The Nation Newspaper

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  • Edo records huge wins at teachers summit

    Edo records huge wins at teachers summit

    Edo State yesterday won big at the 2026 National Teachers Summit at the State House Banquet Hall in Aso Villa, Abuja.

    At the event, where some teachers were rewarded for their outstanding performances, Edo State won big in the Southsouth  Zone, with Mr Okhide Eugene, a physics teacher at Imaguero College, Benin City, going home with N25 million.

    Outstanding teachers were given N25 million each and the overall best teacher went home with N50 million.

    Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, thanked  President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa and  Governor  Monday Okpebholo for continually providing the enabling environment for teachers to thrive.

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     Iyamu reiterated that the Nigerian education system is experiencing a wave of positive change in Edo under the education-loving Okpebholo, and at the national level under minister of Education, who has continually raised the bar of excellence under the visionary leadership of the President.

    “The honour today is a testament to what we can achieve if we are really committed to a cause just like my governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is committed to taking education to higher heights in Edo State. I am grateful to the governor for the opportunity to serve and the support he gives to us as a team in the ministry.

    “Today’s award is also coming on the heels of the recognitions and awards the state has won in the education sector since the administration came into office a little over a year ago. Mr Governor is not relenting in his effort at repositioning the sector and making it better than we met it and we are getting results.

    “We are not focusing only on the provision of modern facilities in our schools, we are also making life better for the teachers as their welfare is also a top priority and we expect more of our teachers to excel not only at national stage but even at global level,” he said.

  • Youths condemn misleading publication

    Youths condemn misleading publication

    Integrity Youth Alliance (IYA) has condemned a publication allegedly issued by a self-styled civil society organisation, Global Gender Safety and Moral Development, in concert with a faction claiming to represent National Association of Nigerian Students.

    IYA, in a statement by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, yesterday, accused the authors of engaging in propaganda. The group also alleged that some individuals parading as NANS executives were using students as “shields” for non-academic activities.

    “The publication is riddled with inconsistencies and is driven by mischief,” the statement read.

    IYA also defended Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, dismissing claims of impropriety as “false and malicious.”

    Addressing a disputed property case, the alliance said a judgment in the matter between Ama Etuweme, SAN, and Pinnacle Communications (Suit No: THC/ABM/C’S/2297/2025), delivered by Justice Omotosho, directed the Federal Capital Territory Police Command to enforce the court’s decision.

    “The order did not mandate the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Team to act, contrary to what has been mischievously alleged,” the statement said. It stressed that no officer acted on any directive linked to the IGP, but in strict compliance with a valid court order.

    The alliance also noted glaring contradictions in the publication.

    While alleging collaboration between unnamed police officials and a former company secretary of Pinnacle, the authors claimed officers were prevented from entering the premises by personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other police officers guarding the property.

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    “If, as alleged, the IGP sought to take over the property, who then deployed the other police officers already on ground?” the group queried.

    The IYA further pointed out inconsistencies in allegations involving a senator, who was accused of benefiting from a “kangaroo judgment” relating to a private office in Asokoro.

    The group argued that the conflicting narratives undermined the credibility of the claims, portraying them as conjecture rather than grounded in law.

    The youth organisation urged factions claiming to represent NANS to exercise restraint and respect judicial processes, advising them to allow courts to resolve pending issues instead of engaging in activities aimed at extortion and public deception.

    reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the rule of law, institutional integrity, and responsible civic engagement, while urging all parties to desist from spreading misinformation and to respect court orders.

  • Baptists honour, eulogise past members

    Baptists honour, eulogise past members

    Baptist Academy Old Students’ Association (BAOSA) at the weekend paid tributes to deceased members of the Baptist community.

    Speaking at the Evening of Thanksgiving & Remembrance in Onanikoro, Lagos, BAOSA President, Olumide Ajomale, noted that the lives, service and sacrifices of BAOSA members, classmates, teachers and administrators remain woven in the fabric of their alma mater.

    The  annual event is a solemn gathering designed to express gratitude for the living and honour the memory of departed alumni and faculty. It had the theme: “A Legacy of Gratitude, A Bond of Remembrance.”

    Ajomale  said in remembering them, the association reaffirms a bond that transcends, and legacies preserved through gratitude, service and continuity.

