The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Attention: Education minister and JAMB registrar

    Attention: Education minister and JAMB registrar

    • By Professor Joy Oluchi Uguru

    Sir: I have watched and waited with dismay to see how and when the sudden decision to earmark the age limit of entrants into the university and other tertiary institutions will take place. To my greatest shock, the JAMB registrar said that it is to begin this year.

    Following that, the universities have started releasing the dates for their post UTME exam, with the accompanying conditions for eligibility which includes attainment of age 16 by October 2024. Very obnoxious and incredible! Are rules for a game changed in the middle of the game?

    The question that JAMB has to answer is if the candidates did not fill their dates of birth in the JAMB form. They did that.

    It is then, gross injustice to deny a successful candidate the opportunity to be admitted just because of his/her age when some older candidates failed in the same examination, showing that academic excellence at that stage, is not a function of age. It is generally known that admissions (merit and supplementary) are given from September to January of the following year. It is therefore not realistic to stipulate that only candidates who will be 16 by October be given admission. What will become of those who will clock 16 between November and January?

    This SUDDEN policy is not in tandem with the university admission system and will put a good number of candidates at a disadvantage. One wonders what sparked off this sudden decision. Is there a threat somewhere?

    Probably, we are copying from some countries as usual. While copying good things is okay, it is also important to do so carefully, considering our peculiarities; after all, such countries have had people like Yasha Asley (in United Kingdom) who started the university at the age of 12; also, the renowned Harvard university does not have any age limit for admission.

    If we want to introduce age limit, it will be good to give a minimum of 10 or 12 years before implementation. This is to enable students who are already in the system at a younger age to be out of the system.

    Read Also: NAF strikes destroy 13 illegal refineries, 10 overhead tanks in Rivers

    While that is ongoing, we should give an age limit for admission into the primary school (as obtains in the United Kingdom for instance) to ensure that the right age is attained at the last year in the secondary school for onward progress to tertiary institution.

    This is more logical than what is being done presently. If what has been initiated is upheld, it means that the affected candidates, who passed the UTME, will have to lose their chances and start the struggle afresh; more so, a yawning and unnecessary gap will be created in their academic progress.

     It means that in the secondary and primary schools, the affected pupils will be forced to roam aimlessly after graduation. This is not morally and socially good for our present society. At a time when we are trying to guard our youths from social ills, rendering them idle will expose them to social deviants. This will not augur well for our society.

    It is totally incongruous to have an age limit for admission only into the university while there is none for the lower levels of education.  The resultant effect on the stakeholders typifies the proverb where one is led out with light into the dark and suddenly, the light is put off. Where does the affected person grope to? I therefore call on the powers concerned to reconsider their decision on the immediate implementation of the age limit policy as it will disjoint the progress of the young lives we are building.

     •Professor Joy Oluchi Uguru,

    University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

  • Poverty alleviation: President should get it right this time

    Poverty alleviation: President should get it right this time

    • By Zayyad I. Muhammad

    Sir: On Tuesday, August 6, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of seven individuals to head strategic agencies and programs under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development. The agencies and programmes include: the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office, the Grant for Vulnerable Groups, the Home-Grown School Feeding programme, the National Cash Transfer Office, and the National Commission for People with Disabilities.

    The president stated that this is part of his administration’s efforts to provide much-needed relief to Nigerians and to ensure the effectiveness of humanitarian and social development programs.

    The most pressing task for President Tinubu now is to appoint a new minister for the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development—someone who can provide the necessary leadership, work seamlessly with the managers of these agencies and programmes, and connect with the people in need of relief, especially during this period of widespread hardship and food scarcity in Nigeria.

    Furthermore, any minister taking over the humanitarian ministry should be aware that some of the ministry’s programmes and schemes have not met people’s expectations, and many of their managers have failed Nigerians. Many Nigerians see the ministry as just a cash cow for politicians, which should not be the case.

    The new minister and their managers should note that direct methods of reaching the poor have often failed to serve the common man. Instead, they should consider indirect methods by leveraging a well-known and respected hybrid public-private partnership. This approach would involve engaging responsible private firms such as investment managers, fintech companies, banks, and other local entities, while making effective use of technology.

