The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Way out of the electricity crisis

    Way out of the electricity crisis

    • By Femi Joseph

    Sir: The power grid has collapsed more than four times as of July, which represents a nationwide blackout every quarter. How can a nation as populated as Nigeria struggle to revamp her electricity network and bring it to full reliable capacity? The national grid as it is, boasts of a meagre 5000MW available generation capacity for a teeming population of about 200 million people.  This is highly shameful to say the least. Are we going to lose out again on the vast resources that we have? T

    The cheapest and most reasonable ways to improve our electricity sector abound, but we can’t utilize them because the wrong hands have been engaged in the critical affairs of our dear nation. Are we about to be blind again the same way we lost opportunities in the gas sector?

    Can the government get serious for once and start engaging experts who understand the technical know-how? The truth is we don’t need to break a sweat, the opportunities abound.

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    In recent years there have been advances in the power system leading to a change and modifications in government policies around the world that promote renewable energy integration and energy storage. For example, in the United States, residential and commercial customers that have solar rooftops are encouraged to export excess energy production to the grid via the bi-directional net energy meter (NEM), which is achievable by a grid following/grid forming dual-mode inverter. The dual mode inverter ensures that the customer has the option of utilizing their installed generation sources with or without grid connection. During loss of utility source, the customer inverter configuration can switch to an independent micro-grid mode to serve its local load.

    At the end of each billing cycle, the customer either receives a very low bill or a cheque/credit from the utility company while putting the distribution cost of exporting on the utility lines into consideration. If similar policies are made within the Nigerian power sector, with some slight modifications, then we can have a system that is on her way to prosperity.  The utility distribution network benefits from the reliability that this technology would add to the system as low voltages often observed on the system and usually at the end of long feeders are improved. It is even more advantageous to the utility as the retail cost of buying local electricity is less or equal to the wholesale cost from the GENCOs.

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is highly disjointed from the DISCOs, their nature of relationship is not entirely transparent, and this is greatly hurting businesses and individuals. The proposed solution should address this gap, as it will be customer inclusive through the incentives.

    •Dr. Femi Joseph

    Pittsburgh, USA

  • Time to call the NNPCL to order

    Time to call the NNPCL to order

    • By Nwachuku Charles

    Sir: In 2019, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, appointed Mele Kyari as the GMD of NNPCL as replacement for Maikanti Baru who was eased out of office in NNPCL. Kyari is currently the 19th group GMD of the corporation.

    More than 15 months after the ascendancy of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidency, Kyari has held fort and called the shots at the corporation. Over the same period that he has presided over the affairs of the NNPCL, the company undertook series of turn-around maintenance [TAM] of the nation’s various refineries at Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna respectively. Incidentally none of the series of turn-around maintenance was able to put any of the refineries on the path of production almost six years after his appointment, in a country that is blessed with abundant crude oil in its soil.

    Kyari and his NNPCL’s interests in importing finished petroleum products into the country while crude oil is daily pumped from the bowels of our land and shipped overseas is rather curious and questionable when considered against the backdrop that the refineries here have remained moribund or dormant and unproductive. 

    Recently reports say the NNPCL made over N3trillion as profit, the first in several years; the same amount the presidency magnanimously ploughed back into the company to support further importation of fuel to ease the pains of the removal of fuel subsidy at the inception of his administration. 

    Expectedly the gesture by the government was aimed to alleviate the hardship faced by the masses.  Unfortunately immediately thereafter, Kyari alleged that the NNPCL was owed about $6billion as unsettled costs for fuel importation into the country for several years. 

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    The question then is ‘where and how’ did Kyari and his fuel importation coordinating team in NNPCL raise the whopping $6billion to import fuel into the country which the federal government is now supposedly indebted to it even as it is the nation’s national oil corporation overseeing the activities of other oil producing companies on behalf of the government?

    Interestingly the company [NNPCL] has now raised the pump price of petrol to an historic high of almost N900 per litre despite the government’s N3trillion to it.  The effect of this has rippled to other petroleum marketing bodies with one litre costing up to N1,300/litre, thereby exacerbating the hardship faced by the populace with its attendant consequences as the masses are now groaning under the heavy weight of increases in prices of both goods and transportation. Certainly this is aimed at frustrating the government’s intentions and efforts and perhaps to incite the general public against the government.

