grow their business.”
and women groups to sheathe their swords and follow the step taken by the federal government in de-escalating tension while the reconciliation effort by the elders of the region is ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Chijioke Ihunwo, has described Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a silent achiever of people-oriented development in the state.
Ihunwo, an ally of Fubara made the assertion when delegates of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) visited him at the council ahead of their press week event.
He said the council leadership and the people of the LGA
would defend the state from one man's efforts to take control of the state resources at the sufferings of the indigenes and residents.
According to the OBALGA chairman, "Rivers State is too big for one man to own and that is why we are here to defend our people. Our local government has been liberated. Whatever they are doing is their business, we are not interested, what we are interested in are the people. "You also know that his Excellency, the governor of Rivers State is a quiet and humble person. The governor is a quiet person. Everybody must not be quiet, me I am not a quiet person. We won't allow them to intimidate us.”
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The senate has described as untrue, allegations in a news report that it failed to play a role in the burial of one of its former colleagues, Ifeanyi Ubah.
This was contained in a statement by the chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, in Abuja yesterday. He said, "Contrary to insinuations in some misinformed quarters, the Senate accorded Senator Ubah all honours and rites as a sitting member of the Senate before his burial in Nnewi on Friday.
"For the first time in the history of the National Assembly a whole legislative day was dedicated to paying Tributes to our departed colleague.
"His seat was adorned with the national flag which was huge honour and recognition of his contributions to the senate and the good people he represented.
"The senate did not abandon the late senator and his family right from the moment the news of his death became public
knowledge. In fact, the senate commiserated with the people and government of Anambra State over his death.
“The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, it would be recalled, had immediately after the demise of our late colleague was made public, led a high powered delegation of some principal officers and members of the Senate to the Lagos residence of the late Senator to commiserate with his wife and children.
"Almost 100 Senators of the 109 members attended a valedictory session held in his honour, where senators including vice president Kashim Shettima paid tribute to his accomplishments as a, philanthropist, businessman and politician.
"Having done all that in his honour and some sections of the media saw that as an abandonment, it shows that the minds behind the illinformed story were expecting distinguished Senators to storm Nnewi in a show-off, while mourning the untimely demise of their colleague."
L-R: Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji; his counterpart in the Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahmood Adegite; and Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, going through the drainage master plan of Apongbon and environ, during an inspection tour of drainage channels in Apongbon area…recently
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
A coalition of opposition lawmakers alleged that some governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party’s National
Working Committee (NWC), and state party chairmen were working to ensure that the embattled acting national chairman of PDP, Umar Damagum, stayed on till 2027 to weaken the party.
Spokesperson of the coalition, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, who addressed a press conference on Sunday in Akokwa, Imo State, stated that part of the plan was to keep Damagum in office and ensure PDP state
chairmen endorsed President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Ugochinyere said despite different challenges facing the country, PDP, which was meant to lead the opposition, had been hijacked by political
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
A former governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, has called on the Supreme Court to revisit its judgment on local government financial autonomy, saying it undermined the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Ngige, who was the Minister for Labour and Employment from November 2015 to May 2023, frowned at neglect of more than 15,000 primary healthcare centres in Nigeria.
charlatans and turned into an “errand platform for the ruling party”.
The lawmaker stated, "Today, I want to inform the whole Nigeria that they have perfected a plan to ensure that the NEC meeting to choose a chairman from North-central, where the position is originally supposed to come from, is not possible.
at them now that they want to sabotage their own party.
"First, they said there was Sallah holiday and they shifted it. Since last year they kept on shifting the NEC meeting. Till now no NEC meeting, they keep on giving different excuses.” He alleged that the national leaders of PDP were frolicking with leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that they are going to London to hold meetings with APC leadership.
The previous ruling by the Supreme Court under Justice Mohammed Uwais, Ngige recalled, was made in a case filed by three state governments – Lagos, Abia and Delta –through their attorney generals, challenging then President Olusegun Obasanjo's Local Government Account Monitoring Committee Act 2005.
He spoke at the weekend in Enugu, as a Guest Lecturer at
He argued that the judgment attempted to completely knock down Section 7 of the constitution, which puts the local government areas under the control of the states. Beside the political consequences, he recalled that the same Supreme Court, had earlier in 2006 made a pronouncement, warning the federal government against dictating to the states how to spend local government funds accruable to them.
the 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of the Association of Urological Surgeons, Nigeria (NAUS).
Speaking on the topic, “Local Government Administration and Primary Healthcare,” Ngige who is a medical doctor and health system administration specialist, said he did not support the direct payment of federal allocation to the local governments without statutory first line deductions for payment of salaries and wages of local government workers, pensions and gratuities, traditional rulers entitlements and customary court allowances.