    Read Also: Hunger protest: North tolerated too much poverty, corruption – Shettima

    For instance, the country could be segmented into its 360 federal constituencies, with one or two firms assigned to each segment. These firms should be mandated to create a robust and reliable database using people’s NIN, BVN, fingerprints, and phone numbers, including addresses, with a focus on the specific needs and characteristics of each constituency and their local government areas.

    With this approach, the government could establish a central unit, potentially managed by a consortium of private firms on behalf of the government. This method would minimize embezzlement risks, allowing the government to focus on monitoring and ensuring good service delivery. The programmes and schemes could even be designed so that private firms handle the distribution of funds and essential items, while the government verifies and reimburses them.

    This is not a call to completely discard the existing programmes and schemes, but rather to comprehensively remodel and refine them to reflect the reality on the ground, while eliminating inefficiencies, corruption, and unnecessary political interference. Moreover, this is an opportunity for President Tinubu to directly ‘speak’ to young Nigerians who actively participated in the End Bad Governance protest by appointing two ministers to oversee the ministry, one of whom should be a youth.

    •Zayyad I. Muhammad,

    Abuja.

  • Delta’s misleading narrative on debt reduction

    Delta’s misleading narrative on debt reduction

    • By Innocent Ojefia

    Sir: Media aides often paint a rosy picture of the Delta State government’s financial management, hailing the payment of over N130 billion out of N465 billion debts as significant achievement. However, this portrayal is misleading, especially given the stagnation in infrastructure development across the state.

    Public debt, when managed properly, can be a powerful tool for development. Governments around the world leverage debt to finance essential expenditures, protect and invest in their populations, and lay the foundation for a prosperous future. Ideally, funds obtained through public borrowing should be directed towards projects that enhance the state’s infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

    Unfortunately, the situation in Delta State starkly contrasts with this ideal.

    In Delta State, borrowed funds have largely been diverted towards election campaigns, especially the vice-presidential bid and election litigation costs rather than development projects. This misuse of debt undermines the potential benefits that could have been realized through strategic investments in infrastructure and public services. As a result, the state remains mired in underdevelopment, with little to show for the significant financial liabilities it has incurred.

    The claim that reducing the state’s debt profile by paying over N130 billion out of N465 billion is an achievement is therefore hollow. This payment is not a voluntary act of fiscal prudence but rather a mandatory compliance with standing orders entered into by the former governor. These orders require deductions at source from the state’s federal allocation, leaving the current governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, with limited financial flexibility to initiate new projects. Consequently, beyond the widely publicized Julius Berger flyovers in Effurun, there is little progress in terms of new infrastructure projects.

    Read Also: TUC demands investigation into alleged invasion of NLC Headquarters

    The core issue lies in the mismanagement of public funds and the prioritization of political goals over genuine developmental needs. The reduction in debt, while superficially positive, does not address the underlying problem of inadequate investment in infrastructure and public services. Until there is a concerted effort to reallocate resources towards meaningful development, Delta State will continue to struggle with stagnation.

    To achieve sustainable development, it is imperative for the state government to adopt a more strategic approach to public debt. This involves ensuring that borrowed funds are channelled into projects that yield long-term benefits for the state’s economy and its people. Only then can debt reduction be considered a true achievement, one that is accompanied by tangible improvements in infrastructure and overall development.

    For Delta State to move forward, it must shift its focus towards leveraging public debt for genuine development, thereby creating a better future for its citizens.

    •Innocent Ojefia,

    <ezilibe@gmail.com>

  • Way out of Africa’s mounting debt crisis

    Way out of Africa’s mounting debt crisis

    • By Muhammad Mustapha Gambo

    Sir: Africa’s debt stocks have grown significantly in the past decade. Understandably, African governments took advantage of historically low interest rates in the 2010s and borrowed heavily from international capital markets and China.

