The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Census and national transformation

    Census and national transformation

    • By Chiechefulam Ikebuiro

    Sir: In 2011, the National Census results in India revealed an anomaly in key gender metrics -the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB). The CSR, defined as the number of girls per 1,000 boys aged 0–6 years, showed a steady decline from 945 in 1999 to 927 in 2001 and further dropped to 918 in 2011. This decline was largely attributed to the Sex Ratio at Birth, which highlighted deep-rooted gender discrimination and women’s disempowerment.

    The data revealed a strong socio-cultural and religious preference for boys, leading to pre-birth discrimination through gender-biased sex-selective abortions and post-birth discrimination through neglect of girls’ health, nutrition, and education.

    In response, the Indian government launched the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) initiative. Since its implementation, the national SRB has increased from 918 to 930 girls per 1,000 boys, and the gross enrolment ratio of girls at the secondary school level has risen from 75% to 78%. Institutional deliveries have also surged from 61% to 97%, significantly improving maternal and child health outcomes

    In essence, the BBBP scheme has made the safety, education, and health of girls a cornerstone of national development.

    In 2010, Brazil’s census revealed stark regional disparities in income, education, and access to services. This data informed the development of the Bolsa Família, a social welfare program designed to address inequality and poverty.

    Bolsa Família has been instrumental in reducing poverty rates and enhancing the well-being of beneficiary households by increasing consumption, improving access to basic services, and promoting social inclusion. The conditional cash transfer program, in particular, has helped break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, lifting over 35 million people out of extreme poverty.

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    Between 2003 and 2014, Brazil’s extreme poverty rate fell from 12% to 4%, while the Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, dropped from 0.58 to 0.51. School attendance rates among beneficiary children rose to over 95%, and dropout rates among children aged 6 to 17 decreased by 71%.

    In 2020, China’s census highlighted an aging population and a declining birth rate. In response, the government revised its one-child policy, allowing couples to have more children, supported by increased maternity leave benefits, housing subsidies, tax breaks for larger families, expanded childcare services, and reduced educational costs.

    These policy shifts were further supported by urban infrastructure development aimed at creating age-friendly environments, enhanced healthcare facilities, and housing options suitable for growing families in rapidly expanding cities.

    These examples illustrate the transformative potential of census data in addressing social, economic, and demographic challenges. A census is far more than a mere headcount as we are wont to believe. It is an invaluable tool for understanding the needs of a population, guiding policymakers, and informing development strategies.

    In the same vein, the absence of timely and accurate census data can hinder effective planning and development. For instance, Nigeria’s last census was conducted in 2006, nearly two decades ago. This lack of up-to-date data undermines the ability to plan for education, employment, healthcare, and infrastructure needs. The United Nations recommends conducting a census every 10 years to capture significant demographic changes and inform policymaking.

    The failure to conduct a census has left us all guessing at the true size of the population. This lack of data is detrimental to our national development, and this gap must be filled.

    That the president has given the directive to conduct a census this year is a welcome move, as it is long overdue.

    A comprehensive census is critical to national development. It informs policymakers of the needs of different regions. For instance, data on age distribution can help plan for education and employment programs tailored toward the youth population.

    An accurate census helps pinpoint demographic pressure points, such as youth bulges, which, if unemployed (as is the case here), can fuel crime and extremism. Our intelligence agencies can now use the data to predict where potential radicalization or security threats might emerge and deploy resources accordingly.

    It can help forecast labour force trends, identify skill gaps, and design policies aligned with future needs. It will help identify consumer markets and areas requiring investment. It will guide industrialization efforts.

    It’s high time we leveraged census data to build a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous country.

    While some may harbour mistrust about the census, fearing that it could be misused for personal gain, the president and the National Population Commission (NPC) must take steps to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process.

