The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Osunbor charges Judiciary to protect rule of law

    Osunbor charges Judiciary to protect rule of law

    The Former Chairman of Nigerian Law Reform Commission and Governor of Edo State, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor, has called on the Judiciary to show sincerity and determination to protect the Rule of law, not by mere rhetorics but by action and a change of attitude that all can see.

    This was the thrust of a keynote address delivered by Prof. Osunbor, at Oladipo Jimilehin’s 90th birthday Colloquium.

    The event which was held at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Victoria Island, Lagos, was themed: “The Rule of Law in Contemporary Nigeria: an in-depth analysis”.

    In his Address, Prof. Osunbor, cited that rule of law has thrived and has been a cardinal principle of the government in the country, regardless of the system of government in practice.

    He however, lamented that the country has reached a point under the current political leadership where the law exists only on paper.

    He added that the leadership of the three arms of government, has not demonstrated fidelity to the  concept.

    Citing instances where each arm of government has desecrated the rule of law, the former NBA President, lamented that the National Assembly, has now ceased to exercise its independence. He described their current practice as “mere rubber-stamp   that approves every request submitted to it by the president.

    Referencing section 14 (1) (b) of the Constitution that states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”, he stated that it has been jettisoned, while security of citizens, is neglected.

    Read Also: We’ll mobilise all military assets against insecurity, says Tinubu

    The Keynote Speaker also cited the suspension of a democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, by the President under the guise of a State of Emergency and approved by the National Assembly, as the most egregious violation of the Constitution.

    He also urged the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, to lead in cleansing the system of the rot, no matter where.

    “Respect for the rule of law is inevitable lest we return to Hobbesian State of nature, when life was “nasty, brutish and short”. Nigeria must survive. Nigeria will survive under the rule of law but impunity must end,” he noted.

    In an interview , a Research Fellow, Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Femi Olubanjo, reiterated that rule of law can be maintained by enforcing existing laws.

    Prof. Olubanjo also stressed that there is need for revolution in the country in order to return to the rule of law.

    “There is too much lawlessness and corruption in the country. The people must rise. They must know that it is better to live in a lawful society than a lawless one,” Olubanjo said.

    The celebrant, Mr. Jimilehin, appreciated the attendees of the event for sharing in his joy. He however, noted that corruption has deepened too much into the fabrics of the society and would only require collective efforts to be wiped out.

    “It is difficult for anyone to say that corruption will be wiped out. It’s for everybody. We must be determined to say that we are going to do away with corruption because there is corruption everywhere. If we want to face reality, everybody will make it their duty to fight corruption,” he stressed.

  • Experts canvass fusion of technology into storytelling, creativity

    Experts canvass fusion of technology into storytelling, creativity

    The 2025 Lagos Advertising & Ideas Festival (LAIF) Creative Conference has brought together leading voices in Nigeria’s creative industry to discuss the evolving landscape of the advertising industry, resilience, and the discipline required to produce world-class ideas.

    With a strong presence of young creatives in the audience, this year’s conference placed heavy emphasis on the values that sustain long-term success in advertising, storytelling, and brand innovation.

    President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Lanre Adisa, explained that young creatives must adopt a mindset of craftsmanship, one that recognizes that every groundbreaking idea requires energy, sweat, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.

    Adisa noted that despite advancements in technology and idea-generation tools, the fundamental principles of hard work and determination still define the quality of output.

    “So, especially to the young guys in the audience, it still requires a lot of hard work. It is about doing good work for the Lord, working hard, and, as I always tell my team, some of us earn our money the old-fashioned way. We sweat for it. So you have to find yourself sweating to try and get the excellent idea, the very best of ideas, out. So let’s not give up, and sometimes there will be bumps on the road. Just take it for what it is and just keep on working,” he said.

    In his remarks, Chairman, Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival Management Board, Jay Chukwuemeka, described creativity as a demanding craft that rewards those who are willing to push beyond their comfort zones, cultivate their skills, and remain dedicated to producing work that stands out in both quality and purpose.

    Read Also: We’ll mobilise all military assets against insecurity, says Tinubu

    Chukwuemeka encouraged participants to adopt a mindset that embraces challenges as stepping stones toward exceptional creative output.

    Speaking during a panel session titled” The Anatomy of Genius: Unpacking the Human Truths and The Craft Behind Award-winning work”, CEO, X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko stressed that creatives must be able to go above and beyond to deliver their craft to get the clients convinced, especially when they are under immense pressure.

