The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Merchants of blood and bullets

    Merchants of blood and bullets

    Sir: There is a reason Nigeria is still fighting ragtag enemies it should have vanquished many years ago: saboteurs within its ranks. Vicious vipers. Enemies by any other name. Betrayers. Cowardly sell-outs. There is really no fitting description for their vile enterprise. Even the strongest words can only come close.

    At a recent destruction of about 2400 seized/recovered illicit small arms in Abuja, Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, let loose a chilling revelation: that some unscrupulous personnel in some security agencies were selling arms to the criminals tormenting Nigeria.

    Since 2009, Nigeria has fought tooth and nail to cling on to every inch of its territory. The country has been haunted by the terrifying spectre of poor morale among troops fighting the fiends fracturing Nigeria. This poor morale coupled with a general lack of preparedness by the country to anticipate and confront insecurity has left its flanks exposed to insecurity.

    Entire communities have been displaced, many lives lost and livelihoods obliterated by insecurity. Indeed, the fact that Nigerians have had to add insecurity to their grinding poverty has made for one of the most painful experiences of nationhood anywhere on earth.

    Even before bandits joined Boko Haram terrorists in the insecurity queue, a question that has slackened the lips of many Nigerians is: who is sponsoring terrorists in Nigeria?

    The Nigerian government has been unable to comprehensively answer this question despite the abundance of resources available to.

    These sponsors of insecurity have never been known, at least not to the public. It has also appeared that Nigerian authorities have been reluctant to discover and expose them. Apparently, some of those supposedly fighting terrorism in the country are aiding it instead. When arms that are supposed to go into the fight against insecurity are trafficked and used to aid terrorists by the people who are supposed to be fighting them, it means the war will never end.

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    This disclosure prompts many questions that are all of vital importance in the quest to rid Nigeria of niggling insecurity. Do Nigerian security agencies know its personnel who are in bed with terrorists? If they don’t, what are they doing to find out?

    What are they doing about their personnel who have been discovered as trading arms to criminals? How are they getting them to  provide useful intelligence on the ongoing fight against terrorism?

    This last question is important because a security personnel who sells arms to terrorists may as well be aiding them in other ways. For all Nigerians know, compromised security personnel may in addition to trading arms leak sensitive information to those fighting the country.

    In the last decade, insecurity has been the thorniest of Nigeria’s problems. That is no mean feat in a country which has battled colossal corruption and grinding poverty for decades now.

    Many gallant defenders of the country have lost their lives in the line of duty. With the NSA’s revelation, many of them died by weapons that should have been trained on terrorists instead. There have been ambushes resulting in deadly attacks on Nigerian troops in circumstances that make it clear that information was leaked. So much of the pain Nigeria has experienced from insecurity has come from the actions of saboteurs within its ranks.

    That is why there is a need for an extensive and unsparing investigation into the loyalties of those who make up the ranks of Nigeria’s security agencies. All those found to have their loyalties elsewhere must be rooted out and forcefully punished. Nigeria cannot continue to shoot itself in the foot by sending into battle those who would gleefully see it defeated.

    It is bad enough that corruption has corroded every aspect of life in Nigeria. Allowing it to compromise the fight against insecurity and send many to their early grave is unacceptable.

    •Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • On the sham called local government elections

    On the sham called local government elections

    SIR: In Kaduna, the State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM) announced that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won all 23 local government seats and 255 councillorship seats. What makes this announcement deeply troubling is not just the result itself, but the manner in which it was reached. Reports from various wards in the state indicate that in many places, no elections were conducted. Voting materials were absent, and no electorate showed up at polling stations. Yet, the results were announced, giving the ruling party absolute control. This scenario, replicated in many states across the federation, paints a grim picture of the state of democracy in Nigeria.

    Local government elections, by their very nature, are meant to bring governance closer to the people. It is at this grassroots level that the electorate should have the most direct influence on who governs them. However, the events in Kaduna, like other states reveal that local government elections have become nothing more than an extension of the ruling party’s grip on power. The process is manipulated to ensure that the ruling party retains control, leaving the electorate disenfranchised and without a voice.

    The idea that the ruling party would win every seat in every local government defies the logic of a true democratic process. In a country as diverse as Nigeria, with various ethnic, religious, and political divides, it is highly improbable that one party would enjoy unanimous support across the board. What is happening in the states is not democracy; it is an imposition, a selection process that benefits those already in power while ignoring the will of the people.