    The time to prioritize credible census is now. Accurate data is the bedrock upon which our national progress can be built ensuring the needs of all citizens are met and the future of generations is equipped to thrive

    •Chiechefulam Ikebuiro,

    chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com

  • Breaking the cycle of domestic violence

    Breaking the cycle of domestic violence

    • By Zayd Ibn Isah

    Sir: Nothing clearly depicts man’s inhumanity to his fellow human being like the video circulating on social media of a woman burned to death by her supposed husband in Abagana, Anambra State. According to news reports, tempers flared between the couple after the husband confronted his wife over allegations of infidelity. In the ensuing drama, the husband, Sunday Nwanna, poured petrol on his wife, and, like bushes set ablaze during Harmattan, set her on fire.

    How does one explain a man setting his beloved wife ablaze over an unproven allegation of adultery—not even catching her in the act, let alone on their matrimonial bed?

    Unfortunately, domestic violence has become as rampant as weeds in a neglected garden. Couples no longer have the decency to resolve their issues amicably. As a result, many matrimonial homes have become little more than boxing rings where partners who were once in love now fight to the bitter end. According to a 2022 report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 28% of women aged 15–49 in Nigeria have experienced physical violence at least once since the age of 15. Even more disturbing is the finding that over half of these women endured such violence from their current or former husbands or partners.

    It is not only women who suffer from domestic violence; men also find themselves at the receiving end of this culture of cruelty. However, male victimisation remains deeply underreported, as societal expectations often discourage men from admitting they have been abused. Two prominent cases point out the issue. The first is that of Maryam Sanda, who fatally stabbed her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, during a dispute over alleged infidelity. Her actions shocked the nation and ignited conversations about men as victims of domestic violence. Another high-profile case is that of Yewande Oyediran, who killed her husband, Lowo Oyediran, during an argument.

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    To break the cycle of domestic violence, victims should be encouraged to leave their marriages rather than being persuaded to endure the abuse with the hope that their partner will miraculously turn over a new leaf. Another way to break the cycle of domestic violence is to address the culture of undue tolerance or condonation. Many Nigerians and Africans, unfortunately, normalise abuse and make excuses for enduring it.

    Breaking this toxic culture requires a societal shift in mind-set. Families, communities, and religious institutions must emphasise the sanctity of life and the importance of self-worth over societal expectations. It’s crucial to challenge the narrative that enduring abuse is a virtue or a necessary sacrifice for the sake of marriage.

    Victims of domestic violence should not only be encouraged to leave abusive relationships but also be advised to seek legal redress in court instead of resorting to self-help. Speaking of self-help, the Emir of Kano and former CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, once said he told his daughters to retaliate whenever their husbands slapped them. While the Emir’s frustration and desire to protect his daughters from abuse is understandable, resorting to self-help often exacerbates the problem. Except there is an immediate threat to life requiring self-defence, the wiser course of action is to leave an abusive marriage and pursue legal redress. “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind,” as Mahatma Gandhi aptly said.

    Additionally, support systems, shelters, and counselling services for victims of domestic violence must be strengthened. Survivors need safe spaces where they can rebuild their lives without fear, judgment, or stigma. Providing resources and legal support will ensure that victims are empowered to make decisions that prioritize their safety and well-being. Ultimately, the malaise of faulty unions can be cured by constantly propagating the message that no marriage or relationship is worth losing one’s dignity, peace of mind, self-esteem and life. And even in the storm of bad relationships, we can always stretch our hands out to remind victims that their lives matter, and that they deserve all the love, care, understanding and support they can get.

    •Zayd Ibn Isah,

    lawcadet1@gmail.com

  • General without troops

    General without troops

    In his sensational, post-ouster news conference in Ikeja, Lagos, Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, hinted at that popular concept of a General without troops.

    Yet, with his needless bluster, which he pressed to insist he remained Speaker, he lived exactly that arch-delusion.  How tragic! Couldn’t he have bowed out with quiet dignity?

    Instead, he flexed muscles as some juggernaut, set to roll over rebellious urchins, now that the real McCoy was back in town.  But the sharp House riposte was clear — Obasa was absolutely over as Speaker; and that was that! 

    New Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda’s triumphal march into the Speaker’s office, next day, made that very clear.  She not only entered in a serenade of honour, her peers swarmed her for a photo-op that screamed: Obasa out!  Lessons!

