The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

Why Nigeria lost Bakassi to Cameroon
- By Sunday Olagunju
Sir: Why did Nigeria lose Bakassi to Cameroon? It is a million-naira question that will continue to resonate in the minds of millions of Nigerians for many years to come.

For many years, Nigeria and Cameroon locked horns over the ownership of Bakassi Peninsula, a rich peninsula at the border between Nigeria and Cameroon. What perhaps baffled most Nigerians over the Bakassi judgment was that at the time of the judgement, a Nigerian, late Prince Bola Ajibola, was the president of the International Court of Justice at the Hague, Netherlands.

The controversy about ownership of Bakassi between Nigeria and Cameroon began at independence in 1960. At independence, the Southern Cameroon which was administered alongside colonial Nigeria by Britain, based on the decision of the league of Nations in 1919, opted to join its northern brethren after a referendum.

Bakassi is located in Southern Cameroon which shares border with Cross River State. In 1962, the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aja Nwachukwu wrote to Cameroon, accepting its sovereignty over Bakassi. The 1962 letter by Nwachukwu was presented at the World Court at the Hague, The Netherlands as an exhibit. That evidence was before the court openly and patently. All our maps indicted the excision of Bakassi from Nigeria.

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The evidences against Nigeria were too difficult and weighty to wriggle out of the corner which they put it. The idea of a Nigerian, Justice Bola Ajibola being the president of the world court simply amounted to a lone voice in the wilderness because of the incontrovertible evidences which Nwachukwu letter had put Nigeria.

Yet what seemed patently intriguing was that successive Obong of Calabar and their chiefs had always been in Bakassi since the 16th century and had never at any point ceded Bakassi to a colonial authority as a colony like Lagos in 1851.

The loss of Bakassi to Cameroon, ipso-facto could be blamed on Aja Nwachukwu, Nigeria’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs who had acted unconscionably by ceding Bakassi to Cameroon out of pure historic folly. Bakassi was an undeserved loss to Nigeria and generations yet unborn and history will be unkind to him for unilaterally throwing away Nigeria’s patrimony on a platter of indiscretion.

•Sunday Olagunju

Ibadan, Oyo State.
February 26, 2024
Who will save the Naira?
- By Zayyad I. Muhammad
Sir: The naira is floating without direction. The floating Naira resembles a small wooden canoe in a mighty ocean—so many forces are against it. Apart from the natural market forces, other artificial forces against the naira are undefeatable, so it seems. In its 51 years of existence, the naira has never reached the all-time lows as currently witnessed on both the official and parallel markets.

The major factors responsible for the high value of the dollar against the naira are the decline in the supply of dollars and a surge in the demand for dollars. That means the biggest problem in the Nigerian forex market is liquidity! Simple.

Indeed, financial experts and political commentators argue that effective foreign exchange management necessitates a blend of financial acumen, social awareness, and political astuteness. Therefore, addressing the challenges in the forex market requires a local solution that integrates these three variables harmoniously.

Given that conventional economic strategies have yet to restore the naira to its desired value against the dollar, it’s time to incorporate both academic economic theories and practical solutions from everyday individuals. The local solution must address the social and human factors contributing to Nigeria’s challenges with the dollar-to-naira exchange rate. Key issues include the preference for foreign education and medical services among the wealthy and middle class, as well as the widespread preference for foreign goods and services over locally-made products. Encouraging domestic consumption, investing in local industries, promoting education and healthcare reforms, and fostering a sense of national pride in locally produced goods and services could be part of the solution.

Additionally, policies aimed at reducing dependency on imports and promoting local entrepreneurship could help address these underlying social and human issues. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), between 2010 and 2020, foreign education expenses gulped $28.65 billion, while a whopping $11 billion was spent on medical treatment abroad within the same period.

