The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Amending NDLEA Act to boost anti-drugs war

    Amending NDLEA Act to boost anti-drugs war

    • By Ebun Okedepo

    Sir: As a concerned Nigerian, I wish to commend the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd), for their firm stance on drug control in Nigeria. Their recent remarks at the Inter- Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting in Abuja, particularly regarding the proposed amendment to the NDLEA Act currently awaiting presidential assent, were both reassuring and timely.

    The trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs have become a grave national crisis, with devastating effects rippling through families and communities alike.

    This is why amending the NDLEA Act is not just appropriate — it is essential. We cannot afford to delay or downplay any measure that helps curb the spread of drugs in our society.

    It was encouraging to hear the Minister of Justice reaffirm that the revised legislation will equip the NDLEA with greater resources and broader authority to tackle drug misuse and trafficking. According to him, the amendment will fortify the legal framework, improve operational efficiency, and make it easier to trace and confiscate the illicit assets of drug traffickers. This is significant — it means the law will now target both the criminals and their financial power.

    Read Also: APC chieftain hails Tinubu’s proactive approach to economic challenges

    Under Marwa’s leadership, the NDLEA has acted with focus and resolve. In just two years, the agency has arrested over 31,000 drug offenders and secured more than 6,800 convictions — despite limited funding. This is no minor feat. It reflects commendable commitment and consistency. The agency has also dismantled large cannabis farms and seized over four million kilogrammes of illegal substances. These aren’t empty claims — they are measurable results. They show that, with the right tools and legal backing, our institutions can deliver real impact.

    It is instructive to know that drug abuse isn’t just a policing issue; it’s a societal one. Both Marwa and the Fagbemi rightly emphasised that the NDLEA cannot fight this alone. They called on the public, government bodies, civil society, community leaders, and all stakeholders to take up shared responsibility. We cannot afford to look away or remain indifferent. What we do now will shape the future and safety of our children.

    That is why this amendment to the NDLEA Act is so critical. It is more than a legislative update — it signals Nigeria’s readiness to escalate the fight against drugs. It marks a new phase in our national resolve to eliminate drug abuse and trafficking.

    The president must sign this amendment into law without delay. Only then can the NDLEA operate with the full legal backing needed to act more decisively across the country.

    •Ebun Okedepo

    Ibadan, Oyo State

  • Takeaways from Gateway Games 2024

    Takeaways from Gateway Games 2024

    • By Elijah Udofia

    Sir: The National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, has come and gone, and has left memories which will linger on for many years to come. The games, which have been described by many as a celebration of sports garnished with culture and tradition, did not only showcase the rich culture of the host state, but also demonstrated to the world that Nigeria can host a world-class event.

    Before the commencement of the games, the host governor, Dapo Abiodun, had boasted that Ogun State will host the best and most memorable National Sports Festival ever. While many doubted his capability to deliver, those who know him or work closely with him knew that he meant business.

    From the total rehabilitation of the MKO Abiola Stadium, now rechristened MKO Abiola Sports Arena, to the comprehensive turnaround of the Alake Sports Centre as well as the solid arrangements with the Babcock University for the camping of the athletes, and Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, to host some of the sporting events, the stage was set to host young and vibrant Nigerian sports men and women in Ogun for two weeks.

    Created in 1973, the aim of the festival among others, is to foster national unity and integration by gathering athletes and officials from all states of the federation, identify talents, showcase Nigeria’s diverse cultures and promote cultural exchange among participants.

    Additionally, the festival is meant to instill a sense of national pride and patriotism in participants and spectators, and encourage competition and excellence in sports, driving athletes to perform at their best.

    After two weeks of intense competition and friendly interactions, the games, just like the opening ceremony, which was spectacular and colourful, finally ended on May 29 with a thrilling and scintillating closing ceremony that would be remembered as the most colourful as different contingents bade farewell to their host, Ogun State.

