“All the sectors have been found culpable and found to be highly corrupt, the legislature, the judiciary, the executive, all of them have been found to be corrupt,” according to the Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), Prof. Tunde Babawale, who made the observation at the recent validation meeting of the Nigeria Corruption Index (NCI) Survey in Abuja.
ACAN is the research and training arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The validation meeting was for a national survey carried out in 2022, which was called the Nigerian Corruption Index (NCI), and focused on corruption in high places.
Babawale explained: “The difference in what we are doing is that we are surveying the impact of the effect of grand corruption and we are also looking at it from the perspective of different sectors of society, the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, as well as the sub-national government.” He added that the ultimate objective was to be able to advise the government on policies that should be put in place in order to develop anti-corruption initiatives and interventions.
The NCI findings showed high levels of corruption, not only across the three arms of government but also in the private sector. For instance, he said the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) had been used “to disguise corruption, to also disguise the perpetration of corruption between the private and public sector.” According to him, private companies sometimes actually perpetrated corruption by giving government officials “bribes and even equipment,” and “some get cars bought for them.”
He also drew attention to “legislative oversight sometimes used as a tool and channel for corruption,” saying some people “use it to take money from both the private and public sectors.” He noted that some in the survey “claimed that they sponsored trips for legislative oversight, which should not be, because the government made provision for that. That has to be addressed.”
It was a disturbing message. It was also a wake-up call. The ACAN boss said: “The overall thing that was observed is that corruption has become so pervasive that we need to embark on a change of attitude, change of mindset and change of behaviour.”
Babawale lamented that “there is a high level of tolerance for corruption in the country,” saying, “people must begin to develop a high intolerance level for corruption,” and see it as “very scandalous.”
The situation calls for a renewed fight against corruption, with greater focus, determination, zeal and energy. This is a fight the country cannot afford to lose.
• Laboratory tests reveal the presence of heavy metals in water samples • Residents risk deadly gastrointestinal infections – medical experts
Faced with perennial inadequate public water supply, residents of the highbrow Lekki area of Lagos State or the middle-class populated Ago Palace Way and Ejigbo areas of Isolo, residents continue to grapple with dirty, rusty, oily, and smelly water from their taps, raising concerns about their safety. However, a six-week investigation carried out by PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU and CHINYERE OKOROAFOR, involving a laboratory test of water samples from private boreholes in the affected areas, revealed contamination with heavy metals and that the residents risk deadly water-borne diseases, including E-coli and other gastrointestinal infections.
When Madam Nkechi Anyanwu moved into the serene Chief Anyanwu Crescent located in the high-end Ali Dada Estate area of Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo Lagos, she was filled with extreme excitement. The reason was not far-fetched. She had lived in the Isheri-Osun area of the state for years where challenges of clean water, deplorable roads and traffic snarl made life unbearable for her and her four children. Hence, when she was told that a three-bedroom flat in the high-end estate was N2 million per annum, the woman gleefully paid in the hopes that she would have some respite, especially about access to clean water.
However, her joy was short-lived as no sooner had she moved into the apartment than she realised that the “clean water” she thought she had was not potable, thanks to chemicals suspected to be chlorine which the owners poured into an overhead tank to rent out the house. Barely two weeks into her new home, she realised that the water rushing out of the taps was dark brownish, smelly with rusty and oily particles floating atop which left stains on kitchen wares, and clothing and itches the body when used to bathe.
“To think that one of the reasons I left my mansion to rent a three-bedroom apartment in Ago was bad water only to land in water that is even worse than mine is not funny. At my house, I even dug two boreholes and put treatment as recommended on each of them but the water was a huge concern as it didn’t get any better. “I decided I was going to move out for fear that continued use of the water could cause skin disease or even an ailment. See where I landed.
“Noticing that they were not forthcoming, I decided to contact one of the Mai-Ruwas (water vendors) to supply my residence regularly. The vendor sells a 25-litre keg of water fetched from a sachet water company at N200 and on each trip, he delivers at least 10 kegs which are N2,000. “I spend over N10,000 per week to get water to run my home excluding drinking water because we cannot drink the water the vendor supplies since we are not also sure of the kegs he uses and how he sanitises them.
Mrs Anyanwu is not alone in this anguish. Hundreds of residents on Tarred Road (Monsiru Bisiriyu/Olatunji Idowu), Ali Dada, Chris Ebie, Latunde Close and the neighbouring streets are confronted with the agonising water situation.
A resident of Olatunji Idowu Street, Mrs Nwiedor has also had her share of the bitter experience. She said she spent an average of N14,000 weekly to buy water from vendors to keep her room running. The woman, a nursing mother, said she’s been using sachet water to bathe the child from birth after she suffered skin irritation from using the coloured and smelly tap water.
The landlord has dug three boreholes here and all are the same. None is clean,” she said.
Ago residents are not alone in this precarious water situation; their counterparts at Bucknor in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and the Lekki area of the state share in this anguish. The water is also brownish and sometimes smelly in Bucknor, a newly developing middle-class area. Some residents said once the brownish substance settles underneath, the water appears clear.
A food vendor known as Mummy Joe, however, believed that once the water reached a 100-degree boiling point, whatever contamination in it would have been taken care of. “Once the water is boiled, whatever germs there are in it would have died,” she explained.
Similarly, a businessman, Ifeanyi who said he’s lived in Bucknor for four years after staying in Ago Palace Way for 10 years admitted the water was bad but his wife uses it to cook.
The rich also cry
Ozioma Anene recently moved into a three-bedroom apartment bought by her United States of America (USA)-based fiancé at Lekki Phase 1. Before her relocation to the highbrow area synonymous with affluence, luxury, and flamboyant architectural masterpieces; Anene resided in the Ikeja area of Lagos and was in the habit of fetching water from the tap to make her morning coffee. It was an excited Anene who entered her kitchen the morning after she moved into the apartment at the request of her fiancé to perform her routine but a feeling of disappointment enveloped her in no time.
Instead of the clean and fresh water she had hoped to fetch, what Anene saw gushing out of the tap was brownish and smelly liquid,” she lamented.
Standing at the Admiralty Junction along New Road, Alpha Beach at 9:23 a.m., this reporter observed two water trucks with different enterprise names driving past and headed in different directions, a sight residents said was a daily morning routine in the area. Buying water, they said was a part of their lives because the water in the area was suspected to be causing various infections and skin irritations. They buy bottled or sachet water for drinking and truck water for bathing, cooking and washing, among others.