    The judiciary is often referred to as the last hope of the common man, and in situations like this, it is more important than ever that the judiciary upholds its role as the guardian of justice and democracy. Many of these election results are being challenged in court, and as these cases come before the judiciary, Nigerians will be watching closely. The courts must rise to the occasion and deliver judgments that are not only fair but that reflect the true principles of democracy.

    The decay in the electoral system, if left unchecked, could have disastrous implications for the 2027 general elections. If local government elections can be manipulated so blatantly, what assurance do Nigerians have that the general elections will be any different? The same tactics used to rig local elections could be employed on a larger scale, leading to a further erosion of democracy in the country.

    It is crucial that Nigerians wake up to the reality of the situation. For too long, the electorate has tolerated these shams, accepting the results of rigged elections with condemnation. This culture of silence and acceptance must change. Nigerians must demand better from their leaders and from the institutions that are meant to safeguard democracy. The time to act is now.

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    The decay in Nigeria’s electoral system is not a problem that can be solved overnight, but it is one that requires immediate attention. Electoral reform is essential if Nigeria is to move forward as a democratic nation. The current system, which allows for the manipulation of results and the disenfranchisement of voters, must be overhauled. The independence of state electoral commissions must be guaranteed, and measures must be put in place to ensure that elections are free, fair, and transparent.

    The introduction of technology in the voting process, such as electronic voting systems, could help reduce the potential for fraud. However, even with technological advancements, the key to a successful electoral system lies in the integrity of the people who oversee the process. Electoral officials must be held to the highest standards of accountability, and those who engage in election rigging must face the full force of the law.

    The time to act is now or never. If Nigeria is to remain a democratic nation, the electoral system must be reformed, and those who seek to subvert the will of the people must be held accountable. It is only through collective action and vigilance that Nigeria can hope to have a truly democratic electoral process.

    • Iliyasu Haruna Bala, Jabi, Abuja
  • Arms proliferation and the security forces

    Arms proliferation and the security forces

    SIR: Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, was reported to have stated during an arms destruction exercise organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) that many of the illicit weapons currently used by terrorists and bandits originally belonged to the federal government. Ribadu’s revelation may not come as a surprise to those familiar with the complexities of the security challenges, but it is both new and alarming to the average Nigerian. 

    For many, the realization that those entrusted with their protection are, in fact, selling weapons to terrorists, insurgents, and bandits is deeply unsettling. This issue demands a coordinated and strategic response. However, Ribadu has since assured that steps and measures have been taken to put an end to this.

    But the big questions remain: Are these measures yielding sustainable results? What motivates or drives a security agent to sell weapons to terrorists and bandits, fully aware that they may become the first target of those very weapons?

    Ribadu had stated: “The worst human being is a policeman or soldier who takes weapons from his own unit and sells them, or hides them for criminals to use against his colleagues.”

    This is true; however, additional measures are needed beyond what the NSA has mentioned to address this issue. These should include improved welfare and salaries for security personnel, enhanced training, and stronger supervision. It’s important to consider that the actions of some security officers may not be solely motivated by money, but by radicalization or frustrations.

    Nigeria must prioritize the use of technology in its fight against insurgency, terrorism, and banditry, as the world has moved beyond relying solely on boots on the ground. Employing technology to address these challenges is crucial, including the implementation of chips or inbuilt devices to track an attached every weapon assigned to the officer responsible for it.

    Despite the few rogue elements within the security forces that recklessly jeopardize their lives and those of their colleagues and families by exchanging their weapons for peanuts, we must commend the majority of Nigeria’s dedicated soldiers, police officers, and other personnel who are actively working to recover illicit arms and eliminate corrupt practices within the security forces.

    On the other hand, sabotage by rogue elements within security forces is not unique to Nigeria; many countries have faced situations where insurgency, terrorism, or banditry were exacerbated by these elements selling arms to militant groups. In Yemen, amidst its civil war, there have been instances of arms diversion by corrupt individuals within the security apparatus. Weapons intended for the national army have reportedly ended up in the hands of Houthi rebels and various militant groups.

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    Similarly, during the conflict with ISIS in Iraq, reports emerged of Iraqi security forces losing control of arms depots or selling weapons to militant groups. Somalia has seen similar issues in its battle against al-Shabaab, where government and security officials were accused of selling or diverting weapons to the very militants they were fighting.