    At the closing event held at the magnificent MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who spoke through the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, reiterated his administration’s determination to make sports a veritable tool to unite all Nigerians as sports is no longer a pastime, but an economic force and an instrument of unity and national integration, just as sports as a sector, would continue to be a driver of economic activities, job creation, tourism, health and national pride.

    For an elated Governor Dapo Abiodun, 29th of May, 2025, will occupy a place in his mind for a long time as he celebrated three events in one: his 65th birthday, his second year in his second term in office, and the closing ceremony of the most successful event the state has ever hosted.

    Read Also: Wike explains water shortage in Abuja, says rehabilitation of treatment plants underway

    Beaming with smiles and with a sense of fulfillment, Abiodun noted that the essence of the games is to enable athletes compete, connect and forge friendships, stressing that their presence at the games means they are all champions, whether they won a medal or not.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who could not be physically present as he was at the opening ceremony, sent his well wishes through a video message, describing the games as more than a festival of sports, but a triumph of unity, display of talents and show of national unity as Nigeria’s sons and daughters drawn from every region and creed competed not just for medals, but for honour and to make friends.

    At the end of the festival, Delta State emerged the overall winner of the games and successfully defended the title it won two years ago as host. The state won a total of 337 medals, out of which 126 were gold, 100 silver and 111 bronze, while the host state, Ogun, finished second with 93 gold, 65 silver and 80 bronze.  Bayelsa State finished third with 92 gold, 65 silver and 71 bronze medals.

    To complete the top five, Rivers was fourth with 76 gold, 58 silver and 65 bronze, while Edo finished fifth with 73 gold, 101 silver and 119 bronze medals.

    With the curtains drawn on Gateway Games 2024, it is hoped that the National Sports Commission, states sports councils, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians will pay attention to the raw talents discovered at the festival and nurture them to become world- beaters.

    Furthermore, the success of the Gateway Games has become a reference point and, therefore, officials managing sports at the national and state levels, particularly the next host (Enugu), will do well to find out what Ogun did to achieve success; and, of course, note the few observable hitches with a view to correcting them.

    All in all, it was a good outing and Governor Abiodun and the organisers of the festival deserve accolades as we look forward to the 23rd edition of the games in Enugu, next year.

    •Elijah Udofia

    Laderin, Abeokuta

  • Life-saving value of Emergency Operations Centres

    Life-saving value of Emergency Operations Centres

    • By Moshood Isah

    Sir: When there is a public health emergency, like a disease outbreak or a pandemic, the speed at which public health stakeholders respond can make a big difference. It can either stop things from escalating or help bring the situation under control quickly. One of the biggest challenges in such scenarios is timely coordination among key stakeholders capable of responding to the emergency.

    Without a central place for everyone to meet, share information, and make quick decisions, efforts can easily become scattered. This leads to duplication, wasted resources, and missed opportunities. In a crisis, that can cost lives. What’s needed is a strong system that helps governments and partners work hand in hand, swiftly and strategically.

    Since the establishment of Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) in 11 states across Nigeria, led by eHealth Africa with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the story is beginning to change. States are now better equipped to respond swiftly, coordinate effectively, and save more lives during public health emergencies.

    The Commissioner of Primary Healthcare in Niger State, Dr Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, confirmed this when he described the EOC as a critical pillar in the state’s public health emergency preparedness and response. Since its establishment, the EOC has successfully connected all 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in real time, enabling virtual meetings, streamlined data reporting, and rapid response to health emergencies, including childhood killer diseases like cholera and meningitis outbreaks.

    “Before this centre, transporting health workers for meetings was costly and inefficient. Now, we can convene hybrid sessions, access real-time data, and make quick, informed decisions,” he explained.

    Echoing this sentiment, Dr Fatima Ibrahim, the Incident Manager of the Niger State EOC, emphasised that public health is not a one-person job. She noted that the EOCs’ coordinating power has made it possible to identify and leverage the unique strengths of each stakeholder, leading to more effective and unified emergency responses.