Sharing his experience, a professional photographer, Kayode Akindele said: “I spend N7,000 every week on truck water for bathing and cooking. I’m a single guy living alone in a one-bedroom apartment. When I have a visitor, my big black water bucket doesn’t last; I have to do an N2,000 top-up. “When I moved here in 2020, I used the borehole water in my compound to bathe and flush the toilet for about two months while I bought sachet water for drinking and truck water for cooking,” he said.
Similarly, a resident food vendor at Alpha Beach area of Igbo Efon, Zinny’s Restaurant said: “I buy N2,500 worth of buckets of water every day for cooking and another N2,000 for use in my single-room apartment.”
Clean water in dirty tanks, kegs
With their only option being to patronise water vendors who make fortunes supplying water to subscribed homes through trucks and tankers; residents however are concerned about the unhygienic state of these trucks themselves. Asked if he trusted the purity of water from the vendors, Akindele said he believed those tankers/trucks were rarely washed and prone to contamination. “Some of these trucks have been in operation for many years, and I don’t think that operators deem it fit to wash them, judging by the way that the trucks are constructed thereby exposing residents to infections,” he said.
The food vendor believes that the water was pure enough to be used for cooking and other domestic purposes except for drinking. Posing as a potential buyer, our reporter, who was in the neighbourhood stopped one of the water trucks and asked about the hygiene routine of the water truck. The question at first seemed ridiculous to the driver, an elderly man clad in an Ankara top and a pair of pants. Laughing, he said: “If our water is not clean, we wouldn’t be long in this business making over four trips in a day.”
When the reporter probed further to know how many times a week he washed the tank, the laughter fizzled and in its place appeared a frown which was followed by a rather impolite remark. “Madam, if you want to buy water, buy water and stop this ridiculous question. I don’t know where you have been buying water that made you ask this kind of question. We sell water every day with this tank and the water is clean.”
A water vendor in Ago, Aminu said 10 kegs of 25 litres are sold for N2,000 during the rainy season and N2,500 in the dry season. Aminu who spoke in Pidgin English said they go as far as the Ire Akari area of Isolo to fetch clean water at N100 per gallon and wheel back to the Ago Palace area for sale.
When this reporter asked if the gallons were used for buying petrol as well as water, he denied it saying, “Me na only water I dey use am fetch; I no dey buy petrol. Aminu admitted that he doesn’t wash the kegs.
Statistics
According to a World Health Organisation’s 2022 factsheet, over two billion people lived in water-stressed countries in 2021 and the figure was expected to be exacerbated in some regions as a result of climate change and population growth. It said at least 1.7 billion people globally used a drinking water source contaminated with faeces which posed the greatest risk to drinking-water safety. “Safe and sufficient water facilitates the practice of hygiene, which is a key measure to prevent not only diarrheal diseases but acute respiratory infections and numerous neglected tropical diseases.” Microbiologically-contaminated drinking water can transmit diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio and is estimated to cause approximately 505,000 diarrheal deaths each year.
“In 2022, 73 per cent of the global population (6 billion people) used a safely managed drinking-water service -that is, one located on premises, available when needed, and free from contamination. The remaining 2.2 billion people without safely managed services in 2022 included: “1.5 billion people with basic services, meaning an improved water source located within a round trip of 30 minutes; 292 million people with limited services, or an improved water source requiring more than 30 minutes to collect water; 296 million people taking water from unprotected wells and springs; and 115 million people collect untreated surface water from lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.” The WHO also recommended between 50 and 100 litres of water per person per day to meet most basic needs with fewer health concerns.
Perennial water challenge
Despite having a wetland topography and network of lagoons, residents of most areas in Lagos lack potable water. Less than 40 per cent of the over 22 million residents have access to potable water- a human right explicitly recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010- which proclaimed that everyone has the right to sufficient, continuous, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic use.
According to WaterAid, an international NGO, the state would require an annual sector spending of N300 billion to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 6 (SDGs)-Universal Access to Water. In Lagos, the state’s Water Supply Master Plan estimates daily demand in the city at 540 million gallons per day (MGD) but production by the Lagos State Water Corporation (LSWC) stands at about 210 MGD, showing a clear deficit of 320 million gallons, which translates to less than 40 per cent access to clean and safe water, Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat revealed at the second edition of the annual International Water Conference organised by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) in June 2021.
Lekki is estimated to have 90MGD water consumption but interestingly, the area, like Ago and Bucknor, has no public water system. This is because the state over the years did not consider an inclusive development of water infrastructure to accommodate the fast-paced population, and this has left many homes and communities without potable water and the people resorting to drilling wells and boreholes to help themselves. To ensure that wells and boreholes dug by residents conformed with the standard for the production of clean and safe water, the state government enacted the Borehole Law which provided in Section 137(1) that “no person or group of persons shall sink or cause to be sunk boreholes, hydraulic and other structures connected with the supply of surface groundwater or treated water without obtaining the necessary permit from the Office of Drainage Services.”
The government, in its guidelines for drilling boreholes and wells, also recommended a depth of 230m to 260m and a screen length of 12 to 18 metres for Lekki considering its peculiar topography. However, compliance with this guideline has not helped as the water is unsafe for use. The recommended depth, experts warned, was denied by the water table structure thereby compromising its purity.
Though a few of the estates in Lekki have boreholes and treatment plants and comply with the recommended depth of LWC; the water is not clean and fresh enough to reassure users of its wholesomeness. Residents are therefore compelled to limit usage to other forms of domestic activities, save for drinking. An academic and researcher, Obunadike Ebuka in a study described Lekki water as useless and attributed the problem to Lagos’ proximity to the Atlantic Ocean which has left the general population with the challenge of freshwater abstraction from the subsurface.
Findings by The Nation revealed that none of the networks of water mains and spur service lines in the state is linked to these areas and it appeared there was no plan by the Lagos State Water Corporation (LWC) to build water facilities there.
Laboratory analysis of water samples confirms contamination
To ascertain the cleanliness of the water from these areas, The Nation collected samples from boreholes in some private buildings in Lekki and Ago which were sent to Vicbon Chemical and Laboratory Limited, a Lagos-based licensed analytical laboratory for analyses. The results of the analyses revealed that Lekki water does not meet the standard requirements for potable water. The test found the samples to be acidic (PH less than 6.5), with taste and odour. It also found that the microbes in the water are higher than the acceptable standard. The laboratory report explanation reads: “The water sample is physically, microbiologically and chemically unsatisfactory. This is indicated by the following parameters being higher than the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) acceptable limit for drinking water samples:- “The presence of colour and particles -low pH of 6.12 which indicates the sample is acidic- High electrical conductivity. This indicates the presence of impurities. “The water sample is hard as indicated by a high total hardness content of 348mg/l. Calcium and magnesium contents are also higher than expected. “The heavy metals are observed to be within acceptable limits. Iron was observed to be present in the sample however the content was within acceptable limits. The total coliform content of the sample was noted to be higher than the acceptable standard. Proper chemical treatment and filtration are recommended for the water sample.”