    However, debt has recently become a lot more expensive. Since 2020, the impacts of COVID-19 and the on-going Ukraine war, coupled with worsening climate conditions have resulted in African governments having credit-rating downgrades, which consequently led to rapidly increasing their borrowing costs and made tapping international debt markets prohibitively expensive.

    According to data by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), public debt in Africa reached USD 1.8 trillion in 2022.  In 2024, African countries will pay US$163 billion in external debt service, according to the African Development Bank.

    One in five people globally live in countries that are in debt distress or at risk of it. Two-thirds of low-income countries – most of them in Africa – fall into this category, while eight of the nine countries currently in debt distress are on the continent, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN ECA) 2023.

    Some of the factors that have contributed to the mounting debt crises in Africa are population explosion and rapid urbanization, massive infrastructure needs, declining availability of official development assistance and concessional financing.

    Recently, there have been collective clamour by African ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for decisive action to reform the global finance architecture in light of the mounting debts and to spur the investments needed for achieving sustainable development and climate goals around the world.

    Read Also: Lagos moves to boost youth enrolment in military

    Pundits hold that the global financial system is structurally unfair to developing countries in general and more so to African countries in particular and that some crucial reforms are urgently needed to address the problem of Africa’s mounting debt stock.

    According to the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI, 2020), offering African countries debt instruments with more favourable terms or cash, in exchange for existing debt, will not only provide immediate liquidity but also address debt sustainability concerns in the long term.

    In the absence of better mechanisms for debt-distressed countries in Africa, more governments will struggle to service their obligations and limit their ability to invest in providing the necessary development needs of their countries. This is even more pertinent considering the need for enhanced effort in attending to the challenges of climate change in the region, through effective climate adaptation and mitigation measures.

    In the light of these challenges, there is the need for practical engagements anchored by African-led Development Finance Institutions (DFI’s) such as the African Development Bank, to reform the global financial architecture and ensuring a transition from multilateralism to a pluri-lateral system of the global financial system – one that is more nimble, more inclusive, more flexible and realistic in responding to the changing nature of challenges that African countries face today.

    Aligned with these, there is also the critical role of sector specific DFI’s such as Shelter Afrique Development Bank and other relevant institutions that form part of the founding partners of the Alliance for African Multilateral Finance Institutions (AAMFI) – established under the auspices of the African Union, to support the implementation of Agenda-2063.   Its formation underscores Africa’s commitment to self-reliance and sustainable economic development.

     It’s believed that AAMFI , which is an alliance of African-owned and controlled African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AMFIs) whose membership also include African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), African Export – Import Bank, Trade and Development Bank Group, Africa Finance Corporation, African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re), ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company), East African Development Bank (EADB), and the African Solidarity Fund (ASF) will address Africa’s development finance needs, advocate for Africa on global finance issues, develop innovative finance tools and support sustainable finance strategies. 

    As an adage goes, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

    •Muhammad Mustapha Gambo, 

    Shelter Afrique, Nairobi Kenya.

  • Thumbs up for President Tinubu’s economic policies

    Thumbs up for President Tinubu’s economic policies

    • By Kenechukwu Aguolu

    Sir: Nigeria, known for its abundant resources and economic potential, has for some decades been faced with numerous economic challenges that have defied all previously proposed solutions. However, to the delight of some of us, on this administration’s assumption of power on May 29, 2023, it decided to do things differently by making bold economic policy decisions to revive Nigeria’s ailing economy. The president is therefore a visionary, courageous, and resilient leader. However, Mr President is humbly invited to note that even though the economic indices show that the policy decisions have started yielding results, they have yet to impact the common man; neither have the various intervention programs. There seems to be a disconnect between policy announcements and implementation. I respectfully wish to make the following observations:

    Optimizing the country’s oil production and diversifying the economy are critical areas and I believe the administration is giving the required attention. Sectors such as mining, agriculture, and tourism which present significant economic opportunities remain largely untapped. The administration has done well to ramp up oil production to 1.61 million barrels per day; with an increase expected in the coming months.

