The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Reflections from International Day of No Pesticide Use

    Reflections from International Day of No Pesticide Use

    Sir: As the world marked the International Day of No Pesticides Use yesterday December 3, it is crucial to highlight the urgent need for caution and action regarding pesticide use globally, particularly in Nigeria. The day serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by pesticides and calls for a halt in their trade and application. It also provides an opportunity to urge the European Union (EU) to address its double standards in pesticide regulation and to call upon the Nigerian government to take decisive measures to reduce pesticide usage.

    Pesticides are used in agriculture, for disease vector control and in domestic and municipal settings for the control of pests such as rodents, insects, fungi and weeds. However, the continuing use of hazardous pesticides presents major public health and environmental issues of global concern. People have a right to choose the type of chemicals they want to expose themselves, their family, and their children to, and nobody is allowed the right to deprive anyone of all the necessary information needed to enable them make that individual choice.

    Nigeria imports approximately 147,446 tonnes of pesticides annually, making it one of the largest importers in Africa. Historically, pesticide application was estimated at 125,000 to 130,000 metric tons per year as of 1998. A survey indicated that 75% of women farmers experienced health issues related to pesticide use, including respiratory problems and skin rashes.

    More than 58% of registered pesticides in Nigeria contain active ingredients that are banned in the European Union. This includes hazardous substances like chlorpyrifos and Paraquat.

    Ironically, farmers are constantly blamed for pesticide hazards, even when the manufacturers and marketers of these toxic pesticides refuse to inform the famers and consumers of the full risk and dangers associated with their products (just as their counterparts in the tobacco industry now do). Hypocritically, most of the companies that have the patents to producing these toxic pesticides are in Europe – but the European law permits these companies to continue the production and export of the toxic substances to poor developing countries where regulations to ensure some safety measures are lax, market practices are also unregulated and national political integrity questionable. 

    We must reflect on the grave implications of pesticide use on public health, the environment, and sustainable agriculture. This current time reminds us of the urgent need to address the unchecked proliferation of pesticides, especially in countries like Nigeria, where regulatory frameworks are either weak or poorly enforced. It is also an opportunity to amplify calls for global accountability, including urging the European Union (EU) to end its double standards. A 2022 report by Public Eye revealed that European companies exported 81,000 tons of pesticides containing hazardous chemicals to developing nations, including Nigeria, in a single year.

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    The EU’s stance undermines its commitments to human rights and environmental sustainability. If these pesticides are unfit for European farms, they should not find their way into Nigerian markets. This double standard has been widely criticized as a clear violation of human rights and environmental justice principles. If these pesticides are deemed unsafe for use in Europe, why should they find their way into Nigerian farms and markets?

    Nigeria’s government must take decisive action to address this crisis by strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure that all pesticides entering the country meet international safety standards and are properly registered. It should also invest in and promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as integrated pest management and agroecology, to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. Capacity building is essential, with efforts focused on training farmers and agricultural workers in the safe handling, application, and use of pesticide alternatives. Furthermore, immediate steps must be taken to halt the importation and distribution of banned or hazardous pesticides.

    A future free from the toxic burden of hazardous pesticides is achievable, but it requires collective action—from global powers like the EU to grassroots movements led by organizations such as the Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria.

    Together, we can end the double standards and build a food system that prioritizes life over profit.

    •Donald Ikenna Ofoegbu,

     Abuja.

  • Journalists and shrinking civic spaces

    Journalists and shrinking civic spaces

    Sir: Journalism is a profession of global significance, recognized and protected by constitutional statutes. In Nigeria, it stands uniquely as the only profession explicitly acknowledged in the 1999 Constitution.

    Chapter 2, Section 22, titled Obligation of the Mass Media, mandates that “The press, radio, television, and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.”

    Similarly, Chapter 4, Section 39 guarantees “freedom of expression and the press,” ensuring every citizen’s right to hold opinions and share information freely.

    With these constitutional provisions, journalists are tasked with informing the public and bridging the gap between government and citizens.

