The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • 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.

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    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.   

    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.

  • Whither Afenifere?

    Whither Afenifere?

    Sir: Since the return to civil rule in 1999, Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organization has suffered series of set-backs that have impeded its effectiveness. Foremost among Afenifere’s series of setbacks was the emergence of splinter groups – a development that has weakened the bond of amity and peaceful coexistence that hitherto characterized the organization since its founding.

    The Afenifere Renewal Group, a breakaway splinter group by the organisation’s former Secretary General, Wale Oshun seems to have created irreparable vacuum;  a formidable personality that has the capacity to even lead the organization to the future.

    Then there was the sudden death of the publicity secretary, Yinka Odumakin. His death, a couple of years ago, seems to have ruined the vibrancy and fervency of the Afenifere, such that one wonders if the organization is still on course especially in its socio-cultural roles. As a result of the disagreement between incumbent leader, Pa Fasoranti and elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Odumakin’s successor, Jare Ajayi appears to be completely hamstrung to perform the duty of the publicity secretary of the organization.

    At the age of 90 and above, Chief Fasonranti is already constrained to perform the duty of the office of the leader of Afenifere effectively and nobody seems to be filling the gap. Such vacuum constitutes a dent on the psyche of the organization and a rob on the numerous Yorubas who look on to the Afenifere to provide one succour or the other in an interdependent society like ours.

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    In order to restore sanity to the Afenifere as a socio-cultural organization, there must be a review of its constitution to permit a rotational leadership, to be elected for a period of five years of one term tenure-ship.

    This is the practice in Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Arewa. The six states of southwest geo-political zone should be given each the deputy leadership position. The position of all other offices too should be rotational and with fixed term of five years.

    The idea of a life-time leader of Afenifere should be discountenanced after the exit of the incumbent, Chief Rueben Fasonranti. The idea of rotational leadership will give room for young and vibrant individuals to aspire to be president as against the present gerontocracy.

    Whoever is the leader of Afenifere stands as Yoruba leader and all hands must be on deck to support the leadership as the representative of the race among other socio-cultural groups in the country.

    •Sunday Olagunju,Ibadan, Oyo State.

  • Tax reform of many controversies

    Tax reform of many controversies

    Sir: As the year 2024 drew to a close, the political climate was engulfed with conversations and counter conversations on the  proposed tax reform bill that is currently being considered by the National Assembly. The tax reform bill, a brain child of the executive arm of the government has been seen to hold the prospect for major changes in the Nigerian tax system by some, while others see it as another divisive instrument in letters.

    On the positive side, one of the major purposes of the bill is to reform Nigeria’s tax system particularly its colonial components as it is deemed unfavorable and requires reform, hence plundering the nation into revenue losses leading to slow pace of development.

    As part of the efforts of President’s Bola Tinubu’s administration in addressing some existential challenges confronting Nigeria, he inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms on August 8, 2023 with a challenging mission – to examine the existing system of taxes and determine modifications that seem necessary. The committee has since pushed forward its ideas in a piece of legislation believed to be suitable in modernizing the existing tax system. Fundamentally, the reforms are to bring fairness to the taxation system in a way that is most appropriate to the economic status of the country. Thus, the goal of the bill is to achieve a more accurate distribution of the VAT between the regions, and consequently contribute to economic development in the states. The reform bill predicts efficiency of collections of revenues as another benefit, while integrating informal sector that dominates the Nigerian economy but has been an avoidant in the remittance of taxes. This will create an opportunity to widen the tax base to spur the lasting development of the nation and the well-being of the populace.

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    The Northern Governors Forum has vehemently condemned the bill.  The governors urged NASS to pull the bill to enable them to seek broader consultation. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and some political activists are equally opposed to the bill urging that the bill be withdrawn for adequate national consultation, claiming that the current proposals can worsen the concentration of income and result in massive inequality.

    Truth is – the legislation, if passed could in many ways promote economic growth, especially through the formation of a stable and predictable fiscal environment. The growth in the tax wedge is likely to lead to better results in terms of tax collection which can be spent to create a more affluent society.

    However, the negative perceptions the bill has attracted may have affected the mind of some citizens who may have aligned with the assumptions attributed to it that – the taxes paid by individuals and businesses will have to go up. Though the idea behind the bill is to expand the tax net, there is the fear that it may subsequently result in the introduction of new taxes.

