The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Harnessing AI for Nigeria’s blue economy

    Harnessing AI for Nigeria’s blue economy

    Sir: Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where digital transformation intersects with environmental stewardship. As the country seeks sustainable pathways for economic diversification, one domain ripe for disruption is its blue economy. Defined as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health, the blue economy presents an unparalleled opportunity for Nigeria to tap into the vast wealth of its maritime domain.

    Bordered by over 850 kilometres of Atlantic coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) teeming with biodiversity, Nigeria’s marine space holds the potential to power new industries, provide food security, and contribute to climate adaptation. Yet, this potential remains largely underutilised. Challenges such as overfishing, marine pollution, habitat degradation, and the absence of robust data systems hinder the full realisation of maritime opportunities.

    These persistent challenges demand an innovative response, and this is where artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies could provide the much-needed leapfrog.

    The marine blue economy encompasses a wide array of sectors, including fisheries, shipping, marine tourism, offshore renewable energy, and coastal agriculture. According to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), maritime activities contribute around $1.5 billion annually to the national economy. However, the figures significantly under-represent the actual potential of Nigeria’s marine domain.

    Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing alone costs Nigeria millions of dollars in revenue annually while also depleting fish stocks and threatening food security in coastal communities. Pollution from oil exploration and plastic waste endangers marine habitats, while unregulated coastal development contributes to worsening erosion and flooding. These ecological and economic threats are compounded by weak governance frameworks, fragmented institutions, and the absence of an integrated digital infrastructure for marine management.

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    Artificial intelligence and machine learning offer practical tools to modernise Nigeria’s marine economy. By harnessing data from satellites, drones, sensors, and oceanographic models, Nigeria can optimise resource use, strengthen resilience, and promote evidence-based policy-making. Across the globe, AI is already being deployed to transform ocean industries and enhance maritime governance. Nigeria can learn from these examples and tailor technologies to its unique ecological and socioeconomic contexts.

    Countries across the world are leveraging AI to enhance their marine capabilities, and their experiences offer relevant lessons for Nigeria. Norway, through the Ocean Data Foundation, uses big data and machine learning to support fisheries sustainability and ocean research, blending private sector innovation with strong public oversight. India’s INCOIS developed AI-enabled advisory systems for fishermen, helping locate fish-rich zones using oceanographic and meteorological data. This has boosted catch efficiency and reduced fuel costs for artisanal fishers. The European Union’s Copernicus Marine Service uses satellite data and AI for pollution tracking, maritime safety, and climate services, with open access that supports research, innovation, and inter-agency collaboration. The United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has deployed AI-enabled autonomous drones and underwater vehicles to study deep-sea environments and enhance fisheries regulation.

    While the prospects are promising, several critical challenges must be addressed to integrate AI effectively into Nigeria’s marine sectors. Nigeria lacks a reliable, interoperable marine data infrastructure. Current data sets are either fragmented, outdated, or inaccessible for analytics. Investment in remote sensing and ocean observation is essential. Coastal and riverine communities often lack internet connectivity, power supply, and the computing resources required to deploy AI systems, hindering implementation at the grassroots level. Nigeria also faces a shortage of skilled professionals in marine science, AI, and data engineering. Without human capital development, even the best tools will remain underutilised. Weak coordination among marine regulatory bodies, outdated legal frameworks, and lack of clarity on digital governance further stifle innovation. Reforms are urgently needed to pave the way for a digitally integrated blue economy.

    To unleash the power of AI in Nigeria’s marine blue economy, a clear and coordinated policy roadmap is vital. This should include the establishment of a national marine data strategy—a centralised digital repository for marine data, leveraging public-private partnerships and remote sensing technologies. The platform should be accessible to academia, start-ups, and civil society.

    Nigeria’s marine blue economy holds the key to a sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive future. By embracing the power of artificial intelligence, the nation can reimagine its relationship with the ocean not merely as a source of revenue, but as a strategic asset for long-term prosperity and planetary health. With bold investments in data infrastructure, talent development, and regulatory innovation, Nigeria can lead the charge in AI-powered ocean governance on the African continent. It is time to chart a new course one where technology, ecology, and equity sail together toward a shared horizon.

