The Nation Newspaper

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  • Presidency, UNDP, EU unite for acceleration of climate action plan

    Presidency, UNDP, EU unite for acceleration of climate action plan

    The Presidency has spoken on the urgency of accelerating climate action plans through national financing strategies and Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs).

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who noted this also underlined the importance of speeding up climate action plans through these frameworks.

    In a statement  by Special Adviser,  Media to SSAP-SDGs, Desmond Utomwen, Mrs Orelope-Adefulire stated this at a Climate Finance side event, hosted by her office, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP), at COP28 in Dubai.

    The event showcased Nigeria’s dedication to climate action and sustainable development on the global stage.

    In addition to stressing the event’s importance in promoting discussions on financing strategies crucial for climate action, she underlined the importance of addressing climate challenges as the world approaches the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

    Read Also; Our transformation efforts on economy succeeding with NASS cooperation – Tinubu

    Demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to the global climate agenda, Mrs Orelope-Adefulire highlighted the passage of the Climate Change Act 2021 and the establishment of a National Council on Climate Change.

    She reminded the audience of Nigeria’s pledges at COP26 in 2021, including the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

    The Presidential aide underscored the integrated approach to SDGs implementation in Nigeria, aligning short and medium-term national development plans with the SDGs since 2016.

    She added that the importance of the Integrated National Financing Framework as a manifestation of Nigeria’s dedication to the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda for financing development.

    With an eye towards the future, Orelope-Adefulire emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to giving top priority to the important reforms and projects included in the INFF Roadmap.

    The country wants to raise public and private funding while maintaining caution in public sector spending to promote the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notwithstanding global fiscal challenges.

    The Senior Special Assistant stressed the importance of partnerships with the United Nations Development system, private sector, and non-state actors for a holistic approach to implementing the INFF Roadmap in Nigeria.

    In his remarks during the panel session, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, who chairs the National Steering Committee on Nigeria’s INFF, highlighted how Nigeria would accelerate her Climate Action Plan through the INFF.

    He noted that with global efforts in the implementation of the SDGs, climate action, inclusive facing serious challenges, climate action and ambition must be accelerated through international cooperation, collaboration, and mobilization of the necessary financial resources.

    He also stressed that the SDGs require increased investments and alignments from public, private, domestic, and international sources, as the climate emergency is a global crisis that requires a global response.

    Also speaking, UNDP’s Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, praised Nigeria on the INFF initiative. She stated that Nigeria recognises that understanding its internal financing landscape, making deliberate efforts to consider all economic dynamics, would benefit economic development, social enhancement, and the tackling of climate change.

    She noted that to bridge the disconnect between the issues and funding, over 80 countries are turning to the INFF, insisting that the INFF, as one of the 12 SDGs stimulus packages, can help finance national climate goals and integrate the financing of climate actions and Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs.

    “Let’s not forget, climate change has an unwavering attack and impact on development gains. We are losing a lot of ground because of climate change. Many investments that have been made over decades are being lost. So, what we are looking at today is a serious threat to our very essence. Let’s fight back by using the INFF as a tool to accelerate and build a resilient economy and resilient communities.” She sated.

    These positions were also echoed by the Deputy Minister on Maritime and Natural Resources/Head of National SDGs Secretariat Ministry of National Development Planning, Vivi Yulaswati, Director Global Committee on social business for SDGs China, Alex Wang, and Ahmad Salihijo of the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, who were the other members of the panel.

  • Anambra lawmakers repeal law establishing state’s newspaper

    Anambra lawmakers repeal law establishing state’s newspaper

    The Anambra State House of Assembly has repealed the law establishing the state’s newspapers and printing corporation, publishers of the state-owned National Light.

    The Assembly passed the Bill during yesterday’s plenary through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze.

    Majority Leader Ikenna Ofodeme, on November 21, had sponsored and presented the Bill to repeal the Anambra State Newspapers and Printing Corporation 1994 and to provide for related matters.

    Ofodeme said the corporation had become moribund, economically unviable and unfit for the purpose it was established.

    The Speaker said Clause 2 of the newly passed Bill stipulates that: “The Anambra State Newspapers and Printing Corporation Law, 1994, is repealed.