    Mr. President, Nigeria has a significant infrastructure deficit that hampers meaningful economic development. For example, the lack of adequate power increases the cost of business, causing companies to lose their competitive edge. I was indeed glad when the president brought to our awareness during his recent address that the administration had embarked on major infrastructure projects across the country and was working to complete inherited projects critical to our economic prosperity, including roads, bridges, railways, power, and oil and gas developments.

    Mr. President, entrepreneurship is a key enabler for advancing any country’s economy. Therefore, the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE), nano-grants, micro and small business single-digit interest loans, and single-digit loans to boost manufacturing output and stimulate growth which the current administration introduced are very beneficial in this regard. The recapitalizing of deposit money banks will enhance their ability to support economic development.

    Appropriate remuneration of workers promotes productivity, innovation, and reduces brain drain. Nigeria has experienced a mass exodus of skilled professionals in recent years. The Tinubu administration’s approval and signing into law of the new national minimum wage of N70,000 is commendable. It should be implemented and enforced promptly.

    Read Also: TUC demands investigation into alleged invasion of NLC Headquarters

    Mr. President, over the years, many African countries have emphasized natural resources over human capital development. However, investing in education is critical for sustainable economic growth and global competitiveness. Your administration has done well by introducing the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP) programs; however, more investment is needed in the nation’s educational system, and a rejig of the curriculum is also necessary.

    Despite the savings from removing fuel subsidies and adopting a floating exchange rate for the naira, Nigeria still faces significant financial challenges primarily due to the substantial debt servicing. The reduction in the country’s debt servicing from 97% to 68% in the last 13 months is remarkable. Nevertheless, in order to improve the government’s ability to finance crucial development projects that could stimulate economic growth and improve societal well-being, it may be wise for the government to pursue aggressive strategies for debt relief or restructuring.

    Mr. President, be assured that many Nigerians believe in your renewed hope agenda and are encouraged by the achievements your government has made within a short time in office. However, it would be gratifying to see timely implementation of policy programs; a monitoring and evaluation mechanism can facilitate this. The government should also be more proactive in its various interventions. For example, the government should have been more proactive in dealing with food inflation by suspending tariffs and other import duties for various food items earlier than it did.

    •Kenechukwu Aguolu,

    Kenerek1@gmail.com

  • The abomination in Kano

    The abomination in Kano

    • By Yusuf Gaddafi

    Sir: Youths in Nigeria embarked a nationwide demonstration under the banner “END BAD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA.” While there are many issues that contribute to the country’s hunger and starvation, some of the most commonly mentioned ones are inflation, insecurity, kidnapping in the northwest state, and deregulation of fuel prices.

    Nonetheless, Nigeria still manages to maintain peaceful living despite being a multi-cultural and multi-religious nation. North is dominated by Hausa/Fulani which are predominantly Muslims. Although Kano is the Hausa language’s birthplace and the centre of Islamic affairs in Nigeria, most of its inhabitants have in most recent time, strayed from Islamic doctrine.

    What occurred in Kano State, particularly the orgy of arson, looting and destruction of public and private property is an abomination to Islam and Hausa culture in general. These events also demonstrate ascent of immorality across the board and the fact that the country’s problems are not solely caused by the government. 

    Read Also: Economic sabotage: NNPCL, NMDPRA, others deny complicity

    What could have unleashed the demonstrators on the DIP Centre, designed to ensure that thousands of young people gain employment through digital skills? And this is despite their being aware that it is the only one in the north? Why is the protest characterised by looting and shoplifting? And the street lights being destroyed? Why did people resort to breaking into businesses and shops?

    Plateau State should receive the award for best protest of the year. They managed their protest in a way that attracted international attention; theirs remained peaceful and organized in spite of religious and ethnic differences.

    I would like the Nigerian government to respond seriously to the issues and the needs of the people to stave of further destruction of lives and property and to prevent their spread to other states in the country. No serious and responsible government can be expected to tolerate the activities of a vicious mob sworn to inflict pain and torture on the rest of the citizens. As our clerics have been telling us for a long time, we must embrace love and humanity and return to the original design of the Almighty Allah.

