The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Much ado about Nigeria’s tax reform bills

    Much ado about Nigeria’s tax reform bills

    Sir: Nigeria’s tax reform bills have attracted the most interesting and controversial reactions coupled with unexpected ethnic oriented opinions and North versus South banters. The bills intend to modernize Nigeria’s tax frameworks, tax institutions and laws. Interestingly, the proposed reforms for Value Added Tax, VAT have ignited different kinds of political smokescreens provoking some governors to raise “activist” voices against the reformed federal allocation, derivation and attribution model.

    Personally, I find the tax reform bills progressively ambitious but not without some unmet expectations and sincere reservations. The bills have a lot of proposals captured and summarized in 48 pages, targeting centralization of tax collection, renaming of Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS to National Revenue Service, NRS to aid the central collection, VAT remodelling, remodelling of tax reliefs, gradual increment of VAT, reforms for Personal Income Tax, remodelling revenue collections from Free Trade Zones etc.

    I rate the centralization of tax/revenue collection by proposed NRS, VAT derivation model and reformed Free Trade Zone revenue collection as the most pleasing of all the reforms. Although, the proposed gradual VAT increment from 7.5% to 20% is quite unpleasant. Regardless of the VAT exclusions/reliefs for some goods and services, tax increments should not be Nigeria’s priority in the next 10 years considering the volatility of the economy and declining purchasing power. Stimulating the economy and boosting spending powers of citizens should be the priorities in the next 10 years and tax increment to check likely demand-pull inflation.

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    Furthermore, Nigeria has one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in Africa compared to Kenya, Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa. Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio increased from 6.3% in 2021 to 10.6% in 2023. However, the need to increase Nigeria’s tax contributions to GDP by 100% is not by increasing types of taxes or increasing tax rates but expanding the tax nets to capture more tax payers and compliance.

    The tax bills have largely addressed the institutional systems for tax administration but have not done enough to address tax collection challenges through maximization of technology and financial inclusion of the informal sector (expansion of tax net). In essence, Nigeria needs to be more innovative in increasing tax contributions to GDP by over 100% by not just legislating but creating digital infrastructures and policies to attract over 40% of Nigeria’s informal sector into formal sector. There are traders in different informal markets across north and south of Nigeria making daily turnovers of N5million –N10million without paying Personal Income Taxes or Company Income Taxes except for VAT and market levies while the formal sector players carry the biggest burdens.

    The national tax ambition should include the following expanding the tax nets through financial inclusion of the informal sector and incentivizing tax compliance with juicy federal grants/loans, tracking such trade activities is now easier with the existence of BVN, POS and flexible mobile money service providers; amending the 1999 constitution to streamline the taxes/levies under the residual list (local government taxes) to two or three local taxes coupled with the assistance of VAIDS (Tunde Fowler model) to assist in collection. Lastly, we also have to address tax leakages especially in VAT collection. For example, Nigeria’s electronic payment transactions 2023 rose by 55 per cent to N600 trillion, compared to N387 trillion in 2022 according to Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) but the VAT generation has been less than N10trillion in the last six years despite these digital transactions. The proposed bills are a welcome development but we will need to do more in innovative models to increase our tax contributions to GDP by over 100% without increments of tax rates or introduction of new taxes or adoption of Western-like excessive tax model.

    •Dada-Kadri Esq;Abuja.

  • Kudos to Abiodun on uplift of Ogun border roads

    Kudos to Abiodun on uplift of Ogun border roads

    Sir: A good road network plays important roles in the economic development of a country or state. Apart from facilitating trade through the movement of goods from factories to markets, good road networks attract investments as investors are more likely to invest in places with robust road infrastructure. Good roads signify effective governance and are therefore an indicator of the nation’s or state readiness for business.

    For the people living in the border towns of Ojodu-Abiodun, Denro and Ishasi, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, this important infrastructure was for a long lacking in the areas, thus making life unbearable for them.

    Knowing that good road helps in reducing the impact of wear and tear on vehicles, lower fuel consumption, improved connectivity and access to larger markets, particularly being closest to Lagos, the economic capital of the country, they appealed and requested for something to be done on the road all to no avail.

    For some time before now, border towns in Ogun State were regarded as neglected areas. They were hardly considered when developmental projects were to be distributed across the state. Then, the border towns were seen as inconsequential and therefore no plans were made for them. This has been the lot of Ojodu-Abiodun, Denro, Ishasi and the surrounding towns.

    Looking at these towns, one can see that though development is spreading fast even into Lagos State, what is lacking is basic infrastructure like good road network and the likes and this most have informed Governor Abiodun’s desire to change the narratives.

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    The decision of the current government in Ogun State to construct the road must have been a big surprise and of course a big relief not only to the residents, but those who plied it on daily basis and had to endure the tortuous experiences for long.