    •Omabuwa Mene-Ejegi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

  • Quell this raging fire of insecurity

    Quell this raging fire of insecurity

    Sir: I call the attention of the state and the federal governments to the spate of insecurity in the land and incessant violence mostly in our farming communities across the country. It is sad and pathetic to see thousands of innocent citizens being murdered in cold blood on daily basis for just no cause.

     In the past couple of years, thousands of innocent lives have been lost through various acts of banditry and insurgency just as an estimated 300,000 peasant farmers have been displaced. Most recently in Ondo State, over 30 farmers and 15 travellers were murdered while many others were injured by suspected armed herdsmen. To tackle the challenge, the state government had to set up a joint security task force comprising of Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) the Army and Amotekun Corps.

    Also, there have been incessant attacks on innocent people in Plateau and Benue states particularly the farming communities. In Plateau State, more than 70 people were killed and their houses burnt down in the month of March. In Benue State, 40 people were reported to have been killed on their farms by herdsmen during the same period.

    Also in April, suspected armed herders reportedly killed about 19 people in separate attacks on some communities in the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. In the first attack, 16 farmers returning to their village were said to have been killed and their bodies thrown into River Katsina-Ala. In the second attack, which occurred in the same Local Government Area, three persons were murdered. Also in the same month, nine farmers were reportedly killed by bandits in Kagau in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

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    If one may dare to ask: what is really going on along most of our land borders? How the herdsmen said to behind the dastardly acts get into the country? What exactly are we doing to checkmate the activities of these terrorists? These are questions that beg for answers.

    Today, many of our farmers have refused to go back to their farms simply because of insecurity hence the food scarcity, rising food prices despite various federal government interventions.

    This writer recalls a 2024 report by the World Food Program (WFP) identifying the persistent violence as a major factor hindering food availability. In fact, the banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest and farmer-herder conflict in the North-central states are known to have exacerbated the prevailing economic struggles.

    It is therefore imperative that state governors take the bull by the horn  to end this recurring mayhem since they are the chief security officers in their states. Enough of the rhetoric; the masses want concrete action now!

    •Oladele Oladipupo,oladeleoladipupo@gmail.com

  • Nigeria’s machine tool industry: Call to action

    Nigeria’s machine tool industry: Call to action

    Sir: Nigeria’s industrial landscape is at a crossroads. For far too long, our dependency on imported machinery has acted as a ball and chain, hindering industrialization, inflating infrastructure costs, and tethering us to foreign markets. But why should it remain this way? If countries like India and Brazil—once burdened by similar challenges—could transcend their obstacles, why can’t Nigeria?

     These two nations revolutionized their economies by cultivating thriving machine tool industries. They didn’t wait for miracles—they built them. Nigeria has the potential to replicate this success and, even better, tailor it to suit our unique realities.

    Take India’s bold steps as an example. Through strategic initiatives, they turned cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad into machine tool hubs. How? By providing infrastructure, tax incentives, and shared R&D facilities to attract investors. Nigeria could transform Lagos, Kaduna, and Aba into similar industrial powerhouses, offering tax holidays, subsidized land, and reliable power to lure in investors and innovators alike.

    But it’s not just about physical zones; it’s about partnerships. India’s state-backed Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) teamed up with private firms to modernize production. Nigeria can tap into this collaborative spirit by revitalizing Ajaokuta and Aladja Steel and joining forces with private giants like Innoson vehicles and Dangote to produce machinery locally. Imagine the boost to our economy if we could reduce reliance on imports while fostering technology transfer through joint ventures with German, Chinese, or Indian firms.

    And then there’s education—India didn’t leave their workforce behind. Their industrial training institutes churn out skilled engineers who feed into their machine tool sector. Nigeria must invest in upgrading our polytechnics to provide modern CNC machining training. Furthermore, partnerships with German or Chinese vocational schools could create specialized programs tailored to our industrial needs.

    Brazil, on the other hand, took another route. They imposed tariffs on imported machinery while subsidizing local producers to build domestic capacity. Nigeria has already shown it can take bold steps—look no further than the ban on imported cement that spurred local production. A similar approach for machine tools could protect local manufacturers while stimulating growth. It’s time to put our policies into action and expand them.

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    Innovation, too, remains central to Brazil’s success. Their EMBRAPA and SENAI institutions drive research and development. Nigeria has its counterparts—PRODA and NASENI. These agencies need not only funding but a mission-focused revamp. Imagine a partnership between University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Innoson Group that delivers cutting-edge machinery innovation. The possibilities are endless.

