The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidency: Why the cap fits Okiro

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo presidency: Why the cap fits Okiro

    Sir: In a nation where leadership is often tested by both internal and external challenges, the need for a unifying force within the Igbo community has never been more pressing. As Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, searches for leadership to address the many daunting issues confronting the region, one name stands tall: Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, IGP (Retd). Hailing from Egbema in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Okiro possesses the experience, foresight, and leadership required to reintegrate the Igbo nation into the mainstream of Nigerian politics and governance, in a manner that promotes peace, security, and national unity.

    Okiro’s career is nothing short of meteoric, having risen to the pinnacle of law enforcement in Nigeria as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). His tenure as IGP was marked by a series of ground breaking reforms and accomplishments that earned him widespread respect and recognition within and outside the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). More than just a leader in name, Okiro led from the front in addressing some of Nigeria’s most dangerous and persistent problems—cultism and terrorism. During his time as IGP, he masterminded key operations that drastically reduced the activities of criminal syndicates and terrorists, restoring a measure of stability to various regions of Nigeria.

    The challenges that Ohanaeze Ndigbo faces today are more profound than any that Nigeria has witnessed in recent memory. The region stands at a crossroads, grappling with the critical task of reintegration into the heart of Nigerian politics. This reintegration is further complicated by the growing agitation for secession, spearheaded by groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). At the same time, key figures in the struggle for Igbo self-determination remain incarcerated, and there is an increasingly vocal question regarding the safety and future of the Igbo within Nigeria’s current political structure.

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    In these turbulent times, Okiro’s leadership experience and proven crisis-management skills make him uniquely suited to tackle these complex issues. His deep understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges, his demonstrated ability to mediate between competing interests and his unparalleled experience in human management provide him with the tools necessary to bring peace to the Southeast and beyond.

    Okiro’s career demonstrates his capacity to lead in moments of tension and crisis. His tenure as IGP saw him navigate the difficult terrain of national security while ensuring that the rights and concerns of different ethnic groups, including the Igbo, were respected. He has never been one to shy away from confronting uncomfortable truths or making difficult decisions. This resolve, coupled with his unwavering belief in national unity, would serve him well in leading the Igbo nation through its current struggles. His brand of leadership is grounded in dialogue, consensus-building, and above all, justice.

    The current leadership vacuum within Ohaneze Ndigbo requires a visionary who can engage with the broader Nigerian political elite, confront the issues of marginalization and insecurity head-on, and work toward a sustainable and inclusive future for the Igbo people.

    At the core of Okiro’s leadership is his deep commitment to the ideals of peace and security. His vast experience in law enforcement and human resource management gives him a distinct advantage when it comes to handling the internal challenges facing the Southeast. Whether it is addressing the rise in criminality, mitigating the divisive rhetoric surrounding calls for secession, or ensuring the well-being of Igbo people living across Nigeria, Okiro has the ability to chart a course toward long-lasting peace and stability. Furthermore, his deep understanding of Nigeria’s diverse socio-political landscape will be invaluable in reconciling the Igbo with other ethnic groups within the country. His message of unity and inclusivity could serve as the bridge that heals the divisions between the Igbo and the Nigerian state.

    With his vision, integrity, and unmatched dedication to peace, Okiro can lead Igbo people toward a future of security, empowerment, and prosperity within a united Nigeria. The time has come for Ohanaeze Ndigbo to embrace a leader with the pedigree, skills, and drive to tackle the pressing issues of the day—Sir Mike Mbama Okiro. Let us rally behind his candidacy for the good of the Igbo people and Nigeria at large.

    •Clarius Ugwuoha,Egbema, Rivers State.

  • Prison lessons

    Prison lessons

    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.   

    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.

    Importantly, the police and the Nigerian Correctional Service need to learn lessons from the interview. He said: “I will advise the police to be responsible and civil in discharging their duties…The police should try as much as possible to investigate thoroughly and weigh the level of offence before rushing to try suspects in court.