    Read Also: APC chieftain hails Tinubu’s proactive approach to economic challenges

    Citing a key example, Dr Fatima shared, “During campaigns, with support from our data team at the EOC, we receive real-time analysis showing areas with high and low vaccination coverage.” According to her, this timely data enables swift action by mobilising teams to reach underserved areas.”  For instance, we identified Mashegu as a zero-dose LGA. With data from the EOC, we were able to track ongoing efforts, spot critical gaps, and bring all partners together to plan and respond collectively,” she explained.

    Key public health partners have also hailed the immense impact of the EOC and the value it adds to their interventions. According to Samuel Okolo, the Niger State Lead for Sydani Group, partners are now able to coordinate and collaborate with traditional leaders for effective community mobilisation, monitoring, and response.

    Highlighting the power of collaboration, he shared a memorable example: “Following a partners’ meeting at the EOC, we received word that the Emir of Kagara (an LGA in Niger State) wanted to meet with the team. Fortunately, everyone was still at the centre. The Incident Manager quickly mobilised the group, and we met with the Emir.” Meeting stakeholders in full capacity, the Emir not only expressed his commitment to addressing vaccine non-compliance but also pledged to visit the EOC in person—a powerful gesture of support for strengthening immunisation coverage in the state.

    It is especially encouraging to hear the Commissioner of Primary Healthcare in Niger State reaffirm the state’s commitment to EOC sustainability. “This initiative may have started with donor support, but sustainability is already built in. The state has fully embraced it, with budgetary provisions and strong political will to maintain and expand the facility,” he said.

    The impact of Emergency Operations Centres speaks volumes about what’s possible when strategic investment meets local leadership and innovation. These centres are lifelines in moments of crisis, enhancing coordination and rapid response. As we look toward a future filled with increasingly complex public health challenges, continued support from partners and donors will be vital to scale this impact and protect more lives.

    •Moshood Isah

    eHealth Africa

  • Controversial shutdown of Port Harcourt Refinery

    Controversial shutdown of Port Harcourt Refinery

    Sir: The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recently announced the shutdown of Unit 10 in Area 5 of the Port Harcourt Refinery (PHRC), officially citing sustainability concerns. However, the move has ignited a storm of controversy, with insiders suggesting a more troubling reality: the decision stems from the underperformance of the current operations and maintenance (O&M) contractor whose alleged inefficiencies have led to a complete halt in production.

    The official narrative from NNPCL frames the shutdown as important for operational maintenance. But before the shutdown, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria had said that the refinery had become “insignificant to the Nigerian petrol market, stressing that the plant did not produce petrol for about three months before its eventual shutdown.”

    According to multiple sources, the shutdown was precipitated as a failure to maintain consistent product quality and perform routine maintenance tasks. These shortcomings reportedly rendered operations unsustainable, forcing the unit offline. In addition, Unit 10 of Area 5 (old refinery) had only recently resumed stable operations after years of dormancy. The shutdown not only disrupts production but also casts a shadow over the broader rehabilitation efforts at the Port Harcourt Refinery, one of Nigeria’s most vital energy assets.

    The roots of the current controversy trace back to July 2024, when Italian engineering firm Tecnimont successfully completed the rehabilitation and testing of the Area 5 infrastructure old refinery. The project was ambitious, involving the revival of facilities that had been inactive for over a decade. Tecnimont’s work culminated in the reactivation of Unit 10 in November of the previous year, following a prolonged fine-tuning phase.

    The plan was to gradually bring additional units—12, 14, and 17—online, thereby completing the full commissioning of Area 5. The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), acting through the Nigerian Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), appointed EPROM, an Egyptian O&M firm, to take over operations. This decision marked a significant departure from earlier directives that emphasised the need for an internationally recognised contractor. EPROM’s appointment has raised eyebrows across the industry.