    The Ojodu-Abiodun-Denro-Ishasi-Akute Road to say the least was in a deplorable condition as attested to by Governor Abiodun when he commissioned it few weeks ago. According to him, it took the determination of his administration to restore the road to good shape to ease the suffering of people in the area.

    In Ogun State, Ifo Local Government is one of the key areas in the state and therefore putting the road in good shape, will offer the opportunity for people to live and work in Lagos or live and work within the state as well as revitalize the socio-economic life of people, which had been in comatose for some time.

    One interesting thing that should gladden the hearts of the people in that axis is that the Abiodun administration is also poised to award contract for the construction of Alagbole-Akute and Akute-Oke-Aro-Ijoko roads. With this, the years of cries and lamentations of the inhabitants of these areas will be a thing of the past and the economic activities will definitely be in the upward swing.

    While giving kudos to Governor Dapo Abiodun for keeping to his promise by repairing the road, it is hoped that the people of Ojodu-Abiodun, Denro and Ishasi will reciprocate government gesture not doing things that will damage the road like turning it into a mechanic workshop or dropping refuse in the drainage.

    •Elijah Udofia,Laderin, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

  • Transforming Kaduna through inclusive governance

    Transforming Kaduna through inclusive governance

    By Adeyeri Oloruntobe

    Since taking office in May 2023, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has demonstrated a resolute commitment to transforming the socio-economic landscape of the state. Guided by the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, his administration has launched initiatives that address pressing challenges while laying the groundwork for sustainable development. As he unveiled the proposed 2025 budget, themed Sustaining Rural Transformation and Inclusive Development, it was evident that his achievements over the last 18 months have set a solid foundation for continued progress.

    In driving an inclusive government that prioritizes the true needs of the people, the governor held a town hall meeting with the Stakeholders across Kaduna State, to make inputs into  the 2025 budget proposal,   before the document is sent to the House of Assembly for deliberations.

     He said that ‘’2025 shall be devoted to the consolidation of the progress so far made in opening up the rural areas through massive infrastructural development.

    ‘’That is why we tagged our proposed 2025 Budget “Sustaining Rural Transformation and Inclusive Development,’’ he said, adding that ‘’we are also targeting the areas inhabited by the urban poor. Every citizen deserves to live a better life.’’

    “At my inauguration as Governor on May 29  2023, I made a solemn pledge to our citizens to run an administration that will not shy away from taking tough decisions for the greater good of our people.

    ‘’I promised to undertake programmes and policies that will enhance productivity, encourage creativity and harness the rich diversity and cosmopolitan nature of our state.

    ‘’I further pledged that our programmes and policies shall be people – oriented. I shall run an all – inclusive government that will leave no one or any part of Kaduna State behind’.

    One of the most significant challenges Kaduna State has faced in recent years is insecurity, particularly from banditry and terrorism. Governor Sani’s administration has taken decisive steps to address this issue, forging robust partnerships with federal security agencies and providing critical logistics support.

    The distribution of 150 operational vehicles and 500 motorcycles to security forces and the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS) has enhanced mobility and operational efficiency. Additionally, the passage of the Kaduna State Security Trust Fund Law has created a mechanism for sustainable funding to acquire security equipment and provide personnel training.

    Through innovative measures like the Peace Dialogue Group, the government has engaged with local communities to foster reconciliation and stability. These efforts have borne fruit in areas like Birnin Gwari, where the reopening of the strategic Birnin Gwari Market has marked a return to peace and economic activity.

    “In the area of security, we have forged a solid partnership with federal security forces to secure Kaduna State. We have been  giving them logistics support to enhance their operations. We distributed 150 operational vehicles and 500 motorcycles to security forces and the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS).

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    ‘’The State Government, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, has sustained efforts in the improvement of deployment of additional troops to cover identified target areas in order to ensure sustainable peace across the State,” he disclosed at the Town Hall.

    In bridging the infrastructure gap in Kaduna State, Governor Sani’s administration has embarked on an ambitious infrastructural development agenda aimed at connecting communities and fostering economic growth. In just 18 months, the government has undertaken 68 road projects, covering approximately 700 kilometers. These include urban road upgrades and rural infrastructure development to improve accessibility and stimulate commerce.

    The Governor’s focus on rural transformation aligns with his vision of inclusive development, ensuring that no part of Kaduna State is left behind. By prioritizing infrastructure, the administration is not only boosting connectivity but also creating jobs and supporting local businesses.

    Another focus of his administration is provision of quality education to the people of the state. The governor, recognizing education as the cornerstone of sustainable development, has made significant investments in improving access to quality learning. His administration has constructed 62 new secondary schools, including 39 junior and 23 senior secondary schools, across the state’s three senatorial zones. To complement this infrastructure expansion, 2,000 qualified teachers have been recruited to provide effective teaching in these newly completed schools.