    “Police should also prioritise reforming suspects with minor offences instead of sending them to prison to meet hardened criminals who will make their lives complicated. I have seen a lot of instances where those who went to jail on trumped-up charges and minor crimes became hardened criminals after they left prison.”  He added: “Police and courts should consider the implications of throwing minors and small offenders into prison.”

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    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.” 

    He also claimed that “many innocent people are languishing in prisons,” saying, “One of the innocent souls inside the prison is Seun, a young boy like me from Ekiti. He said he went to join his bricklayer brothers on site after school so they would all return home together on the day he was arrested by the police, who claimed that they were responsible for a robbery case in the area.

    “He was 15 years old when he was arrested. They kept him in a juvenile home till he clocked 18 before he was tried and sentenced to death by hanging. There is another case of someone who was convicted of receiving a stolen generator; he has been in custody since 1999 till now. Many things are happening inside the prison.”

  • Ogoni clean-up and the orgy of dereliction

    Ogoni clean-up and the orgy of dereliction

    • By Kene Obiezu

    Sir: In 2017, the administration of former president Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the cleanup of Ogoni. The inauguration which attracted widespread attention was well publicized. However, more than five years down the line, it appears it was only a public relationsexercise to score cheap political points.

    According to leaked UN documents cited by the Associated Press, the project has largely failed to get off the ground.

    In the years since the clean-up was commissioned to much fanfare, oil has continued to run into water in Ogoni with laughably little done to clean up the almighty mess. Now, the cause may have finally been revealed with corruption — that chillingly familiar monster, and nauseating incompetence — fingered for the failings of the exercise.

    There is very little doubt about it: just like the terrorism chewing up and spitting out the North, the environmental crisis in the Niger Delta region has become a proper cash cow for many of Nigeria’s pain profiteers.

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    The question is:if the $1billion sunk into cleaning up Ogoni  have not been properly utilized or utilized at all to alleviate the pains of the long-suffering people of the Niger Delta and restore their land, what was the money used for and what, must now be the lot of the benefactors at the hands of the Nigerian state?

    What has the Hydrocarbons Pollution and Remediation Project (HYPREP), the agency set up to facilitate the clean-up done since it was set up?

    It is beyond unfortunate that Nigeria’s tale of nature’s generosity in the Niger Delta has been ferociously matched by a tide of mismanagement. Mismanagement of oil resources leading to devastatingly harmful spillage and gas flaring; mismanagement of oil revenues resulting in monumental corruption, and mismanagement of the oil narrative leading to a calamitous loss of face for the Nigerian state and oil industry.

    Isn’t the joke on Nigeria that multinational oil companies have turned the country into expansive laboratories, as exposed by a series of litigation and judicial pronouncements?

    For years, Nigeria has catastrophically failed to manage its oil resources well. The consequences are ripe for generations to munch.

    To save what is, to protect what is left, Nigeria must commit to doing more. It is the least it can do in the face of nature’s beneficence.

    •Kene Obiezu,

    keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • France, Africa and the new world

    France, Africa and the new world

    • By Zayyad I. Muhammad

    Sir: Millions of Africans have emigrated to Europe, America, and other parts of the world. This emigration is driven by both push and pull factors — economic challenges, political instability, conflicts, and the pursuit of better job opportunities and more accessible social services.

    Despite often being stringent in their immigration policies, receiving countries have found ways to benefit from this influx. They tap into the labour, expertise, and talent of these migrants. Rather than solely viewing immigration as a burden, many of these nations recognize the potential gains from incorporating skilled and unskilled labour into their economies.

    In recent years, several West African countries have reassessed and severed their military ties with France. Notable examples include Mali in 2022, Burkina Faso in January 2023, Niger Republic in 2024, Chad in November 2024, Senegal in December 2024, and Ivory Coast in December 2024. These moves signal a significant shift in regional dynamics, as these nations seek to assert greater sovereignty and explore alternative partnerships. Some have terminated defence agreements outright, while others are exploring new international collaborations.