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    “We gather first in thanksgiving, as an Alumni of Baptist Academy, we are grateful for the solid foundation of learning and character we received, the lifelong friendships forged and the opportunities that have flowed from our shared heritage. Above all, we thank God for sustaining us and for granting us the privilege to give back to the institution that gave us so much,” he said.

    Minister of the day, Rt.Rev. Jeremiah Abidemi Shittu,JP, in his exhortation from Psalm 90:1, emphasised the significance of giving thanks to God.

    He described gratitude as a service to God and humanity, stressing that  gratitude has a feel-good emotion,  a tool for personal well-being.

    “While these are valid aspects of life, biblical gratitude transcends mere transactional facts. It is an unconditional, proactive, and spiritual posture of acknowledging God’s goodness in all circumstances,” he said.

    While commiserating with the families of the deceased, the clergyman noted that God has kept everyone alive for a reason, not because they are better than those who have gone, but to keep their legacy on,and  reflect on what they have done in the past.

    “I want to say that this bond of remembrance is for peace  for our brothers  who have passed on. We remember them today. Those who once passed through the familiar corridors of our school, shared lives in the dining hall, bowed their heads in devotion during the school assembly year, and sang in the school anthem and the national anthem, and lived in the borders of our hostels. They were vibrant, full of life, with dreams and aspirations for the future like ours,” he added.

  • OAU alumni branch awards N20.8m scholarships

    OAU alumni branch awards N20.8m scholarships

    The Great Ife Alumni Association, Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) Branch, has awarded 104 scholarships worth N20.8 million to outstanding students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

    The association held its third Dallas Scholars Award Ceremony at the Oduduwa Hall.

    President of the DFW Branch, Mr. Dolapo Ajayi, during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, said the initiative was designed to reward academic excellence and ease the financial burden on deserving students.

    Each beneficiary received N200,000 as a non-refundable monetary grant aimed at supporting essential needs such as tuition and accommodation, thereby allowing students to focus fully on their studies.

    “This scholarship is not a loan. It is our way of supporting students who have demonstrated excellence and resilience, so they are not distracted by financial challenges,” Ajayi said.

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    He explained that the Dallas Scholars Initiative began in 2024 with 52 awardees, expanded to 104 beneficiaries in 2025, and has been sustained at the same level in 2026.

    He noted that the programme is structured to support students throughout their academic stay, provided they continue to meet the required criteria.

    Of the 104 scholarships awarded this year, 80 were renewals for existing scholars, while 24 new students were admitted into the programme following the graduation of some earlier beneficiaries.

    He further disclosed that the selection process is handled solely by the association’s Scholarship Award Team Leaders, including Mrs. Bunmi Adejuyigbe, Head of Internet, and Mr. Tokunbo Adejuyigbe, Head of the Planning Committee.

    He noted that the committee operates independently of the university administration.

    “We receive thousands of applications every year. Applicants submit a statement of purpose, academic records including CGPA, a résumé, and other supporting documents.

    “The process is rigorous, competitive, and objective, and we even leverage technology, including AI, to ensure fairness,” Ajayi added.

    Acting Director of the Advancement Office, OAU, Dr. Adeduntan Segun-Olasanmi, described the initiative as a reflection of the alumni’s enduring commitment to their alma mater.

    She revealed that with the latest awards, the Dallas–Fort Worth Branch has now funded 260 scholarships within three years, representing an investment of nearly N50 million in student development.

    “These alumni have needs of their own, yet they continue to give back. This scholarship has transformed the lives of many beneficiaries. Several scholars have graduated at the top of their classes, won departmental and faculty awards, and even secured international research collaborations,” she said.

    She praised the consistency of the initiative, noting that the university remains grateful for the sustained support.

    The VC Prof. Bamire commended the alumni for their generosity, describing the scholarship as a major contributor to students’ academic stability and performance.

    “The relief provided by this scholarship allows students to concentrate fully on their studies.

    “We can clearly see the connection between financial support and academic excellence,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

    He assured the alumni that the university would continue to track the academic progress and achievements of beneficiaries to measure the long-term impact of the initiative.

    The ceremony was attended by senior university officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and the Dean of Student Affairs, alongside members of the alumni association.

    One of the beneficiaries, Miracle Oyetoro, a student of the Faculty of Agriculture, described the scholarship as a turning point in her academic and personal journey.