    According to Babaeko, it is the responsibility of creatives to understand the psychology of clients while pushing their ideas, stressing that many clients are driven by key metrics such as volume, profit, or bonus.

    Another panelist who spoke during the session, Creative Director, Dentsu South Africa, TJ Njozela, stated that a creative person must find a balance in delivering award-winning work and work that is responsible and of best practice, regardless of mounting opposition from the client.

    In her remarks, Chief Visionary Officer, Event Architects Limited, Funmi Victor-Okigbo, explained that a creative person must be interested in the fine details to deliver great works.

    Victor-Okigbo emphasized the need for agencies to place the client at the forefront of their work, noting that their enthusiasm and excitement should be the measure of success.

    In another panel session titled “Future of AI in Communications”, Marketing Director, Visa West Africa, Seun Adaramola, stated that AI remains the most potent tool to make communication more effective, urging both agencies and clients to embrace it.

    Adaramola urged agencies to leverage AI while also ensuring that they deploy creativity to infuse emotion into their work.

    Also speaking, Founder, Naija AI Film Festival, Obinna Okerekeocha, said AI is crucial to bringing creatives’ imaginations to life faster, adding that the future of African storytelling lies at the intersection of art and technology.

    Okerekeocha stated that his organization is committed to rewarding individuals who can effectively utilize an AI tool by generating innovative ideas.

    Making her position known, Founder, SAY Visionaries, Susan Younis, explained that agencies must leverage AI to tell the story the way they want it.

    Speaking during another panel session titled’ Power of Collaboration Across Disciplines”, the Chief Executive Officer, Q21 Solutions, Eunice Adeyemi, noted that agencies must earn the trust of their clients to enable them to create experience that infuses technology at will.

    In her submission, Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, corroborated the earlier position, stating that clients must be willing to co-create with agencies to deliver an unforgettable experience on every project.

    Speaking during the session, Segun Ogunleye, Head of Marketing at Diageo, stated that brands, agencies, and other partners needed to have a collaborative mindset to achieve their objectives.

    Also speaking, the Founder, Lagos Street Art Festival, Osa Seven, explained that delegating responsibility or building a team in the creative space contributes a great deal in helping to scale bigger and fine-tune one’s craft into a global standard.

    Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer, Accelerate Media Group, who moderated a session on a topic titled “Authenticity in African storytelling,” explained that creative professionals must ground their work in values that inspire integrity, authenticity, and continuous improvement, qualities that remain relevant despite evolving industry trends.

    The other remaining panel session, titled ”Women in Advertising,” focused on challenges faced by women in the profession and how employers should help female employees achieve work-life balance without necessarily hindering their career growth.

  • Foundation holds medical outreach

    Foundation holds medical outreach

    Bakare Bridge Foundation (BBF) has organised a medical outreach for residents of Ibadan, as part of its vision to ensure Nigerians have access to medical care.

    Drugs were distributed, while over 200 glasses were given to persons with eye ailments.

    Founder of BBF and outreach convener, Bakare Nurudeen, said the programme showed people needed more access to public health.

    He urged citizens not to visit only University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, but also health centres and general hospitals for consultation.

    Read Also: Federation Account inflows hit N56.4trn on reforms

    He assured people that his foundation would continue to hold medical outreach to ensure people had good health.

    The medical team was headed by Dr. Ronke Lawal, a consultant at UCH. Beneficiaries underwent blood pressure, glucose and eye/visual acuity tests, among others.

    A Chief Nursing Officer at UCH, Mrs Favour Akinwale, advised people to eat good and rest.

    She urged them to avoid using drugs indiscriminately and always visit clinics and hospitals whenever they had health problems.

  • Ex-Ethiopian president, minister chart path to women’s leadership

    Ex-Ethiopian president, minister chart path to women’s leadership

    Former President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, and Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, have called for greater inclusion of women in positions of real authority across Africa, stressing that sustainable development on the continent depends on women’s leadership.

    They made the call at the 14th edition of the Inspiring Woman Africa (IWA) Series, the theme: “Leadership Redefined: Charting New Paths to Excellence.”

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to strengthening systems that support women and girls nationwide.

    She noted that women are central to nation-building, describing them not just as participants but as “architects of new possibilities.”

    According to her, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is focused on expanding opportunities for women and ensuring that gender equality and equity become a lived reality across sectors, particularly in women’s economic spaces.

    The minister highlighted the Social Impact Intervention Programme 774, explaining that it is designed to reach all 774 local government areas in the country with targeted empowerment initiatives, capacity-building, and system-strengthening support.

