The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Contactless passport application as game changer

    Contactless passport application as game changer

    • By Maxwell Adeyemi Adeleye

    Sir: If you’re a Nigerian living abroad, you’ll understand the hassle people face just to renew their international passport. This task that should be a mundane, ordinary task in any advanced country triggers dread and frustration in us. For many years, the passport application process has been marred with inefficiency and corruption; even ordinary logistics was an issue.

    Imagine someone who lives in Glasgow or Newcastle having to travel all the way to London just to have their biometric data captured. Same with people in Canada who have to endure eight-hour long flights to the High Commission in Ottawa just for ‘capturing’.

    Think about the travel expenses, frustration dealing with archaic systems, and some corrupt officials. We have even heard stories of touts charging illegal fees for “express service”.

    It gladdens my heart to see Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo fulfil his promise of revolutionizing the passport application process through contactless technology. He said his goal was to eliminate the need for physical presence during renewals of passports. Applicants can now pay and complete their application form online. This contactless method will also eliminate the need for capturing again if you have done it in the past. Just upload an approved photo through the mobile app and you are good to go. The inclusion of home delivery of the passport to applicants crowns this initiative with extra goodness. This is a step towards achieving global freedom.

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    Although this approach has been ongoing in developed countries, I am glad to see Nigeria embracing the power of technology to drive innovation and make life easier for her citizens. I am proud to say that what Minister Tunji-Ojo and his team have achieved in such a short time in office is nothing short of commendable. For many years now, we have endured archaic systems that need upgrading, facing a system designed to frustrate rather than serve us. So, the introduction of the contactless passport application process is more than just an upgrade, it is a lifeline and a solution to challenges faced by millions of Nigerians in the diaspora.

    This innovative step will save us time, money, exploitation, and also reduce corruption in the system. It will at least help us regain a semblance of dignity to a process that has long been an embarrassment. It’s a simple example of how leveraging technology can transform governance and improve lives.

    •Maxwell Adeyemi Adeleye,

     United Kingdom.

  • PDP crises: The way out

    PDP crises: The way out

    • By Paul Onehi

    Sir: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), once a dominant force in Nigerian politics, finds itself navigating turbulent waters.  Internal strife, factionalism, and electoral setbacks have left the party grappling with an existential crisis, raising serious questions about its future viability and its capacity to regain its former glory.  Understanding the depth of these challenges is crucial to charting a credible path forward.

    The current crisis is multifaceted.  A primary source stems from persistent leadership tussles and power struggles within the party’s hierarchy.  Ambitions clash, loyalties are fractured, and accusations of betrayal and manipulation fly frequently. This internal conflict often spills over into public view, undermining the party’s image and eroding public trust.  The lack of a clear and unifying vision further exacerbates this problem, leaving members disoriented and susceptible to competing factions.

    Furthermore, the PDP’s electoral performance in recent years has been underwhelming.  Repeated losses at the national level, including the just concluded Ondo governorship elections, have shaken the party’s confidence and exposed vulnerabilities in its strategies and outreach.  This electoral decline can be attributed to several factors, including a failure to adapt to the evolving political landscape, a disconnect with the aspirations of a significant portion of the electorate, and accusations of internal sabotage during elections.

    However, all is not lost. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), still possesses considerable strengths.  It boasts a substantial membership base across the country, a deep-rooted organizational structure in many states, and a legacy of governance at both the national and sub-national levels.  These assets provide a foundation upon which a revitalized party can be built.

     Prioritizing genuine reconciliation among warring factions is paramount.  This requires open dialogue, compromise, and a willingness to put the party’s interests above personal ambitions.  A robust internal dispute resolution mechanism, fairly applied, is crucial.

    The party needs a clear and compelling vision that resonates with the aspirations of contemporary Nigerians.  This requires a deep engagement with the challenges facing the country and the development of practical and achievable solutions.  This vision should be articulated clearly and consistently across all party platforms.

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    Promoting internal democracy is essential to fostering inclusivity and minimizing the potential for manipulation and power struggles.  Transparent and credible primary elections, where all members have a fair chance to participate, are crucial.

     The party must actively engage young people and women, empowering them to take on leadership roles and ensuring their voices are heard.  This not only broadens the party’s appeal but also brings fresh perspectives and ideas.

