Category: Letters

Sir : The lack of water, sanitation, and hygiene services—exacerbated by accelerated urbanization, poor cost recovery, and weak governance and institutional frameworks—adversely affects Nigerian citizens’ health, as well as their access to educational and economic opportunities and their work efficiency and labour productivity.

Further complicating the issue, Nigeria is divided into 36 states, each of which operates with different institutional structures, power dynamics, and little or no regulatory oversight. In most states, a State Water Board (SWB) is responsible for providing water and sanitation services. On the whole, however, SWBs are hobbled by non-existent or weak incentives for better performance, aging infrastructure, inadequate or ineffective operations and maintenance, weak institutional capacity, and little accountability to consumers.

In a recent study, assessments of disease burden have shed light on the alarming consequences of unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in Nigeria. The findings highlight the urgent need for action to address this critical issue and its impact on public health.

The study revealed staggering figures for Nigeria. It estimated that approximately 1.4 million deaths and 74 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) could have been prevented in 2019 through the provision of safe WASH services. These numbers account for 2.5% of global deaths and 2.9% of global DALYs from all causes, underscoring the significant impact of WASH-related diseases on the country’s population.

Read Also: Protecting our freshwater bodies

Unsafe WASH services were found to contribute to a considerable proportion of diarrhoea cases (69%), acute respiratory infections (14%), and undernutrition (10%) in Nigeria. Moreover, the entire disease burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis was attributed to unsafe WASH services. These findings emphasize the urgent need for improved WASH infrastructure and services across the country.

Despite notable progress in recent years, millions of Nigerians still lack access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. The consequences are dire, with increased risks of diarrhoea, chronic under-nutrition, acute respiratory infections, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Additionally, there is evidence that compromised WASH conditions have far-reaching effects on educational outcomes, cognitive development, mental health, and instances of physical and sexual violence, particularly affecting women and girls.

Efforts to combat the WASH-related disease burden in Nigeria must focus on implementing sustainable strategies, such as improving access to safe drinking water, promoting proper sanitation practices, and enhancing hygiene education. Additionally, comprehensive monitoring and data collection systems should be established to track progress and inform evidence-based interventions.

The estimated government investment needed for achieving SDG 6 by 2030 currently stands at 1.30% of GDP per year, which is $5.3 billion or NGN1.9 trillion. The government needs to increase budgetary allocations for water, sanitation and hygiene and ensure that the monies allocated are effectively utilised.

• Victor Okeke, Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.

SIR: Fuel subsidy removal is a good development but, are there measures to mitigate the challenges that will arise from it? Before removing the subsidies, it is crucial to implement certain measures to mitigate the challenges that may arise. Here are some key considerations:

Implementing a transparent and accountable governance structure is essential to ensure that the savings from subsidy removal are utilized effectively. This includes establishing clear guidelines on how the funds will be allocated and invested in sectors that benefit the general population, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare programs.

To cushion the impact of subsidy removal on vulnerable population, it is important to establish targeted social safety net programs. These programs should provide direct support to low-income individuals and households, ensuring that they have access to essential goods and services at affordable prices. This can include cash transfers, subsidies for specific goods, or other forms of assistance tailored to the needs of different groups.

Creating awareness and engaging the public is crucial to ensure understanding and support. Transparent communication about the reasons behind the removal, its potential benefits, and the mitigation measures in place can help alleviate concerns and build trust. Engaging stakeholders, including civil society organizations, community leaders, and affected industries, in dialogue and decision-making processes can foster a sense of ownership and collaboration.

Read Also: ‘The gods happy with subsidy removal’

Removing subsidies can create opportunities for local industries to compete and thrive. To mitigate the challenges, it is important to support and strengthen domestic industries through policies that promote innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. This can include providing incentives, access to finance, and technical assistance to local businesses, as well as investing in research and development to enhance their capabilities.

Subsidy removal can serve as an impetus for diversifying the economy and reducing dependency on oil revenues. It is important to prioritize investments in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology, which can create jobs, enhance productivity, and stimulate economic growth. Promoting entrepreneurship, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and attracting foreign direct investment can further contribute to economic diversification.

Establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework is essential to assess the impact of subsidy removal and ensure accountability. Regular monitoring of key indicators, such as inflation rates, prices of essential goods, and social welfare outcomes, can help identify any negative effects and allow for timely adjustments in mitigation strategies. Feedback mechanisms and periodic reviews can also provide valuable insights for refining policies and addressing emerging challenges.

