The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Lagbaja: Laurels for a fallen hero

    Lagbaja: Laurels for a fallen hero

    Sir: Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff died in Lagos on November 5 after a brief illness. His death at the age of 56 has thrown the entire country into mourning at a time when the country most needs the presence of a man who was the quintessence of bravery and soldiery.

    Before he became Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Lagbaja had withstood many tests and survived countless dangerous assignments in service of a country he loved with all his heart.

    The Nigerian Army has continued to serve as the last line of defence against terrorists who are determined to overrun the country. Without the heroic efforts of Nigerian soldiers who are ever willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their country, terrorists would have recorded far more successes than they have especially in those areas where they are far more suited to rugged terrains, which soldiers find treacherous.

    Nigeria’s decade-long battles against terrorism have recorded highs and lows with the Nigerian Army always managing to have the upper hand despite extremely difficult conditions.

    Terrorists who had established conclaves in many parts of the country, terrorizing locals and defying the country, have been routed again and again as soldiers have largely stuck to their task of securing and defending Nigeria.

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    There have been many painful losses in the course of war against terrorism. Many gallant soldiers have been forced to pay the ultimate price in defence of the country but the most devastating losses have been reserved for the enemies of the country who have suffered heavy casualties even in their so-called strongholds.

    Like every other war, the prosecution of the war against terrorism in Nigeria has not been perfect. There have been murmurs of discontent about diversion of funds meant for weapons, poor welfare of soldiers, and saboteurs among soldiers. But despite the diversionary discourses of detractors, the shortcomings of few persons cannot distract from the excellent job soldiers are doing to keep terrorists on the run.  It is reason enough to celebrate them.

    It is enough reason to commiserate with the country and their heartbroken families whenever they lose their lives.  Nigeria which has had to contend with many forces since independence owes them an unpayable debt. Remembering them, celebrating them and keeping them in the national consciousness where they deserve to be is the least the country can do.

    Comfort to the Nigerian Army and the families of all those who have laid down their lives in the service of this great country.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Lepers of Lukarawa

    Lepers of Lukarawa

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: Nigeria has a new foe to contend with in the terrifying hemisphere of terrorism that the country has become. The authorities have confirmed that a new terrorist group, Lukarawas, has joined the insecurity frenzy going on in Northwest and Northeast. The terrorists are said to have been displaced from their former strongholds in. Mali and Niger Republic.

    What makes the Giant of Africa an attractive  destination for criminals shaken loose from other states?

    Nigeria’s coddling of terrorism, especially under the administration of former president, Muhammadu Buhari, is coming back to bite the country hard. A costly and cowardly lack of ruthlessness in dealing with enemies of Nigeria and Nigerians have elevated common criminals to the heady heights of being considered as adversaries to the largest black country on earth. This is unacceptable.

    These terrorists who have steadily but surely steeped Nigeria into a passive war have come in different forms over the years. Lukarawas appear to be the new vicious variant of terrorism in town.

    The Defence Headquarters has already confirmed the presence of the terrorist group in Sokoto and Kebbi states. Whether the revelation was an alarm or a warning to Nigerians is unclear. What is clear is that the  war against terrorism is not ending soon.

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    In the modern evolution of the state and its bid to control power and politics, the equally intriguing emergence of state actors to contend with the state always makes for fascinating cinema, when it is not so costly, which is rarely.

    Not like the Lukawaras needed any revelation to confirm their presence. Devastating attacks claimed by the group has left scores dead in Sokoto and Kebbi States.

    Nigeria has huffed and puffed in its war against terror with underwhelming results. Terrorists have continued to do as they please, especially in rural areas where people live at their mercy.

    The war against terror has been undermined by many avoidable challenges. Contending with these new foes will no doubt stretch to  breaking point Nigeria’s resources.

    But there is no escape and no excuse. Nigerians in rural areas cannot be abandoned to criminals who have no value for human life.

    The Nigerian state must demonstrate its mettle by showing them the way out.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Lakurawa: Memo to NSA, security chiefs

    Lakurawa: Memo to NSA, security chiefs

    • By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

    Sir: Last week, the Defence and Force Headquarters confirmed the existence of a new terror group, ‘Lakurawa’, operating in the Northwest, particularly in the Kebbi and Sokoto axes.

    This joint statement substantiates an earlier alert raised by Sokoto lawmaker representing Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives about the presence of this highly-dangerous criminal syndicate in the state.