Focusing on exportable agricultural products is indeed a viable long-term strategy to address the volatility in the forex market. Nigeria possesses a rich diversity of agricultural commodities such as cocoa, cotton, gum Arabic, hibiscus, beans, garlic, onion, and many others, which have significant export potential. A strategic approach would involve selecting 5–10 of these agricultural products for intensive cultivation, processing, and standardisation within a year, with the aim of boosting export volumes and earning foreign exchange. This initiative will not only contribute to stabilising the forex market but also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the country’s agricultural value chain. This, if done well, will bring good dollar inflows into the country.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has become the focal point of both high activity and criticism within the Nigerian government, largely due to its management of the floating naira and the subsequent rise in commodity prices, particularly those reliant on imports. The CBN is forced to take some short-term steps, make hard decisions, and even churn out two to three new policies in a day. This is because something was missing before the naira was thrown out to survive on its own.

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Indeed, floating a currency typically requires a certain level of economic development and the presence of robust institutions to manage the associated risks effectively. This approach necessitates stable fiscal policies, well-regulated financial systems, strong institutions, and the ability to respond to market dynamics swiftly. Without these foundational elements in place, floating the currency can lead to increased volatility and economic instability.

Strong economies with well-developed institutions can afford to allow their currencies to float freely, benefiting from the flexibility and efficiency it offers. However, emerging economies often need to implement some level of currency control to protect their economies from the volatility of market forces and external pressures. By implementing measures to manage their currency’s value, such as capital controls or intervention in the foreign exchange market, emerging economies like Nigeria can mitigate the negative impacts on their economies and safeguard the purchasing power of their citizens

•Zayyad I. Muhammad,

Abuja.
February 26, 2024
Low hanging fruits before President Tinubu
- By Chiechefulam Ikebuiro
Sir: The immediate aftermath of the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira, has brought about anticipated hardship and is now being felt by Nigerians. While many recognized the necessity of these actions for the long-term development of the nation, the immediate impact on the cost of living has been severe.

For years, we operated a system of heavy subsidies- fuel, education, electricity, forex et al. Truth is, this approach remains unsustainable and inhibits true economic growth. While the removal of fuel subsidy and currency unification may bring short-term pains, they are essential steps toward building a more promising future for Nigeria. Apart from creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in the downstream sector, leading to the development of local refineries and the creation of jobs, the government (if it is transparent and accountable) is also able to free up resources that would have been spent on subsidy to invest in other critical sectors – education, healthcare, security and other forms of infrastructure.

It is however incumbent on the government to take proactive measures to mitigate the immediate hardship that we currently face as the reality of the situation is hitting hard.

The president now needs to move with immense urgency. In fact, the urgency he used to remove subsidy on day one during his inauguration should be mirrored now! And by the way, I am all for removing the subsidy from day one. Any sort of delay of the ‘doomsday’ would have been cowardice.

To alleviate the suffering, urgent measures must be taken. The president must consider some low hanging fruits. I have always advocated for an increase in the monthly income threshold for PAYE exemption purposes. This, I believe, will inject additional cash into the hands of employed individuals, especially those in low-income brackets, monthly, cushioning the impact currently felt.

Protect SMEs and help them grow at all costs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, SMEs contribute about 48% to Nigeria’s GDP, making them a critical driver of economic growth and development. The ILO further highlights their significance, indicating that SMEs account for 96% of businesses and a staggering 84% of all employment in the country! Fact: Nigeria grows when SMEs grow.

Despite their vital role, SMEs often face numerous challenges that hinder their growth. The regulatory environment is daunting, unfriendly and an impediment. Start by ensuring ease of doing business.

A friend of mine told me about how his wife, who runs a health food restaurant, has been inundated with regulatory inspections and monetary demands by NAFDAC, LIRS and LASAA. Haba! That’s choking! Regulatory bodies these days are perceived as evil. It’s time they transitioned from being perceived as obstacles to SMEs to being enhancers.

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Mr President, flexibility in enforcing regulations, particularly during this hard time is key. Also, consider implementing occasional tax breaks specifically targeted towards SMEs.

Following fuel subsidy removal and increased allocation to states, it begs the question; Why can’t all 36 states and FG increase monthly wages for federal and state workers? Come to think of it, what proactive measures are our state governors taking or are we just going to focus on the centre?

Another immediate step would be lowering tariffs on essential imported items to further alleviate our burden. By reducing custom tariff percentage of imported goods, the burden on consumers can be lessened, particularly for items that are imported or are in short supply.