    Indeed, the former Speaker is a classic study in grand failure to monitor and master one’s environment.  That could be fatal for a politician.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been the exact opposite.  Perhaps more than anyone in the current Lagos order, he fast realized that the Governor of Lagos was morphing from some Saul, first king of Israel, that towered above everyone; into no more that a first-among-equals.  So, he must treat everyone with respect, aside applying his rich faculty to his difficult job.

    He saw Ambode, who grew too big for his boots, clinically cut to size, before he could even mutter “Akin”!  Sanwo-Olu saw how party peers harried Ambode out of second term.  So, he quietly resolved never to be that river that forgot its source and dried up. 

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    BOS may be the acronym of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.  But so far, Mr. Governor has shunned being the boss.  Instead, his executive temper oozes the servant-leader.

    Again, Speaker Obasa was the jarring opposite.  He confused the governor’s humility and simplicity as stupidity.  But see where that has landed him — tossed out as some piece of garbage, by peers that hitherto deferred to him.  Lessons! 

    Still, first it was Ambode.  Now, it’s Obasa.  Tomorrow, who? 

    That’s the challenge Lagos APC should grapple with.  Shuffling out strong (wo)men to graft strong institutions is not necessary bad.  Indeed, it’s the sane path to tread — the paradise of party supremacy.  In that heaven, order is the first — and last — thing!

    So, the Lagos APC should grab this opportunity to build a disciplined party, anchored on fairness, equity and equal opportunity.  Still, even “fallen” comrades need not face political death.  The party can encourage them to learn from their mistakes. But they too must meet that deal with contriteness and humility.

    That was where Obasa got it wrong, with his garrulous press conference that gained nothing.  But if a Saul once turned Paul, who says even the conceited ex-Speaker can’t change?

    Indeed, the party must work out a fair and sophisticated conflict mechanism; and also impose discipline on erring members.  But it must also strive to rehabilitate them, after they have served their punishment.

    That is the path to a doughty party system.  Only a sound party system can power sustainable democracy.

  • WHO: How Sub-Saharan Africa can mitigate U.S. withdrawal

    WHO: How Sub-Saharan Africa can mitigate U.S. withdrawal

    Sir: The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in global health governance, providing technical assistance, setting standards, and coordinating responses to health crises. Historically, the United States has been a significant contributor to the WHO, both financially and technically. Its withdrawal from the organization will have profound implications for the WHO’s ability to fulfil its mandate, particularly in vulnerable regions like Sub-Saharan Africa.

    The immediate consequence of the U.S. withdrawal is a significant reduction in the WHO’s budget. As the largest single contributor, the U.S. provided substantial funding, and its absence will necessitate cuts in programs and personnel. This could severely impair the WHO’s capacity to respond to disease outbreaks, support national health systems, and conduct essential research.

    Sub-Saharan Africa, with its myriad health challenges, would be disproportionately affected. The region heavily relies on WHO support to combat infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as to strengthen primary healthcare systems and respond to health emergencies. A weakened WHO would struggle to maintain these critical services, potentially reversing hard-won health gains.

    Additionally, the U.S. withdrawal could undermine the WHO’s role in setting global health agendas and advocating for evidence-based policies. However, this situation also presents an opportunity for greater African ownership and leadership in global health. African countries can strengthen their own regional health organizations and increase their contributions to the WHO, ensuring the organization remains responsive to their needs. African leaders could view this as a chance to step up and enhance the healthcare system by focusing on local needs.

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    To counteract the potential negative effects of the U.S. withdrawal, African countries can take several steps:

    Strengthen Regional Collaboration: Enhance cooperation among regional health organizations, such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), to pool resources and expertise.

    Increase Domestic Investment in Health: Prioritize health spending in national budgets to reduce reliance on external funding.

    Encourage Local Healthcare Utilization: Build and trust in local healthcare systems, reducing dependence on medical tourism, which depletes foreign exchange.

    Diversify Funding Sources: Explore alternative funding mechanisms, including partnerships with the private sector and philanthropic organizations.

    Enhance Local Capacity: Promote the local manufacture of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies. Invest in training healthcare workers and strengthening health systems to improve resilience and self-reliance.