    While the tax reform bill has the potential to revitalize the economy, if businesses view this as an attempt to impose heavier burden on them, then investment will be discouraged and the economy will not grow. This aspect is worrisome for Nigeria more than anything since it depends on FDI to power development and provide people with employment opportunities.

    Given the above, it goes without saying that a comprehensive and equitable tax reform needs to have the willingness of all regions and stakeholders. Healthy debates as well as consultations among and between all stakeholders will be highly pertinent so that the bill will bring good change to the country as a whole when implemented.

    •Michael Olaogun,Abuja.

  • Tasks before Alaafin Owoade

    Tasks before Alaafin Owoade

    Sir: After three years of waiting, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has finally announced the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo kingdom, with the Staff of Office presented to him, and formal coronation ceremony scheduled for four weeks’ time after the king would have emerged from seclusion.

     Meanwhile, it’s pointless to dwell on how we arrived here particularly the challenges and travails the people of the ancient kingdom, Oyo Mesi, and other stakeholders went through in getting to this defining point.

    Valuable time have already been wasted in the past three years, so, the people must all rally round the king as soon as he concludes the traditional rites so that he could settle down to attend to numerous issues and challenges on the ground.   

    For decades, the ancient town has suffered infrastructural neglect. Besides the road that connects Owode to the palace and perhaps the Ibadan expressway that links Sabo and Oranyan Grammar School axis, no notable road exists in the entire kingdom that could be referred to as modern and of contemporary standard.

    Without infrastructural facilities, no worthy investor, be it local or foreign would invest in the kingdom.

    It is what it is. It’s no brainer!

    Topmost on the priority of the monarch must be the need to connect the relevant state and federal authorities, and even, wealthy private individuals to link the nooks and crannies of the ancient town together with good roads.  

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    Historically, the Afijios-Ilora, Awe, Fiditi and Akinmorin are integral part of the kingdom. If issues and challenges had reared their ugly heads to temporarily separate and dismember them from the kingdom, Alaafin Owoade must move swiftly as soon as his reign commences, with the aims and objectives of cultivating them and bringing them back into the fold. They are part of the kingdom. 

    Indeed, the Afijios needs to be part of the kingdom for developmental purposes and the new era would indeed be mutually beneficial.

    After all, Lagos would never have attained the greatness and lofty pedestal it is presently, without Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry, Lagos Island.

     I encourage the new monarch to be apolitical; deep involvement of the new king’s immediate predecessor in politics underdeveloped the kingdom. The ancient town became polarized and segmented into different groups for period that Alaafin Adeyemi’s reign lasted, with plethora of diversionary issues that sometimes grounded the cause of governance in the kingdom.  

    This significantly affected the development of the ancient town in all ramifications.

    Of course, it cannot be gainsaid that Oyo has fallen behind Ogbomoso and Iseyin in the pecking order of development. This is very unfortunate considering the historical and traditional status of the kingdom.

    I wish to alert Kabiyesi that the kingdom already has enough of schools. We have them aplenty. What the kingdom needs now are entrepreneurial initiatives, in form of small and medium scale enterprises/ventures that would accommodate and empower teeming Oyo youths that have graduated from these institutions.    

    With the help of infrastructures and educational committees which I expect him to set up amongst other committees that would come alive during his reign, Kabiyesi can reach out to development banks across the country and even, international agencies to partner with the ancient town in this respect to bring development to them.

    On a related note, the revival and restoration of Technical College, Awe should be paramount. The college, presently in extinction should be revived to accommodate youths with desire for vocational training in ICT, engineering, carpentry, tailoring, building & construction, etc.      

    Finally, as Alaafin Owoade would be settling down for business after his coronation, it’s essential for him to start giving priority to the organisation of Oyo Kingdom Day every year. This is an event that has the potential to draw Oyo indigenes home and abroad to the ancient town for a yearly get-together. The kingdom needs this to herald prosperity, growth and development, and more importantly to draw home many that have been hitherto alienated from the community.                    

    •Kola Amzat (FCA, FCIB)Lagos.