By WHO standards, the optimum pH required to ascertain good water quality should be between the range of 6.5 and 8.5. The world body noted that the pH required would vary in different supplies based on the composition of the water and the nature of the construction materials used in the distribution system. “Although pH usually has no direct impact on consumers, it is one of the most important operational water quality parameters. Careful attention to pH control is necessary at all stages of water treatment to ensure satisfactory water clarification and disinfection,” said WHO.
For the Ago water, the result indicated that it has a minute iron content of 0.19mh/kg which could be responsible for the colour. It said the water was microbiologically and chemically satisfactory, adding that its iron content was within SON’s acceptable limit. “The sample is also observed to be physically unsatisfactory as indicated by the presence of color and particles. The physical properties will make the Ago water sample unacceptable for drinking. Adequate filtration is recommended,” it stated.
Implications of contaminated water
A Biochemist, Victor Kareem Ibraheem told The Nation that those who use unclean water stand the risk of E-coli, a strand of coliform which is a group of bacteria that primarily inhabit the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals. He explained that coliforms are classified as indicator organisms, meaning their presence indicates the potential presence of other disease-causing organisms in water or food. “The most common type of coliform bacteria is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which can be harmless or pathogenic depending on the strain,” he said. The biochemist also defined iron as a strong and hard magnetic silvery-grey metal. He warned that there were health risks for those who use water containing coliforms and iron. “The presence of iron and coliform bacteria in borehole water can have several implications, affecting both human health and the operational efficiency of water systems. I will focus on some key implications I can remember for now. “Number one is human health risks. Iron in water, especially in elevated concentrations, can cause various health issues. Excessive intake may result in iron overload, leading to conditions such as hemochromatosis. Additionally, iron can alter the taste, colour, and odour of water, making it unpalatable. “Coliform bacteria, on the other hand, are indicators of potential faecal contamination and can cause waterborne diseases including diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid fever.
“To mitigate these implications, regular water quality monitoring, proper disinfection methods, and appropriate treatment techniques can be implemented. It is essential to follow guidelines and regulations to maintain safe and reliable borehole water supplies,” he said.
A family health practitioner based in the United Kingdom, Dr Olawnmi Fajana said the foul odour could lead to vomiting and nauseating conditions and aggravated asthmatic conditions in vulnerable residents. Fajana explained further that the presence of E. coli in the samples tested is dangerous and could trigger gastrointestinal infections that could eventually lead to death.
“Consumption of water that contains enormous e.coli is dangerous to human health, especially in vulnerable people including children with underlying diseases. It exposes people to urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal infections- vomiting, diarrhoea, vomiting and could lead to death if not well treated or handled medically,” he said.
Expert proffers solution
When The Nation contacted Ajiboye Sikiru and Sons, a treatment expert to know if the water in the areas could be treated, he answered in the positive but said he would need to see the samples before providing an estimate. Sikiru claimed there was no amount of iron or bacteria he could not remove with his expertise. When the water samples were availed him, Sikiru said Lekki water treatment would cost a six-monthly N1.5 million while Ago’s would be N750,000 annually.
“If the surface tank is up, I will need another tank. There will be one tank down and that is where the raw water will be treated and after treatment, there is a machine that will transfer it to the tank up for circulation and consumption. It will take two days to set up the treatment machine,” he said.
Lagos water authorities react
In her reaction, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Mrs. Funke Adepoju maintained that there was an existing regulation guiding water supply in Lagos. Adepoju explained that before any water tanker must operate in Lagos, the tank must have been registered. At the same time, persons operating the tanker must also obtain a license and permit to carry drinkable water.
“Any registered water tanker must have an inscription “Drinkable water, license number, permit number and telephone number. The tankers should be designed to allow filling from the top without the risk of contamination,” she said.
Explaining how the access to filing points of the registered water tankers must be, Mrs. Adepoju said it must be well maintained and drained adequately, the filling points must be equipped with facilities that allow filling from the top and protection of hydrant from infection and it must be close to areas been served to reduce cost of transportation and charge end users among others. The Executive Secretary added that there is also regulation guiding borehole drilling in the state. “No person shall drill or cause to drill a borehole in Lagos state without first obtaining a permit from the commission. An application for a permit to drill a borehole shall be accompanied by the fees approved by the commission for that purpose while the permit holder’s responsibilities are to report to the commission any change in the quality of water from the borehole within 30 days of the first notice such change among others,” she said.
But Lagos State seems not to have the capacity to provide adequate clean water and a plan to build more water infrastructure in the Ago and Lekki areas of the State. Rather, there are plans to rehabilitate existing ones, according to the Head of Water Quality Assurance, Mr Doyin Omotayo, who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director of the Water Corporation, Mr Mukhtar Tijani.
He added: “But in Lekki, we have a mini-water works around the Admiralty area of Lekki Phase 1 and it is functioning, but the same issue with Isolo applies to Lekki also because it might not be able to serve everybody in that area. It is a two-million-gallon (2MGD) water works that serves Lekki Phase 1 residents and some other areas around it. “We have another adjoining Waterworks at Saka Tinubu in Victoria Island. We have in Obadore after Ajah axis. Lekki Phase 1 water works are functioning but we are only able to serve 30% to 40% presently and the government is working towards ensuring that a larger population gets clean water. Another thing that we do because we know that we can’t give water to everybody is that we take samples anytime we go to those regions like Lekki in the south region, and we do water quality monitoring exercises.
*This report was facilitated by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under its Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusivity and Accountability (CMEDIA) project.
• A key target of the United Nations‘ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), universal health coverage (UHC) will make quality health services accessible and affordable for everyone
The Federal Government has unveiled a promising path towards ensuring that every Nigerian gains access to vital health services without facing financial burdens. With a vision to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, the government is set to introduce the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, shared this optimistic development during a press briefing in Abuja, coinciding with the annual celebration of UHC Day in December. This initiative aims to celebrate strides made towards health for all and underscores the crucial role of robust and resilient health systems in realizing UHC.