    International relations experts see these developments as pivotal. However, they caution that without concrete plans for mutual benefits, these countries might merely replace one foreign power with another. For instance, in Niger Republic, the Russian presence, along with the mercenary group, Wagner, has not brought substantial change. Wagner’s operations in several African nations, such as Mali, have drawn criticism, with human rights groups accusing its forces of severe abuses.

    Reuters reported that: “French President Emmanuel Macron recently expressed frustration over the perceived lack of acknowledgment from certain African nations regarding France’s military interventions in the Sahel region. Speaking at a foreign policy conference with French ambassadors, Macron claimed that some African leaders had “rewritten history” concerning France’s role in combating Islamist militants since 2013. He argued that without French military support, these states might have lost their sovereignty.

    However, officials from countries like Chad and Senegal have pushed back, asserting that their decisions to expel French troops were made independently and in the best interest of their nations. Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah criticized Macron’s remarks as disrespectful, while Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko emphasized that Senegal’s decision was made without any negotiation with France”.

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    For Africa to progress, its leaders must define the continent’s needs, recognize its current position, and set a clear direction for the future. Africa must move beyond the outdated narrative that external forces are the primary obstacles to its development. The global landscape has evolved, and Africa must engage with international partners on a basis of mutual respect and benefit.

    For example, France and Nigeria have excellent trade relationship, with Nigeria serving as France’s leading trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. So, if as particular country sees the French as a bottleneck, it would be wrong to expect Nigeria to do so.

    If countries like France, China, Russia, or the United States etc. want to invest in Africa, they must do so with clear, mutually beneficial agreements. African resources should be processed on African soil, ensuring that the continent gains more than just raw material exports. Africa needs technology transfer, expertise, and infrastructure development that can foster sustainable growth.

    Africa must adopt a global perspective and interact with nations based on their strengths in areas like United Nations status, military power, industrial capacity, the presence of African Diasporas, trade volumes, and financial influence. Only through strategic, well-negotiated partnerships can Africa harness its full potential and assert its rightful place in the global arena.

    •Zayyad I. Muhammad,

    Abuja.

  • Taming the menace of out-of-school children

    Taming the menace of out-of-school children

    • By Frank Ojeme Anyasi

    Sir: Many children across Nigeria lack access to education, a deeply concerning issue that presents a formidable challenge to the country’s future. The out-of-school children are not only deprived of opportunities but the problem poses a great threat to national development. Education equips individuals with knowledge and skills to cope with the daily challenges of life and reduces poverty in families and communities. Without it, children are denied the chance to attain their full potential.

    The prospects of a nation’s economic growth and stability depend significantly on an educated population. Development experts identify education as a major solution to Nigeria’s challenges, including poverty. Unfortunately, children from poor families are the hardest hit, facing social stigma, limited job opportunities, lower incomes, and a higher likelihood of involvement in criminal activities.

    In recognition of the transformative power of education, the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 proclaimed January 24 as the International Day of Education. Education transcends basic literacy and numeracy skills, fostering empathy, tolerance, and intercultural understanding. It is a right of the individual, a public good, and a shared responsibility. Education breaks the shackles of ignorance and poverty, empowers individuals, and provides the tools needed to build a better future.

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    As UN Secretary-General António Guterres once remarked, “Our dream of a sustainable future cannot be realized if we do not support children’s dreams to gain an education.” When we educate a child, we provide the skills and imagination needed to transform their world and improve society.

    However, the situation of child education in Nigeria is alarming. The number of out-of-school children has risen from 13.5 million to 18.3 million, making Nigeria the country with the highest population of out-of-school children globally (UNICEF). Various factors contribute to this crisis, including insecurity, poverty, and cultural barriers. Gender disparity also plays a significant role, with girls constituting 60% of out-of-school children. Many are forced into early marriage or domestic roles before acquiring basic education. Boys are often seen as sources of labour on farms or during family conflicts, further limiting their access to schooling.