    Oyetoro likened her experience to the biblical story of Joseph, noting that her path to purpose had not been smooth despite her strong sense of calling.

    “When we think of destiny, we often imagine a straight line from a dream to reality, but my journey has been anything but straight,” she said.

    She explained that her decision to study Agriculture was driven by a deep personal conviction rather than prestige, adding that she later discovered that purpose does not shield one from hardship.

    “Being on the path of divine direction does not exempt one from ordeals. Like Joseph, I faced seasons where the vision became blurry and personal struggles made me question my journey,” Oyetoro stated.

    According to her, the Dallas Scholars Award came at a moment when hope seemed distant, serving as both financial relief and emotional reassurance.

    “This scholarship is more than financial support to me. It is a signal — a reminder that when God orders a journey, He also provides the resources for it. It reassures me that I am exactly where I am supposed to be,” she said.

    She added that the award renewed her motivation and inspired her to encourage fellow scholars who may be facing difficulties on their path to success.

    Oyetoro concluded her address with a deeply reflective poem titled “The Scholar’s Mandate,” which drew strong emotional reactions from fellow beneficiaries and guests at the ceremony.

    In the poem, she encouraged scholars to remain steadfast despite challenges, describing the scholarship not merely as a reward but as a seed and a ladder meant to propel them toward purpose and service.

    She reminded fellow awardees that progress does not always come in dramatic leaps, stressing that “however small the steps may seem, they still matter,” and urged them not to lose faith during difficult seasons that may feel like a desert.

    Addressing her fellow scholars directly, Oyetoro charged them to rise above fear, reject mediocrity, and live purpose-driven lives that would leave a lasting impact beyond material rewards.

    She ended the poem with a call to courage and excellence, urging the scholars to “hold the torch high,” spread their wings, and recognise that their potential extends “far beyond the sky.”

    Diaspora Liaison Officer, Evang. Adekunbi Akin-Taylor, was also at the event.

  • ‘Why annual filing of returns is important’

    ‘Why annual filing of returns is important’

    Since the enactment of the new tax laws, both the Federal and state governments have left no stone unturned in amplifying the various provisions of the laws to the attention of corporate and individual tax payers. The Director, Personal Income Tax,  Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Ayodele Adebayo, speaks on the salient issues in this chat with Group Business Editor, SIMEON EBULU

    Which categories of persons are tax exempt under the new tax Act, are exempt persons still required to file annual returns?

    Exempt persons include individuals earning below the minimum taxable threshold and others specified by law pursuant to section 163 of Nigeria Tax Act. However, exemption from tax does not always mean exemption from filing, where filing is required for record purposes. 

    Are unemployed persons required to file returns, or obtain a Tax ID?

    Unemployed individuals are generally not liable to pay tax, but obtaining a Tax ID may still be necessary for banking, employment, or regulatory purposes.

      There’s the misconception that every bank transfer must carry a detailed narration. What is required of taxpayers?

    Taxpayers should focus on proper documentation, clearly separate personal and business accounts, do their filling accurately with full disclosure. Good record-keeping, not excessive narration, is what ensures compliance.

    Why is January such a critical month for employers in terms of Personal Income Tax compliance?

    January is critical because it is the statutory period for employers to reconcile and formally report all emoluments paid to employees in the preceding year pursuant to Section 14(1) of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025. While PAYE is remitted monthly, January annual filing confirms the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of those remittances and ensures employees’ tax records are properly updated.

    What specific returns are employers required to file with LIRS?

    Employers are required to file the employees annual PAYE returns, which includes the Annual PAYE schedule (Form H1 or electronic equivalent), a detailed list of employees and their earnings, taxes deducted and remitted for the year under review, monthly returns of deduction of tax at source (PAYE & WHT) pursuant to Section 28 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 which states that every person who has an obligation to deduct and remit tax under this Act, or any other tax legislation, shall render monthly returns to the appropriate tax authority, as specified in the regulation issued for that purpose

     Who qualifies as an employer of labour, does this obligation apply even when PAYE has been deducted and remitted?

    An employer of labour includes companies, partnerships, NGOs, government agencies, and sole proprietorship that engage one, or more employees. Yes, the obligation still applies even where PAYE has been correctly deducted and remitted monthly. Monthly remittance does not replace the mandatory annual return, which is required by law.