    Both Sokoto and Kebbi states have long struggled with attacks from organized bandits who routinely disrupt socio-economic activities by killing, abducting for ransom, rustling livestock, imposing levies, and destroying farmlands. Given the current trajectory of Nigeria’s security landscape, it is imperative that no state should be forced to face additional security challenges in any form.

    The most concerning aspect of the emergence of this new terror group is the fear that, if not immediately confronted and neutralized, the situation may escalate to a level comparable to the persistent Boko Haram insurgency, which has plagued Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe in the Northeast.

    Boko Haram initially surfaced as a minority group in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, known for violent extremism and radical ideology under the pioneer leadership of the late Mohammed Yusuf.

    Although the group existed for years, it became widely known in 2009, when it began its violent campaign and declared war on the state, demonstrating its desire to establish a Caliphate—a development that Nigeria’s government, under the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, condemned as treasonous.

    It is unfortunate that Nigeria has been unable, for over a decade, to fully contain Boko Haram, a non-state actor that not only recruited and radicalized others within society, but also formed alliances with terrorist syndicates operating across Africa and the Middle East, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. Numerous captured insurgents have been identified as non-Nigerians, highlighting the group’s international ties.

    In addition, a faction of Boko Haram evolved into the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), another powerful group wreaking havoc across communities in the Northeast. Boko Haram has now expanded operations into Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, turning a local problem into a regional crisis. This concerning trajectory raises questions about governmental and institutional response.

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    Similar to Boko Haram, reports indicate that Lakurawa has been active in Sokoto villages for the past six years. In October 2018, around 200 jihadis reportedly arrived in Sokoto’s Gudu and Tangaza areas from across the Niger border. Local accounts describe them as “light-skinned, Arabic- and Fulfulde-speaking herders” from Mali.

    Specifically, communities in Tangaza and Gudu LGAs raised an alarm over suspicious activities by herders in the Marake and Tsauni forests. Initial police investigations concluded that this armed group, locally known as Lakurawa, were merely herders. However, recent reports from HumAngle suggest that, although the police suspected the group was heavily armed, they deemed them seasonal visitors from Niger.

    Last week, however, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has since labelled the so-called herders a new terror group linked to Sahel-based jihadists.

    The military has now declared nine members of this group wanted, including Abu Khadijah, Abdurrahman, Dadi Gumba a.k.a. Abu Muhammed, Usman Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse.

    Reports suggest the group operates in Tangaza, Gudu, Ilela, Binji, and Silame, entering border communities from Niger, Chad, and Mali. Residents say the terrorists preach in Hausa and Fulfulde, impose levies, and even help locals combat other bandit groups so as to gain influence.

    The intelligence community—including the Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and National Intelligence Agency (NIA)—must work together to gather actionable intelligence on this group to swiftly address the threat.

    Furthermore, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Malam Nuhu Ribadu, should play a central role in coordinating interagency efforts. Adequate support and logistics are essential to ensure our security forces can operate effectively.

    Subsequently, local residents must contribute by reporting any suspicious movements, enabling timely responses. With a whole-of-society approach, the issue of Lakurawa and similar security threats in Nigeria can be effectively managed and become a thing of the past.

    •Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi,

    Kano

  • On National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools

    On National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools

    • By Taiwo Mustapha

    Sir: Nigeria continues to face frequent attacks on schools, particularly in the North. These attacks often involve kidnappings, killings, and destruction of school infrastructure. A report by the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools indicated that in the period between 2012 and 2016, more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, while more than 19,000 were displaced. According to UNICEF, since the mass abductions of Chibok girls in the Northeast on April 14, 2014, 90 girls remain in captivity, and the country is only now recovering from another abduction of school children in Kaduna State in March.

    These events have given rise to out-of-school children at about 18.5 million, accounting for 15% of the world’s out-of-school children. n.

    The National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, 2021, and Safe School Initiative, 2014 introduced to provide a framework for ensuring school safety and protection of students, teachers, and the school communities are commendable steps towards ensuring a safe learning environment for Nigerian students. However, its effective implementation remains inconsistent and questionable. Despite the policy’s comprehensive framework, several factors such as inadequate funding, shortage of trained personnel, ineffective implementation of the policies, delayed response to security threats, and community engagement challenges have hindered its successful outcomes.

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    Aside the safety issue in Nigerian schools, there are other critical challenges hurting education in Nigeria, thereby increasing the number of displaced people and out-of-school children. These include low-quality education, poverty particularly in rural areas, child marriage, gender discrimination, insurgency, and academic failure. These challenges have led to widespread school closures, displacement of students, and disruptions to the education system. This has significant long-term consequences for the affected children and the nation’s overall development.