    Furthermore, the government has approved the construction of an additional 50 secondary schools to meet the growing demand for education. The administration’s efforts also extend to improving existing facilities, with the construction of 2,326 new classrooms, renovation of 707 classrooms, and the provision of over 30,000 pupil desks and 3,704 teacher furniture sets.

    Sanitation and water access in schools have also been prioritized, with the installation of 918 VIP cubicle toilets and 51 hand pump boreholes. Beyond formal education, the establishment of three Vocational and Technological Skills Acquisition Cities reflects the administration’s commitment to equipping youths with skills for industrial and entrepreneurial opportunities.

    Another pillar of human capital development that is paramount to the governor is healthcare. He has been very passionate about revitalizing the state health sector.In ensuring access to quality healthcare, the government has embarked on the remodeling and upgrading of 13 general hospitals across Kaduna State to significantly enhance the healthcare infrastructure. The newly commissioned Dabo Lere Memorial Hospital stands as a testament to these efforts.

    The Governor has ensured that healthcare services reach underserved communities by upgrading facilities in strategic locations such as Rigasa, Gwantu, Maigana, and Saminaka. These remodeled hospitals are equipped to provide comprehensive care, reducing the burden on urban healthcare centers and ensuring equitable access for all residents.

    Sustaining and deepening the existing food security template also came under the scope of his government for the 2025 appropriation plan, Governor Sani’s administration has implemented transformative measures to support smallholder farmers. The historic distribution of 500 trucks of fertilizer, with 240,000 bags given free to 120,000 farmers, underscores the government’s commitment to reducing barriers to agricultural inputs.

    Agriculture remains a vital sector for Kaduna State, and Governor Sani’s administration has implemented transformative measures to support smallholder farmers. The historic distribution of 500 trucks of fertilizer, with 240,000 bags given free to 120,000 farmers, underscores the government’s commitment to reducing barriers to agricultural inputs.

    This initiative has empowered farmers to cultivate their land with confidence, leading to increased productivity and income. By fostering agricultural growth, the administration is addressing food security while enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities.

    On social welfare and human capital development, the remodeling of Panteka Market into an international center for skills acquisition and job creation is a prime example of this vision. The market, which engages over 38,000 artisans, is undergoing comprehensive infrastructure upgrades to enhance its capacity as a hub for vocational training. The government’s collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to provide Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) certification further strengthens this initiative.

    No doubt, Governor Uba Sani’s achievements over the past 18 months have underscored his administration’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. As Kaduna State moves into 2025, the proposed budget offers a roadmap for consolidating progress and addressing emerging challenges.

    From security and infrastructure to education and healthcare, the Governor’s initiatives reflect a holistic approach to governance. His focus on empowering rural communities, supporting smallholder farmers, and equipping youths with skills for the future ensures that development benefits reach every corner of the state.

    As stakeholders and residents align with this vision, Kaduna State is poised for a brighter and more prosperous future under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership. His administration’s achievements are not just milestones but stepping stones toward a Kaduna that thrives on equity, innovation, and shared progress.

    • Oloruntobe writes from Kaduna State

  • Zacch Adedeji and the Tax Reform Bills

    Zacch Adedeji and the Tax Reform Bills

    By Abass Abdullahi

    The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, a seasoned Accountant and an accomplished public sector administrator, has been synonymous with tax collection.

    In fact, he is seen as the Nigeria version of the Biblical Zaccheous, the Tax Collector.

     However, issues on the recently introduced Tax Reform Bills have exposed the other side of Dr Zacch Adedeji, such that among the community of tax administrators in the country today, he will most probably be regarded as “Zacch The Teacher.”

     At the public hearing on the tax reform bills held at the House of Representatives in Abuja, last week, the teacher in him stood out so tall.

    Using simple and clear language, he broke down all issues concerning the tax reform bills such that even kindergarten pupils will understand.

     First, he hit the nail on the head so hard that those who already took positions against the bills could not but see reasons the tax reform bills were desirable.

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    Zach  Adedeji, stated that the current tax law benefits just three out of the 36 States in the country and the three States receive more than 70 percent of the Value Added Tax (VAT), leaving other states with little to nothing.

     The FIRS Chairman went further to explained that the current VAT sharing arrangement primarily benefits Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Rivers States where most corporate head offices are located.

     He further noted that the proposed reforms was aimed at addressing this imbalance by introducing a derivation principle model, ensuring a more equitable distribution of VAT revenues to all states, regardless of their economic status.

     Adedeji then took time to reel out of the data on the sharing of VAT revenue for the month of October. “Lagos will take 42 percent of the VAT. Rivers will take 16 percent. Oyo State will take 5.2 percent, FCT will take 9 percent.