    In many parts of the country, young boys who should be in school are involved in menial jobs such as motorcycling (Okada riding) and truck pushing, while others engage in illegal mining activities at great personal risk. Climate change exacerbates the situation, as declining agricultural productivity pushes children out of school to support their families.

    The absence of accessible schools in remote communities compounds the problem. A friend once shared his struggle of walking miles daily to attend secondary school in a neighbouring village—a challenge still faced by many children today. Additionally, poor teaching quality undermines the potential benefits of education, with some children after completing years of schooling still unable to read or solve basic mathematics problems.

    In 2004, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) was established to increase access to quality education for all Nigerian children. However, its implementation has fallen short of expectations, especially in reducing the number of out-of-school children. While enrolment has increased, retention remains a challenge, leaving many children trapped in poverty and limited opportunities.

    Addressing the issue requires intentional efforts and commitment to fully implement universal basic education programmes. In this era of digital transformation, leveraging technology can help bridge the education gap. Governments must prioritize free and accessible education up to the secondary school level, removing the financial barriers that often hinder school attendance.

    Investing in education is akin to setting the building blocks of Nigeria’s future. Ensuring free and quality education reduces the likelihood of youth engaging in nefarious activities and fosters a generation of informed, capable, and responsible citizens. Non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders must collaborate to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has access to education.

    Nigeria cannot afford to overlook the looming threat posed by an uneducated generation. The correlation between education and economic progress is undeniable. By prioritizing education, the country can transform its youth into a force for positive change and national development. After all, solving any social problem for the long term must go through the pathway of education.

    •Frank Ojeme Anyasi,

    Abuja.

  • Mele Kyari at a time like this

    Mele Kyari at a time like this

    • By Tayo Williams

    Time is not stopping today, Wednesday, January 8, when Mele Kolo Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, turns 60. It only moves sideways for the turnaround expert to be feted and felicitated for turning excellence, resilience, vision, patriotism, dynamism, and a boots-on-the-ground leadership style into an art form.

    In a few years of heading the corporation, Kyari has re-jigged and repositioned it for efficiency and effectiveness, expunged ‘fuel scarcity’ from the end-of-the-year lexicography of Nigerians, entrenched transparency, and taken bold decisions for the collective good.

    Despite the headwinds of international oil politics, home-grown challenges like insecurity, sabotage by industry players, crude oil theft with the attendant negative effect on the revenue accruable to the nation, and pipeline vandalism among others, the University of Maiduguri-trained geologist has waded through the odds with the courage of a knight and the confidence of a champion while working his way into the pantheon of Nigeria’s most prodigious citizens.

    He has also helped in no small measures to restore hope in the Nigerian economy with his concatenation of ingenious and innovative interventions, which undergird the compassion and concern of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Nigerian people.

    Though it is not yet Uhuru, the NNPCL is no longer what it used to be. Kyari’s tenacious spirit and mulish resolve to excel where others have failed over the past three decades have paid off with many robust milestones but two are most significant for every Nigerian; the declaration of N3.3trillion profit for the first time in its 46-year history, and the rejuvenation of the old Port Harcourt Refinery last November and the Warri Refinery in December.

    In November, the NNPCL announced the “safe and successful restart of the 60,000 barrels-per-day Old Port Harcourt Refinery,” which it stated marks a significant step forward after years of operational challenges and underperformance and also “signifies a new era of energy independence and economic growth for our nation.” 

    Though naysayers went to town disclaiming the news, saying the corporation was lying about the refinery working, community leaders, labour unions, civil society organisations, and stakeholders including former Group Managing Directors of the legacy NNPC have visited the refineries and praised Kyari for bringing them back to life.

    Even former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, commended the Kyari-led NNPCL for “fulfilling the long-standing promise of revamping the old Port Harcourt refinery… Nigerians now await the corresponding impact and benefits on pump prices and the overall economy.”

    On December 30, 2024 the NNPCL announced that the 150,000 bpd Warri Refinery, shut down in 2015 due to protracted but unsuccessful repairs, had been re-streamed. An excited President Tinubu lauded Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore national pride and making Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa. He said, “With the Warri Refinery now operating at 60% capacity, my administration’s comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security is entirely on course.”

