The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Fuel subsidy removal and real estate

    Fuel subsidy removal and real estate

    Sir: It is sad and disheartening that Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer does not have operational or functional oil refineries, hence its resort to importation of fuel to meet the about 70 million litres daily consumption of fuel by about 200 million Nigerians. Government subsidizes by paying the difference between the pump price of fuel -premium motor spirits- at the petrol station and the actual cost of importation of the product.

    Fuel subsidy policy which became institutionalized following the promulgation of the Price Control Act in 1977 has over the years become a contentious and highly controversial issue. It is not in contention however that fuel subsidy has become a huge financial burden in the light of the nation’s economic reality, with substantial portion of the national income committed to funding the subsidy scheme on annual basis, causing essential sectors and services such as education, health, defence and critical infrastructure to suffer inadequate funding. Subsidies have long been a tremendous drain on the resources of the country, a conduit pipe used to steal money.

    The Buhari administration resorted to borrowing to finance infrastructure and other services, leaving behind about N77 trillion ($167bn) debt to local and foreign creditors at the expiration of his tenure. Already, 96 percent of the government’s revenue is being used to service debt and there are fears the government’s cash crunch could worsen if subsidy payments continue.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced an end to the highly controversial subsidy regime on assumption of office. Expectedly, this has led to increase in the pump price, with the price of fuel at between N650 and N900 per litre in Lagos. The price differs from state to state off course. Prices of goods and services have also gone up.

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    Critical sectors of the economy, including the real estate sector are feeling the heat. High cost of fuel has led to increase in cost of production, including transport fare, causing building materials prices to shoot up, simply because producers of these materials rely largely on petroleum for energy; don’t forget that electricity supply is unstable. Cost of taking the materials to sites has also increased. These have consequences on rent, affordability, housing delivery and house gap. Industry practitioners are dealing with defaults in payment and renewal of rents, for commercial and residential accommodation.

    Going forward; though there are huge benefits in subsidy removal to the economy, if sincerely implemented, the long-term benefits are huge, and worth the sacrifices of the moment. In the interim however, government should introduce comprehensive incentives and palliatives to cushion the effects of deregulation on the poor and average Nigerians.

    It is extremely important and urgent for the government to address housing and infrastructure development. Federal government should put in place policies and institutional framework cutting across all levels of government – local, state and federal – for social housing. Government should in addition strengthen the mortgage system and make it drive housing provision.

    Housing could drive and sustain our economy, but right things must be done.

    ESV Opebiyi Beatrice Abosede,Lagos.

  • On the electronic transfer levy

    On the electronic transfer levy

    Sir: Nigerians woke up to another shocking levy imposed by the federal government, the electronic money transfer levy imposed on customers on fintech platforms.

    The latest levy, a N50 charge on electronic transfers above N10,000 is already sparking outrage and frustration among citizens already struggling with multiple taxation, poverty, hunger and unemployment. The removal of oil subsidy no doubt, is having a great impact on the citizens who now find it so hard to transport themselves or eat three square meals as the prices of every commodity continues to soar.

    The Electronic Money Transfer Levy Regulations, 2022, introduced by the Finance Act, 2020 to be enforced by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), effective September 9 is another example of the government’s obsession with taxation. The levy, which targets electronic transactions, will only exacerbate the suffering of Nigerians, who are already burdened by various taxes, fees, and levies.

    While President Tinubu’s administration speaks of reforms and stringent measures to curb corruption and reduce the country’s debt, its actions tell a different story. The government’s rhetoric about austerity measures and belt-tightening has not been matched by the lifestyle and spending habits of those in government. It is time for the government to practice what it preaches. If those in government are serious about reforms and reducing corruption, they must start by setting an example. The

    The federal government must understand that a thriving economy is built on the back of a prosperous people. To achieve this, the government must create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish. This includes supporting small and medium-scale enterprises through grants and loans, as well as investing in agriculture, production, and productivity. By doing so, the government can stimulate economic growth and create jobs, thereby improving the standard of living for Nigerians.

    It is only when both the micro and macro economies are improved that the government can justify taxing its citizens. But as it stands, the government’s continued taxation of already overburdened citizens is nothing short of extortion.