  • It’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day

    It’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day

    • By Nosimot Soneye

    Sir: The Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) is a solemn annual event held every January 15. It commemorates the valour and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces– both active service members and veterans- as well as those who paid the ultimate price. It also honours the veterans of World Wars and the Nigerian Civil War. These heroes gave their sweat, their blood, and, for many, their lives, all to secure a better future where peace and justice could thrive.

    AFRD is more than just a day to wear symbolic poppies or attend parades. It is an opportunity to recognize the profound sacrifices made for the nation’s betterment. These heroes, past and present, remind us of the price paid for our sovereignty and the freedom we often take for granted.

    However, remembrance should not end with ceremony and speeches. Behind every fallen soldier is a family left to grapple with their absence. These families, often thrust into hardship, bear the weight of their loved one’s sacrifice. For some, the breadwinner is gone, leaving children unable to continue schooling or families unable to make ends meet.

    While the government has made efforts to support these families, it is clear that no government can do it alone. Private organizations and individuals must rise to the occasion. Empowerment programs, educational scholarships, and reserved employment opportunities for the families of fallen heroes can make a world of difference.

    Widows of fallen soldiers, for instance, deserve tailored programs that enable them to provide for their children and sustain their households. Similarly, the children of these heroes should be guaranteed access to quality education and meaningful employment, ensuring their future is secure.

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    Research has revealed countless untold stories of hardship among these families-stories of resilience despite dire circumstances. It is our collective responsibility to ensure these stories become ones of hope and support.

    As citizens, we must ask ourselves: What role can we play in ensuring our heroes’ labour is not in vain? Beyond government initiatives, individual acts of kindness, donations, and advocacy can go a long way in cushioning the effects of their loss. Let us extend a helping hand wherever possible, be it through mentorship, financial assistance, or emotional support.

    This occasion challenges us to uphold the ideals for which these heroes fought – peace, justice, and unity. It reminds us that the true tribute to their sacrifices is striving for a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding rather than violence and war.

    By honouring the sacrifices of our service members and supporting their families, we ensure their legacies live on. Let us commit to being a part of this effort, creating a society where their labour is not in vain.

    • Nosimot Soneye,

     Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

  • EU deforestation: Why the government must act now

    EU deforestation: Why the government must act now

    By Omotayo Mampouya

      The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), initially set to take effect in December 2024, has been deferred for another year and will take effect from December 31, 2025.

      This crucial regulation is driven by growing global concern on issues such as the environmental impact of deforestation. The EUDR covers a range of key agricultural commodities, including cocoa, coffee, soya, palm oil, cattle, wood, rubber, and their derived products.

      When the regulation goes into effect, it will no longer be permitted to place applicable products on the EU market or export them from the EU unless they meet the following conditions:

      • They are “deforestation-free.”

      • Their production complies with the applicable laws of the country of origin.

      • They are accompanied by a due diligence statement confirming that the risk of non-compliance is negligible.

      While this regulation applies in the EU, it is important to note that it has implications for countries like Nigeria, an exporter of many of these commodities to the EU.

      Using the cocoa sector as a reference, Nigeria operates a free market unlike in countries like Ghana where the market is regulated. The implication of this is that the responsibility of EUDR compliance primarily falls on individual cocoa exporting companies in Nigeria.

      Meeting EUDR standards requires compliance efforts such as setting up comprehensive traceability systems with tasks such as polygon mapping – tasks that are both expensive and complex. Without a centralized database for cocoa and other relevant commodities, exporters struggle to manage this alone. This decentralized approach creates an uneven playing field and risks hindering the competitiveness of Nigerian exports.

      Yet, there are several other significant challenges in complying with EUDR which includes fragmented supply chains, limited data digitization, and limited technology adoption among farmers which hinder the effective tracking of commodities from farm to export.

      Land tenure issues, limited access to technology also pose significant obstacles. All these challenges, if not addressed effectively, could severely impact Nigeria’s ability to maintain its export market share to the EU and could potentially lead to significant economic losses for the agricultural sector.

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      The government has allocated ₦826.5 billion (about $85.6 million) for agriculture in the 2025 budget. Considering that cocoa and other EUDR-covered commodities are among Nigeria’s top exports, generating significant revenue and foreign exchange, it is imperative that the government prioritize their long-term sustainability.