    Nigeria must also unlock the potential of Ajaokuta and Aladja Steel plants—not tomorrow, not next year, but today. These facilities can produce the raw materials needed for machinery-grade steel, fuelling manufacturers locally. Private mills like African Foundries could be incentivized to supply this lifeblood to our burgeoning industry.

    Once domestic capacity is solidified, export opportunities abound. Brazil’s firms like Romi export machinery to Africa and Latin America. Nigeria could easily position itself as the machinery hub of West Africa, targeting ECOWAS markets with export incentives. It’s not just about manufacturing for ourselves, it’s about becoming indispensable to our region.

    We don’t need to reinvent the wheel; we need to start turning it. India and Brazil have written the playbook, and it’s ours to follow. With government support, private-sector partnerships, skills development, and strategic protectionism, Nigeria can transition from import dependency to industrial independence.

    This is our moment. It’s time for Nigeria to stand tall as Africa’s answer to India and Brazil—a hub of machinery innovation and production that transforms not just our nation, but our continent. Let’s act, and let’s act now.

    •Engr. Stephen Akanbi,United Kingdom.

  • Secret of China’s miraculous transformation

    Secret of China’s miraculous transformation

    Sir: I was among over 100 officials from diverse African government agencies from Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Zanzibar, South Africa, Ethiopia, Gambia, Egypt, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Uganda who converged at the Academy for International Business Officials in Beijing, China, to participate in various seminar themes designed to foster communication, understanding and synergy for mutual development and prosperity between China and partner nations.

    Representatives from diverse global regions, including Asia, North and South America, Australia and parts of Europe also attended. Anchored on the principles of building a shared future for humanity, consensus, mutual trust, and bilateral cooperation, this endeavour has yielded remarkable results. By the end of 2024, China had successfully hosted over 2,300 seminars and workshops, welcoming more than 60,000 officials from different regions worldwide.

    This is a wonderful initiative that has already placed China in a very strategic position to lead the rest of the world in creating a new world order, in which mankind will no longer be shackled by the limitations of racism, cultural stereotypes and barriers, territorial and boundary restrictions and other diverse variances of the human race. Rather, mankind will be marching towards a common humanity with a shared future, creating a synergy for common development and prosperity. This is the Chinese model. And this was what we were made to imbibe and internalize. Every week, thousands of future leaders representing countries across the world troop to China to drink from her cup of knowledge and wisdom, the Chinese recipe for a peaceful world, devoid of rancour and bitterness.

    The implications for China are far reaching and signposts the beginning of the process of positive dominant leadership at the global stage. China is spending huge resources in executing this project, but the sacrifices pale to insignificance compared to the diplomatic dividends and strategic global visibility, political and economic influence, accruing to the country. While brainstorming on the China experience, we were overwhelmed by a burning desire and patriotic consciousness to become apostles of new possibilities for Africa, drawing strength and hope from the Chinese odysseys, in which the trajectory is one of resilience, the triumph of self-determination in the midst of near-insurmountable trials, tribulations, adversity and oppression.

    In China, the underlying development imperative is anchored on the firm conviction that ‘Technology is the primary productivity, talent is the primary source and innovation is the driving force’.  This is the secret of the Chinese miracle. And that is why today the Chinese cities are marvels to behold with far-reaching technological advancements in infrastructural development, economic wizardry both in local and international trades and commerce, a leading player in the competitive theatre of the new era of technological innovations in virtually all fields of human endeavour.

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    The transformation of Chinese society is a comprehensive and institutional arrangement, involving continuous adjustments of interests, reforms and innovations to meet the challenges of modern society, while achieving a high level of technological self-reliance. As one navigates the bustling streets of Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, a breath-taking panorama unfolds, evoking the essence of a terrestrial paradise. The meticulously organized infrastructure, characterized by seamless railways, towering skyscrapers and state-of-the art airports, exudes an aura of near-perfection. The city’s aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by lush landscaping, vibrant greenery initiatives and an abundance of fresh, unpolluted air.  Symmetrically aligned trees lined the streets, complementing the city’s exemplary traffic systems, creating a captivating and harmonious landscape.

    As you gaze out onto the streets, expecting a sprawling sea of humanity, you are instead met with a cavalcade of luxury vehicles. The sheer volume of high-end cars prompts a bewildering question: where are all the 1.4 billion people hiding? The answer, however, reveals a remarkable truth: China’s vast population is productively engaged, with individuals contributing to the nation’s prosperity through their diverse endeavours, underscoring the country’s impressive economic momentum. 