    However, the path of a journalist is fraught with challenges. While the profession is often romanticized as noble, those outside the field frequently underestimate its complexities.

    In today’s digital era, citizen journalism has blurred the lines between professional journalism and unverified information shared on social media. The advent of blogs and platforms has given rise to individuals claiming to be journalists without formal training, undermining the profession’s credibility.

    Untrained influencers and bloggers often disseminate half-truths or outright falsehoods before verified news reaches the public. Their fame and large followings make it harder for audiences to discern fact from fiction.

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    This not only misleads the public but also puts trained journalists in an uphill battle to correct narratives. Professional journalists face immense personal and professional pressures.

    They contend with fatigue, low motivation, and depression but must persevere for the sake of public service. On the streets, they endure insults and harassment while gathering stories, often risking their safety and personal relationships.

    Investigative journalists, in particular, face the highest risks, with some losing their lives in pursuit of the truth. Police harassment is another recurring issue. Journalists are frequently detained or obstructed while on assignments, despite their role as allies in serving public interest.

    Such hostility erodes trust between security agencies and the press, undermining collaboration.

    Misinformation poses one of the greatest threats to journalism. Nigerians and citizen journalists must understand that setting the nation on a better path requires a civil, constructive approach. Publicly disparaging the government or amplifying unverified claims online worsens problems without offering meaningful solutions.

    Journalists must be empowered to tackle these challenges effectively. This begins with creating an environment where journalists feel safe and valued. Providing resources for unhindered reporting, ensuring mental and physical well-being, and recognizing exceptional contributions through awards can significantly boost morale.

    Upholding constitutional protections is crucial, but building trust, professionalism, and resilience is equally important for journalism to thrive.

    •Rabi Ummi Umar,Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.

  • Standing with Palestine

    Standing with Palestine

    Sir: The United Nations takes out November 29 annually to celebrate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

    It is indeed providential that the day set aside by the UN to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine came around just about the time Israel is showing no willingness to let up in its attacks on a territory which it has bombarded intensively and extensively in the last one year but has not been able to break.

    For those who would commandeer every opportunity to channel their defence of oppression, these attacks which have crushed the bodies of children and women, especially spring from Hamas attacks on Israelis on October 7. The attack was absolutely shocking, heinous, and  condemnable. There was and there can never be any justification for the mindless attacks which killed over a thousand Israelis in cold blood taking dozens hostage. That some hostages remain in the captivity of their captors casts Hamas as a terrorist organization bent of achieving its goals through fair and foul.

    The origin of the tragedy unfolding in the region at the end of Israeli rocket launchers hark back into history, and especially the period immediately after the World War II. It traces its provenance to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands which they still occupy with the active support of the United States and the United Kingdom. The roots of what has quickly become the bloodiest conflict of the last 10 years lie in the mass and forcible displacement of Palestinians and their resistance, rebellion, and resilience in the face of unprecedented adversity.

    How and why Palestinians have chosen to prosecute this war remains a favourite inquiry for historians, economists, policymakers, activists, writers and all those who make the pain of others the bitter pill they swallow in their quest to reimagine a better world.

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    This year’s day of solidarity with Palestinians offers a poignant opportunity to reflect on the fate of all those suffering one form of injustice or the other, and the incredible fortitude they have continue to show in the face of unbearable pain.

    Generations of Palestinians have passed through the Israeli guillotine grounded by the United Kingdom and United States, yet, somehow, improbably, their heads have remained on their shoulders.

    The Palestinian story is also one of extraordinary resilience and defiance in the face of extraordinary injustice. The dying breath of every Palestinian child killed since this struggle started decades ago have somebody served to inflate the cyclone that will one day bring down an extraordinary conspiracy against people who have only ever desired peace.

    In a world where there is so much suffering, what does solidarity mean? It means sharing the pain of others and speaking out against it. It also means sharing values that are universal and speaking out about issues that affect people all over the world.