Citing his experience as a governor, he recalled that council chairmen between 1999 and 2002
owed several months of salaries and allowances, and pensions and gratuities, not only in Anambra State, but almost all the states of the Federation.
He said most past council chairmen craved for acquisition of choice estates in Abuja, Lagos and even London, at the detriment of public health centres and schools in their area, whereas teachers were owed several months arrears of salaries and allowances, stressing that some chairmen even proved to be more corrupt than the Governors.
He opined that the judgment of the Supreme Court not only runs ultra vires of the Constitution but amounts to throwing away the baby with the dirty bath water.
President: He dedicated his life to nation, global peace, understanding Ex-leader: He transformed Nigeria's foreign policy
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Oluwaseyi Adedotun in Lagos
President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, hailed seasoned diplomat and statesman, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, on his 80th birthday.
Tinubu described Gambari as someone, who dedicated his life to serving the country and promoting peace and understanding worldwide, while Buhari said Gambari’s bold initiatives transformed Nigeria's foreign policy, earning the country respect globally.
The two leaders spoke at Gambari’s 80th birthday family reception in Abuja.
Tinubu, who was represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Gambari as an esteemed diplomat with unwavering
commitment to making the world a better place.
He extended warmest congratulations and sincerest appreciation to the octogenarian on the occasion of his 80th birthday, for his remarkable contributions to the country's development and foreign service in numerous capacities.
Tinubu described Gambari as one of the few national icons whose global footprints represented a remarkable asset for Nigeria at the threshold of returning to reckoning as a democratic nation 25 years ago.
The president stated that Gambari had long interrogated the challenges of governance in Africa and the wave of unrest in parts of the globe, beginning from coordinating the eradication of apartheid in South Africa as Chairman of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid, among his numerous roles
in his long, outstanding history of career diplomacy.
The president stated, "Over the years, having worked with four UN Secretary Generals, Prof. Gambari’s iconic national service remains one of the most exemplary, earning him the prestigious record of working with seven Nigerian heads of government at different times of our history between military rule and civil democracy.
"In the evolution of modern Nigeria, Prof. Gambari is no doubt one of a few living non-career public servants whose footprints have impacted significantly on the triple helix of diplomacy, democracy, and national development.
"We recall with pride how he flew Nigeria’s flag in several capacities, including being listed among notable policymakers and institutions of
the continent to initiate the New Partnership for Africa’s Development NEPAD, in his capacity as the very first Under-Secretary-General on Africa, as well as mediating in the world’s largest peacekeeping mission as a joint special representative of the UN Mission in Darfur."
Tinubu described Gambari, who was once quoted as saying he considered himself an accidental diplomat, as a calming presence in tense situations and a diffuser of tension.
He said Gambari was someone born to be a diplomat from his mien, personality, and manner of speaking.
Buhari, who was represented by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, praised Gambari's exceptional leadership qualities, academic excellence, and diplomatic prowess.
“They want Umar Damagum, an imposter of the highest order, to continue to parade as the national chairman and stay in office till 2027 so they can foist on us a weakling that will be presidential candidate.
“We have impostors among us, who have no honour and decency. They have decided to kill the political party. The ruling party will be laughing
Ugochinyere said, "You have a national chairman and secretary who in 24 hours are in Nyesom Wike’s bedroom, a minister in APC government. At a time when Nigeria is facing serious crisis, our opposition is now in the bed of the ruling party.”
Again, Clark Writes Justice Kekere-Ekun, Commends CJN over Verdict on Onnoghen
Urges Tinubu not to spare past leaders who flout Constitution
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has commended the Nigerian Judiciary under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for the judgment which vindicated former CJN, Walter Onnoghen, of corruption allegations levelled against him.
Clark, in a second letter to Kekere-Ekun, a copy of which was sent to THISDAY in Abuja yesterday, urged the CJN to clean up the Judiciary by sending all corrupt judges packing.
He said many Nigerians heaved sighs of relief when the CJN was unanimously nominated by the National Judicial Commission (NJC).
“Many Nigerians since then have congratulated you for starting the serious and genuine clean-up of the Nigerian Judiciary including all its associates because you believe it has been your home for years.
“You must clean it up and Nigerians are behind you and they are praying for you everyday because without an efficient and incorruptible judiciary, Nigeria will end up as a failed country.
“As for the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen in his own case, ‘a Daniel has come to judgement’.
“I knew he was not fairly treated. He was oppressed and humiliated by President Muhammadu Buhari and his Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN.
“At this juncture, let me say this, President Bola Tinubu’s government must not allow sacred cows to exist in Nigeria no matter whose ox is gored.
