The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Interrogating Sanwo-Olu’s perspectives

    Interrogating Sanwo-Olu’s perspectives

    Sir: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s lecture which he delivered extemporaneously at the Justice Reform Summit 2024 was not only an impetus for sober reflection but also offers a gratifying imperative for national discourse.

    Speaking on the theme “Enhancing the Administration of Justice for Growth, Investment Protection and Security in Lagos State”, the governor brilliantly dissected some tectonic issues.

    In one of his comparative reflections, Singapore, like he said, is a tiny dot on the world map; you hardly know where it is, but it is a city state that has earned its place in the world.

    Lagos, by sheer coincidence, also is like a dot in the country; it’s less than 0.4 % of the size of this country. So, technically, it also can be a dot and of that 0.4 %, 1/3 (one third) of it is water. But, by sheer coincidence, it is the commercial, economic nerve-centre of the country. Singapore holds its place too as a major economic hub worldwide today.

    Whilst the jury is out on the comparative expediency of Lagos and Singapore, there is compelling reason to believe that Lagos hasn’t exploited the best economic benefit of its landmass as a factor of production.

    Whereas Lagos and Singapore are similar in size and resource paucity, they are far apart in the way scarce resources are managed.

    It is a given that any country or city that contends with size constraints would automatically experience a competitive pull in the taxonomy of its land-use, the value chain created from that pull will also determine the economic viability of such a nation state.

    Professionals in the built industry domiciled in Lagos have been handicapped by the state’s laissez-faire treatment of the most valuable resource available to her. Land being the incubator for revenue generation and a catalyst for reducing unemployment could be better administered going forward.

    Singapore’s land administration is in total contrast to what obtains in Lagos. Whilst Singapore delivers express and timeous registration to land titles, Lagos seems to be lagging behind on this investment nexus.


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    Registering land transactions in Lagos is a complex and tiring process that often requires multiple visits to the registry thereby creating loopholes for extortions.

    A situation where the consent of the governor on land transfer is delayed for more than three months sometimes for upward of one year is a big disincentive to investment.

    A country bellyaching for foreign direct investment must put in every effort to removing bottleneck in land administration and Lagos State can become a reference point for a renaissance that could be replicated in other states.

    Another dissonance clause in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s comparative prognosis is what Singapore does with holders of empty and undeveloped real estate. According to Singaporean author, Tong Hui Tang: “We already run out of land. Each piece of land Singapore has already has its intended purpose. It is just how much do we want to spend to maximise each acre of land – building higher/smarter buildings, more complex transport systems – till the point where the benefits outweigh the costs”.

    The above doesn’t suggest that Singapore has ever allowed unused pieces of land or landed properties to remain so in perpetuity for the owners to pass to their heirs in probationary successions at the expense of public utility.

    Until Lagos State Government begins to articulate the inventory and put every piece of land to economic use, the state will continue to trail Singapore light years behind.

    Good authority holds that a conservative estimate of 20% of Lagos solid landmass is left undeveloped and is being held in perpetuity by land speculators thereby encouraging investment hiatus.

    This is certainly not how to build a mega city.

    •ESV Bukola Ajisola bukymany@yahoo.com

  • JAMB’s exclusion of pharmacy technicians from Direct Entry

    JAMB’s exclusion of pharmacy technicians from Direct Entry

    Sir: The Reformed Forum of Pharmacy Technicians in Nigeria (RFPTN) strongly urges JAMB to meticulously re-evaluate its stance on the Direct Entry program and reconsider its exclusion of pharmacy technicians.  We firmly believe that these professionals deserve the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and refine their skillset through higher education. RFPTN stands ready and willing to collaborate constructively with JAMB to address any concerns they may harbour and to work collaboratively to establish a streamlined and efficient registration process specifically tailored for our members.

    Despite our unwavering commitment to fostering a collaborative dialogue, our efforts to engage with JAMB on this critical issue have regrettably proven unsuccessful thus far. Our attempts to establish a productive working relationship have been met with a concerning lack of response. RFPTN formally submitted a letter requesting a courtesy meeting with the Registrar of JAMB, proposing a mutually convenient date for a discussion. However, this request was inexplicably disregarded. This lack of responsiveness is disheartening and stands in stark contrast to the collaborative spirit that is necessary to address this issue effectively.