    It is not just Palestine and Palestinians. But may solidarity with Palestinians the world over lead to solidarity with all those who suffer discrimination of any form.

    Peace and prosperity will continue to elude the world until equality and equity are achieved for people everywhere.

    •Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • Why men’s health awareness matters

    Why men’s health awareness matters

    Sir: Early in November, the World Health Organisation (WHO) used its public WhatsApp channel to broadcast an important message: “November is Men’s Health Month.

    Throughout this month, men are encouraged to grow moustaches to raise awareness and spark conversations about health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. Let’s go beyond conversation and take action!”

    The message further stated, “Women have a role to play too! Encourage and support the men in your life to take the steps needed to improve their health,” before providing a web link for more details.

    As November progressed, it became apparent that despite the importance of men’s health, the subject was overshadowed by other significant events like World Diabetes Day (November 14), Cervical Cancer Elimination Day (November 17), World Toilet Day (November 19), and the Anti-Microbial Resistance Awareness Week (November 18–24).

    The goal of Men’s Health Awareness Month is to encourage men to talk about their health and seek support when needed. It focuses on issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health challenges, and suicide prevention.

    Bringing the conversation closer to home, men are disproportionately affected by heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues, yet many adopt a “stiff upper lip” mentality, often choosing to endure symptoms rather than seek help.

    This reluctance is alarming. Globally, men die an average of 4.5 years earlier than women, with 86% of these deaths attributed to non-communicable diseases and injuries, according to a 2019 WHO study.

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    Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern worldwide, with over 1.4 million cases diagnosed in 2020 and an age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 30.7 per 100,000 males. In Nigeria, it is the most common cancer among men, accounting for 11–15.1% of all male cancers.

    Between 2009 and 2016, data from 15 cancer registries in Nigeria recorded 4,091 cases, with 80% deemed incurable at diagnosis. This underscores the lack of investment in men’s healthcare.

    Mental health is another area plagued by harmful stereotypes and societal expectations. An estimated 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer from various mental health disorders. The country ranks fifth globally in suicide rates, with about 15,000 cases per 100,000 people.

    For men, societal pressures to fulfil financial and family responsibilities exacerbate their mental health struggles. Failure to meet these expectations often earns them harsh labels like “irresponsible,” further driving depression.

    On the cardiovascular front, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and strokes remain leading causes of death among men. Occupational hazards also contribute significantly to premature deaths, while lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diets, alcohol consumption, and exposure to interpersonal violence increase health risks.

    Men’s health issues are compounded by risk-taking behaviours and underutilization of healthcare services, which are consistent across many countries. These trends highlight the importance of leveraging platforms like Men’s Health Month to challenge societal norms and encourage proactive health management.

    David Samadi, a world-renowned urologist and prostate cancer expert, aptly observed that, “Men’s health is not just about physical health, but also about mental and emotional wellbeing.” His words emphasize that men’s health has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individuals but also their families and communities.

    Although this year’s Men’s Health Awareness Month has come and gone, the mission does not stop here. Instead, it should mark the beginning of sustained efforts to keep the conversation alive, promote healthy living, and drive awareness year-round.

    This is an urgent appeal to individuals, organizations, and policymakers to prioritize men’s health issues and foster environments that encourage men to seek help without fear of stigma or judgment. Together, we can ensure that men’s health receives the attention it truly deserves.

    •Lawal Dahiru Mamman,Abuja.

  • Port Harcourt Refinery: Like the Phoenix

    Port Harcourt Refinery: Like the Phoenix

     Sir: Nigerians love a feel-good story. When Chidinma Adetshina recently emerged first runner-up at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, Nigerians rallied to celebrate. In 2022, when Sprint Queen, Tobi Amusan, put Nigeria on the map of the World Championships for the first time ever, Nigerians were united in their celebrations. The same frenzied celebrations were displayed when Hilda Baci cooked her way into the history books in May 2023.

