The Nation Newspaper

Category: Special Report

  • Lost Anchors: Maiduguri women bear bitter burden of September flood

    Lost Anchors: Maiduguri women bear bitter burden of September flood

    • The flood took their homes, but it is hunger that seals their fate

    • At the mercy of predators: Sad fate of widows, mothers, daughters adrift in wreckage of an unforgiving deluge

    • Stripped of family, hope, their only constant is the struggle to survive

    Halima Mohammed remembers her 15-year-old son, Ali, as a boy who went to bed a child and woke, mauled by floodwaters, into a man.

    On Thursday, September 10, 2024, at the precise stroke of midnight, Mohammed and her children experienced nature’s wrath as water, let loose by the collapsed Alau Dam, tore through her home in Gwange.

    As the waters gushed through her door, her heart pounded with a terror only a mother could know. She and her children laboured to drain their room with bowls and buckets, a frantic defence against the deluge turning their room into a watery tomb. Soon, the water engulfed their rooms, rising past her waist, cold and merciless.

    Halima gathered her three daughters in a dash for refuge, but pleaded with her son, Ali, to join the neighbourhood males in rescuing the vulnerable—the children, the sick, the old. As her daughters clung to her, shivering and wide-eyed, she told her son: “Help those who cannot help themselves.”

    The 15-year-old nodded in silent affirmation to his mother. The palpable fear on his face conveying his brutal awakening and chilling resonance of the moment – he was a child thrust by serpentine waters into the role of a man.

    Mohammed watched as the 15-year-old waded off, slinking into the tempest, his figure faded away into the midnight currents. Amid the guttural wails of frightened families and drowning neighbours, she watched her son vanish completely from her sight. Praying silently for her son’s safety, Mohammed fled with her girls to the Kofan Biyu area.

    “We attempted passing behind the government quarters but there was no road there because the water was too much, then we went to Abbaganaram. There we saw people going to the quarters area and we followed. We spent a night there but it became flooded too. So, we trekked to Baga Road, where we joined others fleeing to the Bakassi IDP camp. I’ve been here with my three girls, ever since,” said Mohammed.

    At the Bakassi IDP camp, Mohammed has searched in vain, combing through faces, hearsays and memories, in a desperate bit to gaze upon her son’s brilliant eyes once more. But she couldn’t find him. She knows he was a hero that night; she dreads that he might be gone, forever. Yet she waits. “He went out to save others. He will come back,” she whispered, her voice lost in the din of her grief.

    A housewife’s solitary vigil

    For Helen Samaila, the flood was a thief not just of her home and belongings but of her family. In the chaos of the rising waters, she was torn from her husband and two sons. Panicking, she grabbed two of her six children, Dorcas and Rahaf, and fled with them, while her older sister managed to hold onto two others, Esther and Rufkatu. “I have six children, four girls, and two boys. So, I carried two and my older sister carried two of them,” she said.

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    Samaila’s husband and two boys vanished in the surge, leaving her to confront each morning with a gnawing uncertainty. For three days, she scoured the town’s ragged camps and temporary shelters. On the fourth day, she found her sons among a wave of displaced children, weary and sunken-eyed. But her husband, Joseph, remains missing. Each night, she tells her children that their father will return soon but her voice no longer carries the strength of conviction.

    “I am tired of promising them his return,” she cried, her gaze sunken, like a well of sorrow. Without her husband, Samaila is a solitary pillar bearing the weight of six young lives. Joseph was the family’s breadwinner, a humble trader at the Gamboru Psychiatric Hospital road, whose earnings from his provision store sustained the family. Without him, Samaila is left to forage on meagre handouts, her sons reduced to menial labour despite their young age. “My sons, they have become labourers,” she lamented, in the tenor of a mother who knows that they are too young to bear such a burden. The tragedy here is not just one of survival but of the innocence drained from her children, leaving them to wrestle with adult despair in a world that offers no respite. She fears the day when their faces stop asking, “Where is our father?” and start understanding the dreadful silence of her reply.

    Lives trapped by circumstance

    Across Maiduguri, the flood’s cruel current has left thousands of women without a lifeline. In a city where opportunities for women are scarce, wives without income find themselves stranded on the shores of devastation. The flood destroyed homes and markets and the delicate webs of dependency these women had woven with neighbours, friends, and family. Widows who had leaned on children for food, or on neighbours for shelter, now face empty doorways and unanswered calls.

    For mothers without husbands or children, those whose strengths were rooted in the safety of family, the floodwaters carried away more than possessions—they stole their very means of survival. Stripped of homes, the displaced women huddle in camps where food is a scarce commodity and safety is a distant memory. They lament their vanished sons and husbands, who used to be their only support.

    Each woman’s story has the same bitter end. Farmlands have been buried beneath silt and mud, and small businesses that once afforded dignity and a meagre income are now debris swept away by the flood. Without a home and livelihood, they are left as remnants of themselves, pieces waiting to be rebuilt but scattered across the broken landscape of Maiduguri.

    Seventy-year-old Fatima Mustapha recalled how the flood tore into her life, ripping it apart. Paralysed with fear, the widow sat rooted in her threshold as the flood raged into her five-bedroom home in Gwange. “If I am to perish, let it be Allah’s will,” she murmured, urging her children and grandchildren to safety while the water rose menacingly around her.

    She said, “The flood entered my house on a Thursday morning (September 10). I was with my grandchildren. I became afraid and told them to evacuate to a safer place. I didn’t join them I told them I would stay behind and whatever happens to me would be Allah’s will. The water entered and destroyed our five-bedroom apartment. And I was inside. I didn’t have food and water. No place for me to sleep.” But for kindhearted neighbours who rescued her, Mustapha would have drowned.

    The deluge crushed her walls and swept through her life, leaving her with only the basin that had floated beside her in the murky tides. “When it happened I couldn’t pick a thing. It all went with the water. The only thing I found in the compound is my water basin. My clothes got spoilt. I lost my sister I couldn’t attend the funeral because I lost everything. I have nothing left – no food, no place to lay my head. I need food. I want a place to lay my head,” she said. Stripped of her home, Mustapha finds herself bound to the ground beneath her, longing not for luxury but for the bare essentials – food, clean clothing, and shelter.

    “My sons have travelled. They’re almajiri. They are in Quranic school. They are so young because I didn’t marry early. None is old enough to take care of me,” she murmured, her voice a tremor of loneliness. Her daughters are too young for responsibility, thus leaving her to the mercy of strangers and her fragile faith.

    For Zulai Bukar, terror dawned at night, in a voice that shrieked: “Water!” Her weakened limbs trembled, still frail from a recent illness, as she tried to scramble out of her house. But for a neighbour who lifted her onto his back to safety, she would have drowned. As he bore her to dry land, Bukar stared wide-eyed in disbelief, at the murky, serpentine flood. Hours after her rescue, she sat shivering, only to hear that the waters had claimed her house, her mattress, her pots, and the N20,000 she had borrowed to tide her family through the month.

    “The man who borrowed me the money was compassionate. He told me forget it. I have eight children from four different husbands. I was sleeping inside the house suddenly in the middle of the night I heard loud shout saying “Water”! I exclaimed ‘Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will all return). Initially, some neighbours came to take refuge in my house but as the flood waters rose in my home, we all had to flee,” she said.

    For thirteen days, Bukar stayed in a dryland refuge, the edges of her lips cracked, her hands holding only the wind as news of her wrecked home gnawed at her spirit. “They said there was food,” she recalls, “but not a grain reached me.” Her voice quakes when she recounts the man who lent her the money, how he said, “Forget it, may Allah keep you.” But her children, displaced and wandering, were forced to halt their studies, a harsh pause on their dreams in the name of survival. “When this ends, they will return,” she promises herself, each word a prayer she dares not say aloud.

    Women who once kept families afloat with modest incomes from trade or farm labour also lost everything. In an economy already bent under the weight of conflict and hardship, their losses ripple outward, casting entire families into unyielding poverty.

    Until the flood broke out, Bariya Musa’s life was anchored in the small earnings from her vegetable farm. But the flood came and destroyed everything, she said. Now, she is left reliant on the sparse rations doled out at the IDP camp.

    For those who lacked the fragile independence of a farm, like the housewives and grandmothers, who depended on neighbours or the small alms from their children’s earnings, the flood turned life into a maze of unending hunger and miseries. Matriarchs, who once held families together, threading the filial fabric of life with resilience, now find themselves without a single thread of security.

    Desolation in displacement

    The camps offer only the bleakest shelter—walls of tarp and roofs of rusted tin, buzzing with sickness and hopelessness. For women, these places are rife with peril; the nights are haunted by the spectres of assault, with predators lurking in the fringes of their fragile sanctuaries. Hunger twists their stomachs as surely as the cold hardens the ground beneath them. And as night falls, they cower together, a mass of grieving mothers, weary daughters, and shell-shocked widows, clinging to each other in a fellowship born of loss.

    Outside the official emergency shelters, they flock under makeshift tents, eyes dulled by loss, bodies starved by days without food, spirits bowed under the weight of survival. Beyond the camps, the flood has disbanded families like seeds scattered in the wind. Children, once under their mothers’ watchful eyes, now roam the streets, doing whatever menial work they can find. They are the labourers, the vendors, the bearers of heavy loads on spindly shoulders. Their mothers watch with haunted pride and sorrow, knowing that each day’s small earnings stave off starvation but steal their childhood.

    Widows who relied on the kindness of neighbours find themselves abandoned, as the same flood that ravaged their homes has thrown even their closest friends into survival’s relentless grip. There is no room for charity in this new world of scarcity, and once-kind neighbours now turn away, preoccupied with their losses, unable to bear the burden of others’ suffering.

    This is the current fate of thousands of women, displaced by the flood in Borno. They have no bread to break, only memories of sustenance that the waters swept away. They are left to forage hope from barren ground, for where the earth was once bountiful, it is now a graveyard of their losses. And in the shadows lurks another predator—one not made of rain and river but of men who prey upon the vulnerable. In the desolate hush of night, whispers travel in the camp of women who dare not walk alone, for safety is an illusion in these places of displacement. The threat of violence hangs heavy in the air, a silent storm in a woman’s life already burdened with tragedy.

    In these camps, safety is a myth, protection a fable. They sleep with one eye open, mothers lying next to daughters, haunted by the knowledge that disaster’s wake brings not only grief but wolves disguised as men.

    The silent trauma of survival

    There is no gainsaying that women and children compose the heart of the afflicted, bearing a unique burden of hardship. They are not only displaced from their physical homes but pushed from the fragile balance of survival. Arjun Jain, UNHCR’s representative in Nigeria, observed that the floods are a fresh wound upon open scars inflicted by years of displacement and conflict on affected communities. “Communities which, after years of conflict and violence, had started rebuilding their lives were struck by the floods and once again displaced,” he said.

    According to the UNFPA’s 2022 estimate, about 6.7 million people – 80 per cent – of the 8.4 million people requiring humanitarian assistance in Nigeria are women and children and are in the three most affected northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. Compared to the previous year’s 8.7 million, this represents a slight four per cent decline in people in need of humanitarian assistance.

    Within these population groups, some of the most vulnerable people with special needs are housewives and girls who, in some cases, face a triple burden of finding ways to survive, caring for their families and protecting themselves from sexual violence.

    According to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) for 2022, an estimated 1.4 million individuals (46% IDPs, 23% returnees, 31% host communities) will require Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response services in the affected states.

    As the September flood recedes from the streets of Maiduguri and host villages (in Jere and Konduga) to the damaged Alau Dam, an unwieldy social crisis manifests in its wake, accentuating rising gender inequalities. The risk for women and girls multiply in real time, argued social worker, Omolara Odila.

    “Women are more vulnerable during emergencies and are left to navigate hardships that men rarely face in the same way. Many of them are poor and the flood has rendered them even more vulnerable than most can truly comprehend.”

    She argued that due to the widespread and systemic impoverishment of females in the disaster-prone areas, they are unable to adapt, without urgent and sustained help, to hardships foisted on them during emergencies, like the flooding that just happened here (in Maiduguri) other humanitarian disasters.

    Odila maintained that women are also generally more traumatised and vulnerable to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and other personal safety and health challenges imposed by disasters and social inequalities between genders. “The higher incidences of SGBV may increase the number of deaths and diseases among women and girls,” she said.

    Findings revealed that SGBV has surged within distressed communities, since the flood disaster. “Many child molestation and rape cases happen in the dark but they go unreported because the victims fear being shamed and stigmatised,” said Hussein Jaka Ahmedu, a haulage truck operator from Konduga. Corroborating him, his partner, Bintu Abdullahi, a grain merchant and supplier to several IDP camps in Borno, revealed that she and two of her staff recently rescued one nursing mother and her teenage half-sister from a gang of seven boys, equally displaced, who tried to rape them in exchange for food.

    It would be recalled that four days after the Alau Dam collapsed, a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) officer reportedly molested and raped a female survivor in the reopened Bakassi IDP camp. Speaking to the press, Bintu Mustapha, one of the flood survivors at the camp, also revealed that some members of the CJTF, a local security outfit complementing military onslaughts against terrorists in the northeast region, were diverting relief materials in favour of their girlfriends and friends.