    Another notable example is Libya. Following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country descended into chaos, with various factions and militias vying for control. Weapons from government stockpiles, as well as arms supplied by international actors, were sold or transferred to militias and insurgent groups, further escalating the violence. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), armed groups have long been involved in conflict, with reports indicating that elements within the military and police forces have sold weapons to these groups.

    For any country grappling with the involvement of its security forces in the sale of weapons to insurgents, terrorists, and bandits, factors such as selfishness, corruption, and complicity within these forces play a significant role. Additionally, weak institutions and inadequate oversight have further exacerbated the problem.

    •  Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja
  • On accessibility of low cost housing

    On accessibility of low cost housing

    SIR: With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria has been rightly identified as the largest market for real estate in Africa. Yet, housing shortage is one of the most serious developmental challenges presently confronting the country. There is a shortage of housing for low-income earners and constantly growing housing demands that are not met. Over the years, successive administrations in the country had tinkered with policies in a bid to deliver mass housing, but due to lack of reasonable commitment to it, achieving the goal has remained elusive.

    The major issue is funding; getting appropriate funding for housing projects remained the biggest problem in the sector. The right type of money needed for long term project like housing is not available. Something that can really work for affordable housing can be akin to what the Federal Mortgage Bank offers which cannot go round.

    We must be able to raise so much of insurance money in this country, though we have at least tried to raise a reasonable amount of pension fund. These are monies that are put into the kind of uses, such as housing anywhere in the world. We should find a way. It’s not enough to just be putting these monies in paper transactions and stock markets; we should find a way by which it can find its way into the real sector. The on-going private sector housing projects are progressing slowly owing to non-availability of funds.

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    The problem had remained intractable because our government is not taking housing as an important matter. There is no serious step or programme by the federal government to jump-start activities in the sector.

    Stakeholders and industry operatives have unanimously concluded that the home-ownership regime needs a change of strategy. Innovative thinking would bring about better outcomes that will enhance housing delivery in the country. We just need to take a cue from other countries where the cost of mortgage for first time home buyers are low, with small down payments and easy terms especially, a single digit interest rate.

    Housing policy instrument in the form of legislative changes of laws to reduce the country’s housing deficit must be embraced immediately. There is need for speedy review of the present regulatory and legal framework for delivering cost effective and quality social housing programme.

    • ESV Idehen Edith Judith, Benin
  • Real sector: charting the way forward

    Real sector: charting the way forward

    Sir: As a result of the nation’s fiscal and monetary policies, the construction industry has not been performing optimally, and it might not be performing better in the foreseeable years ahead. The present regime of fuel subsidy removal and pegging of the naira to the US dollar, leaving it up to the market to determine on the basis of supply and demand is having a ripple effect on the economy.

    Assurances from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that it is working to beef up the level of coordination between monetary and fiscal policy instruments, has not in any way won the confidence of stakeholders in the real estate sector who had earlier predicted low activities of the market in 2024 and beyond. Professionals and stakeholders within the built environment have continued to express fear over the developments, which they said would greatly impact negatively on the industry and the nation. Added to their concern is the subsequent huge jump in the price of petrol, which has caused other prices to rise, as companies pass on transportation and energy costs to the consumer.

    Currency devaluation is also having financial, economic and social effects on the people and the economy, from the production to consumption level. Devaluation have sent the prices of building materials up, because virtually 80 percent of the materials employed in the production of buildings are imported, and this has been having ripple effects on the cost of development. Besides, the devaluation affects availability of funds and interest rates such that cost of funds has gone northwards, ultimately adding to the cost of development.

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    The cost of labour has also gone up, the value of salaries have become inadequate to live on. All these have added to the cost of production, while at the consumption level, disposable income has reduced, thereby reducing effective demand in the market. In a nutshell, development costs have gone up, effective demand gone down, thereby creating a glut in supply of developments already in the pipeline; there is a high possibility of rent defaults in the market as well. All of the above will trickle down to affect the various sectors of the economy negatively, because real estate has a great multiplier effects positively when things are rosy and negatively when it is otherwise.

    These situations require ingenuity from policy makers to ensure that the consequences become manageable. The government need to partner with the organized private sector and professionals in the real estate sector to map the way out.

    •ESV Mariet Avuedaoya Igiekhume,Benin City

  • National youth conference and the pessimists

    National youth conference and the pessimists

    Sir: In his address to the nation on the commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu revealed that his government would organise a 30-day national youth conference.