    It is therefore about time that the President Tinubu looked into the activities and roles of the NNPCL in line with his economic policies and direction to put the nation on the path of recovery. The time is now in order to forestall further damages that Kyari and his fuel pump politics will unleash on the nation and her citizens.

    I call on the President Tinubu to act very fast; now is the time to tame the nefarious activities of NNPCL as well as other enclaves in the polity.

    •Nwachuku Charles O. 

    okuchals@gmail.com>

  • An opportunity to eliminate malaria in pregnancy

    An opportunity to eliminate malaria in pregnancy

    • By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

    Sir: “We are immensely proud to have received WHO pre-qualification for our Sulfadoxine Plus Pyrimethamine Tablet for preventing malaria in pregnancy. This achievement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to improving maternal health and combating malaria, two critical public health challenges in Nigeria and beyond. We believe every woman deserves access to safe and effective preventive measures during pregnancy, and we are dedicated to making this a reality.”

    Above is part of the speech delivered by the Managing Director of Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited, Frederic Lieutaud, after the pharmaceutical company got the World Health Organisation’s pre-qualification for Swipha’s SP 500/25mg – a drug for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy. 

    Malaria during pregnancy leads to serious adverse effects on mothers and the foetus. Approximately 25 million pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa live at risk of malaria. Two institution-based studies done among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in Nigeria showed the prevalence of malaria to be 41.6% according to study published on Iris Journal of Medical Science, 2020.

    Medical experts in the country have long been singing the same tune that combining sleeping under an insecticidal-treated net with intermittent malaria prophylaxis during pregnancy is the only way to ensure pregnant women don’t fall prey to the deadly consequences of malaria, such as stillbirth and premature delivery.

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    It is the best bet and the safest route to prevent these complications. By taking these measures, expectant mothers can stay one step ahead of malaria and give their babies a fighting chance at a healthy start in life.

    Despite throwing money at the problem and setting up committee after committee to tackle malaria, Nigeria is on the brink of missing its 2025 elimination target, which is just around the corner. With less than four months to go, the writing is on the wall – Nigeria is unlikely to hit its target, and malaria will continue to be a thorn in its side. It is a bitter pill to swallow!

    It would be recalled that in 2008, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) set a target to reduce 50 percent of the malaria burden by 2013. Afterwards, there was the National Malaria Strategic Plan (2014-2020), with the goal to reduce the burden of the disease to pre-elimination level and bring malaria-related mortality to zero.

    By the end of 2020, Nigeria was not among the countries listed by WHO that achieved the 2020 milestones of reducing malaria incidence and deaths. The listed countries are; Botswana, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana, Namibia and South Africa.

    Currently, there is the National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP 2021-2025) with the target to achieve a parasite prevalence of less than 10 percent and reduce mortality attributable to malaria to less than 50 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2025.

    Beyond being a historic first, Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited has been saddled with the enormous responsibility of ending malaria in hundreds of thousands of pregnant women in the country and beyond. After this pre-qualification the offing for Swipha’s SP 500/25mg is global procurement, national regulatory approval, tendering and procurement, distribution and supply chain management, monitoring and evaluation and inclusion in national treatment guidelines, therefore, is this is a point of no return.

    Upon success of all aforementioned, this is venture will open the floodgates for export, providing a much-needed lifeline to alleviate our lingering forex woes, not just profit for the pharmaceutical giant. So, the onus is on Swipha to sustain the momentum for Nigeria to remain on the forefront of medical and pharmaceutical discourse as the government should make effort to borrow a leaf their book.

    •Lawal Dahiru Mamman,

     Abuja.

  • Dangote petrol: What’s next?

    Dangote petrol: What’s next?

     Sir: Alhaji Aliko Dangote envisioned ending Nigeria’s reliance on fuel importation and making sub-Saharan Africa self-sufficient in energy. This vision led to the construction of the world’s largest single-train refinery, a 650,000-barrel-per-day facility located in Lagos State.

    Just days before handing over power to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the Dangote Refinery as a parting gift to Nigerians. However, a time passed without petroleum products from the refinery being made available, initial excitement gave way to scepticism. Even when hope was rekindled at some point, controversies began to surface regarding the supply of crude oil to the refinery and its subsequent refining process.

