Category: Letters

Sir: Something very dangerous is brewing in the Niger Delta, for which the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is urgently required. 

From recent actions, Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo now believes that he has a mandate to replace Nigeria’s legitimate security institution and architecture. And he is doing so in a manner that does not augur well for ease of doing business in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The recent incident involving a vessel, MT PRAISEL, clearly demonstrates this. 

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This vessel was commissioned to lift High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO) from Greenmac Energy Storage/Tarus Jetty, Koko, to offshore Lagos. They had all the necessary authorization: Naval approval and the regulator’s permit (i.e. the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority – NMDPRA) to load 1.1 million litres of HPFO from the Jetty. 

The permit was valid for the period of July 26 to August 8. In line with standard operating procedure, they were escorted by personnel of the Nigerian Navy. 

Barely five hours later, at 12.18pm, they were ‘intercepted’ by Tantita Security Service Limited (TSSL), Tompolo’s company engaged by the federal government for maritime security. 

The Captain has narrated how the vessel was forcefully boarded, and how crudely the Tantita personnel behaved. 

The Captain also alleged that he was physically assaulted by the Tantita Limited personnel, and his movement chart and log-book seized. Tantita Limited equally falsely alleged that the vessel carries a Togolese flag, but the vessel Captain has since debunked this in a viral video where he showed the documentation. 

On August 3 and 4, 2023, product samples were collected from MT PRAISEL and subject to laboratory analysis, with all relevant agencies involved in this process, for transparency. On August 5, the results of the analysis proved beyond doubt that the product on board MT PRAISEL is HPFO and not crude oil.  

One important question that needs to be asked and answered is this: How can Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Limited arrogate to itself the powers to evaluate vessel contents without having any capacity to conclusively ascertain these contents to know what exactly is being transported?

In the absence of this capability, sadly, Tantita Limited resorts to the crudest and most highhanded option available – it falsely tags everything as stolen crude oil and then rushes to the press to say it has arrested crude oil thieves, in a desperate bid to prove that it is working.

Yes, there are unscrupulous elements who work without authorization and who are into the business of oil theft, but whoever is asked to police the waterways must have proper means of investigations, instead of acting like a bully and thinking that every vessel is guilty until proven innocent. 

Another very important question to ask: Does Tantita’s remit extend to boarding ships and harassing their crew? A closer look at the security contract with NNPC Limited makes it clear that the company’s mandate is, in the words of the CEO of NNPCL, “end-to-end pipeline surveillance.” So, how can a company contracted to “man the right of way to oil and gas pipelines” now turn around and become an illegal occupying force doing unauthorized vessel ‘clearance’ and inspections that it is in no way qualified for?

There is nowhere else in the world where this kind of practice is obtainable or acceptable. It is now time for the president, all relevant regulators and authorities, and all well-meaning Nigerians, to call Tompolo and Tantita Security Services Limited, and all their personnel and collaborators to order. They should be reminded that they are not and will never be the Nigerian military, and that their mandate does not extend to usurping the powers of law enforcement agencies. 

The fact that Tompolo and his company have a monitoring contract to assist the Nigerian government in securing oil infrastructure does not give them the right to harass and intimidate legitimate businesses and cause added disruptions to operations in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. 

•Omowale Ojewande, Lagos.

Sir: When I wrote an article about Nasir El Rufai’s romance with controversy in 2021, I could not have predicted or forecast that he was going to be the centre of attention for the failure of the Senate to confirm his nomination as minister in 2023. This is more so because President Tinubu, then a candidate of his party, the All Progressives Congress, had publicly requested that El Rufai should join him to build Nigeria, if he wins. Even more so, because the Senate President was the president’s choice for the position – the support which eventually contributed to Senator Akpabio’s emergence. The senate should equally be in tune with the president’s nominees, expectedly. Even most especially, because El Rufai had been the most vocal supporter of power shift to southern Nigeria, which eventually led to the emergence of President Tinubu in February.

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But then, I wouldn’t be the most surprised Nigerian if El Rufai’s nature and antecedents led to skirmishes with equally powerful Nigerians who will not feel comfortable with his presence as a member of the incoming cabinet. El Rufai himself would not be surprised. If anything is to be expected from a ministry headed by El-Rufai, it is that there will be a radical transformation, and heads are most certainly going to roll. The feet of vested interests will most certainly be stamped on. We have seen these far too many times in public positions headed by him. It is almost as if he leads with controversy. The status quo would be intimidated by the prospect of El Rufai as minister of the federation, again.

