The Nation Newspaper

Category: Features

  • ‘Tela maize is solution to food security, agric challenges’

    ‘Tela maize is solution to food security, agric challenges’

    Initially, it drew fierce criticisms for its perceived potential to jeopardize public health, hurt the environment and the foundation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. But, with Nigeria’s successful harvest of Tela Maize, her first Genetically Modified (GM) maize, this technological breakthrough may have proved critics wrong. It also represents a quantum leap in the nation’s quest to leverage innovation to sustainably confront some of her most pressing agricultural challenges, including the ongoing fight against food insecurity. JULIANA AGBO reports.

    Nigeria’s push to sustainably transform her agricultural sector has received a significant traction. This is on the strength of the country’s recent celebration of its first harvest of Genetically Modified (GM) maize, known as ‘Tela Maize,’ marking a pivotal leap not only for Nigerian farmers, but for the nation’s broader food security ambitions, and promising a revolution in how the country grows its food.

    Indeed, for decades, Nigeria’s agricultural sector has struggled under the weight of low yields, pest infestations, and climate-induced uncertainties. Farmers across the country have been trapped in cycles of poor productivity, largely due to outdated farming methods and a reliance on chemical pesticides.

    But with the successful cultivation of Tela Maize, which is genetically designed to resist pests like fall armyworms and stem borers, the future of farming in Nigeria looks promising.

    The Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, conveyed this optimistic sentiment when he said: “Tela Maize is not just a crop; it’s a game-changer. This maize can dramatically boost farm yields without the need for harmful chemical sprays.

    “It’s safe for human consumption, and it’s a sustainable solution to some of our most pressing agricultural challenges. This is just the beginning. We’re not only feeding Nigeria, we’re shaping the future of agriculture.”

    Mustapha, whose Agency has been championing the introduction of GM crops to Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, spoke during a field trip organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Abuja, where he highlighted the monumental significance of this achievement.

    The thing is that NBRDA, which Mustapha heads, has been at the forefront of the Tela Maize innovation or technological breakthrough that has now put farmers and various stakeholders in the agric sector in excited and expectant mode.

    The Tela Maize project, an intervention of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) backed by years of research by indigenous scientists at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, is the culmination of rigorous testing to ensure its safety and productivity. This technological breakthrough represents more than just a scientific success; it’s a beacon of hope for a country grappling with the dual challenges of feeding a rapidly growing population and combating the effects of climate change.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq begins assessment tours to large rice/maize farms in Edu, Patigi, Kaiama, others

    A lifeline for farmers

    It is easy to see why farmers across the country are literally over the moon following the adoption of Tela Maize. For instance, it has the potential to lift Nigerian farmers out of the cycle of low productivity that has long plagued the sector. The Abuja field trip gave credence to this assertion.

    The trip offered stakeholders the opportunity to visit a demonstration farm where thriving Tela Maize crops stood as a testament to the crop’s resilience and promise. The event, aptly titled “Seeing is Believing,” gave attendees experience of the tangible benefits Tela Maize could bring.

    Debunking myths, embracing the future

    But it was not a stroll in the park for the innovation and its proponents. Despite the success of Tela Maize, there were public misconceptions about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria, as there were in many parts of the world.

    For instance, the adoption of this crop had sparked intense controversy, with many questioning its safety, environmental impact, and potential effects on the country’s sovereignty, food security and economy.

    Tela Maize was released along with 22 other new varieties said to be aimed at achieving food sufficiency in Nigeria. The crop varieties were released at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the 33rd meeting of the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds/Fisheries.

    But the Federal Government’s decision to introduce Tela Maize to Nigerian farmers sparked intense controversy, as concerns about the innovation’s impact on human health, environmental sustainability, and the nation’s agricultural future took centre stage, threatening to outweigh the envisaged benefits of enhanced yields and pest tolerance.

    However, during the media field trip, the Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at NBRDA, Rose Gidado, addressed these concerns head-on.  “We’ve been cultivating GM crops since 2016, and there’s no evidence of harm,” Gidado said, adding: “The environment remains healthy, ants, butterflies, and all. GM crops are not the enemy; they’re part of the solution.”

    Similarly, Stewardship Manager at AATF, Dr. Francis Onyekachi, stressed the environmental and health benefits of adopting GM crops. “By reducing the need for chemical pesticides, we’re not only protecting our farmers but also the consumers and the land itself. This is sustainable agriculture in action,” he clarified.

    Path to self-sufficiency

    Nigeria’s embrace of Tela Maize, according to experts, represents a bold move toward embracing biotechnology as a core component of its agricultural strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. AATF’s Regional Representative in West Africa, Dr. Jean Baptiste, noted that Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in agricultural innovation on the continent.

    He also referenced the country’s success in developing the world’s first GM cowpea as another landmark in its journey toward agricultural self-sufficiency. “Tela Maize is a climate-smart crop,” Baptiste said, underscoring the broader impact of this technology.

    As Baptiste added, “It’s designed to withstand the very challenges that our farmers face every day which include; pests, unpredictable weather, and rising production costs. With this, Nigeria is not just feeding its own people but setting a model for other African nations to follow.”

     Hope for innovative agriculture

    As the world grapples with food insecurity and the effects of climate change, Nigeria’s commitment to embracing biotechnology stands out as a forward-thinking approach to securing its future. A Scientist, Andrew Bung, who spoke with The Nation, noted that the successful harvest of Tela Maize is more than just a local victory.

    According to him, it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when innovation meets necessity. “If Nigeria continues to invest in agricultural research, engage the public transparently, and implement supportive policies, the country could emerge as a beacon of agricultural transformation, not only for Africa but for the world”, Bung noted.

  • How FMBN is revolutionising home ownership for Nigerians

    How FMBN is revolutionising home ownership for Nigerians

    For many Nigerians, owning a home is a distant dream due to high property costs, limited access to affordable financing and bureaucratic hurdles. However, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is bridging this gap through its National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, a compulsory savings programme that provides affordable housing finance for Nigerians. BOLAJI OGUNDELE delves into the workings of the NHF Scheme, its innovative products and how it is making homeownership a reality for millions of Nigerians.

    For many Nigerians, owning a home is a lifelong aspiration, symbolising stability, security and success. It’s a fundamental human right, as affirmed by the UN-Habitat, which emphasises the importance of access to safe, secure, habitable and affordable housing.

    However, the journey to home ownership can be daunting, especially for low-and middle-income earners, who face numerous challenges. High property costs, limited access to affordable financing and bureaucratic hurdles are just a few of the obstacles that stand in the way of Nigerians realising their dream of home ownership.

    The situation is further exacerbated by the home rental segment, dominated by shylock landlords and impacted by inflationary trends, leaving many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet. It’s this dire situation that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) was established to address.

    Mandated by the FMBN Act 82 1993 to serve as the apex mortgage institution in Nigeria, the Bank has taken on the role of Nigerians’ best chance at affordable housing. Primarily, the Bank was empowered to administer and manage the National Housing Fund (NHF), a contributory savings scheme established in 1992 under the National Housing Fund Act of 1992.

    The primary objective of the NHF is to provide affordable housing finance to Nigerians, especially low-and middle-income earners, who might otherwise struggle to access housing loans from traditional financial institutions.

    The motivation behind the Scheme was the urgent need to combat Nigeria’s growing housing deficit, which was aggravated by the lack of affordable financing options for home ownership.

    Prior to the establishment of the NHF, the housing finance ecosystem in Nigeria was practically non-existent, with the few available commercial players showing limited interest and their loans largely inaccessible to the average Nigerian. High-interest rates, stringent loan conditions, and short repayment terms made mortgages unattainable for most Nigerians, particularly those in the low-income brackets.

    Recognising these barriers, the NHF Scheme was conceived as an affordable, long-term solution to provide affordable mortgage loans and products. By mandating contributions from Nigerian workers, the NHF sought to create a sustainable pool of funds from where contributors can access single-digit loans for home acquisition and/or construction. The goal was to democratise access to housing finance and make home ownership a reality for a broader segment of the population.

    Through the NHF Scheme, FMBN is helping Nigerians to realise their dream of home ownership, providing a sense of fulfilment and a better life. By addressing the challenges of affordable housing, the Bank is contributing to the overall well-being of Nigerians and the country’s socio-economic development.

    A closer look at the Scheme

    The National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, managed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), is a ground-breaking initiative designed to make home ownership a reality for Nigerians. This compulsory savings programme requires workers in both the public and private sectors to contribute a percentage of their monthly income to the Fund, fostering a culture of savings and investment in housing.

    One of the Scheme’s innovative features is its inclusiveness. Not only are workers in the formal sector required to contribute 2.5 per cent of their monthly income, but economically viable individuals in the informal sector are also encouraged to participate. This recognises the significant role that workers in the informal sector play in the country’s labour market.

    To ensure widespread participation, the Scheme mandates contributions from all Nigerian workers earning the national minimum wage and above. This applies to both public and private sector employees, who contribute 2.5 per cent of their monthly income to the Fund.

    Meanwhile, informal sector workers are required to calculate their monthly income and contribute 2.5 per cent of that amount, gaining access to housing finance through a range of products.

    By harnessing the power of collective savings, the NHF Scheme is revolutionising access to affordable housing in Nigeria, making it possible for millions of Nigerians to own their own homes.

    Refunds to contributors

    A unique aspect of the NHF Scheme is its provision for refunds to contributors upon retirement or the attainment of 60 years. Refunds are for all NHF contributors at the end of their active years of work, whether or not the beneficiary benefits from the scheme. Total contributions made throughout the individual’s active years along with a two per cent interest are put together and paid to the individual.

    In essence, the NHF Scheme provides a safety net for those who may not have been able to secure a mortgage in the course of their active years, while also ensuring there’s something significant waiting for every retiree who contributed to the scheme.

    Either way, whether a contributor secures the NHF loan or not, they still benefit immensely by getting back all their savings, which they may have been impossible to do without the NHF Scheme.

    Low-interest mortgage loans and longer repayment tenure

     A defining feature of the NHF Scheme is its provision of low-interest mortgage loans to contributors. Unlike commercial bank loans, which come with high-interest rates ranging from 15 per cent to 25 per cent, loans gotten through the NHF Scheme come with an affordable interest rate of six per cent. This significant reduction in interest makes its housing loans more accessible and affordable, particularly for low and middle-income earners who are the primary beneficiaries of the Scheme.

    Moreover, the NHF Scheme allows for extended repayment periods of up to 30 years, depending on the borrower’s age and loan terms. This long repayment tenure reduces the monthly financial burden on beneficiaries, making it easier for them to manage their mortgage obligations without compromising their overall financial stability.