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    “The Bill further stipulates the transitional provisions under which the governor, at his discretion, may redeploy all the supporting workers of the corporation to ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) upon the commencement of this law.

    “Pay compensation to all the staff of the former state corporation in view of their deployment and pay the staff their gratuities and pensions.

    “The law may be cited the Anambra State Newspapers and Printing Corporation Repeal Law 2023 and shall come into force on the December 14, 2023,” he said.

    Udeze directed the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Okechukwu Nwobi, to send a clean copy of the Bill to the governor for his assent.

    The law establishing the Anambra State Newspapers and Printing Corporation came into existence in 1994; with this development, the state-owned newspapers and printing corporation will no longer exist.

  • Federal civil service to attain full digitisation by 2025, says Yemi-Esan

    Federal civil service to attain full digitisation by 2025, says Yemi-Esan

    The Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Folashade Yemi-Esan, has expressed confidence that the entire service will be fully digitised by the end of 2025.

    She said the Federal Civil Service was making significant progress to transform and digitise its work processes.

    The HoCSF said this at the 45th meeting of the National Council of Establishment in Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital.

    “From the service wide perspective, all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), all other ministries, are also running with the digitalisation programme, and there are different stages of implementation. But they have a mandate for all to achieve full migration by the end of 2025.

    “It is also worth adding that efforts aimed at transforming the federal civil service through the digitalisation of its work processes have yielded the desired results,” Mrs. Yemi-Esan said.

    Read Also; Our transformation efforts on economy succeeding with NASS cooperation – Tinubu

    Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who inaugurated the session, emphasised the importance of collaboration in the work process.

    The governor announced measures taken by his administration to improve manpower in the service.

    “Despite the growth in the number of our teeming youths who graduated from various institutions of higher learning with certificates in various disciplines and the decrease in the number of civil servants in the state’s civil service occasioned by retirement, redeployment and deaths, there has not been recruitment in the various cadres of the service for quite some time.

    “In order to address the anomaly, I have given the approval for the employment of 10,000 workers across the critical sectors of the civil service,” Mohammed said.

    The Bauchi State Head of Civil Service, Mr. Yahuza Adamu, reiterated the state’s commitment to workers’ welfare, providing an environment conducive for working effectively, and promoting discipline among employees.

    Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors of establishment from all the 36 states participated in the 45th meeting of the National Council of Establishment in Bauchi State.

    The meeting, which held for three days, focused on various issues concerning the public service. The discussions aimed at advancing the cause of civil service in national development.

  • Prepare for challenges of Information Age, Oloyede tells Nigerians

    Prepare for challenges of Information Age, Oloyede tells Nigerians

    • ‘Job seekers need demonstrable skills’

    The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has said those searching for jobs need demonstrable skills to be successful.

    The JAMB boss counselled that university degrees would no longer be a sole guarantee for getting jobs in today’s Information Age.

    Delivering the convocation lecture, titled: Learning, Unlearning and Relearning- Prerequisites of the Digital Age, at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Ilorin, the state capital, Oloyede urged Nigerians to prepare for the challenges of the ever-changing Information Age.

    He said the citizens needed to take lifelong learning seriously and show genuine willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. 

    The JAMB boss, who noted that learning is useless without practice, described relearning as the ability to acquire new skills, knowledge, and perspectives quickly and effectively. 

    “For all, the imperative of learning, relearning, and unlearning cannot be over-emphasised as the tonic that gives vitality to successful living in today’s Information age. Those who can learn, relearn, and unlearn are the successful ones, and those without the mindset that accommodates the triad are bound to perpetually lament.

    Read Also; Sanwo-Olu promises medical palliatives to residents

    “The world of today is totally different from the world inhabited by our forebears. One of the factors responsible for this change is the totality of what makes the Information Age, which is still evolving as technology develops rapidly.

    “The changes of the world provide new opportunities and threats. While there are new opportunities in Information Technology, the existing jobs as typists, receptionists, traditional printers, telephone booth operators, computer operators, factory workers, cashiers, travel agents, fuel attendants, among others, are on the verge of extinction.