    Read Also: Federation Account inflows hit N56.4trn on reforms

    She also urged women to take full advantage of the ministry’s flagship digital platform, describing it as more than an application but a gateway to verified information, economic opportunities, mental health resources, legal support, safety tools, community networks, and direct ministry programmes.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim encouraged participants to build strong networks and support one another, stressing that leadership is about transformation, impact, and leaving every space better than it was found.

    In her keynote address, Zewde emphasised that meaningful progress for women can only be achieved when they occupy legislative and executive positions of power. She warned that without authority to legislate and execute policies, women’s inclusion risks becoming a box-ticking exercise.

    “If she doesn’t have the power to legislate or execute, much cannot be achieved,” the former Ethiopian president said, adding that women must also take control of their narratives.

    “For a woman, if she doesn’t talk about herself or tell her story, nobody will. At least, nobody will write about her,” Zewde noted.

    She further stressed the importance of solidarity among women, calling for amplified voices in addressing conflicts and humanitarian crises affecting women across Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.

    Zewde questioned why female candidates often struggle at the polls despite women forming the majority of voters, urging women to actively support one another politically.

    She shared her personal journey, recalling that she was appointed ambassador at 37, marking the beginning of her leadership trajectory.

    The IWA Series, founded by Kemi Ajumobi, is a pan-African initiative dedicated to empowering women by amplifying their voices, sharing their stories, and supporting their professional, personal, and leadership growth.

    Other speakers at the event included Chinwe Iloghalu, Dr Busola Tejumola, Dr Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, Ozim Ibeziako, Obafemi Banigbe, Aisha Ndanusa Ahmad, Tonye Cole, Franca Clambella, Ugochukwu Obi-Chukwu, Patricia Obozuwa, Chinyere Okorocha, Folake Soetan, Abe Jawando, and Abiola Adediran.

  • Case for innovative education funding

    Case for innovative education funding

    • GCUOBA Lagos targets N2bn

    The Lagos Branch of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA) has set an ambitious target of raising N2 billion for the construction of a permanent secretariat in Lagos.

          Stakeholders called for innovative funding strategies to revive and sustain educational institutions in Nigeria.

     The fundraising goal was unveiled at the association’s 2025 Annual Luncheon, held on Sunday in Lagos, with the theme: Innovation Funding Strategies for Educational Institutions.

      President of GCUOBA Lagos Branch, Chief Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan (SAN), described the luncheon as more than a social gathering, saying it was a reaffirmation of the fraternity’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Government College Ughelli while responding to the challenges confronting secondary education in Nigeria. 

    “This year’s luncheon sets an ambitious but noble goal: the raising of N2 billion for the construction of a Permanent Secretariat for the association in Lagos. This Secretariat will become the administrative heartbeat of GCUOBA Lagos Branch, a centre for educational seminars, leadership programmes, lectures, conferences and community-focused initiatives.” Uwensuyi-Edosomwan said.

    He explained that the facility would serve as a lasting legacy for current and future generations of “Mariners,” while strengthening the association’s contribution to Nigeria’s educational development. 

    The GCUOBA Lagos president noted that the association, with the support of partners and donors, had over the years recorded progress in restoring, rehabilitating and modernising infrastructure at Government College Ughelli, in line with the vision of its founding fathers. 

    Appealing to members and guests to give generously, he said: “I appeal that you support us with your purses to the hilt in making the purpose of this luncheon a reality.” 

    Uwensuyi-Edosomwan also commended the Lagos Branch executive committee and the luncheon organising team led by Vice-President, Engr. Okosubide Mozimo, as well as donors and supporters whose contributions, he said, had turned noble ideas into tangible progress.

    Chairman of the event and former Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke, used his remarks to underscore the central role of education in nation-building, productivity and governance.

     Sharing personal childhood experiences of schooling outside his comfort zone, Duke said education was not only about knowledge acquisition but also about values, exposure and skills development.

    Read Also: We’ll mobilise all military assets against insecurity, says Tinubu

    “The reason why we establish government is to ensure the optimal productivity of our citizens within a safe and orderly environment. That is why we send children to school, acquire skills, build hospitals and provide infrastructure.”

    Duke criticised Nigeria’s low productivity, noting that while the country’s population had grown from about 75 million in the 1970s to over 230 million today, national budgets, in real terms, had not grown proportionately.

    He introduced what he described as the SHIT framework, Skills, Health, Infrastructure and Technology,  as areas government and

    society must prioritise to unlock productivity.