“There is no one who is above the law in his own country. The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and the Russian President Vladimir Putin are today being looked for, for trial but they are on the run.
“A president of a country is just one of the ordinary members in the country, but once elected, enjoys immunity. There is nowhere therefore in the constitution or any legal document where it is stated that immunity is for life.”
He challenged Tinubu to open the books of past Nigerian leaders and bring whoever that has committed atrocities to face judgment.
L-R: Head, Strategic Business Unit, South-west, Access ARM Pensions, Mr. Oluwafemi ; Executive Director, Investment & Strategy, Access ARM Pensions, Mrs. Abimbola Sulaiman; Ibadan Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Ismail Oyegbola; Assistant Director, CBN Ibadan, Mr. Idowu Abai; Principal Manager, CBN Ibadan, Dr. Olufemi Edun, and Senior Manager, CBN Ibadan, Mrs. Valentina Njoku,
at a recent exclusive high networth investors event hosted by Access ARM Pensions in Ibadan… recently
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Sylvester Idowu inWarri
Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have dismantled 34 illegal oil refining sites and recovered over 80, 000 litres of product in Niger Delta region.
The spokesperson of the 6 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah who disclosed this, said the troops also arrested 11 persons allegedly involved in the illegal refining activities in the region.
operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) over failure to honour agreements with Itsekiri host communities in Delta State. But in a bid to effectively tackle
This is just as a group known as Niger Delta Liberation Movement (NDLM) has claimed it burst several oil and gas pipelines
the malfeasance of oil theft in the region, Danjuma said the troops conducted several operations between 18 - 24 November 2024, which led to the recorded success.
He said in fighting against economic saboteurs in the region, the troops conducted a deliberate operations in Buguma Creeks in Asari-Toru Local Government Area
(LGA), where over eight illegal refining sites were deactivated, with dugout pits containing over 25,000 litres of stolen products handled.
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
Linus Aleke in abuja Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday assured staff of the Commission and police personnel that distinguished themselves and take the war against corruption to the next level, would in no time be recognised and appropriate benefits extended to them.
The commission also tasked police officers to continue to do their best to advance the nation’s security architecture, stressing that Nigeria must be freed from insurgency and terror.
Chairman, PSC, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), further stressed that though the commission will
not engage in special promotions, “it has the powers to give accelerated promotion based on merit and performance.”
A statement by Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said the dividend of anti-graft war is already trickling down. Argungu had declared on assumption of office that he would not tolerate corruption at both the commission and the NPF and had quickly launched whistle blowing Policy in the commission.
He also presented himself for official scrutiny and declared that the whistle should be blown on him if found wanting in the line of duty.
Michael Olugbode inabuja
Twenty-five orphanages in Nigeria have received a donation of over N1.2 million each to take care of orphans in their facilities.
The donation was made at the weekend at a high-profile fund raising event to commemorate the 2024 World Orphans Day organised by Chadash Empowerment Foundation founded by Temitope Adeola, the wife of the Senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola
In a remarkable display of philanthropy, many of the donors are senators and their wives and
had in attendance both the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin and Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, with the spouse of the founder of the Foundation, Solomon Adeola, being the host who got many other senators to the event.
Speaking at the event where N.27 million was raised for each of the 25 orphanage homes, Mrs. Adeola said the Foundation’s initiative demonstrates the power of collective effort in addressing the needs of marginalized communities, adding that the Foundation’s commitment to supporting orphanages serves as a beacon of hope for those who need it most.
Onuminya Innocent
The American University of Peace and Governance, Texas, United State (US), in collaboration with the African Continental Chapter of the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC Africa), and Cutting Edge African Magazine, is to honour Nigeria’s First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and other eminent Nigerians at its inaugural ‘African Strategic Leadership Lecture.’
With the themed, “The Significance of Good Governance in Politics Towards Sustainable Peace and National Security,” the landmark event will take place on November 30, 2024 in Lagos.
The programme will include lectures, discussions on governance , peace, and an award ceremony to recognise outstanding individuals who have contributed significantly to leadership, cultural advancement, public service, and other fields of endeavours
After an emergency meeting of the State Security Council at the weekend, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said that the security architecture of the state would be rejigged.
The emergency meeting was called in response to the recent attacks against security personnel that have claimed the lives of two soldiers and three policemen in less than two weeks.
Otti told journalists after the security council meeting
that they have taken a firm resolve to smoke out criminal elements in Abia State.
“We have all sat down to look at the security architecture of the state, and I am happy that we have resolved to rejig the security architecture to ensure that
something like these (attacks) will be a thing of the past.” Otti vowed that there would be no hiding place for all the criminal elements as the state would be so uncomfortable for them to remain and perpetrate their nefarious activities.