Though long term, ensuring the security of transportation routes that are paramount for the movement of food and essential goods is very important- mitigating disruptions in the food supply chain, thereby stabilizing prices.

Time is of the essence Mr President; the patience of the people seems to be running out.

•Chiechefulam Ikebuiro,

chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com
February 26, 2024
Oborevwori following Okowa’s footsteps
- By Ifeonu Okolo
Sir: The people of Delta State are living in perpetual poverty, occasioned by the nonchalant attitude of those in the corridors of power. This was the view canvassed by a consortium of independent policy analysts, the Independent and Policy Initiative (IMPI), in a recent press statement.

In the statement by its chairman, Niyi Akinsiju, the Delta State government received over N214 billion between June and December 2023 from the Federation Account.

The government has never received such a humongous amount since the current democratic dispensation. Other oil-producing states got relatively less within the period. For instance, Rivers and Akwa Ibom, which are also PDP-controlled states, got N179 billion and N145 billion respectively within the same period.”

Now, despite the huge allocations, the Performance Index released by Phillip Consulting Ltd in December 2023 ascribes a poverty rate of 13.10 per cent to Delta State, as well as an unemployment rate of 31.10 per cent and an inflation rate of 24 per cent.

It is on record that in the eight years that former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa was at the helm of affairs, the state did not witness any progress in the area of human capital development. Under the Okowa administration, the state witnessed the mass sack of government workers under the guise of age falsification, whereas several thousands of aides were engaged by the government and heavily remunerated for contributing nothing to the growth of the state.

The current administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori appears to be following the footsteps of Okowa for obvious reasons. The refusal of the government to offer Delta State workers to implement the N35,000 wage award initiated by the federal government, to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal is an indication that the Oborevwori administration does not have the interest of the workers in the state at heart.

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If the Oborevwori administration had implemented the wage award, it would have helped to cushion the effect of the economic crisis facing Deltans in the face of the latest economic crunch in the country. But, the state government found it expedient to emulate other PDP governors in portraying the federal government as the enemy of Nigerians.

The Tinubu administration must put in some measures to ensure that the effects of its policies are felt by Nigerians, especially in the oil-producing states. The measures must be aimed at putting the governors in check, to ensure that monies released to them are judiciously utilised.

•Ifeonu Okolo,

Asaba, Delta State
February 23, 2024
Shelve the state police idea
- By Mustapha Baba
Sir: There has been mixed reactions to the idea of the creation of the state police since President Tinubu agreed to throw his weight behind it. Those who advocate it strongly believe that the county’s formidable insecurity can only be effectively addressed at the grassroots, through the creation of an additional security personnel at the state level while those who inveigh against it are of the view that the idea may add fuel to the flame of the growing scary insecurity of the country.

For instance, during an interview on Sunday, February 18 by Channels Television, the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani said, “I have always insisted that we need more boots on ground. We can only address the issue of insecurity if we establish state police and I’m happy that some governors have realized that we can’t address this issue alone”. He added,” The security problems confronting our state and other parts of Nigeria may not end until state police are established to support the efforts of existing security agencies”.

Meanwhile, a former lawmaker of Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, is clearly at odds with the view: “The State Police will be used by the governors to persecute the opposition, harass non-indigenes, rig elections and counter the federal police in case of conflict of interest between the federal government and the state”.

He added, “I’m sure that most of the state ruling party thugs will be recruited into the state police”.

I absolutely concur with Senator Sani’s opinion that the move may open a can of worms at the grassroots. In the attempt at solving some problems, we should be very wary of breeding more complicated ones.

Sincerely speaking, the creation of state police could be treacherous to a country struggling to get rid of the evil-looking deportment of tribal and religious sentiments inculcated in the hearts of some intolerant citizens. When bigoted youths of an ethnic group seize an opportunity of becoming their state police officers, they may act as ravenous predators for chasing non-indigenes in their states and pounce on them like prey.