     If you take those three states , they are taking more than 70 percent of the tax. “Why? Because those are the places where the head offices of those places are located.

    And we know that 70 percent of consumption is not happening in those three states.

     “So in whatever way you look at it, there is no way every other state apart from Lagos, Rivers, FCT, benefit from the proposed tax bill. “If you look at it, MTN contributed highest, but because MTN headquarters is in Lagos, all the allocations from MTN  are being channeled to Lagos.

    So, when this bill is passed, all states will benefit irrespective of the kind of economic situation that is happening in Nigeria,” the FIRS Chairman said.

     On the derivation principle for Consumption Tax, Adedeji clarified that the model applies specifically to consumption tax or VAT.

    He emphasized that this model should not be mistaken for the derivation principle applied to oil-producing states, which is based on the location of production.

     He explained that, in the case of consumption tax, derivation means the funds will be allocated to the states where the commodity is consumed, rather than the states where corporate head offices are situated. Adedeji said; “On derivation, I see there is a mix-up here. We have the oil and gas. If you look at the oil and gas, where they produce is where we sell and collect money from the oil.

     That’s why it is limited to their States. “VAT by definition is a consumption tax. If you use derivation in VAT, what it means is that where is it consumed. Where do you make the call? Where is the bank transaction done? What the bill seeks to correct is that the existing structure we have does not represent the intent of Nigeria.”

     Less than one week after he took time to explain the benefits and desirability of the new tax bills to members of the House of Representatives, converts are now the ones promoting it and speaking to the public on the desirability of the new tax bills.

     One of the prominent members of the House of Representatives, Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin, representing the Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency of Kano State, was on National Television a few days ago, expressing confidence that the Tax Reform Bills will be approved by both chambers of the National Assembly.

     Abdulmumin Jibrin stated that the President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills and other economic policies were designed to benefit Nigerians in the long term. “I have no doubt about the consideration and passage of the Tax Reform Bills. We will pass the tax reform bills,” he asserted.

    Hinton  acknowledged that there is a perception in the North that the reform bills are not favorable to them.

    However, he emphasized that efforts are being made to educate people about the benefits and necessity of the reforms. The lawmaker highlighted that the advantages of the tax reform bills far outweigh any perceived disadvantages. “For those of us who have thoroughly reviewed the bills, the overall benefits surpass any perceived drawbacks by any individual or region,” he explained. “President Tinubu, along with the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), is not seeking a battle over the bills but rather aims to ensure understanding of their objectives and goals, which focus on better revenue generation and distribution for the country’s economic survival.

     “While there may be contentious clauses in the bills, this does not mean they should be discarded or ignored by the National Assembly.

    Since the bills are already before us, it is the responsibility of both chambers to allow them to undergo the necessary legislative processes, which would enable the amendment of contentious clauses, as they are not set in stone. “As I mentioned a few days ago on a similar program, many of those opposing the bills have not read them and are merely reacting to incorrect narratives being spread by others,” he said.

    Jibrin  also praised President Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms, citing the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira as examples. He believes that these reforms, along with the proposed tax reform, will transform the nation’s economy despite the current challenges. “President Tinubu, in my view, is sacrificing his present for the future of Nigerians through the courageous and long-term result-oriented reforms being implemented now,” he concluded.

    Meanwhile, while he goes about carrying out his new “teaching job,” Zacch Adedeji, is also announcing significant increment in revenue generation, with the Federal Government successfully collecting N1.5 trillion in Education Tax, as against its target of N70 billion. He noted that, overall, from the N19.4 trillion earmarked for the fiscal year 2024, N18.5 trillion had been collected by the end of September.

     Adedeji shared this information during a collaborative meeting with the joint Committees on Finance, Budget, and National Planning of the National Assembly, focusing on the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure. He said, “On Education tax, while N70bn was targeted, a total of N1.5tn has been realised. “All in all, out of N19.4tn targeted for 2024 fiscal year, N18.5tn was realised as of the end of September, which clearly shows that the target, will be far exceeded by the end of the year.” 

    • Abdullahi, a public affairs commentator lives in Kaduna

  • Rat eaters

    Rat eaters

    Stop eating rats! That’s the message from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to the people of Ebonyi State, and indeed all Nigerians.   At the launch of the campaign to prevent Lassa fever, on November 26, the director of NOA in the state, Theophilus Nwokpor, was reported saying, “This is the season when our people consume more rats, so there is need for enlightenment. We want to educate them to stop eating rats at all. So, the campaign for prevention is imperative to checkmate the outbreak. You know, our people eat rats.’’