    Several females face the brutality of survival on multiple fronts, not only battling natural calamities but also the malice of males emboldened by the void of law and order. Health services are scarce; when available, they are stretched too thin to provide the care so urgently required. The risk of maternal mortality grows perilously high for expectant mothers, unable to access safe labour conditions amidst ruin.

    The Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) indicates that 1.4 million people across the northeastern states need SGBV prevention services—an overwhelming burden on an already faltering system. “Every disaster disproportionately weighs upon the women, increasing the threat of sexual violence,” said Noemi Dalmonte of UNFPA. “The cycle of vulnerability persists, leaving these women no respite,” she said.

    A haunting choice: Education or survival for Borno’s girls

    As mothers struggle, so do daughters too. With resources decimated, young girls often bear the brunt of domestic upheaval, compelled to forsake education to aid their families in ways few children should ever be asked. A fragile dream of school, torn apart by the rising tide, is left for the faint echoes of laughter and learning, replaced by the harsh responsibilities of survival. With schools damaged and community infrastructure gutted, their future remains anchored in uncertainty.

    “I would love to return to school. I miss my friends and mistress (teacher),” said Ayisatu Da’ala from Mafa. The 12-year-old currently begs to survive on the streets of Maiduguri, alongside her mother and maternal aunt.

    The physical loss of schools belies a deeper wound: the abandonment of girls’ dreams and ambitions, sacrificed to the ceaseless demands of family survival. In Borno, where literacy already hovers precariously low among women, the recent flood may have drowned a generation’s hope for a brighter horizon.

    Impact on female health

    Experts opine that recurrent and costly disasters related to climate change affect in no small measure, the social and health determinants of female wellbeing. Floods could damage critical infrastructure, including health and learning institutions. Damaged infrastructure also impedes access to health resources. Pregnant women, for example, could be at a higher risk, thus leading to a rise in maternal death.

    Flooding, conflict and other humanitarian crises have only worsened the pre-existing severe reproductive health and GBV situations. The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reports the highest rate of sexual violence in the northeast of 16%, compared to 10% or less in other regions. Data from the 2018 NDHS also shows that the northeast has a high unmet need for contraceptives at 17% and an extremely low contraceptive prevalence rate of 2% compared with the 10% national average – which translates into a high total fertility rate of 6.3 as compared to the national average of 5.5. The region also has a very high Maternal Mortality Rate of 1,546 per 100,000 live births as compared to the national value of 546 per 100,000 births.

    Teenage pregnancy is also high at 32%, a major health concern because of its association with higher morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the child. The crisis with the health system disruption has further aggravated the situation. Only 22% of deliveries are assisted by a skilled birth attendant, exposing women and newborns to increased risk of death and complications.

    In flood-ravaged parts of Borno, humanitarian needs remain critical and inaccessible to women and children, among other vulnerable segments of the displaced residents. Despite the significant reduction in the number of displaced people living in emergency shelters, from a peak of over 400,000 people at the height of flooding to about 50,000 registered individuals as of October 4, according to the Borno State Government’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). An additional 700,000 people also sought shelter with relatives during the flood emergency, according to authorities.

    In addition to population displacement, there are pressing public health concerns as many women learn to live in overcrowded and unsanitary IDP camps – without access to clean water, toilets and bathrooms, and emergency healthcare. Their desolation is further accentuated by the recent declaration of a cholera outbreak with over 300 deaths.

    Many women hitherto reliant on their missing or now incapacitated husbands and children, suffer social exclusion and discrimination that limits them from education, employment and other social benefits. The flood and displacement have also aggravated food insecurity among unemployed female segments of the displaced population. Prices of food staples, sanitary towels, and other essential provisions have increased due to hoarding and inflation. Humanitarian aid delivery has also been significantly affected due to the lack of access to flood-devastated areas. Thus assistance is less likely to reach all those in need and more likely to exclude women, particularly where modalities have shifted to distribution via IDP camp chairmen further exacerbating the social inequalities that trigger lack of access of several women to urgent relief materials.

    Fragments of hope

    Priorities for immediate intervention among flood-affected communities in MMC, Jere, Konduga and Mafa LGAs include water and sanitation hygiene (WASH) items as well as sanitation facilities to restore dignity and safeguard health, borehole rehabilitation, disinfection, and other water supply measures.

    On October 4, the Borno Secretary of State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, who is also the head of the newly established Expanded Flood Relief Committee convened a coordination forum on flood response with humanitarian partners. The SSG presented a report ‘The Impact of Protracted Insurgency and Recent Devastating Flood Disaster in Borno State, which indicated that 85,000 homes were damaged in 19 wards in the Greater Maiduguri area [MMC, Jere and Konduga LGAs] based on BSG assessments. Ongoing coordinated assessments with humanitarian partners will further inform humanitarian and development partners’ planning and programming in both temporary sites and affected wards.

    According to the report, local businesses, particularly those dependent on agriculture, livestock and trade have been hit hard, with recovery at a slow pace amid a deepening food security and nutrition crisis and a public health emergency.

    While the flood waters have receded in MMC and Jere, flooding continues to affect other parts of Borno State. In Dikwa LGA, over 27,000 people, many of whom have lived in protracted displacement, were displaced once again due to torrential rainfall, windstorms, and overflow from the Alau Dam and the Yadzaram River in September. Initial flooding affected 12 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, with five completely submerged, and impacted three host communities.

    To mitigate the consequences of violent conflict and increasing inequalities on women and girls, Amina Goni, an emergency social worker and consultant, advised that the state government must partner with humanitarian actors to create more inclusive community platforms, giving voice to women, people with disabilities, the elderly and other marginalised groups. Addressing stress and anger management in communities is also essential for reducing conflict. Collaborating with community and religious leaders on local health and communications campaigns could help address public health concerns and curb palliative diversion, she added. “Additionally, to ensure transparency of recovery efforts, the government must support civil society to track resource distribution while adapting livelihood programmes to aid women, girls, and the disabled in economic recovery,” she said.

    Of dreams and dowries: A tidal wave of grief

    With the floodwaters receding from Maiduguri and affected villages, women in Borno —already the most vulnerable due to years of displacement and economic hardship—are once more called to survive on sheer willpower. Those that survived the ravage of September; from the rivers that slithered and hissed, like wrathful serpents, to shattered homes and health risks, are left to battle alone for their safety, their dignity, and the lives of their children.

    For the women left with nothing, those whose sons and husbands would never return, there is no justice to seek, only feeble hope and survival. Helen Samaila, for instance, has been wallowing in misery since her husband disappeared with the floodwaters. The possibility of his demise is a chasm of dread that she would not cross. Yet as the days slip by, she must help her six children come to terms with the truth: that their father who once provided, the husband who was her rock, might never come back.

    Mothers, like Halima Mohammed, weep for the memories their missing sons left behind, for the clothes their daughters had saved for festive days – all stripped from their lives in an instant. Mohammed dreams of Ali’s return, but deep in her heart, she dreads that he might never come back.

    For survivors like Zulai Bukar, the flood swallowed treasured symbols of identity and tradition. Part of her dowry, a bead necklace saved over the years got washed away with her family heirloom, leaving a cavernous emptiness where cultural pride once resided. Mustapha mourns not just the home she has lost, but the memories tied to each room.

    In the aftermath of the catastrophe, grief clings to the survivors like the muddy residue of the floodwaters. The deluge has rendered them destitute not just in pocket but in spirit, robbing them of the humble independence they once nurtured. There is no path forward, no farmland to till, no petty trade to ply, no food to eat – many women are thus adrift, clinging to the debris of their former lives.

    Where they once found purpose in keeping their families whole, they now wander the wastelands of grief, struggling to find footing in a world stripped of softness.

    Yet, for the women of Maiduguri, survival is a burden as much as a blessing; while each day is a stark reminder of all they have lost, it also reminds them of the lives they must fulfil.

    In the depths of her despair, for instance, Fatima Mustapha counts her tasbih every obligatory salat  – spreading her frail hands to the heavens, she seeks provisions denied her and thousands of women by a lack of government presence in their lives.

    It is not the weight of her burden that scares her, but the reality of bearing it alone.

  • Oralusi, NCDF applaud Tinubu on regional development initiative

    Oralusi, NCDF applaud Tinubu on regional development initiative

    The Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF) Group, Hareter Babatunde Oralusi, has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate for their visionary establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the Regional Development Commissions. This ground-breaking initiative is seen as a significant stride toward fostering inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

    “This bold step reinforces the administration’s commitment to addressing the needs of all Nigerians, especially those in underserved regions,” Oralusi stated in a recent press release issued by NCDF’s Executive Director, Mr. Tajudeen Kareem. “The creation of regional development commissions not only complements the vital Local Government Autonomy framework but also lays the foundation for a comprehensive governance structure. This structure empowers local, state, and federal governments to work collaboratively, ensuring that grassroots development is prioritised.”

    Oralusi emphasised the importance of these regional bodies in bridging long-standing gaps in infrastructure and social services that have historically plagued various parts of the country. “This decision to decentralise development functions is a forward-thinking approach to governance. It empowers local communities, allowing them to take charge of their own development while ensuring that resources are distributed equitably,” he remarked, reflecting on the broader implications of this initiative.

    He elaborated on the transformative potential of empowering local governments through enabling laws and supportive structures. “When local governments are equipped with the authority and resources they need, they can become true drivers of grassroots development and powerful catalysts for poverty eradication,” he said, painting a picture of a Nigeria where local governance plays a crucial role in lifting communities out of poverty. Oralusi pointed to the emerging national structure as a means to drive more resources to sub-national levels, which will enhance social services and facilitate critical infrastructure improvements across Nigerian communities. “Nigeria is on a promising path toward deeper federalism that genuinely involves every level of government in delivering sustainable development,” he observed, underscoring the significance of this initiative for the nation’s future.

    Describing Tinubu’s decision as “a pro-poor initiative,” Oralusi highlighted the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation, inclusive economic growth, and the overall well-being of its citizens. “This framework not only prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable but also encourages robust private sector participation. It empowers non-governmental organizations to invest in projects that genuinely benefit the masses,” he noted, recognising the collaborative spirit this initiative is expected to foster.

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    Looking to the future, Oralusi expressed optimism about Nigeria’s trajectory, urging citizens to remain hopeful. He called upon the Senate to expedite the passage of comprehensive local government autonomy legislation. “A truly autonomous local government system is the bedrock of grassroots democracy,” he stated passionately. “By advancing this bill, the Senate can solidify a governance framework that ensures every Nigerian feels the impact of national progress.”

    As an organisation dedicated to socio-economic transformation, NCDF is poised to support and collaborate with all tiers of government to drive impactful development at the grassroots level. “We stand ready to work hand-in-hand with these new commissions, investing in initiatives that uplift Nigeria’s underserved regions,” said Kareem, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to fostering meaningful change. According to him, in this evolving landscape, the collaboration between government, local communities and private entities holds the promise of a brighter future for Nigeria. With initiatives like the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the Regional Development Commissions, he believes the country is taking significant strides toward a more equitable and prosperous society, where every Nigerian has the opportunity to thrive.

  • Discovering ‘young talents’ through FUZE Talent Show

    Discovering ‘young talents’ through FUZE Talent Show

    The FUZE Talent Show stands as a premier showcase event, driving the growth of Nigeria’s vibrant creative sectors. Organised by Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, the event is inspired by the rich tapestry of youthful creativity that characterises Nigeria today. Specifically targeting the dynamic age group of 18 to 35, the FUZE Talent Show has, since its inception in 2022, consistently celebrated innovation and talent across key creative domains, including music, fashion, technological innovation and dance, writes COLLINS NWEZE

    To foster networking among creative youths, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers has launched FUZE Talent Show 3.0, a dynamic platform aimed at discovering and promoting young Nigerian talent. The primary objective of this event is to offer creative individuals a prominent stage to showcase their unique skills and gain essential visibility. Additionally, the event is designed to enhance participants’ opportunities to forge valuable connections within the industry, facilitating collaboration and growth in Nigeria’s vibrant creative landscape.

    Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have begun submitting their entries to participate in the FUZE Marketplace, where they can register to showcase and sell their products or services. Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, emphasised that FUZE 3.0 is more than just a competition. “From the FUZE Talent Show to the FUZE Marketplace and FUZE Festival, this year’s season will celebrate the spirit of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

     “An essential dimension of the FUZE Talent Show is its focus on sustainable career development. Playing a crucial role in celebrating creativity, the event opens doors to future opportunities by spotlighting talents in such diverse fields. Participants can connect with mentors, industry leaders and potential collaborators, which can significantly impact their professional journeys,” he said.

    As the event organisers prepare, excitement continues to grow among the audience and the participants. This year, episodes from the Talent Hunt booth camp will be aired on cable and terrestrial television, giving viewers a firsthand look at Nigeria’s vibrant and diverse talent landscape. There is a palpable excitement for the grand finale, where winners will walk away with their share in the grand prize money of N50 million.