    “New opportunities will emerge in the high tech sector and many skills that were not otherwise taught in traditional schools would be needed. Degrees would no longer be sole guarantors of jobs but demonstrable skills will.

    “In this regard, there won’t be any difference between those who are literate and those who are illiterate without the cutting-edge skills that are associated with learning, relearning, and unlearning.

    “Therefore, the onus of the responsibility lies on everyone to get prepared for the challenges of the Information Age by taking lifelong learning seriously and being willing to change as circumstances unfold,” he said.

    The JAMB boss told the KWASU graduates that learning, unlearning, and relearning were the compasses that would guide them in the uncharted territories of the Digital Age. 

    “These processes are not separate but interwoven elements of a holistic approach to personal and professional development. The illiterate of the 21st century, as Alvin Toffler profoundly noted, will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. 

    “Your ability to embrace these principles will set you apart and empower you to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of our rapidly changing world,” oloyede said.

    KWASU’s acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, said today’s humans live in an era of unprecedented technological advancements.

    The vice chancellor said Nigeria’s educational institutions must become catalysts for transformation by preparing graduates for the challenges of today and for the rapidly evolving landscape of the Digital Age.

    “This lecture cannot be more timely and more relevant in this period when certain knowledge is fast becoming obsolete at an ever-increasing pace.

    “The ability to unlearn outdated concepts and practices, and relearn new ones, therefore, becomes a crucial skill,” he added. 

  • Wale Adenuga’s biography debuts

    Wale Adenuga’s biography debuts

    Popular filmmaker and producer Wale Adenuga MFR’s biography entitled “An Unusual Biography: Wale Adenuga MFR. A Pencil in the Hand of the Creator” has debuted.

     According to Wale Adenuga MFR, “Over the years, people have always asked me a wide range of questions about my different works, and I have always tried to provide the best responses in ways they would be able to relate to. However, I realised that the best way to share my full story would be to present it to the world in an entertaining, yet concise, manner; so I teamed up with two brilliant writers – Atim Nkese Nkpubre and Niran Adedokun, and compiled everything you would need to know, and more, into this book.”

    Read Also; Our transformation efforts on economy succeeding with NASS cooperation – Tinubu

    Adenuga further said the book provides detailed information about his life, struggles, and achievements in his career of over 45 years as a cartoonist, publisher, educationist, writer, TV and movie producer, musician, businessman, and philanthropist.

     Adenuga is popular for being the creator of  Superstory TV drama, Papa Ajasco & Company Reloaded TV comedy, and many other award-winning family entertainment programmes.

  • Davido, Adekunle Gold to headline The BlockParty

    Davido, Adekunle Gold to headline The BlockParty

    The duo of Davido and Adekunle Gold have been billed to perform at the 2023 edition of The BlockParty.

     The event is scheduled to take place on December 26, 2023 and January 1, 2024.

     As announced by the organisers, Davido will headline the Island iteration of the BlockParty, themed ‘Timeless BlockParty,’ while Adekunle Gold will be the marquee act for the Mainland BlockParty’s fifth anniversary.

    Read Also; Our transformation efforts on economy succeeding with NASS cooperation – Tinubu

     Davido is expected to be joined by other top talents including Fave, Odumodublvck, Shallipopi, Victony, and Dopecaesar. The event will also feature DJ Titanium, Maze x Mxtreme, SmallztheDJ, Livewire, MIA, and Tolu Daniels.

     “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Davido and Adekunle Gold as our headliners for this festive season’s BlockParty events,” said Tobi Mohammed, Founder, BlockParty and Managing Partner at The Plug.

    “This is our way of saying thank you to all those who have been a part of our journey since 2018, and it is symbolic of the amazing plans we have for the festival in 2024. We are confident that these two events will be a highlight of the year for all attendees.”

  • Niger sanctions will be lifted if junta shows goodwill, says ECOWAS Speaker

    Niger sanctions will be lifted if junta shows goodwill, says ECOWAS Speaker

    Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament Mr. Sidie Tunis has declared that the sanctions on Niger Republic will be lifted if the junta releases President Mohamed Bazoum.