    Indeed, the burgeoning nations of the world, particularly the African countries, stand to glean invaluable insights from the Chinese paradigm, a testament to the nation’s unwavering resolve and unrelenting progress. As fate would have it, the Chinese government, with benevolent largesse, is now extending an olive branch of inclusivity, inviting the global community to partake in the boundless riches of its extraordinary narrative, wisdom, innovation and splendour.

    •Chris Ikeokwu Nonyelum, Abuja.

  • When opposition becomes the enabler

    When opposition becomes the enabler

    Sir: The state of opposition politics in Nigeria today is not just disappointing, it is dangerous. The recurring complaint about the ruling party attempting to create a one-party state has become a tired, lazy cliché. I have heard it over and over again -this idea that the incumbent is plotting to destroy multiparty democracy. But if we are being honest, is it truly the job of the ruling party to prevent a one-party state? Or should we, instead, be holding the opposition accountable for its glaring failure to rise to the occasion?

    What we have right now is not an overbearing ruling party; it is an underperforming opposition. Take the PDP, for instance. For years, the party has been engulfed in endless leadership tussles, factional wars, and internal strife. Ideology? Policy direction? Alternative governance vision? These have taken a backseat to power struggles and ego clashes. The party nearly imploded over the appointment of its national secretary at a BOT meeting in January. Is that not a clear signal of how unserious it has become?

    The Labour Party? That’s another party of factions- the Abure group, the movement, and the NLC group. Their house is not in order. There is zero mechanism for tackling differences. There is no institutional structure that inspires confidence, no solid groundwork that suggests long-term vision or readiness to govern. It’s a circus! The African Action Congress has been practically abandoned for activism. They should be back in 2027. The SDP? I plead the 5th!

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    When was the last time the major opposition parties presented Nigerians with a well-articulated alternative economic policy? When did they last respond to national issues with substance, clarity, or cohesion? Instead, we are fed with a diet of online mob pleasing, half-baked rhetoric, baseless allegations, and social media theatre. It’s unserious. It’s dangerous. It is disappointing.

    Let’s be honest, these so called opposition parties are the real enablers of a one-party state. When they fail to offer credible alternatives, when they focus more on internal wrangling than national vision, when they rely on pity and propaganda rather than policy and persuasion, they leave the political space vulnerable. They make the incumbent look like the only option. And that is a recipe for democratic decay.

    We forget that today’s ruling party was once in the opposition. They did not play the victim indefinitely. They strategized. They built alliances, crafted a message (of change), and sold it to Nigerians. Whether you agree with what they have become or not, they earned their way to power through work, not whining.

    The opposition needs to stop playing the blame game and start doing the real work of building strong opposition parties and earning the trust of Nigerians. If they don’t, they won’t just be spectators in this democracy; they will be its undertakers.

    •Chiechefulam Ikebuiro,chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com

  • Concealing cocaine in religious books beyond crime

    Concealing cocaine in religious books beyond crime

    Sir: Barely days after the chairman/chief executive officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), the NDLEA brought the intent of the agreement to fruition and public notice. The agency successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle cocaine concealed within religious books—a tactic both deceptive and sacrilegious. This feat not only highlights the vigilance and tactical sophistication of the NDLEA but also reinforces its position as a world-class anti-narcotics organization.

    This latest success sends a powerful message to both local and international partners: Nigeria’s NDLEA is a trusted force in the global war against drug trafficking. It is a timely assurance to the Saudi Arabian authorities and other partners worldwide that the NDLEA is ready, capable, and committed to its mandate. The collaboration with GDNC is more than a ceremonial agreement—it is a partnership anchored in mutual trust and operational excellence.

     Only weeks earlier, the NDLEA was commended by officials of the National Intelligence Service of the Republic of Korea during their visit to Nigeria. They expressed their appreciation for the agency’s role in apprehending a 59-year-old fugitive drug trafficker, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, who had evaded law enforcement for 17 years. Wanted by Interpol for years, Jeff’s capture by the NDLEA is not just a win for Nigeria but a significant contribution to international justice and security. It reflects the growing operational credibility and reach of the agency under its current leadership.