    How it began

    At the heart of the Stanbic IBTC Pension Manager’s innovative approach was recognising the untapped potential of Nigeria’s youths and the numerous challenges in showcasing their talents. With a vision to bridge this gap, it introduced FUZE as an innovative platform to empower creative young Nigerians nationwide. He said the mission was clear: to provide support and encouragement; and facilitate opportunities for young talents to shine on a grand stage.

    At a briefing to announce its launch which was held at the Stanbic IBTC Blue Academy in Ikeja, Lagos, Oyetan highlighted the organisation’s dedication to fostering creativity and innovation among Nigerian youths, marking a new chapter in support for the creative industry.

    Oyetan said: “At Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, we believe in the transformative power of creativity and innovation in driving economic and social progress. Our commitment to nurturing the ambitions of Nigeria’s young creative minds through the Stanbic IBTC FUZE initiative reflects our dedication to being more than just a financial institution; we aim to support the young artistic talents in shaping our culture and economy.”

    Audition process

    Each season, the FUZE talent show takes great care to ensure its audition phase is designed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. This approach is pivotal in eliminating potential barriers for participants from various backgrounds. Aspiring entrants submit 60-second video clips showcasing their unique talents across multiple categories.

    This method was selected to capture the diversity and richness of Nigeria’s talent pool, ensuring that every voice can be heard and recognised regardless of their location across the country. By adopting this democratised approach to its auditions, FUZE showcases its commitment to celebrating various talents. More than just a competition, the platform is a nurturing ground for the diverse artistic gifts harboured within Nigeria; paving the way for a richer cultural showcase.

    FUZE Festival-Beyond just a talent show

    FUZE Talent Show transcends the typical competition framework, evolving into a comprehensive cultural phenomenon. It wasn’t simply about discovering talents; it encompassed a more ambitious objective of creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. The event featured various attractions, including exhibitions, a market for creative goods and live performances by emerging artists

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    Oyetan said the innovative entertainment, empowerment and engagement blend materialised into the FUZE Festival. This grand finale celebrated the participants’ journey and highlighted Nigeria’s dynamic and rich cultural fabric. By morphing into a celebration of creativity, community and culture, FUZE effectively transformed the narrative around talent discovery and support within Nigeria; heralding a promising horizon for the country’s artistic and creative talents.

    Empowering, connecting via the FUZE Marketplace

     With the launch of FUZE 1.0 in 2022, the FUZE Marketplace was introduced. This innovative platform was conceived to bridge the gap between emerging entrepreneurs and potential buyers, serving as a dynamic space where various products could be showcased. The range of offerings included, but was not limited to fashion pieces, artistic creations, lifestyle and wellness, including food and drinks.

    This diversity provided local artisans and burgeoning entrepreneurs with a prominent stage to display their talents and an invaluable opportunity to interact and engage with a broader audience.

    The purpose of the FUZE Marketplace extended beyond simple commercial transactions; it aimed to foster a lively and thriving community where individuals could unite in a shared creativity and innovation space. By doing so, it sought to nurture an environment that encouraged collaboration, inspiration and mutual support among creators and innovators.

    This initiative was a cornerstone in fulfilling FUZE’s overarching mission to cultivate a supportive ecosystem beneficial for the growth and development of Nigeria’s creative industries. The FUZE Marketplace was critical in driving economic activity and promoting cultural enrichment and innovation within the community by empowering local talents and providing them with the tools and platform to succeed.

     The rising of FUZE Talent Hunt Show

    Oyetan further explained that since its inception, the FUZE Talent Show has rapidly established itself as the essential platform for young Nigerian creative minds, looking to showcase their abilities. Spanning various disciplines, including music, fashion, technology and dance, FUZE has solidified its stature as a prestigious avenue for talent, setting lofty expectations from the outset.

    These expectations have been met and surpassed, especially with the launch of FUZE 2.0, offering participants an even more refined and expansive stage to display their skills. Throughout its seasons, FUZE has demonstrated a dedication to discovering and illuminating exceptional talent, providing them with avenues for recognition and success.

    The inaugural winners of FUZE 1.0 received a cash prize of N32 million alongside invaluable mentorship sessions with seasoned industry professionals. This tradition highlights the initiative’s profound commitment to identifying, celebrating and nurturing innate talent; establishing a benchmark for all subsequent editions. FUZE 2.0, the second edition also recorded 12 FUZE Talent Show winners with a total prize money of N32 million.

    The show has embarked on its third edition and scheduled to air episodes of the Talent Show journey from Saturday, November 2 on Africa Magic Showcase (5:00-6:00 p.m), AIT (7:00-7:55 p.m), and Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel.

    As the narrative of the Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers FUZE Talent Show unfolds with every season, FUZE cements its place as a vital conduit for blossoming talents eager to improve their skills, engage with broader audiences and play a pivotal role in enriching Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscapes.

  • Inside Kano farms where child labour booms

    Inside Kano farms where child labour booms

    • Mallams empower wards with farm implements, get daily returns 

    • Farm owners engage kid farmers, pay them pittance

    • 70% of children engaged in child labour worldwide working on farms – UNICEF

    More than one year after Kano State enacted the Child Protection Law, vulnerable children in many suburbs of the state are still being exploited on all fronts. From farm owners using them for hard labour and paying peanuts to mallams taking cuts from their paltry earnings and also using  them to grow their farms, exploitation is all the malleable children know. The ugly development raises questions about Kano State and, by extension, Nigeria’s readiness to liberate children from the shackles of oppression and exploitation and uphold the Convention on the Rights of the Child ratified in 1991, INNOCENT DURU reports.

    Jemilu, a 12-year-old Qoranic  education pupil, works as a labourer for farm owners in suburbs of Kano State.

    He got initiated into hard labour at the tender age of eight after his parents took him to a mallam’s place to acquire knowledge in Islamic studies.

    Before he was taken to the mallam, Jemilu had not had the opportunity of going to a regular school. He constitutes a part of the 15.23 million out-of-school children in the northern part of the country, according to data provided by  Statisense.

    “I have not been to school before. I don’t know what western education looks like,” Jemilu innocently said, through an interpreter.

    From the day his parents took him to the mallam till date, Jemilu said “they have not for once sent any money for my upkeep. My parents gave birth to six children and I am the fourth.”

    Jemilu’s parents’ failure to send money for his upkeep to the mallam could appear like giving him up for any form of deprivation,  exploitation and mistreatment by individuals and the society at large.

    This is exactly what Jemilu and his ilk in various mallams’ custodies are going through.

    Fiddling with his farm implement, Jemilu shares his story of being subjected to hard labour, deprivation and exploitation from a tender age. 

    His words: “Our mallam taught us how to farm. He bought farm implements for us.

    “We work for our mallam on his farm in the morning and thereafter go out to look for  farm owners who may need our services.”

    After laboriously tilling the soil and doing other farm activities for people, Jemilu gets a pittance for his efforts.

    “I make between N500 and N800 working for people on their farms,” he said, giggling without any inkling that he is being exploited by those who hire him.

     After the mistreatment by the farm owners, the kid labourer said, he goes home to give the mallam a share of his paltry earnings from engaging in cheap and hard labour.

    “I give returns to my mallam who bought farm implements for me,” Jemilu said with a sense of fulfilling his obligation to his boss.

    Asked how much he gives to the mallam, Jemilu replied: “I could give him N200 or N300 from the little that I make. 

    “If I don’t have anyone to engage me in farming, I go to beg for alms. It is what I get working for people on their farms or begging for alms that I depend on for my survival.”

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    Unfortunately, Jemilu said it is not every time he goes begging for alms that he gets money from people.

    “At times, I return home empty handed. Any time I don’t get where to work or see  anyone to give me alms, I go to bed hungry. 

    “Such nights are always long and tortuous for me.” 

    Because of his constant engagement on the farm to make ends meet, Jemilu says he hardly has the opportunity of visiting  his parents.

    “I go home only during festive (Salah) periods to see my parents,” he said.

    Jemilu’s is just one of the numerous instances of how vulnerable children are exploited by people seeking cheap labour and easy ways of expanding their businesses in the society.

    The reporter’s encounter with Rabiu, a 15-year-old, provided even more disturbing information. It revealed how some parents gladly abandon their responsibilities of raising their children to other persons.

    “I left home at the age of six and was taken to live with Mallam,” Rabiu said, revealing how fragile he was when his parents handed him out to the mallam. 

    After completing the number of years his parents agreed that he would stay with the mallam, Rabiu saw no reason to go back home as he appears comfortable with the meagre money he realises from what he does.

    He said: “When I leave mallam’s place, I go to another mallam’s house to stay.

    “I have been working for people on their farms for many  years. In fact, I was not yet a teenager when I started doing this.

    “We move around farms hoping to be called by farm owners in need of labourers.”

    Like Jemilu, Rabiu said the hoes, cutlasses and other implements they use are bought by their mallams.

    “I make between N500 and N700 working on people’s farms. I get this amount when I work for about  two hours. 

    “We are many in my mallam’s house. It is the money we get doing this kind of work that we use to feed.”

    Corroborating Jemilu’s claims, Rabiu said:  “We give returns to the mallam. If I make N1,000, I will give N300 to the mallam. 

    “We are about 30 at my mallam’s place. If all of us go out to work and give him N300 each, he will be making N9,000 daily.”

    While the money he realises helps him  to stay away from hunger, Rabiu, who has also not had access to western education, expressed concerns that he does not have the opportunity of saving any part of it.  “The money is never enough for us to have savings. When we buy food once or twice, the money is gone.

    “We go about begging for alms  sometimes when there is no job on the farm.” 

    While Jemilu and Rabiu appear comfortable with the hard labour they are engaged in to survive, Basiru, a 14-year-old who was sent from Kaduna by his parents for Quranic education in Kano, says he is not enjoying what he is doing.

    He said: “It was my parents who brought me to the mallam to learn Quranic education,” he began narrating his ordeal in a tone laden with anger.

    “I don’t like the hard farm work that I am doing. I am not enjoying it at all.

    “But I have no option than to do it to survive, because without doing it, I will not have money to eat.

    “We eat once in a day in our mallam’s place. But if we have personal money, we can go and buy food and eat on our own.

    “I will not do this kind of work when I return to Kaduna. Never! I will not do it again in my life.

    “I want to go to school to acquire western education. I was going to school before I dropped out and was taken to mallam’s place.

    “I will never want my children to toe my path. I will never allow them to engage in all this.

    “I will make sure they go to school and become important people.”

    Providing information about his family background, he said: “We are nine in my family and I am the fourth child. I am to live with the mallam for eight years.”  

    I love hard labour, hate western education says 12-year-old

    Our correspondent’s experience with Basiru is a complete opposite of his experience with Najeeb, a 12-year-old. While Basiru hates the hard labour he’s engaged in and wishes to go to school, Najeeb says he enjoys the arduous farm work and does not want to have anything to do with western education. 

    “I have come to  really love the work that I am doing. I will keep doing it even after leaving mallam’s place. 

    “When I return to my parents, I will continue doing this job and subsequently have my own farm,” he said.

    Shaking his head in disagreement with the reporter’s question, he said: “I don’t like western education. I am contented with Quranic education.”

    The money Najeeb realises from the hard labour he engages in may be the reason he has decided to take it as a lifetime job.

    Unlike previous respondents who never made up to N1,000 a day, Najeeb, who comes from a family of 12, said “I make between N1,500 and N2, 500 working for people in different farms.

    “I use the money I make to feed and buy clothes that I wear when going to see my parents. I also give money to the mallam I am living with.

    “If I make N1,500, I will give N500 to the mallam and keep N1,000. The mallam is the one who buys the tools we work with on the farms.”

    Najeeb says in the course of working on people’s farms “I do sustain injuries. When I get injured, I will go to a chemist for treatment. They will clean it and treat the wound.”

    Vulnerable kids fight to get paid by some farm owners

    In spite of the fact that they are poorly paid for the hard work they do for people, Mustapha, a 13-year-old, said: “Sometimes when we work for some people, they will not pay us at the end of the day.  We will have to fight them before they pay us what we legitimately deserve.

    “I make between N500 and N2,000 working in different farms for people. Mallam gives us food once in a day when we go out to work and bring money.  

    “If we don’t have people to engage us in farming, we go begging for alms and food on the streets.”

    Efforts to get the reaction of the state government were unsuccessful as the Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, was yet to respond to our message as at the time of filing this report.

    Society will pay for neglecting, exploiting them –Expert

    Speaking in a telephone interview with our correspondent, a lecturer with Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Dr Bala Abdulllahi, said the idea of neglecting and exploiting the vulnerable children has a prize which the society will have to pay as time goes on.He said: “The society neglected the these children. The society doesn’t care about their welfare.

    “The government also does not care about their welfare, where they sleep, how they eat or where they educate them, the government and the society care not.

    “Because they are vulnerable, bandits will recruit them easily, and the tendency is that these children will come back to the same society that neglected them and cause mayhem.

    “These children can also serve as  spy agents to bandits, especially in the issue of informal activities.