The newly inaugurated Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan, Most Reverend Oluwarotimi Aladekugbe, yesterday, queried the attendance of President Bola Tinubu at the recently Joint ArabIslamic Summit in Saudi Arabia.
Aladekugbe at his inauguration ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Peter Aremo, Ibadan, yesterday described the attendance of President Tinubu at the summit as uncalled for bearing in mind that the country is a secular state.
The cleric noted that in as much as Nigerians are not querying his decision to attend meetings
outside the country, he should be mindful of the kind of the meetings to attend on behalf of the citizenry.
He said: “There is need for the National Assembly to caution our President on some of his trips outside the country. Nobody is trying to tie him down but his attendance at the Joint Arab- Islamic Summit on behalf of the country is uncalled for. “Nigeria is a secular state and that culture should be maintained. I can recollect that during the time of President Ibrahim Babangida there was an attempt to enlist Nigeria as a member of the Organisation of Islamic Nations which was vehemently resisted.
Chinedu Eze
The federal government has concluded plans to streamline the screening of passengers at the international airports and deploy security equipment to reduce human interface in order to end the allegation of the harassment of travellers by security operatives. This will also reduce multiple screenings of passengers, which will save time and end the highhandedness of some security personnel who allegedly extort money from passengers and unduly delay passengers who refuse to give them money until they miss their flights.
This was disclosed yesterday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as a guest on local TV station, where he said the new system would be modelled like the US Transport Security Administration (TSA).
Keyamo believes that this is the most effective way to curb interaction between passengers and security personnel at the airport, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Aviation Security of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Quarantine, the Nigeria Air Force and the Nigeria Police.
Sunday Okobi
Investors and owners of Winhomes Global Services Limited, a real estate development company in Okun Aja, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what they described as illegal deviation from the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway alignment and selective demolition by the Ministry of Works.
through the gazetted alignment in Okun-Ajah, and prevail on the Minister of Works to go back to the original 2006 alignment during a stakeholders’ meeting.
They also urged Tinubu to disregard the misleading information that MTN and 2Africa marine cable passed
The estate owners, in a letter jointly signed by Dr. OlubokunBasorun, Femi Adekoya, Dr Arinze Onwumelu and Dr. Kimberly Stark, accused the Minister and Controller of Works in Lagos State of illegally deviating from the coastal road alignment and engaging in selective demolition of property of law abiding investors in Winehomes Estate (Chainage 16-18).
Wale Igbintade
Justice Sanda Audu Yelwa of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Lagos, has granted the request of Ayodeji Sasegbon, a former employee of Total Energies E&P Nigeria Limited
(TEPNG), to present virtual evidence in his N108 billion lawsuit against the firm’s parent company, Total Energies SE (Total SE), for the wrongful termination of his appointment as a Process Engineer - Smart Room.
The ruling followed a
motion seeking the court’s permission to allow the Claimant/Applicant to present evidence virtually.
The motion, argued by Aniekan Obong on behalf of Mr. Yemi Candide-Johnson, SAN, of Strachan Partners, contended that the Claimant is
currently in England receiving treatment for a debilitating illness and trauma caused by the shock and devastating impact of his wrongful termination by Total Energies. Lawal Kazeem of Templars, representing the Defendants, opposed the motion.
‘Nigeria’s Economic Growth Hinges on Vocational Education, Skills Devt’
Mary Nnah
President of Yield Africa Foundation, Mr. Olatunde Martins, has said that Nigeria’s economic growth is inextricably linked to developing its human capital, particularly through vocational education and skills
development.
According to Martins, vocational education is key to tackling youth unemployment.
“Small businesses are the
Speaking during the Lagos Skills Summit 2024, which was held in Surulere, Lagos, and was a collaborative effort between Yield Africa Foundation and W2O Foundation, Martins emphasised that the country’s focus on paper qualifications has led to a significant skills shortage, particularly in the MSME sector, which is the backbone of any economy.
main vehicle for our economy, and we encourage women and youth to engage in vocational education as a channel of wealth creation,” he said. Martins also noted that vocational education has been neglected due to the preference for white-collar jobs.
ensured that we Nigerians are not the only people on the move. At the weekend I saw this funny skit of New York harbour’s 138-year-old Statue of Liberty. For centuries it welcomed immigrants to the United States with its declaration, “…Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost, to me…” Here now was Lady Liberty dragging its suitcases to leave the USA for fear that incoming President Trump will deport her back to France!