    FMBN’s innovative products available to NHF subscribers:

    FMBN NHF mortgage loan

    The National Housing Fund (NHF) Mortgage Loan is a flagship product of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). It is designed to provide affordable housing loans to Nigerian workers who contribute to the NHF Scheme. This facility is granted at four per cent interest to accredited Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) for on-lending at six per cent to NHF contributors over a maximum tenure of 30 years, which is secured by the mortgaged property.

    A contributor can access up to ₦50 million from the Fund through an accredited and licensed PMB as a mortgage loan to build or buy a home after six months of continuous contributions. The long repayment period and low interest rate make this product the most affordable mortgage option in Nigeria as of today, significantly reducing the financial burden on homeowners.

    FMBN Rent-To-Own

    The FMBN rent-to-own scheme is an innovative housing solution that allows Nigerians to live in FMBN-funded properties as tenants while gradually paying towards ownership. This product is designed to ease the burden of large upfront payments typically required to purchase a home. Under this scheme, tenants make affordable monthly, quarterly, or annual rent payments, with a portion of the rent contributing towards the purchase of the property. Over time, as the tenant pays off the balance, the home fully becomes theirs.

    With an interest of seven per cent of the price of the property annually, this approach makes homeownership more accessible, especially for low and middle-income earners who may struggle with traditional mortgage requirements. Also, no equity contribution is required from the subscriber before moving into the property.

    FMBN home renovation loan

     The FMBN Home Renovation Loan (HRL) has become one of the bank’s most successful products. It is aimed at helping existing home owners improve or expand their homes. This product offers up to N1 million at a single-digit interest rate, with a repayment period of up to five years.

    The loan is specifically designed for individuals who already own a property but need financial assistance to make renovations, repairs or upgrades. The Home Renovation Loan provides an affordable alternative to high-interest loans, enabling home owners to enhance their living conditions without overextending their finances. This product is ideal for families that need to upgrade their living conditions without taking on large, high-interest loans.

    Read Also: FMBN to tackle non-performing loans

    FMBN cooperative housing development loan

    The Cooperative Housing Development Loan (CHDL) is a collective financing solution that enables cooperative societies to obtain funds for constructing houses for their members. Under this scheme, a cooperative society finds a land, identifies a developer, designs their own estate and then approaches the bank for construction finance. Once the homes are completed, FMBN then goes ahead to provide mortgage loans to individual members of the cooperative at six per cent interest rate to enable them off take the homes. This product leverages the strength of group savings and collective bargaining, making it easier for members to access affordable housing finance.

    The loan can cover the cost of land acquisition, site development and construction, providing a comprehensive solution for cooperative societies aiming to deliver housing projects for their members.

    FMBN individual construction loan

    The FMBN Individual Construction Loan is designed for Nigerians who already own titled land and wish to build their homes. This loan provides up to N50 million, depending on the applicant’s income and repayment capacity, with an interest rate of seven per cent per annum.

    The loan covers the cost of building materials, labour and other construction-related expenses. The repayment period is up to 15 years, depending on the applicant’s age and income. This product empowers individuals to construct their dream homes without the need for large upfront capital, providing a flexible financing option for self-build projects.

    FMBN Diaspora NHF mortgage loan

    The Diaspora NHF Mortgage Loan is tailored for Nigerians living abroad who wish to own property in Nigeria. While it is yet to be fully operational, the Bank has finalised modalities with other parties such as the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Central Bank of Nigeria on technical issues. This product will allow Nigerians in the diaspora to access mortgage loans for purchasing, building, or renovating homes in Nigeria. Like the NHF Mortgage Loan, it offers up to N50 million at a competitive interest rate of nine per cent per annum.

    The loan is repayable over a period of up to 10 years, making it a convenient option for diaspora Nigerians to invest in real estate back home, thereby contributing to the development of the Nigerian housing sector as well as reducing the country’s housing deficit.

    FMBN introduces rental assistance loan

    In a bold move to address the housing challenges faced by Nigerians, the FMBN has introduced the Rental Assistance Loan, an innovative micro-housing loan product designed to provide financial relief to individuals and families burdened by high rental costs.

    This groundbreaking product, soon to be launched, offers a maximum loan amount of N2, 000,000, subject to the beneficiary’s affordability, and is specifically tailored to alleviate the financial strain of rental payments for eligible Nigerians. The Rental Assistance Loan is accessible, affordable, and flexible, making it an attractive solution for those who have struggled to secure housing finance through traditional means.

    To be eligible, applicants must be contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme for at least six months, with a consistent payment history. This emphasizes the importance of enrolling in the NHF Scheme, which serves as a gateway to accessing FMBN’s products and achieving homeownership aspirations.

    In a country where owning a home often seems like a distant dream, the NHF Scheme and FMBN’s innovative products are bridging the gap, making home ownership more attainable than ever before. By providing practical solutions to housing challenges, the NHF Scheme is revolutionizing the housing landscape in Nigeria, offering hope to those who thought homeownership was out of reach.

  • How FMBN is revolutionising home ownership for Nigerians

    How FMBN is revolutionising home ownership for Nigerians

    For many Nigerians, owning a home is a distant dream due to high property costs, limited access to affordable financing and bureaucratic hurdles. However, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is bridging this gap through its National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, a compulsory savings programme that provides affordable housing finance for Nigerians.  BOLAJI OGUNDELE delves into the workings of the NHF Scheme, its innovative products and how it is making homeownership a reality for millions of Nigerians.

    For many Nigerians, owning a home is a lifelong aspiration, symbolising stability, security and success. It’s a fundamental human right, as affirmed by the UN-Habitat, which emphasises the importance of access to safe, secure, habitable and affordable housing.

    However, the journey to home ownership can be daunting, especially for low-and middle-income earners, who face numerous challenges. High property costs, limited access to affordable financing and bureaucratic hurdles are just a few of the obstacles that stand in the way of Nigerians realising their dream of home ownership.

    The situation is further exacerbated by the home rental segment, dominated by shylock landlords and impacted by inflationary trends, leaving many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet. It’s this dire situation that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) was established to address.

    Mandated by the FMBN Act 82 1993 to serve as the apex mortgage institution in Nigeria, the Bank has taken on the role of Nigerians’ best chance at affordable housing. Primarily, the Bank was empowered to administer and manage the National Housing Fund (NHF), a contributory savings scheme established in 1992 under the National Housing Fund Act of 1992.

    The primary objective of the NHF is to provide affordable housing finance to Nigerians, especially low-and middle-income earners, who might otherwise struggle to access housing loans from traditional financial institutions.

    The motivation behind the Scheme was the urgent need to combat Nigeria’s growing housing deficit, which was aggravated by the lack of affordable financing options for home ownership.

    Prior to the establishment of the NHF, the housing finance ecosystem in Nigeria was practically non-existent, with the few available commercial players showing limited interest and their loans largely inaccessible to the average Nigerian. High-interest rates, stringent loan conditions, and short repayment terms made mortgages unattainable for most Nigerians, particularly those in the low-income brackets.

    Recognising these barriers, the NHF Scheme was conceived as an affordable, long-term solution to provide affordable mortgage loans and products. By mandating contributions from Nigerian workers, the NHF sought to create a sustainable pool of funds from where contributors can access single-digit loans for home acquisition and/or construction. The goal was to democratise access to housing finance and make home ownership a reality for a broader segment of the population.

    Through the NHF Scheme, FMBN is helping Nigerians to realise their dream of home ownership, providing a sense of fulfilment and a better life. By addressing the challenges of affordable housing, the Bank is contributing to the overall well-being of Nigerians and the country’s socio-economic development.

    A closer look at the Scheme

    The National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, managed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), is a ground-breaking initiative designed to make home ownership a reality for Nigerians. This compulsory savings programme requires workers in both the public and private sectors to contribute a percentage of their monthly income to the Fund, fostering a culture of savings and investment in housing.

    Read Also; Stop distracting Tinubu with 2027 presidential election- Mumuni warns APC chieftains 

    One of the Scheme’s innovative features is its inclusiveness. Not only are workers in the formal sector required to contribute 2.5 per cent of their monthly income, but economically viable individuals in the informal sector are also encouraged to participate. This recognises the significant role that workers in the informal sector play in the country’s labour market.

    To ensure widespread participation, the Scheme mandates contributions from all Nigerian workers earning the national minimum wage and above. This applies to both public and private sector employees, who contribute 2.5 per cent of their monthly income to the Fund.

    Meanwhile, informal sector workers are required to calculate their monthly income and contribute 2.5 per cent of that amount, gaining access to housing finance through a range of products.

    By harnessing the power of collective savings, the NHF Scheme is revolutionising access to affordable housing in Nigeria, making it possible for millions of Nigerians to own their own homes.

    Refunds to contributors

    A unique aspect of the NHF Scheme is its provision for refunds to contributors upon retirement or the attainment of 60 years. Refunds are for all NHF contributors at the end of their active years of work, whether or not the beneficiary benefits from the scheme. Total contributions made throughout the individual’s active years along with a two per cent interest are put together and paid to the individual.

    In essence, the NHF Scheme provides a safety net for those who may not have been able to secure a mortgage in the course of their active years, while also ensuring there’s something significant waiting for every retiree who contributed to the scheme.

    Either way, whether a contributor secures the NHF loan or not, they still benefit immensely by getting back all their savings, which they may have been impossible to do without the NHF Scheme.

    Low-interest mortgage loans and longer repayment tenure

     A defining feature of the NHF Scheme is its provision of low-interest mortgage loans to contributors. Unlike commercial bank loans, which come with high-interest rates ranging from 15 per cent to 25 per cent, loans gotten through the NHF Scheme come with an affordable interest rate of six per cent. This significant reduction in interest makes its housing loans more accessible and affordable, particularly for low and middle-income earners who are the primary beneficiaries of the Scheme.

    Moreover, the NHF Scheme allows for extended repayment periods of up to 30 years, depending on the borrower’s age and loan terms. This long repayment tenure reduces the monthly financial burden on beneficiaries, making it easier for them to manage their mortgage obligations without compromising their overall financial stability.

    FMBN’s innovative products available to NHF subscribers:

    FMBN NHF mortgage loan

    The National Housing Fund (NHF) Mortgage Loan is a flagship product of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). It is designed to provide affordable housing loans to Nigerian workers who contribute to the NHF Scheme. This facility is granted at four per cent interest to accredited Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) for on-lending at six per cent to NHF contributors over a maximum tenure of 30 years, which is secured by the mortgaged property.

    A contributor can access up to ₦50 million from the Fund through an accredited and licensed PMB as a mortgage loan to build or buy a home after six months of continuous contributions. The long repayment period and low interest rate make this product the most affordable mortgage option in Nigeria as of today, significantly reducing the financial burden on homeowners.