    We are aware that the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has provided assurances regarding their engagement with JAMB with the intention of resolving this matter. However, there is a paucity of evidence indicating any tangible progress from these efforts. It is crucial for JAMB and PCN, both federal government agencies, to cultivate a robust and collaborative working relationship, particularly on matters that directly affect their respective stakeholders. We strongly encourage both agencies to establish a clear and comprehensive understanding of the situation and to work cohesively to arrive at a lasting resolution to this longstanding issue.

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    A collaborative effort between these two agencies would not only pave the way for our members to pursue higher education but would also contribute significantly to fostering a more robust and efficient healthcare system within Nigeria. The exclusion of pharmacy technicians from the Direct Entry program is a policy that stands counterproductive to the well-being of the profession and the Nigerian healthcare system at large.

    We, at the RFPTN, strongly believe that fostering a collaborative dialogue with JAMB and the PCN is the most effective pathway to achieving a positive resolution. We are unwavering in our commitment to working together with all stakeholders to ensure that qualified pharmacy technicians are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to serve the Nigerian healthcare system to the best of their ability.

    •Shagba Humphrey T. President, RFPTN, rfptnig@gmail.com

  • Interpreting FIRS new slogan, simplifying tax, maximizing revenue

    Interpreting FIRS new slogan, simplifying tax, maximizing revenue

    • By Arabinrin Aderonke

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has embarked on a restructuring effort to better serve taxpayers and enhance revenue collection. This initiative includes the introduction of a new slogan, “Simplifying Tax, Maximizing Revenue,” which replaces the previous slogan, “It Pays To Pay Your Tax.” This change shows FIRS’ commitment to a more taxpayer-friendly approach.

    The decision to change the slogan stems from a recognition of the need to better align FIRS’s message with its mission and goals. By moving away from the previous slogan, “It Pays To Pay Your Tax,” FIRS aims to communicate a more proactive and customer-centric approach to tax administration. This change underscores the agency’s commitment to simplifying tax procedures and making them more accessible to all Nigerians.

    With this new direction, expectations from FIRS are high. Taxpayers can anticipate a more user-friendly and transparent tax system that reduces complexities and enhances their overall experience.

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    During the unveiling of the new slogan, Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji made it clear that improving customer service is a top priority. He introduced the Customer Service Optimization Committee, a new team dedicated to ensuring that FIRS provides Nigerians with efficient and transparent support. Adedeji’s leadership is focused on building trust and accountability, key factors that help encourage voluntary compliance with tax obligations. His commitment to making FIRS more responsive and helpful shows his understanding that the agency needs to be more than just a tax collector; it needs to be a service-oriented organization that truly cares about the experience of taxpayers.

    The benefits of these initiatives are manifold. Simplified tax processes mean that taxpayers will spend less time and effort on compliance, leading to increased satisfaction. For FIRS, a more efficient and transparent system is expected to result in higher voluntary compliance rates, thereby maximizing revenue collection.

    Looking at all the recent changes within FIRS, it’s clear that Zacch Adedeji’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping a more taxpayer-friendly environment. His moves demonstrate a genuine commitment to making things easier for all Nigerians. It’s not just about paperwork and procedures; it’s about making sure that every Nigerian can navigate the tax system with ease and confidence.

    Adedeji’s dedication to improving the citizen’s tax experience is commendable. By prioritizing transparency and efficiency, he’s not only transforming FIRS from within but also making a positive impact on our everyday lives. With these changes, we can expect smoother processes, clearer communication, and, ultimately, a stronger financial footing for our nation.

    •Aderonke writes from Abuja.

  • Islamic musicians inaugurate excos

    Islamic musicians inaugurate excos

    The newly-inaugurated President of the Islamic Musicians Association of Nigeria (ISMAN), Abdul Azeez Adebayo, has expressed his commitment to repositioning the association and prioritising the welfare of members.

    He spoke at the inauguration of the national executives and investiture of life patron which held in Lagos.

    Adebayo noted that his administration would be open to dialogue proper consultations before taking decisions. He said the administration is poised to carry out beneficial projects and impact all members.

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    “Our administration shall govern and not rule over you. We are here to heal and mend this association, not to tear it apart. We shall always consult and dialogue, but never dictate. This administration will be carrying out huge projects such as building a National Secretariat, National Central Mosque, Nursery and Primary Schools, new buses, among others,” he said.

    The guest lecturer, Abdullai Ibrahim urged the executives to display discipline, integrity and humility and the fear of God in the discharge of their duties.

    The oath was administered on the executives as they vowed to adhere to the rules and regulations of the association, Islam and the Constitution.

  • FOMWAN empowers women with financial literacy

    FOMWAN empowers women with financial literacy

    The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), said it has continue to provide entrepreneurial and vocational skills to women to become self-reliant.