    Nigeria aims to be a net exporter of petroleum, and Kyari is leading the charge. He has, thus, beamed his searchlight on dormant frontier basins like the Kolmani Oil Field II & III straddling Bauchi and Gombe states to monetise the huge oil and gas resources therein. The Kolmani Oil Field, OPL 809 and 810, in the Gongola Basin of the Upper Benue trough, is estimated to have a reserve of one billion barrels of crude oil. Concerted efforts have also been made to explore new basins including the Bida, Ogun, Anambra, and Sokoto basins.

    Importantly, the Kyari-led NNPCL is leveraging technology and innovation to achieve the goal of building an energy company of global excellence. Last December, the NNPCL unveiled its state-of-the-art Production Monitoring Command Centre (PMCC), a ground-breaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing hydrocarbon production monitoring and boosting operational efficiency across the oil and gas sector.

    According to the NNPC Ltd, the PMCC is designed to provide a centralized, real-time view of hydrocarbon production and transportation activities while ensuring the seamless integration of data and processes. By leveraging advanced analytics and predictive technologies, the PMCC addresses critical industry challenges and enhances decision-making capabilities for stakeholders.

    Before the PMCC, however, the NNPCL had established a control centre known as the Central Coordination, Data Integration, and Activation Control Room to provide surveillance of all the country’s oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta. Similar to that of Saudi Aramco, the national oil company of Saudi Arabia, the NNPC Data Control Centre uses video visibility to monitor the pipeline networks in the Niger Delta where more than 90 percent of the country’s crude is explored. Through the Data Control Centre, the NNPCL can see and monitor the movement of vessels on Nigeria’s territorial waters in real-time.

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    These measures had to be put in place because of the GCEO’s belief that the NNPCL can reach three or four million barrels per day but that some steps must be taken. He said, “Number one is to resolve security, which is very critical so that you can get back the confidence of investors. We have achieved that substantially, but there are still places that are supposed to be occupied; and that’s what we are working on to see that we can eliminate the security challenges we have, particularly in the Niger Delta region.”

    Before transitioning into a limited liability company, the NNPC was infamous for its opacity. However, that changed under Kyari who introduced new standards for corporate governance by making the financial statements accessible to the public thus fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders, including the public, investors, and international partners.

    The publication of the Monthly Financial and Operations Reports (MFOR), according to Kyari, underscores the corporation’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and open dialogue, which are fundamental to building public trust. This practice, the GCEO said, “places NNPCL in a unique position globally as the only national oil company that publishes its financial and operations reports every month. Such transparency not only enhances accountability but also provides valuable insights into NNPCL’s activities, performance, and strategic direction.”

    Further, Kyari enlisted the NNPCL with the global transparency body, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a Norway-based organisation that seeks to establish international standards for the good governance of oil, gas, and mineral resources while addressing the key governance issues in the extractive sectors. In its recent global assessment of the NNPCL, the EITI scored the corporation high for enhanced transparency and accountability standards, increased competitiveness, and concerted efforts in combating corruption in the global oil, gas, and mining sectors.

    Perhaps one of the more remarkable contributions of the Kyari-led NNPCL to cushioning the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians is taking the lead in the implementation of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiatives launched by President Tinubu to stimulate the economy, reduce carbon footprints, and provide cheaper alternative fuel to motorists. So far, the NNPCL has deployed many gas stations across Lagos and Abuja while one of its subsidiaries, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, has partnered with NIPCO Gas Limited to develop an Auto-CNG rollout plan for the construction of 35 CNG stations across Nigeria.

    Similarly, the NNPCL has made significant strides in the nation’s energy mix by signing the NLNG Train 7 project, which is expected to deliver over $20bn in revenue to the government and create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. The corporation has also entered into a turnkey Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) to construct the Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant project, which has been described as a game-changer in Nigeria’s power sector.