    By strengthening regional collaboration, increasing domestic investment, and diversifying funding sources, African countries can mitigate the negative impacts and ensure continued progress in improving the health of their populations.

    •Dr. Christian I. Ike (FPSN, FNIM) Atlanta Ga. United States.

  • Honouring Nigeria’s real heroes

    Honouring Nigeria’s real heroes

    Sir: In 2009, as the country surged to the end of the first decade of the new millennium, there was a mammoth shift in Nigeria’s security dynamics and apparatus. Suddenly, Nigeria found itself in places it was not ordinarily used to being; fighting enemies it was not used to. This seismic shift in Nigeria’s security considerations was in no little measure all thanks to the terrorist sect, Boko Haram.

    There are many theories about how the group evolved and resolved into arguably the most formidable enemy of the Nigerian state. Many Nigerians believe it was a carefully crafted invention of Nigeria’s hidden enemies who needed an offensive against the Nigerian state for their aims from a group malleable to them. If this was the plot initially, they soon lost the plot as Boko Haram veered out of control.

    The audacious attacks of the group which has been involved in some of the most atrocious assaults against the Nigerian state over the years has weakened Nigeria’s security architecture and enabled the proliferation of terrorist groups in a country where the main challengers used to be small-time criminals.

    What is clear from Boko Haram’s history is that the terrorist group which balks at Western civilization amply benefitted from the many loopholes in Nigeria’s security architecture, and the weak political will that has more often than not marked government in Nigeria.

     As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tried to lay a glove on Nigeria’s myriad problems, security is one aspect his government has thrived in. Since his inauguration in 2023, activities have ceased in many of Nigeria’s killing fields, with the government doing a considerable lot to guarantee security for citizens. However, the war is far from over.

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     On Friday, January 24, terrorists attacked the Nigerian Army base in Malam-Fatori, Borno State. While more than 70 terrorists were neutralized, about 22 soldiers paid the ultimate prize. To be a soldier is to die many times over on the job. It is to put one’s life on the line for others and die many times over, even if it happens that breath will cease just once.

    Despite the grim reality of being a soldier, especially in a full-fledged theatre of war that Nigeria is, young Nigerians brimming with promise and overflowing with potentials and patriotism continue to join the armed forces, putting themselves in the line of fire to defend Nigeria from ruthless non-state actors.

    These men and women are the true heroes of Nigeria. They are the ones who consistently put everything on the line to defend Nigeria.

     For many reasons, but especially to honour the sacrifices, they have made in defence of the country, Nigeria must commit more to the war against terror than it is currently doing. Most especially, it must commit to prosecute it to its logical conclusion.

     Unfortunately, the war against terrorism now appears like a war without end with many years and resources going into it with no end in sight.

    However, the fact that no country can develop with terrorists lurking in the corner is enough motivation to keep going.

    Nigeria must honour the sacrifices that soldiers, civilians, and entire communities have made in the war against terror. No honour will beat a comprehensive defeat of the terrorists in the shortest time possible.

    • Ike Willie-Nwobu,Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • As jittery junta leaders exit ECOWAS

    As jittery junta leaders exit ECOWAS

    Sir: Ahead of the January 29 deadline for their self-imposed exit from ECOWAS, the junta leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, the Alliance of Sahel States, AES, have become jittery, deploying every trick, including disinformation, misinformation and blackmail to deflect blame for the inevitable consequences and uncertainty of their military adventure.

    ECOWAS leaders at their last Abuja summit in December 2024 warned the three countries that having served notice of their withdrawal from the regional bloc in January 2024, the separation will become effective 12 months later, according to the regional bloc’s relevant protocol. This is despite the grace period of six months mentioned in the summit communique. After receiving official correspondence from the ECOWAS Commission on the summit’s decision, the juntas have gone into propaganda overdrive.

    Instead of addressing their domestic existential threats, coupled with criticism of human rights violations and intolerance of dissent, the junta leaders are blaming outsiders for the humanitarian crisis they brought on their people.

    ECOWAS at 50 this year cannot claim to be perfect. One of its major problems is leadership at the national and regional levels. But just as a chain is as strong as its weakest link, an organisation is only as good/effective as its weakest member.