    This, the organization, said was to advance the welfare of women, children, less privileged, orphans and widows.

    Speaking during the a briefing to herald FOMWAN week, Lagos State Amirah, Alhaja Sherifat Ajagbe, said this year’s theme: ‘Economic empowerment for indigents: A life-changing venture for self-reliance and poverty alleviation’ is centred on self-improvement, cleanliness and giving helping hand.

    She said: “Though the world is going through tough times because of economic crisis, the best solution to get through the challenges is by adaptation and the ability to take the right steps. As Muslim women, we should not be in despair or disturbed because it is a global issue affecting everybody directly or indirectly. In addition to our level of spirituality, we should be emotionally stable and mentally prepared to be relevant and meet the needs of time.”

    She said the FOMWAN week is for assessment and the beginning of the association’s new calendar year which is widely celebrated throughout the nation by the entire FOMWAN family.

    “It is a kind of religious and socio-economic function purposely designed to mark and review the association’s past activities, reflect and assess what we have been able to achieve, correct out shortfalls and work towards improving on them. It is also an occasion to brainstorm and project into the future. The weeklong week will include lectures, visitation to FOMWAN elders and public homes with gifts and cleaning of public places, like mosques and markets,” she said.

    Ajabge noted that FOMWAN as a non-governmental and non-profit making religious body encouraged service to humanity.

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    “We spread love and take care of widows, orphans and the vulnerable. Therefore, in line with this Year’s theme, the association is set to empower three less-privileged members amongst our fold to mark the FOMWAN week, with the hope of uplifting them morally, spiritually and economically,” she added.

    FOMWAN National Chairperson on Community Development and Humanitarian Services, Alhaja Khairat Sodique, said the association has been equipping individuals, particularly those facing challenges, with tools and resources they need to become financially independent, adding that the FOMWAN week is a unifying programme worth celebrating every year.

    “We bring different programmes every year, three years ago we taught our people how to make soap, air freshener, insecticide and others but we are doing something different because the country’s economy is harsh. Everybody is affected including the rich. That is why we say this year we must do things differently to help one another and that is why we decided to bring financial literacy training to teach ourselves how to be financially stable.”

  • Ex-NAHCON boss seeks training for Zakat beneficiaries

    Ex-NAHCON boss seeks training for Zakat beneficiaries

    The immediate past Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, has called on zakat institutions to prioritise the training of beneficiaries on entrepreneurship and business ideas.

    He said this is important to eliminate the situation where people become perennial receivers of zakat after failing to utilise previous zakat funds judiciously.

    The former NAHCON boss said this at the Zakat fund distribution of The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions, where he was the guest speaker.

     “We need to sensitise our people that zakat is not what you get yearly. You are supposed to see zakat collection as a way to either temporarily ease your difficulty or for you to use the opportunity to engage in businesses that can take you out of the poverty line. So, the receivers need to understand that they are not supposed to be perennial receivers,” he said.

    Alhaji Hassan also stressed the need for increased awareness on zakat payment, noting the amount received is still insignificant when measured against the needs of people.

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    Chairman of the Zakat Committee, Imam Nojeem Jimoh, stated that the sum of N42 million was generated this year and distributed in Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Cross River, FCT, Abuja and Lagos states.

    Imam Jimoh noted that despite the economic meltdown in the country, payment of zakat to The Companion has increased continually over the years.

    “The amount that Muslims paid in zakat has increased on a continual basis. From N25 million four years ago, to N32 million year after, and N36 million last year. This year, we are distributing N42 million. There is an increased awareness on the need to pay zakat amongst the Muslims,” he said.

    National Amir (President) of The Companion, Kamil Olalekan, an engineer, said Allah instituted zakat as a form of wealth redistribution and commanded those who have excess to assist the poor and the needy.

    He urged wealthy Muslims to always pay zakat, saying it purifies and increases their wealth. He said the beneficiaries represent a small fraction of the number of applications in their data bank.

    He enjoined beneficiaries to make judicious use of what they got.

  • On the shutdown of national grid

    On the shutdown of national grid

    Sir: We of the Centre for Social and Economic Rights (CSER) condemn in the strongest terms, the shutting down of the national power grid thus the plunging of the whole nation into darkness by the organized labour in the prosecution of its declared nationwide strike action. It is an act of economic sabotage deserving of the full weight of the law.