    In February, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 2,122 suspected cases, 411 confirmed cases, and 72 deaths had been recorded from Lassa fever in Nigeria this year. In week 11 of 2024, 35 new confirmed cases were reported in Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Ondo, Plateau, Benue, Cross River, and Ebonyi states. From week 1 to 11, 2024, 142 deaths were reported.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by Lassa virus, and humans usually become infected with Lassa virus through exposure to food or household items contaminated with saliva, urine or droppings of infected Mastomys rats.

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     Also, about 80% of people who become infected with Lassa virus have no symptoms. One in five infections result in severe disease, where the virus affects several organs such as the liver, spleen and kidneys.

    Lassa fever usually starts with fever and general weakness. After a few days, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, and abdominal pain may follow.

    The challenge of getting Nigerians who eat rats to stop the practice is made difficult by the fact that they do so more from choice and not necessity. According to Mojisola Oyarekua, from the University of Science and Technology Ifaki-Ekiti (USTI), the African giant rat is a favourite among all ethnic groups in the country and it is “regarded as a special delicacy and it is more expensive than equivalent weight of cow meat or fish. It is delicious and can be eaten as roasted, dried or boiled.”

    NOA’s campaign against rat consumption sends a strong signal that people who enjoy eating rats are at risk of becoming infected with Lassa virus.  Additionally, those who don’t eat rats should avoid exposure to food or items contaminated with saliva, urine or droppings of rats infected with Lassa virus.

    The reported cases of Lassa fever and deaths from the fever this year were possibly avoidable. The public must pay serious attention to the Lassa fever prevention campaign. 

  • Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (EMTCT) through self-testing

    Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (EMTCT) through self-testing

    By Dr Godwin Emmanuel

    The World AIDS Day have come and gone, yet we must not fail to examine some of the gaps that must be urgently bridged as a nation. 

    Each year, thousands of children are born with HIV, largely due to inadequate access to testing and treatment during pregnancy. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates that Nigeria contributes about 22% of global paediatric HIV cases which indicates the urgent need for innovative approaches to curb MTCT.

    Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Nigeria is an achievable goal, but it requires innovative approaches that can address the unique barriers faced by women in underserved communities. 

    This brings me to a recent study in Lagos and Kano which demonstrated how HIV self-testing kits offer a practical, effective, and scalable solution to our MTCT challenges. 

    The study interrogates an initiative seeking to integrate HIV Self-Test (HIVST) kits into TBA services as part of a broader strategy to eliminate MTCT. The intervention targeted underserved communities where healthcare access is limited, leveraging the trust and accessibility of TBAs to distribute self-testing kits and provide essential counselling. This study, led by Dr. Toriola Adebayo of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and Dr. Usman Bashir of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, articulates the role of local expertise in advancing healthcare solutions tailored to community needs. In this intervention, 182 TBA clinics across three local government areas (LGAs) in Lagos and Kano States were equipped with HIVST kits. TBAs received extensive training on the administration of the tests, pre- and post-test counselling, and linkage to care for those who tested positive.

    Among the 1,982 pregnant women enrolled in the study, pre-intervention testing rates were markedly low, with just 60% in Lagos and 38% in Kano having ever been tested for HIV. After the introduction of HIVST, testing uptake surged, with all participants voluntarily using the kits during antenatal visits.

    The results were promising:

    • HIV Positivity Rate: An overall positivity rate of 0.8% was recorded, with slightly higher rates in Lagos (1.1%) compared to Kano (0.8%).
    • First-Time Testers: Remarkably, 80% of those who tested positive were undergoing HIV testing for the first time.
    • Linkage to Care: All HIV-positive individuals were successfully linked to ART services, demonstrating the effectiveness of the TBA-led model in bridging gaps in healthcare access.

    The success of this initiative exemplifies how HIVST can become a cornerstone of affirmative action against paediatric HIV infections, which was also a critical focus of World AIDS Day observances.

    As evidenced by the success of the Lagos and Kano initiative, when confidentiality, stigma reduction, and leveraging trusted community figures like TBAs are prioritised, HIVST has the potential to transform PMTCT efforts across Nigeria. This is even more so with sustained investment, community buy-in, and political will. This can move us closer to a future where no child is born with HIV and every mother has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

    HIV Self-Testing

    HIV self-testing kits offer a simple, private, and effective means of determining one’s HIV status. These kits allow individuals to test themselves using a saliva sample or a small drop of blood, with results available in minutes. The convenience and confidentiality of this method are particularly appealing to those who might avoid traditional testing due to stigma or fear of disclosure.