    There is a strong anti-French sentiment in Francophone African countries linked to controversial colonial agreements including defence/military pacts, which the AES leaders are capitalising on for their populist dispositions. The agreements have nothing to do with ECOWAS, so it begs the question that the AES leaders are blaming the organisation for them.

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    To come clean of accusations of foreign influence/interference, ECOWAS must assert its independence and put its house in order but not succumb to blackmail. The organisation should innovate and reinvent itself to withstand emerging threats from the geopolitical and geostrategic shifts in international relations ecosystem.

    ECOWAS leaders should be pulling together, including reaching an agreement on the term limit for the president/prime minister in member states, to stop the tenure elongation syndrome haemorrhaging the organisation. They should deliver good governance and muster the political will to end political or constitutional coups and other causes/enablers of military coups.

    Ghana’s new President John Mahama has named a Special Envoy to the AES countries. The Ghanaian leader should be encouraged to work within the ECOWAS system to prevent a further weakening of the organisation.

    Also, Nigeria as the “big brother, regional power” and the current ECOWAS chair, should step up to the plate and work with other leaders to champion the rescue and repositioning of ECOWAS.

    A united ECOWAS provides unlimited opportunities for regional cooperation and development. ECOWAS/AES’ separation will unleash potential negative consequences on the population of the AES countries, including massive loss of jobs from the closure of community institutions and humanitarian food reserve facilities. Also, there will be an end to the benefits of regional free trade scheme and the immediate recovery of more than US$273 million at the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) loans and liabilities.

    A sudden exit from the ECOWAS Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering (GIABA), will also make the AES countries vulnerable to the global Finance Action Task-force (FATF) sanctions, plus an end to regional security cooperation, shared intelligence and coordinated joint military operations, which will make the countries easy targets for more deadly attacks by terrorist and armed insurgency groups.

    Addressing the media in Abuja on Monday January 27, the Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot urged ECOWAS to reconsider its decision on the AES group.

    “It is a decision that we regret because we strongly support West African integration. Splitting does not seem to us a good idea,” said the envoy, who cited the EU’s experience with Brexit, based on negotiation and dialogue.

    The junta leaders should also take a cue from the EU official’s counsel, bearing in mind that they will be held accountable for the consequences of dragging millions of their compatriots into socio-economic catastrophe and political uncertainty.

    ECOWAS is only demanding that they respect regional protocols and honour their countries’ obligations and commitment to democratic principles instead of sticking to endless opportunistic political transition programmes designed for their self-perpetuation in power.

    It is within the rights of AES nations to associate or pursue common goals, but not necessarily by quitting ECOWAS. Organisations such as the Mano River Union; Lake Chad Basin Commission/Authority, the Zone of Prosperity and UEMOA, are all members of ECOWAS.

    •Paul Ejime,paulejime@outlook.com>

  • Awaiting trial inmates

    Awaiting trial inmates

    It’s an old issue that has refused to go away. “Overcrowding, no doubt, stands out as the most pressing challenge of the NCoS,” the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, noted during an interactive session with field officers on January 13.  He said 48,932 inmates in the country’s correctional facilities were Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs), many of them “on non-bailable offences.” 

    He unveiled his plans to tackle the problem, saying, “I intend to interface with the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, the inspector-general of police, and other prosecuting agencies and critical stakeholders to fast track the trial of these inmates. This is necessary, especially those on non-bailable offences like armed robbery, murder, and others that constitute over 60 percent of awaiting trial persons (ATPs).”

    He added: “While engaging state chief executives to expedite the trial of the over 90 percent state offenders in custody, the use of non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms will be taken up with the judiciary. We will also fast-track the construction of proposed 3,000-capacity ultramodern custodial facilities and other centres across the country.”

    Notably, Segun Olowookere, who controversially spent 14 years on death row before he was recently pardoned by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, drew attention to prison conditions in the country in an interview published after his release.

    He was sentenced to death and life imprisonment for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and robbery with firearms, and to three years imprisonment for stealing. But the popular narrative that he was given a death sentence for stealing fowls ultimately led to pardon by the governor.   