The Minister further revealed that a comprehensive strategy to materialise this ground-breaking initiative will be formally endorsed in Abuja by governments at all levels and their development partners during the upcoming 2023 UHC Day. “The quest to achieve UHC and better health for all Nigerians requires a multi-sectoral and whole-of-government approach. Further to this, the government of Nigeria has articulated NHSRII to advance the nation’s journey towards UHC.”
The Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative is strategically designed to lead the revitalisation of Nigeria’s health system, forming a crucial component of the government’s comprehensive health agenda. It directly addresses the challenge of suboptimal population health outcomes exacerbated by deeply inequitable access to healthcare. The initiative will harness the power of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, collaborating with state governments and development partners in an overarching, transformative sector-wide programme aimed at enhancing health outcomes. This encompasses initiatives to bolster human resources for health through extensive training and the establishment of a minimum of 17,000 fully functional primary healthcare centers. “The commitment to expanding BHCPF and increasing the number of PHC aligns with the National Health Act’s objectives. The comprehensive strategy outlined involves assessing existing facilities, improving infrastructure, ensuring a sufficient health workforce, and actively engaging local communities for feedback,” Pate said.
The current state of health coverage in Nigeria
Nigeria’s healthcare landscape is characterised by significant disparities, with urban areas enjoying a relatively better access than their rural counterparts. The majority of the population faces financial barriers, limiting their ability to seek medical attention. Existing health insurance schemes, while present, have struggled to provide comprehensive coverage. In recent years, Nigeria has made commendable efforts to advance UHC. Initiatives such as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and partnerships with international organisations have aimed to expand access to healthcare services. Improvements in healthcare infrastructure and services are noticeable, but challenges persist.
Financial barriers, shortage of healthcare professionals, and limited resources continue to impede progress. The cultural nuances surrounding health-seeking behaviour and a lack of awareness further complicate efforts to achieve UHC. The COVID-19 pandemic has also laid bare the vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s healthcare system. The pandemic has underscored the importance of resilient healthcare systems. Nigeria’s response to the crisis, while commendable in certain aspects, has highlighted gaps in preparedness and response mechanisms. The strain on health infrastructure has prompted a renewed focus on strengthening UHC as a vital component of pandemic preparedness. Innovations in technology offer a promising avenue for advancing UHC in Nigeria. Telemedicine, digital health records, and mobile health applications present opportunities to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery. The government is increasingly recognising the transformative potential of these technologies.
The transformative potential of UHC
Nigeria’s health sector faces a myriad of challenges, from limited access to healthcare services to financial barriers that impede the well-being of its citizens. The implementation of universal health coverage (UHC) can serve as a transformative solution to address the pressing health challenges in the country. One of the core tenets of universal health coverage is ensuring that everyone has access to essential healthcare services without facing financial hardship. By removing financial barriers, UHC aims to increase the utilization of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services, ultimately improving health outcomes across the population.
Universal health coverage provides a financial safety net for individuals and families. By establishing comprehensive health insurance schemes, the burden of out-of-pocket payments is alleviated, preventing catastrophic health expenditures that often push families into poverty. Financial protection ensures that no one is forced to choose between health and economic stability. A key advantage of UHC is its emphasis on preventive care. With increased access to healthcare services, individuals can engage in regular check-ups and screenings, enabling early detection and intervention for health issues. This shift towards preventive care has the potential to reduce the prevalence of advanced-stage diseases and improve overall population health.
The implementation of universal health coverage necessitates an investment in healthcare infrastructure. As more people access healthcare services, there is an increased demand for well-equipped facilities and a skilled workforce. This, in turn, creates a positive feedback loop where strengthened infrastructure further enhances the effectiveness of UHC. Universal health coverage goes beyond financial protection; it empowers communities to take charge of their health. By incorporating health education and community engagement initiatives, UHC promotes a culture of wellness and disease prevention. Informed communities are better equipped to make healthy lifestyle choices, reducing the overall burden on the healthcare system.
The pains and challenges of out-of-pocket payments
Nigeria’s healthcare system grapples with a persistent challenge that significantly impacts its citizens – the reliance on out-of-pocket payments for medical services. Out-of-pocket payments place a heavy burden on individuals seeking medical care in Nigeria. A recent survey conducted by NOI Polls has brought to light a concerning reality: an overwhelming 80 percent of Nigerians bear the financial burden of healthcare services directly from their pockets, irrespective of the healthcare facility they choose. This survey underscores the pressing need for enhanced health insurance coverage in Nigeria’s healthcare financing landscape. With a considerable percentage of the population living below the poverty line, the financial strain of unexpected health expenses can lead to catastrophic consequences. Families often find themselves forced to make difficult choices between healthcare and other essential needs.
The reliance on out-of-pocket payments exacerbates the existing issue of limited access to essential healthcare services. Many Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas, face barriers to accessing quality medical care due to financial constraints. This perpetuates a cycle of preventable illnesses and hampers the overall health and well-being of the population. The out-of-pocket payment system has profound implications for public health outcomes. Preventive measures and early interventions are often neglected due to financial considerations, leading to the escalation of health issues that could have been addressed with timely and affordable care. This, in turn, contributes to the overall deterioration of public health indicators.
Healthcare facilities also bear the brunt of the out-of-pocket payment system. Overwhelmed by the financial constraints of their patient population, many hospitals and clinics struggle to maintain necessary infrastructure, invest in medical technology, and attract skilled healthcare professionals. This strain compromises the quality of care provided. In response to the evident challenges, there is a growing call for systemic change in Nigeria’s healthcare financing. Advocates argue for the implementation of sustainable health insurance models, where citizens can contribute to a shared pool to finance universal healthcare. Such a shift could alleviate the burdens of out-of-pocket payments and enhance access to essential services.
As Nigeria grapples with the pains of its current healthcare financing system, there is an opportunity to learn from global models that have successfully transitioned away from heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments. Countries with effective health insurance and financing mechanisms can provide valuable insights for reshaping Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. The challenges presented by Nigeria’s prevailing out-of-pocket payment system are complex and deeply rooted. Effectively addressing these issues demands a comprehensive and cooperative approach involving policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public.
Countries leading the way in universal health coverage
Several countries have made significant strides in ensuring their citizens have access to essential healthcare services without facing financial hardship, with their exemplary efforts providing valuable lessons for nations aspiring to achieve similar milestones. Japan, since 1961, stands out as one of the early adopters of UHC, launching its universal health insurance system 62 years ago. The country’s approach is characterised by mandatory enrollment, with citizens and residents enjoying comprehensive healthcare services. Japan’s emphasis on preventative care and cost containment has contributed to the sustainability of its UHC model.
