The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Beyond the barrel: The tourism imperative (1)

    Beyond the barrel: The tourism imperative (1)

    Nigeria is at the moment in a precarious position, teetering like a heavy toddler due to the instability of its monocrop economy. The country’s heavy dependence on crude (not even refined) petroleum exports exposes a cumulative effect of defective political economies and the complacency of the ruling elite “who have been trained as to how not to think”. It also reminds one of the stage-like observations of Robert Nester Marley, that “in the midst of water, the fool goes thirsty”.

    Nigeria’s reliance on oil can be diversified, but the elite’s mindset stands in the way. A notable example is Mexico’s Acapulco, which transformed from an insignificant town to a luxurious tourist destination. In the 1940s, President Miguel Alemán Valdés spearheaded its transition into a world-class resort town, showcasing Mexico’s natural beauty and culture. This earned Acapulco the nickname, ‘The Pearl of the Pacific’, and made it a popular destination for relaxation, culture and adventure. Today, Acapulco boasts stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and rich history, making it a hotspot for millionaires from Canada, the USA, Latin America and Europe.

    Once upon a time in Mexico’s rich history, a visionary president adopted the role of the Chief Marketing Officer, transforming Acapulco into a thriving tourist destination and this has made it a major contributor to Mexico’s economy, with a notable impact on the country’s revenue. Given adequate development and security measures, Nigeria’s natural attractions like Obudu Cattle Ranch and Yankari Game Reserve, combined with vibrant cultural events like the Calabar Carnival, Argungu Fishing, Eyo, Ojude Oba  and Udiroko  also have the potential to become tourist hotspots.

    The failure to think critically has consequences. Nigeria’s inability to generate at least $5 billion in tourism revenue annually, despite the growing demand for ecotourism, raises questions. For instance, why did Stevie Wonder, a renowned musician, choose to reside in East Legon in Accra, instead of Lekki in Lagos, Maitama in Abuja, or Eta Agbor Layout in Calabar? Consider also the recent presidential election, where governors met in hotels in Madrid, London, and Paris. Why not in Obudu or La Campagne Tropicana, to showcase Nigeria’s potential to international investors and sightseers?

    A place like Tinapa Resort or Abraka Turf and Country Club would have been developed like Acapulco, attracting the multinational hotel chains to build five-star hotels, Eco  Lodges, Golf Courses and the like. Matter-of-factly, any sustainable inflow from tourism will generate local taxes, induce a positive multiplier effect and enable the country to begin to deal with its perennial current account deficits and balance of payment crises. That this is not so is a reflection of the warped mindset of the ruling elite across the board.

    The reason Nigeria is not making it is the reason it is not making it from Solid Minerals, agro-allied exports as well as ‘invincible earnings’ from sectors such as Creative Arts, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and ‘outsourcing’. Nigeria possesses significant advantages, including its widespread use of English and high levels of education. But then, the colonized mindset of Nigeria’s elite, evident in their preference for Dubai’s manufactured appeal over domestic tourism development, has led to a neglect of the unique attractions of Obudu, Yankari and other domestic destinations, which remain underdeveloped and underappreciated.

    Take, for example, over a million Indians are involved in outsourced jobs, bringing in billions of dollars-a-year into the Indian economy. They have leveraged the English-speaking skill, which is not as good as the English-speaking skill in Nigeria, to do so.  Again, how many outsourced jobs have been created in Nigeria, compared to even Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and the Republic of South Africa? Yet, Nigeria has the best human capital on the continent, actual and potential. The facts have been stated here! Indeed, it is a statement of the obvious to say that, without reworking a political economy that is an obstacle to production and creative thinking, the country will continue, very sadly, its slide into irrelevance.

    Tourism in Nigeria offers a wide range of benefits, including positive social change, cultural exchange, community development and social cohesion. By facilitating cross-cultural understanding, it fosters global citizenship, empowers local communities through entrepreneurship and skill development, and promotes national unity by bridging ethnic and religious divides. Tourism also drives economic growth, alleviates poverty and inequality by creating jobs, and raises environmental awareness, promoting conservation and peace. Through the sector, individuals can engage with diverse perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and develop a broader understanding of the world. Over and above all, it helps preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage and cultivates national pride and patriotism.

    Obviously, reflecting on Nigeria’s current state can be disheartening. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage, comprising over 250 ethnic groups, each with distinct traditions, festivals, and cultural practices. It is also home to stunning natural attractions, including beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and national parks. Its ancient cities, such as Benin City with its rich royal heritage, and Osogbo with the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hold immense cultural significance and economic potential for tourism development.