    Improving communication strategies and strengthening outreach efforts to various segments of the population are essential.  This involves utilizing modern media effectively and engaging directly with communities across the country. Establishing a robust mechanisms for accountability and transparency within the party’s operations will foster trust among members and the public. This includes transparent financial management and rigorous adherence to ethical standards.

    The PDP’s future hinges on its ability to address these challenges effectively.  A return to its former glory requires a fundamental shift in approach, prioritizing unity, internal democracy, and a clear vision for the country. 

    Only through a concerted effort to overcome internal divisions and reconnect with the Nigerian people can the PDP hope to regain its position as a major political force. The path ahead is challenging, but not insurmountable.  The question remains, will the PDP rise to the occasion?

    •Paul Onehi,

     University of Maiduguri, Borno State.

  • Port Harcourt refinery: What President Tinubu should do!

    Port Harcourt refinery: What President Tinubu should do!

    • By Zayyad I. Muhammad

    Sir: The 60,000 barrel-per-day Port Harcourt refinery has officially resumed operations after years of inactivity. This marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to revitalise its oil and gas sector. As one of the country’s oldest refineries, with a history spanning 59 years, the Port Harcourt facility is now expected to load at least 200 trucks of petroleum products daily, easing supply constraints, reducing dependence on imported fuels, and introducing a new price regime to compete with the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery.

    Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries have long been entangled in a web of corruption, mismanagement, and relentless attacks on pipelines by organised oil thieves. These issues have not only crippled their operational capacity but also forced the country to rely heavily on imported petroleum products, despite its status as a major oil producer.

    As the old Port Harcourt refinery has resumed processing crude, with Warri and Kaduna expected to follow soon, an important question arises: Should Nigeria continue with the traditional model of absolute state control and management of its refineries? This outdated approach has proven ineffective in the past, plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and underperformance.

    This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revamp Nigeria’s refinery management system and introduce reforms that can ensure long-term production and efficiency.

    When all four state refineries are fully revived and operational, as anticipated in the near future, President Tinubu’s government has three viable options for reforming the management of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries. One approach could involve retaining ownership of one refinery while granting it full autonomy to manage its operations independently, cover its expenses, and remit dividends to the government. Another option is to lease one of the refineries to an oil company or a group of investors interested in petroleum product refining, ensuring it operates efficiently under private-sector expertise. Lastly, the government could fully privatise one refinery, distributing shares among the federal government, host communities, and Nigeria’s 36 states. This inclusive approach would address diverse stakeholder interests while ensuring effective management.

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    However, discussions about Nigeria’s refineries are incomplete without addressing the critical issue of managing the country’s extensive 5,120-kilometre oil pipeline network and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd.). While the engagement of local communities by NNPC Ltd. has started yielding positive results, significant challenges persist.

    The most pressing issues include frequent illegal tapping by oil thieves, sabotage, encroachments on pipeline rights-of-way, delays in detecting leaks, and equipment failures caused by the inaccessibility of certain locations. Compounding these problems is the reliance on outdated methods of pipeline management, which hinder the system’s efficiency and responsiveness.

    To address these challenges, adopting advanced technologies is essential. Systems like SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), Fibre Optic Cable (FOC) networks, and tools such as “go-devils,” scrapers, or smart pigs can revolutionise pipeline management. These technologies provide real-time monitoring and early warning systems, enabling swift responses to potential threats or damages, even in remote and inaccessible areas. By integrating these solutions, Nigeria can significantly enhance the security and functionality of its pipeline network, ensuring a more reliable and efficient oil and gas sector.

    The revival of the Port Harcourt old refinery and the anticipated return to operation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries are commendable achievements. However, the Tinubu administration must critically evaluate and adopt a new, feasible, profitable, and masses-friendly approach to managing these refineries. The traditional model of state absolute control has consistently failed, resulting in inefficiencies, corruption, and financial losses. It is time for a transformative strategy that ensures the refineries operate sustainably while delivering maximum benefits to the Nigerian people.

    •Zayyad I. Muhammad,

     Abuja.

  • What does Obasanjo want to be remembered for?

    What does Obasanjo want to be remembered for?

    Sir: At 87 plus, ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo remains one of the prodigiously blessed Nigerians, dead or alive.

    He has enjoyed manifold and mindboggling blessings in all facets in the same country he’s chosen to continually malign and ridicule at every given opportunity.