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    The government must be sincere in its efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians. It’s time to stop paying lip service. The welfare of the people should be the government’s top priority. It is time for a change in approach, one that prioritizes the needs of Nigerians and works towards creating a better future for all.

    •Dayo DaSilva,Abeokuta, Ogun State.

  • Suspend the age limit for WASSCE/NECO

    Suspend the age limit for WASSCE/NECO

    Sir: Recently, the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman said the federal government would begin to enforce the 18-year qualification to sit for West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), Senior School Certificate Examination by National Examination Council (NECOSSCE) and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The policy is about 41 years old but Nigeria is bereft of policy implications. Today, wearing of crash helmet is a law in the country but its enforcement is to say the least weak.

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    When the 6-3-3-4 system of education was introduced in 1983, there were few private schools in the country. It is the proliferation of private schools that has contributed to the issue of under-aged students sitting for WASSCE/NECO/UTME. Besides, many mothers who hitherto were full housewives are now employees on the payrolls of government and other employers of labour. That too contributes to ‘feeding bottle’ children in schools.

    To change the narrative and implement the policy, may I suggest that the federal government start from basic school level while one enjoins the government to allow those who are already in basic and secondary schools complete the rungs of their education ladders

    Otherwise, it will compound the already polluted environment as more miscreants, street urchins, social misfits, bandits and the likes will be unleashed on the society. God forbid!

    •Adelani Olawuyi,Obada/Odooba, Ogooluwa LGA,Oyo State.

  • Monitoring spirits

    Monitoring spirits

    To be sure, monitoring is the heart of democracy.  It’s there, touting the “people’s right to know”, that the media anchors its claim as the fourth estate of the realm, after the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.

    Still, monitoring as a healthy concept is one.  Monitoring spirits, as a sickly, cynical habit, is another.  Under the guise of the first, many media observers merrily lapse into the other.  Herein then lies the problem.

    A section of the media has of late become near-hysteric over why and how President Bola Tinubu MUST re-jig his cabinet.  Why, a few have even drawn up a list naming names of “under-performing ministers” the president must virtually hang!

    Others have been inconsolable, weeping and wailing, over the current “bloated” cabinet.  The Nigerian media, by the way, merrily relishes this cliche.  If it declares something is “bloated” then it must be “bloated”, not withstanding that “bloated” is just another buzz word the all-mighty analyst just parlayed — without much thinking — from a rival’s write-up.

    Every time things don’t seem to go well with governance — a low the Tinubu government currently experiences — the instinct is to go hay wire and call for heads to roll — such blood thirstiness!  It seems to point to that basic penchant to arrogantly make suggestions without first carefully thinking it through.

    If you sack a “non-performing” minister for a systemic challenge, how has that helped the administration?  Or you just declared the Federal Executive Council (FEC) “bloated” — bloated from whose perspective? 

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    From the president’s who has a vision and is deploying manpower to turn that vision into glorious reality?  Or of an armchair critic’s, too wrapped up in the high clouds of self-importance, to acknowledge any vision, talk less of understanding it? 

    Indeed, you can bet on two stock media reactions to any government whatsoever: first, the near-eternal clamour for “heads to roll”: are these calls earnest or are deliberately planted by job-seeking hustlers, using their colluding confederates in the media?

    Then, no government’s media team is ever good enough for some folks not to eternally pontificate, sense or nonsense.  Which explains the frenzy on the exit — temporary or permanent — of Ajuri Ngelale, the prime presidential spokesperson that just announced he was stepping aside over unnamed family health reasons.  Not a few though have bragged and barked he was sacked, in crowing and triumphant analyses.

    So, he was sacked — and so what?  How does that add value to anyone?  Just another bout of sterile reporting the media often brags about.  But again, how does that add value to governance?  Or even succour to long-suffering citizens in their leanest times?  With rabid focus on the tangential at best, is anyone surprised at falling copy sales?

    Still, with all the din, it’s clear President Bola Tinubu is too street-wise to be hustled  into taking any precipitate action on his cabinet.  Beyond the high adrenaline of hiring and firing, the media can — and must — contribute much more to good governance.