By implementing these measures, Nigeria can better mitigate the challenges that arise from the fuel subsidy removal and ensure a more sustainable and inclusive economic framework for the benefit of its citizens.

•Akinola Ayobami Steven,

<akinolaa61@gmail.com>

SIR: Since the removal of petroleum subsidy penultimate week, Nigerians have been groaning in hardship. Transportation fares have jumped by 300%. Fears have also gripped Nigerians on likely hyperinflation from hikes in prices of goods and services. Though, the World Bank approved $800 million in palliatives to cushion the effects of subsidy removal, it seems the government is yet to work out modalities for the payment.

No doubt, the subsidy scheme is nothing but daylight robbery. It is fraught with corruption. Under the regime, some highly connected people receive billions for fuel not imported. The lack of transparency in the management of subsidy payment is what has pushed government to mull the idea of scrapping the scheme. With government spending more than 100% of its revenue for debt services, it has no option than to stop the fraudulent subsidy payments.

President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has taken the bull by the horn by removing the subsidy which his predecessors failed to do. He has promised to channel the resources into infrastructure, health and education. This plan if implemented, would go a long way towards improving the living condition of Nigerians and should be supported.

Read Also: No agreement yet with Fed Govt over subsidy removal – Labour

The challenges Tinubu government will face are how to roll out the palliatives to Nigerians and how to go about reviewing the current minimum wage to reflect the realities. The organized labour had a meeting with the government representatives last week. The president has restated his commitment and promised to give Nigerians decent wages. This is good news! The million naira question begging for answer is how soon?

The transportation sector has been particularly hit by the subsidy removal. Many commuters have had to suspend their journey due to the astronomic raises in fares. In the meantime, the government should bring in buses to cushion difficulties commuters experience. There is the need for government to, in the long run, continue with train services and expand it where necessary. These buses and trains will provide cheap and affordable transportation services to Nigerians.

The NNPCL Managing Director, Mele Kyari, should match his words with actions. Kyari, recently stated two of the four refineries will be fixed this year to provide enough fuel for national consumption. He also said that another one will be revived next year, while the fourth one is expected to be completed in 2025. Indeed, this is cheering news. With Dangote’s new refinery couples with four functional national refineries, Nigerians should have cause to smile soon.

•Ibrahim Mustapha,

Pambegua, Kaduna State.

SIR: Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria face a number of challenges. Among these is their inability to access affordable energy to run their operations. Power from the national grid remains insufficient while the cost of alternative energy sources like diesel and petrol have gone up significantly in recent years.

In the past week, the federal government confirmed the removal of the subsidy on petrol, a move that – though well-intentioned – could lead to a significant increase in energy costs in the country and further undermine the ability of SMEs therein to access affordable power.  Many gas stations are already dispensing the product at more than N500 per litre.

This may seem all gloom and doom and could further add to the challenges faced by vulnerable Nigerian businesses in an already difficult business environment. However, it also presents an opportunity for these businesses to think and invest in the long term.

Amidst the global push towards sustainability, this may be the best time for businesses in the country to explore and transition to clean energy. Transitioning to clean energy will not only help them to reduce their operating costs in the long-term, but it will also help them to align with the global quest for sustainability and even position them for incentives from the government, multilateral development institutions and donor agencies.

Read Also: No agreement yet with Fed Govt over subsidy removal – Labour

One of the key benefits that clean energy solutions present is their cost-effectiveness. Though the initial outlay on clean energy solutions such as solar panels, inverters and batteries may be high, they can lead to significant cost savings over time. This is largely due to their durability. A typical solar panel can last for up to 25 years and an inverter can last for 10 – 15 years, while lithium-ion batteries can last for more than 10 years.

They also do not require constant refuelling as with diesel and petrol generators. With solar power, for instance, its major fuel – sunlight – is a gift of nature and it comes at no cost.

Similarly, some financial institutions have rolled out financing options aimed at cushioning the impact of the initial investment on clean energy solutions like solar home systems and solar mini-grids. Cost-savings from reduced energy spending occasioned by clean energy transition can ultimately be channelled by businesses into other activities such as production, product innovation, sales, and customer service.

Another key advantage of transitioning to clean alternative sources of energy for SMEs is energy independence. Power from the national grid remains unstable. Clean energy sources like solar power present businesses with an opportunity to generate their own electricity and reduce their reliance on the national grid, ensuring consistent energy supply.

The global drive towards sustainability cannot be overemphasized. Fossil fuels emit several billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, which are deleterious to the environment, the society and, by extension, the economy in the long run.