    By sheer act of Providence, he was the Army Commander who the rebellious Biafran soldiers handed over the “mantle of surrender” in Asaba, a historic and symbolic event that drew curtains on the acrimonious, very destructive and disruptive Nigeria civil war.

    He also had the privilege of being the first military ruler to hand over to a democratically elected government. This happened in 1979 when he passed over the baton of nation leadership to Shehu Shagari of National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

    He mysteriously resurfaced at the corridor of power after he got released by the military government led by Abdulsalami Abubakar, to lead the nation as the first democratic leader at the commencement of the 4th Republic in 1999.

    He governed the nation for eight years (1999-2007).

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    Nigerians vividly recall that after he left office, he missed out only by whiskers, being elected as Secretary General of United Nations, an exalted office that would have cemented his stature as global personality.

    But instead of Obasanjo to solemnly reflect on all these unusual achievements, continually glorify and thankful to Almighty God, he simply misconstrued them as events that have placed him on superior platform to every other Nigerian.

    As obtained across the world, past leaders are grouped in the eminent category of statesmen, a body that collectively serve as repository of knowledge and ideas for the incumbent.

    Nigeria past leaders are not exception to this, as Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, Muhammudu Buhari, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Goodluck Jonathan dutifully and patriotically play this role from time to time.   

    Only Olusegun Obasanjo had long opted out of this eminent class, always preferring to unduly critique all policy and programs of successive governments after him.   

    Despite foisting an ailing Umaru Yar’Adua on the nation, he nonetheless subjected that government to intense scrutiny until the demise of the Katsina born leader. He practically stood on the neck of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan throughout his tenure, as the latter bluntly refused to pander to him.

    He brought back his earlier method of critiquing government through loads of letter writing during the regime of immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari. Of course, the taciturn Daura-born general practically ignored him for the eight years he was in saddle.

    After the present government of President Bola Tinubu chose to ignore him and his antics in the last 18 months, he opted to deploy the platform of Yale University in faraway, America to embarrass, as well as cast doubts and aspersions on competence and ability of the president to provide effective leadership and fight corruption, making very spurious and unsubstantiated corruption allegations against the government in his despicable presentation.   

    Would Obasanjo have tolerated this recklessness and spurious allegations during his regime?

    Nigerians vividly recall that his regime of 1999-2007 was characterized by corruption of colossal dimension. Under his watch, Atiku Abubakar alienated a significant proportion of national assets running into several billions of dollars to his cronies through the instrumentality of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). The same era witnessed $16 billion meant for rehabilitation and repositioning of power sector that practically got misappropriated by top officials of the then PDP government.

    Obasanjo era witnessed unprecedented massive attacks of democratic institutions.

    As a leader who had awesome opportunity to change the direction and cause of the nation with respect to genuine economic growth and infrastructural developments, he chose to pursue vainglory and very pedestrian issues.

    Here is a leader who ceaselessly and recklessly attacked the successive leaders for nothing, other than selfishness and attracting undue favour. 

    The ball is his court to play. May Almighty God grant him grace to change his way before death comes knocking!            

    •Kola Amzat (FCA)Lagos.

  • A rusty reward system

    A rusty reward system

    Sir: At a recent convocation of one of Nigeria’s oldest universities, the best graduating students were gifted a paltry N30,000 for their efforts. Many Nigerians immediately compared the measly cash gift for years of backbreaking hardwork with the millions winners of reality shows take home in Nigeria.

    Money is not everything, but in many instances, and especially in a country like Nigeria, where poverty is systemic, it is close to being everything. As the country has gradually witnessed a corrosion of its national values and ethics, money has taken center stage. Poverty is such a burdensome boulder in Nigeria, such that even those who bear it in the name of religion are rushing to set it down.

    As many Nigerians have adopted a transactional, mercantile mentality, an area of life more affected than others is education. Some years ago, a Nigerian music artiste declared that “school na scam” in a song which went viral, with the line becoming the favourite of many young people who now jettison education for internet fraud. To prove that school na scam, many people easily draw correlatives between education and unemployment; the fate of teachers around the country, and the crisis of the education sector in Nigeria.

    Many years ago in Nigeria, education was the holy grail. With public schools in top shape and conditions excellent for students, many people picked up quality education at almost no cost. Upon graduation, many of them had well-paying jobs waiting for them.