  • Blame game as hindrance to development

    Blame game as hindrance to development

    • By Bashir Khalid Furyam

    Sir: The blame game has become a pervasive and entrenched phenomenon in our country’s affairs especially among rival politicians or political groups. Over the years, successive governments, leaders and ruling parties at both federal and state levels have spent much of their time in blaming previous administrations for underdevelopment or the socio-economic or security problems they are unable or unwilling to address. Sometimes they also accuse opposition elements of frustrating their efforts.

    On the other hand, opposition politicians and their groups or parties rarely come forward genuinely to join hands with the government to find a solution to pressing public problems.

    Competition for political power and control is a significant factor that leads to blame game and accusation trade. Absence of effective accountability mechanisms also allows politicians to deflect responsibility. It is common for yesterday’s ‘devils’ to be perceived as ‘saints’ today and vice versa. Politicians across the divides tend to exploit the strong ethnic, religious or regional sentiments among Nigerians. This gives them a window to escape accountability and proper public and institutional scrutiny.

    Despite the existential threat Nigerians face due to insecurity and economic hardship, politicians seem focused on corruptly amassing wealth, fostering their economic and political interests to the detriment of the masses. Nigeria is among the richest countries in the world in terms of human and material resources, but its citizens languish in hunger, poverty, insecurity and educational backwardness.

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    Instead of focusing on collective efforts to tackle these endemic problems, Nigerian politicians shift the national discourse from public service to public blame game. National debates have reduced complicated concepts of national identity, economic stability, resource management and other high-level ideas to blaming and scapegoating.

    Promoting issue-based politics is crucial in Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy and biggest economy. Transparency and accountability in governance are equally important. The political class must lead by example. This is critical for both those in government and opposition because the attitude of the political class impacts on the attitude of the general public.

    Constructive inter-party dialogue in Nigeria will help the country to move forward. This should be based on public interest taking national unity as well as economic and social development into consideration.

    There must be serious consequences for those involved in corruption, mismanagement of public funds, spreading misinformation and hate speech as well as those undermining Nigeria’s security and economy. The justice system must work to expectation.

    Nigerians are known to be hardworking, innovative and resilient; having good political leadership will spur the country’s development for the benefit of this and future generations.

    •Bashir Khalid Furyam,

    Bauchi, Bauchi State.

  • The heist at the Hajj Commission

    The heist at the Hajj Commission

    • By Ike Willie-Nwobu

    Sir: Nigeria’s tightly wound religious veneer stretches and slips but always manages to hold firm in a country where hypocrisy is a national heirloom.

    To serve is to steal in Nigeria and with each stench of rot that wafts into the public nose, there appears to be no end to the predation of those who pilfer the public purse.

    According to the EFCC, the sum of N90 billion allocated as subsidy for the 2024 Hajj has vanished from the coffers of the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON). Jalal Arabi, who was the head of the commission when the money allegedly disappeared, has been fired by President Tinubu and investigations are ongoing. But in a country where corruption in public office is an heirloom with investigations always running into impregnable stonewalls, what hope is there that Nigerians, stolen blind by the rampaging greed of a few will find any sort of justice?

    Resources are scarce in Nigeria. What is left after public officers steal to their satisfaction is hardly enough to service the other sectors of the economy like health and education not to talk of the luxury of expensive pilgrimages to other countries. The Nigerian factor also ensures the slots for state-sponsored pilgrimages only falls to privileged citizens who can otherwise sponsor themselves to the pilgrimages but prefer to deprive others of the opportunity.

    The Nigerian state continues to tragically assume the role of a meddlesome interloper, dabbling into issues it has no business with. Now that one of those issues has been exposed for what it is—a front for fraud—it must be scrapped. Having proven to be an unconscionable and questionable drainpipe on Nigeria’s scarce resources, it is time to bin it.

    The alleged heist at the Hajj Commission also begs the question of what other bogus state-sponsored schemes exist in Nigeria with little more than the aim of deluding Nigerians and siphoning public funds. Which other government bodies are hiding the thieves plundering Nigeria’s resources?

    The Tinubu administration must unravel and uncover them. Nigeria’s much heralded return to democracy continues to overshadow the fact that successive governments have been insensitively expensive. While Nigerians have become poorer, government officials have continued to increase the cost of maintaining themselves and their offices. The result is a government disconnected from the people, and mind-boggling corruption.