    Besides, natural attractions like the Ikogosi Warm Springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties and historical sites such as the Kanem-Borno Empire in Borno State, featuring ancient artefacts and monuments, offer opportunities for local economic growth, cultural exchange and educational enrichment.  However, security and safety concerns, including kidnapping and terrorism, continue to deter visitors from exploring Nigeria. Among other challenges are insufficient accommodation options, poor roads, and inadequate transportation networks. Despite its vast potential, funding constraints have also impeded the sector’s growth.

    Read Also:‘Domestic tourism vital for revenue drive, job creation’

    That being said, Nigeria has made efforts to develop its tourism sector, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, when the country hosted several international events, including the 1977 Festival of Black Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) and the 1980 All-Africa Games.  In the 1990s and early 2000s, Nigeria’s tourism industry experienced a slight resurgence, with the government launching initiatives to promote cultural tourism and ecotourism.

    That Nigeria’s economy has long been overly reliant on oil, which accounts for over 90% of its foreign exchange earnings, is no longer news. That the global transition to renewable energy sources and the escalating impacts of climate change signal the decline of oil’s dominance is also a fact that’s no longer surprising. To address existing challenges and realize its full potential, the country must invest in upgrading its infrastructure, including modernizing roads, airports and hotels. Strengthening security measures, such as boosting police presence and introducing advanced surveillance systems, can help mitigate safety concerns. In addition, streamlining bureaucratic processes and combating corruption can facilitate smoother operations for tourists and investors.

    Implementing targeted and effective marketing and promotion strategies, including social media campaigns and collaborations with travel companies, can effectively showcase Nigeria’s unique attractions and and cultural heritage to a global audience. It will also help in boosting visitor numbers. Lastly, developing a comprehensive Tourism Master Plan can guide the sector’s growth and development, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigerian tourism.

    As Nigeria’s oil reserves gradually dwindle, it’s time the country enhanced its visibility in the international market by embracing global best practices in tourism marketing. By doing so, Nigeria can unlock a more sustainable and prosperous economic future, generate employment opportunities and foster cultural exchange. Undoubtedly, the country’s economic future depends on tapping its tourism potential; and the time to act is now!

    • To be concluded.
  • Way out of the electricity crisis

    Way out of the electricity crisis

    • By Femi Joseph

    Sir: The power grid has collapsed more than four times as of July, which represents a nationwide blackout every quarter. How can a nation as populated as Nigeria struggle to revamp her electricity network and bring it to full reliable capacity? The national grid as it is, boasts of a meagre 5000MW available generation capacity for a teeming population of about 200 million people.  This is highly shameful to say the least. Are we going to lose out again on the vast resources that we have? T

    The cheapest and most reasonable ways to improve our electricity sector abound, but we can’t utilize them because the wrong hands have been engaged in the critical affairs of our dear nation. Are we about to be blind again the same way we lost opportunities in the gas sector?

    Can the government get serious for once and start engaging experts who understand the technical know-how? The truth is we don’t need to break a sweat, the opportunities abound.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s global passport ranking to improve, says Minister

    In recent years there have been advances in the power system leading to a change and modifications in government policies around the world that promote renewable energy integration and energy storage. For example, in the United States, residential and commercial customers that have solar rooftops are encouraged to export excess energy production to the grid via the bi-directional net energy meter (NEM), which is achievable by a grid following/grid forming dual-mode inverter. The dual mode inverter ensures that the customer has the option of utilizing their installed generation sources with or without grid connection. During loss of utility source, the customer inverter configuration can switch to an independent micro-grid mode to serve its local load.

    At the end of each billing cycle, the customer either receives a very low bill or a cheque/credit from the utility company while putting the distribution cost of exporting on the utility lines into consideration. If similar policies are made within the Nigerian power sector, with some slight modifications, then we can have a system that is on her way to prosperity.  The utility distribution network benefits from the reliability that this technology would add to the system as low voltages often observed on the system and usually at the end of long feeders are improved. It is even more advantageous to the utility as the retail cost of buying local electricity is less or equal to the wholesale cost from the GENCOs.

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is highly disjointed from the DISCOs, their nature of relationship is not entirely transparent, and this is greatly hurting businesses and individuals. The proposed solution should address this gap, as it will be customer inclusive through the incentives.

    •Dr. Femi Joseph

    Pittsburgh, USA

  • Time to call the NNPCL to order

    Time to call the NNPCL to order

    • By Nwachuku Charles

    Sir: In 2019, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, appointed Mele Kyari as the GMD of NNPCL as replacement for Maikanti Baru who was eased out of office in NNPCL. Kyari is currently the 19th group GMD of the corporation.