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     What are the key data that must provided in the employer’s annual return, and does it cover both current and exited employees?

    The return must include employer details, including name, address, Tax ID, designation, gross emoluments, inclusive of salary, allowances and benefits. Also required is tax deducted and remitted, as well as the period of employment. It must cover both current and exited employees who were in employment at any time during the year.

     Beyond the regular PAYE remittances, are there other statutory returns employers are required to submit?

    Depending on circumstances, employers may also be required to submit Withholding Tax (WHT) returns,Capital Gains Tax (CGT) returns, where applicable, monthly returns of deduction of tax at source (PAYE & WHT) pursuant to Section 28 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 which states that every person who has an obligation to deduct and remit tax under this Act, or any other tax legislation shall render monthly returns to the appropriate tax authority, as specified in the regulation issued for that purpose.

    How can employers file these returns, and what platform has LIRS provided to make the process seamless?

    Employers can file returns through the LIRS e-Tax platform, or any designated LIRS tax stations, with support from account officers. The LIRS has digitised filing to ensure ease, accuracy and reduced turnaround time.

     What common mistakes has LIRS observed in past filings, and how can employers avoid them?

    Common mistakes include omitting exited employees, incorrect Taxpayer IDs, mismatch between PAYE remittances and annual returns, late filing and incorrect numbers of months worked. Employers can avoid these by early preparation, proper reconciliation and validation before submission.

     What’s the deadline for submission, are there penalties for late, or non-filing even where PAYE payments are up to date?

    The statutory deadline is January 31 of each year pursuant to Section 14(1) of NTAA which states that ‘’an employer shall file a return with the relevant tax authority for all emoluments paid to its employees, not later than 31 January of each year in respect of all employees in its employment in the preceding year. Penalties apply for late, or non-filing pursuant to section 101 of NTAA. That section states that: ‘’A taxable person who fails, or refuses to file returns, or knowingly files incomplete, or inaccurate returns to the relevant tax authority in accordance with the provisions of this Act, shall be liable to pay an administrative penalty of N100,000 in the first month in which the failure occurs, and N50,000 for each subsequent month in which the failure continues. Even if PAYE payments were fully remitted, filing is a legal obligation, not optional.

      Why is the annual filing of returns important to the LIRS, states and taxpayers?

     Annual filing helps LIRS maintain accurate taxpayer records, supports government planning and budgeting, protects employees by ensuring correct tax history and promotes transparency and trust in the tax system.

     What support and guidance are available to employers who may be experiencing challenges with their filings?

    LIRS provides dedicated account officers, Help desks at Tax Stations, Online guides and advisories, stakeholder engagement sessions. Employers are also encouraged to reach out early.

    The new tax law took effect from January 1, 2026. In simple terms, what is this law about?

    The new tax law is designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax system, eliminate multiplicity of taxes, improve fairness, and broaden the tax base, while supporting economic growth.

      Why was this tax reform considered necessary at this time?

    It was necessary to address inefficiencies in the existing tax framework, improve revenue sustainability, and align Nigeria’s tax system with modern economic realities, including the digital economy.

     Under the new law, how many taxes can a State Internal Revenue Service legitimately impose?

    The law clearly defines and limits the number of taxes that states can impose, such as Personal Income Tax, PAYE, WHT, Direct Assessment,  Stamp Duties, Capital Gain Tax on Individuals, thereby eliminating arbitrary charges and ensuring predictability and fairness for taxpayers.

      The Personal Income Tax rates are progressive and slightly higher. Should higher-income earners be worried, will it have negative effect  on entrepreneurship?

    No, certainly not. The progressive structure ensures that higher-income earners contribute fairly, while lower-income earners are protected. It is not intended to discourage entrepreneurship, but to promote equity and shared responsibility.

      What impact is the new law expected to have with regard to bringing more taxpayers into the tax net?

    The law is expected to significantly expand the tax net, especially by capturing informal and digital economy participants, improve compliance through data integration and transparency.

     There has been confusion around Tax Identification Numbers. Which should be used—LIRS Taxpayer ID or JTB TIN?

    For Lagos taxpayers, the LIRS Taxpayer ID remains valid and sufficient. It is harmonised with the national system, and taxpayers should not panic or duplicate registrations.

      What steps is Lagos State taking to domesticate the new tax law?