    The fight against corruption in the country has also served to distract Nigerians from other pressing issues. Nigerians have been roundly and repeatedly deceived by deceitful politicians who tout dubious anti-corruption wars to divert attention from their incompetence and ineptitude.

     Nigerians need to confront the systems and structures that enable corruption in the country. The mentality and culture of corruption embarrassingly embedded into every aspect of life in Nigeria must now be dislodged. This is easier said than done as corruption permeates every aspect of Nigerian life.

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    The government official who sits in his expensively appointed office in Abuja has little qualms about signing off public funds to his private accounts or those of his cronies; the mobile security personnel manning checkpoints menacingly demands that his palms be greased literally and repeatedly by motorists; even the lowly desk officer in a government ministry wants their palms lubricated by weary citizens before they do their jobs.

    As gleaned from chilling revelations concerning the Hajj Commission, even the dictates of religion do little to discourage the corrupt mind. If religion was a strong factor, those who embezzled the money would have refrained given that the funds were appropriated for a spiritual exercise.

     Nigerians know why the leaks in their country have defied plugging to leave them in such a mess. The battle against insidious corruption cannot be won by the state alone acting through suspect agencies. It would require a seismic shift in mentality and culture. With the way things are going, that shift is a bridge too far for Nigerians.

    •Ike Willie-Nwobu,

    Ikewilly9@gmail.com

  • Empowering youth to engage global agriculture

    Empowering youth to engage global agriculture

    • By Ijoho Msonter Samuel

    Sir: Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential is a well-documented fact, but the underutilization of this sector continues to stifle growth. With over 70% of the population involved in agriculture, the sector could be a major driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation. Yet, the country faces challenges such as insecurity, outdated practices, and a lack of access to critical resources, which hinder progress. Nigerian youth, particularly entrepreneurs, are emerging as key players in redefining agriculture through technology, agritecture, and agristructure. These concepts are not only revitalizing the agricultural sector but also positioning Nigeria as a competitive force on the global stage.

    Nigeria’s agricultural sector faces daunting challenges, from persistent insecurity in rural areas to infrastructural deficits and market access issues. However, these challenges are increasingly serving as catalysts for innovation, particularly among young entrepreneurs. Nigeria’s youth are finding ways to adapt, survive, and thrive despite the odds, leveraging technology and creative solutions to overcome obstacles.

    While insecurity poses a real threat to farming activities, it has also driven the need for innovative solutions that minimize risk. For example, digital platforms, mobile banking, and e-commerce solutions are helping entrepreneurs connect with buyers and suppliers without the need for physical presence. By integrating technology into every aspect of their operations, young Nigerian farmers are reducing their exposure to danger while maintaining productivity.

    Agritecture is more than just an innovative design principle; it is a holistic approach to farming that incorporates sustainable practices, technology, and architectural design to maximize productivity. Nigerian entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this trend, adopting methods that allow them to produce high-quality agricultural products despite the constraints they face.

    For example, vertical farming, hydroponics, and aeroponics are becoming popular among urban farmers. These practices not only optimize space but also ensure year-round production in controlled environments, free from the disruptions of unpredictable weather patterns or conflicts. Agritecture also contributes to environmental sustainability, a growing concern in the global market. By using less water, energy, and space, these modern farming methods reduce the ecological footprint of agriculture while boosting output.

    Agristructure takes the principles of smart farming to the next level by focusing on process optimization and operational efficiency. It involves the strategic design of farming activities, the adoption of digital tools for better farm management, and the streamlining of administrative processes. For Nigerian youth, agristructure represents a way to modernize traditional farming practices and make them scalable and competitive on the global stage.

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    Drones, satellite imagery, and precision farming technologies enable farmers to monitor and manage their farms remotely. Data analytics and AI-powered tools help farmers make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and resource allocation. These innovations reduce waste, enhance productivity, and ensure that Nigerian agricultural products meet the rigorous standards of international markets.

    As global demand for sustainable and climate-smart agriculture continues to grow, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to position itself as a key player. With the world’s population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, there is an urgent need for countries like Nigeria to ramp up food production. However, this production must be aligned with global standards for sustainability and environmental stewardship.