    The former governor also spoke on energy, subsidies and resource management, arguing that Nigeria’s abundance of natural and human resources had not translated into broad-based development due to systemic failures.

    Calling on elites and alumni of quality schools to give back, Duke outlined what he termed the three phases of life: learning, earning and giving.

    “After 50, the phase is to give, beyond your family, because you’re not taking anything out of this world,” he said, urging sustained alumni involvement in education.

    He commended Government College Ughelli for efforts to reclaim greater control of the school through alumni engagement, describing it as a model that could help restore standards

    in public education.

    Keynote speaker and Chief Executive Officer of GenAI Learning Concept Ltd, Mr. Sunny Iroche, focused on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and the urgent need for Nigeria and Africa to invest in innovation-driven education.

    Iroche, who described himself as one of Africa’s early graduates in artificial intelligence, said the continent currently accounts for less than one per cent of global AI development, warning that failure to act would further widen inequality.

    “Artificial intelligence can be used for good or for evil; it depends on the user,” he said, citing examples of AI-driven breakthroughs in medicine, including emerging treatments for sickle cell disease and advances in restoring sight through brain-computer interface technology.

    According to him, AI is already reshaping healthcare, security, education and global geopolitics, with data now emerging as “the new crude oil” of the 21st century.

    Iroche argued that alumni associations must move beyond sentiment to strategic planning, capacity building and sustainable funding if they want to reposition schools for the future.

    “You must understand the project you want to build, have the financial capacity and bring all stakeholders along,” he said, stressing the importance of clear frameworks, governance structures and innovation hubs.

    He also advocated the establishment of debate, leadership and technology centres within schools to equip students with critical thinking, communication and digital skills required in an AI-driven world.

    The event, attended by prominent alumni, traditional rulers, captains of industry and education advocates, reinforced growing calls for alumni-led intervention in Nigeria’s struggling education sector.

    With the proposed Lagos secretariat expected to serve as a hub for leadership development, innovation and educational advocacy, GCUOBA Lagos Branch expressed optimism that the N2 billion target would be realised through collective commitment.

  • Tinubu’s policies yielding fruits, says Lagos APC chair

    Tinubu’s policies yielding fruits, says Lagos APC chair

    The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and other members of the party’s executive council and royal fathers have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term.

    They urged Nigerians to see his economic policies as the right way to go.

    They spoke at a mega empowerment programme, where working tools were distributed to artisans and vulnerable residents of the council.

    Ojelabi said: “President Tinubu knows the challenges of the country and he will continue to do his best to ensure the nation regains her lost glory.

    “Let us support him for a second term, for continuity and for him to further reform the economy of the country and provide dividends of democracy for the masses.”

    Read Also: We’ll mobilise all military assets against insecurity, says Tinubu

    Ojelabi hailed the Oshodi council chairman, Otunba Kehinde Oloyede-Almaroof, on his laudable projects.

    The Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Taiwo Ayedun, lauded the chairman for staying on the path of progress since his assumption of office.

    Otunba Oloyede-Almaroof listed the programmes his administration had delivered in his 100 days in office.

    He said 50 roads were completed in his first term, 45 boreholes dug for residents, and that 12,000 General Certificate of Education (GCE) and JAMB forms were distributed to the residents.

  • Businessman honoured for public service support

    Businessman honoured for public service support

    Businessman and philanthropist, Kelechukwu Mbagwu, has been honoured in recognition of his contributions to structural development and public service support.

    A beautifully crafted plaque was presented to him during a brief ceremony attended by family, associates, and security officials who gathered to celebrate a man widely respected for his commitment to community advancement.

    Mbagwu, the Managing Director of Cresthill Construction Company, has built a formidable reputation in Nigeria’s real estate and civil engineering sector.

    Under his leadership, the company has executed numerous landmark construction projects known for durability, innovation, and strict adherence to industry standards.

    Beyond his corporate accomplishments, he is a notable philanthropist whose humanitarian footprint cuts across education, community welfare, talent development, and support for public institutions.

    His consistent interventions reflect his belief that national development requires active private-sector participation and citizen-driven action.

    Read Also: Federation Account inflows hit N56.4trn on reforms

    It was against this background that the Zone 2 Police Command Headquarters, Onikan-Lagos, found him deserving of recognition with an Award of Appreciation.

    The Police Command, which oversees policing activities across Lagos and Ogun States, has in recent months embarked on infrastructure improvements aimed at boosting operational efficiency.