Hold it, however. Let us not get way in over our heads and assume that the reason why he and two others were not confirmed is because his security report was not ready, as intimated by the Senate President.

Why would we even assume any other reason, right? Well, there are a few reasons as to why anyone would smell foul play on the nominee. Why would the senators screen a nominee whose security report was not ready or is having issues? Why would the President nominate El Rufai in the first place, if he has issues that were not cleared? Are the security reports and background checks not part of the reasons why the submission of the ministerial nominations was delayed until the constitutional deadline?

All factors put into consideration, there are four most likely scenarios of outcomes to all of this. One, Mallam El Rufai’s report is returned okay and he is eventually confirmed as minister, and this turns out to be a monumental misunderstanding that is being blown out of proportion, and El Rufai too, is presently aware of this misunderstanding. I believe this could be the case. Second, the failure to confirm El Rufai leads to his disqualification and the jubilation of his detractors, notably Senator Shehu Sani.

Third, Mallam El Rufai declines the nomination and reclines into his shell. After all, he still remains an accidental public servant who has dedicated his most active years to building the country in several capacities. He is by all means an accomplished individual and humanitarian. He has even placed his offspring, Hon Bello El Rufai on the pedestal of political greatness. Perhaps more important is the identification, nurturing, mentoring and planting of young Nigerians across the country into leadership positions.

Fourth, Mallam El Rufai declines the nomination and initiates a new political movement which will form like-minded alliances to put pressure on the existing order. This way, he injects a hybrid movement of political mercenaries and missionaries to form formidable movement.

As we have seen in Nigeria since 1999, no movement or alliance is impossible. Mallam Nasir El Rufai’s romance with controversy continues like a vicious cycle!

•Aliyu Sulaiman, saliyu50@gmail.com

By Sunkanmi Ajiboye

SIR: Nigeria, a country blessed with abundant natural resources and a large population, has the potential to become a major player in the global industrial landscape. However, one of the significant obstacles impeding its progress is dishonesty. Corruption, fraud, and unethical practices have permeated various sectors of Nigeria’s economy, stifling industrial growth and hindering the country’s overall development.

Understanding the cost of dishonesty. Dishonesty diverts resources away from productive sectors, such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and channels them into the pockets of corrupt individuals. This misallocation of resources hampers economic development and exacerbates income inequality, as the benefits of industrial growth are not distributed equitably among the population.

Dishonesty erodes investor confidence, making it difficult for Nigeria to attract foreign direct investment. Investors are wary of operating in an environment where corruption and fraud are prevalent, as it introduces additional risks and uncertainties that can negatively impact the return on their investments. This loss of Foreign Direct Investment deprives the country of much-needed capital, technology, and expertise required for industrial growth.

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Dishonest practices create a hostile business environment characterized by bribery, nepotism, and favouritism. This discourages fair competition and stifles entrepreneurship and innovation. Honest businesses are often disadvantaged, as they struggle to navigate a system where integrity is often compromised for personal gain.

Dishonesty weakens public institutions and erodes public trust in the government’s ability to deliver essential services. When corruption becomes deeply entrenched, public resources are siphoned off, resulting in dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and a lack of quality education. Consequently, this hinders the development of a skilled workforce necessary for industrial growth.

Addressing the pervasive issue of dishonesty requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, and citizens. Some potential solutions include:

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Strengthening governance and accountability. The Nigerian government should prioritize the establishment of robust anti-corruption mechanisms, such as independent anti-corruption agencies and specialized courts to ensure swift prosecution of corrupt individuals. Implementing transparent procurement processes, enforcing strict penalties for corruption, and protecting whistleblowers can also contribute to combating dishonest practices.

Enhancing Transparency and Technology Adoption: Embracing digital solutions and leveraging technology can help reduce opportunities for corruption and enhance transparency. Implementing e-governance systems, digital payment platforms, and block chain technology can streamline processes, increase efficiency, and minimize human intervention, thereby reducing opportunities for dishonest practices.

Promoting ethical business practices: The private sector should adopt and enforce stringent ethical guidelines and codes of conduct. Companies must prioritize transparency, accountability, and integrity in their operations. Promoting a culture of corporate social responsibility and engaging in fair business practices can help create an environment conducive to industrial growth.