    “They will go to bandits and say ‘this person, I went to his house, he has money, he has cash, he has this, he has that’.

    These children will supply them with information.

    “Any neglected child on the street, any child neglected by the parents, by the society or by the authority concerned is liable to face this issue.”

    Dr Bala strongly believes that the vulnerable children will not hesistate to go to school if they have the opportunity.

    He said: “It is not that they are not willing to go to school, but they don’t have the capacity to be enrolled in the system.

    “If the government can enforce certain laws that can help them get enrolled in schools, into the formal and non-formal systems, they are ever ready to do that.

    “If they are given free uniforms, free food, free textbooks, teaching materials and good training, tell me if they will not go.

    “It is like government is not ready to assist or help them. The government is not ready to enforce laws and regulations that will make the school so comfortable, so conducive for them to learn.”

    ‘Future holds nothing for vulnerable children’

    Dr Bala, who specialises in International Relations, Defence and Security, says the vulnerable children’s future is bleak.

    His words: “The future holds nothing for them, and that is why they will come back to the society one day to retaliate.

    “The negligence that the society has for them, the victimization the society gives to them, the stigmatization the society has on them, they are coming back. “Believe me, when they are coming back, they will be coming back with full force.

    “Before they come back, they must have had issue of regrouping, issue of having some loyalty from their colleagues and issue of having a lot of power.

    “When they gain that power, when they come to the society, believe me, the society will not have anything to protect themselves.

    “They will make sure that those privileged children will be sent out on the streets one day to taste what they tasted.”

    The varsity don further said the country and the people are not ready to deal with the menace of child labour yet because everybody is culpable.

    He said: “We are not ready to deal with the issue of child labour.

    We are not ready because everybody is doing it. Everybody is participating in one way or the other.

    “When you go to the mallam and you say you want one boy to be doing some dirty work in your house, what are you doing? You are also labouring the child.”

    He said the menace can be addressed if and “only if we are all set. We have that conviction and passion for the children to be liberated from the shackle of this issue of child labour, and how do you do that?

    “The government needs to come in to regulate and make laws that help these children to also benefit from the public amenities.”

    UNICEF laments practice of child labour

    United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has at various times raised concerns about the menace of child labour across the globe.

    It says children are classified as “child labourers when they are either too young to work or are involved in hazardous activities that may compromise their physical, mental social or educational development.

    “In the least developed countries, slightly more than one in five children (ages 5 to 17) are engaged in labour that is considered detrimental to their health and development.”

    UNICEF describes hazardous work as anything that exposes children to physical, emotional or sexual abuse. “It’s work that occurs underground, underwater, at treacherous heights or in confined spaces – often with dangerous machinery, equipment and tools.

    “It’s work in an unhealthy environment, where children may be exposed to hazardous substances or processes, or to extreme temperatures or noise levels. And it’s work under particularly difficult conditions, like labouring long hours or overnight.”

    70% of children engaged in child labour worldwide working on farms

    UNICEF noted that most child labour – for boys and girls alike – continues to occur in agriculture.

    It said: “Some 70% of the children engaged in child labour worldwide are working on farms or in other agricultural activities. Many of them are young children.

    “Another common trend is the share of child labour occurring within families. Around 72% of child labour takes place within the family unit, primarily on family farms or in small family enterprises.

    “Despite common perceptions of families offering a safer work environment, family-based child labour is frequently hazardous – likely to harm a child’s health, safety or moral development.”

    Enumerating the risks associated with child labour, UNICEF said : “No matter where or how it occurs, child labour restricts children from their most fundamental rights. Many children driven into labour are cut off from schooling and health care – often at the time they need it most.

    “In farming, children are regularly exposed to dangerous chemicals and machinery, and forced to undergo strenuous tasks for long periods of time in extreme temperatures.

    “In mining, they may be forced to work in deep underground shafts, to haul heavy loads of rock and to use toxic chemicals to separate minerals or precious metals from ore.

    “In fisheries, children can face prolonged periods at sea, under the threat of inclement weather while away from their families.

    “On the streets, traffic and exhaust fumes threaten children’s health and safety – as does, in extreme cases, the risk of being drawn into illicit activities.”

     Shedding light on why child labour occurs, UNICEF said: “Children may be driven into work for various reasons. Most often, child labour occurs when families face financial challenges or uncertainty – whether due to poverty, sudden illness of a caregiver, or job loss of a primary wage earner.

    “Migrant and refugee children – many of whom have been uprooted by conflict, disaster or poverty – also risk being forced into work and even trafficked, especially if they are migrating alone or taking irregular routes with their families.”

    “The world is not yet on track to eliminate this child rights violation. Without accelerated action, a projected 125 million children will be in child labour in 2030, our collective deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

    “UNICEF works to prevent and respond to child labour, especially by strengthening the social service workforce. Social service workers play a key role in recognising, preventing and managing risks that can lead to child labour.

    “Our efforts develop and support the workforce to respond to potential situations of child labour through case management and social protection services, including early identification, registration and interim rehabilitation and referral services.

    “We also focus on strengthening parenting and community education initiatives to address harmful social norms that perpetuate child labour, while partnering with national and local governments to prevent violence, exploitation and abuse.

    “With the International Labour Organisation (ILO), we help to collect data that make child labour visible to decision makers.

    “These efforts complement our work to strengthen birth registration systems, ensuring that all children possess birth certificates that prove they are under the legal age to work.

    “Children removed from labour must also be safely returned to school or training. UNICEF supports increased access to quality education and provides comprehensive social services to keep children protected and with their families.”

    UNICEF noted that “the world is not yet on track to eliminate this child rights violation. Without accelerated action, a projected 125 million children will be in child labour in 2030, our collective deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

  • A new era of commuting with Lagos Red Line

    A new era of commuting with Lagos Red Line

    Anticipation crackled in the air as friends headed to Ishaga, eager to experience the newly launched Lagos Red Line. Upon arriving at Oyingbo Train Station, they were entranced by its sleek design and the vibrant energy of fellow commuters. This journey promised more than just a ride; it offered a glimpse into the city’s dynamic future. ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE, who has travelled the Red Line from Oyingbo to Agbado, reflects on the enchanting possibilities of this transformative transportation narrative, poised to redefine mass transit in the state.

    Tiamiyu Adedamola and his friend Patricia were bubbling with excitement as they made their way to Ishaga. News had spread that commercial operations had begun on the Lagos State Red Metro Line, and they were eager to experience it for themselves. By 4:30 PM, they set off for Oyingbo Train Station, ready to immerse themselves in this new chapter of urban transport.

    Stepping into the station for the first time, Tiamiyu couldn’t help but exclaim in Yoruba, “Eko ndabira,” meaning “Lagos State is performing wonders.” The grandeur of the station’s reception area left him in awe. The ticketing booth was their first stop, where they acquired a cowry card, essential for accessing the train. Without it, the adventure would remain just a dream. Across from the sleek, modern station stood the humble structure of the old Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) train station. While the NRC served the narrow gauge Mass Transit Train Service (MTTS) along the Apapa-Iddo-Ijoko corridor at a flat rate of N700, it paled in comparison to the Lagos masterpiece. This juxtaposition of old and new captured the essence of Lagos—a city where tradition and innovation coexist.

    As they approached the platforms, Tiamiyu and Patricia felt the electric buzz of anticipation. The vibrant chatter of commuters, the soft hum of trains, and the scent of street food wafting in from nearby vendors created a sensory feast. They were about to embark on a journey that promised not just a ride, but a glimpse into the heart of Lagos itself. As they waited for their train, Tiamiyu reflected on the significance of this moment. The Red Metro Line wasn’t just a means of transportation; it represented progress, connection, and the spirit of a city that never sleeps. Little did they know that this adventure would offer them more than just a scenic route; it would deepen their bond and broaden their understanding of the vibrant city they called home. With a rumble in the distance, the train approached, and they knew they were in for a ride of a lifetime.

    Then they realised that the fare on the modern train was N1500, double the cost of the narrow gauge service. This meant they needed to shell out N3000 for the round trip—a princely sum by any standard, especially when road travel seemed like a more affordable option. Yet, for Tiamiyu and Patricia, the new Red Line represented an adventure worth every naira. After making their payment, they headed to the departure platform. Here, passengers had a choice: take the lift, glide down the escalator, or climb the staircase for a bit of exercise. The station was thoughtfully designed, with restrooms clearly marked for both males and females tucked away in the reception area.

    Upon reaching the second floor, they navigated to the access area, where their Cowry cards became their golden ticket. With a simple swipe on the scanner, the barricades parted, granting them passage to the boarding section. The excitement was palpable; this was unlike any travel experience they had ever had. Much like an aeroplane, the train was punctual and efficient, scheduled to arrive at each station in just seven minutes and pausing for a mere three minutes to allow for boarding and disembarking. At exactly 5:20 PM, the train’s journey to Agbado began, with Tiamiyu and Patricia among the eager riders.

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    As the train glided away from the station, they settled into their seats, gazing out the window at the vibrant Lagos landscape rushing by. This wasn’t just a ride; it was an introduction to the city’s rhythm, a taste of modernity intertwined with the familiar chaos of Lagos life. The journey had just begun, and they couldn’t wait to see what lay ahead. Patronage remained low on Wednesday, October 16, just 24 hours after the governor officially launched commercial operations on the rail corridor. Fewer than 20 passengers departed from Oyingbo, though numbers gradually increased at subsequent stops until they reached Agbado. The surprise that greeted passengers at Oyingbo was mirrored across all eight train stations along the 27-kilometre corridor, the first phase of a planned 37 kilometres that would eventually connect Oyingbo to Marina, passing through Iddo and Otto, and linking to the ultra-modern Blue Train Line interchange at Marina.

    The remaining stations—Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Iju, and Agbado—boasted two-storey structures, each with a unique design that invited passengers into a warm, welcoming ambience. This experience felt more akin to stepping into a standard airport or a modern train station found around the globe. In stark contrast, the neglected state of road transport highlighted the advancements being made in urban rail travel, where the comfort and convenience of commuters were finally being prioritised. As Tiamiyu and Patricia travelled along the route, they marvelled at the transformation taking place in Lagos, recognising that this new rail line was not just a means of transportation but a symbol of progress and innovation in a city constantly evolving.

    “Wow, we took a lift to get to the second floor, and we’re going to take it back when we want to get off the train—this is serious!” exclaimed Rosemary Anya, a nurse who had just boarded. The opulence of the experience was unlike anything she had encountered before, leaving her in disbelief. For Rosemary, this level of comfort and efficiency was truly unexpected in her part of the world, making the journey all the more memorable.

    The Diesel Multiple Unit locomotive carried five coaches, allowing the Red Line to accommodate about 800 passengers per trip. With the government purchasing two trains, just one trip can remove approximately 58 medium-sized buses, known as Vanagons, from the roads. This not only helps decongest traffic but also enhances the livability for the average resident in Lagos. During the launch of commercial operations last Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his delight in providing Lagosians with effective alternatives for commuting. His primary objective is to significantly reduce travel time between Agbado and Oyingbo, cutting the journey that typically takes three to four hours down to just 45 minutes to an hour by train.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the train’s potential as a game changer, noting that once fully operational, it could transport around 500,000 passengers daily, with projections exceeding one million when the second phase to Marina is completed. He committed to making this vision a reality by May 2027. The governor also highlighted the success of the Blue Line, which began commercial operations on September 4 of the previous year and has already served over a million passengers. He confidently stated that the Red Line would similarly address the travel challenges faced by many in the border communities, transforming their daily commutes.

    Kolawole Ojelabi, Communication Consultant for the Lagos State Metropolitan Transport Authority, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast commitment to the Transportation and Traffic Management pillar of the THEMES Plus initiative. He highlighted the historic achievement of delivering the second metro line within a year, noting that no other subnational entity in Africa has accomplished such a feat. Nollywood legend Jide Kosoko, who led a prominent cast of Yoruba actors to witness the flag-off alongside Sanwo-Olu, was eager to experience the train firsthand. Encouraging his fellow actors—Femi Davies, Yomi Fash Lanso, Richard Agbor, and others—he successfully convinced them to join him on the trip to Agbado. Kosoko praised Sanwo-Olu for introducing the Red Line, which marks a significant advancement in the state’s transportation system.

    “You won’t even notice that the train is moving; it’s soundproof and incredibly stable, unlike the narrow gauge that creates so much noise,” he remarked. Kosoko expressed the excitement of Nollywood actors, emphasising their support for the positive developments in Lagos. “We are thrilled to witness these advancements in our lifetime and are committed to backing the state government in its pursuit of good governance.”

    Mrs. Riskat Adebayo, a school teacher from Mushin, praised the Lagos State Government for introducing the new train service. As a mother of three, she noted that the train would offer her a much-needed alternative for her daily commute from Agbado to Mushin. However, she expressed concern over the fare, which she found burdensome given her learning salary, despite the Sanwo-Olu administration’s promise of N75,000. “I just don’t understand why the government set the price so high,” she lamented. Mrs. Adebayo wasn’t alone in her frustration; many passengers voiced similar complaints about the steep fares, which could discourage them from using the train service.