    Advantages of HIV Self-Testing for Pregnant Women

    1. Confidentiality and Privacy: For many women, the fear of being judged or ostracised often prevents them from seeking HIV testing. HIVST kits allow individuals to test in the comfort of their homes or a private setting, without fear of disclosure. This is particularly crucial for pregnant women, who may face compounded stigma if diagnosed with HIV.
    2. Increased Testing Uptake: The intervention in Lagos and Kano demonstrates that when provided with confidential and convenient testing options, more women are willing to know their HIV status. Early diagnosis is key to initiating ART, which can reduce the risk of MTCT to less than 1%.
    3. Empowerment Through Knowledge: Knowing one’s HIV status empowers women to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their pregnancies. For HIV-positive mothers, this includes accessing treatment to prevent transmission to their babies.
    4. Stigma Reduction: By normalising HIV testing as a routine part of antenatal care, HIVST kits help to reduce the stigma associated with the disease. When more people test and share their experiences, it creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to do the same.

    Challenges and Considerations

    While the benefits of HIVST kits are clear, their implementation is not without challenges. For instance:

    • Education and Awareness: Many women in rural areas are unfamiliar with self-testing and may require additional support to use the kits correctly.
    • Linkage to Care: Ensuring that those who test positive are seamlessly connected to ART services is critical. This requires a robust referral system and follow-up mechanisms.
    • Cultural Sensitivities: In some communities, discussing HIV remains taboo. Tailored communication strategies are needed to address these cultural barriers and build trust.

    The Role of Traditional Birth Attendants

    Traditional birth attendants (TBAs) hold a unique and trusted position in many Nigerian communities, especially in rural areas where access to formal healthcare is limited. Their deep cultural connections and established relationships with pregnant women make them ideal partners in promoting maternal and child health initiatives. By equipping TBAs with HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits and training them in counselling and care linkage, this initiative has shown how they can play a pivotal role in preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV.

    The impact of TBAs extends beyond HIV testing. With proper training and resources, they can serve as advocates for a wide range of maternal and child health needs. They are well-positioned to educate women about essential topics such as nutrition, immunisation, and safe childbirth practices, fostering healthier communities overall. The integration of HIVST into their services complements these efforts by addressing a critical gap in antenatal care, especially for women who might otherwise avoid testing due to stigma or logistical challenges.

    Incorporating HIVST into the work of TBAs not only enhances PMTCT outcomes but also strengthens the broader healthcare system in underserved areas. By bridging the gap between formal healthcare providers and remote communities, TBAs contribute to a more inclusive approach to healthcare delivery. Their involvement ensures that lifesaving services reach those most in need, empowering women to take control of their health and the health of their children.

    Scaling Up: A National Strategy for Eliminating Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV

    Eliminating mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV is a critical goal for Nigeria as the country continues to bear a heavy burden of new paediatric HIV infections. To maximise the impact of HIVST, a coordinated national strategy is essential, and which must include policy integration, community engagement, training and capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation. 

    As we mark World AIDS Day 2024 with the theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”, it is a chance to strengthen our efforts to stop mother-to-child transmission of HIV and explore ways to make this goal a reality. The success of the Lagos and Kano initiative shows how HIV self-testing kits can make testing and care easier and more accessible for everyone. This day reminds us of the need for innovative and inclusive approaches that protect the health and rights of women and children, especially in Nigeria.

    Dr Godwin Emmanuel is the Managing Partner/Impact Officer of MOZUK Future Solutions Limited.

  • Baltazar Egonga: Moral responsibility and marriage institution

    Baltazar Egonga: Moral responsibility and marriage institution

    • By Falilat Adetoun Olaoye

    Sir: Sex-mad Equatorial Guinea anti-corruption czar, Baltazar Egonga recently became a social media sensation after hundreds of video tapes featuring him in action with different women came online. Those who could look at them described a new depth to depravity.

    However, the scandal provoked diverse opinions, with some commentators wondering why the man was being projected as a demon. After all, he only slept with consenting women, and he didn’t kill anyone. And as if to cut the crazed man some slack, videos soon emerged of his wife’s version of the escapade!

    So, was this merely a family’s sick game or a rite in their tiny country?

    Whatever the case was, it offered all of us some lessons.

    Before Baltazar, marriage bashing on social media and in real time was already becoming worrisome. There is no doubt that in our new world, many live double lives, such that would make Baltazar’s a child’s play in comparison.

    Parents are the mirror through which children view the world. But what happens when the mirror is dirty? Like Baltazar and his wife, who have brought shame to their children?

    At the traditional wedding of a family friend’s daughter last December, the father was handed the microphone to pray for the couple. His prayer was that the marriage would be better than their parents’. A pastor beside me said it is better to pray for one’s children by example. The remark left me pondering: how many parents can recommend their marriage or personal life to their children to emulate?

    Regardless of what people say on social media, trust and loyalty are still the most important factors in marriage.

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    There are many closet Baltazars out there, some even worse. When we refuse to be accountable and check how our actions affect others, we are bound to keep doing wrong, and in the end, we hurt ourselves.