    We are shocked and devastated by the reported criminal acts and economic sabotage unleashed on helpless Nigerians by the organized labour over its dispute with government on the issue of minimum wage. While we recognize the inalienable rights of workers to embark on strike action as a legitimate tool for advancing its demands, we are at a loss to rationalize the shutting down of the national grid which is an essential national security asset. We view this action as an insurrection meant to unseat a legitimately elected government by undemocratic means.

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    In the same vein, we received reports of the criminal assault on Nigerians using the brutal tactics of the terrorist IPOB/ESN group in enforcing the strike action; assaulting and beating up workers who turned up for work, forcing the closure of schools to deprive students access to education, particularly those writing the West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination, shutting down airports to prevent air flight operations among several other illegalities.

    By its action of plunging Nigerians into pains and anguish through economic sabotage and criminal assault of fundamental human and economic rights over dispute on wages, organised labour has derailed from the vision of its founding fathers of creating wealth and prosperity for the Nigerian people, to imperilling the economic interests of the people for reasons other than national interest.

    We call on the government to ensure the security of life and property of citizens; resist the assault on education and economic interests of Nigerians which is being undermined by the action of attacking and molesting workers who want to exercise their right to work as guaranteed by the constitution and international conventions of which the country is a signatory.

    We equally urge the Nigerian government to ensure that any assault of the rights of Nigerians and Nigeria by those who have taken the law into their hands under the pretext of prosecuting a strike action as a result of wage dispute, are met with the full weight of the law.

    •Nelson Ekujumi,Executive Director, CSER

  • Of grades over learning

    Of grades over learning

    Sir: The Nigerian schooling system prioritises grades over knowledge thereby resulting in relentless pursuit and pressure to achieve high academic success. It is disheartening that the grading system that ought to enhance gradual development of students has now been made to promote unhealthy competition and hatred among students.

    It is so distressing seeing prospective leaders of tomorrow question the essence of reading when they have no examination to take. You are likely to have heard Nigerian students say “books on strike and pen go rest” after taking their final exams.

    Now, tell me the essence of grading system which only forces students to cram and fails to prepare them ahead for the betterment of humanity at large?

    If Nigerian students are groomed to take learning and knowledge seriously the way they take grades and examinations, Nigeria will become one of the most thriving countries with functional and practical education. Rather, grading system has been reduced to serve as a major determinant of knowledge. Even a student of English that cannot tell the nine parts of speech apart when used in context now believes he/she knows grammar because his/her result shows “Grade A” in grammar.

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    Students must be made to realise the value of education beyond cramming for excellent certification. It must be made clear that education is the acquisition of knowledge and not acquisition of certification.

    Witnessing the type of schooling system Nigeria is nurturing won’t leave you in shock when you hear a student commits suicide because of low grade/ CGPA. Yes, the Nigerian educational system has been made to appear like a battle ground where students compete with one another to get the highest CGPA. Invigilators witness students collect extra sheets during exams but they hardly see them do extra reading after exams.

    Sadly, students are no longer motivated by the intelligence and brilliance of even their lecturers let alone their fellow classmates. To many students, if you can’t give them a test or examination, you don’t deserve to lecture or give them notes because they see lecture notes as nothing but ordinary papers whose internalisation only guarantees them excellent grades. Indeed, in the rat race for grades, the very spirit of education has lost its value.

    Ours will be a great country with functional and practical education, if proper orientation is given to students on the real essence of schooling beyond acquiring certification. Students must be made to understand that education is the acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values and schooling is one of its agents. Students’ orientation should uncover the fact that education helps reveal the hidden potential of students thereby making them explore the pleasure that comes with learning without necessarily being under pressure while reading to take school exams.

    Most importantly, Nigerian grading system must, to some reasonable extent, be made to watch over gradual intellectual improvement of students. Consequently, grading system must encourage popular intellectual participation among students and not be made to appear like a monster whose aim is to snatch breath out of students.

    If learning is to enhance personal growth, students should be encouraged not to prioritise grades over brilliance. They must be motivated to ask themselves the essence of distinction if it cannot help push poverty into extinction.

    The prioritisation of grades over knowledge is detrimental and unhealthy to the overall development of education in Nigeria. The alarming rate of depression and suicidal thoughts over grades can be drastically reduced when Nigerian schooling system makes students see the value and essence of education beyond acquiring excellent certification.