    Fidelis Ugbome echoed these sentiments, labelling the price as excessive. According to the Lagos State Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA), the fare structure divides the corridor into two zones. For now, the cost for Zone One, which runs from Agbado to Oyingbo, is set at a flat rate of N1,500. Zone Two fares vary: Agbado to Agege is N500, while Agege to Ikeja is also N500. The fare from Agege to Oshodi and Agege to Mushin is N1,000, as are Agege to Yaba and Agege to Oyingbo. Fares from Ikeja to Oshodi and Yaba to Oyingbo are N500 each. LAMATA cautioned that these fares are subject to change at short notice, leaving many commuters worried about the affordability of their daily travel.

    Despite the excitement surrounding the new service, some passengers are already encountering issues with card integration. Mr. David Adekunle, a journalist, found himself needing to purchase a new Cowry Card because the fee for his trip couldn’t be processed; the system indicated he was using a paper card. Flabbergasted by this excuse, he was relieved to have enough funds to buy another card and load it in time for his journey. Adekunle emphasised the need for a fare reduction to encourage greater public participation. “The fee has to be slashed to attract more commuters,” he argued.

    Nevertheless, many agree that the Red Line has the potential to be a game changer, provided these issues are addressed. Supporting the call for lower fares, former Minister of Transportation Mr. Rotimi Amaechi urged the government to approach pricing with compassion. “No government ever breaks even by providing train services. It’s fundamentally a social service,” he noted. “The real profit lies in the cumulative economic impact of its presence. This could be the way forward.” As the train service evolves, it remains crucial for authorities to balance operational sustainability with accessibility, ensuring that the benefits of this new transport option are enjoyed by all.

  • ‘Eye Can See’ initiative renewing lives in Imo

    ‘Eye Can See’ initiative renewing lives in Imo

    In Nigeria, about 4.25 million people face moderate to severe visual impairment, particularly in remote areas with limited healthcare access, as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Through ‘Eye Can See’ initiative, a firm committed to enhancing healthcare services among the rural dwellers is tackling this challenge. CHINYERE OKOROAFOR reports

    In the heart of Nigeria, where healthcare resources can be scarce, a beacon of hope shines through the ‘Eye Can See’ initiative. This programme offers free eye care services, including surgeries, screenings and eyeglass distribution, with a mission to restore sight and transform lives in underserved communities.

    Among those whose lives have been profoundly changed is Chief Hyginus Onyoka, an indigene of Izombe in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State. After undergoing cataract surgery through the ‘Eye Can See’ programme, Onyoka’s life took a remarkable turn. “I am over the moon, literally,” he exclaimed, his gratitude palpable as he reflected on the new lease on life granted to him through this initiative. The ‘Eye Can See’ programme has become synonymous with hope and progress, helping countless individuals like Onyoka reclaim their vision and, along with it, their independence. Each year, the initiative expands its reach, delivering essential healthcare services to those who need them most.

    As Seplat Energy Joint Venture celebrates another successful flag-off of the ‘Eye Can See’ initiative, the stories of transformed lives stand as a powerful testament to the positive impact of corporate social responsibility in addressing pressing health issues in Nigeria. “I am seeing very well now, and I thank Seplat for what they have done for my eyes. People who have been blind for many years are now seeing. Before the operation, I couldn’t see anything, but now I can see clearly,” Onyoka, who could not hide his joy, said, beaming with smile.

    Interestingly, Chief Onyoka is not alone in his cheerful mode. Adanna Ekeneme, who accompanied her relative to receive free treatment, also expressed her gratitude, saying, “This treatment we got today is what would have cost us much money, but it is free. I pray that Almighty God pays them (Seplat Energy) back and may the company continue to move forward in Jesus’ name.”

    It’s clear why Onyoka, Ekeneme, and many other beneficiaries of the health outreach initiative are filled with joy. This programme alleviates the heavy financial burden of medical expenses that families often face. Eye surgeries and specialised treatments can be prohibitively expensive, frequently beyond the means of most rural Nigerians. Reports indicate that cataract surgeries in private hospitals can range from N100,000 to N400,000, depending on the complexity and severity of the case. However, through the ‘Eye Can See’ programme, Seplat Energy not only restores vision but also eases financial strain, enabling families to allocate their resources toward other essential needs, such as education and housing.

    This sense of relief and gratitude is palpable in Imo State, often referred to as the Eastern Heartland, where the arrival of Seplat Energy JV’s ‘Eye Can See’ team is met with enthusiastic celebrations. Since its launch in 2012, the programme has become a beacon of hope for communities, particularly in Nigeria’s southern and eastern regions, providing vital free eye care services, including surgeries, screenings and eyeglass distribution.

    Read Also: Gowon celebrated as ‘Father of national infrastructure, unity’, at banquet

    The ‘Eye Can See’ initiative goes beyond treating vision loss; it empowers families to lead healthier, more productive lives. Restored sight enables fathers to farm again, while children’s new glasses help them excel in school. At its core, the programme aims to prevent avoidable blindness and enhance quality of life for those with visual impairments. For many in Imo State, this initiative represents a transformative opportunity. In rural areas like Obosima, Izombe, and Achi-Mbieri, where healthcare is scarce, the 2024 programme launch brings renewed hope. Over its 12 years, ‘Eye Can See’ has treated over 105,000 individuals, performed 4,560 eye surgeries, and distributed more than 51,000 reading glasses, creating a ripple effect that uplifts families and strengthens local economies.

    Seplat Energy aims to alleviate preventable blindness, promote early diagnosis of eye diseases, and enhance beneficiaries’ overall health. In Nigeria, access to quality healthcare remains a challenge, especially in rural areas, where eye care is often neglected. Visual impairments—such as cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors—affect millions, hindering their ability to lead productive lives. The WHO estimates that nearly 4.25 million Nigerians suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment, predominantly in remote areas lacking adequate healthcare facilities. Seplat Energy’s ‘Eye Can See’ initiative addresses this critical gap.

    While the primary goal is to restore vision, the initiative’s impact extends beyond individual beneficiaries, fostering local economies and strengthening community ties through its Corporate Social Investment programme. When individuals regain their sight, they not only return to work but also become more active contributors to their families and communities. This positive impact explains the enthusiastic response to the 2024 flag-off from local residents.

    Gratitude extends beyond the patients; local leaders also praise the program’s commitment to community welfare. His Royal Highness Eze (Sir) Blaise Ubah, Oluoha II of Mgbala-Agwa Autonomous Community in Oguta LGA, remarked, “What I witnessed today is very encouraging. Seplat is the only company leaving us with such a positive impression. This is the third or fourth time they’ve brought this programme to us, and they stand out among all the oil companies in Imo State. We commend them.”

    These testimonies highlight how Seplat Energy has built goodwill and trust within the communities it serves. The company’s contributions to eye care align seamlessly with its broader goals of community development and corporate responsibility. In an era where companies are increasingly expected to give back and promote sustainable development, Seplat Energy has set a commendable standard for Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in Nigeria.

    While primarily recognised for its oil and gas operations, Seplat’s community-focused initiatives have solidified its reputation as a socially responsible corporate citizen. This commitment to both energy production and human capital development has garnered attention from government stakeholders. At the 2024 ‘Eye Can See’ flag-off, Imo State Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Gas Development, Emeka Mgbudem, praised the partnership between Seplat Energy and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    He emphasised that the initiative illustrates how corporations can significantly impact national development. “Seplat and NNPC have demonstrated that their partnership extends beyond energy production; it encompasses human development—health, education, and capacity building. Seeing the many people treated for glaucoma and cataracts today shows their vision for a brighter future. Seplat remains our best partner, and we are proud of their work,” Mgbudem stated at the event.

    This collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial for addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges. With millions still lacking access to quality eye care, the significance of such initiatives cannot be overstated. Seplat Energy JV’s ongoing health interventions demonstrate how effective partnerships can tackle longstanding issues and foster lasting change in communities.

    Nigeria faces a significant eye care burden, with most cases being preventable. Cataracts lead as the primary cause of blindness, followed by glaucoma, refractive errors, and trachoma. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system remains under-resourced, particularly in rural areas, leaving many vulnerable. The ‘Eye Can See’ initiative addresses these disparities by providing free treatments in underserved regions, making a meaningful difference. With over 105,000 beneficiaries treated since its inception, Seplat JV is creating a tangible impact on countless lives across Nigeria.

    While treating existing conditions is vital, the ‘Eye Can See’ programme also emphasises preventing future blindness and visual impairment through education and early detection. Each edition of the program features partnerships with optometrists and ophthalmologists to conduct workshops on common eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. These sessions empower community members with essential knowledge to recognize early warning signs and seek treatment promptly.

    In many rural areas, awareness of eye health is limited, and regular check-ups are often viewed as a luxury. By integrating education into the program, Seplat JV is fostering a healthier, more informed population, ensuring that more people understand the importance of eye care and early diagnosis. As Seplat JV enhances its community engagement through initiatives like ‘Eye Can See,’ the company has established itself as a leader in corporate social responsibility. Beyond offering crucial support, Seplat’s approach to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) emphasizes sustainability and long-term impact.

    Yet, the journey extends beyond vision restoration. With each cataract surgery performed and every pair of glasses distributed, Seplat Energy JV contributes to a broader vision of a healthier, more productive Nigeria. By addressing immediate healthcare needs while promoting preventive measures, Seplat JV is not only transforming lives but also shaping a brighter future for the country.

  • IT SMELLED LIKE DEATH: How flood disaster erased Borno’s blind elderly

    IT SMELLED LIKE DEATH: How flood disaster erased Borno’s blind elderly

    • Haunting reality of Zara Aji, others amid Maiduguri’s reptilian surge

    • As waters recede, over 150 PWDs missing, presumed dead

    • How non-inclusive laws leave disabled elderly at disadvantage

    The flood stole through the streets of Gwange like a reptilian beast. Until it got to Zara Aji’s home. By the time the 83-year-old stirred in her bed, she was soaked to the pants. The Alau Dam had collapsed hours before, spilling with nature’s pent-up rage. It was 3 a.m. when the water began its slow, fearsome crawl into her abode.

    The cold splash from her feet up to her midriff startled her fully awake. Aji could hear the roar of the water outside and its chilling hum inside her room. She sat, trapped and helpless. At 83, she was blind and her body was frail.

    As the flood rose to her waist, the house listed to the weight of the water gushing in from every crack and crevice. Aji’s room became a watery tomb. And in that critical moment, salvation came in the form of her grandson, Mohammed. Having heard the chilling hiss of the flood as it surged into their compound, the teenager was up in an instant, wading through the house in search of his granny.

    A debt of love carried through cold waters

    Mohammed found Grandma Aji shivering in bed. Promptly, he lifted her onto his back and waded through the depths of the flooded house,  against the current that sought to pull them both under.

    Tears slid down Aji’s cheeks, as she clung to her grandson, the poetic resonance of the moment sinking into her heart. In that moment, he was no longer the toddler she rocked to sleep on her back, singing soft lullabies. The roles were reversed. The grandson was now the saviour and protector, bearing his grandma to safety through dangerous waters.

    Aji could feel the water splashing against the boy’s chest. She could hear him grunt as he fought to keep them moving. And in the darkness, as the deluge splashed threateningly around them, there was a strange, haunting beauty in the way love had come full circle.

    Mohammed hastened out of the house before its walls crumbled. There was no turning back. The water seemed endless, but they moved through its depths, slowly but steadily towards London Chikki. He held tightly to his grandmother as if he understood the import of his actions. In that moment, he was carrying more than just her frail body; he was bearing a lifetime of memories, love, and shared history.

    Into the shallows, but not to safety

    They sought refuge in the London Chikki area, but the flood had not spared it either. The waters were still rising, the current still swirling to pull them both under. “We walked again,” Aji recalled, her voice frail with grief and exhaustion. “We walked until we reached the main road.”

    For three days, they stayed on that road, waiting for the waters to recede, like so many others displaced by the flood. Hungry and helpless, the cold seeped into their bones. They were far from safe, but at least they had survived.

    Eventually, they sought refuge with Aji’s brother, who took them in until the waters receded. After they deluge, they hurried back to Gwange, only to meet a shell of what used to be their home. Their house was gone, reduced to a pile of broken walls. Grandma Aji’s clothes and her few prized possessions had also been swept away in the torrent, leaving her destitute.

    “The government didn’t provide anything for us,” she said. “We heard there was support, but it never came to our community.”

    Lost in the torrent: Stories of the invisible

    Aji’s experience is one among several narratives of persons with disabilities (PWDs). And they all resonate with a deafening chill. For most elderly PWDs, the flood devastated their lives and exposed their inability to survive natural disasters. As the waters rose and people fled, visually impaired PWDs who could not see the danger approaching were left behind.

    Not all were so fortunate, like Aji. On the same night that her grandson rescued her, Safinatu Bala and her friend, Seyidatu, got lost in the waters. Both widows, the duo reportedly lived beside each other in Gamboru, their lives intertwined by friendship and a shared hardship of visual impairment.