    Lagos State is currently reviewing existing laws for alignment, engaging stakeholders, upgrading systems and capacity, rolling out public education and guidance.

    What is LIRS’ key message to employers  under NTAA 2025 regarding January annual filing?

    Our key message is simple Taxpayers should file early and accurately. January annual filing is not just a statutory duty, it is a partnership between employers, employees and government to build a transparent, equitable, and sustainable tax system for the state.

  • Steady progress

    Steady progress

    • •Nigeria’s removal from EU “grey list” is a positive development and we should do our utmost to remain out of it

    In February 2023, Nigeria was placed on the “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), portending serious negative consequences for her economy, as a result of perceived fundamental failings in the country’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) systems.

    The requisite international financial regulatory agencies had issues, among others, with Nigeria’s supervision of non-financial businesses, lack of effective implementation of controls for beneficial ownership transparency, and enforcement of regulations against terrorism financing and money laundering, as well as concerns about the National Financial Intelligence Unit’s (NFIU) capacity to analyse and share financial intelligence effectively.

    However, the removal of Nigeria from the FATF “grey list” in October 2025 indicated that the country had made commendable progress in implementing far-reaching reforms, introducing new AML/CFT laws, creating a credible public register for beneficial owners and improving the working relationships among her financial intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

    That Nigeria continued to make remarkable progress in this regard was reinforced by the European Union’s (EU) official removal of the country from its list of high -risk third countries under the EU Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (ACM/CFT) framework.

    According to the NFIU, the removal contained in the European Commission Delegated Regulation (EUDC (2025) 8460, was adopted on December 4, 2025, but will take effect from January 29, 2026.

    All of these are indicative of an enhanced perceived integrity, credibility and reliability of Nigeria’s internal financial architecture among critical actors in the global financial ecosystem. This will in turn have salutary implications for ongoing reforms, with brighter possibilities of improved economic performance.

    The NFIU is right in attributing the steady progress made in rescuing financial structures and systems from external ignominy to the persistence and steadfastness of the President Bola Tinubu administration in pursuing the implementation of economic reforms, the prioritisation of financial system integrity, inter-agency coordination and compliance with international standards.

    Most pertinently, the NFIU’s Chief Executive Officer, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, stressed that “The achievement is also the result of sustained collaboration among key stakeholders, including the National Assembly, law enforcement agencies, regulators, supervisors, the judiciary, the private sector and development partners”.

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    It is of course self-evident that to sustain and improve on current laudable attainments as regards the transparency, efficacy and trustworthiness of our financial systems and processes, this multi-agency cooperation and collaboration must continue to be deepened.

    With her removal from the EU high-risk list, financial transactions between Nigeria and the EU will become considerably smoother and less burdensome, cross – border financial flows will be more efficient and due diligence requirements in financial transactions between the two entities will be less demanding. This will most likely rub off positively on Nigeria’s economic and financial interactions with other global economic actors.

    As the NFIU CEO aptly put it, “Beyond the immediate economic benefits, this outcome strengthens international confidence in Nigeria’s financial system and underscores our standing as a cooperative and responsible participant in the global financial architecture”.

    This implies that all appropriate financial, legal, trade, law enforcement and other authorities must be alert and proactive to continue to improve on standards in their performances. As Hafsat Bakari rightly asserted, “While we welcome this progress, it also places a clear responsibility on all stakeholders to sustain momentum, guard against complacency and continue strengthening our systems in response to evolving financial crime risks”.

  • A good man departs

    A good man departs

    • •Imam Abdullahi who saved 262 Christians in Plateau during an attack by bandits left a good legacy for others to emulate

    One great Nigerian hero, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, a popular Islamic cleric from Nghar Village in Plateau State has died at the age of 90. In a state in Nigeria that has seemingly become a metaphor for socio-religious conflicts in the last two decades, Imam Abdullahi had in the words of Shakespeare, had ‘achieved greatness’ through his brave action in June 2018.

    With incessant indigenes/settlers, herders/farmers, Christian/Muslim conflicts that have defined lives in the North Central and North Western areas of Nigeria, the cleric had risked all, including his life and the lives of his family, by hiding about 262 Christians during an attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

    He had creatively hidden the women and children in his personal house and the men in the mosque. He stood up to the attackers claiming that everyone of those he had hidden was a Muslim, thus saving their lives.