    More than 15 months after the ascendancy of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidency, Kyari has held fort and called the shots at the corporation. Over the same period that he has presided over the affairs of the NNPCL, the company undertook series of turn-around maintenance [TAM] of the nation’s various refineries at Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna respectively. Incidentally none of the series of turn-around maintenance was able to put any of the refineries on the path of production almost six years after his appointment, in a country that is blessed with abundant crude oil in its soil.

    Kyari and his NNPCL’s interests in importing finished petroleum products into the country while crude oil is daily pumped from the bowels of our land and shipped overseas is rather curious and questionable when considered against the backdrop that the refineries here have remained moribund or dormant and unproductive. 

    Recently reports say the NNPCL made over N3trillion as profit, the first in several years; the same amount the presidency magnanimously ploughed back into the company to support further importation of fuel to ease the pains of the removal of fuel subsidy at the inception of his administration. 

    Expectedly the gesture by the government was aimed to alleviate the hardship faced by the masses.  Unfortunately immediately thereafter, Kyari alleged that the NNPCL was owed about $6billion as unsettled costs for fuel importation into the country for several years. 

    Read Also: We must embrace multilateralism to secure sustainable peace, development, Tinubu tells African leaders

    The question then is ‘where and how’ did Kyari and his fuel importation coordinating team in NNPCL raise the whopping $6billion to import fuel into the country which the federal government is now supposedly indebted to it even as it is the nation’s national oil corporation overseeing the activities of other oil producing companies on behalf of the government?

    Interestingly the company [NNPCL] has now raised the pump price of petrol to an historic high of almost N900 per litre despite the government’s N3trillion to it.  The effect of this has rippled to other petroleum marketing bodies with one litre costing up to N1,300/litre, thereby exacerbating the hardship faced by the populace with its attendant consequences as the masses are now groaning under the heavy weight of increases in prices of both goods and transportation. Certainly this is aimed at frustrating the government’s intentions and efforts and perhaps to incite the general public against the government.

    It is therefore about time that the President Tinubu looked into the activities and roles of the NNPCL in line with his economic policies and direction to put the nation on the path of recovery. The time is now in order to forestall further damages that Kyari and his fuel pump politics will unleash on the nation and her citizens.

    I call on the President Tinubu to act very fast; now is the time to tame the nefarious activities of NNPCL as well as other enclaves in the polity.

    •Nwachuku Charles O. 

    okuchals@gmail.com>

  • An opportunity to eliminate malaria in pregnancy

    An opportunity to eliminate malaria in pregnancy

    • By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

    Sir: “We are immensely proud to have received WHO pre-qualification for our Sulfadoxine Plus Pyrimethamine Tablet for preventing malaria in pregnancy. This achievement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to improving maternal health and combating malaria, two critical public health challenges in Nigeria and beyond. We believe every woman deserves access to safe and effective preventive measures during pregnancy, and we are dedicated to making this a reality.”

    Above is part of the speech delivered by the Managing Director of Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited, Frederic Lieutaud, after the pharmaceutical company got the World Health Organisation’s pre-qualification for Swipha’s SP 500/25mg – a drug for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy. 

    Malaria during pregnancy leads to serious adverse effects on mothers and the foetus. Approximately 25 million pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa live at risk of malaria. Two institution-based studies done among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in Nigeria showed the prevalence of malaria to be 41.6% according to study published on Iris Journal of Medical Science, 2020.

    Medical experts in the country have long been singing the same tune that combining sleeping under an insecticidal-treated net with intermittent malaria prophylaxis during pregnancy is the only way to ensure pregnant women don’t fall prey to the deadly consequences of malaria, such as stillbirth and premature delivery.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s global passport ranking to improve, says Minister

    It is the best bet and the safest route to prevent these complications. By taking these measures, expectant mothers can stay one step ahead of malaria and give their babies a fighting chance at a healthy start in life.

    Despite throwing money at the problem and setting up committee after committee to tackle malaria, Nigeria is on the brink of missing its 2025 elimination target, which is just around the corner. With less than four months to go, the writing is on the wall – Nigeria is unlikely to hit its target, and malaria will continue to be a thorn in its side. It is a bitter pill to swallow!

    It would be recalled that in 2008, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) set a target to reduce 50 percent of the malaria burden by 2013. Afterwards, there was the National Malaria Strategic Plan (2014-2020), with the goal to reduce the burden of the disease to pre-elimination level and bring malaria-related mortality to zero.

    By the end of 2020, Nigeria was not among the countries listed by WHO that achieved the 2020 milestones of reducing malaria incidence and deaths. The listed countries are; Botswana, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Ghana, Namibia and South Africa.