    This is a welcome development. It is even long overdue. This is because there is no time in the history of this country that we have had any national youth conference. In all the constitutional and political conferences we had from pre-independence to date, youth were underrepresented. Youths in those conferences were treated with disdain, as novices who were there as busybodies and interlopers that lacked experience and maturity to make any meaningful input. Thus, the opportunities to tap into the hidden talent of those few youth delegates were lost.

    Therefore, hosting an all-youth national confab will be an opportunity to tap into the knowledge, perspectives, and talents of the youth, which will help in nation-building.

    In Nigeria, we have a knack to criticise every initiative. Criticism, both subjective and constructive, has become a fashion among us. I think this might be one of the reasons why no sooner had the president delivered his speech, the traditional armed chair critics condemned the proposal. But I disagree with the antagonists of the proposed youth confab. A conference of whatever kind is not a total jamboree. Constitutional, political, and other conferences in Nigeria, for example, have produced far-reaching recommendations that have now become reference points. Even the constitutions we have had are products of conferences. Even the 2014 national political conference, in which there was a skewed representation of the delegates, has yielded many far-reaching resolutions. That is why the demand to implement the report has persisted.

    So, it is not true that nothing good will come out of the proposed national youth conference.

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    I am of the opinion that the conference will unite Nigerian youth around a common national agenda. It will promote understanding and illumination on many national issues. Skills such as consensus building, mutual respect, persuasiveness, and evidence-based debate will be elevated over emotional propaganda, hate speech, and fake narratives that pollute the digital space. This is what haters of Nigeria and anarchists don’t want.

    Today, the youth are being hoodwinked and brainwashed to hate their country. They are being repeatedly told that their country is the worst place on earth. That is why they dare the Sahara desert and Mediterranean Sea and end up as slaves and captives in Libya, or prostitutes and drug peddlers, in many capitals of Western Europe.

    We must systematically counteract the negative campaign, deconstruct the narrative, and ridicule the perpetrators. One significant possible takeaway from this conference will be leadership skills that will be sharpened amongst the youth.

    Also, if carefully organised, the confab will strengthen bonds, friendship, cohesion, and patriotism among the youth from diverse backgrounds.

    Contrary to the pessimists’ misgivings, the national youth conference is imperative. It will improve our democracy because the youth, who constitute a huge percentage of our population, will be given a structured platform with all the necessary infrastructure to engage in meaningful conversations about their country and propose tentative solutions in a systematic manner without derailing to hate speech and misleading narrative. I am confident that by the end of the conference, Nigeria will have an original and far-reaching document that will be reference material for nation-building.

    Those who oppose conferences on the premise of lack of implementation should understand that you need to first develop the ideas that can be implemented. Having a document, a charter, or a policy is itself a step forward, and with time, we will have a capable and courageous leader to put it into use.

    •Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar,Unguwa Katsina.

  • Jigawa and harvest of avoidable tragedies

    Jigawa and harvest of avoidable tragedies

    Sir: Nigeria’s season of accidents has continued with the harvest of deaths bringing about a rapidly growing pile of corpses.

    Weeks after a boat packed full of people sank in the Gbajibo river in Niger State, dragging more than 100 people to their deaths by drowning, the death ship has since moved to Jigawa State where it recently claimed about 167 people. According to reports, on October 15, a tanker exploded in Majiya, Jigawa State, killing at least 170 people, leaving about 70 others with varying degrees of injury. Many of the victims were caught by explosions as they scooped fuel from the tanker.

    The tragedy which has thrown a country already in jeopardy into more misery and sorrow is simply imponderable. Its far-reaching implications mean that for a very long time, the community, the state, and Nigeria as a whole will be counting losses.

    The country may still be mourning, but in the face of these recurring accidents which are extracting an incalculable toll from Nigeria and Nigerians, there is no better time to question the government as well as Nigerians about how seriously they take issues of personal and public safety.

    Where exactly do Nigerians and their government stand on the issues of personal and public safety? Experience shows that it is when personal safety is given high priority that an invulnerable bubble of public safety is built.

    What does safety to the everyday Nigerian who refuses to use their seatbelt while driving or as a passenger in a vehicle? How about those who deliberately or drunkenly drive recklessly on roads riddled with death traps, while ever ready to reel out their years of driving as a rapid defence against those who would call out their suicidal folly?

    How serious about safety is the person who dumps trash into water channels, knowing that clogged water channels during heavy rainfall could bring about catastrophic flooding?

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    In the days when Covid-19 bit hard, many Nigerians, encouraged by some defiant but ignorant state governors, refused to observe safety measures and protocols, endangering themselves and others.