    The Speaker gave the assurance when a 19-man delegation from Africans Without Borders visited him in Abuja.

    The visit was to prevail on the parliament to support the lifting of sanctions on Niger to ease the suffering of ordinary people in that country, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported.

    The speaker tasked the delegation to prevail on the junta to unconditionally release Bazoum and his family, and set a short transition to returning the country to constitutional governance.

    Tunis said in spite of several efforts made by the bloc, there has been no breakthrough since the military junta ousted the democratically elected government in Niger.

    “We are more interested in what is happening in Niger, we have sent delegation to investigate the situation after the military coup, but we need you as citizens to help to lessen the effect with your intervention as well.

    Read Also; Sanwo-Olu promises medical palliatives to residents

    “We represent you as Members of the ECOWAS Parliament; citizens diplomacy in my opinion is the best form of diplomacy that if used well can solve a whole lots of problems, not only in this sub-region but in the entire continent of Africa.

    “As Members of Parliament we are all concerned about the situation in Niger, and I must tell you, immediately after the coup in Niger happened, we formed a committee to go and look at the situation of things in that country.

    “At the moment there has not been a breakthrough, but we believe that a group like this will be in the position to also help the situation,” he added.

    Tunis assured that the ECOWAS would continue to be on the side of the people of Niger.

    The President of African Without Borders, Mr. Ziwana Abdounahamane, said the sanctions have negatively affected the citizens of Niger and neighbouring countries.

    He added that they were grateful to ECOWAS contributions to Niger, and would not disregard the benefits enjoyed so far.

    Abdounahamane prayed that the region would stay strong and together in spite of the recent hard times.

  • Ball game in Kaduna

    Ball game in Kaduna

    Authorities in Kaduna State have hit on a terminal cure for errant libido of rapists. Male rapists in the state will have their balls cut off, while female rapists will be de-fertilised by having both of their fallopian tubes removed.

    State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, recently said male rapists would be subjected to surgical castration as punishment, while female rapists would be made to undergo bilateral salpingectomy. These penalties, according to her, are stipulated in the state’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPPL), 2018, implying they have been in the statute books and will now be enforced.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna after a parley with stakeholders organised in collaboration with the Centre for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP), Hajiya Salisu said the law was enacted following a lengthy process of advocacy, lobbying and awareness campaign by civil society groups in the state working with relevant government agencies. Rape cases in Nigeria are notoriously under-reported, but the commissioner said  there had been more reported cases of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Kaduna State since the passage of the VAPPL in December 2018. This, according to her, is attributable to increased awareness about VAWG campaign and availability of the castration law.

    Read Also; Sanwo-Olu promises medical palliatives to residents

    Those penalties stipulated by the Kaduna codebook may ordinarily appear harsh, but rape is such a monstrous offence against hapless victims that perpetrators deserve the worst that they get. Surgical castration for a male rapist will involve emasculating the offender by excising his testicles. Chemical castration that involves using pharmaceutical drugs to deactivate the testes could be tidier, but apparently would be less painful to the rapist. Similarly for the female rapist, bilateral salpingectomy will involve removal of both fallopian tubes, translating to terminal birth control for the offender. Unilateral salpingectomy, which is the removal of only one fallopian tube, would be more benign since medical authorities say a person can get pregnant with only one fallopian tube.  But the Kaduna law stipulates taking out both tubes, which is female equivalent of male castration.

    And you really can’t blame the Kaduna government for going for the rapist’s procreative jugular. The offence is highly dastardly because it not only affrontingly violates the victim, it as well leaves many victims in a psychological prison of forced silence out of fear of social stigma should the violation be reported. The offence is therefore sufficiently grievous that it isn’t asking for too much if other states borrow a leaf from the Kaduna law. Cut off the rapist’s balls!