    Currently, there is the National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP 2021-2025) with the target to achieve a parasite prevalence of less than 10 percent and reduce mortality attributable to malaria to less than 50 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2025.

    Beyond being a historic first, Swiss Pharma Nigeria Limited has been saddled with the enormous responsibility of ending malaria in hundreds of thousands of pregnant women in the country and beyond. After this pre-qualification the offing for Swipha’s SP 500/25mg is global procurement, national regulatory approval, tendering and procurement, distribution and supply chain management, monitoring and evaluation and inclusion in national treatment guidelines, therefore, is this is a point of no return.

    Upon success of all aforementioned, this is venture will open the floodgates for export, providing a much-needed lifeline to alleviate our lingering forex woes, not just profit for the pharmaceutical giant. So, the onus is on Swipha to sustain the momentum for Nigeria to remain on the forefront of medical and pharmaceutical discourse as the government should make effort to borrow a leaf their book.

    •Lawal Dahiru Mamman,

     Abuja.

  • NNPCL’s full disclosure and necessity of disciplined lifestyle

    NNPCL’s full disclosure and necessity of disciplined lifestyle

    By Akpata Alao

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Sunday, September 1, admitted that the debts owed international oil traders are a major factor in the ongoing fuel scarcity across the country.

    In a statement released by its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCL confirmed that the fuel supply disruption was caused by outstanding debt obligations to international oil traders.

    Though NNPCL did not reveal the exact amount owed to these oil traders, it is pertinent to state that the national oil company has demonstrated a high level of moral obligation by subscribing to the principle of full disclosure in its dealings with Nigerians. Nothing could be more heartwarming than establishing the fact that Nigerians deserve to know what is going on. And, for this singular act, the management and staff of NNPCL deserves commendation.

    Whatever the amount the NNPCL is owing suppliers, whether $6.8 billion as has been speculated in some quarters or less, the point to note is that the company has been finding ways to ensure that petroleum products are made available to Nigerians at all costs. Again, the NNPCL deserves applause for this commitment.

    Call it whatever name, subsidy or under recovery or anything, it is now apparent that somebody has been bearing the burnt of the availability of fuel for Nigerians consumption. 

    Soneye in the statement said: “NNPC Ltd has acknowledged recent reports in national newspapers regarding the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers. This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the Company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply.

    “In line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NNPC Ltd remains dedicated to its role as the supplier of last resort, ensuring national energy security. We are actively collaborating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide,” Soneye said. 

    Read Also: Security: China pledges support for Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS, fight against terrorism

    What this means  in a layman’s language is that the NNPCL may no longer be able to maintain the fixed price of petrol following the removal of the subsidy on May 29, 2023. Besides, the NNPC has indicated that it will or is seeking financial relief from the federal government, hinting that the company might rely on government intervention, though not necessarily a return to subsidy regime, to navigate this financial crisis.

    Though the return of subsidy has been a topic of intense speculation in the polity NNPCL has yet to confirm the reintroduction of the subsidy. That the statement clearly hinted that it will rely on the government does not in any way suggest that it is pushing for the reintroduction of the subsidy regime. Yet, it is fully granted that the federal government may need to step in to help settle some of the company’s obligations to international oil traders.

    The direct implications of the recent development is that Nigerians are now face to face with reality. The days of escapism or viewing everything with rose tinted glasses are gone.

    For too long many have engaged in fantasy, parading a lifestyle that is clearly unsustainable under present global economic reality. It is time to deal with the hedonistic attitude that prioritizes extravagance above and beyond prudent living.

    Here are some ways through which Nigerians can deal with the new reality and cut down on our lifestyle:

    Car-pooling: This allows you to share fuel cost with other people who are going in the same direction. It can be a great way to save money, especially if you have a long route to commute and need to take several buses before you get to your destination. With the now obvious increased fuel prices, car-pooling becomes an effective solution to share attendant commuting expenses. Coordinate with friends, neighbours, or colleagues with similar routes and schedules and share the cost. It is also a great way to make new friends or network and  strengthen old bonds.

    Converting cars and generators to run on auto-gas: With the government’s push for autogas adoption in Nigeria, and has been championed by the NNPCL, converting your vehicles and generators to run on autogas like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) can be a viable solution. Autogas is more cost-effective than traditional Premium Motor Spirit commonly called petrol and diesel fuels. It is more environmentally friendly.

    Many people are simply averse to the use of public transport systems. The simple reason is their personal comfort. The status of being called and addressed as a “Car Owner” and such mundane things. In other climes, the public transport system is more valued that the private/ personal transportation system. It is a very practical and effective way to deal with the fuel price increase. It is an option that saves you a significant amount you would have spent on fuel. Buses, tricycles, commonly known as keke, trains, and other forms of public transport are generally cheaper than individual car usage.