    When the flood came, they clung to each other and wailed for their neighbours to rescue them from the rising water. But in the chaos, they got separated and swept apart. By morning, neither woman could be found. No one knows if they are still alive or if they had drowned in the surge.

    On his part, Iliyasu, an 84-year-old visually impaired and internally displaced person (IDP), told his fellow PWDs and co-squatter around the Monday Market, in Maiduguri, to leave him. “I have lived through too many floods. I will survive,” he said. “But if this is to be my end, then so be it.” His words reflected the desperation of several PWDs amid the deluge.  Like Bala and Seyidatu, Iliyasu hasn’t been seen since September 10.

    For many PWDs in Maiduguri, the flood was a cruel reminder of their vulnerability. They could not see the rising waters or gauge the danger until it was too late. Volunteers and aid workers in their rush to evacuate the able-bodied, overlooked those who could not flee on their own, noted Zulfatu Adamu, a Maiduguri-based aid worker. And so, the blind and disabled were left behind.

    The collapse of Alau Dam

    The eventual collapse of the Alau Dam was the result of years of neglect and mismanagement, warnings ignored and postponed repairs. Thus on the night of September 9, 2024, after days of torrential rain, the Alau Dam finally gave way as its weakened structure crumbled under the weight of the water.

    At the dam’s collapse, Maiduguri experienced its most severe flooding since 1994. Severe flash flooding submerged the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area (LGA), displacing hundreds of thousands of people, including PWDs, at the height of the agricultural lean season’s food and nutrition crisis.

    In a statement titled, “Flooding Alert for River Bank Residents,” the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, called for the immediate evacuation of affected areas, and urged residents to follow designated evacuation routes for their safety. However, a major blindspot of Borno’s rescue plan was the safe evacuation of PWDs in the flood-prone areas.

    As the waters surged, many residents panicked and rushed to evacuate what seemed like certain death. For most, it was a panicked dash through roads slick with mud, toward whatever safety they could find. The flood ravaged villages, farmlands, and human lives alike, but hidden in the narrative of loss was the deeper anguish of several elderly PWDs like visually impaired Aji, Bala, Seyidatu and Iliyasu.

    Bitter streets, bitterer shelter

    Survivors like Fatima Yagana, 74 and visually impaired, sought refuge at emergency shelters. “Before the flood, I lived with my niece. She invited me to squat in her home after her husband died. On the night that the flood destroyed our home, I couldn’t sleep easily. I woke up and everywhere smelt like death. But it was the flood, and it almost drowned me and Rekiya (one of her niece’s kids). We fled and now have to live on the streets. We depend on alms to survive,” she said.

    The 74-year-old who has been rendered homeless and destitute by the flood, now lives on the streets with her niece, Ayisatu, and the latter’s two kids, because they couldn’t stay at the Gwange 1 emergency shelter due to the unsanitary conditions.

    The crowded shelter, like so many others, offered no sanctuary. The stench of human waste clings to the air all through the squalid and congested shelter, rendering its heated expanse even more suffocating. “The toilets smelt bad,” Yagana lamented, stressing that even though she can’t see, should at least enjoy fresh air. That was why she chose the streets, preferring the rough ground and open sky to the claustrophobia of an unsanitary refuge.

    A humanitarian void

    The Borno State Government, alongside humanitarian agencies, scrambled to provide aid. Yet, amid the efforts to register and assist the displaced, the specific plight of PWDs slipped through the cracks. In total, more than 2,500 people with disabilities in the flood-prone areas were directly affected by the flood, many of them left stranded in their homes as the waters rose, with over 150 missing or presumed dead, according to the National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Abdullahi Ali Usman.

    The figure quoted by Ali Usman is no doubt a conservative estimate. It would be recalled that precisely 3,127 PWDs comprising turned out in Maiduguri, to receive the N30,000 grant disbursed by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, in 2019, as part of the social protection scheme of his administration.

    Going by the 2019 figure, the number of PWDs reportedly affected by the September flood, therefore, doesn’t represent the full picture.

    The affected PWDs were not invisible, but rather ignored, denied access to the evacuation routes and the dignity of urgent care. The numbers—37 deaths, 58 injured, 414,000 displaced—attest to the depth of the devastation. Beneath the statistics subsists issues of marginalisation and neglect. “Already PWDs are facing marginalisation due to their disabilities, this flood disaster is a double blow for them,” lamented Ali Usman.

    Corroborating him, Abiodun Tilawe, a social psychologist and emergency aid consultant stated, “Persons with disabilities are usually at greater risk in an emergency. More worrisome, she argued, is the fate of older PWDs with mental health conditions. “They are at a higher risk of death as the hardships experienced impact devastatingly on their mental health. Many become traumatised by the fear of losing their lives and being left behind. From experience, older PWDs find it difficult to adapt to the extreme conditions into which they are suddenly thrust. Before the disaster, they are not taught about what to do to adapt and keep themselves safe. Some of them, who were displaced from their communities by protracted conflict, lived on the streets without any caregivers. Since the flood happened, they have been unaccounted for, and nobody has bothered to look for them,” said Tilawe.

    The trauma after

    For PWDs who survived, each day in the aftermath of the flood has been an agonising reminder of their vulnerability. The disaster stripped them of autonomy. Their disability is a barrier to their mobility, access to provisions and dignity.

    For Jelani Aliyu, life as a PWD at the Gwange 3 temporary refuge, became extremely difficult. Confined to a wheelchair, the 81-year-old revealed that the damage done by the flood made accessing every basic necessity an impossible feat. According to him, the emergency shelters were not designed for PWDs. The aid distributions were chaotic, the strong elbowed out the weak, and the disabled were left to mope on the fringes. There were no ramps, accessible toilets, and accommodations made for people like him. He was invisible.

    The ongoing conflict in the region cast an even darker pall over the lives of PWDs. In 2014, in the town of Damasak, Mohamadou, a blind man of 53 years, fled from his home as Boko Haram laid siege to his community. Blind and defenceless, he clung to his wife and son as they swam across the Yobe River, ducking a volley of gunshots from the rampaging terrorists. “We swam like fish,” he recalled, though he could not see the river.

    For two years, Mohamadou lived in a refugee camp, dependent on the kindness of his son and strangers. But his disability marked him as a prey. His young son was frequently shoved aside by stronger, older men, and time after time, as he queued for provisions and other relief items. Thus he often returned empty-handed.

    “I would wait in line with my young son to get aid, but adult refugees would kick children away, including my son. We were too weak to fight back and would often lose our turn and return without getting anything from the distribution,” he said.

    Mohamadou, like so many PWDs displaced by flood and conflict, became a ghost, alive but uncared for.

    It’s a hard life for PWDs

    Nigeria was affected by the worst floods in a decade between June and November 2022, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). The floods triggered over 2.4 million displacements, the highest disaster displacement figure in sub-Saharan Africa in 2022. Half of the displacements were reported in Bayelsa State, but Anambra and Kogi were also heavily affected. Displacement camps in the northeastern state of Borno were also flooded, forcing thousands of people already displaced by conflict and violence to flee again. By comparison, floods triggered 166,000 displacements in 2023, a figure in line with the average of the past decade. By the end of 2023, 81,000 people were still living in internal displacement due to disasters, a more than ten-fold reduction compared to the end of 2022.

    Disaster displacement, whether triggered by cyclones, wildfires, floods, or other hazards, is a growing global issue with particularly harsh consequences for PWDs, who have to endure heightened risks due to discrimination and barriers to accessing essential services.

    In 2020 and 2021, the UN noted that older PWDs may encounter unique challenges during climate-related disasters, such as the Borno flood. Similarly, a 2021 report by Women in Displacement (WID) revealed that 27% of IDPs in northeast Nigeria have a disability, a figure that has increased since the insurgency. As a result, PWDs living in camps are disproportionately affected and frequently excluded from key interventions.

    According to the WHO’s 2018 World Disability Report, many PWDs in Nigeria, are disproportionately affected in disaster, emergency, and conflict situations due to inaccessible evacuation, response, and recovery efforts. The WHO notes that they are more likely to be left behind or abandoned during evacuation in disasters and conflicts due to a lack of preparation and planning, as well as inaccessible facilities, services and transportation systems.

    During floods, older PWDs would require greater assistance and additional time to evacuate, but they receive less support. Further findings revealed that most IDP camps are not accessible and people with disabilities get turned away from the emergency shelters, oftentimes, due to a perception that they need “complex medical” services. Consequently, older PWDs find themselves at greater risk as they are more likely to suffer medical conditions, such as heart or respiratory conditions, through extreme situations, according to expert opinion. Older PWDs may also take medications that cause intolerance and impair the body’s response to cold and heat. The high death rates of people with disabilities and older people during the 2021 heatwaves in British Columbia (BC), Canada, illustrate these points: 91 per cent of those who died had a chronic medical condition or a disability and 90 per cent were older people.

    Due to the lack of accurate data, it is often unclear exactly how many people with disabilities and older people are affected by a particular disaster as indicated by the Borno flood. The lack of accurate data on the number of IDPs living with a disability and their location equally poses challenges to monitoring their needs and allocating resources. It also makes it difficult to tailor support and assess the inclusivity of responses over long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    About a billion people, or 15 per cent of the globe’s population, are estimated to have a disability, of whom 80 per cent live in low- and middle-income countries, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). The global number of people with disabilities is increasing, partly because of ageing populations and a rise in chronic health conditions. It is not known how many people with disabilities live in IDP camps associated with disasters. The IDMC estimates that 5.1 million people were still displaced as a result of disasters at the end of 2019, but this figure is highly conservative. This is because data on the number of people living in displacement after a disaster event is scarce.

    Accessibility issues, stigmatisation and variations in definitions tend to render IDPs with disabilities invisible during data collection. They are, as a result, often under-identified. For example, when Ambae Island in Vanuatu was evacuated in 2017 because of increased volcanic activity, there were concerns that a significant number of people with disabilities had not been identified among the evacuees. The International Organization for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (IOM-DTM) reported 37 people with disabilities out of 5,125 people located in one evacuation centre. This represented less than one per cent of the total displaced population. Sources vary on the prevalence of disability in Vanuatu, but 2019 data from the UN placed it at up to 12 per cent.

    Disability Bill as a paper tiger

    On January 23, 2019, Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, following nine years of relentless advocacy by disability rights groups and activists.

    The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and imposes sanctions including fines and prison sentences on those who contravene it. It also stipulates a five-year transitional period for modifying public buildings, structures, and automobiles to make them accessible and usable for people with disabilities.

    The law also established a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) in 2020. The NCPWD, tasked to guarantee PWDs access to housing, education, and healthcare, is also empowered to receive complaints of rights violations and support victims to seek legal redress amongst other duties.

    Yet, one thing the NCPWD hasn’t done is to ensure the protection of Nigerians with disabilities during a natural disaster, emergency or conflict.

    Lack of data accentuate social exclusion

    Quoting recent World Health Organisation (WHO) figures, the immediate past executive secretary of the NCPWD, James Lalu, disclosed that currently, there are over 35.1 million persons living with disabilities in Nigeria of which a paltry 4,000 are duly registered.

    Notwithstanding, his successor and incumbent executive secretary of the Commission, has reiterated the NCPWD’s commitment to ensuring inclusive policies for all clusters of PWDs in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of the incumbent administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    Gufwan made the assurance in Abuja during a parley with a delegation from the Pioneers of the Nigerian National and International Disability Civil Rights Movement and Policy Chapters, a disability advocacy Group.

    “We are open to partnering with National and International bodies to ensure that the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities are protected as stipulated by the Prohibition Act, 2018,” he said.

    Earlier, Gufwan affirmed that data remains a veritable tool for the proper planning and execution of all disability-inclusive projects in Nigeria.

    The NCPWD had previously emphasised the importance of accurate data gathering and processing as the fundamental aspect of inclusive social policies for PWDs. “We must prioritise facts and figures of various clusters in the disability community to get it right,” he said, insisting that the need to ascertain the actual number of persons with disabilities is pertinent. “Over the years, persons with disabilities are believed to be about 35.1 million in Nigeria which is of course, a staggering figure but, we must revisit this and ascertain the authenticity of this figure and update it if necessary,” he said.

    A 2018 estimate by the National Population Commission (NPC) states that there are about 19 million, that is, 9.6 per cent of the 198 population approximately, living in Nigeria.

    In Nigeria, social protection for PWDs remains weak, despite government claims of increased provisioning for them. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, passed only after years of advocacy, has done little to address the deep-rooted exclusion PWDs face in society. Discrimination persists, driven by negative perceptions and cultural stigmas that label disabled individuals as cursed, especially in communities lacking proper disability-inclusive governance.

    This exclusion often results in poverty, dependence on others, and health challenges. In the conflict-ridden northeast, PWDs, particularly women and children, suffer more acutely, being unable to pursue livelihoods or enjoy basic social rights.

    A report by the Grassroots Researchers Associations (GRA), authored by written by Timothy Ali Yohanna, revealed that PWDs in northeast Nigeria suffer frequent violations of their rights. These include opposition to marriages with non-disabled individuals, denial of medical care due to financial constraints, denial of access to decent shelter, and exclusion from social opportunities.