    Amidst these controversies, Dangote Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Aliko Dangote, publicly accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), International Oil Companies (IOCs), and a cartel in the energy sector of denying him crude oil supplies, thereby sabotaging his efforts to make Nigeria energy-sufficient. The situation raised questions about whether those in power genuinely want the country to succeed. However, the phase would end with President Tinubu’s intervention, directing the NNPCL to sell crude oil in naira to the refinery.

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    In another twist, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) would raise concerns about the refinery’s petroleum having excessive sulphur content, opening another chapter for debate. After much back and forth, the National Assembly stepped in to calm the waters.

    Despite these hurdles, the refinery began test runs for petrol production on August 23. On September 3, over a year after its launch in May 2023, it officially rolled out petrol to mark the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one.

    At the press conference to mark the official rollout, Dangote declared, “It’s a celebration day for Nigerians,” while assuring citizens that they will “now have good petrol, and the engines of your vehicles will last longer. You will not have engine issues, which many of us were facing. It won’t happen at all.”

    He added that the fuel quality will match that of any global standard and promised that the refinery would help revive industry and manufacturing. With real import substitution, Nigeria would save foreign exchange, earn foreign exchange, stabilize the naira, and potentially bring down inflation and the cost of living.

    Yet, questions linger: Will the refinery’s production bring relief from fuel scarcity? How soon will it impact the forex market? Will the naira stabilize or even appreciate against the dollar? And the price?

    While citizens await the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to establish a new pricing structure for petrol produced at the refinery, Nigerians are still asking: What’s next?

    •Rabi Ummi Umar,rabiumar058@gmail.com.

  • Needless politicization of NATCOM Bill

    Needless politicization of NATCOM Bill

    Sir: The establishment of the National Commission Against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons, and Ammunitions (NATCOM) in Nigeria has been a long-awaited move to address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country. However, the process has been marred by unnecessary politicization, which threatens to undermine the very purpose of NATCOM.

    The National Commission Against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (Establishment) Bill, 2022, was passed by the 9th National Assembly and recommitted by the 10th National Assembly. Despite this, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (the Centre) has taken a position seen by many pundits as unpatriotic, attempting to discredit and criminalize the proposed NATCOM.

    This move by the centre is not only unnecessary but also undermines the legislative arm of government, which initiated the re-committal process of the NATCOM Bill under the current administration. The centre’s actions are a clear example of inter-agency rivalry, which will continue to be detrimental to the security of lives and property in Nigeria.

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    NATCOM’s functions, as outlined in the Bill, are in line with Article 24 of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Convention on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, which came into force in 2009. This Convention aims to prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in West Africa, and NATCOM’s establishment is crucial to Nigeria’s compliance with this international treaty.

    However, the centre’s existence, established by the Federal Government in 2021 under the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), raises questions about its ability to relate with international entities like the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and nation-states that are signatories to international treaties and conventions on the control of small arms and light weapons.

    For instance, in compliance with international treaties and conventions, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons is an agency established by an Act of Parliament (Act 736 of 2007), in Ghana. How will Nigeria’s centre meet the mandate in the international treaty or convention on control of small arms and light weapons? The answer lies in the establishment of NATCOM, which will provide a legal framework for Nigeria’s engagement with international entities like the UN on the control of small arms and light weapons.

    Instead of inter-agency rivalry, NATCOM and the centre under the office of the National Security Adviser should find a common ground to work together to address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria to curb insecurity in the country, especially within the ungoverned spaces to tame non-state actors and criminal gangs threatening to lives and property of citizens. This cooperation will also ensure that Nigeria meets its international obligations and provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the security challenges posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in line with the UN, AU, and ECOWAS treaties and conventions.

    It’s time for the National Assembly to expedite the re-committal process of the NATCOM Bill, if not already concluded, to enable the federal government to establish NATCOM as a legal entity through the assent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This will ensure that Nigeria meets its international obligations and provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the security challenges posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

    Good enough, the current Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, led the House of Representatives as Speaker when the NATCOM Bill was passed under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and will be in the position to properly advise Mr President who has shown unprecedented commitment to the security of lives and property of Nigerians in the last 14 months plus. Also, Mr President as the chairman of ECOWAS will be more than willing to ensure that Nigeria meets this obligation to ECOWAS on the fight against proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the West African sub-region.

    •Comrade James Ezema,jamesezema@gmail.com

  • Subsidy removal: Economic imperative or social burden?