    This often rapturous celebration of feats which warm the cockles of the heart can partly be pinned down to the fact that in 64 years of independence and 25 years of democracy, Nigerians have not had a lot to cheer. Bad leadership, poverty, and recently, insecurity, have cast a permanent pall over a country that once promised so much at independence.

    At the centre of Nigeria’s problems is the fact that it has not managed its oil resources well. Exploration of oil has become a direct exploitation of the Niger Delta, and an indirect exploitation of Nigerians by a kleptocracy that has somehow kept its proboscis stuck into power.

    President Tinubu came to power with a pledge and promise to renew hope. The quest to renew hope in a country that has known hopelessness and haplessness for so long has proved a daunting task.

    But the return to operation of the Port Harcourt refinery offers hope during what is a dark period for Nigerians. It is no news that costs of living have soared to unprecedented heights, dragging with it the frustration levels of Nigeria. At the heart of the spike in cost of living which has made Nigerians very spiky is the removal of fuel subsidy. The singular removal of fuel subsidy, a decision many years in the making, which, however, was dropped like a bombshell by President Bola Tinubu on the day of his inauguration, is set go down as the defining move of this administration, for good or for bad. But it was an act of courage given its long-term prospects and the backlash it provoked from Nigerians.

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    In the time since subsidy was removed, Dangote refinery has started operations and the Port Harcourt refinery has roared back to life after many years of coma induced by incompetence. The operation of both refineries and the revamp of other refineries in the country should change the complexion of the fuel economy in Nigeria. That can be a catalyst for easing the hardship crushing millions of Nigerian families. It may just be what the doctor ordered for Nigeria. It may just be the elixir Nigeria needs as hope is the ultimate discovery as the elixir of life.

    •Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • The alarming surge in bank fraud

    The alarming surge in bank fraud

    Sir: The financial sector is the backbone of any economy, driving transactions, investment, and growth. In Nigeria, the financial sector is under siege. The recent report from the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) confirms this. The report reveals a shocking escalation in fraudulent activities, leaving banks and customers vulnerable in the first nine months of 2024.

    This rising tide of financial fraud raises critical questions: Why is fraud surging, and what can be done to stem the tide?

    The FITC Fraud and Forgery Report for Q3 2024 paints a grim picture. Fraud cases reported by banks jumped by an alarming 65 per cent from 11,532 in Q2 to 19,007 in Q3. The monetary figures are equally disturbing. In Q3, fraudsters attempted to steal an eye-watering N115.9 billion—more than double the N56.6 billion recorded in the previous quarter.

    While the actual losses in Q3 were curbed at N10.1 billion—a significant drop from N42.8 billion in Q2—this still marks a troubling year. In the first nine months of 2024, Nigerian banks lost an estimated N53.4 billion to fraud, a steep increase from the N9.4 billion lost in the entire 2023.

    The report attributes this surge to the increasing digitization of financial transactions, which, while enhancing convenience, has also provided fraudsters with a wider playing field. It is now clear that as banks race to adopt advanced technologies, they must contend with an evolving landscape of cyber threats.

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    We’ll need to look closer to understand the numbers. For instance, despite the surge in fraudulent attempts, the losses incurred have decreased significantly in Q3, indicating improved detection and prevention mechanisms by banks.

    In addition, the N53.4 billion lost so far in 2024 dwarfs the N9.4 billion lost in 2023, underscoring an urgent need for strengthened fraud prevention strategies.

    Besides, the report indicates that fraud is escalating across all platforms, with digital transactions emerging as a significant area of concern. This is not surprising, for as more Nigerians adopt online banking, the potential for cybercrime has grown exponentially.

    This trend is driven by several factors. Many banks lack advanced cybersecurity measures capable of countering sophisticated fraud schemes.

    Internal collusion remains a significant issue, with some bank employees aiding fraudsters. Moreover, a lack of public awareness about basic cybersecurity practices makes customers vulnerable to scams like phishing. Regulatory gaps further compound the problem, as the speed at which fraud tactics evolve often outpaces existing measures.