In some states, some Nigerians are being treated as second-class citizens just because they are not indigenes. On the other hand, their political leaders are doing nothing to draw the attention of their sacred cows to realise that they are equal human beings created by God so as to live together in peace, unity and tranquillity. So, imagine what will happen when these bigoted youths considered as sacred cows of these states grab an opportunity of becoming state police officers? Imagine also what will happen to the non-indigenes residing in these states? Do you think that non-indigenes or the second-class citizens can live peacefully and be treated justly in these states?

Nigeria’s authorities should not allow themselves to be left behind in embracing the global technological advancements to tackle its security challenges. They should also address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, youth idleness, climate crisis, gender disparity, out-of-school children, bad governance and social injustice. The former South African president, Nelson Mandela once said, “As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest”.

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From all indications, the creation of the state police may plunge the country further into other conundrums. The proposal has the potential to turn our juvenile democracy into a dictatorship, autocracy, monocracy and nihilism.

The federal and state governments should spare no effort to address the chilling menace of rising out-of-school children, income inequality for our idle widows and young women, multidimensional abject poverty, and youth unemployment that are considered to be among root causes of the growing insecurities via investing massively in girl-child education, empowerment programmes, poverty alleviation programmes and job creation in order to be self-reliant.

They should also embrace the overriding suggestion given by Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje of recruiting and supporting 100 hunters for each LGA across the country who are familiar with every nook and cranny of their surrounding forests in order to eliminate activities of banditry, kidnapping for ransom and other crimes.

•Mustapha Baba,

Azare, Bauchi State.
February 23, 2024
Insecurity: Let’s have state police now

By Ibrahim Mustapha

SIR: For the first time, the federal government and states governors have agreed to allow the operation of state police. The agreement was reached during an emergency meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governors on the rising cases of insecurity and food crises in the country.

Several attempts were made in the past for their establishment to complement the Nigerian Police Force. There is no gainsaying the fact that centralized security system has failed to address the security challenges bedevilling the country. The Nigeria Police Force is grossly inadequate, overburdened and underfunded. The United Nations (UN) has recommended one police to 300 citizens. However, in Nigeria, the ratio is 1 police to 400 Nigerians. The result is that overwhelmed security challenges have since forced state governors to recruit local vigilante groups to assist them in the war against criminals in their respective states. In fact, virtually, every state has recruited and funded its vigilante group.

Unfortunately, while these voluntary security outfits have been assisting government on the war against insecurity, their modus operandi seems to be outdated and need total overhauling. Many farming communities in Niger, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna states have been sacked by bandits

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Interestingly, most of the countries which operate federalism run federal and state police side by side. The U.S.A which Nigeria copies its federalism operates state police. There is, therefore, nothing wrong for Nigeria to have state police.

The National Assembly should quickly start the process of amending the 1999 constitution to give it legal backing.

Yes, opponents of state police will come hard on it. They will argue on the likely abuse, funding and conflict between the two security agencies.

Of course, there will be need for safeguards to check possible misuse. One way to address it is to have its membership include the security adviser to the governor, opposition parties, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, local government chairmen, retired military personnel etc. The committee will be expected to meet monthly to assess and review strategies.

On funding, this could come through the monthly security votes, security trust funds, aids and other external sources. On recruitment, training and use of firearms, the state governments could liaise with the office of Inspector General of Police. In any case, the states police are expected to work with the federal police in the area of intelligence sharing and general operations. The state police personnel who are expected to be locally recruited would have full knowledge of their terrains. If they work together as team with the federal counterparts, the menace of insecurity can be easily contained.

• Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State.

February 22, 2024
Securing Lagos State

By Otunba Noiki Bolajoko

SIR: In recent years, Nigeria has grappled with a pervasive security crisis, with lives lost and communities destabilised by acts of violence and criminality. While the northern region has long borne the brunt of these challenges, the menace has now encroached upon Lagos State, challenging the perception of the state as a safe haven. This escalating insecurity demands urgent attention and concerted action from all stakeholders.

The reality on the ground paints a grim picture of the security situation in Lagos. Contrary to popular belief, the state is not immune to the scourge of insecurity that plagues the nation. Areas such as Lagos Island, Lekki, and Okota have witnessed a surge in criminal activities, including kidnappings, robberies, and violent clashes. Families are torn apart as loved ones are abducted or killed, leaving behind a trail of devastation and despair.