    Another significant issue is the lack of coordination between security agencies. The fragmentation of security forces hinders effective response to emergencies. Some rich privately owned schools nationwide have internal and externally trained security personnel, with some having armed police officers to safeguard their children in and outside of the school premises. If private schools can do that, the government should be proactive in providing security personnel in our schools before another devastating incident occurs.

    There is a need for a unified, coordinated approach to school security, involving the police, military, and other relevant agencies. Additionally, the primary failure is the lack of adequate security infrastructure. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, lack basic security measures like perimeter fencing, and emergency response plans. This makes them easy targets for attacks.

    To achieve Social Development Goal 4 – quality education, the government must prioritize the safety of students and educators by investing in robust security measures, providing psychological support, integrating safety technology in schools, and establishing effective emergency response protocols. Furthermore, it is crucial to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and political instability. By taking decisive action and implementing comprehensive security measures, Nigeria can create a safer learning environment for its youth and ensure a brighter future for the nation.

    •Taiwo Mustapha,

    Florida, United States.

  • Curbing the menace of out-of-school children

    Curbing the menace of out-of-school children

    sir: The issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast, has reached alarming proportions. The numbers are gargantuan, and the consequences of inaction will be dire. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 not attending school.

    The Northeast accounts for a significant portion of this number, with states like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa having some of the highest rates of out-of-school children. This trend is deeply troubling, as it not only affects the future of these children but also threatens the stability and development of the region. Poverty, conflict, and cultural barriers are some of the factors driving this phenomenon, making it fundamental to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the root causes.

    To curb the menace of out-of-school children, increased investment in education infrastructure and resources is crucial. This includes building and renovating schools, providing adequate materials and equipment, and training qualified teachers. Implementation of conditional cash transfer programs can also encourage enrolment, particularly among disadvantaged families.

    Community-based initiatives are vital in promoting education and awareness. Collaboration with local leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organizations can help challenge harmful cultural norms and promote the value of education. Furthermore, policy reforms are necessary to address cultural and social barriers, ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

    The government has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children. The National Education Plan, Safe Schools Initiative, Conditional Cash Transfer Program, and Education for All initiative are steps in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the scale and complexity of the problem.

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    Effective implementation and coordination among stakeholders are critical to the success of these initiatives. State and local governments must work closely with federal agencies, international organizations, and civil society groups to ensure a unified approach. Additionally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be put in place to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

    Ultimately, addressing the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s Northeast requires a collective effort. We must prioritize education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national development. The National Almajiri Commission and out-of-school children must also work round the clock in ensuring that the number has drastically reduced or eliminated. This will require sustained commitment, coordination, and collaboration among all stakeholders. Only then can we hope to reverse the alarming trend of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s northeast and unlock a brighter future for generations to come.

    Kasim Isa Muhammad,Potiskum, Yobe State

  • Why Okowa is in EFCC custody

    Why Okowa is in EFCC custody

    sir: In 2015, former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa promised Deltans prosperity during the electioneering campaign that brought him to power. But before the end of his second tenure in 2023, Okowa left Deltans impoverished and in total penury. 

    As a sitting governor, he reigned like an emperor. No one dared him. Sycophants in government hailed him as the ‘Ekwueme’ (a man of his word) of our time. Probably a chieftaincy title he derived from his community in Ika Northeast.

    Contrary to his promise of prosperity for all Deltans, Okowa’s reign of terror started immediately after he entered the Dennis Osadebe Government House in Asaba.

    Civil servants were the first recipients of his draconian leadership style in Delta State. He summarily dismissed thousands of Deltans employed by Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. He said their employment did not meet the approval of the state government. But he was not their employer.

    Finishing with the polytechnic, Okowa turned to workers in the 25 local governments across the state. Through a consulting firm, Infostech, he descended on the workers and with the instrumentality of operation-show-your-primary-six-certificate, Okowa chased away scores of local government workers.

    It then came the turn of the state workforce. With the help of another firm, Herkebellah, thousands of Deltans working in the state civil service lost their jobs, while service years of several thousands of workers still in the government payroll were cut down.

    Okowa left the state workforce bleeding, after tormenting and impoverishing them. Somehow, he succeeded in buying the labour unions to his side, as he carried out his anti-worker policies. To date, Delta State workers have not recovered from the pains suffered under Okowa’s government.