    This singular act was celebrated nationally and internationally as it resonated across the world. Imam Abdullahi became a global icon of peace and one whose action showed truly that religion, especially as the Muslims claim, preaches peace, love and charity. His action showed leadership in its purest form.

    In a country with deep ethnic/religious divisions that are often described as tilting towards Christian genocide, his action was a double-edged sword. It was an admirable act of courage but the fact that the hidden Christians were left unharmed by the alleged marauding Fulani herdsmen after being told they were all Muslims should be a product of thorough investigations and research to help the country.

    The series of seemingly intractable conflicts of different hues, especially in the Northern part of the country, has steadily morphed into a variety of social ills like kidnappings, banditry, farmers/herders clashes, insurgency, etc. Politicians, as leaders must take a cue from the late Imam whose heart was with the people. He showed heroism risking his life and the lives of his relations.

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    In a world beset by conflicts of different hues often instigated or sustained by interests of leaders at various levels, the Imam’s example shows what is possible when a leader loves humanity. With political, socio-religious and economic conflicts across the world on the rise, his global appeal should be seen as a pointer to what is possible when a leader is willing to show humanity not tainted by religious/ethnic sentiments.

    Imam Abdullahi was not only honoured in Nigeria with a national honour but internationally as well. The United States Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Award was given to him in 2019. He had an all-expenses paid trip to travel to receive his award. He was already in his ‘80s at the time. This ought to be a lesson about how seemingly ‘little acts of kindness’ can have global appeal. There is no age limit to the human capacity to show kindness and make an impact in the world.

    It is important to note that the Imam did not gain fame just by being an Imam in his community. He extended his leadership to other humans when he had the capacity to. He did not invite the media to show how magnanimous he was. It was the stories of his beneficiaries that shot him to global acclaim. What lessons can politicians learn from this?

    His life reminds us of two Nobel Peace Prize winners, late Mother Theresa of Calcutta who even though a native Albanian gained global admiration for her acts of kindness in Calcutta, India, where she spent her life as a Catholic nun, touching lives of Hindus, Christians, Muslims and other faiths. Her life became a symbol of kindness not that of her vocation, even if her vocation inspired her actions. The late Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa was also known for his humanity beyond his evangelical duties.

    We are however curious that not many lessons have been learnt by many Nigerians who know and applauded the actions of the late Imam. There is still ethnic and religious bigotry being displayed not just in the Plateau but across the country.

    Sadly, the political elite appear complicit as they are usually the ones fanning the embers of hatred for mere political expediency. The Imam ought to be an example not just to political leaders but to other religious and traditional rulers whose main duty ought to be the fostering of unity and love amongst Nigerians, irrespective of their faith and ethnicity.

    The political, religious and traditional leaders must question the value they add to their communities with their actions and inactions. The late Imam boldly preached with decisive human act of kindness and that has immortalised him. He lived a long and fulfilled life and his legacy stands in his memory.

    That, to us is the greatest asset of any human. May he find the peace he preached even at the risk of his own life and beyond the religious podium. That is what is called a purposeful life.

  • Time to end government subsidies for pilgrimages

    Time to end government subsidies for pilgrimages

    • By Peter Ovie Akus

    Sir: The news that the federal government of Nigeria has allocated N11.5 billion for religious pilgrimages in the 2026 budget is heartbreaking and soul rending. It is a waste of scarce public resources at a time when the government is implementing several reforms in various sectors of the economy which are painful for most Nigerians in the short-term but highly rewarding in the long-term. We have to break with this age-old, anomalous, and aberrant tradition if we truly want to make Nigeria great and prosperous.

    Between 2022 and 2024, federal and state governments in Nigeria spent N120 billion sponsoring Christian and Muslim pilgrimages. In 2024 alone, the federal government approved a N90 billion subsidy on Hajj, to the consternation of many. Over the past decade, an estimated N2 trillion has been spent on both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages.

    In spite of all these religious shenanigans which are a drain on our commonwealth, most Nigerians do not know God or love him. Our leaders pretend to love God and sponsor these pilgrimages not as a form of service to God but to gain political capital and win support in elections. The citizenry often engage in acts that show that they often place their personal interests above the national interests. They worship God with their lips but their hearts are far away from him. This is the reason why we have so much corruption, bloodletting, banditry, kidnapping, and other vices in our society.