    Subsidy removal: Economic imperative or social burden?

    Sir: In recent months, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has significantly raised the price of petrol, leading to widespread concern among citizens and stakeholders alike. The removal of fuel subsidies, which had long been a contentious issue, was finally implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, resulting in a market-driven pricing mechanism.

    The removal of fuel subsidies was a long-advocated policy by economic experts and international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. They argued that subsidies were a drain on government resources, often benefiting the wealthy more than the poor and encouraging corruption within the fuel distribution system. From this perspective, the subsidy removal is seen as a necessary step to reform Nigeria’s economy and free up resources for developmental projects.

    However, critics argue that the government failed to adequately prepare the populace for the inevitable shock of subsidy removal. The absence of social safety nets or palliatives to cushion the blow has left many Nigerians feeling abandoned by their government. The immediate impact has been harsh, with inflation rising to unprecedented levels, and many households struggling to afford basic necessities.

    The NNPCL’s role in the recent price increases has also been criticized. As the national oil company, its ability to influence market prices raises questions about the effectiveness of competition in the newly deregulated market. Many Nigerians fear that without sufficient checks and balances, the NNPCL and other major players might exploit the situation to maintain high prices, keeping fuel out of reach for the average citizen.

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    In the long term, the Dangote refinery could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s petroleum industry. The refinery’s ability to meet a substantial portion of domestic fuel demand could force market prices down due to increased competition, even with NNPCL’s market dominance. Moreover, Dangote’s integrated supply chain—from crude oil refining to the distribution of finished products—could ensure more efficient operations and lower production costs, benefits that could be passed on to consumers.

    Additionally, Dangote’s strategic investments in infrastructure, such as its own pipelines for crude oil and products, help reduce logistics costs, further driving down prices. The refinery’s success could also inspire confidence among other private investors, leading to more investments in the oil and gas sector, which has long been dominated by public enterprises with a history of inefficiency and corruption.

    However, the refinery’s success is not guaranteed and will depend on various factors, including the government’s regulatory framework, global oil prices, and Dangote’s ability to manage operational challenges. Yet, with the right support and policies in place, the Dangote refinery could provide a much-needed solution to Nigeria’s perennial fuel supply challenges and ease the burden on Nigerians grappling with high fuel prices.

    The recent fuel price increase by NNPCL and the removal of subsidies have undoubtedly placed a heavy burden on Nigerians, particularly the poor and middle class. While the policy shift is economically justified, its execution has been less than ideal, leaving many citizens struggling to cope with the resulting inflation and economic instability.

    For now, the situation remains precarious, and the government will need to carefully balance its fiscal policies with the needs of its citizens. Ensuring that the benefits of the Dangote refinery and other reforms reach the populace will be key to maintaining public trust and avoiding further economic and social unrest.

    •Usman Abdullahi Koli,mernoukoli@gmail.com.

  • Still on the 18-year limit for WASSCE and NECO

    Still on the 18-year limit for WASSCE and NECO

    By Jacob Sule

    The policy mandating that students be at least 18 before sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO) exams has sparked significant debate and reactions.

    While the policy may have good intentions, it inadvertently penalizes out-of-school children, a group already facing significant educational barriers. 

    For these children, the opportunity to sit for WASSCE or NECO exams represents a potential pathway out of poverty. Enforcing an age limit could further affect and short-change these students, making it even more difficult to catch up on lost years of education and ultimately limiting their chances of completing secondary education and accessing higher education or vocational training.

    The age limit policy also has significant implications for students’ access to global opportunities, such as scholarships, international programs, and prestigious fellowships offered by institutions like the World Bank and UNESCO.

    Many of these opportunities are age-sensitive, with specific eligibility criteria for completing tertiary education. Therefore, when there is a delay in completing secondary education, students will be held ransom while pursuing tertiary education at a much older age.

    To mitigate the negative impacts of the age limit policy, the government could implement a flexible policy that considers individual circumstances rather than enforcing a strict age limit.

    For instance, students who demonstrate academic readiness and emotional maturity could be allowed to sit for the exams, regardless of age. This approach would ensure that students capable of passing the exams are not unnecessarily delayed.

    The government should invest in programs that help out-of-school children catch up on their education, such as accelerated learning programs or alternative schooling models. By providing these students with the resources they need to succeed, the government can help ensure the new policy does not leave them behind.