    While technically a foreign entity, EPROM lacks a robust international portfolio. According to its own website (Projects – EPROM), its only projects outside Egypt are in Nigeria: The Port Harcourt Refining Company and the Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company. This limited exposure sparked concerns about the company’s capacity to manage a facility as complex and strategically important as Port Harcourt’s refinery. The controversy deepens with allegations that EPROM is employing predominantly Egyptian personnel, many of whom reportedly lack valid Nigerian work visas. Only a handful of local workers—three or four—have been hired, according to internal sources.

    This situation appears to contravene Nigeria’s Local Content policies, which are designed to ensure that local communities benefit from industrial operations through employment and capacity building. The apparent disregard for these policies has drawn criticism from labour unions, civil society groups, and local stakeholders. The decision-making process that led to EPROM’s appointment remains opaque. Industry observers have questioned why a company with limited international experience was chosen over more established firms with proven track records.

    Read Also: May 29: Ex-Minister greets Tinubu, urges Nigerians to key into Renewed Hope Agenda

    The shutdown of Unit 10 has had immediate operational consequences. Production targets have been missed, and the timeline for bringing additional units online has been pushed back indefinitely. This delay threatens to undermine Nigeria’s broader energy strategy, which hinges on revitalising domestic refining capacity to reduce dependence on imported fuel.

    Port Harcourt’s situation is symptomatic of a broader pattern in Nigeria’s energy sector, where short-term decisions often undermine long-term goals. The preference for expedient solutions over strategic planning has, they argue, led to a cycle of underperformance and missed opportunities.

    As the shutdown drags on, pressure is mounting on NNPCL and PHRC to take corrective action. The shutdown of Unit 10 at the Port Harcourt Refinery has exposed deep fissures in NNPCL’s approach to managing its critical energy infrastructure. What began as a technical issue has morphed into a broader debate about contractor selection, local content, and institutional transparency. As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, one thing is clear: the decisions made today will shape the country’s energy future for decades to come. Whether the lessons of Unit 10 will lead to meaningful reform remains to be seen.

    •Patrick Edward Port Harcourt

  • Price of internet access in Nigeria

    Price of internet access in Nigeria

    Sir: In today’s digital age, internet connectivity is as essential as electricity and clean water. Yet, for many Nigerians, staying connected comes at a steep price, both financially and in terms of service quality.

    At the start of 2025, Nigerian telecom subscribers faced a significant 50% increase in tariffs on voice, data, and SMS services. This hike led to a decline of approximately one million internet users in February, as reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Data consumption also dropped by 12% in the same month, reflecting consumers’ cautious usage in response to increased costs.

    The tariff adjustments were attributed to escalating operational costs for telecom operators, driven by factors such as high inflation, currency devaluation, and increased energy expenses. In 2023, MTN Nigeria reported losses of approximately N137 billion, while Airtel Africa experienced a 15.55% decline in Profit Before Tax, largely due to foreign exchange and energy-related losses.

    Despite the higher costs, service quality issues persist. The NCC identified data depletion and billing issues as the top consumer complaints in 2024. Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, noted that the complexity of tariff plans and the impact of high-resolution devices contribute to these concerns. To address this, the NCC issued a ‘Guidance for the Simplification of Tariffs,’ mandating operators to provide clear information on data plans and Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), acknowledged that many consumers are unaware of background data usage by smart devices, leading to unexpected data depletion. He emphasised the industry’s commitment to transparency. 

    The increased costs and service issues have led to a surge in subscribers switching networks. In January 2025, over 8,700 subscribers ported their numbers to different operators, a 190% increase from the previous month. 9mobile experienced the highest customer losses, while MTN, Airtel, and Globacom gained subscribers during this period

    Despite these challenges, the telecom sector saw growth in active subscriptions, rising to 169.3 million in January 2025. MTN led with 87.5 million subscribers, followed by Airtel with 57.6 million, and Globacom with 20.5 million

    Read Also: Nigeria/UK trade relations amounted to £7.2 billion in 2024, says Kalu

    Nigeria’s telecom operators have made significant investments in expanding broadband coverage, with initiatives like 4G and 5G rollout, fiber infrastructure, and partnerships with global tech firms. However, these investments are often driven by profit, not inclusion.