Strengthening the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for raising awareness and civic engagement: Civil society organizations and educational institutions play a crucial role in raising awareness about the detrimental effects of dishonesty. The National Orientation Agency should be managed by professionals to initiate and implement Education programs, campaigns, and community outreach initiatives that can help foster a sense of integrity and ethics among citizens, empowering them to demand adequate education on issues and ensuring accountability at all times.

The opportunity to fill employment gaps is huge but employers prefer to hire nationals of other countries so as not to be running and looking back at the work place.

The judiciary, political class, classroom teachers and all working class individuals should embrace ethical attitudes. That’s the only way investors will have confidence in Nigeria and existing institutions will grow to create more jobs.

• Sunkanmi Ajiboye, sunkanmi4@gmail.com

Sir: In just two months of the swearing in of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a number of tough and desirable difficult policy decisions have been taken by his administration.  Two of these are the removal fuel subsidies and the floating the naira. Inadvertently, these have translated in the short term to rising inflation rates, hike in fuel prices and lower purchasing power. Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) had already been faced with multiple challenges arising from the misadventure of the recent cash crunch occasioned by Naira redesign. With this recent development leading to higher cost of borrowing, the devaluation of the Naira, increased cost of goods and services, high foreign exchange rates, MSMEs are seeing reducing patronage of their services and struggling to stay afloat.

Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the engine room of any developing economy. Nigeria is home to over 36.9 million MSMEs, comprising 96.7% of all businesses in Nigeria. About 67% of these businesses are youth owned.  Similarly, MSMEs contribute over 45% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), with 98.8% of them in the micro cadre. According to the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, MSME enterprises also account for about 48.5 percent of the gross domestic product, GDP, as well as about 7.27 percent of goods and services exported out of the country.  

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The president’s recent speech shows he clearly understands the need to support the MSME growth. The measures outlined by the president include:

Strengthening the manufacturing sector, increasing its capacity to expand and create good paying jobs by spending N75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024 to fund 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start  sustainable economic growth, accelerate structural transformation and improve productivity with access to  N1 Billion credit at 9% interest rate per annum with maximum of 60 months repayment for long term loans and 12 months for working capital.

Energising MSMEs with N125 billion out of which N50 billion is to be spent on Conditional Grant to one million nano businesses between now and March 2024. The target is to give N50,000 each to 1,300 nano business owners in each of the 774 local governments across the country.

 Drive financial inclusion by on-boarding beneficiaries into the formal banking system. This will be through funding 100,000 MSMEs and start-ups with N75 billion. Under this scheme, each enterprise promoter will be able to get between N500,000 to N1million at 9% interest per annum and a repayment period of 36 months.

 Agriculture and food security was also a major focus as the president has ordered the release of 200,000 Metric tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices. There are also plans to provide 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers. Mr President also shared plans to support the cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland; N200 billion out of the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly with N50 billion to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize. N50 billion will also be earmarked to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava.

These actions indicate that the president is sensitive to the pains of the people, given the level of thinking that has gone into these policy pronouncements. However, there are more steps to be taken.

Government should also provide incentives to encourage local manufacturing of green energy which is a major expense for businesses  at the moment. Solar business hubs can also be deployed in major markets or the rural areas to support small scale manufacturing and improve productivity.

Microfinance banks understand the communities and rural areas more than any other financial institutions in the country. They should be the major disbursement channels for the nano grants to SMEs. We propose that NIRSAL MFB be given the mandate for wholesale lending to qualified Microfinance Banks and supervise disbursements through their state and local government officers

 Digital Technology should be leveraged on for the conditional grants. This will help drive financial inclusion by using available mobile money technology at little or no cost to the beneficiaries thus reducing the risk of diversion.

 A strong monitoring process should also be put in place to ensure that these palliatives get to those who need them most and excessive bureaucracy does not slow down full implementation.

The president’s immediate, mid-term and long-term plans to alleviate the current economic stress on Nigerians are well thought out. The strategic framework for implementation to effectively carry this out should be clearly articulated to guarantee its success. The erstwhile Project Monitoring, Reporting and Remediation Offices (PMROs) established in the 36 States and the FCT  by NIRSAL Plc should be a veritable extension services outlet to support these laudable presidential initiatives.

• Dr Steve Ogidan, mni, Abuja.