    How many Nigerians do everything possible to stay safe? How many wait for the government which is customarily reactionary to do for them what they cannot do for themselves?

    What were people doing scooping fuel from the tanker when they knew that the likelihood of devastating explosions was very high?

    Experience shows that Nigerians do not learn from experience and that, just like the government, they don’t take treat issues of safety with the seriousness it deserves.

    Usually, it is until a tragedy occurs that measures are taken.

    The most dangerous thing about breaches of personal and public safety protocols is that there is often no time left for the primary parties to learn lessons. Death, which characteristically arrives with finality in such situations typically, leaves those directly involved dead and cold, long before they are able to glean any lessons from their mistakes.

    The government must do more at all levels to drive home the imperative of personal and public safety. Nigerians should be constantly educated and re-educated on the dangers of their recklessness.

    Beyond education, there must be severe sanctions for defaulters who endanger not only themselves but others. Safety protocols must always be enforced and insisted upon. While it is true that accidents happen, the regularity in Nigeria is frankly disturbing.

    These tragedies which are evenly spread over the country also show that many people do not value their lives enough. The risks they often take show their disregard for themselves and others rather than any calculation on their part.

    Many of them feel that they have no part to play in their safety, while others feel that they may as well do as they wish since death is everyone’s final destination at the end of the day.

    There are others still who cling on to superstition and religion to argue that it is not their responsibility to be safe.

    The tragedy in Jigawa should serve as an eye-opener. But before another boat mishap, or building collapse or tanker explosion, Nigeria must resolve and react in a manner that shows that it will no longer tolerate these avoidable tragedies.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Not T-Pain but T-Hope

    Not T-Pain but T-Hope

    By Kenechukwu Aguolu

    It is no longer news that President Tinubu, who promised Nigerians a renewed hope, is now being referred to as T-Pain by many in less than two years of his administration. His reforms, which focus on the long-term economic prosperity of the country, have brought hardship to the common man.

    Leaders have failed Nigerians in the past, which has led to a lack of trust in the government, making people doubt that the hardship is short-term and worth the sacrifice, especially as the promised interventions have not arrived promptly.

    However, at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (#NES30) in Abuja on Monday, 14 th October 14, the vice president of World Bank , Indermit Gill said that Nigeria’s current reforms has to be sustained for the next 10-15 years in order to transform its economy and become an engine of growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    During his campaign, President Tinubu said he would make bold decisions for the betterment of Nigeria. In his 2024 Independence Day speech, he stated that Nigeria must reform for progress or collapse. For the common man on the street, this may not make sense; when the cost of living rises, the default reaction is to blame the current government.

    Therefore, Nigerians need to be better educated on the economy inherited by the current administration, where we are now, and the future prospects in light of the consequences of maintaining the current reforms. Just as it is required in change management, those impacted by the change should be properly engaged.

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    When President Tinubu’s government came into power, the economy was in a state of comatose. The country’s debt service to revenue ratio was 97% with an uncleared forex backlog of over $6 billion.

    How can a country survive like this? Something drastic had to be done—President Tinubu directed the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which has saved the government money but has caused hardship for Nigerians due to the resultant inflation.

    The government has promised to invest these savings in infrastructure and the development of critical sectors of the economy.

    Without the reforms of the current administration, the federal government might have soon started defaulting on its financial commitments like salaries and debt servicing, which would have been catastrophic.

    Nigeria has a revenue problem that must be solved urgently by optimizing oil production and diversifying the economy in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Getting debt relief will also go a long way. It is also important to implement cost-efficiency measures and eradicate corruption. None of this can be achieved without the right cabinet in place, with properly communicated deliverables.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promised Nigerians renewed hope, not pain.

    According to him, the hardship being experienced is short-term and a sacrifice Nigerians need to bear for a better tomorrow. However, some of the current backlashes could have been prevented with prompt implementation of intervention programs and policies.

    The government should continuously educate Nigerians on its programs and achievements. President Tinubu has dared to do things differently.

    I would rather call him T-Hope because of his Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria.

    • Kenechukwu Aguolu, Kenerek1@gmail.com

  • Incessant collapse of the national grid

    Incessant collapse of the national grid

    Sir, In just 24 hours, Nigeria’s national grid collapsed twice, making the seventh collapse over the past year. These disruptions are not new; they reflect longstanding issues within Nigeria’s power sector, driven by inadequate infrastructure, maintenance challenges, vandalism, and systemic corruption. The persistence of national grid across almost all administrations that came before the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration highlights how deeply rooted the problem is.