    FMBN Rent-To-Own

    The FMBN rent-to-own scheme is an innovative housing solution that allows Nigerians to live in FMBN-funded properties as tenants while gradually paying towards ownership. This product is designed to ease the burden of large upfront payments typically required to purchase a home. Under this scheme, tenants make affordable monthly, quarterly, or annual rent payments, with a portion of the rent contributing towards the purchase of the property. Over time, as the tenant pays off the balance, the home fully becomes theirs.

    With an interest of seven per cent of the price of the property annually, this approach makes homeownership more accessible, especially for low and middle-income earners who may struggle with traditional mortgage requirements. Also, no equity contribution is required from the subscriber before moving into the property.

    FMBN home renovation loan

     The FMBN Home Renovation Loan (HRL) has become one of the bank’s most successful products. It is aimed at helping existing home owners improve or expand their homes. This product offers up to N1 million at a single-digit interest rate, with a repayment period of up to five years.

    The loan is specifically designed for individuals who already own a property but need financial assistance to make renovations, repairs or upgrades. The Home Renovation Loan provides an affordable alternative to high-interest loans, enabling home owners to enhance their living conditions without overextending their finances. This product is ideal for families that need to upgrade their living conditions without taking on large, high-interest loans.

    FMBN cooperative housing development loan

    The Cooperative Housing Development Loan (CHDL) is a collective financing solution that enables cooperative societies to obtain funds for constructing houses for their members. Under this scheme, a cooperative society finds a land, identifies a developer, designs their own estate and then approaches the bank for construction finance. Once the homes are completed, FMBN then goes ahead to provide mortgage loans to individual members of the cooperative at six per cent interest rate to enable them off take the homes. This product leverages the strength of group savings and collective bargaining, making it easier for members to access affordable housing finance.

    The loan can cover the cost of land acquisition, site development and construction, providing a comprehensive solution for cooperative societies aiming to deliver housing projects for their members.

    FMBN individual construction loan

    The FMBN Individual Construction Loan is designed for Nigerians who already own titled land and wish to build their homes. This loan provides up to N50 million, depending on the applicant’s income and repayment capacity, with an interest rate of seven per cent per annum.

    The loan covers the cost of building materials, labour and other construction-related expenses. The repayment period is up to 15 years, depending on the applicant’s age and income. This product empowers individuals to construct their dream homes without the need for large upfront capital, providing a flexible financing option for self-build projects.

    FMBN Diaspora NHF mortgage loan

    The Diaspora NHF Mortgage Loan is tailored for Nigerians living abroad who wish to own property in Nigeria. While it is yet to be fully operational, the Bank has finalised modalities with other parties such as the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Central Bank of Nigeria on technical issues. This product will allow Nigerians in the diaspora to access mortgage loans for purchasing, building, or renovating homes in Nigeria. Like the NHF Mortgage Loan, it offers up to N50 million at a competitive interest rate of nine per cent per annum.

    The loan is repayable over a period of up to 10 years, making it a convenient option for diaspora Nigerians to invest in real estate back home, thereby contributing to the development of the Nigerian housing sector as well as reducing the country’s housing deficit.

    FMBN introduces rental assistance loan

    In a bold move to address the housing challenges faced by Nigerians, the FMBN has introduced the Rental Assistance Loan, an innovative micro-housing loan product designed to provide financial relief to individuals and families burdened by high rental costs.

    This groundbreaking product, soon to be launched, offers a maximum loan amount of N2, 000,000, subject to the beneficiary’s affordability, and is specifically tailored to alleviate the financial strain of rental payments for eligible Nigerians. The Rental Assistance Loan is accessible, affordable, and flexible, making it an attractive solution for those who have struggled to secure housing finance through traditional means.

  • Users and the magic of WhatsApp

    Users and the magic of WhatsApp

    Originally launched as a simple text messaging app on February 24, 2009, social media platform WhatsApp has transformed into world’s most popular, ubiquitous and versatile communication tool, allowing users to send text, voice and video messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other content. WhatsApp, which was acquired by technology giant Meta (formally Facebook) in February 2014, for $19.3 billion, is today, the new fad in town. LUCAS AJANAKU looks at some of WhatsApp’s unique capabilities that made it users’ preferred communication tool.

    Her entrepreneurial story and the game-changing business transformation experience are clear evidence of the growing popularity and versatility of the use of social media platform WhatsApp as a business and communication tool. Indeed, in retrospect, Mercy Oluwamifemi, who finished secondary school last year, and later delved into selling goods online, couldn’t have imagined how she would have become the successful entrepreneur that she is today without the help of WhatApp.

    Oluwamifemi, while preparing herself for admission into the university, decided to create a WhatsApp account through which she has been selling goods online. She has been leveraging WhatsApp to get her goods to the final consumers. Interestingly, she does not require the use of a physical, conventional shop in the city centre and all the paraphernalia, which of course, does not come cheap. All she needed was a sharp camera and backlight to improve the picture quality of the goods she displays on her WhatsApp timeline or status.

    The story of Peters Agboola, a law graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, is no less telling of the transformational power of the use of WhatsApp. Thirty years after Agboola left the university, he accidentally met a few of his classmates at a function in Lagos. After the exchange of pleasantries and phone numbers, the idea struck him that he should create a WhatsApp group to re-unite virtually with the others. Pronto, he got to work, created the group and started adding other members as they came.

    Through the WhatsApp application, which is available for free, downloads on Google Play Store, Agboola was able to re-unite his classmates both home and abroad. And that action has transformed the lives of some of the members as they do not only donate money freely to needy members, those in Nigeria always come together to attend important family functions of members. They also have a cooperative society which has millions of naira in its kitty from which fellow cooperators raise cash to meet important needs such as payment of school fees.

    Read Also: APC chieftain urges FG to implement price control policies to combat inflation

    Cooperative meetings are held virtually using both voice and video call while important information is disseminated via the same platform, which, since its launch as a simple text messaging app on February 24, 2009, has continued to enhance its communication capabilities with the introduction of group voice and video calling. This feature allows virtual gatherings, connecting friends and family irrespective of geographical locations and distances.

    A new fad in town, WhatsApp, which initially allowed users to send and receive messages via the Internet, however, recognised the growing demand for richer communication hence, the social media giant quickly launched multimedia content on its app. As a result, users can now share photos, videos, voice messages and documents on the platform. Six years after its launch, the platform also introduced voice calling, an addition to its previous multimedia offerings. This feature provided users with a cost-effective and efficient way to make phone calls all around the globe via the Internet.

    A key player in the mobile communication industry, WhatsApp further raised the innovation bar by elevating its communication capabilities through the introduction of video calling in 2016, offering users face-to-face interactions, free of charge. Same year, WhatsApp implemented its end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages and calls remain confidential and secure. This move reinforced its commitment to protect user data from unauthorised access. And this is arguably, one of its unique selling points.

    A year earlier, precisely in 2015, WhatsApp had recognised the need for a seamless cross-device experience. Accordingly, it launched WhatsApp Web, allowing users to access their messages on a desktop or laptop computer by simply scanning a QR code. Later, the platform expanded its reach with a dedicated desktop application, increasing convenience and allowing users to access the platform whether they are on their smartphones or desktops.

    To enhance privacy and user control, WhatsApp also introduced disappearing messages in 2020. As a result, users can enable this feature for individual or group chats, causing messages to disappear after a week. At the same time, the platform also extended its flexibility in communication by allowing users to access the same account on multiple devices simultaneously.

    Owned by technology conglomerate Meta, formerly Facebook, WhatsApp (officially WhatsApp Messenger) is an instant messaging (IM) and voice-over-IP (VoIP) service. It allows users to send text, voice messages and video messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other content. WhatsApp’s client application runs on mobile devices, and can be accessed from computers. The service requires a cellular mobile telephone number to sign up.

    In January 2018, WhatsApp released a standalone business app called WhatsApp Business which can communicate with the standard WhatsApp client. The service was created by WhatsApp Inc. of Mountain View, California, which was acquired by Facebook, now Meta, in February 2014 for approximately $19.3 billion. It became the world’s most popular messaging application by 2015, and had more than two billion users worldwide by February 2020, confirmed four years later by new 200 million registrations per month.

    WhatsApp’s simple beginning

     The social media platform that is now the rave of the moment was founded in February 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, former employees of Yahoo! A month earlier, after Koum purchased an iPhone, he and Acton decided to create an app for the App Store. The idea started off as an app that would display statuses in a phone’s contacts menu, showing if a person was at work or on a call.

    Their discussions often took place at the home of Koum’s Russian friend Alex Fishman in West San Jose. They realised that to take the idea further, they would need an iPhone developer. Fishman visited RentACoder.com, found Russian developer Igor Solomennikov, and introduced him to Koum. Koum named the app WhatsApp to sound like “what’s up”. On February 24, 2009, he incorporated WhatsApp Inc. in California.

    But the evolution of this unique innovation was not entirely a stroll in the park; it had its initial challenge. For instance, when early versions of WhatsApp kept crashing, Koum reportedly considered giving up and looking for a new job. But Acton was said to have encouraged him to wait for a “few more months.”

    Complaints over OTT

    At the onset of Over-The-Top (OTT) players such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and others, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Glo, 9mobile and others, mounted stiff opposition, insisting that OTT players were eroding their profit.

    “According to Wikipedia, “OTT is where a telecoms service provider delivers one or more services across an IP (internet protocol) network. The IP network is predominantly the public Internet, although sometimes telco-run cloud services delivered via a corporation’s existing IP-VPN (virtual private network) from another provider, as opposed to the carrier’s own access network.

    “It embraces a variety of telco services including communications (e.g. voice and messaging), content (e.g. TV and music) and cloud-based (e.g. compute and storage) offerings.”

    Stimulated by the availability of high performance fixed and mobile broadband networks as well as the rapid adoption of smartphones and tablets, telco-OTT is viewed by some industry analysts as the mechanism that mobile network operators need to employ in order to compete with the vast and growing range of OTT services provided by non-telco companies.

    Telco-OTT is a response to the fact that users will have multiple devices (smartphones, laptops or other connected devices such as TVs, games consoles) which almost inevitably will have various different access providers (especially with the growth of public-access Wi-Fi). According to Wikipedia, delivering consistent telco-branded services, at some points at least, will need to be delivered over third-party access.

    But MNOs, under the aegis of Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), said OTTs were parasites, reaping where they did not sow. ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo, had faulted the regulator’s position of technology neutral position which in essence, means it licences for services and not for technology.

    He said the reality is that technology is driving the market. It is no longer services; that there is a need for the regulator to begin to look at issue of regulating technology and not services, adding that the likes of YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, and others were not part of the core services for which operators are licensed.

    “Those kinds of services have social, economic, and security implications and if they are not licensed, that means they are not regulated and if they are not regulated, there is no limit or scope to what they can do.  And no control over their services and content they can provide.