Of the Nigerians who want to scamper out of their communities, NBS found that 31.2 percent of men want to leave while only 19.3 percent of women want to leave. Not very surprising, because in Africa at least, women tend to be more conservative about their choices, less adventurous and more sentimentally attached to home, family and relatives. Many years ago, I met a man in Sokoto called Mamman Bututu. He told me that he left his hometown due to a quarrel 15 years earlier and that he never sat down for one minute and thought about home. He refused to say what the quarrel was all about.
One noticeable drawback in the NBS survey was that it did not ask the persons who indicated a desire to desert their communities why they want to do so. Or maybe they did, but it was not reflected in the News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] report that I read. In secondary school Economic Geography, we were taught that there are “push and pull factors” that drive rural-urban migration. While poor amenities, absolute poverty, high underemployment and general deprivation of African rural environments pushes people to migrate, lure of urban facilities and greater employment opportunities pulls them towards city life. Not to mention, in recent times, that insecurity, insurgency and kidnapping infest rural
communities more than urban ones, even making farming impossible in many communities all over the North.
Not surprisingly either, there is an age element in the desire to migrate. While 34.5 percent of people between ages 20 and 30 expressed a desire to migrate, 26.9% of those between ages 15 and 18 said they want to migrate while 25% of those between ages 31 and 64 said they want to move. Only 6.5% of those above 65 years of age indicated a similar desire. That one third of those in the 20 to 30 age bracket want to leave is not surprising because this is the age of physical vigour, relatively good health, adventurous spirit and little knowledge or experience of the world. Between the ages of 31 and 64, as we can see from the NBS survey, reality has begun to sink in, some progress has been made in life, family or other responsibility has begun to tie down a person, and experience of other communities has filtered in, showing that things are not necessarily better in other places.
Who was the philosopher who said, “In my twenties I wanted to change the world. In my thirties I wanted to change my country. In my forties I wanted to change my community. In my fifties I wanted to change my family. In my sixties I only want to change myself.” At a certain age in life you realise that even changing yourself by dropping a habit such as cigarette smoking is a big challenge. I thought of this matter some time ago when I read a story about Afenifere chieftain Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who is 96, saying Nigeria must be restructured. Though I am several decades short of 90, I have been trying for three years now to restructure the bookshelf in my bedroom, without success.
Okay, all those Nigerians who are itching to leave, where do they want to go? Wonder of wonders,
systemic nature of this malfeasance.
Worse still is the endemic exploitation of students, particularly the predatory practice of sex-for-marks. The 2018 BBC exposé Sex for Grades brought global attention to the disturbing prevalence of lecturers demanding sexual favours in exchange for academic progress. What should be relationships built on mentorship and mutual respect have turned into transactions marked by abuse and power imbalances. The damage to the victims—primarily young women—is incalculable, leaving psychological scars and perpetuating gender inequalities.
The intellectual decline of Nigerian universities is also evident in their academic output. Research, the lifeblood of any institution of higher learning, has been relegated to the back burner. A 2019 National Universities Commission (NUC) report revealed that not many lecturers meet the required publication standards for academic promotion. This lack of engagement with research stifles innovation, diminishes Nigerian universities' global competitiveness, and underscores the extent to which academic priorities have been abandoned.
Students, too, are enmeshed in this web of indiscipline. Once viewed as eager knowledge seekers, many now exhibit an alarming detachment from academic pursuits. Classrooms often sit halfempty as truancy becomes commonplace. Academic dishonesty, including exam malpractice, has been normalized, and 60% of students in a 2020 Exam Ethics Marshals International survey admitted to witnessing or participating in such acts. Having cheated through university, these students enter the workforce ill-prepared, perpetuating cycles of incompetence and corruption.
More concerning is the growing prevalence of drug abuse and transactional relationships among students. In a society where poverty and unemployment loom large, some students see little choice but to offer bribes—or their bodies—in exchange for grades. These behaviours, symptomatic of deeper socio-economic issues, reflect a profound loss of moral and academic purpose.
The crisis within universities mirrors the broader moral decline of Nigerian society. Poverty and
35.3% of those Nigerians who want to migrate said they would like to move to Abuja! I blame the newspapers, TV stations and social media for this misplaced perception of Abuja. Quite alright, MPs and top civil servants from Abuja come home for the weekend and they spend money as if it is going out of fashion, so people in the rural communities get the impression that money can be picked with ease in Abuja streets. The wide roads, tall buildings and glitzy super stores assist in conveying this wrong impression. Some years ago, I saw a down-and-out Abuja resident being interviewed on NTA, and he said something like, “This is Abuja now! Everybody comes here to get something!” Everybody comes, but relatively few people manage to get something. While a few get too much, too many people get nothing and are forced to return home empty handed or to resort to begging and crime.