Also in the league of early adopters of UHC is Germany whose healthcare system is built on the principle of social solidarity, with citizens contributing to health insurance based on their income. This model ensures that everyone, regardless of economic status, has access to high-quality medical services. The German approach combines public and private elements, offering a versatile framework for UHC. As a welfare state with comprehensive coverage for citizens, Sweden’s commitment to social welfare extends to its healthcare system. The nation provides free access to healthcare services, financed through taxes. Sweden’s emphasis on primary healthcare, preventive measures and equitable distribution of resources has led to positive health outcomes for its citizens.
Nigeria also has a lot to learn from Canada where healthcare is publicly funded for all. Canada’s single-payer healthcare system is a testament to its commitment to UHC. The government funds healthcare services through taxation, ensuring that every Canadian has access to medical care when needed. The system prioritizes essential services and operates on the principle of universality. In South Korea, it is the amazing story of rapid achievements in universal health coverage, with the country’s journey towards UHC marked by impressive achievements. South Korea transformed its healthcare landscape in a relatively short period, employing a mix of public and private providers. South Korea’s emphasis on health technology and preventive care has contributed to its success in achieving UHC.
Analysing the experiences of these nations provides valuable insights and common themes that have played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). These success stories not only inspire but also serve as a guide for nations aspiring to achieve UHC, offering crucial lessons to forge a healthier, more equitable future for all. These include strong political will, sustainable financing mechanisms, a focus on primary healthcare, and an emphasis on equity and accessibility. Nations like Nigeria aspiring to achieve UHC can draw valuable lessons from the policies and practices of these trailblazing countries. The experiences of Japan, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and South Korea underscore the diverse approaches nations can take to achieve UHC. While there is no one-size-fits-all model, the common thread is the commitment to ensuring that every citizen can access healthcare without facing financial barriers.
Amid the challenges, there are pockets of success. Examining specific regions or communities that have made strides towards UHC can provide valuable insights. Lessons learned from these success stories can inform broader strategies for nationwide implementation. To address existing challenges, policymakers must consider robust healthcare financing mechanisms, address workforce shortages, and engage communities in healthcare decision-making. Strengthening primary healthcare, enhancing disease prevention, and fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors are crucial components of a comprehensive strategy.
Drawing lessons from countries that have successfully implemented universal health coverage, such as Japan and the United Kingdom, Nigeria can tailor its approach to align with its unique socio-economic and healthcare landscape. Learning from these models can guide policymakers in developing a robust UHC framework. Universal health coverage stands as a potent solution to Nigeria’s health challenges. By expanding access to essential services, providing financial protection, fostering preventive care, strengthening infrastructure, and empowering communities, UHC has the potential to revolutionise the country’s healthcare system. Drawing inspiration from successful global models and prioritising systemic changes, Nigeria can transition towards a healthcare financing system that guarantees dignity, accessibility, and enhanced health outcomes for all its citizens.
Investors appeared to be realigning their portfolios in favour of major banks in a move to hedge against recapitalisation risk and optimise gains from the current macroeconomic outlook.
Transactions at the stock market have shown a pattern of trades increasingly in favour of the leading tier 1 banks.
Trading report at the weekend indicated that Nigeria’s three largest banks – Access Holdings, Guaranty Trust Holding Company and Zenith Bank – were the three most active stocks at the stock market.
Trading on the three banks accounted for nearly half of total value of transactions at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) last week, a large volume against the traditional moderated trading pattern of high-cap stocks.
The NGX Banking Index recorded average gain of 7.01 per cent last week, the highest by any sector. The performance of the banking sector was largely the driving force behind overall market gain of 1.18 per cent.
Nigeria’s benchmark equities index, the All Share Index (ASI) of the NGX, rose from its week’s opening index of 71,541.74 points to close weekend at 72,389.23 points, an increase of 1.18 per cent.
Aggregate market value of from its week’s opening value of N39.149 trillion to close weekend at N39.613 trillion, representing net capital gain of N464 billion.
Access Holdings, which led the activity chart, made the top 10 gainers’ list with average gain of 9.63 per cent to close weekend at N22.20 per share.
The trio of Access Holdings, Guaranty Trust Holding Company and Zenith Bank accounted for 491.53 million shares worth N15.47 billion in 5,997 deals, representing 26.12 per cent and 48.90 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value.
Total transaction at the NGX stood at 1.88 billion shares worth N31.63 billion in 33,020 deals last week as against 2.42 billion shares valued at N45.07 billion traded in 34,704 deals two weeks ago.
Turnover in the banking sector led the financial services sector to total turnover of 1.37 billion shares valued at N22.16 billion in 17,300 deals; representing 72.96 per cent and 70.08 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value. The services sector occupied a distant second position on the overall activity chart with 97.01 million shares worth N616.27 million in 1,949 deals. Consumer goods sector placed third with a turnover of 86.37 million shares worth N2.136 billion in 3,819 deals.
Market analysts were unanimous that investors were taking positions in the major banks because of the current macroeconomic outlook and possible risks from the planned banking sector recapitalisation.
Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso had recently outlined major reforms and his priorities at the helms of the apex bank. These included plans to recapitalise the banking sector, stabilise the foreign exchange (forex) market, improve access to amenable credits, refocus the apex bank on its core mandate of price stability away from the previous foray into unrelated quasi-fiscal activities, curb inflation and improve living standards through new well-coordinated monetary-fiscal policy measures, engender stable policy thrusts for macroeconomic stability and safeguard the integrity and autonomy of the apex bank.
“Considering the policy imperatives and the projected economic growth, it is crucial for us to evaluate the adequacy of our banking industry to serve the envisioned larger economy. It is not just about the stability of the financial system in the present moment, as we have already established that the current assessment shows stability. However, we need to ask ourselves: Will Nigerian banks have sufficient capital relative to the financial system’s needs in servicing a $1 trillion economy in the near future? In my opinion, the answer is “No!” unless we take action. Therefore, we must make difficult decisions regarding capital adequacy. As a first step, we will be directing banks to increase their capital,” Cardoso had said.
Experts who spoke to The Nation yesterday agreed that investors were hedging against possible risks from the recapitalisation and the potential gains from inflationary trend and high forex and interest rates.