One of the key factors contributing to the worsening security situation is the failure of security apparatus in the state. Despite the presence of law enforcement agencies, their effectiveness has been undermined by corruption, inadequate training, and resource diversion. Rather than serving the interests of the people, some security personnel have been co-opted by politicians and other vested interests, further exacerbating the problem.

Moreover, the extravagant lifestyle of political leaders often takes precedence over addressing pressing security challenges. While ordinary citizens live in fear of attacks and abductions, politicians flaunt their wealth and privilege, oblivious to the plight of those they are meant to serve. This disconnect between the ruling elite and the masses only serves to deepen the sense of frustration and disillusionment among the populace.

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In light of these challenges, urgent action is needed to address the root causes of insecurity in Lagos State. First and foremost, the security and well-being of citizens must be prioritised as the primary responsibility of government. This requires a concerted effort to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies through improved training, equipment, and remuneration.

Furthermore, the excessive and ostentatious lifestyle of political leaders must be curtailed to focus on addressing the pressing security challenges facing the state. Resources that are currently squandered on luxury and extravagance should be redirected towards bolstering security infrastructure and implementing proactive measures to prevent crime.

Technology can also play a crucial role in enhancing security efforts in Lagos State. Embracing modern surveillance techniques, data analytics, and communication systems can improve intelligence gathering, response times, and coordination among security agencies. This will enable a more proactive and targeted approach to combating criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents. In addition, there is a need for comprehensive community engagement and collaboration to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. By empowering communities and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for security, we can build resilient and cohesive societies that are better equipped to withstand external threats.

In conclusion, the escalating insecurity in Lagos State is a pressing issue that requires immediate and decisive action from all stakeholders. It is time for government authorities, political leaders, and citizens to come together and confront this challenge head-on. By prioritising the security and well-being of all residents, we can build a safer, more prosperous future for Lagos State and its people.

• Otunba Noiki Bolajoko, Ago Palace, Okota, Lagos.

February 22, 2024
What Nigeria can do to save the economy

By Adewale Adeoye

SIR: Nigeria is facing extra-ordinary challenges. How can prices of foodstuff go up almost every week? This is dangerous. The government is facing serious criticisms.

No doubt the past years have been filled with explosives and dynamites planted to explode one after the other as soon as a new government emerged last year. The Buhari regime was extremely poor in managing the economy. The regime left thousands of non-state actors heavily armed and prowling in the forest of indigenous peoples, not to talk of billions of cash stolen by spineless officials.

Emefiele offered his conscience for sale and deliberately destroyed the already thin fabric of the economy. The regime left a car without engine, without tyres and without tools to even repair the car.

But that was just the continuing agenda of an irresponsible ruling class that destroys everything including its own future.

Nigerians are not looking for excuses. They want results; they are desperate for transformation of a country left to rot, in the cesspool, for many years.

Nigerians have been making sacrifices for generations. They are exhausted and down. We want to see our leaders make just a little sacrifice to reenergise us again.

All the 36 state governors should announce and create personal farms. The deputy governors, speaker and all members of the state houses of assembly, commissioners, aides of governors should do the same.

The governors should direct all civil servants to take three-day off to set up farms or poultry in their villages. Majority of them have ancestral land. Even if it is one plot of land, let them farm. We want to see the governor of water-rich states like Bayelsa and Lagos own fisheries. We want to see Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu create a small farm at Epe and build a cottage there.

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In each state, every public school should go into farming, poultry or fishing. Some secondary schools in this country once fed their students.

Traditional rulers should not just watch. They should create community farms, especially in rural areas. Those young men loitering around should be asked to go to the farms and work twice in a week. In one year, each community will be able to provide free lunch for pupils in community schools and for the elderly. The civil servants should work on Saturdays on their farms. Police should provide security on the farms where necessary through intensive patrol and monitoring.

Vegetables, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, pepper, maize, take between 30 to 100 days. Yam is five months. Fish can reach adult size in 12 weeks. Chicken can reach adult size in four to five months. Some can reach market size in eight weeks. So what are we talking?