    Despite NCC’s efforts to regulate pricing and improve service delivery, consumers regularly complain about data zapping, network downtimes, and non-transparent billing practices. Competition has done little to force down prices meaningfully, as all major players face similar infrastructural hurdles and operational costs.

    If Nigeria is serious about becoming a digital economy powerhouse, it must confront the high cost of connectivity head-on. This means investing heavily in: Rural broadband infrastructure; Affordable data pricing models; Improved electricity access; Consumer protection regulations.

    Public-private partnerships must be strengthened to reduce costs while maintaining profitability. Local innovation in satellite internet, community Wi-Fi, and solar-powered connectivity hubs must be encouraged and scaled.

    The internet fuels education, commerce, healthcare, and governance. For Nigeria’s youths, startups, and underserved communities, access to affordable and reliable internet can mean the difference between opportunity and exclusion.

    The cost of staying connected should not cost Nigerians their dignity, income, or peace of mind.

    It’s time we reframe internet access in Nigeria, not as a commercial commodity—but as a public utility, a human right, and a catalyst for national development.

    As Nigeria continues to embrace digital transformation, ensuring affordable and reliable connectivity is crucial. Stakeholders must collaborate to address infrastructural challenges, simplify tariff structures, and enhance service quality. Only then can the promise of a connected Nigeria be fully realised.

    •Don Pedro Aganbi getdonpedro@gmail.com

  • Tinubu’s invitation to Pope’s inauguration

    Tinubu’s invitation to Pope’s inauguration

    Sir: After the demise of the previous Pope, those who had no prior knowledge of how a new leader of the Catholic faithful would be chosen became aware. A list of potential successors was revealed, and there was even a scramble for an African to secure the position.

    Although I grew up in a building not far from a Catholic church, and through its speakers, I had subconsciously memorised the Lord’s Prayer – “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come… And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” – it was after the election of Pope Francis’ successor, Robert Prevost, who has officially adopted the name Pope Leo XIV, that a conversation with a friend in Christendom shed more light on the grey areas surrounding the nomination, albeit briefly.

    The discussion concluded on the note that, in a perfect world, a Pope’s country of origin would hold little significance; what remains immeasurably important is that people will continue to worship God and stay true to religious teachings, irrespective of where the leader hails from.

    Days after, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was then invited to Pope Leo’s inauguration into the exalted office after his election by the Conclave of Cardinals. In the Papal invitation sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the significance of the president “at a moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts” was underscored.

    Stressing further, the invitation says, “Your great nation is particularly dear to me, as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.” Looking at the healthy and sizable population of Catholics in Nigeria, such a gesture is not like a weed, out of place or time. Moreover, world leaders all over the globe received similar invitations.

    Read Also: Mid-term: Tinubu has lifted gloom over Nigeria, says APC

    What prompted this piece are two questions some individuals raised: “Is our President a Christian, warranting his invitation?” and “Of what economic benefit was his presence at the ceremony?” I would like to address this in two parts and maybe, as Nigerians, we might pick a lesson.

    Imagine if the president wasn’t invited; we might have had another set saying, “Despite our significance in the continent of Africa, our president wasn’t invited!” So, instead of questioning why a president who does not belong to the faith was invited, let’s simply say it was an invitation we honoured as a nation – simple!

    Second, no nation, no matter how great, can live in isolation. None can attain a level of self-sufficiency that wouldn’t require interacting with others for survival. Hence, there is every need to interact and socialise, and such interactions come with being responsible enough to accept gestures as simple as invitations to inauguration ceremonies.