    While all these were going on, not for once did Delta State House of Assembly, then under the current governor of the state, Sheriff Oborevwori, as speaker, raise an eyebrow as the representative of the people.

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    He was the sole decider of what happened anywhere in Delta State then. All allocations coming into the state remained at his beck and call, as he prided himself as the “Road Master’. This was coined by his horde of praise singers. To date, many Deltans are still asking Okowa to show them the roads he constructed that earned him the name ‘Road Master’.

    It was foremost Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark that exposed Okowa’s atrocities in an open letter he wrote towards the twilight of the former governor’s administration. Clarke called him out to render an account of what he did with the 13 per cent derivation fund released to him for the development of the oil-producing communities in the state, Okowa took the call with a pinch of salt, after all, he is the ‘Ekwueme’ of Delta.

    Clarke’s letter was later followed by another from an activist, Mullade Sheriff to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), alleging that Okowa misappropriated over N1 trillion released to oil-producing communities.

    His current arrest and detention by the EFCC to some well-meaning Deltans were long overdue. Besides the derivation money, the financial crime agency would do Deltans a world of good if they could find out from Okowa how he spent the trillions that were released to his government as monthly allocations.

    The commission should also find out his relationship with a private company he used for land acquisitions in many communities in Delta North Senatorial District.

    A recent video trending online showed the senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Prince Ned Nwoko, telling some people of his encounter with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over his inability to do anything tangible despite receiving nothing less than N40b every month from the Federation Account is also revealing.

    According to Nwoko, Oborevwori had told him that he was not doing much because he was paying back the loan Okowa’s administration incurred. Oborevwori forgot that as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, he was the one approving those loans.

    Deltans are, therefore, watching and waiting to see what becomes of the EFCC investigation. Deltans want nothing short of the total recovery of all Okowa allegedly took from the state coffers and a diligent prosecution that will ensure that justice is well served.

    •Ifeonu Okolo,Asaba, Delta State

  • Aregbesola: Hypocrisy of a pretentious revolutionary

    Aregbesola: Hypocrisy of a pretentious revolutionary

    sir: The way Rauf Aregbesola has continued to demonstrate all manners of inconsistencies with his actions and utterances is quite worrisome. He took it to a higher level by his recent comment on the state of the nation. His speech reeks of hypocrisy that is not in the least expected of a supposed elder-statesman. Or should we just conclude that he’s trying to lead a revolution against the state?

    “When I was born, and during my developmental years, wealth was not as limited to the hands of a very few people as it is today”. This particular statement he made shows how shameless he can be. A man with no cognate experience in any field or known business anywhere that became wealthy can’t be guiltier of what he’s accusing others for. The man should tell us what he was doing before 1999 and how much he was worth then in comparison with how much he and his immediate family members are worth today.

    The same man that ran the Osun State aground is today to talking about building prosperity for the people. A man that initiated half salary as governor that led to the impoverishing civil servants and pensioners in Osun. Is it not laughable how hypocritical he is? He left the state in total state of despair with the state languishing in all the debts he incurred till today.

    He didn’t only fail in the critical sectors of our economy; he wasted Osun money on many white elephant projects. The park he built in Gbongan was made useless by the same flyover he constructed by himself. He was so bereft of ideas in the agricultural sector that he had to travel to foreign countries to source for ideas which eventually led to no result. Maybe he should tell us what he achieved in Osun in the area of food security.

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    The Opon Imo project, a tablet for secondary school students he did, remains one of the biggest scams in the history of the state. The computer tablet disappeared before he left the state in 2018. How much of prosperity would the money wasted on the project have built for the common man? He wasted the opportunity to drive the economy of the state to an enviable level. Perhaps we should just ask him to name, just one major company or industry that entered the state in the eight inglorious years of his administration.

    As the Interior Minister, the number jailbreaks under his nose were enough for an honourable man to resign. He didn’t only finish the administration with President Muhammadu Buhari, he was seen arranging several welcome back parties for himself!  The young man that succeeded him was able to clear the mess around passport issuance in a matter of weeks. Instead of admitting failure and commending the good job, he’s offering advice he could have used while in office.

    Again hear him: “I am opposed to executive system of government, I believe in collective arrangement which parliamentary system guarantees. It is best for a nation like Nigeria if indeed we’re committed to advancing the interests of the large population and mass of our people”.

    Has this man forgotten that all his years in the public office have been in the executive? He was commissioner twice in Lagos, two-term governor and a minister for four years. 

    It’s high time this man kept quiet and focused on how to revive his lost political relevance rather than jumping on a futile endeavour of trying to incite violence. Nigerians are wise and are obviously wiser than him.