    •Kenny Ola, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

  • Regulate food prices and establish national food bank

    Regulate food prices and establish national food bank

    Sir: While the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration grapples with possible measures to address food inflation in Nigeria, there is an immediate need for it to review past efforts that have been introduced by successive governments that failed to meet the desired expectations. Recall, that President Muhammadu Buhari, in a bid to encourage local production of rice banned the importation of rice and also provided some levels of incentives to farmers to increase rice production in Nigeria. The policy led to the increase of rice farmers but it did not succeed in bringing down the prices of rice. It is believed that such a policy failed to meet the expectations of the government because the government did not take advantage of the incentives it provided to farmers to regulate the final price of rice.

    The Tinubu administration also plans to remove VAT on food items and some other essential commodities. This is a coomendable move; it should however be tailored towards bringing down the prices of such commodities as such government must enforce some level of regulation in the final prices of those commodities in the market. The government also intervened recently to prevent the scarcity of food and bring down its price by giving directives for the release of millet, grains and rice from the national food reserves unfortunately such gestures did not stop the continuous increase in the prices of food items in the market simply because there was no price regulation from government on what should be the final cost of food items.

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    In an economic emergency being experienced by Nigeria, stringent measures must be taken by the government to stabilize the market rather than relying on the commercialization of the market by producers who then hijack the forces of demand and supply.

    It is time the federal government boosted its national food reserves by establishing government-owned farms across the country. The farms should produce essential items like grains, millet, wheat, cassava and livestock and they should be located in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country. This would also require adequate storage and processing facilities to be located in those regions. Such establishments will not only contribute to reducing unemployment but serve as a buffer stock for food supply in Nigeria. Such measures would also play a vital role in regulating the prices of these commodities in the market because producers would have to compete in line with the government’s price. It would also boost the revenue generation of the government.

    The federal government should also provide incentives such as subsidies on fertilizers, modern farming equipment and soft loans to farmers. However, to avoid the pitfalls of the past, these incentives must be tied to government prices. This would serve as a price control measure. In other words, many of the farmers or investors that benefit from government incentives should be subjected to the price control and regulation of the government on those commodities. The government will also need to set up a monitoring and enforcement task force to monitor compliance at the various markets.

    The government must not also abdicate its responsibility of providing security to farmers in the rural areas. Flashpoints in various states and local governments where bandits and terrorists regularly terrorize farmers should be identified and the federal and state government must work harmoniously to secure those areas. Government must also put measures in place to tackle the effect of climate change on farm produce. Flood prevention and mitigation measures should be implemented in agro-communities. 

    • Victor Emejuiwe, Centre for Social Justice, Abuja

  • Labour, value and sabotage

    Labour, value and sabotage

     A Labour centre — Joe Ajaero’s Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) — morphed into a child craving stuff: a shirt here, a burger there, a coveted toy and another pair of shoes for Christmas or “Ileya” — as sacrosanct criteria to bargain for a national minimum wage.

    It’s glorious numbers (Aluta continua!) were N615, 000, later, N494, 000 — (Victory ascerta!)

    But the reflex of the same Labour, dreaming such confetti of cash, was to go switch off, post-haste, the national electricity grid, to paralyze all production!

    A Labour movement with no sense of value is a joke upon itself.  On that, Ajaero’s NLC takes the cake.  For Festus Osifo’s TUC, it is the sorry story of the sheep messing around with dogs.  Sooner than later, it would eat faeces!

    Nigeria’s two Labour centres have made themselves a deserving butt of jokes, with their gaming-machine thinking! 

    From an initial N615, 000 opening offer, these Labour Titans are now holding out for N100, 000.  Should they slip again, what else will they shut down?  Set ablaze all the electricity dams and thermal plants?  Such unthinking breed!

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    Still, jokes are part and parcel of a democracy — not economic sabotage.  Indeed, a fundamental kernel of democracy is knowing the limits of your rights, for no right is absolute. 

    Which is why when the hurly-burly is done, and after the battle is lost and won (to echo good, old Shakespeare in Macbeth), those who switched off the national grid must be brought to book. 

    That was economic sabotage, plain and simple!

    By the way, might Ajaero have leveraged own Labour base — the National Union of Electricity Employees, where he was general secretary — to achieve that rather nefarious act?  That is worth investigating.

    But aside from that main act, there were allegations of assault and battery, by a statement released by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which claimed enforcement gangs, behaving like thugs and touts, beat up and wounded some staff in the TCN control rooms, just to achieve a willy-nilly grid shutdown.

    Organized Labour must know this and know peace: the law that gives it the right to go on strike does not give it the leeway to turn outlaws while at it.

    The right to strike and picket also frowns at violence and outlawry.  It’s time to break some heads to make that point.