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    Rather than relying solely on age limits to curb exam malpractice, the government should invest in more robust security measures, such as biometric verification and digital monitoring. These measures would address the root causes of exam malpractice without penalizing students who are ready to take the exams at a younger age.

     By adopting a more flexible approach and investing in supportive measures, the government can achieve its academic integrity and preparedness goals without compromising access to education and global opportunities for the nation’s youth.

    By critically assessing and adjusting this policy, Nigeria can better align its educational system with its broader developmental goals, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed both locally and on the global stage.

    • Jacob Sule, Washington, DC, United States.

  • Ogun: An emerging power house beyond oil

    Ogun: An emerging power house beyond oil

    Sir: Ogun State, nestled just outside Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, is on the cusp of an extraordinary transformation. The state is poised to become one of Nigeria’s most prosperous and desirable regions, without relying on the traditional revenue sources of oil or mineral wealth. It is charting a new path to prosperity, driven by strategic infrastructure development and innovative revenue collection, particularly from the constant stream of trucks transporting goods between Lagos and Ogun.

    Ogun State’s proximity to Lagos has always been one of its most significant advantages. As Lagos continues to grow and expand, the spill-over effect into Ogun is inevitable. Businesses seeking more affordable real estate, less congestion, and easier access to logistics hubs are increasingly setting their sights on Ogun. This influx of commerce and industry is a crucial factor in the state’s rise.

    One of the most promising developments in Ogun is its strategic focus on revenue collection from transportation. With a high volume of trucks moving goods daily from Lagos through Ogun, the state has identified a lucrative opportunity. By implementing efficient and fair levies on these vehicles, Ogun can generate significant income. This steady revenue stream, which does not depend on the volatile oil market, provides a stable financial foundation for the state’s ambitious development plans.

    The current administration, led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, has made infrastructure development a top priority. Recognizing that robust infrastructure is the bedrock of economic growth, the government is investing heavily in roads, bridges, and other critical projects. These investments are not just about improving transportation; they are about making Ogun State a more attractive destination for businesses and residents alike.

    The government’s approach is comprehensive, focusing on urban renewal in key cities like Abeokuta, Sagamu, and Ijebu-Ode, while also addressing the needs of rural areas. Improved road networks, better access to electricity, and enhanced public services are all part of the plan to make Ogun State a model of modern, sustainable development.

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    As these infrastructure projects come to fruition, Ogun State will likely see an influx of businesses, residents, and investors. The state’s strategic location, coupled with its growing infrastructure, will make it an ideal place for new businesses to flourish. This, in turn, will create jobs, stimulate local economies, and improve the quality of life for Ogun’s residents.

    Moreover, the state’s proactive approach to governance, with a focus on transparency and efficiency, will further enhance its appeal. Investors and residents alike are drawn to environments where they can trust the government to manage resources wisely and provide the necessary support for economic activities.

    In the next five to seven years, Ogun State is set to become a beacon of prosperity in Nigeria, not because of oil wells or mineral resources, but because of visionary leadership and smart economic strategies. The state’s ability to harness its natural advantages, invest in infrastructure, and generate revenue through innovative means, such as levies from transportation, will set it apart as a model for other regions to follow.

    Ogun State is on the rise, and with the current government laying the groundwork for sustained growth, it is only a matter of time before it becomes one of the most prosperous and liveable states in Nigeria. As you watch this transformation unfold, remember this moment and mark these words: Ogun State is the future.

    •John Amabolou Elekun,Iju-Ajuwon, Lagos.

  • Banditry: Before the descent to state of nature

    Banditry: Before the descent to state of nature

    Sir: It is apt to state that the news of resort to “self-defence” and or “self-help” by the people of Matusgi village in Zamfara State which led to the killing of 37 bandits and three villagers is a dangerous trip back to the “State of Nature” as explained by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau.

    This is sadly a clear indication that the people have been pushed to the wall. The truth of the matter is that a lot of people are increasingly losing confidence in the ability, and/or willingness of the government to protect their lives and property. Where is the Social Contract?

    The government must be reminded that its primary responsibility is the protection of lives and property of its citizens. The government must be alive to its responsibility in order to avoid its citizens resorting to self- defence and or self-help. All hands must be on deck towards finding a lasting solution.