SMEs, being the engines of the Nigerian economy, can play a leading role in Nigeria’s quest to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.  Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy solutions is one of those ways. It will go a long way in keeping Nigeria on course in not only meeting the SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement, but also in actualising some of the ambitious targets it has set for itself in the recently launched Nigeria Energy Transition Plan.

•Chinedu George Nnawetanma,

mediachinedu@gmail.com.

Sir: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is potentially the world’s largest free trade area bringing together the 55 countries of the African Union (AU) and eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs). The project is set to create a single continental market with a population of about 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of approximately US$ 3.4 trillion.

It’s particularly surprising that Nigerians especially its youth are not yet basking on the euphoria of a potential reality of the African Continental Free Trade Area despite more African countries ratifying Africa’s flagship project.  Beyond the huge opportunity to accelerate intra-African trade and boost Africa’s trading position in the global market, there is a better prospect of strengthening Africa’s common voice and policy space in global trade negotiations. However, it seems the lack of knowledge or inadequate information dissemination about the AfCFTA is not doing justice to its cause.

Looking at the heterogeneous nature of policies and diversity of implementation despite the homogeneity the region shares in various facets of endeavour, it’s worrisome that the region is yet to explore regional value chains and clusters that will create linkages and synergies among different sectors and countries. There is no gainsaying that, with effective collaboration, the region can also promote green and circular economy practices that minimize environmental impacts and optimize resource use.

While the benefits of removing trade barriers in the African region are timeless, individual countries like Nigeria first need to address the challenges that may hinder the optimal utilization of the free trade area. There is no doubt that Nigerians seem to have hacked the business terrain within the country but the same cannot be said about their knowledge and skills to compete in regional and global trade. They also face skills mismatches and gaps that limit their employability and productivity largely due to inadequate access to quality education and training that could equip them with the skills and knowledge required for the AfCFTA stage.

Despite the advantage of exploring a free trade zone, navigating around and outside the region needs adequate financial and infrastructural resources which has remained an Achilles heel with many young people having business ideas without the requisite resources to execute them. Ultimately, the limited influence of young people in the policy-making and implementation processes, especially at national and regional levels may also impact on their participation at the big stage.

While the AfCFTA project is still gathering momentum, governments at national and subnational levels have the opportunity to adjust to policies that will ensure that this project is indeed a symbiotic relationship.  Thus, there must be some level of intentionality in creating conducive policies and regulations that will facilitate effective youth participation at the bigger stage. Also, considering that virtually all sectors are set to benefit from this, there is a need to galvanize key stakeholders in those sectors to ensure proper coordination in charting pathways for the optimum utility of the free trade area in Africa. This for instance includes the private sector which can in fact provide entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for young people geared towards preparing them for regional and global trade.

In a nutshell, lifting trade barriers will contribute to uniting policies, and regulations which could potentially lead to uniformity in the system of governance in the region. This will increase the unity in the voice of the African region on the global stage. Thus, Civil Society Organisations can use this platform to scale their activities to a continental level by raising awareness and advocating for nations to commit to AfCFTA thereby promoting the rights and interest of the region’s growing youth population. This can be achieved by organizing symposiums and facilitating dialogue and cooperation among youth and other stakeholders.

Ultimately, all hands must be on deck to lay a strong foundation for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development, gender equality, and structural transformation of member states. Finally, Nigeria specifically must put all mechanisms in place to benefit from the emerging industrial development through diversification and regional value chain development, agricultural development, and food security.

• Olasupo Abideen, abideenolasupo@gmail.com

Read Also: AFCFTA: Fed Govt to simplify customs procedure

Sir: The new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faces numerous challenges in restoring the country’s foreign policy and strengthening its engagement with West Africa. The previous administration, under Muhammadu Buhari, often neglected foreign policy in favour of domestic issues. However, the new president must recognize the importance of both domestic and international affairs, as they are interconnected.

To begin with, Nigeria needs a stable and prosperous economy to project credibility and influence on the international stage. It is essential to strike a balance between domestic economic growth and foreign policy objectives. In this regard, visionary leadership that combines technocratic expertise with a strategic focus on Nigeria’s standing in the global community is crucial.

Nigeria has historically played a prominent role in African international relations. During the Cold War era, the country embraced a non-aligned principle and sought to steer regional and continental growth. However, the aspirations of becoming a major black power and an industrial powerhouse were not fully realized. The current administration must work towards reigniting these ambitions by revitalizing economic growth, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and diversifying Nigeria’s export base beyond raw materials.