    I pray that my dear Nigeria would one day be revitalized and rebuilt.

    •Yusuf Gaddafi,

     Kano.

  • Makinde and the Alaafin stool

    Makinde and the Alaafin stool

    • By Kola Amzat

    Sir: The impasse that has greeted the ascension of new monarch to Alaafin stool should by now be a source of worry to genuine sons and daughters of the ancient town. Indeed, the ugly and very unfortunate development should even disturb all Yorubas in the country, as well as Yorubas in Diaspora-Benin Republic, Brazil, Cuba, Canada and other countries that share affinity with the ancient town.

    Ordinarily, after the legendary and iconic Alaafin Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi joined his ancestors, it shouldn’t have taken more than six months before a new Alaafin ascended the throne.

    Nigerians recall that charismatic Oyo monarch died in April 2023, and here we are in August 2024, about 17 months after, still battling with the appointment and enthronement of a new monarch.  

    Meanwhile, it’s about the same time that the late Soun of Ogbomoso-land, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi also joined his ancestors; the new king has since emerged in the town, with coronation completed more than six months ago, despite several controversies that resulted in litigations pre, during and even, after the new monarch emerged and installed.

    The Oyo Mesi, on whom the sole authority with the clear and unmistakable mandate of chosen the new Alaafin rest, as well as make recommendation to another authority have abided most sincerely and patriotically with the demands of the mandate.

    With the above process completed, people of Nigeria and Yorubas at home and in Diaspora should enquire from the governor of what’s stalling the ratification from his office, as well as his subsequent enthronement?

    The rumour in the public domain is that the governor is reportedly to have in his possession petition against the chosen prince, of a business deal that went awry from a woman business associate.

    Read Also: FERMA begins CNG conversion of operational vehicles

    The governor may have forgotten that in this end times when blackmailers are on the prowl, destroying the destiny of those who provident has chosen for leadership in government, traditional institution and corporate companies, the onus is on the governor to decipher substance from shaft, with a view to considering larger interest of an historic ancient town by downplaying obnoxious and irrelevant petition obviously borne of out of petty jealousy, strife and envy.

    On the Alaafin stool alone, the governor has several court cases with Oyo Mesi.  At his instance, the EFCC was invited to quiz all Oyo Mesi members on spurious allegations that they collected bribe from the chosen prince. The Oyo Mesi members – Basorun, Samu, Agbaakin, Akinniku and Lagunna are all within age bracket of 75 years and they’ve been in this office for several years serving the ancient town meritoriously, dutifully, sincerely and selflessly, without any blemish whatsoever.

    The governor failed to put this into consideration before subjecting the hapless and highly revered leaders of the ancient town to harrowing and very draconian and objectionable experience.

    Meanwhile, the news in the public domain presently is that the governor has given a fresh mandate that Oyo Mesi embark on a fresh process to choose the king and therefore discountenance the already concluded process.  

    Who does that!

    This writer is therefore calling on the governor to come out clean, with a view to clearing the air and making his primordial interest on the stool publicly known. If he has a candidate in mind, let him make a formal presentation of him to Oyo Mesi.

     •Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB)

    Lagos.

  • Kano: When protesters crossed the line

    Kano: When protesters crossed the line

    • By Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu

    Sir: The recent nationwide protests in Nigeria, sparked by widespread economic hardship have brought to the forefront the complex dynamics between peaceful advocacy and violent outbursts.

    In Kano State, the protests revealed a troubling transition from legitimate grievances to chaos, highlighting the thin line between civic expression and lawlessness. The movement, initially rooted in calls for improved governance and economic relief, quickly escalated into violence in several states, including Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa.

    Tragically, at least 17 people were reported dead, with security forces clashing with demonstrators. In Kano, one person was killed, marking a tragic turn in what began as a peaceful demonstration. The protest in Kano, like in other parts of the country, began peacefully but soon spiralled out of control.

    Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of escalating tension, where demonstrators initially blocked highways and harassed motorists. In a particularly disturbing incident, protesters in Kano targeted the newly established Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) office.