    According to senior officers at the event, Mbagwu’s support came at a critical moment, significantly enhancing the Command’s efforts toward creating a more conducive work environment for personnel and the public.

    They described him as a patriotic Nigerian whose actions demonstrate genuine partnership with security agencies.

    Mbagwu expressed profound gratitude, describing the honour as an encouragement to continue contributing to national progress. He reiterated his commitment to supporting institutions that promote peace, security, and social stability.

    “This recognition strengthens my resolve to keep supporting initiatives that uplift our society,” he said.

    The ceremony ended with appreciation from officers and guests who noted that sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors remains crucial to building a safer, better, and more developed Nigeria.

  • Alliance recovers 1.8 tonnes of recyclable waste at buyback

    Alliance recovers 1.8 tonnes of recyclable waste at buyback

    The Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) yesterday strengthened its push for a circular economy with the  hosting of its Christmas Buyback in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    It recovered 1.8 metric tonnes of recyclable waste and mobilised residents for a cleaner environment.

    The exercise drew over 240 participants, including youths, women groups, artisans and small business owners.

    It also attracted key stakeholders, among them the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi; officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment; the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA); Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA); the Department of Environment, Somolu Local Government; Community Development Council representatives; FBRA member companies and volunteers.

    Participants embarked on a one-hour environmental awareness walk within the community, sensitising households on the environmental and economic benefits of proper waste sorting and recycling.

    At the close of the buyback, FBRA announced the recovery of 1.8 metric tonnes of post-consumer packaging waste, including PET bottles, glass bottles, aluminium cans and used beverage cartons.

    Read Also: We’ll mobilise all military assets against insecurity, says Tinubu

    The materials were handed over to Trashusers, FBRA’s collection partner, for processing and reintegration into the recycling value chain, preventing them from ending up in landfills or drainage channels.

    Speaking on the initiative, FBRA Executive Director, Agharese Lucia Onaghise, said the programme aligns with the Alliance’s mandate to support member companies in meeting their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations while driving grassroots participation in responsible waste management.

    She noted that sustained community engagement remains central to strengthening Nigeria’s recycling systems and building public ownership of environmental protection.

    FBRA hailed Somolu Local Government, community leaders, partners and residents for their cooperation and enthusiasm, pledging to scale up similar interventions across Lagos and other parts of the country.

    According to the Alliance, the Somolu Christmas Buyback goes beyond a year-end activity, representing a practical demonstration of leadership, partnership and innovation in advancing Nigeria’s circular economy agenda.

  • The death of local government

    The death of local government

    • By Dorayi, Kano

    Sir: Long before insecurity tightened its grip on our highways, long before poverty colonised the villages, and long before our cities became swollen refugee camps of the economically displaced, a quiet tragedy had already eaten deep into the nation’s foundation. It is the silent collapse of the local government system.

    Across the world, nations that work do so because governance begins from the bottom. In Nigeria, governance begins from the top — and too often dies there. The original intention behind creating 774 local government areas was noble: to take government to the people, to deliver water, roads, healthcare, schools, markets, records, and security at the grassroots. Today, that vision has become a shadow, wandering through empty secretariats and overgrown council premises.

    But a surprising twist has recently emerged in this long-standing decay — a twist that should have marked a rebirth, yet has instead exposed an even deeper problem.

    Autonomy granted – but the crisis persists

    For decades, local government suffocation was blamed on the iron grip of governors who held their finances through the State Joint Allocation Account (JAAC). Then came what many hailed as liberation: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu supported, and the Supreme Court granted, full financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils.

    It should have been the dawn of a new era.  It should have breathed life into Nigeria’s most abandoned tier of government. It should have restored accountability, development, and people-focused governance.

    Read Also: We’ll mobilise all military assets against insecurity, says Tinubu

    But autonomy has not resurrected the system — because the collapse is not only financial. It is structural. It is administrative. It is moral. It is political. And it is deeply entrenched.

    The autonomy ruling has exposed a painful truth: A system can be rescued on paper yet remain dead in practice.

    Even after autonomy, many local governments are still not receiving funds directly. Technical bottlenecks, bureaucratic manoeuvres, political resistance, and state-level interference continue to weaken the spirit of the ruling. In several states, caretaker committees still reign where elected officials should be. Contracts are awarded without scrutiny. Expenditures are shrouded in secrecy. And the councils still function like distant outposts of state governments rather than independent units of governance.