At the weekend, I chanced upon Arise TV’s newsroom preparing a report on the large number of beggars, mostly from the far Northern states, that now infest Abuja city corners. These beggars believe that Abuja people have more money to give as alms. Maybe so, but Abuja people are less compassionate and less inclined to give alms than those less well-to-do folks the beggars left behind at home. Charity is often inversely proportional to wealth. Back in the rural areas, some people can give out all the money they have as charity in expectation of God’s reward, whereas in a city such as Abuja, a person who is sitting on 100 million naira will be fretting that it is not enough for a foreign vacation, a foreign shopping trip, a foreign medical trip or to pay a child’s fees in a choice foreign school.
Back in the 1980s, I remember reading a report by a World Bank official who travelled around the world. He found that there is a wide dissonance between wealth and happiness. He said when he visited the slums of Kinshasa in DR Congo, he found
unemployment, with the latter reaching a staggering 33.3% in 2023, create an environment where survival often takes precedence over ethics. In such conditions, it is unsurprising that corruption seeps into every facet of life, including higher education. Families, once the bedrock of moral instruction, are increasingly fractured, leaving young people without the guidance they need to develop strong ethical foundations.
Weak governance exacerbates these challenges. When those in power engage in unethical practices with impunity, they set a dangerous precedent for the rest of society. Nigeria’s consistently poor ranking on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception
for itself without foreign interference.
Although the term is fairly recent, the principle of strategic autonomy is deeply rooted in the history of France and Nigeria.
It is also a principle that is widely supported by the citizens of both our countries.
Today, we want to reiterate our firm commitment to promoting this principle of strategic autonomy, not only for our two countries, but also within the framework of the strategic vision that we are putting forward, as Nigeria, for Africa, and as France, for Europe.
We will not meet the challenges of today's world by building blocs.
We will meet these challenges by reforming and renewing global governance, by adapting existing frameworks so that they enable us to work together more effectively, to reach consensus and to focus resources on solving the crucial challenges that we face.
To achieve this, we need global governance to be more inclusive and participatory. Even though progress
has been made, more needs to be done to ensure that the entire world population, and particularly the African continent, feels truly represented in all fora.
We need this renewed and reformed global governance to protect the achievements of previous generations such as the body of international humanitarian law that exists today and should be implemented in the same way, whether in Gaza, in Sudan or in Ukraine.
We need it to step up our efforts to establish stronger health systems, education for all, sustainable and legal migration pathways.
We need it to strengthen our resilience to climate change and to better protect biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions.
Nigeria and France are proud to reaffirm today their commitment to work together in order to achieve these objectives, and to help bring together all stakeholders, fully aware of our shared interests and horizons.
•Tinubu and Macron are both Presidents of Nigeria and France
that people who were living with pigs and rats in the filthiest environment, just above gutters, will every now and then roar with laughter. On the other hand, he wrote, half of the folks on the streets of Manhattan Island in New York City are millionaires but everybody is grim faced, worried stiff about stock market prices, high taxes, uninsured medical bills, whether his or her favourite team will win the Super Bowl, and where to go for holiday this year. Now, 26.6 per cent of those Nigerians who indicated a desire to desert their communities said they would like to relocate to another country. I can guess that the “another country” they are referring to are mostly UK, USA, Canada, Germany and UAE. Certainly no one wants to go to Ukraine, Russia or Gaza, or for that matter to Israel, lest he be conscripted into the army and Hetzbollah or Iranian rockets rain down on him or her. So much is the allure of those countries, based on false perceptions, that young Nigerians and many other West Africans cross the Sahara Desert in rickety trucks, risk becoming slaves in Libya, and pay smugglers to carry them across the Mediterranean Sea in dinghy boats in order to reach Europe, only to end up in a Greek or Italian camp or, at best, sleep in a park in the London winter.
Interestingly, the NBS report found that while Nigerians from the North predominantly want to go to Abuja, those from the South predominantly want to go abroad. It means Northerners have a lower aspiration with respect to emigration, are comfortable with Abuja because it has a familiar Northern flavour, and they are also less attracted to Europe and North America for cultural reasons. Ok, flee from your community if you must. Remember however that Donald Trump will soon throw millions of “undocumented immigrants” out of the United States and you will cross roads on your way out and on their way back.
handling of the issues at Nnamdi Azikiwe University reflects a renewed commitment to swiftly addressing indiscipline and maladministration within our hallowed institutions. However, intentions and signaling alone will not suffice. To effect lasting change, policies must be fortified with robust enforcement mechanisms, including independent oversight bodies to investigate misconduct and safeguard whistleblowers.
Promoting ethical leadership within universities is paramount. Lecturers who embody integrity must be celebrated and elevated as role models. Simultaneously, students must be encouraged to embrace academic rigour and ethical behaviour through scholarships, mentorship programs, and strict penalties for malpractice.