    To fully unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential, young entrepreneurs must focus on building partnerships and collaborations with global stakeholders. By connecting with international organizations, investors, and development agencies, Nigerian youth can gain access to the resources, knowledge, and networks needed to scale their businesses.

    Partnerships with global tech companies can also facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge agricultural technologies. Collaborating with research institutions can help Nigerian entrepreneurs stay at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that they are not only adapting to current trends but also setting new ones.

    While Nigerian youth are making strides in transforming the agricultural sector, they cannot do it alone. There is a need for a supportive environment that fosters innovation, encourages investment, and provides the necessary infrastructure. Government policies should focus on reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that hinder access to financing and resources. Capacity-building programs should be expanded to equip young entrepreneurs with the technical skills they need to succeed.

    Insecurity remains a critical issue that must be addressed. While technology offers ways to mitigate its effects, a long-term solution will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and civil society. Only by addressing these challenges head-on can Nigeria create an environment where young entrepreneurs can truly thrive.

    •Dr. Ijoho Msonter Samuel,

     <ijohomsonter@gmail.com>

  • NYSC and late camp arrivals

    NYSC and late camp arrivals

    Participating in the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme is enormously hazardous for the average Nigerian graduate. They are plucked from their native areas of the country and posted to far-flung areas to promote cross-cultural exposure and national integration.

    Because they are alien in the areas they are posted, their first contact in those areas is the scheme’s orientation camp; meaning if they must get to the place before the camp opens, they (read: their parents/guardians) must be capable of funding interim accommodation in hotels. Meanwhile, those locations of posting are mostly not deadline friendly – requiring them travelling long hours, or days in some cases, to get there. Some have had to undertake overnight travels that have exposed them to acute dangers of insecurity and road safety hazards. For few areas that are accessible by air travel, air fares in the present socio-economy are utterly prohibitive. Even road travel under current economic realities is by no means easily affordable.

    Given these factors, ample room ideally need be made in timelines for registration by prospective corps members (PCMs) at orientation camps. But they face the extra hazard of very tight registration deadlines, failing which they could get turned back from those far-flung stations of posting. That was the reported experience of some PCMs in Niger State where dozens were turned back from the orientation camp in Paiko council area for narrowly missing camp registration deadline.

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    A video clip went viral lately showing a PCM who identified herself as Uwa Oze, saying she spent N40,000 travelling from her native Edo State to the Paiko camp but was turned back. In the clip, Oze recounted how PCMs were instructed after reporting in camp to return home, with many having travelled long distances down and out of funds to take them back home. “I was part of those who went for NYSC orientation camp, Batch B Stream II. We are part of those that were shifted to Batch C. I was later given a call-up letter. I am reporting from Niger; this is Niger. This early morning, they woke us up that we should be going back home. Some of us don’t have transport fare. They said, we should be going back home. Look at us,” she said in the clip as she showed in the background other PCMs in her situation.

    An online news outlet, The Whistler, reported contacting the spokesperson for NYSC in Niger State, Samuel Oga, who confirmed that the scheme turned back some PCMs. According to Oga, they were instructed to report between the 28th and 29th August, with registration scheduled for two days; but those being turned back arrived on the 30th or 31st and had missed the registration deadline.

    Really?!! NYSC cannot be too rigid with deadlines under prevailing circumstances.

  • Mohammed Idris: One year of leading with passion and purpose

    Mohammed Idris: One year of leading with passion and purpose

    By Gidado Shuaib

    Reflecting on Honourable Minister Mohammed Idris’s first year in office, it is impossible to overlook the significant impact he has had on Nigeria’s media landscape and national orientation. My personal connection with the Minister dates back to his tenure as Chairman of Blueprint Newspaper, offering me a unique perspective on the man behind the title—a leader who has consistently inspired young journalists and PR practitioners and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the media and public relations industries.

    Whenever we meet, Alhaji Mohammed Idris never fails to inquire about my well-being, often with a lighthearted joke: “Ango, Ina Amarya?”—despite my being married for some time. His legendary work ethic is the hallmark of his career. Since his days at Blueprint Newspaper, operating from Maitama, Abuja, I have admired his charismatic presence and dedication to his craft.