    More worrisome is the institutionalised disregard for their right to life as established before, during, and in the aftermath of the Borno flood. These discriminatory practices and lack of disability-inclusive policies rendered PWDs particularly vulnerable during the disaster, further deepening their already precarious situation.

    The need for inclusion

    Whether fleeing an extreme weather event or conflict, “disabled people are among the most vulnerable, and are more likely to be side-lined in every aspect of the humanitarian assistance process,” said Cheick Ba, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)’s Country Director in Nigeria, in the wake of Mohamadou’s predicament.

    “They face multiple barriers in accessing aid, information, healthcare and protection. We, humanitarians, must do much better in our work. We have to systematically identify and register displaced persons with disabilities,” said Ba.

    Article 11 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in risk and humanitarian emergencies, pays particular attention to the obligation of States and parties to undertake “all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters.”

    Environmental dangers and natural disasters like the Borno flood, can lead to the onset of many types of disabilities, and inaccessible environments prevent persons with disabilities from taking part in social and economic recovery. Rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, therefore, must not only be inclusive and responsive to the needs of all people, including PWDs, but should include the latter’s participation, to ensure that their needs and rights are respected.

    Women with disabilities, Aji, are a particularly vulnerable group whose needs should be included at all stages of recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    But that is in the long run, in the short run, their survival depends on the goodwill of neighbours and family; those who dare look their way, not to scorn their ordeal or simply talk eyes to their grief.

    As the waters recede and Maiduguri takes stock of the damage, there is a sense of loss so profound it is hard to put into words. Lives have been upended, homes have been destroyed, and communities torn apart. Amid the wreckage, there is also a sense of despair as elderly PWDs are left adrift, far from the government’s reconstruction plans.

    In the absence of government support, Zara Aji, for instance, has learnt to take each day as it comes. At her last encounter with the reporter, giant houseflies buzzed lazily in the thick air around her, their tiny, winged bodies hovering around her face as if they could perceive her grief. They perched on her eyelids, cheek, and lips. Aji did not flinch. She did not swat them away. Instead, she sat stoic, with heartbreaking inertia, allowing the flies to perch as they pleased. Their buzz filled the air with a strange, haunting hum, as though they too mourned the loss she had endured.

    For the 83-year-old, there is no going back to what was. The flood had changed everything. Every sunset, she lounges on the broken veranda of what was once her home, reliving that fateful night in September, when the skies poured over Maiduguri with a fury rarely seen, collapsing the Alau Dam and submerging several homes and lives in Borno. Gwange, the neighbourhood where she had lived for years, is now a shell of itself; a landscape of mud and sorrow.

    Aji, 83 and visually impaired, cannot see the destruction around her. But she can feel it in the cold draft of the breeze, the dampness that clings to her skin, and the hollow echo of the neighbourhood’s once-familiar sounds.

    Her frail memories remain her only witness to the horror of the reptilian flood that submerged her home, almost drowning her. Until salvation arrived in the form of her grandson, in a poignant moment that affirmed a debt long owed and finally repaid.

  • Help, scrap metal scavengers have stolen our peace!

    Help, scrap metal scavengers have stolen our peace!

    • Residents lament activities of thieving waste collectors

    The scrap metal and iron collection business appears to be booming as many unemployed youths have taken to it to keep themselves busy. As good as the development may seem, many communities are groaning under the weight of the unwholesome activities of some unscrupulous elements among these scrap metal and iron collectors. GBENGA ADERANTI writes on the burden that many of them constitute to many communities where they operate.

    It was a typical Monday morning, and Mr. Adetokunbo Johnson, a resident of Akute, Ogun State, was taking his children to school in his Honda Civic car. Suddenly, he bumped into a ditch and his car got stuck, causing two of his children to sustain slight injuries. He wondered what could have been responsible for the hitch as he walked 360 degrees around the car to see what was amiss.

    After a thorough check, he discovered to his utmost shock that the makeshift iron bridge built across the drainage for easy passage of vehicles had been removed by people suspected to be scrap metal scavengers, known in street parlance as ‘condemned iron man ‘. 

    “I have been taking this route for more than three years and never suspected that anyone would remove the iron bar sustaining the bridge,” a dejected Johnson said.

    Initially thinking that it was the community’s decision to remove the iron, he threatened to sue. But his anger turned to surprise when he learnt that it was one of the scrap metal scavengers that removed the makeshift iron bridge.

    Also narrating his experience, Mr. Gbenga Adeyemi, a resident of Lambe, a suburb of Ogun State recounted how he lost his generator to scrap metal scavengers.

    Lamenting the development, he said: “I kept the generator outside my compound with the main gate of my house locked, not knowing that I was deceiving myself.

    “It was later in the night that I discovered that the generator had disappeared from my compound.”

    It was in the process of investigating how the incident occurred that one of the residents said they saw the generator with a ‘condemned iron’ man. An eyewitness said that when the scrap metal scavenger was accosted, he told the resident that it was Adeyemi who sold the generator to him because it was no longer useful.

    Unfortunately, the resident did not bother to crosscheck his claims with Adeyemi because it was not uncommon in the community for residents to sell their disused iron and metals to scavengers.

    Another resident of Lambe, Destiny Kingsley, is still lamenting his loss a year after his house was invaded by some scrap metal scavengers.

    According to him, he left his house for work on a Monday morning to return on Friday evening as usual only to find that his house had been turned upside down.

    Destiny said: “I was just too tired to take stock of things and there was no light. But the second day, I was shocked at the extent of the heist in my apartment.

    “That was when I realized that I was in big trouble. The three plasma television sets in the bedrooms and the living room had been taken away.

    “The pots and spoons in the kitchen had also all disappeared. All the window curtains had vanished and the DVD player and speakers had all gone.

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    “I suspect that it was not a job done in one day. How would a petty thief take time to pack all those things?”

    The general believe in the community was that the scrap metal scavengers and refuse collectors were responsible for the burglary. And Destiny’s suspicion that his house was burgled by either waste parkers or scrap iron scavengers was confirmed when he later saw an abandoned pair of slippers, sacks and some iron materials synonymous with ones scrap metal scavengers always carry about.

    “Many people in the community used to quarrel with me for being hostile to these undesirable elements.

    “I told them that allowing them to operate freely within the community is dangerous, but they would not listen. Am I not vindicated now?” Destiny asked.

    Most of these scrap metal scavengers are vicious and shrewd. They would damage anything to get their desired iron and metal materials. A video was recently posted on social media highlighting the activities of these iron and metal dealers in the Festac area of Lagos. In the said video, some of the materials used to build barriers on a bridge were seen to have been removed while an attempt was also made to remove some of the iron used in constructing the bridge.

    The reporter once sighted a group of these scavengers at the GRA, Ikeja, Lagos at about 11. 30 pm trying to remove some iron used to prevent plastics and other waste materials from escaping into a major drainage.

    Surprisingly, the average metal scrap dealer looks innocent and incapable of doing any harm. Beneath their facade of innocence, however, is wickedness and greed.

    While they are everywhere seemingly doing the business of buying disused metal and iron materials, those who have experienced their wicked acts would warn that you could only fall for their innocent looks at your own peril. 

    While the communities continue to suffer, losing their belongings to these scavengers, the irritating clinging of metals and irons that wake them up every morning, as a result of the activities of the metal dealers has become a source of concern to many. Resident associations appear helpless as many of their members complain bitterly about the unsolicited melody.

    “It is very irritating seeing someone wake you up as early as 6am with a cacophonic sound of metal and iron,” said Eddy Eboigbe, a resident.

    Yet the challenges are not peculiar to residents of the aforementioned Ogun and Lagos communities. Other states in Nigeria are also battling with the invasion of their communities by scrap iron and metal scavengers.

    But while people like Destiny are opposed to the activities of used metal collectors, other residents are not disposed to stopping them. This is particularly the case with housewives and children who make easy money from disposing of their unwanted metals and irons.

    The reporter also gathered that some of the children of landlords work hand in hand with the thieving scavengers. Narrating how he gets his stocks, one of the scavengers who was caught recently fingered some landlords’ children as part of the deal.

    He said: “It is the children of the landlords in the community that give us information about who and who is around and when to come.

    “And most times when we take these things during the day, we keep them in their house and come back in the night to pick them.

    “Because they know the value of what we have, they collect their share of the loot.”

    In another instance, a scrap metal scavenger arrested after stealing a burglary proof from an uncompleted building Akute, an Ogun community, confessed to buying the ‘condemned iron’ from a resident of an uncompleted building.

    The Nation learnt that the market value of the burglary proof was about N140,000 while the young man sold the material to the vendor for a paltry N10,000.

    In some communities, the fear of the scrap metal scavengers is the beginning of wisdom. The situation has become so bad that many residents have jettisoned the use of iron to cover their drainage; rather, they have resorted to concrete slabs.

    The Nation gathered that in a particular community, all the iron covers of their drainages were stolen within one week.

    A member of the Landlords’ association in one of the communities, who craved anonymity said: “We just woke up one Sunday, and we discovered that no fewer than 20 percent of the iron drainage covers had been removed.

    “Those who did the dirty job must have carried out the operation at dawn. We didn’t take it seriously until we discovered the incident had become rampant.”

    Currently, some of the houses that still have their iron drainage covers intact lock them with keys. Those who have lost theirs and cannot afford concrete slabs cover their drainages with planks.

    Communities in dilemma

    On account of the involvement of landlords’ children, many communities find it difficult to take action when thieving scavengers are caught.

    As a way of stopping the incessant burgling of houses, some landlords’ associations have restricted the number of scrap metal scavengers that could enter their communities. Others have gone a step further by registering them and giving them uniforms. But these are only possible in communities where there are gates.

    More trouble for residents

    It is also worrisome that besides the nuisance they constitute by stealing metals in the community, it is not also uncommon to see these dealers setting up shanties in open places. To worsen matters, the shanties are not accessible to outsiders except they are part of the scrap metal business.

    Only recently, the Ogun State Government demolished their shanties under the bridge being built in Akute. Unfortunately, they are gradually returning to the place.

    “I really don’t know why the government cannot do anything about these scrap metal dealers. They are a nuisance to the community.

    “To make matters worse, they set up their shanties anywhere without anyone challenging them,” said Mr Ajibola Rasheed.

    Turning waste into wealth

    One of the scavengers, Abdul Rabiu, who spoke with our correspondent, said “the business is very profitable because you don’t need money to make money. All that is needed is patience and perseverance.”

    According to him, he gets most of the scrap metals he sells from dust bins and on the road.

    “You won’t appreciate the volume of metals that I pick on the road with magnets. By the time I pack everything together and weigh them, they become money,” he said with excitement.

    He also recalled that most residents pay them to dispose of iron materials that should have been sold to them.

    The flip side is that many residents are becoming hostile because they see the average scavenger as a thief. This, Rabiu said, has really affected the business, though he told The Nation that he makes between N5,000 and N10,000 from picking disused iron materials on a daily basis.

    It was gathered that scrap metal scavengers make millions just by collecting and selling metal waste. At the rate of N800 to N1,000 per kg, a collector could make as much as N7 million from a truckload of aluminum and about N25 million from copper.

    Fortunately for these scrap metal collectors, they buy at giveaway prices and oftentimes pick freely on the road. Little wonder the number of vendors has continued to soar.

    Besides, the business is not regulated as it is an all comer affair. It is a lucrative business in Nigeria because scrap metal collectors have become a source of raw materials for companies that recycle them.  

    According to a report, Nigeria consumes almost 7 million metric tons of metal annually.  As of 2019, the global metal recycling business at large was worth $52.1 billion, and it has been projected to grow as high as $76.1 billion at a massive CAGR of 7.8% within the forecast period of 2020 and 2025.

    The USA stands tall in the metal recycling market. The country exported over 17,000 metric tons of scrap metal in 2019. The US is trailed by Japan (7,657 MT), Canada (4,369 MT), Russia (4,059 MT) and Australia (2,325 MT) in the same market year.

    On the flip side, Turkey remains the biggest importer of scrap metal, with particular attention on steel metal. The Eurasian country imported a whopping 19 million MT of scrap steel alone in 2019. This further underlines the heavy demand for scrap metal all over the world.

    The vocation has provided employment opportunities to many youths who otherwise would have remained unemployed. Irrespective of the nuisance they constitute, many Nigerians will continue to do the business as long as the status quo remains.

    According to a report, report by minesandsteel.gov.ng over 95% of the current steel production in Nigeria is from scrap metal. The scrap metals, after recycling, are a source of raw materials for manufacturing Companies that are into production of household appliances, building tools, vehicles and items as small as drinks can.

    In some communities, the fear of the scrap metal scavengers is the beginning of wisdom. The situation has become so bad that many residents have jettisoned the use of iron to cover their drainages; rather, they have resorted to concrete slabs.