    In the long run, such interactions make a nation stay relevant and may even be accompanied by the “economic benefits” the questioners seek.

    •Lawal Dahiru Mamman Abuja

  • Yobe: Sen. Bomai’s healthcare intervention

    Yobe: Sen. Bomai’s healthcare intervention

    • By Kasim Isa Muhammad

    Sir: The approval for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Yobe South is more than just a policy decision—it is a transformative development with the potential to redefine healthcare delivery in the region. This initiative introduces a long-overdue medical institution capable of offering advanced, life-saving services to thousands of people. It represents a critical investment in the health, welfare, and future of communities across Potiskum, Fika, Fune, Nangere, and beyond.

    With a Federal Medical Centre in place, Yobe South is now positioned to benefit from a centralised facility equipped to manage a wide spectrum of healthcare needs. From surgical operations to maternal health, diagnostics to emergency medicine, the presence of such an institution will allow for faster, safer, and more reliable care. It will become the heart of healthcare delivery in the zone—providing essential services close to home and dramatically improving health outcomes across the board.

    Equally important is the centre’s role in strengthening the healthcare workforce in the region. Many trained professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians, often leave in search of opportunities in more urban areas. With the creation of this medical centre, Yobe South can now attract and retain qualified personnel who are eager to serve their own communities. This not only addresses issues of staff shortages but also helps build a sustainable and homegrown healthcare system.

    Read Also: FG to equip 12 universities with high-fibre internet, 24-hour electricity

    This medical centre also stands to play a vital role in public health planning. It will be instrumental in the coordination of immunisation campaigns, the management of communicable diseases, and the implementation of preventive health initiatives. Its presence will make it easier to respond to health emergencies and outbreaks with the speed and structure necessary to save lives. It will become a hub for data collection, disease surveillance, and strategic health interventions—all essential to safeguarding public wellbeing.

    Moreover, the project aligns with broader goals of regional development. A strong healthcare system encourages investment and supports other sectors such as education, agriculture, and commerce. Entrepreneurs and institutions are more likely to thrive in areas where reliable medical services exist. This infrastructure gives the region a competitive advantage, fostering stability and growth from the ground up.

    Now that the legislative groundwork has been completed, attention must turn to effective implementation. Timely release of funds, transparency in project execution, and a commitment to quality must guide the next stages. The promise of this centre can only be fully realised if it is backed by consistent follow-through and accountability at every level.

    Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai’s intervention is a clear demonstration of leadership with vision—one that prioritises the health and dignity of the people he represents. The Federal Medical Centre is not just a building; it is a symbol of progress, a source of hope, and a cornerstone for future development in Yobe South.

    •Kasim Isa Muhammad

    Potiskum, Yobe State

  • Tinubu’s towering triumph

    Tinubu’s towering triumph

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: It has been two years since the baton of government moved from one administration to the other; and while two years consisting of 730 days may seem a lot of time in the context of days, it is little time in governance, especially in a country like Nigeria.

    On May 29, 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu replaced Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s president. Though the transition was not preceded by the kind of seismic shock that greeted a similar occasion in 2015, it was still a momentous occasion eight years after Nigeria’s democracy showed its dynamism with an astonishing victory for the opposition.

    President Tinubu assumed the presidency of a country where the economy was tanking, infrastructure lying in ruins, insecurity increasing and public trust at an all-time-low. Stepping into this volcano, President Tinubu knew he had to get the ball rolling without being scalded by the heat of a country on fire.

    In more than 30 years in politics, the former Lagos State governor has never lacked courage. It took only seconds of his inauguration speech for the citadel of corruption that was the fuel subsidy regime to come crumbling down, with its chief benefactors and enablers sent scrambling for cover.