    The building, symbolizing a step towards greater digital connectivity and innovation, was looted and set ablaze. Everything, from office furniture to technological equipment, was taken or destroyed. This act of vandalism not only disrupted a crucial public service but also symbolized a broader collapse of order and respect for public property.

    During the protests, a poignant moment occurred when a female protester, carrying her baby, confronted police officers. Her husband had been killed by bandits in Katsina, and she came to the protest to voice her frustration with the government’s failure to address widespread insecurity and economic hardship.

    “Do they also want to kill my baby?” she asked, highlighting the desperation felt by many Nigerians.

    Read Also: Economic sabotage: NNPCL, NMDPRA, others deny complicity

    The government’s response has been a mix of force and appeals for dialogue. Security forces, using teargas and pepper spray, tried to disperse the crowds, while helicopters overhead released additional teargas to control the situation. The use of such measures, however, did little to quell the unrest and instead fuelled anger and defiance.

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike called for dialogue, emphasizing the government’s willingness to engage with the protesters.

    The chaos in Kano and other states serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for economic and social reforms in Nigeria. While the protests highlight legitimate concerns over governance, security, and economic management, the turn to violence undermines these issues’ seriousness. 

    The destruction of public property, looting, and loss of lives cannot be condoned, as they detract from the core message of the protests and harm innocent citizens. Moving forward, it is crucial for both the government and protest leaders to find common ground. The government must not only listen to the demands of the people but also provide tangible solutions to the problems of unemployment, inflation, and insecurity.

    On the other hand, protest organizers must emphasize peaceful demonstration and discourage violence. The recent events in Kano and across Nigeria reflect a broader crisis of governance and trust. It is a wake-up call for all stakeholders to address the root causes of the discontent and work towards a more equitable and just society.

    Only through constructive engagement and mutual respect can Nigeria hope to navigate these turbulent times and build a future that meets the aspirations of all its citizens.

    •Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu,

    abdulhamidabdullahiali@ gmail.com

  • Protest: Need to backtrack and support reform

    Protest: Need to backtrack and support reform

    SIR: Last Thursday, Nigerians comprising mostly youths, poured onto the street to register their displeasure over hunger and economic hardship. Tens of thousands of Nigerians are currently featuring in the ongoing 10-day protest tagged: EndBadGovernance in Nigeria. The protest which, according to civil society groups, the organisers, became unavoidable owing to a surge in the cost of living, following the removal of fuel subsidy, and abolition of multiple foreign exchange system, among several others. 

    Interestingly, the government’s approach to the protest has been civil. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently held out an olive branch. He acknowledged the hardship in the land viz-a-viz the right of the masses to engage in peaceful protest. Nevertheless, he pleads for more time s to allow some of the reforms his administration introduced to yield fruits.

    On Sunday, President Tinubu made a nationwide broadcast where he pleaded with the protesters to suspend the protests, saying his reforms are geared towards addressing corruption.

     Drawing from the presidential address, this writer feels Tinubu’s government should be given the benefit of the doubt.

    Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, has long been a focal point for political, economic, and social discourse. With President Tinubu now at the helm, the country finds itself at a critical juncture. As Nigeria navigates through a myriad of economic, ethnic and social upheavals, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive reform to guide the nation towards a more stable and prosperous future.

    President Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State and a key figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), took office in May, 2023, amid promises of change and development. Tinubu campaigned on a platform of economic revitalisation, improved security, and social cohesion. His ascension to the highest office in the land followed a highly contested election, reflecting a nation split along ethnic, religion and economic divides.

    The nation’s economy, no doubt, has faced immense challenges in recent years. The subsisting phenomenon of corruption, unemployment, and inflation, was further exacerbated by Covid-19 pandemic, and its aftermath. However, the incumbent leadership has outlined plans to rejuvenate the economy through increased investment, improved infrastructure, job creation, and diversified revenue streams. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s economy is still largely dependent on oil, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations.