Sir: It is disturbing that a section of Nigerians is banding in folly with alien agents who are running propaganda against Nigeria over our stance on the putsch in Niger Republic. It is deeply disturbing. To some, the interest is not about Nigeria or good governance; rather it is about politics and native leanings. Whatever position taken by the leadership on any issue is subject to protestations, regardless of the reasons compelling the decision. 

This is an unpatriotic and jaundiced disposition to domestic and transnational concerns. It is obvious that to these ones, what matters is not whether the leadership is competent and sufficiently prepared to fix the country, or whether the leadership is taking bold decisions for the greater good or playing a critical role in the league of nations, the dominating concern is that the leadership does not conform with their bias and some insular expectations.

But being patriotic does not mean anyone must like the government, it dictates citizens must commit to the peace and progress of the country, defend its integrity, democracy, and institutions as well as its sovereignty, regardless of the complexion of the leadership. Nigeria is too important for groundless tropes to be the definers of critical discourses.

Democracy is about having the right dialogues – varying and disparate, nevertheless. As active citizens, we should be more involved in discourses that foster nation-building and transformative leadership that can launch the country forward. We have a responsibility to give recommendations; proffer solutions; push innovations or back inventions, policies, programmes, and plans that will get us to where we want to be as a nation. Conversations casting the nation in dark raiment of confusion and hopelessness are simply unyielding.

As I noted in a piece not too long ago, we cannot outsource the development of our country. We must put our hands on the wheel to move it forward. We only make the country we deserve. The Chinese did not entrust their development to the Americans or anyone. Singaporeans as well did not consign their progress to any external agency. They built their country through tempest and hailstorm. They did not do so projecting the worst of the country, they acknowledged the challenges, but worked cohesively to address them.

Nevertheless, the place of leadership in the progress of these countries is unimpeachable. For China, the leadership tapestry of Mao Zedong saw the country evolve from an agrarian economy to an industrial nucleus. In the case of Singapore, the reformist deportment of Lee Kuan Yew launched the country from a divided and chaotic third state to first. Yes, we cannot excuse the place of leadership in transforming society. But we now have that leadership with transformative qualities.

Nigeria is our collective responsibility. We all have an equal share in the task of nation-building. We must begin and not stop crocheting the national fabric. Nigeria is not an option. Nigeria is the option. Nation-building cannot succeed in vacancy of the citizens. Nation-building is largely citizens building.

Theodore Roosevelt, 26th US president, famously said: “The first requisite of a good citizen in this republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his own weight.” Ralph Nader, American activist, and author, expressed my sentiments when he said: “There can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship.” By the same token, Paul Collier, award-winning author, when he said: “You are a citizen, and citizenship carries responsibilities.”

We can only create a better country if we work at it. Citizenship is a right that comes with the burden of responsibility.

• Fredrick Nwabufo, <fredricknwabufo@yahoo.com>

Sir: The world breastfeeding week is celebrated annually between August 1 –7. More than ever, it is important that attention is turned to a practice that could save millions of the youngest lives every year.

Breastfeeding is simply the easiest and most familiar exercise for new-borns. The urge to feed, to be nourished, is as old as life itself.

Proper nourishment is too significant to be put into words. It is one of the reasons food insecurity is one of the most pressing problems today.

In many parts of the world, conflict has continued to drive food insecurity, shaping a world that is as angry as it is hungry.

For new-borns, when they leave the sanctuary that the womb is, they immediately confront the biting need that nutrition is. Because at that point they are completely dependent on their mothers, the importance of feeding them properly can never be overemphasized.

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. However, contrary to the World Health Organization’s recommendations, fewer than half of infants under six months old are exclusively breastfed.

Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses. Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant requires for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.

Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life. Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Inappropriate marketing of breast-milk substitutes continues to undermine efforts to improve breastfeeding rates and duration worldwide.

This means that breastfeeding should be encouraged.

Kaduna State is currently mulling in a legislation to support women to exclusively breastfeed their basis for the first six months of their lives. To encourage this further, working women will be given a paid leave.

That is certainly the way to go. To encourage something that has proven as valuable as breastfeeding, policy must morph into legislation for maximum results.

Breastfeeding is a natural way to curb infant mortality while providing a whole range of benefits. It would be tragic if Nigeria does not initiate policies and legislations to support this practice which supports life itself.

• Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com