    The reality in our dear country now is that the citizens are the ones who provide their electricity in form of either solar panels or generators. They drill their personal boreholes or wells to provide drinking water since the pipe borne water is no longer coming.

    We spend greater parts of our earnings on our children school fees since the public schools barely function. We spend a greater portion of our earnings on medical care due to ineffective health insurance system. We pay for expensive private transportation system since our public transportation system barely works. We pay for expensive rent through our noses since our mortgage system is ineffective.

    In my thought, farmers-herders clashes which have not been properly managed led to armed banditry in the country. One of the major reasons that caused it is the struggle for land resources. The farmer needs it for crops cultivation while the herder needs it for pasture. From independence to date, both human and cattle population have increased, but the size of our land has even reduced due to desertification and or climate change.

    Other reasons often adduced for the aggravation of the clashes are deliberate destruction of farms by herders, encroachment of cattle routes, abandonment of grazing reserves, jungle justice against herders, maiming and killings of cattle. In the event of crops destruction by herders, there were allegations of extortion by local judges, village heads, and policemen against herders. That allegedly made herders became very violent against farming communities.

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    One is not unaware of other factors such as the high rate of unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, proliferation of small and light weapons, drug abuse and porous borders.

    Of course, the use of military might is only part of the solution, but certainly not all of it. We must approach the crisis from firstly, the political front. Cattle rearing which is part of agricultural activities must be supported as a business not as an ethnic thing. The right attention must be given to cattle business. There must be genuine effort at its modernization.

    On the legal front, there must be justice in handling famers-herders clashes. We must work hard towards addressing allegations of corruption among our judges and extortion by the police against herders.

    The issues of illiteracy, poverty, drug abuse and unemployment have contributed immensely to criminal activities in our society. The must be the political will in fighting insecurity in the country. For us to get it right, the government should and or must pursue deliberate policies towards combating same.

    We must properly secure our forests which are generally unsecured. Our vast unmanned forests in the country serve as hideouts for criminals. Something serious needs to be done in this respect. Our porous borders must be properly secured. Let’s deploy technology in securing our borders .The NDLEA must be strengthened to do more in the fight against illicit drugs which is the energizer to all sorts of crimes.

    Small and light weapons are too many in our midst which must be mopped up. We must frustrate its supply to non -state actors. We must properly kit our security agencies. We must fight corruption within the security agencies. Their welfare must be taken very seriously. We must invest more in intelligence gathering/sharing. It is high time we deploy technology driven approach to security challenges.

    Our major fault is that we are into conflict ‘settlement’ as against ‘resolution’. Unless the right things are done, the use of military might will only bring temporary peace.

    •Nurudeen Dauda, Kaduna.            

  • After Gobir Emir, who’s next?

    After Gobir Emir, who’s next?

    Sir: Gobir is one of the prominent and longest-standing traditional dynasties in northern Hausa that has fought many battles and eventually became secure and free from enemy attacks. This achievement was made possible by the fearlessness of its warriors who stood their ground day and night, regardless of the weather, to ensure territorial sovereignty.

    Sadly, a son of this historic land has been killed by ruthless attackers who hardly hesitate to carry out their deadly acts, often with specific targets or information from informants.

    If a son of such fearless warriors can be kidnapped and killed by ruthless attackers, with his body only released due to ransom delays, who else can be safe from kidnapping in Nigeria, especially in northern Nigeria?

    Certainly, nobody is safe in Nigeria these days. Kidnappings have escalated from targeting only a few wealthy individuals to affecting ordinary citizens, politicians, and traditional leaders. Sadly, both the security forces and local security seem reluctant to confront these terrorists and put an end to the heinous acts of kidnapping and village raids.

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    It is time for Nigerians to stop relying solely on security agents for protection. The situation is worsening every day, and we are only deceiving ourselves by depending on them. The persistent kidnappings are not only affecting the nation’s economy but also posing a severe threat to food security, as agricultural lands are no longer being cultivated due to attacks on farmers.

    It’s time for us to unite with politicians, traditional leaders, youths, and elders to safeguard our lands. When individuals of high status and importance like the late Emir of Gobir Isa Bawa fall victim to kidnappings and killings, it’s a clear sign that no one is exempt from this threat unless we take action. Let’s act before it’s too late to prevent further tragedies.

    May the soul of the Gobir Emir rest in perfect peace.

    •Ukasha Rabiu,Magama, Toro, Bauchi State.