    Cutting down on social activities is yet another way to cope. It can be difficult to say no to friends when they invite us out or resist the urge to attend every social activity happening around us, but to adjust to the current reality, it is an unavailable thing to do.  Instead, you can plan indoor activities that do not require you to spend on fuel, like reading, baking, cooking with friends, etc or organise meetups closer to home. This will significantly minimise your fuel consumption and save you more money.

     Investing in inverters is a great investment, especially in a country like Nigeria, where electricity isn’t reliable, and fuel cost keeps increasing. They allow you to store electricity for a power outage, helping you cope with electricity supply fluctuations, reducing your dependency on generators and saving fuel costs. Although inverters are expensive, they can last up to 15 years.

    More important than anything else is the need to adjust your spending.  It is important to review and adjust your overall spending to deal with this fuel situation. Identify areas where you can reduce unnecessary expenses and prioritise essential needs. Budgeting and financial planning help individuals navigate challenging economic times like this.

    It is something to be worried about if a family of five, sufficiently rich to the point of having five cars to put all the five cars to be on the road everyday. The father, mother, and children going about with each car.

    It is arguable that the family has the means and so it could afford to put all the five cars on the road, but we must also see the flip side of the need for the family to demonstrate fiscal and social discipline.  To make it convenient for the supplier, there has to be a design that will make for a reduction in the lifestyle that many of us, have chosen over the years.

    The reality at hand therefore, calls for a radical review of personal and national lifestyles that will conform to the prevailing global economic situation as the government of the day moves painstakingly to address the harsh economic situation at hand.

    •Alao, a Sociologist and public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja.

  • Harvest of plaudits as Abiodun breaks 21-year jinx on Ewekoro Road

    Harvest of plaudits as Abiodun breaks 21-year jinx on Ewekoro Road

    By Kayode Akinmade

    Nigeria returned to civil rule in 1999 after decades of military dictatorship, but democracy didn’t always bring dividends. Ask the long-suffering people of Ewekoro, Ogun State, who for years watched their businesses ruined and many lives lost on the 70-kilometer Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota-Lagos Expressway. Governors came and promises were made, but the people saw no action on the road. Until recently, that is, when the current governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, dared the odds and persuaded a hitherto unbending Federal Government to let him reconstruct the road, a federal edifice, for the benefit of the long-suffering populace. And so when, on Friday, the Governor flagged off the construction of the road with a pledge to complete it in 18 months, his pronouncement was greeted with roaring applause.

    Adjudged as the second busiest road in Nigeria, the road, as Governor Abiodun himself noted on the occasion, connects Abeokuta and its hinterlands to Lagos State, and links Ilaro in Ogun West to Sagamu in Ogun East through the Sagamu-Interchange-Papalanto-Ilaro road. On the Ota side, it also connects the Sango-Atan-Owode-Idi-Iroko road, leading to border towns and the Benin Republic. The road, he said, “serves as a critical artery for numerous industrial hubs in Ota, including the Lafarge Cement Factory, Ile-Ise Awo, various schools, and higher institutions. The communities along this corridor are densely populated, and the road’s strategic location has a significant impact on trade and economic activities.”

    But as the Iyaloja (market women’s leader) of Ewekoro, Alhaja Busirat Ejire, said on the occasion, the road had been a blight even on royalty, as critics wondered loudly if the Olu of Itori, ruler of the community that the road literally cut off from the rest of the state, ever had the ears of the present governor reputed for spreading road projects across the state. Hear the excited market leader: “We thank you for the phenomenal work you are doing for us market women. We are daily praying for you and may the prayers be answered. This road is for us and the Olu of Itori. He received a lot of tongue-lashing because of this road. We market women suffered greatly on account of this road.” And the Olu of Itori, Oba Akorede Akamo, did not mince words: “I do tell people you are Mr talk and do, a silent achiever. For over 20 years, this road had been so bad. We have always prated that God should bring the person that will do this road. I knew from the day you came to Itori that you will be the one to do this road. I have used almost four governors, starting from Baba Osoba to OGD, Amosun and you. Why you sir? It is because you have been ordained for good things.”

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    The Olu and Iyaloja were speaking at the flagging-off ceremony attended by the governor and his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide; the chairman of the Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Yemi Sanusi; a former deputy governor of the state, Alhaja Salimot Badru, and a retinue of federal and state lawmakers, including Senator Akin Odunsi, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade,, Hon Tunji Akin-Ose, Hon Yusuf Amosun and Hon Maroof Afolabi Afuwape. The Olu of Ilaro and chairman of the Ogun  State Council of Obas, HRH Kehinde Olugbenle, led royalty at the ceremony attended by members of the business community, students, market union and transport union chiefs.