    There have been upheavals. Protests from Nigerians have rocked the boat   occasionally to remind the president of the rocky journey that Nigerian presidents usually experience. There have been episodic security breaches around the country. The situation in Rivers State almost spiralled out of control; and though the president left much to be desired with the anti-constitutional measures taken to rein in the situation, there has been a bit of calm there.

    Through two years in office, and despite vociferous accusations of bias, favouritism and nepotism levelled against the president from many who may have their private agenda, he has shown a fair hand in dishing out appointments across the country. His strategy in spreading key appointments across the country has brought a sharp decrease in tension, stimulating peace in some volatile areas.

    A key example is in southern Kaduna State, which was turned into a killing field under the previous administration. The appointment of an indigene of southern Kaduna as the Chief of Defence Staff, together with the siting of a Federal University of Applied Sciences in the region, have brought hope and healing to a region that was once much troubled.

    Read Also: Senate passes N1.8trn 2025 FCT budget

    In two years, President Tinubu’s administration has established five new regional development commissions, initiated four landmark tax bills, and ensured and enhanced the implementation of the new minimum wage. Also, 13,500 terrorists have been eliminated; and well over $50 billion worth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been attracted to Nigeria. The National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), established by the administration, has benefited over 300,000 students, while the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme has reached over 900,000 Nigerians. These are but a few highlights among glittering achievements.

    It has not been all smooth though, and the figures, impressive as they are, are only drops in the ocean of problems that the country is experiencing. But what is not in doubt is that something is stirring in the country. For the first time in a decade, there is clarity of vision and certainty of direction for a country that carries the great hopes of the African continent.

    Agriculture and food security are priority areas for the president. Nigeria’s tractorisation policy to boost agricultural mechanization directly led to the order and purchase of about 2000 tractors. This writer has witnessed President Tinubu’s commitment first-hand.

    As a key contributor to other national projects, like the proposed humanitarian caravan and the raw materials ecosystem, this writer has been left deeply impressed by the President’s openness, a sharp and marked departure from the insularity of his predecessor.

    It has not been a very smooth ride under President Tinubu, but it has been far from a joyless ride. For the first time in a decade, Nigeria seems to be on a resolute trajectory towards progress. For all it is worth, to all those who genuinely love their country, this rare ray of hope deserves to be supported.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Tinubu: How narrow victories can forge great legacies

    Tinubu: How narrow victories can forge great legacies

    • By Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu

    Sir: In the halls of modern political history, few leaders were as underestimated at the start and as celebrated at the end as Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of post-war West Germany. Elected in 1949 by a razor-thin margin of just one vote, rumours swirled that he may have even cast the decisive vote for himself. His mandate was weak, his popularity uncertain, and Germany’s future hung in the balance.

    Fast forward to Nigeria in 2023. Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged President in a similarly contested fashion. His share of the national vote was under 40%, the lowest winning percentage in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. The opposition was split – Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar divided the votes of disenchanted Nigerians seeking change. The result? Tinubu won not by a landslide, but by strategic calculation and coalition craftsmanship.

    Predictably, allegations of electoral malpractice followed. Yet, like Adenauer, Tinubu weathered the legal storm. Nigeria’s Supreme Court ruled that while the election process had flaws, it did not breach the threshold for annulment.

    But what unites Adenauer and Tinubu is not the narrowness of their victories or their septuagenarian rise to power; it is the scale of their ambitions.

    Adenauer, though unpopular at first, led Germany into the Western alliance, laid the foundations for the European Union, and initiated the economic miracle that transformed his country. By the time of his re-election in 1953, and especially in 1957, he had won the trust of a once-cynical nation.

    Tinubu’s journey seems to mirror this trajectory. In under two years, he has enacted bold and controversial reforms. The removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of Nigeria’s exchange rates, in his words, were necessary to “free the economic jugular of the nation.” Painful? Undoubtedly. But transformative? Increasingly so.