    The 1,350MW Combined Cycle Power Plant with auxiliaries and Balance of Plant located on 547 hectares of land in Gwagwalada, Abuja, is expected to generate between $700m and $800m annually within the first 10 years of operations. The project consists of three power train blocks of 450MW each. Each block will include two General Electric (GE) gas turbine generators, two heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), one steam turbine electric generator, one direct air-cooling condenser, a balance of plant equipment, and a black start diesel generator. Gas supply to the plant will be through the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project currently in an advanced stage of construction.

    These interventions, among many others, have not come without fierce pushback from the beneficiaries of the rot in the industry, but the Borno State native is no shrinking violet. He came well-acquitted to exorcise the demons in the system and so far, he is winning.

    Hence, as Kyari turns 60, there is no doubt that he has etched his name in gold in the annals of Nigeria for the initiatives that have helped to stamp out fuel queues across Nigeria, increased crude oil production, and guaranteed energy security among others. However, industry experts say Kyari’s work is not yet done and that a factor such as the primitive civil service retirement age should not be a cog in the progress made so far.

    •Williams is a Lagos-based media executive.

  • A make or mar year

    A make or mar year

    Sir: The first 18 months of Bola Tinubu’s presidency have been characterized by tough but necessary decisions.  From the removal of fuel subsidies to currency devaluation and tax reforms, his administration has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of these measures to stabilize and grow the economy. However, these policies have come at a high cost to ordinary Nigerians, who have had to contend with high inflation and economic hardship. The year 2025 is pivotal because it is when the promised dividends of these reforms are expected to start materializing.

    As Vladmir Lenin famously observed, every society is three meals away from chaos. This underscores the critical importance of food affordability, a priority that will undoubtedly dominate the expectations of Nigerians in 2025!

    Veriv Africa, a data insights firm, in its 2025 macroeconomic outlook report, has projected that economic growth in 2025 is expected to be sluggish and marginal. While this is not what most Nigerians want to hear, the report highlights the urgency of addressing surmountable obstacles to accelerated growth.

    As part of its policy recommendations for 2025, Veriv Africa underscores the importance of increased investment in agriculture. However, for such investments to yield tangible results, security challenges must be tackled head-on. The fight against terrorism and banditry must take centre stage to enable farmers to return to their fields and contribute to local food production, which is essential for curbing inflation and improving food security.

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    It also warns that insecurity poses a multifaceted threat -disrupting productivity across the energy sector, discouraging foreign investment, and stifling growth in the non-oil sectors. Thus, to mitigate these challenges, all tiers of government must intensify efforts to curb insecurity.

    Equally critical is the zero duty on some food importation which has long been proposed. It’s time to move from rhetoric to action!  It needs to start yesterday considering the pressing need for imported food supplies to supplement local production.

    It will also make sense if governments at all levels actively explore subsidized transport schemes to ease the burden on citizens. The CNG initiative, in particular, must be scaled up significantly. Deploying more CNG buses for mass transit is essential at this point.

    Lastly, the governors need to show workings, what with the spike in FAAC allocations over these months! With increased revenues at their disposal, governors have no excuse not to deliver development to their people.

    If Nigerians begin to feel a tangible improvement in their quality of life through lower prices, and increased economic opportunities then the administration’s narrative of “tough but necessary” reforms will gain credibility. Conversely, a lack of visible progress could erode public trust.

    •Chiechefulam Ikebuiro,chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com

  • Addressing Bauchi’s real priorities

    Addressing Bauchi’s real priorities

    Sir: Governor Bala Mohammed’s recent introduction of the Bauchi State Road Traffic Agency (BAROTA) has sparked mixed reactions across the state. While improving road safety is commendable, one cannot ignore the glaring disconnect between this initiative and the pressing needs of Bauchi’s citizens. In a state grappling with severe economic challenges, one must question the necessity of such a project at this time.

    Bauchi State is currently facing harsh economic realities. Inflation has skyrocketed, and the cost of living has become unbearable for many. A large number of residents now resort to trekking as a more affordable alternative to vehicular transportation. The daily hustle and bustle on Bauchi roads pale in comparison to the stories of hardship unfolding within households.