    “We are therefore saying there is need for the regulator to begin to look away from the neutrality of technology and technology certification and regulation than just licensing for service not only because of the social security implication, but also because of the economic implication for the operators.

     “Today, more people send WhatsApp messages, they send messages over the social media platform than they do on the conventional SMS platform. Operators have been licensed to provide voice, SMS, and data services for which they are licensed and are being charged an annual operating levy.

    “OTT don’t have such and there is even loss of revenue to the regulator of the country too because they are not paying for rendering those services. That is why we are saying that our regulator must begin to look away from technology neutrality but the health of the telecoms industry,” Adebayo posited.

    Changing dynamics

    However, as technology continues to evolve, there appears to be a symbiotic relationship between the OTT and the MNOs. During a tour of MTN Group Technology Hub in Johannesburg, South Africa, an official of the telco explained that social media has become a sort of barometer for measuring network performance.

    According to the official, network performance is measured by the performance ease of connection to social platforms.

    Be that as it may, WhatsApp has come to stay, revolutionising the mobile messaging industry, having already ended the reign of BlackBerry and also virtually displaced the use of regular voice call and Short Message Service (SMS), otherwise known as text message, as Adebayo, for instance admitted.

    With about two billion monthly users, WhatsApp has undergone significant transformations since its launch, introducing new features, and new functionalities and even being acquired by technology giant Meta.

  • LIFE-ND as NDDC’s elixir for food security in Niger Delta

    LIFE-ND as NDDC’s elixir for food security in Niger Delta

    There is no doubt that the Niger Delta region is blessed with abundant natural resources. Apart from oil, the region is endowed with some of Nigeria’s most fertile land. Ironically, inhabitants of the region are not reaping the fruits of nature’s bounties as much as expected because of years of environmental degradation.

    Before oil took centre-stage, more than 95 per cent of the people in the region were engaged in agriculture. Since Shell first struck oil in Oloibiri in 1956, unquantifiable oil spills have continued to pollute the water and soil while dangerous emissions from gas flares poison the air across the region, destroying the livelihoods of fishermen and farmers.

    To make matters worse, the Nigerian nation has come to depend almost entirely on crude oil for economic survival. The result, of course, is inadequate investment in the agricultural sector.

    To reverse this trend, the Federal Government and some of its agencies are now making conscious efforts to revive the agricultural sector to enable Nigeria produce enough food to feed its people, as well as supply raw materials to local industries and still have enough for export.

    As part of this effort, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, introduced the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta, LIFE-ND in 2019.

    The objective of the programme is to enhance income, food security and job creation for rural youth and women through sustainable Agri-enterprise development in the Niger Delta region.

    The $90 million LIFE-ND programme, being financed jointly by IFAD, the Federal Government and the NDDC would promote projects that would essentially shift Niger Deltans away from subsistence farming into commercial and sustainable farming that can provide empowerment for them.

    According to the National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, Dr Abiodun Sanni, the implementation period is structured is two phases of six years each. The project effectively kicked off in 2020. By conception, the first phase is to run from 2019 to 2025.

    Four years down the line, he said that there are significant changes in the agricultural practices in the Niger Delta region worth celebrating, stating that “the programme is an eloquent testimony of Federal Government’s concern and determination to create massive impact in the Niger Delta.

    Dr. Abiodun Sanni, said that the success recorded in the initial six states had set a high standard that would be replicated in the newly funded states of Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers.

    He explained: “For the six states where LIFE-ND (Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Ondo – IFAD funded) has already taken root, we have seen results that are nothing short of inspiring—10 Local Government Areas per state, 10 communities per LGA, each one a testament to the possibilities when we cultivate the right partnerships and persevere in the face of challenges.

    A mid-term assessment of the LIFE-ND programme indicates that many stakeholders are satisfied that the project has impacted more than 50 per cent of its target beneficiaries and significantly reversing negative narratives about the Niger Delta.

    To further add to the successes recorded so far, the NDDC and IFAD on September 13, 2024 launched the LIFE-ND Project for Akwa Ibom, Imo and Rivers states to join the six other states of the region already reaping the fruits of the programme.

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    At that occasion in Port Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that the Life-ND programme aligns with the efforts of President Tinubu’s administration, which recently declared a state of emergency on agriculture.

    Ogbuku said: “This project is not just ploughing through the fields of agribusiness. It is breaking new ground, cultivating opportunities for wealth and stability. And as we launch this initiative, we are ushering in new possibilities. In the past, agribusiness seemed out of reach for many. But today, we bridge that gap, opening the doors to entrepreneurship, financial independence, and sustainable livelihoods.

    According to him: “The NDDC proudly stands as a co-sponsor of this initiative, alongside the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with the steadfast support of IFAD.”

    Ogbuku said that the LIFE-ND project would transform the lives of over 38,000 direct beneficiaries, but its multiplier effect will surely touch many more across the Niger Delta, stating: “We are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that our youth and women not only participate in the economy but lead the charge building businesses that uplift their families, their communities, and their futures.”

    He declared: “The partnership with IFAD is a strong vine, one that will continue to grow and bear fruit. With IFAD’s investment of US$60 million and NDDC’s contribution of US$30 million, we are fertilizing the ground for a brighter future.

    He said that the essence of the programme was to enhance the income and livelihood of the youths of the Niger Delta, provide food security and create jobs on sustainable basis in the region.

    The Minister of Finance, Mr. Olawale Edu, stated that LIFE-ND was a crucial part of Nigeria’s strategy to address unemployment, boost food security, and unlock the agricultural potential of the Niger Delta.

    The Minister, who was represented by a director in his ministry, Mr. Steve Ohaeri, commended the NDDC for coming up with its counterpart fund for the Life-ND project, urging the Commission to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural programme.

    He observed: “The project directly supports the Federal Government’s agricultural policy and the strategic framework for youth employment and job creation. The strategic framework addresses the large and growing number of unemployed youths, especially in the rural areas. It seeks inclusion of young people in profitable agribusiness.”

    The Minister stressed that the focus on agriculture would help to diversify the resource base of the country and reduce the dependence on oil and gas in the Niger Delta, adding that the NDDC had always recognised agriculture as the way forward for Nigeria and the Niger Delta in particular.

    Speaking in a similar vein, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who was represented by Dr Peter Kush, acknowledged the impact of the LIFE-ND project in raising agriculture-based enterprises and mentoring thousands of apprentices across the Niger Delta region.

    He said that entrepreneurship development equips the unemployed with skills and tools needed to fight idleness, hunger, poverty, and economic hardship. The transfer of skills and knowledge requires institutional structures to validate such activities.  

    He said further: “The LIFE-ND programme is key in the Federal Government’s agricultural policy for the Niger Delta region and that makes it very important for the NDDC to participate actively because you cannot be talking about infrastructure alone when people are hungry.

    In his speech, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said that the life-ND project stood as a beacon of hope and progress for the youths, stating: “The LIFE-ND project is more than just an initiative; it is a concerted effort to address the challenges faced by our communities and to harness the opportunities for growth and development.

    “Our partnership with IFAD has been instrumental in empowering our farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity. This partnership dates back to 2005 when NDDC supported an initiative of the Federal government with a matching fund with IFAD in the sum of USD15 million for the Community Based Natural Resource Management Programme – Niger Delta (CBNRMP-ND).”

    Speaking on the journey so far, IFAD Country Director, Dede Ekoue, said: “At mid-term, the programme planned to reach 25,000 small holder entrepreneurs and farmers has already reached 14,155 and more.

    She enthused: “LIFE-ND has been selected as one of the projects to share their experience at the level of West and Central Africa which means something innovative is happening here. One of the innovations is introducing Information Communication Technology, ICT for supporting rural farming for development.”

    According to her, the collaboration with the NDDC on the project had been a huge success, noting: “I would like to reiterate that IFAD remains a steadfast partner in supporting the development of sustainable rural livelihoods in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. We are confident that through continued collaboration and innovation, LIFE-ND will continue to empower rural communities and contribute to a more prosperous and food-secure future for all.

     “We appreciate the dedication of NDDC to strengthening partnerships among all stakeholders to transform lives, create prosperity, and foster sustainable development for the people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole. LIFE-ND stands as one of IFAD’s best-performing projects, and we are grateful to the NDDC for its efforts in fulfilling its financial obligations towards this initiative.

     The IFAD Country Director expressed gratitude to the NDDC for the efficient disbursement of the initial contributions of the Commission to the LIFE-ND project. “We particularly commend the NDDC Managing Director for opening a new chapter of progress with this support,” she remarked.

  • Akume, Abbas, others on board lawmaker’s drive for solution to climate change

    Akume, Abbas, others on board lawmaker’s drive for solution to climate change

    Nigeria’s north-central region is grappling with a complex web of security challenges exacerbated by the impact of climate change. The encroaching Sahara Desert is forcing herders to migrate southward, leading to conflicts and deadly skirmishes with farmers. Amidst this crisis, Terseer Ugbor, a lawmaker from Benue State and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment is taking proactive steps to address the challenge. He represents Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency of Benue State. Correspondent Nicholas Kalu reports

    Finding solutions

    Recently, Ugbor organised a stakeholders’ forum on addressing the impact of climate change on farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria. The event brought together experts, community leaders, and government officials to discuss solutions to the growing crisis.

    “The forum was a crucial step in acknowledging the severity of the problem and the need for collective action. We must work together to address the root causes of the conflict and find sustainable solutions,” Ugbor says.

    During the forum, participants identified key areas of concern, including alternative livelihoods for herders, support for farmers adapting to changing weather patterns, community-led initiatives for peacebuilding and dialogue as well as a national policy on climate change and security.

    The forum, organised by the office of the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, premiered a documentary, “Behind the Valley,” showcasing the impact of climate change on farmer-herder conflicts in Benue State.

    Ugbor emphasised that the forum was just the beginning. “We are committed to translating the recommendations into action. We will work with the government, civil society, and community leaders to implement solutions.”

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    Some proposed solutions include establishing grazing reserves and feedlots for herders, providing climate-resilient agricultural practices for farmers, supporting community-led peace initiatives and dialogue and developing a national climate change and security policy

    Ugbor’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to addressing the complex interplay between climate change and insecurity in Nigeria. As the Sahara Desert continues to encroach on fertile land, proactive steps like these are crucial in mitigating the conflict.

    The lawmaker’s initiative serves as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. By bringing stakeholders together and seeking solutions, Ugbor is helping to build a more resilient and peaceful Nigeria.

    Ugbor said the event was to premiere the documentary with the purpose of highlighting the escalating security situation in Benue State due to the conflict occasioned by the impact of the climate.

     “We came up with this initiative to showcase the challenges being faced by our people, to showcase the challenges being faced by farmers  across Benue and the North Central as a whole and ultimately attract support and track funding from international and local communities towards addressing the problem.”