    Government revenues have more than doubled. Nigeria’s $1.61 billion IMF debt has been cleared. Major infrastructure projects are in motion. Oil production is up. Youth empowerment schemes, student loans, and consumer credit initiatives have been launched. The NYSC allowance has been increased, and a new minimum wage of N70,000 has been signed into law. Notably, the revenue-to-debt service ratio has improved from a dangerous 97% to a more tolerable 68% (source: Budget Office of the Federation, 2024).

    Still, like Adenauer’s Germany in the 1950s, Tinubu’s early economic success has come at a cost. Nigerians are grappling with inflation, a weakened naira, and a cost-of-living crisis that strains household budgets. The challenge is clear: to translate macroeconomic progress into everyday relief.

    Adenauer bridged Germany’s transition with a robust Social Market Economy, combining free-market capitalism with social protections. Tinubu’s reforms, including the Student Loan Act and targeted social interventions, signal a similar approach. But more is needed: perhaps a constitutional or statutory ‘Social Code’ to institutionalise social protections and ensure continuity.

    Read Also: FG to equip 12 universities with high-fibre internet, 24-hour electricity

    At this crucial moment, it is important to urge Nigerians, especially those grinding under the current economic hardship, to be a bit more patient and hopeful. Just as the German people endured Adenauer’s tough reforms, and later became proud of their country’s economic revival, so too must Nigerians hold on. The difficulties faced today are not permanent; they are the birth pains of a new economic era.

    If Tinubu’s reforms stay on track, they will not only stabilise the economy but also create a magnet effect, drawing back many who have “japaed” abroad. These Nigerians will return not out of compulsion, but out of pride and renewed hope to join hands in building a Nigeria that is stronger, more prosperous, and destined to be among the new global superpowers in the not-too-distant future.

    Remarkably, political momentum is shifting. Like Adenauer, once doubted and later revered, Tinubu is seeing opposition figures, including prominent politicians, endorsing his potential 2027 re-election bid. The ruling party is moving with urgency, buoyed by a sense that a second-term landslide may be within reach.

    If this trajectory holds, if inflation is tamed, reforms deepen, and social programs scale, Tinubu could emerge not merely as a tactician who won narrowly, but as a reformer who transformed a nation that was once said to be on the brink of collapse.

    Yet, much remains to be done. Poverty reduction, job creation, power supply and security are critical. Insecurity still haunts many regions and must be crushed decisively. The security architecture must be strengthened or overhauled, where necessary, to defeat insurgency, banditry, and criminality. And corruption, which undermines economic progress, must be fought with renewed political will and institutional strength.

    Only then will Tinubu’s bold economic reforms translate into real peace, prosperity, and national renewal.

    Leadership is not always about winning big. Sometimes, it’s about doing big things after barely winning.

    •Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu

    osagieizeiyamu@yahoo.com

  • Deplorable state of Anjorin Street, Lagos

    Deplorable state of Anjorin Street, Lagos

    Sir: We respectfully request the use of your esteemed and widely read newspaper to draw the attention of the Governor of Lagos State, relevant ministries, and agencies—particularly the Lagos State Public Works Corporation—to the urgent need for intervention on Anjorin Street and its adjoining roads.

    Anjorin Street, situated within the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), is a critical thoroughfare that connects Lawanson with several economically active areas in Surulere. Regrettably, this road has been in a state of disrepair for an extended period. 

    Read Also: Nigeria’s economic reforms yielding results , says AfDB

    The deplorable condition of Anjorin Street poses serious challenges to residents, commuters, and local businesses. The road is riddled with deep potholes, which become severely waterlogged during the rainy season, rendering it not only impassable but also dangerous to both pedestrians and motorists.

    Despite multiple written appeals to the appropriate authorities over the years, we have yet to receive any meaningful response or action. We therefore use this medium to renew our call for immediate government intervention to rehabilitate these roads before the situation deteriorates further with the onset of the rains.

    •Concerned Residents of Anjorin Street, Itire-Ikate LCDA, Surulere, Lagos State