If we do this, in six months, there will be food glut across Nigeria and prices will go down.

We cannot totally remove subsidy for all Nigerians. A few sector need subsidy and the impact will be felt by all. The transport owners in collaboration with Nigerian Union of Road Transport Services, NURTW and the NNPC should provide fuel subsidy for inter-state public transport owners. This will be a major intervention in cutting down cost of transportation across the country.

There should also be fuel ad diesel subsidy for strategic industries and manufacturers involved in the production of the essentials of life-those producing medicine, shoes, textile, food and beverages.

This way, transport costs for inter-state travels will go down. This will relief transporters of agricultural products and also alleviate the suffering of the masses.

Lennards Shoes came to Nigeria in 1953. Bata came to Nigeria in 1932 and established a factory in Kano in 1935. They manufacture world class shoes, but we still import shoes. Secondary schools, the military, police, immigration continue to import shoes that Lennards and Bata can produce locally. This is a shame. The government should immediately ban government parastatals from importing what they can buy locally like martial boots etc. It is time to empower the shoe makers of Aba. Give them loans and assist them to produce quality products.

Ministers should hold meetings with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN every week. Through this, the government will discover the solutions to the country’s industrial problems lay in the heart of many Nigerians on the streets; it lies with the captains of some industries who understand the challenges and are ready to share their experiences if the ministers can go to them and constructively engage them.

• Adewale Adeoye, Lagos.

February 22, 2024
Tinubu’s Renewed Hope cities: It’s housing and more
- By Abdulaziz Abdulaziz
Penultimate Thursday at Karsana, a suburban of Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the pilot phase of his ambitious housing project tagged Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Development Programme. Under the first phase of the scheme, 50,000 units of houses are planned to be delivered to Nigerians across the 36 states and the FCT by the end of 2024. Aside the site for the 3,112 which is opened, similar construction sites are active in 12 states around the nation. Subsequently more sites will be activated for the simultaneous mass housing project across the country.

The intention, as the president himself said at the ground-breaking ceremony, is to turn Nigeria into a large construction site with the attendant massive job creation and wealth redistribution. This ambitious project would certainly place the Tinubu administration in a prime spot when the history of mass housing in Nigeria is written.

Formal intervention in the housing sector in Nigeria has a long history dating back to the outbreak of the bubonic plaque in Lagos in 1928. Moving forward, the entire official development plan documents in Nigeria, including the four National Development Plans (1962-1984), had recognized the need for increasing the housing stock in Nigeria, as well as, the need for affordable houses. Despite the work at the policy level, Nigeria has continued to face a significant housing deficit, with millions of its citizens lacking adequate and affordable housing. By 2018 the housing deficit was estimated to be about 17-20 million units. While this deficit poses serious social problem, it also hampers economic development and gets complicated with every passing day (read, every birth!).

It is with this realisation that the then APC candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu laid out his vision for the mortgage and housing sector in his elaborate campaign manifesto. The concept is hinged on his longstanding understanding of the economic development and social justice nexus of housing development.

President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope City housing projects offers a tangible step at building dynamic, integrated, and self-sustaining communities, equipped with amenities to enhance the quality of living for residents, especially the targeted low-income earners.

Speaking on the determination of his administration to ensure that Nigeria’s housing deficit is bridged, the president said he is determined to face the housing challenge bedevilling the nation with the boldness and urgency that it requires.

“We aim to promote Public Private Partnership (PPP) collaborations that attract domestic, foreign, and diaspora investments. We also aim to design and implement incentive schemes, boost our capital market while enhancing the governance and risk management frameworks to ensure their stability, transparency and integrity.

“We are resolved to facing the housing challenge with the clarity of purpose and determination that is required to break all the barriers that stand in our way of success. That is why I took the historic decision of separating the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from Works so it can be fully aligned towards tackling the nation’s massive housing problem. That is also why I have appointed experienced professionals with proven track records of delivering in the housing sector to lead the ministry,” President Tinubu had said

These low-cost urban housing projects offer a promising solution to address both the housing shortage and stimulate economic growth. While providing affordable housing options, these projects are creating jobs, enhancing living standards, and hold the potential to catalyse economic activities nationwide.