    He said the aim was to check the conflict, address the humanitarian consequences such as internally displaced persons, as well as empower them to live better lives.

    “The people would be empowered with modern agricultural practices, smart agriculture and better homes where they can start new lives. There would be capacity building and peace building with engagement between farmers and herders, and traditional rulers and community leaders to see how we can bring the issue of farmer header crisis,” he said

    Seeking partnerships

    “We have partnerships and calls from several development organisations who have shown interest in collaborating with my office and to see that we can implement this programme and we can take this message to the International Community at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly and the upcoming climate conference later this year. Well, we are discussing it with the global environment fund. We’re discussing with the global climate fund under the United Nations.

    “We are discussing with the development bank of Nigeria, the African Development Bank. We’re discussing with the Nigerian government. Like I said, we intend to take this message to the International Community, to the world to see how they can intervene in the challenges that we’re facing as a result of climate change, leading to the herders-farmers conflict.

    “We have some commitments from several partners who are working directly with us, and already they’ve booked us to screen the documentary at some of the upcoming international engagements, international conferences, where most of the global donors and partners will be present. And so we hope that we can attract this international funding.

    “Our target is 150 million. It could be more because the problem is far greater than even that amount, but we tend to start small. One home at a time, we want to build these green homes to resettle the people. We want to train them, and integrate them back into the communities.

    “So for states and local governments that are interested in partnering with us, and make available land where we can build homes for displaced persons and retrain them and reintegrate them into society, we are willing and available to cooperate.

    “We are talking about some of the civil society organisations. Some of the partners that have signed up to join us on this. And on this project, we’re working with the African Energy Council who are experts in renewable energy integration. We’re working with the women environmental programme, who are experts in community, mobilisation experts, in implementing programmes and projects for women and the less privileged.

    “I believe that more and more partners have indicated interest to join the initiative with us. So by the time we start our full reach out, I’m sure we’ll have a lot more partners including state governments who are also major stakeholders. We are on the right track towards making a mark on the Herder conflict in Nigeria,” he said.

    He disclosed plans to return to the ranching system in the country as part of a means to address the challenge. He commended President Bola Tinubu for proposing the Ministry of Livestock. This, he said, was a good initiative.

    “We also believe that if this ministry is up and running, it will look at the issue of livestock very holistically. And, of course, in the long term help to reduce the issues of farmer herder conflict in the country,” he said.

    In the short term, he urged that the government provide security to ensure that farmers go back to the farms. He said it was crucial to address the problem in Benue State, given that it was the food basket of the nation and in the face of food shortage, the importance of ensuring that farmers go back to their farms cannot be emphasised.

    A broader perspective

    Ugbor discountenanced the various colouration given to the skirmishes such as religious and ethnic slants. He said it was mainly an economic conflict due to the scramble for scarce dwindling natural resources as a result of the effect of climate change.

    “When you look at the problem from a narrow prism, when you look at the problem from that angle, the immediate situation on ground between the farmers and the herders, you can call it a genocide, you can call it an invasion, you can call it an unprovoked killing of our people.

    “But when you broaden your scope a little bit you find out the problem is more than just a narrow problem of genocide. It’s a broader problem. Why the sudden genocide? Obviously from our studies we found that it’s a struggle for land and for water.

    “It’s an economic war being waged by the herders to grab land and to grab water for their own sustenance, and the sustenance of their livestock. So what we’ve decided to do is to look at this issue from a more broader perspective on why the sudden migration of herdsmen into the north central, and why the sudden interest in our communities in our water sources.

    “Of course, we learned how to look at where they are coming from. Where are their traditional bases and why have they decided to move? And when we took a holistic study of the problem, we found that the problem is not just about the genocide happening on ground; it’s a problem of climate change.

    “The Lake Chad Basin has dried up by 80 to 90 per cent. So, most of the people that depend on this lake, especially the herders, have been displaced and have to leave their communities in search of greener pastures.

    “And then we looked at the problem of the desertification in the north, how has this also contributed towards pushing herders to be displaced and to move southwards in terms of greener pastures? And then, of course, we looked at the issue of banditry up north and cattle rustling up north.

    “So all these issues of climate change, of terrorism, of banditry that have plagued our country, especially in northern Nigeria, have all come together to push herders down south, which has led to a lot of the increased conflict that you see today.

    “It’s a fight for survival. So the herders have come very aggressively into our communities. Our people are poor farmers. Our people don’t have weapons, they don’t have guns to defend themselves, but the men who are coming down have weapons and have means of defending themselves and attacking these communities.

    “So,  it is necessary that our people look at this problem from a broader perspective. We’ve been trying a lot, the former government of Benue made a lot of cries and noise about the issue of the killings and the maiming of people in the communities. But we’ve not achieved much results from just crying and talking about the killings and the many.

    “So we decided to take a different approach because, of course, you know the saying that if you do one thing over and over again and you don’t achieve result, you try something else. So in this case, we decided to try a different approach to zoom out of the problem and look at it from a larger perspective. Look at it as a Nigerian problem and not only to bring this problem,” he said.

    Speaker,  stakeholders call for action

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, raised the alarm that Nigeria’s farmer-herder clashes have taken a deadly turn, with climate change fueling the conflict.

    He warned that outdated herding and farming methods must give way to global trends in farming amidst climate change.

    Abbas emphasised that climate change has exacerbated the challenges faced by farmers and herders, leading to desertification and migration.

     He urged a transition from nomadic herding to ranching and adoption of global trends in farming to address the crisis.

    Abbas also highlighted the limitations of the Land Use Act, which hinders the Federal Government and National Assembly from making necessary changes to address the situation.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, noted that climate change is a major factor undermining the achievement of sustainable development goals and a direct threat to global efforts to reduce extreme poverty.

    Ministers and experts echoed the call for collective action, emphasising the need for multifaceted solutions to address the farmer-herder conflict. The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Ishaq Salako, stressed the importance of cooperation between the legislature and executive arm of government.

    The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, called for more proactive measures to address the situation.

    Conclusion

    The stakes are high, with thousands of deaths and loss of revenue running into humongous amounts due to clashes between herders and farmers in Nigeria.

    In response, the House Committee on Environment has designed an initiative to address the problem of affordable green housing for displaced persons, restoration of degraded farming and grazing lands, training and capacity building, resource and water management, renewable energy integration, and peace building through dialogue and mediation.

    As the country searches for solutions, one thing is certain: the status quo is outdated, and a way forward is urgently needed. Will Nigeria find a way to mitigate the effects of climate change and restore peace to its troubled regions?

    As the country grapples with the worsening crisis, it is evident that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a harsh reality that demands immediate attention and action. Will the country find a way to mitigate its effects and restore peace to its troubled regions? Only time will tell.

  • I had only N3,800 when I returned $10,000 I found at Kano airport — Cleaner  

    I had only N3,800 when I returned $10,000 I found at Kano airport — Cleaner  

    Auwal Ahmad Dankode works as a cleaner with the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO). Despite discharging his duties efficiently, with loyalty and punctuality, he remained an auxiliary staff, working as a “contract cleaner” for more than six years.

    Last week, however, his show of honesty earned him a permanent appointment and he was crowned Brand Ambassador of NAHCO. The magic? He returned a missing sum of $10,000 to the owner.

    Juxtaposing the biting economy situation with a man who had only N3,800 in his bank account stumbling on a bundle of missing $10,000 and returning same to the owner, Dankode became a hero of honesty and forthrightness after defeating the monster of temptation.

    The aircraft, Egypt Air, from which he found the said sum, had touched down at 1:30pm. At about 2:00pm, the passengers alighted the aircraft and 10 cleaners were asked to go in and clean the 120-passenger airliner for another trip back to Cairo. Twenty-eight-year-old Dankode was one of the cleaners.

    While cleaning the aircraft, Dankode saw an envelope in the middle of the aircraft at the 25th seat. When he touched the envelope, it was not the usual one carrying a letter. Inside the envelope was a wallet. He opened the wallet, and behold, there lay the $10,000 bundle in 100 US dollar bills. In Nigerian currency, it amounts to a whopping N15 million!

    It is the policy of NAHCO that as a staff member, if you see something you should report it to the supervisor. So, when he saw the money, Dankode went to inform his supervisor, but he (supervisor) was working under the foot of the Egypt Air, supervising the offloading of baggage and fueling of the aircraft.

    He decided to go straight and hand over the money to the Kano Station Manager of Egypt Air, Mr. Kareem Gad. He also told Gad the seat number where he found the money in case the owner returned to look for it.

    Soon, the internet was buzzing with news of the incident, which got to the ears of the GMD/CEO of NAHCO, Andranil Gupta; a man who respects honesty, and he decided to change Dankode’s life. He invited Dankode to Lagos with his flight tickets to and fro paid for.

    Boarding Air Max, he was off to Lagos. Upon landing at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the COO of NAHCO was there with a Prado Jeep to pick him up.

    At the head office, he was introduced as a shining example of the kind of employee the company wants. “The honesty and integrity in you are the core values of the company,” the GMD/CEO told him.

    He was rewarded with a Golden Time award and appointed Brand Ambassador of NAHCO. He was converted as a permanent staff, promoted that same time and rewarded with cash.

    Dankode’s father, Ahmad Abubakar, is proud and happy that his son has not forgotten his advice. Not only him but the entire community members are proud to have a son with his attitude.

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    “My prayer is for young ones to emulate him,” his mother, Rabi Ibrahim, said.

    Auwal Ahmad Dankode, a native of Kode village, Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of Kano State and holder of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Biology and Geography from the Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kumbotso, Kano, had the following chat with our Kano State correspondent, FANEN IHYONGO:

    Why did you return the $10,000 you found in the aircraft to the owner when you had almost nothing on you?

    It is the policy of the company that as a staff (an employee), if you see something that is not yours, whether in the airport or elsewhere, you should say so. But before I got a job with Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and was trained, my father and mother had always told me when I was a kid that if you see something on the ground and pick it, you will turn into a yam.

    My father would always tell me: Be honest. Be honest. Be honest. When I grew up, they kept telling me that if I graduated from high school and got a job, I should not take anything that is not mine. My parents would tell me: If somebody forgets something and you come across it, give it to them. So I grew up with the habit of avoiding what is not mine.

    Someone might think you are not lacking, and that is why you did not go with the money…

    I had only N3,800 in my bank account, which I operate with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).

    So, how did you find the money?

    When the passengers had walked out of the airplane, the security personnel of the airline asked us (cleaners) to go in and clean the aircraft. It is an international aircraft and it was preparing for another trip back to Cairo. While cleaning the aircraft, I saw the envelope, and when I touched it, I felt something different. I said to myself this could not be a letter. When I opened the envelope, I saw a wallet with a bundle of USDs; $10,000.