    Statistics and personal observations confirm that road accidents within Bauchi city are minimal — perhaps fewer than five in an entire week. This raises the question: why prioritize a traffic management agency in a state where vehicular movement is significantly reduced due to widespread poverty?

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    Education remains the foundation of any society striving for progress. Unfortunately, Bauchi’s education sector is in shambles. Public schools across the state are in deplorable conditions — from dilapidated classrooms to inadequate learning materials. Education is the key to societal development, yet this administration has failed to address this fundamental sector.

    For a community to thrive, it needs a well-educated populace armed with knowledge and values to build a prosperous future. The current government, however, has shown little interest in improving the learning environment. Instead, public schools are left to decay, depriving students of the basic tools they need to succeed.

    The health sector in Bauchi State paints an equally grim picture. Hospitals are underfunded, health workers are underpaid, and basic healthcare services remain inaccessible to many. Complaints about delayed or unpaid salaries among health workers are rampant, reflecting a lack of commitment to this critical sector.

    Moreover, academic institutions have been forced to go on strike due to unmet demands, further hindering the state’s development. A functional health system is essential for a thriving society, yet the administration has shown minimal progress in addressing this urgent need.

    While infrastructure projects and agencies like BAROTA may have their place, they cannot replace the need for fundamental human development. The Bauchi State government must focus on improving the basic necessities of life for its citizens. Priorities should include agriculture. Farmers need to be empowered with subsidies, modern equipment, and training to boost food production and combat hunger.

    Also in education, the state needs investment in public schools, adequate motivation for teachers, and ensuring students have access to quality learning environments.

    In the healthcare segment, the state government needs to address salary issues for health workers, upgrade medical facilities, and make healthcare services affordable and accessible.

    Leadership is about making difficult but necessary decisions to uplift the people. While the Bala Mohammed administration has undertaken various projects, many of them fail to address the core challenges facing the people of Bauchi State.

    This is a call for the government to re-evaluate its priorities. The citizens deserve a government that places their welfare at the forefront of its agenda. Addressing these fundamental issues is not just a matter of governance but of humanity.

    Bauchi State can only achieve meaningful progress when its leadership prioritizes human development. Until then, initiatives like BAROTA will remain distractions from the real work that needs to be done.

    •Yasir Shehu Adam, (Dan Liman)Bauchi.

  • Re-awakening grassroots development

    Re-awakening grassroots development

    Sir: Post-independence, Nigeria came close to achieving real progress, especially through its regional governments. The democratic system practiced during this era is considered one of the best the country has known. In particular, the Southwest witnessed tremendous development. For instance, it provided quality water solutions across the states, and to this day, state-run water boards in places like Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos continue to operate effectively. Many households still rely on these state-run systems, which are cheaper to maintain compared to private boreholes.

    The Southwest was also one of the largest revenue earners in the country, thanks to its thriving cocoa and other agricultural exports. Cocoa, in particular, was a major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. By 1970, Nigeria was the second-largest cocoa producer in the world. Unfortunately, the shift to oil exploration in the 1970s and ‘80s led to the neglect of cocoa production, which saw a significant decline in the country’s share of the global market. By 2010, cocoa production accounted for only 0.3% of Nigeria’s agricultural GDP.

    Today, state engagement and communication are often limited to the state capitals, leaving many citizens across the state without a voice. For example, in Ibadan, the state capital of Oyo, state engagements are typically held, but only political party members are allowed to ask questions. This creates a disconnect, making it difficult for the governor to understand the issues faced by people in other cities and towns, as they have no direct platform to communicate with the state’s leadership.

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     This inefficiency has been a hallmark of governance in Nigeria since the Second Republic. During election campaigns, gubernatorial candidates make sure to visit every corner of the state, sometimes reaching even the smallest wards. However, once they are elected, these same leaders often limit their travels to the state capital or, at best, make brief visits to commission projects, which usually take no more than two hours. These short trips provide little opportunity for the leaders to engage with the people or understand their real issues. Some commissioners and aides are even known to take the fastest routes to avoid underdeveloped areas, perpetuating neglect in many parts of the state.