The decline in FDI and export value underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to address challenges such as insecurity, corruption, theft, and vandalism that have hampered Nigeria’s production capacity. By tackling these issues, Nigeria can regain investor confidence, increase export volumes, and expand its economic capabilities.

While addressing domestic issues is crucial, the new administration must also recognize the impact of regional stability on the country’s interests. Nigeria’s stability and prosperity are closely linked to that of West Africa. As such, foreign policy should prioritize regional cooperation, peace, and development.

To achieve this, the new administration should focus on the following key areas:

Common Defence Policy: The president should rally West African leaders to develop a common defence policy to address insecurity and terrorism in the region. This would involve collaborative efforts, intelligence sharing, and joint military operations to combat threats effectively.

Active Participation in Peacekeeping: Nigeria, as the longest-serving member of ECOWAS and the AU Peace and Security Council, should play a more active role in peacekeeping initiatives. By contributing troops and resources to regional peacekeeping missions, Nigeria can help stabilize conflict-prone areas and enhance regional security.

Regional Integration: Efforts should be made to foster regional integration through cultural education and people-to-people interactions. Promoting cultural exchange programs, educational initiatives, and cross-border collaborations will contribute to a sense of unity and shared identity among West African nations.

Diplomatic Engagement: The president should engage in diplomatic initiatives at regional and continental levels. By participating actively in ECOWAS and AU forums, Nigeria can shape regional policies, advocate for African interests on the global stage, and foster mutually beneficial relationships with other nations.

Restoring Nigerian foreign policy and strengthening engagement with West Africa requires a multifaceted approach. The new administration under President Tinubu must strike a balance between domestic economic growth and foreign policy objectives. By prioritizing regional cooperation, peace, and development, Nigeria can contribute to the stability and prosperity of West Africa, which in turn will benefit Nigeria’s own domestic and international interests. It is through visionary leadership, robust diplomatic engagement, and strategic partnerships that Nigeria can regain its position as a key player in African international relations.

• Akinola Ayobami Steven, <akinolaa61@gmail.com>

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Sir: Though the 2023 World Environment Day highlighted and acknowledged the efforts of environmentalists, policymakers, and community members working tirelessly to create a better world, the event is a reminder that we need to take proactive steps to ensure the sustainability of our planet. Celebrated annually on June 5, the event is an opportunity for individuals, communities, organizations, and governments around the world to come together and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment—in this case, our freshwater bodies. 

The environment is essential for our survival; we depend on it for our sustenance. 

The theme for this year’s World Environment Day focuses on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution. The world is being inundated by plastic. More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. The slogan “beat plastic pollution” has never been more relevant than it is today. Indeed, our freshwater bodies are facing an unprecedented crisis of plastic pollution, and there is an urgent need to take action to address this issue. Plastic waste is an eyesore, and it poses a severe threat not just to our freshwater bodies but also to human health.

Plastic pollution affects the quality of the water that we depend on. Plastic waste can release toxins into the water, leading to contamination and illness. Yes, water contamination is an essential issue that needs attention, affecting health and reducing access to safe drinking water. Pollutants in water can come from many different sources, including sewage systems. This contamination can lead to cholera, typhoid, cancer, intestinal infections, reproductive issues, and developmental problems as well as impacts the economy with the cost of water treatment and healthcare. 

One of the most significant steps individuals can take is to reduce their use of plastic products. This can include using reusable bags, water bottles, and containers instead of single-use plastic products. Individuals can also properly dispose of their plastic waste by recycling or composting it. Collaborating with the local government, communities can also play a role in beating plastic pollution. Community-led initiatives, such as beach clean ups and plastic waste reduction campaigns, can raise awareness about the problem of plastic pollution in a local context. Organizations can also work with their suppliers to reduce the amount of plastic in their products, and they can design products with the environment in mind. Governments can enforce policies that reduce plastic waste, such as taxes on single-use plastic products or bans on plastic bags. They can also promote recycling initiatives and invest in infrastructure to support waste reduction and management efforts.

Together, we can beat hazardous human activities and create a healthier, more sustainable world for ourselves and future generations.

• Christopher Ononukwe, christopherononukwe@gmail.com

Read Also: Tackling plastic pollution leads to healthier environment

SIR: In today’s interconnected world, where regional cooperation and integration play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, cultural exchanges, and addressing security challenges, Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture. It is time to revive the Ministry of Cooperation and Integration in Africa. By re-establishing this ministry, the country can take advantage of our geographical position, tap into the immense economic opportunities offered by the African Free Trade Agreement, forge stronger ties with our neighbours and the rest of the continent and help deliver on some of your inaugural speech vows.