    Subsidies for religious pilgrimages only benefit the economies of the host countries. According to Statista, Saudi Arabia generates an estimated $12 billion annually from religious tourism. The Nigerian government should begin to look at ways that we can also benefit from religious tourism by promoting our traditional religions. Instead of spending billions of naira every year sending citizens to Rome, Jerusalem, Mecca, etc., why can’t we make billions of naira receiving religious tourists in Ife, Benin, Sokoto, Anambra, Benue, to mention a few?

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    There have been attempts to end religious subsidies for pilgrimages albeit with limited success. The 2012 Steve Oronsaye Committee recommended ending such sponsorships but it remains unheeded. In 2016, the then governor, Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State stopped the sponsoring of pilgrimages with funds from the public till. Nasir El-Rufai did the same during his governorship of Kaduna State. The heavens did not fall.

     It is regrettable that we have states that can’t pay minimum wage, provide quality education, infrastructure, and healthcare, yet budget billions of naira annually for sponsorship of pilgrimages. Ending government subsidies for pilgrimages is an idea whose time has come. The monies saved from such wasteful ventures should be channeled into national development.

    •Peter Ovie Akus

    Ontario, Canada.

  • Nigeria’s Back-to-Farm initiative

    Nigeria’s Back-to-Farm initiative

    • By Felix Oladeji

    Sir: Speaking at the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the federal government’s Back-to-Farm initiative as part of Nigeria’s strategy for restoring agricultural livelihoods and strengthening food security. The programme was framed as evidence of Nigeria’s commitment to rural recovery and sustainable development. Yet beyond the symbolism of international visibility lies a more urgent responsibility: translating policy promises into measurable improvements for displaced farmers at home.

    The Back-to-Farm initiative seeks to provide displaced farmers with agricultural inputs, access to capital, and institutional support to enable their return to productive farming. Coming amid rising food inflation, insecurity, and widespread displacement, the programme represents a necessary intervention in a long-running crisis that has weakened Nigeria’s food systems and deepened rural poverty. In many conflict-affected regions, abandoned farmlands, disrupted supply chains, and reduced yields have become defining features of everyday life.

    Under the initiative, beneficiaries are expected to receive seedlings, farm tools, mechanisation support, and access to credit facilities. On paper, this promises a pathway from dependency to self-reliance. However, Nigeria’s history of agricultural interventions urges caution. From the Green Revolution of the 1970s to more recent schemes, many well-intentioned programmes have faltered due to weak implementation, corruption, and poor monitoring. If Back-to-Farm is to succeed, it must break decisively from this legacy.

    Accountability must therefore be central to the programme’s design. Transparent beneficiary selection, community-based oversight, and independent evaluation mechanisms are essential. Without these safeguards, the initiative risks becoming another politically convenient announcement that delivers limited tangible impact.

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    Equally important is market integration. Increased production alone does not guarantee improved livelihoods. Farmers must be connected to reliable markets, storage facilities, transport networks, and agro-processing hubs. Without such linkages, surplus produce may rot while rural incomes stagnate. The initiative must therefore be embedded within broader value-chain development strategies that ensure farmers can secure fair and stable returns on their labour.

    Technology and extension services also have a critical role to play. Digital platforms can provide real-time information on weather patterns, pricing trends, and best farming practices. Revitalising agricultural extension systems will help smallholders adapt to climate variability and improve productivity. These investments are not luxuries; they are prerequisites for sustainable rural transformation.

    Security remains a foundational condition. Farmers will not return to their lands if they remain exposed to violence and extortion. Thus, Back-to-Farm must be complemented by credible security reforms that prioritise rural protection, community policing, and justice delivery. Agricultural recovery cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness.

    Financing will further determine the programme’s longevity. While government funding is essential, strategic partnerships with private investors, development agencies, and financial institutions can expand the initiative’s reach. Blended finance models, microcredit schemes, and results-based grants can help transform short-term assistance into long-term resilience.

    Beyond economics, the initiative represents an affirmation of dignity. Farming in Nigeria is not merely an occupation; it is a cultural inheritance and a social anchor. Restoring displaced farmers to productive land is an act of national reconstruction. It signals that rural citizens matter, that development is not confined to urban centres and that food producers are central to national prosperity.