    To repay the country, this generation of Nigerians, which enjoyed the first fruits of Nigeria’s independence and new round oil wealth, embarked on a destruction and desecration of the country’s values.

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    Charged with serving Nigeria with the skills the country sponsored them to obtain, many of them have overseen the corruption in public office which has destroyed the future for many Nigerians. When young Nigerians embracing internet theft look at this generation of Nigerians, it is with nothing but contempt and derision.

    Incentivisation is innate to human beings. Indeed, it is an inheritance. People know, as a matter of primal instinct, that they should gravitate towards that which promises them the rewards. This inclination to orbit around a reward system becomes a dangerous problem when the reward system is one which rewards ventures that add very little to society, while ignoring endeavors with more potentials.

    Many people may argue that education is its reward. But in a world of competing rewards, subconsciously forcing people to choose rewards that offer instant gratification over tangible long-term interests won’t exactly serve the national interests.

    •Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • Still on Okowa and Delta’s 13% Derivation Fund

    Still on Okowa and Delta’s 13% Derivation Fund

    Sir: The 13% derivation fund is a benefit-sharing system that provides funds to oil-producing communities to help them address the effects of oil and gas exploration in the areas of infrastructure. The fund helps communities address infrastructural decay and degradation.

    The fund is also meant for oil-producing communities’ access to healthcare, potable water, and paved roads. The fund is also supposed to assist with the provision of economic empowerment, compensate oil producing communities for losing their proprietary rights, fishing rights, and productive farmlands.

    The 13% derivation fund is based on section 162 (2) of 1999 constitution. The fund is paid to the oil-producing states on a monthly basis.

    In his press statement titled: Okowa and EFCC: The facts, the fiction, and the fairy tale, following Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s arrest and detention by EFCC, Olisa Ifeajika, his Chief Press Secretary (2019-2023) threw light on the funds received and disbursed by the Delta State government, excluding the loans taken in the eight years of the administration.

    In the statement, he said: “…..for the avoidance of doubt and for the benefit of the public, we wish to bring to the fore some salient information from the audited accounts of the Delta State government for the eight years that Okowa presided over the affairs of the state. Total revenue (FAAC, IGR, other receipts) was N2.65 trillion, salaries, N628.5bn, pensions/contributory pensions/social benefits, N141.22bn, overhead/consolidated revenue charges, n489.83bn, grants/contributions, N107.88bn, DESOPADEC, N221.2bn, internal loans repayment/public debt charges, N200.38bn, FAAC deductions for loan repayment, N150.63bn, total capital expenditure, N729.2bn.

    Ifeajika quoted from the audited accounts of Delta State government for eight years. It is interesting to note that DESOPADEC, which by law is meant to receive 50% of the 13% derivation fund disbursement to Delta State, only received the sum of N221.2bn in eight years.

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    Now, let’s analyse the percentage of 13% Derivation Fund from the total FAAC allocations to Delta State in eight years.

    Of the gross allocation received from FAAC, on average, the 13% Derivation Fund makes up about 79%, whilst statutory allocation represents 21%. If we go by the incomplete 13% derivation fund of N1.09 trillion, DESOPADEC should have received 50%, amounting to N545 billion for the development of oil producing communities.

    From the figure released by Olisa Ifeajika as contained in the audited accounts, DESOPADEC only received only N221.2 billion. The salient question to ask is, how did the Okowa administration utilize the N323.8 billion meant for the development of oil producing communities?

    Without gainsaying, the utilization of the 13% Derivation Fund is meant for the development of oil producing communities. Based on the DESOPADEC Law, the state withholds 50%, and the other 50% meant for DESOPADEC was not fully disbursed in the eight years of Governor Okowa.

    It should be made abundantly clear that the governors in receipt of the 13% Derivation Fund, by law, do not have the right or prerogative to utilize the funds as they deem fit. If they do so, it will amount to misappropriation and mismanagement of the fund specifically meant for the development of oil producing communities. Without the oil exploration and exploitation from those communities, Delta State wouldn’t be one of the beneficiaries of the 13% Derivation Fund and would only be stuck with the statutory allocation component of FAAC allocations. It is unjust and inhuman to deprive oil producing communities of their rightful entitlement.