    •Ayotunde Rasheed,Osogbo, Osun State

  • Mobilising youths to tackle climate change

    Mobilising youths to tackle climate change

    • By Zayyad I. Muhammad

    Sir: The effects of climate change are now at everyone’s doorstep, whether they are aware of it or not. While Nigerian youth are the most vulnerable to climate change, they are also the group that can most effectively tackle it because of their huge numbers and their future needs.

    Climate change advocates and researchers, including government and non-governmental agencies, can engage youth to raise awareness in society about the need to address climate change and tackle its impacts. Youth are the most active members of society and the majority, whether educated or uneducated.

    Most Nigerian youths can now easily transmit or receive information through social media and other means of modern communications. So, empowering youth and mobilising them to use social media and other modern communications tools can have a huge impact on awareness and campaigns on the effects of climate change.

    Youths can be trained and equipped to engage in sustainable farming practices that protect the environment while providing productive employment. In this way, young people can play a vital role in environmentally-friendly farming while earning an income. If the government and climate organisations train youth in eco-friendly farming and provide the necessary inputs and funding, many young people will turn to sustainable practices, recognising them as both a source of income and a means of helping the environment. This approach could engage young people in both urban and rural areas, contributing to climate change mitigation, environmental protection, job creation, and food security.

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    Another approach is to protect the environment while generating wealth by involving youths in a well-designed economic tree-planting scheme. A designated area in a community could be set aside for planting economic trees. For instance, a plot of 20–30 trees could be allotted to one or two young people to nurse until maturity. When the trees are ready for harvesting, ownership would be transferred to the youth. Equally, Nigerian cities and towns can be turned green with this approach. Nigeria has fertile soil for the cultivation of many economic and other trees; most Nigerian youths, whether educated or not, are enthusiastic about generating wealth via farming; thus, such a scheme will be successful and sustainable.

    Many young Nigerians are tech enthusiasts, and technology can be a powerful way to engage them in climate change efforts. This could include making simple windmills or engaging in manufacturing, retailing, and installing solar stoves and wind-powered electricity systems. Engaging young people not only amplifies innovative solutions but also ensures a sustainable, long-term commitment to environmental protection. This strategy leverages the passion, energy, and unique perspectives of the younger generation to create impactful change for future generations.

    •Zayyad I. Muhammad,

    Abuja

  • Why Nigerians will thank PBAT later

    Why Nigerians will thank PBAT later

    • By Kenechukwu Aguolu

    Sir: Nigeria should be an economic powerhouse not only in Africa but globally because of its enormous human and natural resources but ironically it is fighting for economic survival. This contrast has been linked by many to inappropriate leadership over the years. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated exemplary leadership marked by patriotism, boldness, action, foresight, and commitment since he came into power on May 29, 2023.

    Fuel subsidies and the constant defence of the naira have historically done more harm than good, consuming trillions of naira that could have been invested in nation-building resulting in infrastructure decay and mounting national debt. Over the years, the federal government has had little left for capital expenditure and investment in critical sectors of the economy after covering salaries and other recurrent costs which, has significantly contributed to the poor state of roads, hospitals, schools, power supply, and the inability to adequately fund security agencies etc. Therefore, President Tinubu should be commended for removing fuel subsidy and floating the naira despite being unpopular decisions.

    President Tinubu’s policies have started to positively impact the lives of Nigerians. For example, it is worth noting that when he came into power, some state governments struggled to pay minimum wage and pensions. Currently, no state is reported to be behind on salary payments. The federal government has begun implementing the new national minimum wage of N70,000, and state governments have also announced and started paying new minimum wages at varying rates, with none below N70,000, much to the relief of Nigerian workers. Insecurity is on the decline, with areas like the Abuja-Kaduna road no longer plagued by incidents that once made it a nightmare.

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    Also, students have already started benefiting from the student loan scheme introduced by this administration; just to mention a few.

    Despite mixed reactions to President Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, it signals his commitment to fixing the country. This reshuffle was timely and it strengthened the cabinet sending a clear message that Mr President will not tolerate mediocrity. Nigerians hope this will lead to a more responsive government and better policy implementation, fostering stronger synergy among ministries. The long time lag between policy announcement and implementation previously experienced should become a thing of the past.

    With inflation slowing, debt service to revenue ratio reducing from 97% to under 70%, gross foreign reserves hitting $40 billion, and the outcome of GDP rebasing awaited, there is optimism about the country’s economic future. Additionally, the removal of the fuel subsidy has freed up funds that the government plans to invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure (power, transport, etc.), security agencies, and other key sectors.