Beyond the campus, families, religious institutions, and civil society must rally to restore Nigerian society's moral fabric. Parents must reclaim their role as their children's primary moral educators, while religious leaders should reassert the relevance of faith-based ethics in modern life.
Nigerian universities are at a crossroads. They can continue their descent into moral and intellectual decay or rise once more as citadels of learning and virtue. The latter path demands courage, collective effort, and an unwavering commitment to reform. It requires recognising that the stakes are nothing less than the nation's future.
Index—150th out of 180 countries in a recent report—is a sobering indicator of this systemic failure. Leaders who should serve as role models instead perpetuate the behaviours they ought to condemn, normalizing a culture of dishonesty and exploitation.
The absence of ethical role models compounds this moral vacuum. Who can young people look up to when those in authority are often implicated in scandals? The erosion of religious adherence further deepens this crisis, as faith-based moral teachings, once a cornerstone of Nigerian society, are increasingly sidelined. However, individuals and organizations are working tirelessly to address these issues, and their efforts should be acknowledged and supported to foster a sense of collective responsibility and encourage further action.
The normalization of immorality in Nigerian universities has devastating implications for the nation. Institutions that should uphold meritocracy and fairness produce graduates lacking the competence and ethical grounding needed to contribute meaningfully to society. These graduates enter critical sectors—healthcare, education, and governance—carrying the seeds of corruption and mediocrity. The result is a vicious cycle that undermines national development and perpetuates systemic inefficiencies.
The societal cost is immeasurable. When trust in institutions erodes, so does social cohesion. Citizens lose faith in the idea that hard work and integrity lead to success, fostering a culture of cynicism and despair. In such a society, progress becomes a distant dream, overshadowed by the grim reality of systemic decay.
Despite the bleakness of the current situation, hope persists. The recent actions of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, notably his zerotolerance stance on malfeasance, underscore an awareness of the crisis's severity. His decisive
The systemic failure of Nigerian universities mirrors the nation's broader challenges, from economic inequality to the erosion of family and religious values. Yet, within this crisis lies an opportunity to restore these institutions as beacons of excellence and integrity. The story of Nigerian universities is a microcosm of the nation’s struggles and aspirations. The indiscipline plaguing these institutions reflects the broader societal challenges of corruption, inequality, and moral decay. Yet, just as these universities have been complicit in perpetuating these challenges, they can also be at the forefront of addressing them.
Reforming Nigerian universities is not simply about improving education but about reclaiming the nation’s future. It is about producing leaders who value integrity over shortcuts, competence over mediocrity, and justice over corruption. The task is daunting, but it is not impossible. The call to action is clear: policymakers, educators, families, and civil society must unite to demand accountability, celebrate ethical leadership, and invest in the moral and intellectual renewal of these institutions. The stakes are nothing less than the soul of the nation. Nigeria cannot afford to let its universities remain citadels of indiscipline. They must be transformed into sanctuaries of learning and virtue—places where dreams are nurtured and the future is forged. Let us rise to this challenge with the urgency and determination it demands.
Nigerian universities can reclaim their rightful place as sanctuaries of knowledge and character by embracing integrity, enforcing accountability, and cultivating a culture of ethical leadership. Though the task is formidable, the reward—a generation of leaders committed to justice, fairness, and progress—is immeasurable. We must not surrender these institutions to the forces of decay. Instead, we must rise to the challenge, determined to restore their lost glory. In doing so, we will secure not only the future of our universities but also the future of Nigeria itself.
“If flights are delayed, after two hours, snacks and refreshments are given. After three hours, refunds are made. If you pay cash, you get cash back and if it's online, it takes two weeks. After four hours, hotel accommodation and refreshments that's if it's night, are provided. So, there are indices and regulations that we must follow. It's there and a lot of people don't know their rights..." –D-G,NigerianCivilAviationAuthority(NCAA),Capt.Chris Najomo,remindsAirlineOperatorsoftheirobligations to passengers.
In the present era, international relations are often framed as if there were only two possible outcomes for States: to dominate, or to be dominated; to vassalize, or to be vassalized.
Nations are supposed to make a choice in favour of this or that hegemon, this or that bloc. The lesson we are learning from our experience as Heads of State of two countries whose bilateral relationship has been deepening over the last twenty-five years is quite different.
From our shared perspectives, we can very confidently say that we see our relationship as a partnership between equals. Indeed, there are moments in history when countries find themselves driven by shared interests that are well understood and recognized by all. France and Nigeria find themselves at such a pivotal moment.