During the first term of Olusegun Obasanjo presidency, Nigeria recognized the importance of enhancing cooperation and integration with other African nations. The Ministry of Cooperation and Integration in Africa was established to oversee this endeavour. However, due to frustrations arising from the slow progress and various challenges posed by other countries, the ministry was later downsized and integrated into the Ministry of External Affairs.

The urgency to revive the ministry now stems not only from security concerns but also from the vast economic potential it presents. Nigeria, with its large population and rich resources, has the opportunity to significantly boost its GDP and create jobs through enhanced trade and cooperation with African countries..

The recently ratified African Free Trade Agreement has paved the way for unprecedented economic integration on the continent. By leveraging this agreement and re-establishing the Ministry, Nigeria can tap into a potential market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of over $3 trillion. Studies show that increasing trade integration with neighbouring countries and the rest of Africa could lead to a substantial boost in Nigeria’s GDP.

According to a report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, increased trade integration within Africa has the potential to lift Nigeria’s GDP by up to 2.6%. Not only that this translates to billions of dollars in economic gains and has the power to transform the lives of millions of Nigerians, but it would also supply about half of GDP growth target promised by President Bola Tinubu during his inaugural speech.

By revitalizing the ministry, Nigerian businesses, especially start-ups, have the necessary support and guidance to seize these economic opportunities. Increased trade with African countries will enable Nigerian entrepreneurs to expand their reach, access new markets, and attract investment. This, in turn, will foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

The benefits of deepening trade ties and economic integration extend beyond individual businesses. They have a multiplier effect on the economy as a whole. A study by the World Bank estimates that trade integration within Africa could create up to 17 million jobs across the continent. By actively participating in this process, Nigeria can position itself as a major player in regional trade and become a hub for investment and economic growth.

Moreover, transnational terrorism and the rise of organized crime demand a comprehensive and coordinated approach, where cooperation among neighbouring countries is paramount. By reviving the ministry, Nigeria can enhance its long term focus on addressing security challenges, sharing intelligence, and conducting joint operations with our neighbouring nations. Only through coordinated efforts can the country effectively combat the cross-border threats that plague our region.

Read Also: House invites Aviation ministry’s Perm Sec over Nigeria Air

Furthermore, the language barrier between Nigeria and its French-speaking neighbours has hindered effective military coordination, economic and social ties. Nigeria’s military personnel faced significant challenges in communicating and leading joint operations due to the lack of proficiency in the French language. While commendable, the establishment of a French language school for officers and soldiers is an isolated initiative that fails to address the larger issue at hand – absence of any national language policy that recognises our geography in relation to our neighbours. By reinstating the Ministry of Cooperation and Integration in Africa, it can help devise and operationalise a national language policy and training programs that promote French and Arabic language proficiency among our younger generation, enabling our future start-ups and conglomerates to access the vast market in the francophone neighbouring countries and the Arabic speaking countries to the north. 

In addition to the economic gains and the security benefits, the ministry can also facilitate cultural and educational exchanges. This will not only enhance mutual understanding but also promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage on the international stage.

•Dr Shamsudeen Hassan,

Warrington, UK.

SIR: I write this article conscious of the stark realities on the ground now. The realities are somewhat those of momentary aura of an automatic heightened suffering. These sufferings are pervading the landscape of Nigeria now. None is spared.

On this subsidy of a thing, do you really know what and what are involved? The red-hot issues are herein served.

Every month – I mean, every other 30 days, you and I compulsorily shell out about N400billion as subsidy payment from our national coffers to a few musketeers. This huge sum is shared by less than 20 people in the name of monopolists who import the fuel we consume as end users. They choose what to quote in their invoices. Government pays.

Yes, government pays that huge sum of money and still we pay as much as #250 per litre of fuel on the same subsidized commodity.

State governments do not get as much as each of the subsidy racketeers go home with every month! Yet, states provide services but these monopolists only smile to their banks. The poor therefore sustains the very rich few. Government is held hostage and even blackmailed to continue wasting our resources on the fraud.

Akinwunmi Adesina, the African Development Bank (AfDB ) President, in the recent Presidential Inauguration Lecture stated that in 2022, Nigeria spent $10B on fuel subsidy alone! 

Can you imagine that? Now, for how long do we go on like that? Borrowing to sustain fraud? Borrowing funds we really do not need? 