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    He was in Ilesa prison, Osun State, “throughout the trial of the case.” After the judgment, he was moved to Ibara Prison, Abeokuta, Ogun State. He was later moved to Kirikiri Maximum Prison in Lagos, in 2016.

     According to him, “The major challenge was congestion. There were too many people inside a limited space. Because of the population, 50 inmates would occupy a room that should naturally contain a maximum of 10 people. We sleep like fishes packed in a carton because everywhere is measured for us. As an inmate, a space is measured for you to sleep because of congestion.” 

    Nwakuche’s stated solutions to prison congestion are sensible. But they need to be put into effect before the desired results can be realised.  The old issue won’t go away without effective execution of these plans.

  • Tanker fire fest

    Tanker fire fest

    What’s it with fuel trucks detonating on Nigerian roads like bombs, causing horrific carnage? It is a trend that must be halted soonest by whatever means necessary to safeguard lives and property.

    No fewer than 18 persons were burnt to death, with 10 others sustaining injuries when another fuel tanker blast occurred at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway in Enugu State at the weekend. It was the third incident in this new year – coming exactly two weeks after one at Dikko junction in Gurara council area of Niger State that claimed no fewer than 98 lives and left 69 others injured. Another incident in Agbor, Delta State, on January 6th, left five people dead and property including bank buildings razed. It’s been blasts, deaths and ruin all around.

    Reports said the explosion in Enugu State, last Saturday, resulted from the crash of a fuel-laden tanker into nearby motorists after it was believed to have suffered break failure. An eyewitness was cited saying the tanker was descending a slope when the driver lost control and hit vehicles in front, spilling the truck’s inflammable content and igniting a fire that torched surrounding vehicles. Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) national spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said in a statement that operatives of the agency rescued 13 motorists from the inferno. “A total of 31 people were involved in the crash, 10 were rescued with different degrees of injury while three got rescued unharmed. Unfortunately, the 18 remaining victims were burnt beyond recognition,” he explained.

    According to Ogungbemide, preliminary report received by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed indicated that the tanker, which was loaded with premium motor spirit (petrol), experienced brake failure and the driver lost grip of the wheels before crashing into 17 vehicles, resulting in a fire outbreak that left 11 vehicles burnt.

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    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who visited the accident scene, said steps were being taken to forestall future occurrence, including enforcement of road rules and fixing the part of the federal road that was in disrepair. Describing the accident as unfortunate, he said he had directed relevant officials to ensure that all tankers conveying inflammable substances in the state have anti-spill lock that would prevent spillage in event of an accident.

    The tragedy two weeks earlier in Niger State occurred when community members swooped on a 60,000-litre fuel tanker that crashed near Dikko junction to scoop up spilled fuel. Reports said the locals rushed to the scene with generators and other containers to siphon fuel from the tanker, triggering the explosion.

    The state of road infrastructure across this country is sordid in many places, accounting for frequent crashes of trucks and other vehicles that hazard public safety. But road safety rules are also not being enforced, including speed and load limits and the anti-spill lock device that Governor Mbah spoke of.

    It is time to urgently implement remedial measures before another incident occurs.

  • The hike in telecoms tariffs

    The hike in telecoms tariffs

    Sir: As if it is not enough that the prices of rice, garri, maggi, vegetables, meat, bread, transport and others have shot up in the market, telecommunications companies have served notice that they will hike up their tariffs by 50 percent. At a time when Nigerians are weighed down by excruciating burdens coming from a thousand places all at once, what would these hikes mean for everyday Nigerians as they navigate what are already very difficult living conditions?

    While the government and the service providers feel that the hike in telecommunications tariffs is necessary to balance rising operational expenses with the provision of quality services and broader economic considerations for both consumers and the telecoms industry, every day Nigerians feel otherwise. They are feeling the pinch of being Nigerians, and the punch to their guts is considerable indeed.

    A hike in tariffs means increased costs of all telecommunications including phone calls, text messages and data with the resulting ripple effects on businesses and daily life.

    There is no doubt that life is about to get even harder for Nigerians, who have borne the difficulties of this transition period with remarkable equanimity and fortitude.