Experts, who spoke, included Managing Director, Arthur Steven Asset Management, Mr Olatunde Amolegbe; Managing Director, APT Securities & Funds Limited, Mallam Garba Kurfi; and Managing Director, HighCap Securities, Mr. David Adonri.
Amolegbe said investors were staking on expectations that the big banks are well-positioned to continue to benefit from the economic dispensation.
According to him, with spiraling inflationary trend fuelling high interest rate and the forex rate skewed against naira, the major banks are in position to record better results and returns to investors.
“You can’t rule out likely effect of the proposed recapitalisation. They are already big, these are banks that have the capacity and liquidity to acquire others in the event of consolidation in the industry. Besides, shareholders in the major banks may not see much dilution in their holdings even in the event of new capital raising compared with some other banks that may need major dilution by new investors to scale through,” Amolegbe said.
Kurfi said the major banks are some of the most liquid stocks one can buy and sell at any time, thus the preference by investors.
He noted that forex gains hold better prospects for banks’ shares, pointing out that in spite of significant share price appreciation, the price-earnings ratio of the banks are still in single digit, a point of attraction to investors.
Adonri said the top banks were attractive given their performance in the third quarter.
“Investors are buying them now in anticipation of high dividends,” Adonri said.
A market intelligence report by The Nation had shown that total assets of Nigerian publicly quoted banks rose by more than N40 trillion to about N125 trillion in the third quarter, indicating the underlying strength of the Nigerian banking industry.
The report showed that the total assets of the publicly quoted banks had risen from N85.52 trillion in December 2022 to N125 trillion by the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023, representing an increase of 46.2 per cent.
The report was based on the published third quarter reports of the publicly quoted banks, including the main first tier banks, nationally regarded as systemically important banks. The publicly quoted banks account for more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s banking operations and mirror the sectoral performance.
The banks included five of the six largest banks-Access Holdings Plc, Zenith Bank International, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and FBN Holdings, which control more than three-quarters of the industry’s total assets.
Total assets of the 14 publicly quoted banks had closed the year ended December 31, 2022 at N85.52 trillion.
The report showed that all banks recorded double-digit growth in their balance sheet, with the exception of Unity Bank, which suffered a contraction of 17.1 per cent.
A breakdown indicated that Stanbic IBTC Holdings recorded the highest growth, in percentage terms, with an increase of 54.3 per cent over the nine-month period while Sterling Financial Holdings recorded the lowest growth rate of 21 per cent.
Access Holdings remained the largest bank, in terms of total assets, with total assets of N21.405 trillion by September 2023 as against N14.998 trillion in December 2022, representing an increase of 42.72 per cent.
On the basis of actual results published so far, Zenith Bank emerged with the second largest balance sheet, growing its total assets by 47.8 per cent from N12.3 trillion in December 2022 to N18.2 trillion. United Bank for Africa (UBA) followed with total assets of N16.24 trillion in September 2023 as against N10.86 trillion in December 2022, an increase of 49.5 per cent.
The analytical report showed that FBN Holdings’ balance sheet expanded by 36.7 per cent from N10.58 trillion to N14.46 trillion. GTCO’s total assets grew by 33.7 per cent from N6.45 trillion to N8.62 trillion. Fidelity Bank followed with total assets of N5.41 trillion compared with N3.99 trillion in December 2022, an increase of 35.7 per cent.
Stanbic IBTC Holdings’ total balance sheet expanded by 54 per cent from N3.03 trillion to N4.67 trillion. Sterling Financial Holdings grew its total assets base by 21 per cent from N1.86 trillion to N2.25 trillion. Wema Bank’s total assets also grew by 38.8 per cent from N1.44 trillion to N2.00 trillion.
Jaiz Bank, the only publicly quoted non-interest bank, grew its total assets by 44.1 per cent from N379 billion in December 2022 to N546 billion in September 2023. However, Unity Bank was a contrarian, dropping by 17 per cent from N510 billion in December 2022 to N423 billion in September 2023.
Inflation is likely to flatten out in the first quarter of next year and begin to decline afterwards as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sustains interest rate hike and adoption of measures to firm up the naira.
The CBN leadership, private sector experts and industry stakeholders gave insights on how inflation will play out in the next year, and factors shaping the current figures.
In an emailed note to investors, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, said inflation would continue to rise in the month, but could flatten out in January, next year and then decelerate afterwards.
Rewane said: “We expect inflation to rise further in December supported by festive demand. However, it could flatten out in January 2024 and begin to decline afterwards as the CBN maintains its hawkish monetary stance. The Monetary Policy Committee is expected to hike interest rates at its first meeting in 2024 in line with the CBN’s goal of achieving price stability.”
However, the CBN is poised to take a potentially divergent path at its next meeting in January 2024, primarily driven by its renewed commitment to ensuring price stability. Sustained interest rate hikes will not only taper inflationary pressures, but also reduce capital flights, which could lead to an appreciation in the value of the naira.
CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the apex bank will adopt inflation targeting framework, meant to ensure that fiscal and monetary policies are harmonised to achieve price and exchange rate stability.
He said the CBN will discontinue direct quasi-fiscal intervention and instead utilise orthodox monetary policy tools for implementing monetary policy to refocus on its core mandate of ensuring price stability.
This refocus started with CBN’s adoption of an explicit inflation targeting framework to enhance the effectiveness of its monetary policy.
However, it is crucial to note that other factors contributing to Nigeria’s elevated inflation such as structural issues, supply chain disruptions, and external factors, are beyond the control of domestic monetary policy. Hence, a judicious blend of fiscal and monetary policies is necessary to effectively tackle inflation, Cardoso added.
On his part, former CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Tunde Lemo, said inflation was being fuelled by growing CBN’s Ways and Means estimated at N24 trillion.
He said Ways and Means grew from N239 billion in 2013 to N24 trillion last year, pushing inflation to 18-year high of 27.3 per cent in October, this year.
Besides, further linked high inflation to structural factors such as infrastructural deficit, high logistic costs, and exchange rate depreciation.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its inflation data for November last week. In line with expectations, Nigeria’s headline inflation rate climbed to a record high of 28.20 per cent from 27.33 per cent in October.
This means that so far in the year, Nigeria has witnessed a monthly consecutive increase in headline inflation, bringing the average inflation rate to 24.12 per cent, which is significantly higher than 18.29 per cent in the corresponding period last year.
This steep rise largely reflects the impact of money supply saturation (M3 grew by 36 per cent y-o-y), exchange rate depreciation (currently trading at N1,230/$) and high logistics costs (diesel price remains elevated at N1,080/litre) on food prices.