      It is therefore very essential that a good percentage of this is earmarked for EUDR compliance. This strategic investment will not only safeguard Nigeria’s access to the lucrative European market but also bolster the overall competitiveness and resilience of the agricultural sector.

      Thus, the government must prioritize the establishment of a centralized, accessible database to document and monitor all commodity farms. Such a system will form the cornerstone of effective traceability and comprehensive risk assessment.

      While some exporting companies have independently initiated similar systems, it is imperative for the government, through relevant agencies, to develop a robust framework that consolidates and enhances these efforts. By leveraging existing initiatives, this unified and standardized platform will ensure consistency, reduce duplication and reduce the financial burden on these companies.

      The EUDR presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

      By proactively addressing these challenges through strategic government investment that fosters robust public-private partnerships, and embracing innovative technological solutions, Nigeria will not only ensure its continued access to the European market but also drive sustainable agricultural development and enhance the livelihoods of its farming communities.

      • Omotayo Mampouya – <blandine0327@yahoo.com>

    • Nkwelle Ezunaka – Anambra government must intervene

      Nkwelle Ezunaka – Anambra government must intervene

      • By Chukwuemeka S. Ifemekwe

      Sir: Although Anambra state is unsafe because of general insecurity of lives and property, more than a decade has seen lots of kidnappings and road-robberies at Nkwelle-Ezunaka. Is Nkwelle Ezunaka a town to be avoided by people, feared or dreaded, given the strings of kidnappings, and robberies that have bedevilled that part of the state for some time now?

      Indeed, this is a question that the entire community – starting from the Igwe in Council, the town’s President General (PG) to the last person in the town – should be able to answer or at least ponder. This perilous situation, if left unaddressed, could equal what has been going on at Ihiala, Okija, Azia, Orsumoghu and environs in recent times.

      Have there been kidnappings and killings at Nkwelle Ezunaka in the past and of recent? Who are the culprits and perpetrators? Who are their enablers? Who are their victims?

      It is unsurprising that many residents and visitors have been leaving Nkwelle-Ezunaka to other safer towns and neighbouring states over the past few months and even now. Most of the people leave to save their lives and those of their family members. Also, some others do so partly under the impression and allegation that a few devious indigenes who sell their lands to unsuspecting investors, connive with criminals or secretly collude with kidnappers to molest, kidnap and perhaps get their money doubly back from their innocent clients. Unfortunately, it is difficult to know whether this allegation, claim or impression is true or false, especially, when kidnappings, killings and robberies have continued unabated or insufficiently checked by the entire town, and particularly by the vigilantes. The only solution is for the town’s union to declare a zero tolerance on kidnappings and robberies at Nkwelle-Ezunaka. The same should apply to every town in Anambra State.

      The natives and indigenes of this otherwise good town should figure out how best to address this searing problem expeditiously to abate and dowse people’s fears and worries.

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      I make bold to stress that Nkwelle-Ezunaka natives must do something without delay to clean up their undeserving and ill-attained notoriety as potential captains of kidnapping and killing in that part of Anambra State. Everything must be done rapidly by the natives to show the public that Nkwelle-Ezunaka is a good town that is welcoming to visitors and people of goodwill who intend to live, invest, promote or help the indigenes further its development as an emerging and promising business city in Anambra State. They must show that Nkwelle-Ezunaka is safe and secure for motorists, travellers and passers-by. They must do something quickly to correct this trending and viral impression as only a mistaken identity.

      One wonders if the local vigilantes, conferred with the responsibility of protecting lives and property, have any good news or message to share with the public to regain public trust, if there is still any. They must show that none of them has a hand in kidnapping, robbery or car-snatching. These heinous crimes and nefarious practices, especially kidnappings, have since affected motorists who ply key Nkwelle-Ezunaka roads for business, personal, professional function or pleasure. If these crimes are left immediately unchecked, it may soon become almost impossible to travel from Onitsha to Awka or Enugu through Nkwelle-Ezunaka without running into kidnappers, armed robbers or car-snatchers, who prowl and roam in vehicles looking for their preys and victims.

      Because of the serious nature of kidnappings going on in this part of the state, it is high time the federal and state governments intervened urgently. It is imperative that they heavily engage the presence of the military, the mobile or secret police who can effectively do their job both in official and civilian uniforms to save lives and property not only at Nkwelle-Ezunaka but also in the entire Anambra State. While it is long overdue for relevant security agents to raid every bush, forest and jungle in Nkwelle-Ezunaka and other dangerous areas in the state, vigilantes of every town in the state should also be more organized, well-coordinated and sincerely committed to do a better job without frauds.