    Under Marwa’s stewardship since assuming office four years ago, the NDLEA has undergone a remarkable transformation. His tenure has ushered in sweeping reforms that many once considered impossible in the history of the agency. From modernizing the agency’s operations to improving staff welfare and accountability, Marwa has proven to be a reformer with results.

    One of the most notable milestones in this transformation is the recent construction of the agency’s first-ever residential barracks in over three decades—one in Adamawa and another in Kano. This development not only boosts the morale of NDLEA personnel but also provides them with the stability needed to carry out their duties effectively. Infrastructure development of this nature had remained a pipe dream until Marwa took the reins.

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    The NDLEA’s scorecard among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government reflects an institution that has been reenergized and repositioned to fulfil its true mandate. The dedication, discipline, and drive now seen in the NDLEA are directly traceable to Marwa’s leadership ethos—one rooted in public service excellence, accountability, and patriotic commitment.

    Marwa’s track record as a former military administrator of Lagos is well known, but his work at the NDLEA has further cemented his reputation as a public administrator par excellence. He has demonstrated that with the right leadership, even the most challenged institutions can be transformed into efficient, respected, and results-driven organizations.

     In conclusion, the recent achievements of the NDLEA—whether intercepting drugs disguised in religious materials or collaborating effectively with international partners—highlight the importance of visionary leadership. The lesson here is clear: placing capable individuals in strategic positions can yield far-reaching benefits, both locally and globally. The NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership serves as a shining example of what is possible when integrity, experience, and commitment converge in public service.

    •Kalthum Alhassan,Tudun Wada, Kano.

  • Are telcos ripping Nigerians off on data?

    Are telcos ripping Nigerians off on data?

    Sir: In Nigeria, agreement is a rare commodity. From politics to football, fuel prices to fashion trends, consensus is hard to come by. But there’s one issue where Nigerians seem to have found uncommon unity: ‘telcos are ripping us off’. The cry is loud, familiar and constant “My data just disappeared!” Today, it’s no longer an isolated complaint but a national lament. And while telcos offer explanations, the collective frustration suggests, “there is no evidence.”

    In a country where over 150 million people rely on mobile internet, one has to agree that “data is life.” It’s how we connect, work, study, entertain ourselves, and even pray. Yet, many users report that data bought today disappears by tomorrow, often without heavy use.

    Such complaints aren’t isolated. They’re widespread and recurring. And while telecom operators consistently deny any wrongdoing, the perception persists. And perception, as we know, is powerful.

    To be fair, telcos invest billions in infrastructure, regulatory compliance, taxes, and technology upgrades. They operate in a challenging environment marked by erratic power supply, vandalism of facilities, and currency volatility. But that doesn’t excuse poor service or unexplained data loss.

    Even if there’s no “deliberate rip-off,” the feeling of exploitation remains, and that’s bad for business.

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    What needs to change? Telcos must provide clearer, real-time data usage breakdowns. Just as banks now send SMS alerts for every transaction, users should be able to see what each MB or GB was used for—live and in simple language. Although some telcos allow rollover, many users still lose unused data at month’s end. Rollover should be automatic and last longer than seven days. Better yet, data should last until it’s used.

    The National Communications Commission, NCC, must become more consumer-centric. Proactive monitoring, spot checks on telcos’ data systems, and enforceable penalties for infractions will go a long way. Also, many users are unaware of how smartphones consume data. Regular consumer education on app management, automatic updates, and best practices will empower users to control usage.A shift towards affordable, unlimited or truly “fair use” capped plans—especially for night or weekend usage—can ease the pressure on users and reduce complaints.

     Regulators or consumer watchdogs should conduct independent audits of data billing systems. Findings should be made public to build trust.

    While waiting for systemic changes, users can take proactive steps to better manage their data. One effective approach is to turn off background data for non-essential apps, ensuring that only critical applications consume data when not in active use.

    Switching to data-saving browsers like Opera Mini or activating Lite Mode in Chrome can also significantly reduce data consumption. Additionally, users should disable the auto-download feature for media on apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook to prevent unnecessary data drain.

    Regularly monitoring data usage through phone settings or reliable third-party apps can help users stay informed and in control. Whenever possible, connecting to Wi-Fi, especially for activities like app updates and streaming, will further conserve mobile data and enhance overall efficiency.

    Data is the fuel of Nigeria’s digital economy. As remote work, online education, and e-commerce continue to grow, the importance of reliable and affordable mobile data cannot be overstated.