    It was in the early 2000s that Nigerians first witnessed a massive explosion of telecommunications technologies. Since then, many Nigerians have become mobile phone users. For service providers, Nigeria has remained an excellent market, with many new users streaming into the market every day.

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    The economics of telecommunications has rewarded both providers and users beyond their wildest dreams. With new channels of communication opened, businesses have thrived, and unprecedented advancement recorded across multiple fields. But at what cost?

    Over the years, the relationship between consumers of telecommunications services and service providers has been far from friendly. Almost everyone who has had course to use telecommunications services, and there are many, have complained of irregular network, inconsistent and frankly ridiculous charges, and arbitrary hikes. This has irritated many of their customers to no end.

    The telecommunications service providers may just be going with the tide in raising tariffs to cover operational expenses but are they ready to improve services? Given that they are professional profiteers, are they ready to engage in the delicate balancing act between costs, profits and excellent service delivery?

    What a time it is to add this burden to Nigerians already crushed by rising costs of living. What a time to be a Nigerian.

    • Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • Vocational skills curriculum and citizen wellbeing

    Vocational skills curriculum and citizen wellbeing

     Sir: The federal government through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced the addition of vocational skills such as hairstyling, plumbing, mobile phone repair, makeup artistry and 12 others covering the home improvement, technology, agriculture and lifestyle industries, to the Basic Education curriculum.  Basic Education is pre-primary education, primary education and lower secondary education, ideally covering the individual from the ages four to 15.

    For over four decades, Nigerian Basic Education has trained its recipients how to get an office job.  This strategy has led to mass unemployment and underemployment during this time because there are significantly more secondary school and tertiary education graduates than office jobs.  Basic Education looks down on vocational skills as something you turn to if you don’t pass your exams.  Nigerians, who were taught Basic Education over the last 40 years, were raised to believe vocational skills were for never-do-wells.  Because of that, many Nigerians in this category refused to engage in vocational skills training even in the face of prolonged unemployment or ongoing underemployment but have no problem working these vocational jobs in more economically stable countries, particularly in Europe and the United States.

    However, with the advent of social media, particularly Instagram in 2010, the tide shifted, as Nigerians saw they didn’t need to pay an advertising agency to create advertisements for their goods and services.  They saw they could reach customers and clients more directly.  I believe this is what the federal government through the NOA has tapped into to establish this welcome initiative.

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    Prior to now, Basic Education has never taught Nigerians how to make money: for the most part, it socializes, teaches how to read and write, teach cleanliness and how to organize oneself.  While these are essential for life, the dependence on a limited mind-set and education that no longer serves the present reality of Nigeria has kept most of our citizens in poverty for too long, stopping them from reaching their full potentials.  The most economically stable countries in the world have long promoted the idea that office jobs are not for everyone, and that all professions are essential.

    These newly introduced vocational skills will make Generation Beta (those born from 2025) wealthier because they will be entrepreneurial from their teenage years.  The ripple effects of that wealth are numerous: Nigeria’s GDP will be higher leading to increased employment, higher disposable income, improved standard of living and overall economic stability.  Currently we have the fourth highest GDP in Africa, with South Africa holding the top spot.  While Nigeria has no divine right to have the continent’s highest GDP, our status as the most populous Black nation on Earth behoves us to deliver Africa’s best results politically, economically, socially, technologically, legally and environmentally.

    Nigeria is currently celebrated globally for our Afrobeats music and culture. 

    I believe the introduction of these vocational skills will make Nigeria celebrated globally for delivering the world’s best vocational services.  The evidence is in other areas we have conquered such as giving the world celebrated footballers, doctors, nurses, carers, and engineers, just to name a few professions.  Why can’t we give the world celebrated beekeepers, rabbit rearers, POP installers and plumbers?

    Making a decent living from being paid for delivering a service that has been learned gives the service provider extreme confidence: there is, indeed, dignity in labour.  Crimes will reduce, Nigeria will be safer because there will be more people working, and idleness will gradually be frowned upon. 

    •Obinna Inogbo,obinna.inogbo@yahoo.co.uk