    Notwithstanding the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. The reduction in losses in Q3 suggests that banks are improving their detection and prevention mechanisms. However, this progress needs to be scaled up and sustained. Addressing the fraud epidemic will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including financial institutions, regulators, and customers.

    First, banks must strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure. Advanced fraud detection systems powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning can help identify unusual transaction patterns and flag them before significant losses occur.

    Second, employee training and accountability must be prioritized. Bank staff should be regularly trained on fraud prevention techniques, while stricter penalties and internal monitoring systems can help deter insider threats.

    Third, public awareness campaigns are essential. Customers need to be educated about protecting their financial information and recognizing potential scams. Simple actions, such as not sharing sensitive banking details or ignoring unsolicited messages, can make a significant difference.

    Furthermore, collaboration is another key element. Banks and regulatory bodies should share data on emerging fraud trends, creating a unified database to help institutions stay ahead of criminal tactics. Regulatory frameworks also need to evolve, ensuring stricter penalties for fraud and keeping pace with technological advancements.

    The FITC report serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders in Nigeria’s financial sector. While commendable progress has been made in reducing actual losses, the overall increase in fraud attempts underscores the need for a more proactive approach. This is not just a banking issue—it is a national economic threat.

    It is clear that Nigeria can turn the tide against financial fraud by prioritizing cybersecurity, fostering collaboration, and empowering citizens with knowledge. For banks, customers, and regulators alike, the message is clear: the time to act is now.

    •Elvis Eromosele,elviseroms@gmail.com

  • Danger in continuing hikes in CBN rates

    Danger in continuing hikes in CBN rates

    Sir: The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Monetary Policy Committee has again raised the country’s interest rate by 25 basis points to 27.50% in November from 27.25 % in September.

    It would be recalled that the Monetary Policy Rate MPR was moved from 26.75% to 27.25% in September, an increase of 50 basis points.

    Indeed, the apex bank has been consistent in this trajectory of moving up the MPR in the last couple of months.

    The bank also declared that the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), was retained at 50% from 45%, with 50 basis points, for commercial banks, and from 14% to 16% for merchant banks.

    Equally, the CBN governor said the committee would retain the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent and the asymmetric corridor at +500/-100 basis points around the MPR.

    It’s instructive to note that, consistently, the apex bank has been attributing the successive increases to their resolve to tackle inflation.

    In October, the inflationary rate was 33.87%.     

    Specifically, at apex bank September meeting, the committee emphasized that the 27.25% increase then were consequent upon the core inflation, money supply growth and fiscal deficits, as well as overall pressure in food prices.

    As much as this writer agrees that the CBN could deploy MPR increase to combat inflation, nonetheless, the authority of the bank must exercise caution and restraint in its bid to continually deploy increases in MPR as the only option.

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    It is apparent that they can’t continue to sacrifice the desire to grow, develop and prosper the economy on the altar of unending increases in MPR.

    Without aniota of doubt, the apex bank decision over the months has been stifling the flow of credit to manufacturers as the real sector of the economy has been experiencing the most difficult and challenging period in their existence.

    The few players in the sector that dare to access the credit at the most unbearable and unfavorable cost, do so with the expectation that they could always pass the cost to consumers, who have not only been at the receiving end for months, but, have been totally pushed to the wall.

    For the avoidance of doubt, CBN continual increases in MPR has huge effect on manufacturers’ product prices and employment; even, the continuing stay of the manufacturers on the shores of Nigeria, the crime rate such as kidnapping, banditry, insurgency is impacted.

    This writer is of the view that the CBN could deploy other ingenious ways and means of combating the scourge of inflation, other than continually resorting to the only monetary policy critical tool – MPR.

    Egg-heads are typically appointed as CBN governors and deputies to think out of the box, as well as apply helicopter views on very thorny issues hence they are accordingly remunerated.

    The present board is for a critical and most difficult like time like this.  