    A lot of heart-wrenching stuff is posted online that exposes toxicity and dysfunction in families. Social media platforms are replete with messages or posts that ooze hate. Those who should build are tearing down. When parents justify bad behaviour, the world is in trouble. We are telling the children that it is all right to do wrong.

    To say sexual sin is no sin as long as the person did not kill anyone is forgetting the toll on the family.

    Reckless people eventually get exposed, like the Equatorial Guinea man when he least expected it. Parents need to do more for a decent society and future. Immorality should be condemned. Let us rise and be counted!

    •Falilat Adetoun Olaoye,

    Tanke, Ilorin, Kwara State.

  • Beyond the big budgets

    Beyond the big budgets

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: Nigerians are at that time of the year when budgets are flying around. In Enugu State, for example, the state governor has presented a budget of N971bn, the highest in the history of the state, to the State House of Assembly. In Sokoto State, the governor has presented a budget of N526.88bn to the state House of Assembly. As the year trickles to a close, more state assemblies are expected to receive budgets from the executive.

    It is an understatement to say that the heart of any country beats around its budget. Budgets are key public tools for governments to outline income and expenditure for the captured year. Every good budget tries to capture everything that needs attention. To be left out of the budget is to be exiled from the plan for a given year. Budgets also mirror the priority of their objects. A cursory glance at a budget should reveal the direction of its subject by illuminating the focus of its expenditure.

    Nigeria’s budget culture is middling at best. The practice is to draw up a budget which usually takes months and inputs by different offices of government, present it and, upon approval, which is often a matter of course, release funds.

    The trouble with budgets in Nigeria sets in once the funds have been released and monies begin to flow to contractors through different government agencies. It is precisely at that point that the challenges set in, with Nigeria’s notoriously high corruption levels doing the most damage. In a country used to shortcuts and kickbacks, the cuts typically begin from government offices with corrupt syndicates already entrenched in government offices ensuring that money leaves government coffers but is depleted before getting to the contractors who should do the jobs.

    Many of them also run front companies, which they manoeuvre to ensure they are in the queue for such contracts.

    For these contractors, the floodgates of no-show at all or shoddy jobs at best open once they receive these allocations. At the end of the day, Nigerians are left with extremely distressing situations of budgetary provisions and allocations but without commensurate performance.

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    Recently, rather than performing budgets, Nigerians have got used to padded budgets, a practice where the livewire of the country’s public expenditure is bloated with bogus projects by members of the executive and legislature with the sole purpose of diverting public funds and deceiving Nigerians.

    The startling effect of these dysfunctional budgets is the stifling underdevelopment witnessed in many aspects of Nigerian life today.

    Then, it must also be stressed that is never nearly enough to present large budgets to the legislature in ostentatious ceremonies. Beyond presentation, implementation must be monitored to the letter. What is at stake is not figures or facts, but the welfare and well-being of millions of Nigerians.

    Many Nigerians have been born, lived and died in a country that never really got to work. Countless Nigerians actually have had their lives brutally cut short by poor infrastructure, insecurity or poor healthcare directly traceable to poor implementation of the budget.

    To right these wrongs, to give those who have survived an opportunity to have and share a different experience, those who draw up these budgets must ensure that the figures and facts embedded in them actually translate to tangible impacts in the lives of Nigerians.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Reflections from International Day of No Pesticide Use

    Reflections from International Day of No Pesticide Use

    Sir: As the world marked the International Day of No Pesticides Use yesterday December 3, it is crucial to highlight the urgent need for caution and action regarding pesticide use globally, particularly in Nigeria. The day serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by pesticides and calls for a halt in their trade and application. It also provides an opportunity to urge the European Union (EU) to address its double standards in pesticide regulation and to call upon the Nigerian government to take decisive measures to reduce pesticide usage.

    Pesticides are used in agriculture, for disease vector control and in domestic and municipal settings for the control of pests such as rodents, insects, fungi and weeds. However, the continuing use of hazardous pesticides presents major public health and environmental issues of global concern. People have a right to choose the type of chemicals they want to expose themselves, their family, and their children to, and nobody is allowed the right to deprive anyone of all the necessary information needed to enable them make that individual choice.

    Nigeria imports approximately 147,446 tonnes of pesticides annually, making it one of the largest importers in Africa. Historically, pesticide application was estimated at 125,000 to 130,000 metric tons per year as of 1998. A survey indicated that 75% of women farmers experienced health issues related to pesticide use, including respiratory problems and skin rashes.

    More than 58% of registered pesticides in Nigeria contain active ingredients that are banned in the European Union. This includes hazardous substances like chlorpyrifos and Paraquat.