    One of the fundamental drivers of development in any country is the efficient operation of local government councils. However, this has not been the case in many Nigerian states. For instance, in towns like Ondo in Ondo State and Oyo in Oyo State, the presence of local government governance is nearly invisible. Successive state governors have crippled local government financial activities due to an over-reliance on allocations for debt servicing, corruption, and unnecessary state government projects. This has led to poor performance by appointed caretaker committees, further undermining the effectiveness of local governance.

     In contrast, the progress seen in Lagos State and Kaduna is remarkable, and it’s clear that visionary leadership can lead to meaningful local development. Any forward-thinking governor should take note of these successes, yet many ignore the progress being made in these areas.

    In contrast, some states in the Southwest, particularly Oyo State, continue to hinder regional progress. The current governor has refused to implement measures that would allow for the full development of local governments. A visit to regions like Ogbomoso, Oyo, and Oke-Ogun reveals the neglect and lack of attention these areas have suffered. With elections less than two years away, political parties will be canvassing for votes with promises of transformative agendas. Citizens must rise above party affiliation, religion, or birthplace when choosing their leaders. It is time for the people of Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun, and other states to demand leaders who have shown compassion, vision, and a clear policy for the future, regardless of political affiliation.

    Fortunately, there is now progress at the federal level with the creation of regional developmental commissions, recently signed into law by the president. This bold move has the potential to bring about positive change. However, for these reforms to have a lasting impact, the local government must function effectively. Only then can Nigeria experience the kind of progressive change seen in first-world nations.

    Oguntoye Opeyemi,<oguntoyeopeyemij@yahoo.com>

  • Telcos’ tariff threat

    Telcos’ tariff threat

    Telecommunications operators, at the close of last year, raised a red flag about their operational costs. They threatened disruption of their services in parts of the country from early this year if their demand for tariff review is not earnestly met by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    It is debatable that the telcos had not already started defaulting at the time on their responsibility to ensure quality operations, going by the experience of wonky services by many telecom subscribers. But let’s play along with stated timelines.

    Speaking on the platform of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the telcos said the sector’s survival and sustainability depended on immediate tariff review to reflect economic realities involved in delivering telecom services. ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo, an engineer, said in a statement on New Year eve: “If nothing is done, we might begin to see in the new year grim consequences unfolding, such as service shedding. Operators may not be able to provide services in some areas and at some times of the day, leaving millions disconnected. There will be significant economic fallout because businesses will suffer from a lack of connectivity, stalling growth and innovation.” He added: “There will also be national economic disruption (whereby) key sectors like security, commerce, healthcare and education that rely heavily on telecom infrastructure will face serious disruptions.”

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    Adebayo’s logic is that bloated overhead stemming from soaring energy costs, volatile exchange rate and relentless inflationary pressure place a huge burden on network operators whereas tariff have remained stagnant. He argued that resources needed to maintain, expand and modernise telecom networks are  no longer available, and without intervention “the future of this sector is at grave risk.”

    Despite the threat, the NCC foreclosed tariff hike – at least this January – saying the procedure for that recourse was rigorous, data-driven and evidence-based. A source within the regulator body was reported outlining the steps, which would take a while to conclude. These include getting the approval of NCC management board that is presently not in place, engaging consultants who will undertake a study on price review, and calling a stakeholder forum that will consider the economic indices that would come to play in a tariff hike. None of these steps has been taken. The source, however, noted that there’s a window for tariff adjustment by individual telco in the existing price template that they aren’t exploring owing to price competition.

    Cartel approach to tariff review is really a blackmail. Telecoms is a deregulated sector and operators can individually take their chance with subscribers on tariff adjustment within the already approved price template, rather than hold a gun to the nation’s head. But NCC also must realise it is an economic and not a political issue: hyper-inflation is real and needs be tamed by the authorities.