    Autonomy gave them lungs, but the body remains weak; the arteries blocked; the heartbeat faint.

    The fallout: poverty, collapse, insecurity

    It is fashionable to blame Abuja. It is politically convenient to blame the states. But the true foundation of governance lies in the 774 local governments. Autonomy has now revealed the national contradiction: We fixed the pipe supplying water, but the tank and taps are corroded.

    If local governments were functional, Nigerians would feel governance every day — not as distant speeches in Abuja, but as clean boreholes, working markets, safe communities, and responsive ward-level administration.

    •Aliyu Abubakar Bello,

    Dorayi, Kano.

  • Redefining the business climate

    Redefining the business climate

    • By Mohammed Basah

    Sir: Entrepreneurs spend most of their lives chasing customers, managing cash flow, fighting uncertainty, and trying to squeeze progress out of a tough environment. What many do not talk about openly is how deeply their success is tied to the efficiency of public institutions. When systems work, businesses thrive. When systems collapse, entrepreneurs bleed silently.

    The passport reforms under the leadership of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo may appear, on the surface, like a travel convenience upgrade. But beneath that surface lies something far more powerful: restored trust in the Nigerian state. Entrepreneurs have long lived in fear of government processes because those processes were unpredictable. You could plan around slow. You could never plan around confusion. Weeks of waiting, duplicated biometrics, extra payments, middlemen, missing files — small business owners suffered all of it. Every inefficiency translated to lost deals, altered timelines, and additional costs.

    Digital passport processing did more than clean up a service. It reintroduced predictability, a currency more valuable than oil when building an economy. Investors, both local and foreign, take cues from how a government manages the simplest things. If a passport system can work seamlessly, stakeholders begin to believe that bigger systems can work too. This is why the reforms matter: they quietly restore confidence in the promise of Nigeria as a functional environment.

    Efficient governance directly reduces the cost of doing business. Entrepreneurs understand this better than anyone. A document stuck on someone’s table can delay a client contract. A manual process can introduce corruption and inflate operational costs. A broken verification system can stall travel plans for an important business meeting. What looks like a “government problem” is always, eventually, a business problem.

    This is why digital processes in immigration, electronic correspondence, identity management reforms, and stricter accountability within agencies translate into real economic impact. They eliminate friction. They save time. They reduce stress. They help entrepreneurs redirect their energy from wrestling with institutions to building the businesses that create jobs.

    What makes the reform approach stand out is its simplicity. It does not rely on noise, ceremony, or the usual theatrics of public office. It focuses on results. It focuses on systems. It focuses on function. And this is exactly what entrepreneurs need: a government that stops being a hurdle and starts behaving like an enabler.

    Read Also: Federation Account inflows hit N56.4trn on reforms

    The truth is that Nigeria’s biggest growth hack is not another grant programme or motivational initiative. It is competent public administration. It is a government that understands that a thriving private sector needs stable systems the way a plant needs light. When reforms create clarity, entrepreneurs gain scale. When processes become predictable, business risks shrink. When accountability increases, investor trust rises. These are not abstract benefits; they are the conditions under which new industries are born.

    The average entrepreneur may never directly interact with the Ministry of Interior, but they will feel its impact in countless ways: faster travel, smoother documentation, less paperwork, better compliance systems, reduced operational bottlenecks, and a governance environment that supports rather than stifles ambition. Public service efficiency has always been the hidden foundation of a strong private sector. For too long, that foundation has been weak. What we are seeing now is a rebuilding effort that matters more than most people realise.

    Nigeria’s real economic engine has never been crude oil. It has always been people — the small businesses, the freelancers, the founders, the creators, the innovators, the hustlers who convert scarcity into new enterprise. When governance works well, these people lift at once. When governance improves, entrepreneurship expands. When systems are clean, the economy becomes easier to navigate and easier to trust.

    These reforms signal a new kind of social contract: a government that delivers and a citizenry that builds. If this model spreads across ministries, Nigeria will not need endless economic summits to debate growth. Growth will happen naturally because the environment will finally support it. Entrepreneurship will strengthen because the systems around it stop sabotaging it.

    At its core, entrepreneurship is a relay race. Government hands the baton. Entrepreneurs run with it. Investors cheer from the side-lines. Society gets the win. For decades, Nigeria dropped the baton before the race even began. But the reforms we are seeing now suggest that perhaps, for the first time in a long time, the baton is being handed correctly.

    And when government works, entrepreneurs win — every single time.

    •Mohammed Basah,

    <mobasah@gmail.com>