    Ironically, farmers are constantly blamed for pesticide hazards, even when the manufacturers and marketers of these toxic pesticides refuse to inform the famers and consumers of the full risk and dangers associated with their products (just as their counterparts in the tobacco industry now do). Hypocritically, most of the companies that have the patents to producing these toxic pesticides are in Europe – but the European law permits these companies to continue the production and export of the toxic substances to poor developing countries where regulations to ensure some safety measures are lax, market practices are also unregulated and national political integrity questionable. 

    We must reflect on the grave implications of pesticide use on public health, the environment, and sustainable agriculture. This current time reminds us of the urgent need to address the unchecked proliferation of pesticides, especially in countries like Nigeria, where regulatory frameworks are either weak or poorly enforced. It is also an opportunity to amplify calls for global accountability, including urging the European Union (EU) to end its double standards. A 2022 report by Public Eye revealed that European companies exported 81,000 tons of pesticides containing hazardous chemicals to developing nations, including Nigeria, in a single year.

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    The EU’s stance undermines its commitments to human rights and environmental sustainability. If these pesticides are unfit for European farms, they should not find their way into Nigerian markets. This double standard has been widely criticized as a clear violation of human rights and environmental justice principles. If these pesticides are deemed unsafe for use in Europe, why should they find their way into Nigerian farms and markets?

    Nigeria’s government must take decisive action to address this crisis by strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure that all pesticides entering the country meet international safety standards and are properly registered. It should also invest in and promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as integrated pest management and agroecology, to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. Capacity building is essential, with efforts focused on training farmers and agricultural workers in the safe handling, application, and use of pesticide alternatives. Furthermore, immediate steps must be taken to halt the importation and distribution of banned or hazardous pesticides.

    A future free from the toxic burden of hazardous pesticides is achievable, but it requires collective action—from global powers like the EU to grassroots movements led by organizations such as the Alliance for Action on Pesticide in Nigeria.

    Together, we can end the double standards and build a food system that prioritizes life over profit.

    •Donald Ikenna Ofoegbu,

     Abuja.

  • Bode’s pity party

    Bode’s pity party

    There’s a pity party in town — have you been invited?  If not, go grab your invite — now!

    Old soldier, Olabode George is wailing, and won’t be comforted, on behalf of another old soldier, Olusegun Obasanjo. His grouse is presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga — for having the temerity to call out Obasanjo’s bad grace and hypocrisy.

    The former president just called President Bola Tinubu “Emilokan”, former President Muhammadu Buhari, Baba-Go-Slow — rude and crude stuff! — and the Nigeria both try to salvage a “failing” state, after Obasanjo and co’s years of the PDP locusts.

    Hardball was a bit puzzled, wondering if George’s agony was not that old military penchant to bully “bloody civilians”, during their power sweetheart days.  Still, the old man would appear too foxy to play that wild card.

    But even throwing his bully culture card, he stands on very slippery grounds.  He claims Onanuga should have gladly suffered Obasanjo’s foolery, just because Onanuga, an old boy of Ijebu Ode Grammar School — who didn’t even meet George in that school — was too small a boy, to deign to blast Obasanjo for his trademark rudeness to others.  George further lamented: Onanuga had earlier told him off too!  For also standing on his dignity and talking out of turn?

    For starters, that cultural blackmail can’t wash.  Obasanjo, Tinubu, Onanuga — and well, George —  might be ethnic Yoruba but the matter wasn’t some Yoruba village square meeting.  It was Obasanjo’s usual binge of de-marketing others to cover own barren achievements in power.  It’s a democratic republic, not some aristocracy.  If you can’t take, don’t be reckless enough to give.

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    But even on the cultural front, has Obasanjo respected that cherished Yoruba norm, while openly insulting others?  Here was a man that ordered Oyo royal fathers to “stand up and sit down”!  Who do the Yoruba revere more than their traditional rulers?

    And talking of small boys and elders: did Obasanjo consider that when he wrote the rubbish he wrote on Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in his “Not My Will”, which he released in 1990? Or wasn’t Obasanjo himself a “small boy” to Awo, but for the tragedy of military rule, when every brat in khaki corralled media attention?

    Even worse: whereas Onanuga called Obasanjo to order for making tendentious claims on Presidents Buhari and Tinubu, which went with an out-sized serenading of Obasanjo’s rather empty presidential record, Obasanjo’s comments on Awo were totally uncalled for, being rude and exceedingly graceless.  Awo had even died at that time.  Whoever writes churlish things about his betters, though dead, to grab crude attention?

    Next time old soldier George wants to mount a pity party, let him choose his subject very carefully.  Obasanjo is out-and-out a bad case. For heaping perennial insults on leaders before and after him, his goose is cooked. Whatever flak he draws, he fully deserves.