    One of the predominant issues facing Nigeria is insecurity.  Recall, the Buhari administration grappled with escalating banditry and terrorism, particularly in the northern regions. Tinubu’s government has consistently tackled security challenges head-on, capitalising on data-driven strategies and community engagement. This includes modernising the armed forces, enhancing intelligence capabilities, and fostering cooperation with local communities to address the root causes of violence.

    Corruption has also for long been a thorn in Nigeria’s flesh, undermining masses’ trust in government. Tinubu’s administration is ensuring transparency at all levels, establishing independent oversight bodies, digitising public services, and enforcing stringent anti-corruption laws.

     It is now public knowledge that Tinubu’s government has rolled out some reforms ostensibly to restore the nation’s lost glory. By implementing comprehensive policies that tackle inflation, unemployment, and revenue generation, Nigeria can potentially harness its vast resources for development. Investors, both local and international, will be more spurned to engage with a government committed to transparency and sustainable economic practices.

    Providing robust support for the government will enable it build stronger confidence in the public. Civilian involvement in community policing efforts and collaboration with international partners will enhance the nation’s ability to combat crime and terrorism.

    Read Also: Kaduna protests sponsored by external forces, says Gov Sani

    Similarly, encouraging inclusive governance can heal the rifts that have long plagued Nigeria’s social fabric. Reforms that foster dialogue among different ethnic and religious groups will bridge divides and promote understanding.

    Nigeria’s future under Tinubu’s administration is fraught with challenges. Nonetheless, it also signposts potentials for positive change. To realise these potentials, officials must pursue appropriate policies that reflect the diverse needs of the populace while prioritising transparency and good governance.

    As citizens, businesses, and civil society organisations conscious for change, collective effort towards advocating necessary changes will help build a Nigeria that is resilient, united, and poised for sustainable growth.

    • Opeyemi Eniola, Lagos.
  • Hunger protests: Hold governors responsible

    Hunger protests: Hold governors responsible

    SIR: While many Nigerians blame the president for the hardships in the country, the real culprits are often overlooked: state governors that actually contribute 80-90% to the current situation. The removal of the fuel subsidy, which many citizens are urging the president to reinstate, was expected to stabilize the economy. However, since the subsidy was removed, each state has seen a significant increase in their monthly revenue from the federal government – the Federation Account Allocations Committee (FAAC).

    Yet, the question remains: Have you seen any positive changes in your state government due to the subsidy removal? Have these leaders done anything extraordinary to improve the lives of their people?

    In Bauchi State, where I reside, there have been no new appointments; no salary increases, no welfare programmes, and salaries are often delayed almost every month. When it comes to minimum wage, many governors claim they cannot pay. So, what are they doing with the increased revenue from the subsidy removal?

    Before the fuel subsidy was removed, the FAAC monthly revenue distribution was considerably lower.

    For example, in April 2023, the FAAC allocation was N655.9 billion. In June 2023, the allocation jumped to N1.9 trillion, more than double the amount from May 2023. A total of N9.9 trillion was shared in the latter half of 2023.

    Here are some examples of state allocations before and after the subsidy removal:

    Nasarawa: Average monthly allocation rose by 185.3%, from N4.34 billion to N12.39 billion. Enugu: Allocation increased by 94.3%, from N3.47 billion to N6.72 billion.

    -Anambra saw a 74.1% rise, from N4.34 billion to N7.56 billion. Bauchi State’s average monthly FAAC allocation increased by 51.5%; from N4.8 billion to around N7.3 billion.

    Read Also: Kaduna protests sponsored by external forces, says Gov Sani

    Despite the increased allocations, there has been no marked improvement in the financial conditions of the citizens. National lawmakers are not taking any significant actions to reduce the public’s anger. Is this the kind of representation we voted for?

    Every citizen has the constitutional right to demand better from their representatives. If your senator or local leader is not serving you well, call for change and replace them with someone who will.

    I urge our leaders to take immediate action to ease the public’s suffering. Implement job creation programmes, social welfare initiatives like the N-Power programme under President Buhari, and make life easier for the citizens. The youth are protesting for a reason; it is time to address these issues to calm the unrest.

    •Yasir Shehu Adam (Danliman),

    Bauchi.