    We are requesting Olisa Ifeajika to use the same medium used in the defence of the arrest and detention of Okowa, to publish the 13% Derivation Fund and Statutory Allocation breakdown of FAAC Allocation received in the eight years of Okowa, for the sake of transparency and accountability, and to know if oil producing communities were fairly treated. It is not wise to use unprintable words on those asking questions for clarification sake, and seeking equity and fairness.

    We await the information on the breakdown of the question of FAAC Allocation asked above. We are at the point where the voices of all genuine advocates of fairness, equity and justice need to be heard, even if it involves taking legal action(s) to interpret the utilisation of the 13% Derivation Fund received by Delta State government.

    •Olorogun Stephen K. Dieseruvwe, Bradford City, UK.

  • Eliminating violence against women

    Eliminating violence against women

    Sir: The United Nations takes November 25 every year as the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women. As the world marked the occasion yesterday, it is important to reflect on the welfare of women in a world working furiously against them.

    Women face significant challenges in the world today. Whether in the workplace, at home or in the larger society, there is a concerted but subconscious effort to render women invisible and voiceless.

    At home, women face the hurdles erected by a superstitious and patriarchal society which simultaneously subjugates women under the prescripts of patriarchy while remaining aloof when reality forces upon them the role of breadwinners.

    In many societies, twisted belief systems do not allow woman to operate beyond the boundaries of making the home. With perverse prisms through which women are seen only as good for house chores and making babies, women are expected to reinvent themselves for these purposes only while restricting themselves to the home front. In other words, women are not expected to have aspirations that transcend the kitchen or cradle. As injustices go, few are more atrocious.

    Violence against women remains systemic and even structural in a country like Afghanistan, where the terrorist Taliban government is bent on increasingly limiting the space available to women. In many places, violence against women has become so entrenched as to be normalized.

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    Many work spaces remain closed to women who face hurdles erected by men. Women can’t get into many jobs because they are supposedly more suited to men. This tendency to shrink the work space to exclude women is a major form of violence against women. Unfortunately, it has also spilled into the public space. For example, despite the Federal High Court judgement compelling the federal government to reserve 35 percent of all public appointment slots for women, that order has not tasted any sort of compliance.

    As the world becomes more unequal and insecure with conflicts breaking out in  different parts of the world, women remain an extremely vulnerable group. Women and children disproportionately suffer the effects of conflicts conceived and stoked by men.

    This year’s commemoration of what is a plague in contemporary society is also a massive opportunity for reflection and action on domestic violence. Many women are living impossibly violent and volatile conditions right in the heart of their homes where they should feel safest.

    Domestic violence must no longer be treated as a family affair which can be settled outside the operation of law. All those involved must be treated like the criminals that they are. Eliminating violence against women is pivotal to a safe world where everyone lives with dignity.

    •Ike Willie- Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Poverty in the North: Who’s to blame?

    Poverty in the North: Who’s to blame?

    Sir: The recent uproar over the federal government proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) Reform Bill has elicited another debate and leaders from the North have also shown serious concern and their objection to the entire bill, as they believe it would have negative impact on the region.

    Similarly, this has also ignited discussion on the issue of poverty in that bedevilled the Northern Nigeria, as well as other pertinent issues.

    I believe the Northern region just like the leadership at the highest levels in the country is faced with leadership crisis. The northern region is in dire need of credible, selfless leaders and there is urgent need to study the leadership quality of our forebears. The likes of Alhaji (Sir) Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of Northern Region and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first and only Premier of Nigeria, all of blessed memory.

    Perhaps this may help today’s men in the position of authority across the entire northern region gain some insights and develop passion for selfless service to our people.

    Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto, had a dream of a prosperous and virile region under his watch, hence the great strides recorded in numerous ways across the entire corners of the northern provinces, in both human and infrastructural development.

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    He laid the foundation and turned around our institutions for sustainable growth within a short time.

    In their detailed work titled The Ahmadu Bello Way, Ainoko Israel Aye-Ebene and Dauda Garuba published in The Cable, March13, 2018, they wrote about the premier: “the choice to remain as the premier of Northern Nigeria was a conscious one; a keen understanding of the fact that the building block for national development is regional development. His major priority was to push for the realization of a Northern Region that can politically and economically compete with Western and Eastern regions of Nigeria”.