    The Olu of Ilaro toed the line of the Olu of Itori. Hear him: “This road caused me palpitations for almost 12 years. God has attended to the things that caused us fear. I thank you on behalf of Nigerians; the people that ply this road. I thank the President too. This road is being salvaged during your tenure. Indeed, we are in a tenure of renewed hope. We were in a state of hopelessness. This is the only road that enters Yewaland. You have done what your predecessors over the years refused to do.”

    As Governor Abiodun himself noted on the occasion, the road is significant not only to Ogun State but also to Lagos State and the nation at large, as it provides a thoroughfare for people going to the neighbouring country. Hear him: “ I am glad to inform you that work is beginning on the road immediately. The excuse then was that there was a sitting contractor on the road. The best the state could do at that time was to carry out palliative works on the critical sections along the road axis. We re-opened our appeal to the Federal Government to reconstruct the road upon the inauguration of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who graciously, through the Honourable Minister for Works, handed over the reconstruction of the road to Ogun State.”

    To fast-track the reconstruction of the road, Abiodun said, five reconstruction teams would be involved, and each team would handle one of the following zones: Ota/Ifo, Papalanto, Ewekoro/Itori, Abeokuta, and the team allocated for palliative works to ensure smooth traffic along the project alignment during the construction duration. “Each zone covers a distance of approximately 15 km. The Abeokuta/Ifo/Sango/Abule-Egba Road project is expected to be completed in eighteen months,” he said.

    Speaker after speaker appreciated the governor for redressing the people’s plight. A transport union chief, Taofeek Sokoya (Danku), told the governor: “It is for us that you have done this road. Currently, we take about five hours to get to Ota from Ita Osin. When this road is completed, it will only take 45 minutes.” The representative of the community development associations in the area, Comrade Oluseun Oke, could not hide his excitement. He said: “This road had given Ewekora a bad name for long. Whenever accidents happened, people would say it happened in such and such a place in Ewekoro. We thank God that all of that has become history.” The chairman of the state council of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Francis Adeyanju, enthused: “We don’t have much to say but to thank you. We want to assure you of our support always, because you have given us enough reasons to keep supporting you.”

    Also speaking on the occasion, the state APC chairman observed: “The total rehabilitation of this Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos road is a major dividend of democracy in this state.  People had been clamouring for the reconstruction of the road. With the flagging off of the reconstruction of this road, we must emphasise the immediate benefits. It will comfort our people, foster economic growth, create more jobs and make things easy for all commuters.”

    The representative of Craneburg, the construction company handling the project, Edmond Maalu, thanked Governor Abiodun for trusting the company with the iconic and landmark project after it had proudly partnered with the state on some of its most laudable projects, including the Ijebu Ode-Epe project and the Agro-Cargo Airport. The significance of the project to the trade and commerce of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole, he said, could not be overemphasized. He appealed for the support and understanding of commuters and stakeholders in the months ahead, adding: “We will liaise with the state  and federal traffic agencies to ensure that the discomfort that may be experienced due to the lane restrictions and possible closures will be as limited as possible. We also assure of our commitment to giving employment opportunities to both skilled and unskilled workers within these communities as well as creating opportunities for small businesses in the course of our activities.”

    Going by his track record, the people know that Governor Abiodun will keep his word. As the state Commissioner for works, Ade Akinsanya, said on the occasion: “The state government will ensure the timely completion of the road for the benefit of commuters and residents of Ogun State, Lagos and the entire country in general.”

    Akinmade is Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun

  • Dangote petrol: What’s next?

    Dangote petrol: What’s next?

     Sir: Alhaji Aliko Dangote envisioned ending Nigeria’s reliance on fuel importation and making sub-Saharan Africa self-sufficient in energy. This vision led to the construction of the world’s largest single-train refinery, a 650,000-barrel-per-day facility located in Lagos State.

    Just days before handing over power to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the Dangote Refinery as a parting gift to Nigerians. However, a time passed without petroleum products from the refinery being made available, initial excitement gave way to scepticism. Even when hope was rekindled at some point, controversies began to surface regarding the supply of crude oil to the refinery and its subsequent refining process.

    Amidst these controversies, Dangote Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Aliko Dangote, publicly accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), International Oil Companies (IOCs), and a cartel in the energy sector of denying him crude oil supplies, thereby sabotaging his efforts to make Nigeria energy-sufficient. The situation raised questions about whether those in power genuinely want the country to succeed. However, the phase would end with President Tinubu’s intervention, directing the NNPCL to sell crude oil in naira to the refinery.