    Did any of your colleagues see you carrying the money?

    No. No one noticed it.

    What did you then do when you discovered the content of the envelope was dollars?

    I went to inform my supervisor but he was working under the foot of the Egypt Air. So, I decided to go straight and hand over the money to the manager of the aircraft. I told him the seat number where I found the money so that in case the owner returned looking for it, he could ask questions for verification.

    When I handed the aircraft manager the money, he asked me: “What is your name? I told him my name is Auwal Ahmad Dankode. He said: “You’re a very good boy.” He hugged me, tapped my back and said “We shall see after.”

    How long have you been with Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO)?

    I have been with NAHCO for over six years. But it was a contract appointment.

     What happened after you returned the money?

    Upon hearing the news, the head office of NAHCO called my supervisor, who is the head of operation in Kano. From there, I was invited to Lagos. They paid my flight tickets to and fro.

    I boarded Air Max. And upon landing at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, the COO of NAHCO was there with a Prado Jeep to pick me up.

    He drove me straight to the head office. There, I was taken round different offices, before going to the Conference Hall, where the chairman of the company, the DMD, Head of Human Resources (HR) and other top officials of the company were seated. At the meeting, they introduced me and said I am a shining example of the kind of employee the company wants. That the honesty and integrity in me are the core values of the company.

    What happened next?

    I was given a Golden Time award and appointed Brand Ambassador of NAHCO. I was converted to a permanent staff, promoted that same time and rewarded with cash.

    What about the owner of the dollars?

    The owner of the money wanted to appreciate me; he wanted to give me something but I refused, because of the company’s policy. He was trying to give me something but I said no, I would not take it.

  • The dawn of a new housing era

    The dawn of a new housing era

    For years, Nigeria’s housing sector faced persistent challenges and resisted past efforts for reform. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent blueprint aims to address the country’s substantial housing deficit with innovative strategies. As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa is charged with implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda’s mass housing plan and turning this vision into reality. In this report, BOLAJI OGUNDELE writes on the progress made during in the last one year

    Nigeria’s housing sector has made impressive strides this past year, achieving progress typically seen over a decade. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, is at the forefront of this shift, focusing on innovation and inclusivity to broaden homeownership beyond the affluent. With a strategic vision and collaborative efforts, Dangiwa is tackling Nigeria’s housing challenges, including a significant deficit in affordable homes and poor living conditions. Supported by Minister of State Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Dangiwa draws on his 30 years of architectural expertise to drive comprehensive and sustainable change, addressing immediate needs while laying the groundwork for future development.

    Housing is a fundamental human right and crucial for a nation’s well-being, providing not only shelter but also health, security, and economic opportunity. Nigeria, however, faces a severe housing deficit exceeding 20 million units, worsened by rapid urbanization and a growing population. As cities struggle to keep pace with new residents, challenges such as inflation, high living costs, low incomes, and insufficient supportive policies further obstruct homeownership.

    The result is a proliferation of informal settlements and slums with poor living conditions. A recent PwC survey found that 75% of Nigeria’s 42 million housing units are substandard, underscoring the severity of the crisis. Systemic issues, including high construction costs, restrictive land acquisition processes, and limited affordable financing options, pose significant barriers to homeownership.

    Inefficiencies in public housing agencies, outdated policies, and the absence of a unified national strategy exacerbate the problem. Against this backdrop, Arc. Dangiwa has assumed office with a commitment to tackling these challenges and driving meaningful, sustainable change. His leadership is pivotal in addressing the housing crisis and working toward safe, affordable, and decent housing for all Nigerians.

    Roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s housing sector

    Upon taking office in August 2023, Dangiwa introduced a comprehensive strategic action plan aimed at addressing Nigeria’s deep-seated housing challenges. This plan is not just a set of policy proposals but a detailed roadmap designed to guide the Ministry and improve access to affordable, decent housing for all Nigerians. The plan includes several critical components, each essential for transforming Nigeria’s housing sector. By tackling the fundamental issues impeding progress, Dangiwa aims to revolutionise housing development and delivery in the country.

    This initiative underscores Dangiwa’s commitment to creating an inclusive, sustainable housing sector. As the plan unfolds, Nigerians can anticipate significant improvements in housing affordability, accessibility, and quality, marking a hopeful shift towards better living conditions for everyone. One of Arc. Dangiwa’s initial actions was to reform key federal housing institutions, such as the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). These reforms are designed to boost the efficiency of these bodies, enhance service delivery, and align their operations with the goal of providing affordable, decent housing for all Nigerians. By streamlining these institutions, Dangiwa is setting the stage for a more responsive and effective housing sector.

    On February 15, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a leadership change at the FHA and FMBN. Oyetunde Ojo was appointed to head the FHA, and Shehu Usman Osidi became the Managing Director of FMBN. During an inaugural meeting, Dangiwa urged the new leaders to transform these agencies to fulfill their mandates and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda for housing, as highlighted in his “Fail to Perform and Leave” speech. The Minister has also implemented mechanisms to guide and oversee these agencies to ensure they meet their objectives.

    Recognising the urgent need to tackle the housing deficit, the Minister has set an ambitious goal of constructing at least 20,000 housing units each year. This target is specifically aimed at providing affordable housing options for low and middle-income earners who struggle to find housing within their budget. A key part of this initiative is the creation of the National Social Housing Fund, which offers financing alternatives for those who cannot access traditional mortgage facilities. By boosting the supply of affordable housing, the Ministry aims to make homeownership achievable for millions of Nigerians.

    The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme has emerged as a flagship initiative of the Ministry and is among President Tinubu’s Top 10 projects for 2024. The first phase aims to deliver 50,000 housing units across seven cities, including the FCT, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu, with at least 1,000 units per city. In the remaining 30 states, estates will feature 250 units each. During recent ground-breaking ceremonies in 12 states, the Minister highlighted that this phase will create 1,250,000 jobs, potentially lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, and contribute to the President’s goal of establishing a $1 trillion economy.

    Read Also:Fed Govt to spend N200b on new housing scheme for 300,000 families

    Dangiwa has also demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring value for money in his approach. He has pledged to complete and allocate homes from previous administrations to deserving citizens, reflecting a zero-tolerance stance on unfinished projects. This initiative aims to ensure that public resources are used efficiently and that Nigerians benefit from the housing projects that have already been started.

    His approach to urban development is quite comprehensive. By emphasising both urban renewal and slum upgrading, he’s addressing the critical issues of inadequate housing and poor living conditions in a holistic manner. This dual focus not only helps to increase the overall housing supply but also directly improves the quality of life for residents in existing urban areas. Urban renewal typically involves revitalising deteriorating areas by improving infrastructure, public spaces, and services, which can stimulate economic activity and create a more appealing environment. Slum upgrading, on the other hand, is focused on improving the conditions of informal settlements, often through better housing, access to clean water, sanitation, and essential services.

    Together, these initiatives aim to create a more balanced and equitable urban environment. By tackling both new development and the enhancement of existing areas, Dangiwa’s strategies seek to provide dignified living conditions for all Nigerians and to ensure that urban growth is both sustainable and inclusive.

    A major focus of the Minister is land acquisition, a significant hurdle in housing development due to procedural bureaucracies and high costs. Under Dangiwa’s leadership, the Housing Ministry is streamlining land administration processes to make land acquisition more efficient and affordable for both developers and individuals. This includes the proposed establishment of a National Land Commission to implement the Land Use Act and review outdated sections. These reforms are essential for reducing housing costs and improving land accessibility.

    Building materials manufacturing clusters/skills acquisition programme

    To further reduce construction costs and boost local industry, the Ministry is setting up building materials manufacturing hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This initiative aims to support the housing sector while also stimulating economic growth and job creation. By promoting local production of building materials, the Ministry seeks to decrease reliance on costly imported materials, which are often subject to global market fluctuations. This approach is expected to lower construction expenses and make housing more affordable, particularly for Nigeria’s low and middle-income populations.

    One of the four Reform Task Teams inaugurated by the Minister, the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team, was tasked with developing plans for establishing the hubs. This includes recommending ownership and funding structures, identifying locations, and addressing operational technicalities.

    The National Artisan Skill Acquisition Programme (NASAP) is a vital part of the Ministry’s action plan. According to a 2015 OECD report, enhancing skills is crucial for inclusive and sustainable development, as it enables a broader segment of society to contribute to the economy, boosting productivity and minimising the need for redistribution. Enhanced skills drive sustainable economic growth by fostering innovative capacity that advances the economy while preserving environmental resources. By equipping Nigerians with essential skills for the housing sector, the Minister aims to tackle both unemployment and the shortage of skilled labour in construction. The programme is designed to build a skilled workforce that supports ongoing housing projects and promotes sector growth.

    Furthermore, the recent increase in building collapses in Nigeria underscores the need for such a programme. The lack of adequate skills required for constructing durable structures may be contributing to these failures. NASAP represents Dangiwa’s response to this national concern, aiming to enhance skill levels and ensure the construction of safer, more resilient buildings.

    Dangiwa’s inaugural year as Minister of Housing and Urban Development has been marked by a series of ground-breaking achievements, each contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s housing sector. These milestones highlight the Minister’s strategic vision, commitment to effective implementation, and dedication to enhancing the lives of Nigerians.

    The creation of four Reform Task Teams in January 2024 was a significant move towards tackling the sector’s challenges. Comprising industry experts and key stakeholders, these teams are crafting detailed plans to unlock the sector’s potential. Their work has already identified critical bottlenecks and proposed necessary amendments to existing laws and policies.

    Launched in February 2024, the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme aims to deliver 50,000 housing units nationwide, providing affordable options for all income levels and promoting social integration and economic growth. The initiative is set to create over 1.25 million jobs, boosting local economies and fostering business opportunities. The Ministry’s commitment to decentralizing housing development is evident from the ground-breaking ceremonies in 13 states, totalling 6,612 units. Additionally, the new Online Housing Portal enhances transparency and accessibility, streamlining the process for Nigerians to apply for housing and making homeownership more achievable.

    Furthermore, the expanded Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrading Programme, with projects active at 26 sites nationwide, is dedicated to delivering essential services to vulnerable communities and ensuring dignified living conditions for all Nigerians. By addressing urban renewal and slum upgrading, the Ministry is tackling the root causes of urban poverty and inequality, advancing social equity. These achievements underscore Dangiwa’s steadfast commitment to transforming Nigeria’s housing sector and making significant strides toward providing affordable, decent housing for every Nigerian.

    The enthusiastic reception of Dangiwa’s appointment as Minister of Housing and Urban Development has been validated by his outstanding achievements over the past year. His holistic approach to tackling long-standing sector challenges reflects a deep understanding of the issues. Even more notable is his boldness in addressing these challenges directly and his steadfast commitment to transparent implementation.