This was compounded by the festive-induced boost in aggregate demand.
NBS data showed that food inflation rose by 1.32 per cent to 32.84 per cent with bread, cereals, yam, meat, vegetables, and eggs recording the highest price increases. Meanwhile, core inflation (inflation excluding volatile items like food and energy prices) fell slightly by 0.2 per cent to 22.38 per cent, an indication that the inflation momentum may be tapering.
Global commodity prices have eased from the peak witnessed during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In November, the global food price index averaged 120.4 points, closely aligning with the October level, marking the lowest since March 2021.
The reduction in global food prices, coupled with falling energy costs (Brent is trading below $80pb), is easing inflationary pressures in advanced economies. In the U.S., for example, inflation has continued to decelerate, reaching 3.1 per cent in November from the peak of 9.1 per cent in June, last year.
In the African region, the inflation trend was a mixed bag. While inflation eased to 26.4 per cent in Ghana (after touching a 22-year high of 54.1 per cent in December 2022) and to 5.5 per cent in South Africa, it climbed to 12.9 per cent in Zambia and 18.19 per cent in Angola due to currency pressures.
In line with the global trend, the Bank of Ghana kept its interest rates steady at 30 per cent for the second consecutive time. South Africa’s central bank also opted to keep its key policy rate at 8.25 per cent due to declining inflation.
The 2023 EFInA Access to Finance (A2F) Survey results launched in Lagos shows that the North has the least access to financial services.
The report disclosed that exclusion from financial services continues to be most severe in Northern Nigeria, at 38 per cent in the Northeast and 47 per cent in the Northwest compared to only five per cent in the Southwest and 10 per cent in the Southsouth.
The A2F survey is Nigeria’s primary source of financial inclusion data and is designed to assess access to and use of financial services for the adult (Nigerian) population. The methodology for the survey has been updated to reflect changing population dynamics, and 2018 and 2020 data also updated using the same methodology to enable comparison.
The results show that 26 per cent of Nigerians are financially excluded, down from 32 per cent in 2020, demonstrating progress towards the Nigeria Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS 3.0) recommended target to reduce levels of financial exclusion in Nigeria to 25 per cent by 2024.
The report said usage of broader financial services remains limited demonstrating the urgent need to focus on the quality and impact of inclusion. While credit use doubled to is six per cent, pension and insurance use remained at eight per cent and three per cent respectively, well below 2024 target levels.
It said though formal inclusion is growing, from 56 per cent in 2020 to 64 per cent in 2023, those accessing formal financial services through banks increased much more slowly, from 51 per cent to 52 per cent.
It said growth in formal inclusion was being driven by the increased use of non-banking channels, which grew from five per cent in 2020 to 12 per cent in 2023.
Despite growth in access, certain demographic gaps continue to persist in Nigeria. There was growth in women’s financial inclusion from 60 per cent in 2020 to 70 per cent in 2023 despite an increase in the gender gap from eight per cent recorded in 2020 to nine per cent in 2023.
However, with formal financial inclusion levels at only 64 per cent (up from 56 per cent in 2020), there remains significant work to do to achieve the ambition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s 95 per cent formal inclusion in the long term.
EFiNA Chair Dr Agnes Martins said: “We are seeing encouraging progress towards the NFIS 3.0 recommended goal to reduce exclusion to 25 per cent by 2024, and we must acknowledge all the good work that has gone into making this happen. However, we also have to be clear that 26 per cent exclusion means that 28.8 million adult Nigerians continue to be completely excluded from the financial system.
“That is a statistic that we must recognise remains unacceptable, and we must redouble our efforts to accelerate their inclusion. These are predominantly farmers and dependents, more likely to be female, and to live in rural areas in Northern Nigeria. We need intentional, deliberate strategies to give them financial access and to support them graduate to the products and services that can enhance their resilience. Over the coming weeks we will be engaging all stakeholders to further analyse the data and work collaboratively to develop solutions.”
CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso said Nigeria’s drive for financial inclusion has been a long, sometimes arduous journey.
“We have monitored the trend over the years and have sometimes worried about the slow pace of progress in achieving an inclusive economy. The results being shared today, however, indicate that with sustained dedication and commitment, we can truly achieve our collective goal of financial inclusion for all,” he said.
Cardoso, who was represented by, CBN Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Chibuike Nwagerue, lauded financial inclusion stakeholders for the efforts made and the progress achieved.
“However, to achieve the target of 95 percent financial inclusion, we must all move from collaboration to concrete commitment. To that effect, I call on Financial Inclusion implementation agencies to set up specific functions or units dedicated to financial inclusion in their various organisations. This we believe, will provide the necessary ownership and commitment required to achieve our collective goal,” he said.
World renowned German bicycle rider, Christopher Gocke, at the weekend wrapped up his journey in Badagry, Nigeria, as part of his goal to cycle through countries all over the world.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Badagry International Film Festival, Mr. Viyon Awhanse, made this known yesterday in an interview in Lagos. “For Chris, each country holds a unique significance, as he is inspired by the people, culture, landscape and the nature he encounters.
“With Nigeria marking his 120th country visited out of the 193 UN member-states, Chris’ bicycle trip aimed to promote the sporting activities of the Badagry International Film Cultural and Sports Festival (BIFIF). “Having explored places like Elmina, Cape Coast and Accra, with their rich historical connection to the slave trade, Chris was eager to explore the exhibitions and attractions in Badagry,” he said.
During his visit, Awhanse said they discussed about his achievement of reaching his 120th UN-cycling country while in Southwestern Nigeria, as well as surpassing 130,000 kilometres in his bike-trips overall.
He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting him to achieve the goal.
“Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Mr. Bonu Solomon, the chairman, Lagos House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, supported the festival.
“Two commissioners from Badagry, Mr. Ibrahim Layode, commissioner for Housing and Home Affairs and Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, commissioner for Youths and Sports, also blessed the festival.
“The lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Prince Sesi Whingan and the two chairmen, Mr. Olusegun Onilude and Joseph Gbenu of Badagry Local Government and Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) worked to make the festival a reality,” he said.
The Onikoyi Royal Family has reacted to claims by one of its branches, the Dosunmu branch, that there are two ruling houses entitled to the throne of Onikoyi of Ikoyi and Imoba land, describing it as a fallacy, and insisting there is only one ruling house.
The royal family, in a statement issued yesterday and signed on their behalf by Akeem Animashaun Esq., accused the Dosunmu branch of “selective honesty” and said it needed to set the record straight for the benefit of unsuspecting members of public.