      While every town knows how best to put an end to kidnappings, robberies and killings in their lands, vigilantes in Anambra State should work as a team, gather and share intelligence together but free of sabotage. Above all, they should be sufficiently equipped, mandated and compelled as soon as possible by the government to openly and frequently range corners, rove the roads and patrol the streets. This measure will particularly help them reassure Nkwelle-Ezunaka indigenes, visitors and travellers of security and safety. Most importantly, the same approach will also help rid towns in Anambra State of unscrupulous and villainous elements. 

       •Chukwuemeka S. Ifemekwe,

      Lagos 

    • Kano: Sour grapes or looming blast?

      Kano: Sour grapes or looming blast?

      Only time will tell if sacked Secretary to the Kano State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, indeed has an ace up his sleeves or he was making an empty boast in bitterness over his displacement from the nexus of power in Kano.

      Bichi lately threatened to release evidence that will expose those he described as betrayers in the state. He didn’t name names. But you needn’t be a genius to know he was talking about his former principal, State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and other potentates in the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) including Yusuf’s mentor and former state governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

      The axe fell on Bichi in December 2024 with his removal by Governor Yusuf as SSG, along with the governor’s Chief of Staff (CoS) and five commissioners. Erstwhile Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Ladidi Garko returned as Head of Civil Service Commission, while sacked CoS Shehu Wada Sagagi returned as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry. There was no such reprieve for the SSG.

      Bichi’s troubles predated his sack as SSG in December. His strained relationship  with Governor Yusuf and the NNPP establishment came to light with his suspension from the party in October 2024 along with then Transportation Commissioner Muhammad Diggol. In announcing their suspension, State NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa said the measure followed multiple complaints the party received from leaderships at the ward and council levels of the party. “The party cannot tolerate actions that undermine its leadership and structure,” he noted.

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      Shorn of political diplomatese, Bichi was accused of being the arrowhead of a movement that sought the governor’s independence from Kwankwaso’s overbearing mentorship. As a frontliner in the Kwankwasiyya movement, he played a pivotal role in the 2023 poll that brought Yusuf in as Kano governor. But he apparently overreached with his crusade for Yusuf’s independence.

      In his first public comment since removal as SSG, Bichi accused state leaders of betrayal and deceit. In a viral video clip that showed him addressing supporters upon his return from Saudi Arabia, he said: “I’m happy I left office in peace. I am done with the work in good faith; but this is not the best time to talk, even though I have documents, videos and voice notes that will show everyone who they really are. At the right time, we will expose them.” The former SSG added: “God crossed our path with people who are not trustworthy. The time will come when we will bring things out for people to hear and understand who they are. They are not to be trusted, they don’t know anything but deceit and betrayal.”

      Bichi’s threat fuelled speculations as to whether another political storm would shortly break out in Kano. Only time will tell he isn’t a defused political force just idly grandstanding.

    • Whose interest is Ohanaeze Ndigbo serving?

      Whose interest is Ohanaeze Ndigbo serving?

      Sir: Ethnic socio-cultural groups protect the interests of ethnic groups in multifarious ethnic settings. In some instances, the people entrust some privileged individuals with the mandate to protect their interests and serve as their voice in the political scheming in the country.

      The case of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a clear departure from what socio- cultural movements should be in agitating for a fair share in a country peopled by diverse ethnic interests. The group is a clear and perfect blend of plutocracy and aristocracy- a dangerous fusion feeding seriously and capitalising on the weakness of the rest of the Igbo nation to negotiate for a fair share in the power and other distributions in the Nigerian polity to feather nest of privileged members and equally line their pockets.

      It’s a clear interpretation of John Pepper Clark’s “Casualties”, whereby those sent on emissary missions in a dire situation such as war decided to satisfy their comfort at the expense of hunger- ravaged citizenry at home. What a total show of shame?

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      Ohanaeze Ndigbo is an apt interpretation of the paradox “divided we stand”. It’s also an obvious demonstration that the actors in the set up can never agree to collapse their selfish interests for the good of the Igbo nation. That is a clear reason why this structure has never for once in its history vehemently and successfully attacked and protested any injustice meted against the Igbo nation.