Development economists say low-cost urban housing projects have the potential to stimulate economic growth through multiple channels. Firstly, by increasing access to affordable housing, these projects enhance household welfare and disposable income. When families spend less on housing, they have more resources to allocate towards education, healthcare, and other essential needs, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and human capital development. Moreover, improved housing conditions lead to better health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs and boosting productivity.

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One of the significant benefits of low-cost urban housing projects is their potential to generate employment opportunities. The construction sector is a major driver of employment and economic growth in many countries. By investing in housing projects, Nigeria can create jobs across various stages of the construction value chain, including design, engineering, manufacturing, and site management. Moreover, these projects require skilled and unskilled labour, offering employment opportunities to a diverse workforce. The multiplier effect of job creation in the construction sector extends to other industries, such as manufacturing, transportation, and retail, further stimulating economic activity. The project designers estimated that every single house will provide 25 direct and indirect jobs. So, the 20,000 housing units planned for the Federal Capital Territory alone will create 500,000 jobs.

These Renewed Hope Cities initiative present a viable strategy to address Nigeria’s housing deficit. These projects focus on providing affordable housing solutions that cater to the needs of low-income earners. By leveraging innovative construction techniques, cost-effective materials, and sustainable designs, these projects aim to deliver quality housing at affordable prices. Moreover, they will foster inclusive development, ensuring that those in the lower wrung of the social cadre, especially workers across Nigeria have access to decent housing options.

The initiative is also attracting private investment and will spur real estate development. As the demand for housing grows, developers and investors are incentivized to participate in the market, leading to increased construction activity and property transactions. This influx of investment not only creates jobs but also stimulates demand for ancillary goods and services, such as furniture, appliances, and utilities. Additionally, improved infrastructure associated with housing projects, such as roads, water supply, and sanitation facilities, enhances the overall urban environment and attracts further investment.

Closing the housing deficit in Nigeria and stimulating economic growth through the Renewed Hope City housing project is a major tick in President Tinubu’s wish list and campaign promises. But like all big ticket projects, filling the gaping hole in our housing need is a multifaceted endeavour that requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, especially mortgage institutions and developers

President Tinubu has taken a big leap in this regard and with innovation, collaboration, sustained commitment, right policies and investments, Nigeria will unlock the full potential of low-cost urban housing projects to build a more prosperous and inclusive society.
- Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Print Media, writes from Abuja.
February 21, 2024
On Ekiti solar-powered boreholes initiative
SIR: As a youth leader in my community, I commend the administration of our forward-looking governor, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for attending to some basic social amenities in the recent time, especially in the area of electricity supply and provision of water.

Recalling that a few months after assuming office as governor, Oyebanji solved the challenges confronting about 15 communities that had been in blackout for years. Today, from Omuo to Ijan, Aisegba to Ode, in Ekiti East and Gbonyin local governments down to Erijiyan and Ikogosi in Ekiti West, the problem has become a thing of the past as Mr. Governor inaugurated electricity in these communities within one year of being in office.

As I write this, social lives of the people in the towns and villages have not only been rekindled, the players in the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMSEs have gotten back their groove and begin to contribute meaningfully to the economy of the state.

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The most recent was the provision of solar-powered boreholes in some communities. There is no gainsaying the fact that water is one of the most important, if not the most important, of all social amenities because of its relevance to our day-to-day activities.

In fact, the United Nations recognizes water to be at the core of sustainable development because it’s critical for socio-economic development, energy and food production, healthy ecosystems and for human survival itself. Water is also at the heart of adaptation to climate change, serving as the crucial link between society and the environment.

While work is still ongoing in some communities, some have been completed in communities across all LGAs &LCDAs in Ekiti State by Governor Oyebanji.

To this end, I call and appeal to all well-meaning citizens of Ekiti to rise up and throw their weight behind Governor Oyebanji to succeed in Ekiti, instead of resorting to petty politics that could lead to distraction.
- Suraju Alao, Aramoko Ekiti.
February 21, 2024