When we have mutual interests, we work together. It is in our mutual interest to encourage private sector investment between our two countries. It is in our mutual interest to develop thriving
Tcreative and cultural industries that will generate jobs for Nigerian and French young people.
It is in our mutual interest to make sure that the Gulf of Guinea is safe for all economic activities.
It is in our mutual interest to strengthen our food systems so that they are stable, secure and not overreliant on imports.
We are glad that Nigeria and France are trusted partners, to each other and to many countries all over the world. This trust is invaluable. This trust rules out constraint or pressure.
It rules out systematic alignment. It rules out over-reliance. It leads us to respect the vision that our two countries have of their respective strategic autonomy.
We define strategic autonomy as the ability for States to pursue their own interests without over-reliance on another State, particularly with regard to their national security and foreign policy; to choose a future
Continued on page 39
he report put out by the National Bureau of Statistics [NBS] last week that one out of every four Nigerians above the age of 15 wants to leave where he or she presently resides and move to another place, somehow reminded me of what the writer Edgar Snow once wrote about Chairman Mao Zedong at the height of the Chinese leader’s fame [or notoriety, depending on who you are] in the 1960s.
Snow wrote that, “If the whole human race is assembled and Mao’s name is thrown at them, one quarter [i.e. the population of China] will
bow with veneration. One quarter [i.e. Western anti- Communists] will grimace with hate. One quarter [i.e. Western liberals and Third World nationalists] will receive the name with respect. And the last quarter, the most backward section of the human race, has never heard of him.”
Let me paraphrase Edgar Snow a bit. The NBS survey seems to be saying that if the entire population of Nigeria is assembled and the chance to emigrate is thrown at them, one quarter will grab it with both hands. One quarter will turn down the offer. One quarter will respect the decision of those who grab the offer. And the last quarter, the
most indecisive section of Nigerians disoriented by high cost of living, high transport fares, steep fall in naira value and insecurity, do not know what to think of it.
I am not the one who is making this allegation, mind you; it is the government’s own National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, that found this out in its General Household Survey- Panel (GHS-Panel) Wave 5 2023/2024, which it unveiled in Abuja on Thursday last week. While some of the respondents told NBS’ surveyors that they want to leave their communities temporarily, others said they want to leave permanently.
UOne quarter want to leave. We must be some of the most dissatisfied people in the world. I have not seen comparative figures for other countries but I doubt if so many people in the Arabian desert, Ethiopian highlands, Kalahari bushmen, people in the Mongolian steppes, in the Australian Outback, in the Argentine pampas, in Patagonia, Inuits in northern Canada who live in Igloos made of ice, or even people in the Galapagos Islands would like to desert their homes and go somewhere else. Recent developments around the world however
Continued on page 39
niversities are meant to be the heart of a nation's progress—places where the brightest minds are nurtured, and the moral compass of future leaders is set. These institutions should serve as sanctuaries of learning, innovation, and ethical development, embodying society's hopes for a brighter future. In Nigeria, however, this ideal has been tragically compromised. What ought to be citadels of knowledge have devolved into hubs of indiscipline, corruption, academic malpractice, and moral decay. This is not just an education crisis; it is a national emergency. The rot within our universities threatens to unravel the very fabric of
Nigerian society, jeopardizing the nation's potential for progress and prosperity.
At the core of this malaise lies a failure to uphold the dual mission of education: the dissemination of knowledge and the cultivation of character. The consequences devastate the students and staff trapped in this dysfunctional system and the broader society that relies on these institutions to produce competent, ethical leaders. The urgent question is this: can Nigerian universities reclaim their purpose, or will they remain symbols of a society spiralling into moral and intellectual decline?
I must acknowledge that many great lecturers and students still uphold the moral and ethical
sanctity of our citadels of higher learning. I express my gratitude to these heroes and encourage them to continue the good work because they are the foundation on which these institutions' renewed hope and reform lie. However, these issues tarnish the global perception of Nigerian education, and urgent action is needed to restore its integrity.
Among the most disheartening contributors to this crisis are the lecturers, who occupy a sacred role as the custodians of knowledge and morality. Instead of uplifting students, many have become complicit in perpetuating a culture of decay. Forged qualifications among academic staff are not just statistical anomalies but glaring
symbols of a system that has lost its way. Academic fraud, absenteeism, and exploitative practices have normalized unethical behaviour, leaving students vulnerable and society disillusioned. Students, who should be eager learners, are instead drawn into a culture of shortcuts, malpractice, and apathy. These patterns are not isolated incidents; they reflect a broader societal acceptance of corruption, fuelled by poverty, unemployment, and weak governance. In 2021, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) uncovered over 100 cases of academic fraud, exposing the
Continued on page 39