    The onus is therefore on them to deploy critical solution to this critical problem, and thereby re-fix and re-strategize on this hydra-headed issue of inflation that seems to be going out of their hands.     

    •Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB),Lagos.

  • Lake Chad Region: Can life be normal again after insurgency?

    Lake Chad Region: Can life be normal again after insurgency?

    Sir: The Lake Chad region, once a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and natural beauty, has been ravaged by the scourge of insurgency. For years, the sound of gunfire, scent of smoke, and the cries of the displaced have echoed through the streets of Maiduguri, Diffa, and N’Djamena. But as the tide of terrorism slowly recedes, a glimmer of hope emerges. Can life truly be normal again in this battered region?

    In 2009, Boko Haram’s insurgency ignited a firestorm of violence, leaving in its wake a trail of destruction, death, and despair. The group’s twisted ideology and brutal tactics sent shockwaves through the region, displacing millions and shattering the social fabric of communities. The Lake Chad Basin, once a symbol of regional cooperation and economic prosperity, became a hotbed of terrorism, with the Nigerian city of Maiduguri as its epicentre.

    The human cost and the staggering statistics: over 30,000 killed, 2.5 million displaced, and 10 million affected. The insurgency has left an indelible mark on the region’s psyche, with survivors bearing the scars of trauma, loss, and displacement. Women and children have been disproportionately affected, forced to flee their homes, and often subjected to abuse, exploitation, and enslavement.

    But amidst the devastation, a beacon of resilience shines bright. As military operations gradually push back the insurgents, communities are beginning to rebuild. In Maiduguri, markets are reopening, schools are resuming classes, and healthcare services are being restored. The government’s efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure and provide humanitarian aid have helped to stem the tide of suffering.

    However, the journey to normalcy will be long and arduous. The region’s infrastructure lies in ruins, its economy is in shambles, and social cohesion is fragile. The psychological toll of the insurgency will take years to heal. As one internally displaced person (IDP) camp resident poignantly put it, “We’ve lost our homes, our livelihoods, and our sense of security. How can we trust again?”

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    Yet, amidst the rubble, stories of hope and resilience emerge. In the IDP camps, women are learning new skills, starting small businesses, and rebuilding their lives. Children are returning to school, their laughter and smiles a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience. Community leaders are working tirelessly to promote reconciliation, forgiveness, and social cohesion.

    The international community has a critical role to play in supporting the region’s recovery. Organizations like the United Nations, the African Union, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are providing vital humanitarian aid, reconstruction support, and capacity-building programs. The Lake Chad Basin Commission, a regional body, is working to promote economic cooperation, environmental sustainability, and security collaboration among member states.

    Despite progress, challenges abound. The region’s porous borders, lack of economic opportunities, and weak governance structures create fertile ground for extremist groups to regroup and re-emerge. Climate change, which has shrunk the Lake Chad’s waters by 90%, threatens the livelihoods of millions dependent on fishing and agriculture.

    As the insurgency slowly recedes, the Lake Chad region stands at a crossroads. Will it succumb to the forces of despair, or will it rise from the ashes, reborn and renewed?

    The answer lies in the collective efforts of governments, international partners, and local communities. By prioritizing reconstruction, reconciliation, and sustainable development, the region can forge a new path, one that honours the memories of the past while embracing the promise of a brighter future.

    The Lake Chad region’s story is one of tragedy, resilience, and hope. As the insurgency slowly fades, a new chapter unfolds. Can life be normal again? The answer is a resounding yes, but it will require collective effort, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to confront the complexities of the past. The region’s rebirth will be a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for renewal, forgiveness, and rebirth.

    •Donald Khadi Philips, University of Maiduguri.

  • A new dawn in crime management

    A new dawn in crime management

    Sir: Modern policing demands that a serious nation have one single database, which Nigeria has not been able to do despite the plethora of data with various security organizations.

    On assumption of office in August 2023, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, observed that there was inadequate collaboration among the law enforcement agencies as they all operate independently in the area of information sharing. Individual security agencies have separate data that could not be accessed by the Nigeria Police to curb and arrest criminals.