    Many ordinary Nigerians are in fact unfamiliar with the concept of the national grid.

    National grid is an interconnected network designed to deliver electricity from producers to consumers. The grid comprises generation stations that produce electricity, high-voltage transmission lines that carry this electricity over long distances, and distribution systems that reduce the voltage for delivery to homes and businesses.

    Why does Nigeria’s national grid often experience collapses? Many Nigerians have come to accept that these 'collapses' are part of the country’s electricity sector.

    Can Nigeria stop the frequent collapse of its national electricity grid? Certainly. Many countries have achieved reliable and efficient electricity generation, transmission, and distribution systems, providing their citizens with consistent access to power.

    These nations have demonstrated that it is possible to overcome infrastructure challenges and create a resilient energy sector.

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    To achieve similar results, Nigeria should benchmark against the successes of other countries, learning from their strategies and best practices. However, it must also consider its local needs and unique challenges, such as geographical diversity, population distribution, people’s pocket, the need to support businesses and varying energy demands. An effective strategy would involve engaging local stakeholders and addressing issues like outdated infrastructure and insufficient maintenance.

    With this approach, stability and reliability in the national grid can be realized.

    Furthermore, substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and human resources are essential. This includes not only upgrading existing facilities but also investing in renewable energy sources to diversify the energy mix. Building a skilled workforce to manage and maintain the grid will also be crucial. Ultimately, with the right focus and investment, Nigeria can transform its electricity sector and ensure reliable power for all its citizens.

     •Zayyad I. Muhammad,Abuja,

  • Setting a new path for the railways

    Setting a new path for the railways

    Sir, In many ways, Nigeria Railways situation is not too dissimilar from British Rail, of plenty of motion but no real movement, or call it movement in fits and starts. We’ve been talking about reforming the Nigerian railway since Olusegun Obasanjo’s second coming. Indeed the reform and restructuring swansong began with Hamzat Zayyad’s TCPC and nearly 30 years on, we are still trying to get the legislation passed by parliament.

    The structure of the industry hasn’t changed and public money continues to be sunk into a railway black hole. Humongous contracts have been awarded, sometimes in breach of procurement laws without consequence. They linger un-started for years until they are forgotten about.

    A coastal highway is currently proceeding at breakneck speed but nobody seems to remember the coastal railway which was awarded 10 years ago and a shovel is yet to hit the ground. What about the Lagos-Kano modernization contract which was awarded by Obasanjo in 2006 for a duration of four years, but 18 years on has not achieved up to 35% completion? Itakpe to Abuja rail was also awarded so many years ago but has not commenced. Same with many others on the infrastructure side as the government has been unable to mobilize the required funds.

    What about railway operations? The promise was for the attraction of the private sector to participate in railway operations. With an overbearing and covetous Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), the General Electric (GE) concession proposal was practically frustrated out of reckoning until GE divested out of the transport business altogether. The NRC continues to operate trains in an incoherent manner famously running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere while on a train journey.

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    Most disappointingly is its failure to build a credible and sustainable rail freight business.

    Notwithstanding, there are green shoots of hope renewed and reason to be optimistic about the future. As the National Assembly resumes, it is hoped that the railway bill will receive its undivided attention. Let’s get this law passed for crying out loud. It’s been a 20 year hike so far and this new law will open the door for private investors to participate meaningfully in the railways. The recent locomotive engine retrofit pilot offers a glimpse into the innovative power of the private investor. It’s also about time too. It’s also about time too. So let's do it.

    Getting the law passed is however just the prerequisite. Implementing the changes effectively to transform the railway landscape would be the litmus test. Creating the independent railway regulator is the starting point, while separating railway operations from asset management while retaining vertical integration will enable risk sharing and provide appropriate incentives to investors. The public sector can play to its strengths as regulator and asset owner/landlord while the private sector will play to its by operating the railway business.

    The lessons that we must learn from the unbundling of the power sector continue to stare us in the face. We must employ the appropriate capital resources with skills and capacity, and leave no room for cronies and political patrons.

    Finally, the non-performing non-core assets of the NRC must be set free to become productive again. These include the factories and foundries, printing presses, surplus lands, catering facilities, hospitals…and all the rest. It is time that a new dawn beckoned for the Nigerian railways.

    •Rowland Ocholi Ataguba,London.