    However, inclusion must be intentional. Women and youth, who form the backbone of agricultural labour, often face structural barriers in access to land and credit. If Back-to-Farm is to fulfil its promise, it must deliberately integrate these groups into decision-making and resource allocation processes.

    By presenting the initiative at Davos, the Nigerian government has elevated agricultural recovery to the level of global performance. This visibility brings opportunity for investment, partnerships, and technical support but it also brings obligation. International audiences will measure Nigeria not by speeches but by outcomes. Failure to deliver will erode credibility; success will enhance trust.

    Ultimately, the initiative can become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s food security strategy if it is anchored in accountability, institutional coherence, and local participation. Seed distribution and credit access must be matched by governance reforms, security improvements, and market development. Only through such an integrated approach can agriculture become both a means of survival and a driver of inclusive growth.

    •Felix Oladeji,

    Lagos.

  • Kano killing and the menace of drugs abuse

    Kano killing and the menace of drugs abuse

    • By Ibrahim Mustapha

    Sir: The brutal murder of 35-year-old housewife, Fatima Abubakar, and her six children in Dorayi Charanci quarters, Kano State, is one tragedy Nigerians should never become numb to. Yet, like many violent crimes before it, the shock will fade, the outrage will cool, and life will move on—until the next horrific headline reminds us that something is deeply broken in our society.

    This was not just a crime; it was a reflection of our collective failure; a failure of values, of institutions, of families, and of a system that continues to abandon its youths to poverty, idleness, and drug addiction. No rational human being—no matter how angry or provoked—can slaughter innocent children in cold blood. Acts of such savagery are often committed by minds already destroyed by hard drugs and hopelessness.

    Drug abuse has quietly become one of the most dangerous fuels of violent crime in Nigeria. Across cities and rural communities, many young people roam the streets without jobs, skills, or hope. In search of escape, they turn to drugs. Once intoxicated, conscience disappears, fear vanishes, and violence becomes easy. As the old saying goes, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop—and drugs provide the devil with tools.

    The arrest of suspects by the Kano State Police Command offers a glimmer of hope. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. If found guilty, the perpetrators must face the full wrath of the law. Anything less would send a dangerous message that human life is cheap. However, even the harshest punishment cannot heal the wounds left behind. The pain of a father who lost his wife and six children will linger for a lifetime.

    Sadly, this is not an isolated case. From Kano to Kaduna, Lagos to Port Harcourt, stories of defenceless Nigerians murdered in cold blood are becoming disturbingly common. Only last year, a nurse from Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Zaria was followed home, robbed, and hacked to death after closing from work.

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    These killings share a familiar pattern: desperation, drugs, and moral collapse. While security agencies deserve commendation for their efforts under difficult conditions, policing alone cannot solve this crisis. Guns and handcuffs cannot cure addiction, unemployment, or broken homes. The roots of the problem run much deeper.

    Unemployment remains a major trigger. Millions of young Nigerians wake up every day with no jobs, no income, and no clear future. Frustration pushes many into drug abuse, and drugs push them into crime. Weak parental supervision, erosion of moral values, and easy access to illicit substances have only made matters worse.

    The solution must therefore be comprehensive. Prevention is key. Drug-abuse education should be mainstreamed in schools, religious centres, and community forums. The media must go beyond reporting crimes to consistently exposing the dangers of drug addiction. When youths understand the consequences, many can still be saved. Empowerment is equally critical. Governments at all levels must prioritise job creation, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support. Sports, arts, and creative programmes should be revived to productively engage young people and redirect their energies.

    At the enforcement level, agencies like the NDLEA must be better equipped to disrupt drug trafficking networks. Dealers and suppliers should face severe penalties. However, youths already trapped in addiction need rehabilitation, counselling, and reintegration—not just prison sentences that harden them further.

    Communities cannot afford to stand aside. Parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, and civil society groups must reclaim their role as moral gatekeepers. Drug abuse is not only a government problem; it is a societal one. The killing of Fatima Abubakar and her six children should not be remembered as just another tragic statistic. It should serve as a wake-up call. If Nigeria truly wants to end the cycle of violence, it must confront drug abuse, youth unemployment, and moral decay with urgency and sincerity.

    Until then, more innocent lives will be lost—and we will all share the blame.

    •Ibrahim Mustapha,

     Pambegua, Kaduna State.