  • Youths and corruption – notes for the EFCC chairman

    Youths and corruption – notes for the EFCC chairman

    “There are approximately 130 million Nigerians between the ages of 15-35. This is a vast army of able, energetic and willing people capable of putting this nation on the path to its finest destiny. From our first day in office, our administration will partner with them to make this happen.” …Page 57 of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Manifesto

    The above quote from the Renewed Hope Manifesto will be the thrust of my topic of reflection today. The appointment of Barrister Ola Olukayode as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in October this year, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, came with a lot of expectations of performance and high impacts under the new Chairman. Accordingly, Nigerians are looking forward to the new administration at the EFCC, hitting the ground running – but not running to nowhere, instead running to somewhere, because there is a dire need for quick action. Nigeria’s economy is in dire straits.

     It is against the background of the above-mentioned expectations, that most Nigerians read and heard with dismay, through the mass media, about a week ago, the statement credited to the EFCC Chairman, said “….. It is worrisome that seven out of ten students today are involved in cybercrimes,”. The EFCC spokesperson later denied that the Chairman made such a statement, and corrected the statement by stating that Mr. Olukoyede “did say that reports and intelligence available to him indicated that, unless this trajectory of youth involvement in internet fraud is addressed and reversed, the future of their leadership of our great nation may be threatened and if it continues in the next 10 years, 7 out 10 of our youths may be getting involved in cybercrimes’’. Indeed, the correction did not paint any better picture, especially because the projection is also not backed up by credible/verifiable data. The statement has left a worrisome negative impression, which in my humble opinion Mr. Olukayode should neutralize with action more than rhetoric.

     Notwithstanding the denial of the statement by the EFCC Chairman, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ engagement, Hon Asefon Sunday, and other Nigerians expressed concern over such a negative remark credited to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Nigerian youths.

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    Given the fact that the youths of any Country are the bedrock of development, critical national assets, beacons of hope, and the pride of that Country, I was really taken aback by that weighty statement. Even more so by the “correction” which gave a projection of what may happen in the next 10 years if the “trajectory of youth involvement in internet fraud is addressed and reversed”. Therefore, in essence, even if  Mr. Olukoayode’s statement is a projection; it pre-supposes the possibility that 70% of Nigerians could become criminals in the next 10 years. I couldn’t help but retort with “Seriously!?”. Because if so, then we wouldn’t have a country in the next 10 years. 

     I totally agree with the EFCC Chair that there is a need to create a sense of urgency for action, but I believe that it should be done based on empirical data, and evidence while taking into cognizance our current socio-economic realities in terms of the enablers and drivers of corruption as well as the critical success factors for fighting corruption in the short, mid to long term. Indeed the youths are also a reflection of that society.

     To put things in context, Nigeria currently has one of the largest populations in the world and a median age of 18.1 years. About 70% of the population is under 30, and 42% is under the age of 15. The World Bank, in a new report, states that 74% of global growth of the youth population aged 18–23 will be majorly in Nigeria and nine other countries from 2015 to 2035.

    The World Bank also reiterated that such a high number of young people is an opportunity for the continent’s growth – “but only if these new generations are fully empowered to realize their best potential. It is especially important that young people are included in decision-making and given appropriate opportunities for work and to innovate.  Involving young people in politics and society is not merely a question of inclusion, but one that is vital for economic growth, innovation, peace and security.”

    Based on the above-mentioned data and more, I expect that rather than the gloomy picture he projected, the EFCC Chair should have reeled out a “Call to Action” based on a strategy and action plan, in line with the mission statement of the EFCC, i.e. “To eradicate economic and financial crime through prevention, enforcement and coordination”; to ensure that the EFCC delivers its mandate under his leadership, in such a manner that the number of young people that are going into crime is significantly reduced while the good and patriotic youths who are in the majority, should be encouraged and supported, for a better Nigeria. 

     Furthermore, may I refer Mr. Chairman to the EFCC Strategic Plan 2021 to 2025, in which the following strategic objectives should serve as reminders for the EFCC to be proactive and not all the time reactive:

    • Strategic Objective 1; “To increase public engagement in the fight against Economic and Financial Crimes”

    • Strategic Objectives 2; “To improve systems and processes for the prevention of Economic and Financial Crime”

    • Strategic Objective 4; “To improve Law enforcement coordination and collaboration with relevant stakeholders are proved in the EFCC”

     Additionally,  I expect that Mr. Olukayode will have some contributions to make to the Nigerian National Youth Policy, which was activated in 2019, especially in the following areas: partnership building and effective collaboration to fight against corruption; promotive and protective environment for youth development; participation, inclusiveness equitable opportunities for all youths; etc – basically enhancing youth development in the context of sustainable development – such that the youth will be more empowered and further dissuaded from crime and criminality.