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    In another twist, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) would raise concerns about the refinery’s petroleum having excessive sulphur content, opening another chapter for debate. After much back and forth, the National Assembly stepped in to calm the waters.

    Despite these hurdles, the refinery began test runs for petrol production on August 23. On September 3, over a year after its launch in May 2023, it officially rolled out petrol to mark the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one.

    At the press conference to mark the official rollout, Dangote declared, “It’s a celebration day for Nigerians,” while assuring citizens that they will “now have good petrol, and the engines of your vehicles will last longer. You will not have engine issues, which many of us were facing. It won’t happen at all.”

    He added that the fuel quality will match that of any global standard and promised that the refinery would help revive industry and manufacturing. With real import substitution, Nigeria would save foreign exchange, earn foreign exchange, stabilize the naira, and potentially bring down inflation and the cost of living.

    Yet, questions linger: Will the refinery’s production bring relief from fuel scarcity? How soon will it impact the forex market? Will the naira stabilize or even appreciate against the dollar? And the price?

    While citizens await the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to establish a new pricing structure for petrol produced at the refinery, Nigerians are still asking: What’s next?

    •Rabi Ummi Umar,rabiumar058@gmail.com.

  • Needless politicization of NATCOM Bill

    Needless politicization of NATCOM Bill

    Sir: The establishment of the National Commission Against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons, and Ammunitions (NATCOM) in Nigeria has been a long-awaited move to address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country. However, the process has been marred by unnecessary politicization, which threatens to undermine the very purpose of NATCOM.

    The National Commission Against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (Establishment) Bill, 2022, was passed by the 9th National Assembly and recommitted by the 10th National Assembly. Despite this, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (the Centre) has taken a position seen by many pundits as unpatriotic, attempting to discredit and criminalize the proposed NATCOM.

    This move by the centre is not only unnecessary but also undermines the legislative arm of government, which initiated the re-committal process of the NATCOM Bill under the current administration. The centre’s actions are a clear example of inter-agency rivalry, which will continue to be detrimental to the security of lives and property in Nigeria.

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    NATCOM’s functions, as outlined in the Bill, are in line with Article 24 of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Convention on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, which came into force in 2009. This Convention aims to prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in West Africa, and NATCOM’s establishment is crucial to Nigeria’s compliance with this international treaty.

    However, the centre’s existence, established by the Federal Government in 2021 under the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), raises questions about its ability to relate with international entities like the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and nation-states that are signatories to international treaties and conventions on the control of small arms and light weapons.

    For instance, in compliance with international treaties and conventions, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons is an agency established by an Act of Parliament (Act 736 of 2007), in Ghana. How will Nigeria’s centre meet the mandate in the international treaty or convention on control of small arms and light weapons? The answer lies in the establishment of NATCOM, which will provide a legal framework for Nigeria’s engagement with international entities like the UN on the control of small arms and light weapons.

    Instead of inter-agency rivalry, NATCOM and the centre under the office of the National Security Adviser should find a common ground to work together to address the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria to curb insecurity in the country, especially within the ungoverned spaces to tame non-state actors and criminal gangs threatening to lives and property of citizens. This cooperation will also ensure that Nigeria meets its international obligations and provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the security challenges posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in line with the UN, AU, and ECOWAS treaties and conventions.

    It’s time for the National Assembly to expedite the re-committal process of the NATCOM Bill, if not already concluded, to enable the federal government to establish NATCOM as a legal entity through the assent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This will ensure that Nigeria meets its international obligations and provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the security challenges posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

    Good enough, the current Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, led the House of Representatives as Speaker when the NATCOM Bill was passed under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and will be in the position to properly advise Mr President who has shown unprecedented commitment to the security of lives and property of Nigerians in the last 14 months plus. Also, Mr President as the chairman of ECOWAS will be more than willing to ensure that Nigeria meets this obligation to ECOWAS on the fight against proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the West African sub-region.

    •Comrade James Ezema,jamesezema@gmail.com

  • Subsidy removal: Economic imperative or social burden?

    Subsidy removal: Economic imperative or social burden?

    Sir: In recent months, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has significantly raised the price of petrol, leading to widespread concern among citizens and stakeholders alike. The removal of fuel subsidies, which had long been a contentious issue, was finally implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, resulting in a market-driven pricing mechanism.

    The removal of fuel subsidies was a long-advocated policy by economic experts and international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. They argued that subsidies were a drain on government resources, often benefiting the wealthy more than the poor and encouraging corruption within the fuel distribution system. From this perspective, the subsidy removal is seen as a necessary step to reform Nigeria’s economy and free up resources for developmental projects.