    Now, the ministry has come up with a game changer: the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre (NCDFC).  The NCDFC, also known as the Data Collection and Registration Centre (DACORE), which lies at the heart of the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), is now fully functional.

    The NCDFC is expected to incorporate the existing Data Collection and Registration Centre (DACORE) presently operating under the West African Police Information System (WAPIS). It will also constitute the hub for the collation of information on criminal activities from various law enforcement agencies. From there, the analysed information will be shared with relevant agencies and partners thus significantly enhancing our capability to track and neutralize threats.

    Similarly, the DACORE will serve as the epicentre of data collection efforts, consolidating vital information that would empower law enforcement agencies to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats.

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    In furtherance to the need for cooperation among security agencies, the Ministry of Police Affairs recently organized a three-day workshop on interagency collaboration with the theme: Interagency Collaboration among Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria. It drew the participation of officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF); Nigeria Navy (NN); Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); and National Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). Others are the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC); Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS); Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); and the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) as well as Nigeria Custom Services (NCS).

    To make the apprehension of criminals seamless, the ministry upgraded the existing Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database Centre (NPCIDB). This has enabled police to document criminals’ data through biometrics of criminals from Divisional Police Stations across the country from where they are digitally forwarded to the NPCIDB located in the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre. Leveraging on existing facilities to establish the NPCIDB is in line with the global practices in which the Police is the custodian and repository for criminal databases and other related matters. NPCIDB has already been deployed in the 36 States and the FCT.

    These efforts by the ministry have enhanced the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to work with Interpol to apprehend trans-border and local criminals swiftly based on the digital data being readily available to all security agencies. The Police Affairs Ministry is working with heads of security agencies and its counterparts in the Ministry of Defence, Interior, and Office of the National Security Adviser to consolidate the interagency collaboration and most importantly bring the Nigeria Army and others on board to ensure seamless collaboration.

    What remains for the federal government is to improve funding of the Ministry of Police Affairs to enable it to implement most of the cutting-edge policies and infrastructures that would enable the Nigeria Police Force to be ahead of criminals in the country.

    • Bolaji O. Kazeem,Abuja.

  • All hail the resurrection of petroleum refining

    All hail the resurrection of petroleum refining

    Sir: The coming on-stream or, rather, the resurrection of the Port Harcourt Refinery is exceedingly good news at a time good news has become a very scarce commodity in our nation.

    It was, to say the least, a great and most embarrassing national shame that we have not had functioning refineries in a major oil producing country for decades and this long awaited breakthrough is most heart-warming to put it mildly.

    How we keep allowing national assets to rot and go to waste right under our noses is still a mystery to me because corruption and ineptitude aside, I still cannot fathom how a nation could be so clumsy as to keep serially inflicting grotesque harm upon itself. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, is our one and only national oil company; The Dangote Refinery, massive as it is, is still just another private company and cannot pretend to be our collective asset or try to displace our true and authentic national oil corporation which was, is and shall remain the NNPCL.

     We must all commend and encourage the NNPCL team as they reposition the oil and gas sector towards better days ahead for all Nigerians.

     I hope those with an axe to grind with the NNPCL’s Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, and have been angling to take his job for themselves can be forthright enough to let him be so he can fix the oil and gas sector for all of us.

    Under Mele’s watch, we have seen record restoration of our oil and gas production, drastic reduction in oil theft and now local refining of crude by our national oil company.

    We should all be proud of him and his team at NNPCL.

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    Lastly and most importantly, I would urge all and sundry, regardless of their political leanings or inclinations to, at least, acknowledge President Bola Tinubu for this great milestone and incontestable achievement.

    I have many differences with my president as many are well aware but I will not fail to acknowledge, commend and celebrate him for what he does right and the resurrection of petroleum refining in Nigeria is something good he will always be remembered for. 

    •Barrister Jesutega Onokpasa Abuja.