    The telcos must realize that perception is as powerful as reality. If Nigerians feel short-changed, then something must give. This is the time for honesty, transparency, innovation, and collaboration. The consumers deserve better. The telcos can do better.

    After all, it’s not just about data. It’s about trust.

    •Elvis Eromosele,elviseroms@gmail.com

  • Bad roads and their toll on our economy

    Bad roads and their toll on our economy

    Sir: Drive anywhere in Nigeria, and it won’t take you long to find evidence of a broken system: cracked highways, cratered city streets, and rural roads that are somehow impassable. For decades, the conversation around bad roads has centred on inconvenience and traffic. But there’s a deeper and less talked-about consequence, and this is the toll these bad roads are taking on our economy.

    Road transportation remains the backbone of commerce in Nigeria, and over 90% of goods and passengers are moved by roads, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Yet, many of these roads are in poor condition, making delivery times slow, increasing fuel costs, and the lifespan of vehicles drops dramatically. So, who pays for this inefficiency? The consumers, business owners, and the government all lose in different ways albeit.

    A 2022 report by the World Bank estimated that Nigeria loses about $1 billion annually due to poor road infrastructure. This includes losses from increased travel times, higher vehicle operating costs, and goods damaged in transit. Can a developing economy afford such a loss year after year? Especially when capital budgets are shrinking and inflation is rising? This and is clearly NO.

    Let’s even consider the agricultural sector. Farmers in Benue or Taraba often struggle to get their produce to markets in Lagos or Port Harcourt due to inaccessible rural roads. And the result of that is definitely food waste. The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute even estimates that up to 40% of food produced in the country never reaches the final consumer, largely due to transportation and logistics challenges. Isn’t this concerning, particularly for a country not free from food shortage?

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    In urban areas, the economic cost translates to lost productivity. Workers spend hours in traffic jams caused by bad roads. This isn’t just about time, it’s about GDP. How many work hours are lost daily due to roads that were either poorly constructed or left unrepaired for decades? How much value is drained from the economy by this everyday inefficiency?

    We need to talk about inaction. The federal and state governments often announce ambitious road projects, but completion rates remain low. According to BudgIT’s 2023 report on capital projects, over 50% of road projects funded between 2015 and 2022 were either abandoned or under-delivered. Yet mouth-watering amount were budgeted for these roads. At this point accountability should not be elusive in such a critical sector.

    To surmise, fixing Nigeria’s roads is not just a matter of convenience, it’s an economic imperative. The country’s future competitiveness depends on how efficiently goods, services, and people can move. Shall we continue to tolerate the quiet economic sabotage that these bad roads inflict, or will we finally see infrastructure as the foundation of growth it truly is?

    •Babatunde Yusuf, maplebyautos@gmail.com

  • Pope Francis: A quintessential religious and secular leader

    Pope Francis: A quintessential religious and secular leader

    • By Sunday Olagunju

    Sir: According to world’s renowned novelist and playwright, Shakespeare, “Life is a stage and every man or woman plays his or her part and leaves the stage”. But few leave the stage better than they met it and late Pope Francis was among the very few.

    Pope Francis was a quintessential world and religious leader who in his life time depicted the Rotarian motto “He benefits most who serves best”. Pope Francis was the Head of State of the Vatican and the head of the Roman Catholics throughout the world, yet he died with only $100 in his bank account.

    Representatives from over 170 nations attended his funeral, not just as a Catholic pontiff, but as one quintessential world leader who symbolized Jesus example of a good servant leader. Leadership is service and not enrichment at the expense of the people.

    African leaders, especially our own leaders at home, must learn a great lesson from the life of Pope Francis. Looking at the political landscape, a bemused Nigerian once retorted: “every four years Nigerians go to the poll to elect their executioners”.

    Greed and rapacious living and lifestyle is antithetical of a compassionate and committed leader who like Pope Francis, would live for the mitigation of the less privileged and the preponderantly vulnerable poor citizens that daily eke a living in a country flowing with milk and honey.

    Described as the Pope for the poor because of his compassion and commitment for the world’s vulnerable poor, Pope Francis was a bridge builder across world’s religions, especially between the followers of the world’s two greatest religions, Islam and Christianity.