    They further added, “the North is too large and important a component of Nigeria to lag behind the rest of the country and if allowed to lag, it would constitute a dead weight and drag the rest of the country back”.

    Additionally, Professor Isah Odidi and Dr. Baba J. Adamu in a well-researched compilation entitled “Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto: The Seasons of a Man’s Life, summarized the approach of Sir Ahmadu Bello to governance as: “The development strategy of the government under Ahmadu Bello may be summarized as trying to achieve regional parity through affirmative action politics. His “Northernization Policy” was the basic agenda for development, and reflected a profound belief on the part of Ahmadu Bello that northerners had the capacity for rapid development, if given the opportunity.

    However, the present crop of leaders and elites from the north abandoned the philosophy of Sardauna, as under their watch, his legacies are crumbling gradually, and none of them is showing remorse for this.

    Yes indeed, there is need for re-birth in the affairs of north and the leadership question.

    On the issue of culture, it is not an impediment to development or progress of the northern region; it is the lack of proper investment in education sector. It is true that modernization makes many forms of traditional life disappear. But at the same time, it opens opportunities and constitutes an important step forward for a society as a whole.

    There is no room for excuses and the north should stop blaming external factors for their circumstances; the consequences are dire and if we fail to act, we risk being trapped in a perpetual poverty circle.

    In order to accelerate economic growth and development in the north, stakeholders formal levels should first invest massively in education; increase education budget to 15% as recommended by the UN, build and equip school in rural communities, train teachers in the use of modern equipment, and ensure improvement of their welfare and above all award scholarship to exceptional students to study abroad; with emphasis on science and technology.

    Each state in the North needs to implement the Malaysian developmental state experience. In 1971 the country changed direction from a laissez faire approach to developmental state (DS) approach a term used to describe countries that implement state-led policies or interventions to achieve rapid economic growth and structural change.

    The north as a regional bloc can do this under its umbrella organization. The body can enter bilateral agreement with the Malaysian government in the area of education, agriculture, trade and investment. Through this partnership, the north can learn from the Malaysia experience as a basis for regional and national development and thus revive the Sardauna’s dream for Arewa-Northern region and its people.

    •Abdullateef Tanko,nayashit@yahoo.com

  • Urgent need for improved safety standards for oil tankers

    Urgent need for improved safety standards for oil tankers

    Sir: In Nigeria, tankers carrying petroleum products are a common sight on the nation’s highways. These massive vehicles, often loaded with flammable and hazardous liquids, are an integral part of the country’s transportation system, facilitating the movement of crucial fuel supplies across the nation. However, the increasing number of tanker accidents, many resulting in devastating fires and environmental disasters, has raised serious concerns about road safety.

    The weight of these tankers, combined with their unstable cargo, makes them particularly vulnerable to accidents on uneven roads. This is why spills, fires, and explosions are becoming tragically common on Nigeria’s highways.

    The frequency of these accidents has become a serious concern for the public and emergency services alike. In many cases, these spills are not limited to small quantities of fuel—they often involve large amounts, turning the accident sites into disaster zones.

    One of the greatest risks associated with tanker accidents is fire. Petrol and diesel are highly flammable substances, and when they spill, even the smallest spark can set off a catastrophic blaze. Tanker accidents frequently lead to massive fires that engulf entire vehicles, block roads for hours, and sometimes claim the lives of not only the truck driver but also passersby or those trying to scoop free fuel.

    The fires are also a huge strain on Nigeria’s already overstretched emergency services, which are often ill-equipped to handle such large-scale incidents.

    A significant factor contributing to the risk posed by tankers is the lack of effective safety measures and regulations. Although there are laws and safety guidelines in place, they are not always enforced, and the implementation of regulations remains lax. Tankers are often seen speeding, overtaking recklessly, and driving without the necessary safety equipment or proper inspection.

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    Furthermore, many of these tankers are old and poorly maintained. Some vehicles are known to be overburdened or improperly loaded, which increases their likelihood of toppling over or spilling their contents in the event of an accident. The absence of a uniform safety standard for tanker operators further intensifies the danger on Nigerian roads.

    Installing automatic fire suppression systems is one of the most effective ways to reduce the fire risk in tanker accidents. These systems are designed to detect and extinguish fires as soon as they start, reducing the likelihood of a small flame growing into a massive inferno. By installing such systems on all tankers, the chances of a fire spreading out of control could be greatly reduced.