    As the next 12 months unfold, it will be crucial to observe how Dangiwa’s legacy is solidified in Nigeria’s housing development history. For the average Nigerian, especially those in middle-to-low-income brackets, the ultimate objective is a transformed sector that ensures access to decent, affordable housing—providing shelter, safety, and dignity. The Minister’s initiatives to streamline the sector and introduce sustainable funding opportunities have rekindled hope for a brighter future in housing, promising meaningful improvements in the lives of many.

    Dangiwa’s vision for a re-imagined housing sector is becoming reality, and his courage in addressing long-standing challenges highlights his leadership. As the nation observes with anticipation, it is evident that the Minister’s steadfast commitment to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable housing sector will define his enduring legacy.

  • Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Alignment of interests

    Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Alignment of interests

    The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a 700-kilometre highway spanning nine coastal states is a top priority national project. But its impacts also extend to other stakeholders’ interests. A group of more than 100 families has raised concerns over what they described as arbitrary changes in the alignment of the road project. Assistant Editor, OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports on the need to ensure a balance of the national interest with equity and fairness to other stakeholders

    The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the highpoints of the economic regeneration programme of the federal government. From Lagos State to Cross River State, and with a spur to the north-central part of the country, the highway has been described as a road to economic prosperity.  While flagging it off, President Bola Tinubu said the project would revolutionise transportation in Nigeria and bolster the unique economic strength of each zone. 

     Listing the benefits and opportunities to be created by the construction of the coastal road, Tinubu  had said it would provide direct employment for thousands of people and indirect jobs for tens of thousands. He added that it will open economic opportunities for millions of people, fast-track economic development; provide 30 million people with improved access to production and marketing centres, even as it will facilitate the free movement of people.

    He said the project will also complement the expansion of the country’s maritime industry in the wake of the recent decision by the United Nations to grant Nigeria an extension of its continental shelf by an additional 16,300 square kilometres.

    “We must take advantage of these opportunities,” the President said, adding that the establishment of more export processing zones along the coastal states must be a priority for the country.

    Sadly, the latest controversy with over 100 property owners  in Lafiaji a community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State,  who are mainly senior citizens, retirees, including  those who retired from some of the nation’s intelligence  apparatus, dons and others  in their 80’s  raises a lot of question.

    In a media chat with some of the property owners such as Professor Oluropo Sekoni, Dr. Kola Akinleye, Mr. Bonojo Olalekan and Mr. Festus Ogwu they berated the actions of the Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi as far as the Right of Way for the multi-billion naira Lagos/Calabar highway is concerned.

    They stated that having served Nigeria very well in their various choices of endeavours in their younger days, that it is immoral to treat them like this in their twilight when they need to enjoy the rest of their days with families and friends in peace.

    They alleged favouritism and called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to revert to the original gazetted alignment for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project.

    The property owners alleged that Umahi deviated from the original right of way to favour high-end properties, despite Tinubu’s instructions to revert to the old alignment.

    They alleged that in May 2024, property owners in Lafiaji received demolition notices from the Federal Ministry of Works and the Lagos State Government, stating that their properties encroached on the designated alignment.

    However, the residents kicked against the notices, saying an alignment for the coastal road was established as far back as 2006, and that they ensured that their properties did not encroach on the designated alignment, thereby avoiding potential conflicts with the planned coastal road construction.

    They claimed that Umahi’s actions demonstrated favouritism as he allegedly spared estates of owners with strong political connections while targeting their homes for demolition.

    “From our findings, the Honourable Minister has found it challenging to follow the presidential directive in the Lafiaji Area. We discovered that amongst some huge housing estates that allegedly have sprung up illicitly on the long-established Right of Way are Ocean Bay Estate and others.

    “The developers of these estates and some of the owners-occupiers of buildings therein are alleged to have strong political connections, ethnic ties, and social links with the powers that be. Therefore, the Honourable Minister of Works, in an unabashed display of nepotism, as alleged, ‘ruled’ that the property and buildings in these estates are too valuable to be demolished and that demolishing them would attract huge compensation from the Federal Government.

    “In consequence, it is being alleged that the Honourable Minister of Works directed that the Right of Way be altered away from the established path and the said estates and that this new alignment be made through our lands which were never established as the original Right of Way.

     “We cannot understand why our legal rights and interests must be sacrificed to please violators of the long-established Right of Way, whose illegally constructed property can be demolished and removed without any compensation whatsoever, and with justification,” the group of Lafiaji property owners said.

    However, reacting to the allegations against Umahi by the Lafiaji Property Owners in Lagos, Umahi’s Special Adviser on Media, Barr Orji Uchenna Orji denied the allegations, explaining that the Minister has been acting with the utmost best interest of the nation and the cooperation of all stakeholders.

    Read Also: Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and national development

    He noted that the project is one of the four Renewed Hope Agenda projects of the current administration and also part of the road infrastructure project expected to engender economic regeneration.

    He pointed out that the idea behind the project was to enhance strategic economic development of the nation by stimulating massive job creation, enhancement of revenue generation, hospitality, tourism and the transport eco-system.

    According to him, successive administrations couldn’t muster enough political will and courage to take such a bold decision as the 700km coastal highway.

    Orji explained that Umahi had in the course of ensuring transparency and putting a human face to the road project, organised a multi-faceted and encompassing stakeholders engagement that  included the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Nigeria Railways, Land Owners, Ministries of Transportation,  Agriculture, Interior, Telco’s etc.

    He said Umahi did this to ensure that the majority of the people will not be affected by the road infrastructure and to also check and forestall a possible collateral damage on the economy.

    He said: “At the stakeholders engagement in Lagos, there was a resolution that there will be a little adjustment to the original right of way to avoid collateral damage on the project. The stakeholders agreed that less people should be affected so the economy will not be impacted negatively.  In addition there was a resolution that a window of compensation should be undertaken by the Federal Government as they have a better template in compensation payment than the state, this is to ensure that those who may be affected will receive adequate compensation.

     “The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi is altruistic in his actions and dealings in this signature project, trying to tar him with nepotism or anything in that manner falls flat. He has a history of performance and is committed to deliver on President Bola Tinubi’s Renewed Hope Agenda”.

    Orji said the public should applaud the current administration’s resolve to decisively undertake bold projects that will impact positively on the lives of the majority of the people

    In a written statement read by Dr. Kola Akinyele, the property owners explained that when they learnt that their properties were marked for demolition, they immediately embarked on investigation, visiting the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Lagos State Office of the Surveyor-General, and the Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos.

     “We have discovered to our chagrin that the Honourable Minister of Works has disregarded and rebuffed the clear directive of the President of Nigeria, as far as our lands in the Lafiaji Area is concerned. From our findings, we make bold to say that the Honourable Minister of Works has an improper and less than patriotic reasons for arbitrarily directing a departure from the long-established Right of Way for the construction of the coastal highway in the Lafiaji Area”.

    “This is the reason, from our findings; the Honourable Minister has found it difficult to follow the presidential directive in the Lafiaji area. We discovered that amongst some huge housing estates that allegedly have sprung up illicitly on the long-established Right of Way are Ocean Bay Estate and others. “The developers of these estates and some of the owners-occupiers of buildings therein are alleged to have strong political connections, ethnic ties, and social links with the powers that be. Therefore, the Honourable Minister of Works, in an unabashed display of nepotism, as alleged, “ruled” that the property and buildings in these estates are too valuable to be demolished and that demolishing them would attract huge compensation from the Federal Government.

    “In consequence, it is being alleged that the Honourable Minister of Works directed that the Right of Way be altered away from the established path and the said estates, and that this new alignment be made through our lands which were never established as the original Right of Way.

    “After whimsically taking the decision to alter the Right of Way as aforesaid, the Honourable Minister of Works found a pretext for their actions by labelling our property as shanties to create the false impression that we are unlawful settlers and illegal occupiers of our lands. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

    “It is our considered but firm position that the decision of the Honourable Minister of Works to change the Right of Way and, therefore, the course of the highway is an abuse of power and unlawful exercise of ministerial discretions.

    “The Honourable Minister has no latitude of executive prerogatives to do that which he has directed should be done. We dare say that, after the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has specifically directed a reversion to the old, long established Right of Way, the adamance of the Honourable Minister amounts to an act of ministerial lawlessness!

    “As a result of the action of the Honourable Minister of Works we are now being confronted with the prospect of being rendered homeless. The landed properties affected are not just realty investments but also homes of many of us. Some of us currently are overseas and, therefore, are in no position to vacate and yield up possession of our property for demolition within the unreasonable time we were unconscionably given to flee our abodes,” the group stated.

    Asked on the validity of their property document, Akinyele said: we, individually, purchased and came into possession of our respective landed property at various times many years ago. We all have a common predecessor in title in the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family of Ajiran-Land in Lagos State. The title of our predecessor in title, before it was passed onto us, was confirmed by a Judgment of the High Court of Justice of Western Nigeria, delivered on the 12th day of December 1960 in Suit No. I/302/55 (Oba Onibeju & Ors. Vs Salumonu Oyebola & Ors.), a judgment that was affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the 25th January 1965 in Suit No. FSC/268/1963.

    “After the emergence of the Lands Use Act, 1978, the said title was further affirmed by a Judgment of the High Court of Lagos State in Suit No. ID/1883/89 (Alhaji Fatai Ajetumobi & Ors vs. Attorney-General of Lagos State), which was delivered on 18 th day of October 1991, and which declared that the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family was the holder of the customary right of occupancy over the said land. Eventually, the Lagos State Government, by an Official Gazette No. 15. Vol. 37, 2004, dated 7 th April 2004, adopted the said judgment, and excised from compulsory global acquisition the entire Lafiaji Village, an excision of which our respective landed property forms a part, down the line.

    “In the acquisition of our plots of land and development of our respective homes and property, we obtained requisite consents of the Lagos State Government to our deeds of assignments, had our respective survey plans hewed from the approved Ojomu Family Layout Plan, and obtained all the necessary building approvals and development permits from the relevant agencies of the Lagos State Government.

    “In the acquisitions of our plots of lands and in building our respective property, we were well informed about the Right of Way, clearly marked, beaconed, and established for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and, therefore, ensured that we did not encroach on or trespass to the established Right of Way.

    “However, there are those who, overtime, have built on the said Right of Way and constructed huge estates crisscrossing same in the illusion that the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway would never be built, without any valid legal title to the land on which they built; or with government officials-assisted fabricated certificates of occupancy with embossed survey-plans ( the area coordinates of which truly are that of lands adjacent and proximate to the Right of Way, but which are passed off as that of lands situated within or covered by the Right of Way, for the purpose of obtaining certificates of occupancy”.