    However, critics argue that the government failed to adequately prepare the populace for the inevitable shock of subsidy removal. The absence of social safety nets or palliatives to cushion the blow has left many Nigerians feeling abandoned by their government. The immediate impact has been harsh, with inflation rising to unprecedented levels, and many households struggling to afford basic necessities.

    The NNPCL’s role in the recent price increases has also been criticized. As the national oil company, its ability to influence market prices raises questions about the effectiveness of competition in the newly deregulated market. Many Nigerians fear that without sufficient checks and balances, the NNPCL and other major players might exploit the situation to maintain high prices, keeping fuel out of reach for the average citizen.

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    In the long term, the Dangote refinery could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s petroleum industry. The refinery’s ability to meet a substantial portion of domestic fuel demand could force market prices down due to increased competition, even with NNPCL’s market dominance. Moreover, Dangote’s integrated supply chain—from crude oil refining to the distribution of finished products—could ensure more efficient operations and lower production costs, benefits that could be passed on to consumers.

    Additionally, Dangote’s strategic investments in infrastructure, such as its own pipelines for crude oil and products, help reduce logistics costs, further driving down prices. The refinery’s success could also inspire confidence among other private investors, leading to more investments in the oil and gas sector, which has long been dominated by public enterprises with a history of inefficiency and corruption.

    However, the refinery’s success is not guaranteed and will depend on various factors, including the government’s regulatory framework, global oil prices, and Dangote’s ability to manage operational challenges. Yet, with the right support and policies in place, the Dangote refinery could provide a much-needed solution to Nigeria’s perennial fuel supply challenges and ease the burden on Nigerians grappling with high fuel prices.

    The recent fuel price increase by NNPCL and the removal of subsidies have undoubtedly placed a heavy burden on Nigerians, particularly the poor and middle class. While the policy shift is economically justified, its execution has been less than ideal, leaving many citizens struggling to cope with the resulting inflation and economic instability.

    For now, the situation remains precarious, and the government will need to carefully balance its fiscal policies with the needs of its citizens. Ensuring that the benefits of the Dangote refinery and other reforms reach the populace will be key to maintaining public trust and avoiding further economic and social unrest.

    •Usman Abdullahi Koli,mernoukoli@gmail.com.

  • Hasty troops withdrawal

    Hasty troops withdrawal

    Battles are won when the enemy is vanquished and disabled from further action, not by pulling back from the frontline when the enemy yet has some potency for doing damage. But the latter seems to be what has happened in Niger State regarding the activities of bandits in some insecurity-prone areas over which the state government lately pleaded for return of military presence.

    Niger State Acting Governor Yakubu Garba called on the Nigerian Army to send back its troops to communities in the state presently under siege by bandits, following serial attacks on some areas where residents were either killed or abducted and property looted or destroyed. He made the call after special prayers recently held for 13 residents killed by bandits in Allawa axis of Shiroro council area.

    The victims, said to be internally displaced farmers, were on the way to their farms in Anguwan village when bandits attacked them. A relation of one of the victims said the bandits shot eight people, while five others got drowned in a river as they were fleeing the scene of the attack. The army reportedly withdrew its troops from some communities in Shiroro after six personnel were ambushed and killed in April.

    Garba said the withdrawal of troops from Allawa and other communities had weakened government’s efforts to end insecurity in the state. “I want to appeal to our military to see reason and go back to Allawa and other bandits-prone areas to give full security cover to our people who are predominantly farmers,” he stated, adding: “The withdrawal of military personnel has left our communities defenceless. The people of Allawa are predominantly farmers, and they are now unable to tend to their fields without fear of being attacked. We need the Federal Government to act swiftly and redeploy the army to protect our people.”

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    It would be illuminating to know the particular reason why the military decided to pull out of the troubled area, but that withdrawal – for whatever reason – was premature in view of narratives of persisting activities of bandits. A community resident whose son was among the persons killed was reported saying the bandits were deliberate enough to separate between the villagers they ambushed on their farms before killing those they aimed for. “The bandits asked people from Kagara (in Rafi council area) to go while those from Allawa had their hands tied to their back before they started killing them,” the resident narrated. Also, a widow who lamented losing her son in the attack said the son was married before he was killed. She said she had lost her own husband to a bandits’ attack in 2023.

    The military need to look out for its personnel and keep them out of harm’s way when necessary. But it is government’s constitutional duty to provide security for citizens, and the military is pivotal to that duty. That is why soldiers should earnestly return to troubled Niger communities as solicited.