Nigeria is about being salvaged from years of subsidy cankerworms. The solid foundations have been laid.  Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) laid the solid foundations. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) is executing it. Yes, modular refineries have been built across the nation. Imo State has one at Ohaji/Egbema. The recently commissioned Dangote Refinery – a single Train Petroleum Refinery – the largest in the world – comes in handy to provide remedies. That is one loud legacy and expression of determination of the Buhari government to save Nigeria from fuel subsidy fraud!

A decisive president – someone who has no godfather(s) – is now on the saddle, like his predecessor. His straight-cut commitment to liberate Nigeria from the clutches of subsidy fraudsters was an immediate one. He said it on the same platform he took oath of office. He said it looking up and not blinking. “Subsidy is gone”, he said. Determination is not ever less emphatic.

It’s best for everyone to sit up now.

But I look forward with a RENEWED HOPE for some better transportation system. Yes, here in Nigeria. The trillions of Naira pilfered yearly and now saved from an unappreciated and ineffective subsidy regime will do it for us.

Read Also: Subsidy: Abdulrazaq slashes workdays to three for Kwara workers

Imo State government has already responsibly reacted. A new computerized Mass Transit Scheme is on the offing. Governor Hope Uzodimma knows what leadership is all about. The new SA to the Governor on Mass Transit, Hon Anthony Anyaehie (Shark) spoke to the press last week on the new audacious goal to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on Imo people, even up to the rural areas. That intervention is most welcomed now.

The only way we can have underground trains and air-conditioned commuter buses as I read and watch on TV about Europe and the Americas should be by making this type of hard decisions. And bearing the necessary pains and sufferings associated with a necessary reform like this.

Our posterity must not suffer like us. God forbid! Let Nigeria be free from our shylock subsidy racketeers.

I mean, how can Nigeria continue on the same path we all rue about?

These are the issues. It’s not about the rigmarole of activism. It’s not about the usual angst but about the necessity for a new acculturation to make our tomorrow better than today. Remedies come with pains. Let’s suffer small now, necessarily, to enjoy tomorrow. 

The truth is that, over time, enhanced efficiency and competitiveness amongst the modular refineries and the new Dangote refinery will force down the pump price.

Then, we all will have a better lease of life.

•Stanford Arinze Nwokedi,

Owerri, Imo State.

SIR: There is a need to ask whether what we have in the workers union today is a labour leader or a Labour Party leader. This question is necessary because the recent utterance by the NLC leader, Comrade Joe Ajaero, ordering workers to embark on strike this Wednesday over the removal of fuel subsidy which was not the creation of the current administration, is worrisome.

For clarity, Comrade Ajaero is privy to the information that there is no provision for fuel subsidy in the 2023 budget which was designed by the previous administration. So, why did he wait until this time before raising a voice? Why the call for strike instead of dialogue? Let’s hope that Comrade Ajaero is not working for some underground forces.

It’s known to everyone that fuel subsidy is no longer sustainable in Nigeria. What could have prompted Ajaero to ask workers to go on strike during the time that it’s obvious to everyone that fuel subsidy is not at all beneficial to Nigerian economy?

It isn’t a secret that Comrade Ajaero is a Labour Party apologist. And it isn’t a secret that Ajaero’s preferred candidate in the last election was the Labour Party candidate. Isn’t it contradictory that the labour leader who supported the Labour Party which included fuel subsidy removal in its manifesto is the same person that is calling the NLC members to go against fuel subsidy removal today? Is it true that Ajaero is acting a script written by his party, Labour Party?

Read Also: Subsidy: APC govs back FG as NLC threatens strike

There isn’t anything bad if NLC show grievance like any other group to make their complaints known. But I don’t think that immediate call for strike should be the last resort. The challenges facing the country can only be solved through dialogue. Why do the NLC still cling to a method which has over the years worsened the country’s economy? They need to remember that the country has just come out of ASUU strike which everyone believes has created setbacks in the county’s education sector. Can Nigeria afford to go on another strike during the time that we hope for better country in the new administration?

May I urge the NLC leaders to, instead of calling for reversal of fuel subsidy removal, dialogue with the government to create palliatives that will cushion the likely effects. They should find a way to deliberate on the reduction of the salaries of political appointees to pave the way for increase in the salaries of civil servants.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must not back down from the decision. The removal of fuel subsidy is good for us. Though it may seem tough in the beginning, subsidy removal will have long-term gains.

•Ademola ‘Bablow’ Babalola,

babalolaademola39@gmail.com