The Dosunmu branch had last Tuesday alleged that there are two ruling houses, judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the case of AGBETOBA&ORDS Vs. LAGOS STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL&ORDS reported in 1991 4 NWLR part 188. Reacting to this, however, the Onikoyi Royal Family, in the statement, accused the Dosunmu branch of not yet coming to terms with reality.
The Onikoyi Royal family said the issues for determination in the Supreme Court judgment cited by the Dosunmu branch were on the validity of a chieftaincy declaration made in 1981, adding that the Dosunmu branch “in their usual characteristics of selective honesty” deliberately refused to inform the public of the amendment of the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration of 2006.
The royal family stated: “The Dosunmu branch in their usual characteristics of selective honesty refused, failed and/or deliberately jettisoned the need to inform the public that upon the amendment of the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration ,2006, they lost in an action against the Lagos State Government at the High Court of Lagos State challenging the amendment of the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration 2006, in the case of ALHAJI (ARC) RAFIU ONIKOYI & ORS V. GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE & ORS with Suit No. M/451/2006 and judgment delivered on 11th December,2009, upon appeal the court affirmed the decision of the lower court in ALHAJI (ARC) RAFIU ONIKOYI & ORS V. GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE & ORS with appeal No. CA/L/276/2010.
“The Court of Appeal in an appeal filed by ALHAJI (ARC) RAFIU ONIKOYI & ORS V. GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE & ORS with appeal No. CA/L/276/2010 against the decision of the lower court challenging the amendment of the Onikoyi Chieftaincy Declaration 2006, the Court of Appeal in affirming the decision of the lower court resolved the issue of whether the Governor of Lagos State or the Chieftaincy committee is vested with the power to amend a declaration. The court resolved in favour of the respondent and promptly dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.
“Also in the case of ALHAJI (ARC) ABDU RAFIU OLWUNMI ONIKOYI & ORS V. HRH PATRICK IBIKUNLE FAFUNWA ONIKOYI with Suit No. LD/1391/2010 in his judgment HON. JUSTICE O.H OSHODI in his judgment said and I quote;
“ There is no dispute that exhibit DWA is an amended declaration. The Claimant in their evidence before the court are aware of this amended this declaration. All they allege is that it came into existence on the back of abuse of office and a mockery, thus according CW1, it is invalid! Again to repeat, no shred of evidence is led to tell the court how exhibit DWA constitute any abuse of office, or it being a mockery. The issue here is not to set aside exhibit DWA.
Now by the provisions of Section 13 (1) & (2) of The Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State Law, Cap O2, any registered declaration amended, made by the Chieftaincy Committee and approved by the Governor, shall be registered, and if not registered, such amended Declaration shall not come into effect until registered.
A look at exhibit DWA, it is apparent that it was made on 16th May 2006 by the Chieftaincy Committee, signed by the Governor on 23rd May 2006 and registered on 25th May 2006. In sum, exhibit DWA has fully complied with the law. This being the case, exhibit DWA has the force of a law – See AYOADE V MILITARY GOVERNOR, OGUN STATE (supra).
Learned counsel for the Claimants, in the written address submitted at para 4.1.4 that the Court of Appeal in its judgment in suit No: CA/L/697/2012 between ALHAJI (ARC) ABDUR-RAFIU ONIKOYI & 2 ORS V STERLING ASSETS MAN. & TRUSTEES LTD & 2 ORS, delivered on 9th June 2017, had considered this exhibit DWA and found in favour of the Appellants.
While this submission is partly correct, in that the judgment of the Appeal Court was in favour of the Appellants therein, learned counsel should note that the issue that came into focus in that judgment was that whether the lower Court was right to have relied on evidence not before it or pleaded. The effect of exhibit DWA to exhibit B, the judgment of the Apex Court was not pronounced upon by the Appeal Court in that judgment relied upon.
To the Court the effect of the coming into effect of exhibit DWA is that the notion that there are 2 (two) Ruling Houses, Muti and Dosunmu, as held by the Apex Court in exhibit B, does not hold anymore after the coming into effect of exhibit DWA on 25th May 2006.
“In light of the foregoing it is crystal clear that the question of ruling house has been settled and it will amount to mischief on the part of the Dosunmu branch to continue to mislead the public and peddle falsehood by claiming that there are two ruling house in the Onikoyi Royal family.”
Three persons were confirmed dead, while seven others sustained injuries in an accident involving two vehicles at Conoil filling station axis on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Saturday.
Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State, Mrs. Florence Okpe, confirmed the accident in a statement yesterday in Abeokuta.
She said the accident occurred at 9:23pm and it involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number RLG 846 XA and a trailer marked JJN 32 YX.
Okpe said the accident was caused by speeding, which led to loss of control on the part of the driver.
The FRSC spokesperson added that 18 people, comprising 16 men and two women, were involved in the accident.
She said seven persons were injured, while three persons died from the crash.
Okpe said the injured victims were taken to Idera Hospital, Sagamu, for medical attention and the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
According to her, the Sector Commander, Anthony Uga, urged motorists “to consider this period of high vehicular movement and poor visibility due to weather condition.”
Uga, while condemning speeding among motorists, said: “Common sense speed limit is the best.”
The management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has busted a ring of electronic syndicate, who specialised in using fake vehicle number plates and stickers to sabotage its Electronic Truck Traffic Management (e- Call-Up) system, also known as “eto”, in entering the Lagos ports illegally.
The illegal activities of the unpatriotic elements, it was gathered, were discovered when the officials and security agents of the NPA undertook a spot check of the MPS Pregate and made a mind boggling discovery of 249 fake vehicle number plates and 149 units of Minimum Safety Standard (MSS) stickers trying to enter the port.
Further checks of the terminal led to a discovery of another 164 pieces of vehicle number plates and 133 pieces of MSS stickers that are not fixed on any truck in readiness to be deployed for proxy booking.
The fake number plates and MSS tickets were immediately confiscated and the terminal manager invited for questioning.
This development validates the authority’s position on the existence of a deliberate and well-orchestrated effort to undermine the electronic call-up system, which was initiated by the NPA to eliminate human interface in managing traffic in and out of the ports as a measure of sustainably taming the menace of gridlock hurting the national economy.
The Managing Director of NPA, Muhammed Bello Koko, said the authority was resolute in consolidating the e-call up project and its other process automation initiatives, in order to end gridlock along the port access road, grow the maritime sector to its full potential and generate more revenue for the government.