    Akinyele said the Lafiaji property owners have unflinching support for executing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project by the long-established Right of Way, but reiterated  the residents  request to President Tinubu to protect and uphold their legal rights and interests.

    Asked if they plan to seek redress in court in the event the government fails to heed to their outcry and goes ahead to demolish their houses, the group’s Legal Counsel, Barrister Jiti Ogunye said right and morality are on his clients’ side, though they expect that reasons will prevail. But in the event they are forced to take legal action, they will have to decide whether to sue the Federal Government or Lagos State Government or both.

    With stakeholders calling for all hands to be on the deck for the economic rejuvenation programme, balancing the national priority of the coastal highway with the legitimate rights of property owners is a win-win approach.

  • Boosting health outcomes through antimicrobial resistance policy

    Boosting health outcomes through antimicrobial resistance policy

    To tackle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Federal Government has introduced the National AMR Policy. This initiative aims to improve public health, boost economic productivity, and integrate human, animal and environmental health for a comprehensive One Health approach. CHINYERE OKOROAFOR reports that the initiative will mitigate the impact of AMR on public health and the economy, promoting effective disease management and safeguarding future generations

    In an effort to forestall a significant public health crisis, the Federal Government has unveiled the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Policy, under the leadership of the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako. This far-reaching policy aims to combat the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance, safeguarding public health and ensuring the effective management of infectious diseases. Through the implementation of this policy, the government seeks to reduce the impact of AMR on healthcare systems and the population, fostering a coordinated and strategic response to this urgent issue.

    At the landmark event in Abuja, Dr. Salako highlighted the substantial socio-economic benefits that the nation stands to gain from the successful implementation of the AMR Policy. Dr. Salako emphasised that the policy is designed to significantly enhance public health outcomes, which will, in turn, boost productivity across various sectors. By addressing the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance, the policy aims to create a healthier population, thereby driving economic growth and development.

    “Nigeria, as a responsible member of the global community, is committed to adopting a holistic approach to addressing AMR; to ensuring all sector involvement; no duplication and efficient use of scarce resources. To achieve this and protect public health, food security and the environment, the recognition of the interconnectedness between human, animal and environmental health in line with the One Health principles is central.’’

    Dominique Koffy Kouacou, the Head of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), also underscored the importance of the AMR policy, noting that the scourge of antimicrobial resistance affects not only humans but also animals, plants and the environment. This holistic approach ensures that the policy tackles AMR on all fronts, promoting a safer and more sustainable ecosystem. “Antimicrobial resistance, which is a one health issue, needs to be tackled by all sectors and therefore important for countries to put in place actions that would reduce and control the scourge. It is estimated that 10 million people would die annually by 2050 and the economies of nations negatively affected if AMR challenge is not mitigated.”

    Kouacou explained that it was for this reason the FAO supported the Federal Ministry of Environment in developing the policy in 2022. According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), AMR is a global crisis intrinsically linked to the broader triple planetary crisis, which encompasses climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. This holistic approach ensures that the policy tackles AMR on all fronts, promoting a safer and more sustainable ecosystem.

    The UNEP report highlights the urgent nature of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threat, revealing its rapid and alarming escalation. This swift rise in AMR complicates treatment protocols, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality rates, and significantly higher healthcare costs. AMR is also listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the top 10 threats to global health. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Nigeria faces a burden of 64,000 deaths annually associated with AMR. The country ranks 185th out of 204 for age-standardised mortality rates linked to AMR.

    The launch of an initiative in Abuja by the government underscores a renewed focus on this silent but potent health problem. As many have advocated, enlightenment campaigns must be vigorously pursued in the fight against resistant infections. These campaigns should emphasize the dangers of self-medication and the abuse of antibiotics, stressing that such medications should only be used when absolutely necessary. Additionally, precautionary measures against infections need to be highlighted.

    Understanding AMR

    In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Prof Iruka Okeke, a Pharmaceutical Microbiologist scholar at the University of Ibadan and a Calestous Juma Science Leadership Fellow, simplified the concept of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). She explained, “Most of us have taken antibiotics when we’re sick. These medicines kill the germs causing the illness, helping us recover. However, AMR occurs when these germs become unresponsive to the medicines. Instead of dying, they continue to live, rendering the drugs ineffective. This makes it harder for patients to get better and leads to more serious health problems.”

    She also noted that bacteria develop resistance through various mechanisms. According to her, bacteria may “pump the antibiotic out,” akin to installing burglary proofs to prevent intrusion, or they can “destroy the antibiotic” by breaking it down. Some bacteria even alter their internal targets, making them impervious to the antibiotic’s effects.

    “Bacteria that would normally be sensitive to an antibiotic can actually gain the ability to pump the antibiotic out of the bacterium so that it cannot harm them, kind of like putting burglary proofs around your home so that external people can’t come in. Sometimes they can actually destroy the antibiotic. They can actually break it down. Or other times, if the antibiotic attacks a particular target inside the bacteria, the bacteria can create a new version of that target that is no longer attackable by the antibiotic,” she said.

    According to Prof Okeke, the high mortality rates associated with AMR in Nigeria can be attributed to several factors. These include the ineffectiveness of first-line antibiotics, limited access to more expensive alternative drugs, and insufficient diagnostic facilities. “Antimicrobial resistance is a major killer in Nigeria primarily because of inadequate diagnostic capabilities. Often, we cannot determine who has a resistant infection versus a susceptible one, nor can we identify the most effective first-line drug to use. This lack of precise diagnostics means that patients are more likely to receive ineffective treatments, which increases the risk of death from resistant infections,” she said.

    Specific challenges facing Nigeria in the fight against AMR

    Nigeria faces substantial challenges in combating AMR, though they are not insurmountable. Prof Okeke highlights that the country’s large population, high infection rates, and a struggling healthcare system significantly exacerbate the problem. “We don’t have enough healthcare professionals, and many are leaving the country, worsening the existing shortages. Infrastructure issues, such as lack of potable water and proper sanitation, further contribute to the spread of infections. Access to healthcare is another major issue. In remote regions, people often travel long distances to reach medical facilities, delaying treatment and increasing mortality risks. Moreover, the unavailability and unaffordability of essential drugs and diagnostics impede effective healthcare delivery,” she said.

    At the inauguration, Dr. Salako emphasised that AMR’s impact reaches beyond mere health concerns, influencing global economic stability and security. He stated, “AMR is not just a public health threat; it poses significant challenges to global economic wellbeing and security, impacting both developed and developing nations alike.”

    Dr. Salako explained that the spread of resistant pathogens can disrupt international trade and travel, as countries may impose restrictions to prevent outbreaks, thereby affecting global economic stability. The World Bank has projected that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could result in an additional $1 trillion in healthcare costs by 2050. Additionally, AMR is expected to cause annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) losses ranging from $1 trillion to $3.4 trillion by 2030. The projected $1 trillion increase in healthcare costs by 2050 reflects the growing expense of treating infections resistant to antibiotics and other antimicrobials. This rise in costs will demand more resources for healthcare services, lead to longer hospital stays, and necessitate the use of more expensive medications. By 2030, the economic impact of AMR could result in global GDP losses ranging from $1 trillion to $3.4 trillion annually.

    Read Also: Health commissioners hail Tinubu over plans to bring back ‘Japa’ doctors

    Prof. Okeke explained that the economic impact of AMR stems from several factors: reduced productivity due to prolonged illness and higher mortality rates, increased healthcare costs that divert funds from other economic activities, economic strain on families and communities, and a burden on healthcare systems. Additionally, AMR leads to a decreased labour supply as more people are affected by resistant infections, long-term health consequences, and potential disruptions in trade and economic activities due to the spread of resistant pathogens.

    With commitment and focus, the challenges posed by AMR can be overcome in the nation’s best interest. Experts in the health sector believe that an aggressive implementation of AMR policies will bring substantial benefits. These include combating AMR, a major public health threat that contributes to longer hospital stays, increased mortality, and higher healthcare costs. By effectively addressing AMR, Nigeria stands to gain significant socio-economic benefits, such as improved productivity and reduced healthcare costs. The World Bank estimates that AMR could cost the global economy trillions of dollars by 2050; thus, mitigating this threat could conserve substantial resources.

    AMR is a global challenge impacting both developed and developing nations, and Nigeria’s dedication to addressing it aligns with international efforts to enhance health security and economic stability. The policy underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, adhering to One Health principles. This holistic approach is essential for effectively managing AMR, ensuring that actions in one sector bolster and complement efforts in others. Additionally, robust AMR surveillance will safeguard wildlife from antimicrobials and drug-resistant microorganisms, thereby mitigating the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks that could have serious public health consequences.

    The development of the policy, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), underscores the critical role of international cooperation in combating AMR. It emphasizes the need for sustained support and collaboration to tackle this global health threat. The policy advocates for the involvement of all relevant environmental stakeholders, promoting a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing AMR. This broad engagement is expected to enhance the effectiveness of implemented measures and secure widespread support. With projections estimating up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if AMR is not addressed, the policy positions Nigeria to proactively manage and mitigate this threat, ensuring the protection of future generations.

    How to prevent AMR

    Prof Okeke emphasized that preventing AMR requires stringent infection control measures in hospitals. “Infection prevention is essential,” she said. “By providing nurses and doctors with access to water for handwashing, we can significantly reduce the spread of infections. This simple yet effective practice helps prevent one infection from transmitting to another patient, thereby avoiding further complications.” She highlighted that such improvements could potentially prevent nearly half of the deaths attributed to AMR.

    She further underscored the importance of improved water and sanitation, stating, “Access to clean water and proper sanitation in communities can prevent approximately 250,000 deaths annually from AMR. By reducing the spread of infections, we decrease the reliance on antibiotics and the associated risk of resistance.” She also highlighted the role of vaccines, explaining, “Vaccines are crucial in preventing infections that could otherwise lead to antibiotic use. For children, vaccines could save nearly 200,000 lives each year from AMR. While not free, these vaccines are relatively affordable and provide long-term protection by shielding children from illnesses that could otherwise impede their development.”

    Prof. Okeke underscored the critical need for the responsible use of antibiotics, stating, “Educating healthcare providers and the public on the appropriate use of antibiotics is essential to prevent misuse and overuse, which are major contributors to resistance. Implementing regulatory measures to control antibiotic distribution and sales is also crucial for curbing AMR.” She highlighted the necessity for new antibiotics and alternative treatments to keep pace with resistant pathogens. “Developing rapid diagnostic tools is key to ensuring antibiotics are used only when necessary and that the correct antibiotic is selected,” she explained.

    She concluded by emphasising the importance of international cooperation in combating AMR. “Global collaboration through organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) enables countries to share data, strategies, and resources effectively. Coordinated global surveillance programs to monitor antibiotic use and resistance patterns are vital for a unified response,” Okeke said.