     Indeed, the assertion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his Renewed Hope Manifesto build-up to the 2023 Presidential elections is the total opposite of the EFCC Chairman’s claim. In page  57 of the Renewed Hope Manifesto, Mr President (then a Presidential candidate) stated as follows: ”Youth will not be exploited to do the bidding of the government. Instead, our administration will work with and for the youth, providing them with a platform where they may fulfill their greatest aspirations. We shall do this by embarking on a coherent, structured policy of social, economic, and political empowerment of young people… The quoted excerpt on the Renewed Hope Manifesto encapsulates the truth about the Nigerian youth, recognizing the value that the Nigerian youths bring to the table of our political and socio-economic development today and more so in the future. Mr. President has also been consistent with his respect for the team of good youths of Nigeria and his readiness to work with the youth to build a better Nigeria. I recall an excerpt of his acceptance speech after winning the 2023 Presidential speech, in which he said; ”to the youth of this Country, I hear you loud and clear, together we shall chart the path”.

     It is also worthy of note that President Tinubu went on to appoint a federal Executive Council, with almost half of the Ministers being young, dynamic, and diverse in terms of gender, religion, and geographical spread. Therefore, there is no gainsaying that it is not correct that 70% of Nigerian youths may become criminals in the next 10 years. Granted that there is a small percentage of young people in Nigeria who are engaging in crime and criminality, and the number is indeed increasing, but the tendencies and the character of Nigerian youths do not support them in any way.

    Some key points to note:

    • Some of the negative impacts of such a damning projection coming from the Chairman of Nigerian EFCC is that it could demonize, de-market, the good hard-working, and patriotic Nigerian youths whence the international community of countries takes the assertion of the EFCC Chairman as credible in their considerations of young Nigerians applying to study or work in such Countries – this is counter-productive to our national image and international standing. If the situation of Nigerian youths could be so bad, what then becomes of other Nigerians could be worse.

    • The strategic focus of the EFCC should be to identify the root cause of the rising number of youths going into crime and criminality in Nigeria and what can be done to turn the tide in the short to long term. Otherwise, the statement could seem like the EFCC Chair is already making excuses before even spending 6 months in office. 

    •Based on the foregoing, I urge the EFCC Chairman to encourage and motivate the youth in rhetoric and action, rather than doing the opposite with the doom and gloom message which could further demoralize a lot of youth that are in dire need of inspiration, motivation and appreciation of their patience, perseverance, determination, and patriotism despite the societal challenges which are not created by them. The importance of a shared vision between the EFCC Chair and Mr. President cannot be over-emphasized.

  • ‘Agberos’, transport unions and public order

    ‘Agberos’, transport unions and public order

    By Adesegun Ogundeji

    Popularly referred to as Agbero, operators of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers of Nigeria (RTEAN), are major actors in the transportation sector of Lagos State, and indeed other states across the country.

    To some, agberos are into legitimate undertakings, while others simply see them as interlopers who compound the state’s transportation challenges.  

    However, irrespective of contrary opinions, in the real sense of it, the agbero, by its original concept, is doing a legitimate business. Shocked? No doubt, I am sure a lot will be surprised to hear this, but don’t crucify me yet.

    Just wait a minute!  Is a travel agent doing a legitimate business? Well, the answer is yes. By implication, if a travel agent is doing a legitimate business, then an agbero is equally into a legitimate business. The point is that our understanding of Agbero does not tally with its original conception.

    What an agbero (commuter’s link man) does is not different, by inference, from what a travel agent does. Agberos have been operating in the transport sector since the days of the yore, acting as middlemen between the transporters and commuters.  It is quite plausible that the ‘Gen Z’ might find it tough to understand this narrative because time has changed.