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    He strove throughout his Papacy to build a beneficial and complementary relationship between their followers. Few remember that the Pope was the head of State of Vatican, world’s smallest state and the head of the Roman Catholic faithful.

    He combines the divine responsibility to the Catholic Church and a leader’s duty to the citizens of the world, and he never reneged in either of them. Most world leaders don’t profess any religion and so owe God no explanation for their leadership, but yet as head of state of their respective people, most fail in their duties towards them.

    Pope Francis death is a further confirmation that: “we bring nothing to the world, and we will take nothing away from the world but good name and laudable deeds”. Pope Francis exemplifies the teaching of Jesus Christ that, a leader can be poor so that his followers can be rich. Most African leaders prefer to be rich while the nations and citizens under them quiver to breathe.

    •Sunday Olagunju,

    Ibadan, Oyo State.

  • What Qatar cannot do—exists

    What Qatar cannot do—exists

    • By Charles Dickson

    Sir: When Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, sceptics questioned its capacity. A decade later, the world watched in awe as Doha unveiled state-of-the-art stadiums, a seamless metro system, and the architectural marvel that is Hamad International Airport. This airport, with its futuristic design, indoor gardens, and 40,000-square-meter retail space, is more than a transit hub—it’s a statement. Qatar invested over $200 billion in infrastructure, diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas into tourism, finance, and education.

    Yet, this progress came at a cost. Reports of exploited migrant workers, restrictive labour laws, and censorship cast shadows over Qatar’s triumphs. However, the nation’s leadership demonstrated an unwavering vision: a willingness to spend, plan, and execute projects that transcended short-term politics. Qatar’s success lies not in perfection but in its ability to align resources, ambition, and global branding—flaws notwithstanding.

    Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, mirrors Qatar in potential. With vast oil reserves, a youthful population, and cultural influence, it could be a continental beacon. Yet, decades of corruption, inept governance, and infrastructural decay tell a different story.

    Consider airports: While Hamad Airport symbolizes Qatar’s ambition, Nigeria’s airports—like Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International—remain stuck in the 1970s, plagued by power outages, leaking roofs, and bureaucratic inertia. Qatar’s leaders see infrastructure as nation-building; Nigeria’s political class views it as a piggy bank. The $461 million Abuja CCTV contract, the Ajaokuta Steel Mill, and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway delays are monuments to graft and incompetence.

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    The divergence stems from leadership and vision. Qatar’s monarchy, though autocratic, prioritizes legacy projects that outlive individual rulers. Nigeria’s leaders, however, are consumed by short-term gains—embezzling oil wealth, politicizing development, and weaponising ethnicity. Qatar invests in education (Education City hosts branches of Georgetown and North-western); Nigeria’s universities languish through endless strikes. Qatar leverages its small population (2.7 million) for cohesive growth; Nigeria’s 220 million people endure fractured governance, where state allocations vanish into personal pockets.

    Cultural attitudes also differ. Qatar maintains its infrastructure meticulously; Nigeria’s “maintenance culture” is an oxymoron. Stadiums built for the 2003 All Africa Games lie in ruins. Refineries do not work, despite billions spent on repairs. We celebrate “potential” as an anaesthetic for failure.

    As a Nigerian, this comparison stings. It’s not about Qatar’s wealth but its will. Nigeria has no excuse: Our oil reserves surpass Qatar’s, our diaspora excels globally, and our creativity dominates music and film. Yet, we falter where focus and integrity are required.

    The problem isn’t resources—it’s accountability. Qatar’s World Cup spotlight forced labour reforms; Nigeria’s leaders face no such pressure. Citizens endure hardships while elites stash billions abroad. Our institutions, from the judiciary to the police, prioritize patronage over service.

    Qatar’s story proves that transformation is possible with vision and sacrifice. Nigeria’s redemption requires a leadership revolution—not just in government but in civic responsibility. We must demand transparency, punish corruption, and invest in human capital.

    The Hamad Airport wasn’t built by magic but by intentionality. Nigeria can rise, but only when we confront our demons: greed, tribalism, and apathy. The world saw Qatar’s ambition; it’s time to show them ours. As hurt as I am, I still believe—because Nigeria’s greatest resource isn’t oil. It’s her people. And our story isn’t over yet.

    Qatar has done loads of things right, but one thing it cannot do is make Nigeria do right, if it will happen.

    •Prince Charles Dickson PhD,

    <pcdbooks@gmail.com>