    My relationship with the Honourable Minister deepened through frequent visits to his office and residence, often accompanying my boss, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, who was then his Personal Assistant/Special Adviser and is now the Director General of Voice of Nigeria. These encounters afforded me firsthand insights into the Minister’s exceptional leadership qualities. His ability to merge media expertise with a grounded and empathetic approach distinguishes him as a respected figure in both media and public relations.

    It is no surprise that the Blueprint Impact Series/Awards became a landmark event in the media industry, underscoring Alhaji Mohammed Idris’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence. As the publisher of Blueprint and chairman of Kings Broadcasting Limited, owners of WE 106.5 FM Abuja, his influence extends well beyond journalism. His leadership has focused on building platforms that not only inform the public but also contribute meaningfully to national development.

    An accomplished media entrepreneur, Mohammed Idris is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). His influence on Nigeria’s media landscape is profound, bolstered by his participation in numerous local and international workshops and conferences on media entrepreneurship, leadership, and public relations.

    Among his notable achievements is the strategic communication guidance he has provided to various public and private organizations, as well as political brands. His roles as Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Kaduna State Chapter, and Vice Chairman of the Public Relations Consultative Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) further reflect his distinguished career.

    Following in the footsteps of media professionals who ventured into politics, such as Chief Lateef Jakande, former governor of Lagos State, and Chief Segun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State, Alhaji Mohammed Idris (Malagi) decided in 2019 to not only take an active interest in politics but also seek political office. From his early political engagements, he gradually earned the trust and admiration of his people in Niger State by advocating non-violent, issue-based politics. While other political actors and their social media proxies often resorted to divisive tactics, Alhaji Mohammed Idris consistently promoted messages of hope, unity, and a brighter, more prosperous Niger State.

    His dedication to public service is evident in the revitalization of agencies under his ministry, such as the Nigerian Press Council and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, which were restored to budgetary allocations after years of exclusion. His ability to unify agency heads, the national communication team, and private media organizations toward a common goal—restoring public trust in Nigerian media—has been commendable. A key achievement is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, through the Bank of Industry, to provide single-digit interest-rate financing to media organizations.

    Additionally, under his leadership, the Federal Government, through the National Council on Establishments (NCE), approved the redesignation of the Information Officer Cadre to Information and Public Relations Officer Cadre (GL08 to 17) and Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations) (GL06 to 14).

    Moreover, the Federal Government has commenced a major rehabilitation of the 14-floor Radio House Complex in Abuja—its first significant renovation in 33 years. This iconic building, once a symbol of national pride, is being restored to its former glory—an achievement that resonates deeply with many who remember its earlier stature in the nation’s history.

    Upon his appointment as Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation on August 21, 2023, I had no doubt that Nigeria had gained a leader committed to service and progress. Honourable Minister Mohammed Idris has exceeded expectations with his five-pillar agenda to revitalize Nigeria’s information sector. This agenda, aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision, focuses on rebuilding public trust, amplifying government policies, reshaping national values, modernizing technology, and fostering a conducive environment for media growth.

    His Ministerial Press Briefing Series has become a vital platform for transparency and accountability, offering the public direct access to government information. Honourable Minister Idris’s communication strategy goes beyond the mere dissemination of information—it actively engages citizens, builds trust, and ensures that government actions are transparent and supported by the people.

    His efforts to advance intellectual property rights are equally commendable. He champions fair compensation for content creators, aiming to spur creativity and innovation in the industry. At the National Conference of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, he emphasized the importance of adapting to the rapidly evolving media landscape, particularly with the rise of digital platforms such as social media, streaming services, and podcasts.

    As we celebrate his first year in office, Honourable Minister Mohammed Idris stands out as a visionary leader, laying the groundwork for a more informed, united, and progressive Nigeria. His leadership embodies integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to national development. In an era where public trust in institutions is often fragile, Honourable Minister Idris shines as a beacon of credibility and hope. Under his stewardship, Nigeria’s information sector is being revitalized and positioned to meet future challenges.

    Reflecting on this past year, it is easy to appreciate the shared vision he has for Nigeria and the invaluable lessons learned from his dedication. Honourable Minister Mohammed Idris’s inaugural year is a testament to what can be achieved with vision, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to serving the people. As we look to the future, there is no doubt that he will continue to lead with passion and purpose, inspiring a new generation of leaders to follow in his footsteps.