    For these efforts to succeed, the government must also adopt zero tolerance for corruption and waste. The World Bank has commended President Tinubu’s bold policies and emphasized the need to sustain them to achieve the desired economic reforms. Nigeria has a hopeful path ahead, and in time, Nigerians will look back and appreciate President Tinubu’s leadership.

    •Kenechukwu Aguolu, FCIA

     <kenerek1@gmail.com>

  • Grid collapse: Urgent need for permanent solution

    Grid collapse: Urgent need for permanent solution

    • By Aisha Abubakar Tijjani

    Sir: Nigeria’s persistent struggle with power outages has reached a critical point as the national grid faces repeated failures, creating a climate of frustration, stagnation, and economic uncertainty. The most recent grid collapse has left countless Nigerians without power, affecting homes, industries, and essential services. This marks the eighth failure this year, a shocking statistic that brings into focus the nation’s glaring energy deficiencies.

    Each grid collapse disrupts daily life and threatens Nigeria’s economic stability. Industrial processes grind to a halt, businesses incur losses, and vital services such as hospitals and security agencies face severe operational disruptions. Many Nigerians are forced to rely on expensive, unreliable alternative power sources. These conditions intensify public dissatisfaction and highlight the urgent need for robust, sustainable solutions rather than temporary measures.

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other power authorities often focus on restoring electricity after each collapse. Yet, this approach fails to address the systemic issues within the grid infrastructure. The current network, heavily outdated and overstretched, lacks the resilience to support Nigeria’s growing population and economic demands.

    Without addressing these root issues, grid collapses will continue to hinder development and growth.

    Historically, Nigeria’s power infrastructure has suffered from underfunding, mismanagement, and a lack of long-term planning. While government efforts have included short-term repairs and quick fixes, these actions have not led to significant improvements. Experts argue that a sustainable solution requires a complete overhaul, including investment in new technologies and infrastructure.

    One of the fundamental problems facing Nigeria’s grid is its reliance on centralized generation. Many experts have called for decentralized energy solutions, such as mini-grids and renewable energy sources. Such systems would reduce the strain on the national grid and provide more stable power to remote and rural areas, which often suffer the most during power failures.

    Moreover, the power sector needs stronger regulatory oversight to enforce standards, improve accountability, and ensure transparency in project implementation. An independent regulatory body could help prevent mismanagement and corruption, which have historically plagued the sector. Stronger regulation would also build public trust, which is currently low due to the frequent blackouts and perceived inefficiency.

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    Another solution lies in diversifying energy sources. While Nigeria has vast natural gas reserves, the country has yet to leverage renewable energy effectively. Investing in solar, wind, and hydropower would diversify energy production and reduce dependence on traditional, often unreliable, sources. Renewable energy is also more environmentally sustainable and can offer long-term economic benefits.

    Countries like Kenya and South Africa have made notable strides in renewable energy. Nigeria can learn from their experiences, tailoring strategies to fit its unique circumstances. Transitioning to renewable energy may be challenging, but it could mark a turning point in solving the country’s energy crisis.

    Foreign investments could also play a role in revamping Nigeria’s power infrastructure. However, attracting investment requires stability and transparent policies. The government must create a favourable business environment, encouraging international stakeholders to invest in energy projects that contribute to long-term grid stability.

    To further stabilize the grid, modernizing the existing infrastructure with smart grid technologies is essential. Smart grids allow for better demand management, real-time monitoring, and faster response to disruptions. Countries around the world have implemented smart grids with considerable success, finding them to be cost-effective in the long run.

    Education and training in power management should not be overlooked. Building local expertise in energy systems will reduce reliance on foreign contractors and create job opportunities for Nigerians. Investing in education would foster a skilled workforce capable of managing and maintaining a modern grid.

    Another vital component of a sustainable solution is community involvement. Engaging local communities in power projects ensures that solutions are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Furthermore, involving the public in energy discussions can build understanding and patience as Nigeria navigates the path toward energy stability.

    The government has an opportunity to pivot toward sustainable energy solutions. By choosing long-term investments over temporary fixes, Nigeria can finally break free from the cycle of grid failures. A stable, reliable energy supply would be a powerful engine for economic growth and social development, positioning Nigeria as a leader in energy resilience in Africa.

     •Aisha Abubakar Tijjani,

    Borno State University, Maiduguri