      Elections upon elections, parallel governments, diverse interests; at whose peril? The peril of the Igbo nation. Threats of contesting election outcomes in the law court at whose peril? All at the peril of the Igbo nation. Allegations of astronomical nomination processes and short-changing of candidates in the process at whose peril? At the peril of the Igbo nation!

      For me Ohanaeze Ndigbo has outlived its usefulness and it is high time Igbo nation tries the proverbial next door.

      •Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu,<keshiafrica@gmail.com>

    • Why legal aid matters

      Why legal aid matters

      Sir: Legal aid is the foundation of any society that seeks to promote justice, equality, and sustainable development. In Nigeria, where socio-economic inequality remains a critical challenge, with 63% of Nigeria’s population and roughly 133 million people who are multi-dimensionally poor, the provision of legal aid is not just a social necessity but a moral and constitutional obligation. Ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of financial status, has access to legal representation is essential to achieving our long-term developmental aspirations, harmony, peace, and happiness.

      In 1959, the International Commission of Jurists at its conference on the Rule of Law in a Free Society, in Delhi resolved that “equal access to law for the rich and poor alike is essential to the maintenance of the rule of law. It is therefore, essential to provide adequate legal advice and representation to all those threatened as to their life, liberty, property or reputation who are not able to pay for it”.

      The need for legal aid in Nigeria is profound, with staggering data from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, which indicates that over 60% of Nigerians require legal assistance but cannot afford it. These individuals are often among the most vulnerable in society, low-income earners, women, children, and people living with disabilities – who face legal challenges ranging from wrongful eviction and domestic violence to labour disputes and criminal accusations. Without access to proper legal representation, these citizens are left without a voice in the justice system, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, disenfranchisement, and social exclusion.

      More broadly, legal aid is intrinsically tied to Nigeria’s subscription to the sustainable development agenda. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16 calls for the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions. Nigeria cannot achieve this goal without strengthening our legal aid framework and institutional capacity to deliver on equal access to justice. Access to legal services enables citizens to resolve disputes peacefully, hold government officials accountable, and protect their fundamental rights.

      According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, as at October 2024, 56,973 inmates were awaiting trial, which is the majority of the prison population. 40% of inmates in Nigerian prisons are indigent citizens who cannot afford legal representation. A strong legal aid system will help reduce prison overcrowding, reduce the violation of inmates’ constitutional rights and also help minimize n unnecessary burden placed on the country’s correctional facilities and resources. Expanding access to legal aid would help decongest prisons, ensure fair trials, and reduce the strain on the criminal justice system. Beyond the correctional and detention centres, in rural areas across Nigeria, where there is little or no presence of government services, the police, schools, health centres and legal aid services are essential to safeguarding public order, safety and advancement of communities.

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      Strong leadership is crucial in implementing the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria’s institutional mandates. It requires visionary leaders at all levels and structures of the system, who are committed to aligning legal aid services with national and subnational policies, including President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve the welfare of Nigerians and promote inclusive development. Legal aid is central to achieving the agenda’s goals of reducing poverty, promoting equality, and fostering social cohesion.

      Nigeria must invest in strengthening the Legal Aid Council’s capacity to deliver services across the country. This involves creating innovative initiatives that invites more legal practitioners to volunteer, providing adequate funding, building valuable collaborations, and leveraging technology to expand access to legal aid services in rural and underserved areas. Public-private partnerships can also play a significant role in bridging the gap, with law firms, non-governmental organizations, and corporate bodies collaborating to provide pro bono legal services to those in need, and creating a national recognition and honour system for pro bono lawyers and organizations who are truly committed to legal aid in underserved communities in Nigeria.

      We must all recognize that legal aid is not just a legal service, it is a social contract that binds the government and its citizens in the pursuit of justice and equality. It is a critical tool for empowering marginalized groups, promoting the rule of law, and ensuring that no one is left behind in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development. As Nigeria moves forward, prioritizing access to justice through legal aid will not only strengthen our democratic foundations but also secure our future as a just, fair, and inclusive society for everyone.

      •Ekpa Stanley Ekpa,ekpastanleyekpa@gmail.com