    Gidado Yushau Shuaib is the Special Assistant to the Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON). He can be reached at giddyshuaib@gmail.com.

  • Could a swing state halt the vote count?

    Could a swing state halt the vote count?

    If the certification of votes is blocked, our next president could be selected by the next U.S. House of Representatives.

    • By Megan Bellamy and Natalie Crawford

    Yet again, the outcome of our presidential election this November may come down to one swing state where the vote is close – and where partisan officials unhappy with the outcome may try to cast doubt on the results.

    That’s why it’s so concerning that last month in Georgia – a state that former President Donald Trump lost by a narrow margin in 2020 and where prosecutors have criminally charged him over his efforts to overturn his loss – the State Election Board voted 3-2 to impose new rules that require local officials to conduct an undefined “reasonable inquiry” before certifying the results of an election.

    Championed by three state board officials who have supported Trump’s false claim that he won Georgia in 2020, the new rules pave the way for partisan officials to delay certification of presidential results past the strict deadline of Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. ET. Last week, the state and national Democratic parties sued to block the new Georgia rules on the grounds that they violate a state law that makes certification a mandatory duty.

    Consider this worst-case scenario: If partisans in one key state were to halt the certification of votes, blocking either candidate from reaching the 270 Electoral College votes required to win, our next president could be selected by the next U.S. House of Representatives. However remote that chance, any interference with certifying votes threatens safe and secure elections – and our democracy as a whole.

    Let’s start by defining exactly what election certifiers can – and cannot – do. Some partisans would like you to believe otherwise, but election certifiers do not have the authority to challenge the accuracy of the vote count or any of the processes used to administer an election.

    Before certification, election systems in every state follow a meticulous series of checks and balances to ensure that only lawful votes are counted and all lawful votes are counted. This happens in three main stages:

    Verification: First, a team of trained, often nonpartisan election officials takes steps prescribed by law to verify the eligibility of each vote cast, whether in person or by mail. For in-person voters, that often means showing some form of ID or signing in with poll workers. For mail voters, the majority of states verify voters by checking their signatures – though some require voters to write out an ID number instead.

    Counting: After polls close, verified ballots are counted. Workers conducting the count, often representing both major parties, complete paperwork and secure voting materials for transmission to a local election authority. Opening, handling, counting and transporting ballots and other election materials is usually conducted by bipartisan teams in the presence of bipartisan election observers.

    Canvassing: Finally, a different set of election professionals review the ballot count and verify all procedures were followed. This process is known as canvassing an election (not to be confused with canvassing for votes, which means knocking on doors or phone-banking for candidates).

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    Critically, election certification – the straightforward process by which winners are declared – occurs only after election officials have completed these rigorous verification, counting and canvassing procedures.

    Before 2020, local election officials rarely voted against certifying results. Since then, however, election officials in a growing list of states – including Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania – have tried to block certification of votes, without any proof of irregularities or justification for challenging the results. These efforts ultimately failed, but they have shaken Americans’ trust in our electoral system.

    With the financial backing of partisan groups such as the America First Policy Institute, founded in 2021 to support Trump’s policy agenda, Trump supporters in Arizona, Michigan, North Carolina and Georgia have challenged the 2020 electoral results without providing evidence to verify their claims, and they are likely to try again this year.

    In Georgia, for example, a member of the Fulton County Board of Elections refused to certify this year’s primary vote and filed a lawsuit in state court, asking the court to redefine certification rules, to expand her powers and to grant her access to a wide range of election records, including digital images of specific ballots. Should the court agree with the plaintiff’s claims, it could put voter privacy at risk, allow one individual to delay certification and erode trust in our election systems.

    Certification challenges also have the potential to disrupt countless local and state races, up and down the ballot. The stakes could not be higher. This November, we must defend our elections from partisan interference and ensure our election certifiers uphold the will of the American people.

    *Megan Bellamy is vice president of law and policy at the Voting Rights Lab, a nonpartisan organization based in Washington, D.C. that promotes free and fair elections.

    *Natalie Crawford, a Republican, is a former two-term commissioner of Habersham County, Georgia, and executive director of Georgia First, a nonprofit organization that works on election access and security.

    •Source: https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2024-09-04/could-a-swing-state-halt-the-vote-count