    In those days, willing travellers booked seats ahead with the agbero who in turn informed the transporter to reserve a specific number of seats for people who had booked ahead with him. The implication is that if you are not on that itinerary, you go nowhere.

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    Are you getting the gist?

    Therefore, for his time and efforts in gathering passengers for the vehicle, the transporter gives him an agreed percentage of the fare. In-fact, in the olden days, travellers who live far from the Agbero’s (travel agent) abode sleeps over in his house so as not to miss the bus.

    I experienced this in my series of travels to Ikuehi, Ihima in the now Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State. Adi Jimoh was the transport agent of Suru Ohu ni (Surulere) Transport Company in Ikorodu. His base was Ojogbe, while Idi Mangoro in Agege was the major loading point for vehicles going to Ebiraland, generally referred to as Okene.

    As school resumption approached, the agent informed our parents when a vehicle will be available. The same happened upon vacation.

    What I have laboured to establish from the foregoing is to give legitimacy to the business of agbero both historically and legitimately.

    But then, in relation to the concept established thus far, does agbero still exist in Lagos?

    I dare to say no. Those roughnecks, guttural voices and fierce looking men we now call agberos are mere opportunistic elements extorting money from hardworking drivers.

    Today, no one acts again as a travel agent for anyone, at least those travelling by road. Not even on the inter-state routes. In the modern era, there are designated parks (public and private) where vehicles are ready for boarding. The traveller is, therefore, at liberty to plan his trip without the help of an agent.

    Therefore, agbero, in its present form, is nothing but a fraud. But what of the NURTW and RTEAN?  Are they still relevant? In my view, they are. They are not different from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and even the Nigeria Labour Congress. They were established and registered to protect the interest of their members.

    The major difference, however, lies in the fact that while the road transport associations deploy crude methods to collect their dues on the roads, others do the same through more dignifying tactics. Their members pay through monthly deductions. They maintain a verifiable membership list and relate with their members decently.

    This is one area that the transport unions need to work on as the only nexus between them and their members (drivers) is the daily ‘extortion’.

    Thus, the modus operandi of transport unions and the boys unleashed on the transport workers as revenue collectors on the roads is antithetical to the posture of being an association for the welfare of the road workers. Incessant violent clashes between the “welfarists” (unions) and the supposed beneficiaries (drivers) speak volume about their relationship.

    Commercial bus operators who claim to belong to the transport unions are those who join in revenue collection when they have no vehicle to drive. They are so lawless and in most cases violent. The larger majority of transport workers are not members of the unions and they don’t subscribe to them, except by coercion.

    Few weeks ago, some threatening public notices appeared in some bus stops, including Oworonshonki, Oshodi, Ikeja and Agege, warning operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to stay clear of the bus stops. When that failed, some supposed drivers supported by urchins staged protests in the affected areas, alleging LASTMA’s high handedness.

    A deeper look into the incident shows that it was a ploy to divert attention as evidence clearly shows that most of the main actors were no drivers. They were union members who see the enforcement of rules against commercial vehicles stopping in some places where they extort money from drivers as robbing them of ‘revenue’.

    This is not to say that there are no proven cases of some law enforcement operatives going overboard and beyond their rules of engagement, but a fair assessment of road use in the state reveals that traffic laws are obeyed in reverse order.

    The law enforcement agents are attacked verbally and physically. In some cases, the attacks have led to the death of innocent people, especially those delivering crucial public services to the people.

    Lagos drivers, especially commercial bus operators, want to have things done their way, irrespective of the pains they cause to other road users. They hate enforcement of rules and regulations. Their sympathizers and co-law breakers are quick at accusing the government of trying to generate revenue from traffic offenders.

    Truth is that fines are not taxes and levies. Payment of fines is optional, depending on if you are willing to obey the rules. The truth is that enforcement costs the government more than the possible revenue that might accrue from the so-called fines.

    The agberos no longer have any business on the roads. They have outlived their usefulness. On the other hand, the NURTW and RTEAN, being legal entities, should opt for more civilized ways of conducting their activities without constituting public nuisance. This is the 21st century, Lagos deserves the best.  

    • Ogundeji is Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.