    In many countries, fire suppression technology is mandatory for vehicles carrying hazardous materials. It is not yet a widespread practice in Nigeria. The introduction of automatic fire suppression systems would not only improve the safety of tanker operations but also provide peace of mind to the public, knowing that there are mechanisms in place to prevent disasters.

    In addition, the installation of spill containment systems is essential. These systems should be installed in tankers to quickly contain any fuel spills, preventing them from spreading across large areas and mitigating potential environmental damage.

    Also, proper loading and unloading mechanisms are crucial. Tankers must be equipped with secure systems to prevent leaks or spills during transportation, ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials.

    Besides, advanced warning systems should be integrated into tankers. These systems are designed to alert nearby vehicles and pedestrians during an impending accident or hazard, enhancing overall road safety.

    Moreover, driver training and certification are vital. Drivers must undergo rigorous training in handling hazardous materials, defensive driving techniques, and emergency response protocols. Only certified drivers should be permitted to operate fuel tankers.

    Furthermore, regular inspection and maintenance are non-negotiable. Tankers should undergo frequent safety checks to ensure they are in optimal working condition. Any mechanical issues should be promptly addressed to avoid operational failures and ensure continued safety.

    The current state of tanker operations in Nigeria often resembles a ticking time bomb. The combination of poorly maintained roads, outdated vehicles, inadequate safety equipment, and a lack of effective regulations creates the perfect storm for disastrous tanker accidents. In many ways, the tanker is like a “Molotov cocktail on wheels,” a disaster waiting to happen.

    Urgent reforms are needed to mitigate this risk. The government must enforce stricter safety regulations for tanker operators, including mandatory fire protection systems and regular vehicle inspections. This is a good time to start.

    •Elvis Eromosele, elviseroms@gmail.com

  • Tanning as a tool for poverty eradication

    Tanning as a tool for poverty eradication

    • By Bilal Ibrahim Ali

    Sir: Tanning is a centuries-old trade that transforms animal hides into leather, a product used globally in fashion, furniture, and industrial applications. Yet in Nigeria, particularly among the youth, tanning remains a largely unrecognized profession. This lack of awareness stems from the limited number of tanning industries in the country and their concentration in rural areas.

    In Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, three tanning industries operate: two traditional setups in Lamisula (Majema) and Gwange, and a modernized facility at Kasuwan Shanu equipped with advanced machinery. Despite this, only about 5% of Maiduguri’s youth are involved in tanning. The reasons are clear: scarcity of facilities and the physically demanding, often unpleasant nature of the work. Tanning requires handling skins soaked in strong-smelling chemicals, often leaving workers with stubborn stains and odours that linger even after thorough washing.

    Yet, while tanning may seem unappealing to many, it holds untapped potential for reducing youth unemployment and fostering economic development. By embracing this industry, Nigeria’s youth can contribute to both their personal livelihoods and the nation’s economic diversification.

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    In addition to its employment potential, tanning offers entrepreneurial opportunities. Skilled tanners can establish small-scale operations, supply leather to local markets, and eventually export their products. With the global demand for leather continuing to rise, Nigerian tanners could tap into lucrative international markets if provided with the right tools and support.

    The federal government deserves commendation for its ongoing efforts to reduce poverty through initiatives such as youth empowerment programs, skills acquisition schemes, and financial aid to small businesses. However, more targeted support for the tanning industry is essential to unlock its full potential.

    For instance, government-led vocational training centres can educate youth on modern tanning techniques, safety protocols, and business management. Offering loans or grants to aspiring tanners can help them acquire necessary materials and equipment. Campaigns to highlight tanning as a viable and dignified profession can change perceptions and attract more workers.

    Moreover, setting up more modern tanning facilities in urban and semi-urban areas would make the profession accessible to a broader demographic, just as investing in eco-friendly tanning methods can mitigate the environmental and health concerns associated with traditional processes.

    Nigerian youths must realize that no job is inherently undignified if it provides an honest living. Tanning may be physically demanding, but its rewards—financial stability, skill development, and entrepreneurial potential—far outweigh its challenges. By stepping into this field, young people can take charge of their futures while contributing to national development.

    •§Bilal Ibrahim Ali,

    Borno State University, Maiduguri.