  • Customers groan as banks cut ATM operations, fintechs hasten PoS services

    Customers groan as banks cut ATM operations, fintechs hasten PoS services

    In banking, convenience and security are crucial in securing customers’ trust and satisfaction. But, sadly, these key elements are eluding customers, as banks are phasing out Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services by restricting customers’ access to cash.  Fintech-led Point of Sale (PoS) terminals are fast replacing ATMs. Reason-ATMs are either out of service, or programmed to dispense less cash than needed. The 22,600 ATMs, as against 26.54 million registered PoS terminals nationwide clearly shows that cash services demand is swinging to PoS terminals. Assistant Business Editor, COLLINS NWEZE captures the paradigm shift from ATMs to PoS services and premium prices that cardholders pay to access cash.

    As 35-year-old lawyer Zainab Okosun pushed through the crowd at the popular Mile 12 Market in Lagos, she headed straight to the food and beverages section. It took her nearly two hours, to assemble yams, plantain bunches, pears, vegetables, tomatoes, pepper and other food items for the month. In the midst of her struggles, one question kept agitating her mind. Where do I get cash to pay for these items?

     Okosun quickly called one of the PoS operators, who had been following her asking if she needed cash. “Please, come. I need to make N80, 000 withdrawal,” she beckoned. Should I add the charges? The PoS operator enquired. “Add the charges” Okosun replied. Within five seconds, Okosun’s account was debited N82, 400 through her debit card, and N80, 000 cash was successfully handed over to her to pay the food vendors.

     Okosun, who has now learnt “how not to look for cash” narrated how she spent nearly three hours in ATM queue during her previous visit to the market a year ago. She explained: “Before now, cardholders that needed cash always ask for the nearest ATM points. That has since changed. Cardholders’ first point of call when they are in need of cash is to ask for a PoS operator, usually available at nearly every one-minute drive across major cities nationwide.”

    Findings showed that a growing number of ATMs across banks’ branches have been “temporarily unable to dispense cash” or “out of service” for months. At a number of bank branches, a few ATMs with cash are disabled late in the day and during weekends.  Unfortunately, the banks and financial sector regulators- the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC)- seem not to be doing much to reverse the trend.

    Hard times for ATM users, PoS services surge

    Overall, the ATM business in Nigeria is facing its most difficult times due to the high cost of maintenance, growing adoption of other banking channels, foreign exchange crisis, galloping inflation, insecurity, and uncertainty in the ATM policy environment, all of which are driving investors away from the market.

    However, PoS terminal operators and kiosks managers are taking over the market, stepping in to make cash available to customers at premium prices. Data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) showed that the number of PoS terminals registered in Nigeria as of August 2024 reached 26.54 million, with transactions reaching N6.23 trillion in the first seven months of this year.

    Daily earnings from a PoS business vary depending on the location, the number of customers, and the services provided. Potential earnings range from N5, 000 to N50, 000 or more, depending on one’s business strategy and execution. With a well-planned and executed business model, the PoS operator can achieve significant daily earnings.

    Charges for the service is determined solely by PoS operators, depending on the cost of cash, where and when the cash is needed, time of request and sometimes, mood of the operator. Tinuke Adebola, a PoS Aggregator based in Lagos, said banks are no longer investing in ATMs because it is not only expensive but comes with a lot of stress.

    She said: “PoS terminals are taking over the financial landscape. Banks are not ready to absorb rising costs of maintaining ATM terminals that require power, security, cash movement; cash handling charges and so on. Banking is profit-driven and ATM terminals are no longer meeting the profit needs of banks.”

    She said: “We buy cash from business owners and then dispense to cardholders. This is one of the reasons why some PoS operators charge higher fees than others. It all depends on charges from the Fintechs that supply the machines and access to cash.”

    Another PoS Aggregator, based in Central Lagos, Oloye Adigun, said that network quality, availability of PoS machines and cost of the machines are crucial in the business. He disclosed that: “Outright PoS machine (smart version) purchase costs N110,000 while the button version costs N65,000; lease costs N45,000 for smart version, while the button brand costs N25,000.”

    He said bills payment, bank to bank  transfer, cash receipts and payment to third parties, among others are key transactions carried out with PoS machines. In the highly populated areas of Lagos, Ogun and Abuja, charges are usually moderate- usually N100 for N5, 000 and N200 for N10, 000 transactions given that operators rely on turnover for gains.

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    In areas like Olambe, Akute, area of Ogun State, for instance, customers pay as much as N300 for a N5,000 withdrawal and N500 for N10,000. However, in high-brow areas like Ikoyi and Victoria Garden City, people pay up to N500 for N5, 000 and N1, 000 for N10, 000.

    This thriving business empire is dominated by top three Fintech players- Moniepoint, Palmpay and O’Pay. National President, Association of Mobile Money & Bank Agents in Nigeria, Fassai Atanda, said PoS is execution of financial sector’s agenda on financial inclusion. He said that over 300 local governments in Nigeria are without bank branches, even as the largest transactions are happening in the informal sector. He said the PoS agents are meant to bridge the financial exclusion gap in the informal sector.

    For Atanda, the mobile money industry has created over two million jobs, with 40 per cent of that number being agent bankers- PoS merchants.

    According to Executive Director of Inlaks, the largest ATM operator in the country, Tope Dare, Nigeria requires about 60,000 ATMs to meet up with its growing population of 216 million people and a banking population of 106 million adults.

    In a report, he explained that given that there are only 22, 600 active ATMs, a deficit of about 37, 400 ATMs still exists in the country. Also, 17,200 ATMs representing 76 per cent of the total ATMs in Nigeria are deployed by eight banks. Access Bank has over 4,000 ATMs, First Bank has about 3,300, UBA has 2,150 ATMs, Zenith has 2,100 ATMs, GTBank has 1800 ATMs, FCMB has 1,350, Polaris has 1300, and Union has 1,200.

    Further data from Inlaks showed that Nigeria had 7,100 ATMs in 2010, which grew to 11,000 ATMs in 2011 after the CBN directed the removal of the offsite ATMs by banks. The offsite management role was given to independent ATM deployers. That move failed after ATM deployers complained about rising cost of running the business and declining profitability.

    The CBN restrictions on offsite ATM deployment were eventually lifted, allowing banks to invest more in the business. That prompted the number of ATMs to grow from 11,000 in 2011 to 16,000 in 2016 and 21,000 in 2019. It further grew to 22,600 in 2021, with the figure remaining at same level till date.

    According to Dare, the emergence of PoS terminals, mobile app transfers, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), and other alternative e-payment channels has reduced investors’ interest in ATMs.

    Understanding the PoS business

    Many of the PoS operators gave insights on the mode of operation of the enterprise. Maureen Adike-Tajudeen, a PoS operator at Eleko Market, Ibeju-Lekki Lagos, said he gave one PoS machine to each of his three employees, with each employee delivering N14, 000 on weekly basis. He described the PoS business as thriving.

    “Each of my three employees gets one PoS machine, N200, 000 credit in the machine and N200, 000 cash. Each of them delivers N14, 000 weekly profits and retains the principal cash and credit, for the next week’s transactions,” she disclosed.

    According to her, profitability in the business keeps getting higher as banks gradually abandon regular loading of cash in ATMs.

    “For most cardholders, after frequent checks and no cash to withdraw from ATMs, their next option is to look for PoS terminals. Many cardholders don’t even bother to check the ATMs anymore and that means more business for us,” Adike-Tajudeen narrated.

    According to her, many cardholders only go to the ATMs to make transfers, check account balances or rectify failed e-payment transactions, adding that one will hardly find cash in those machines.

    Another PoS operator, Munsurat Abiodun, works at PGas petrol station, in Epe Lagos. Although Abiodun is not in a market environment like Adike-Tajudeen, she has turned petrol stations where she conducts the business, to a goldmine. Abiodun said the business thrives better when there are long queues in filling stations, and the petrol attendants, working with her, usually refuse to accept bank transfers or use the official PoS machines.

    “What I do is simply to move from one car to the other, and get the drivers to use the PoS machine. The feedback is always instant and positive. I debit their accounts with the cards and hand them the cash after taking my fees,” she stated. The cash with the petrol attendants is later moved back to the PoS operator, to resume new round of transactions.

    At the LIBRA Motor, God Is Good, Intercity Travels, motor parks in Ajah, Ibeju-lekki Lagos, PoS operators were seen at almost corner making cash available to travelers to pay for their trips.

    Michael Obinna, who was traveling from Lagos to Port Harcourt, lamented his experience and how he was forced to patronise the PoS operators.

    “Despite having major banks’ branches-FirstBank, Zenith Bank, FCMB, Access Bank and Fidelity Bank, among others within the vicinity, none of the banks’ ATMs were dispensing cash. My only option was to use the PoS machine. I paid N700 for N35, 000 cash needed for my trip from Lagos to Port Harcourt,” Obinna narrated.

    Continuing, he said: “This same challenge is everywhere; whether it is from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Lagos to Abuja; Enugu to Jos among others. I will still pay another N700 or even more to get cash for my return trip to Lagos.

    Other bank customers, who spoke with The Nation, said the practice of forcing customers to buy naira with naira was disturbing. Eniola Daniel, an Abuja-based student, said: “I feel commercial banks in Nigeria intentionally refuse to load ATMs with cash so that people will go to PoS operators. The banks should close the ATMs if they don’t want to load them with cash.”

    Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) handle, she lamented that banks handing over cash transaction business to PoS operators is troubling. “No money in ATM machines but PoS operators around the banks have cash and no one is talking,” she said.

    Another bank customer based in Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, Ikenna Ahamefuna, corroborated Obinna’s experience. He said: “At the Upper Iweka in Onitsha, PoS operators are in every corner of the market.  These agents are able to provide various services from withdrawal, deposit, money transfer, electricity bill payments to checking of account balances at a fee.”

    Ahamefuna disclosed that even business owners with large cash turnover also have banner showing they also provide PoS services.

    More views from stakeholders

     President, Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, Uju Ogubunka, said banking is fast becoming what one does and not where one goes to. “Brick/mortar banking, is giving way to digital banking where transactions are completed in seconds, saving costs and providing convenience to bank customers. Consumers are looking for simple technology-driven solutions customised to meet their everyday needs,” he said.

    Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, acknowledged the role of players in the informal space. “We can all remember during the COVID-19 lockdown and the recent currency changes, there were a lot of challenges and we saw mobile money agents come together and save the country at that point,” he said.

    Managing Director, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, Babatunde Olofin, said operators in informal businesses show high degree of flexibility and innovation exhibited in adapting quickly to changing market conditions.

    Managing Director, PalmPay Nigeria, Chika Nwosu, emphasised the company’s commitment to financial inclusion “At PalmPay, we aim to bridge the gap in digital access. Our platform ensures seamless connectivity for our users. The company has been a key driver of financial inclusion in Nigeria, with a third of PalmPay users reporting that they opened their first-ever financial account through the platform,” he said.

    Regulatory oversight/recommendations for growth

    An Executive of the Research and Policy Department, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Kabir Katata, said, digitisation has changed financial services landscape. To him, Fintechs are latching on clear evidence that consumer behaviour and expectations of service and experience are changing.

    He said: “Multiple technologies poised to drive the next wave of financial services are converging in maturity. Fintech threatens to disrupt financial markets with the banks taking the threats like the loss of control, the emergence of a non-regulated environment, market fragmentation, and loss of revenue—very seriously.”

    Katata said while many banks have been able to retain their customers through traditional channels and digital service offerings, recent shifts are threatening the customer base of banks yet to key into it. Even long-term banking relationship at traditional banks, he added, is susceptible to disruption.

    But the CBN under its Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, says it has taken steps to increase the regulation of Fintechs and will not in any way, stifle innovation.

    The apex bank says that digital innovations ranging from self-service technologies like cell phones, online and mobile banking, Artificial Intelligence, big data, blockchain technology, distributed ledgers, among others, have greatly challenged orthodox systems and helped improve the operational efficiency of financial institutions as they respond to customer demands for more innovative services.

    Recognising the growing importance of consumer protection in an increasingly digital financial landscape, Cardoso embarked on a comprehensive review of consumer protection regulations in February 2024. This review sought to upgrade the regulatory framework to address emerging risks posed by the rapid growth of Fintech and digital banking solutions.

    The goal was to enhance customer service standards and increasing engagement with formal financial institutions, ensuring that consumers have access to reliable, efficient, and secure financial services.

    For analysts, there was need to foster greater trust between the banking sector and the Nigerian public to ensure business and economic growth.

    They believe that by strengthening the regulatory framework, the CBN is supposed to provide a more secure environment for consumers, while encouraging more Nigerians to engage with formal financial institutions, thereby promoting financial inclusion.

    For instance, the Pilot Consumer Protection Risk-Based Examination, designed to proactively identify policy gaps and improve conduct among financial institutions (FIs) should be implemented to the letter.

    This risk-based approach, unlike traditional compliance checks, will further help the CBN to highlight urgent risks that could compromise consumer protection. It will also encourage financial institutions to adopt higher standards of conduct, thereby enhancing consumer confidence.

    To reinforce these efforts, the CBN should rigorously enforce sanctions for regulatory breaches, ensuring that financial institutions adhere to ethical practices and uphold transparency. By holding institutions accountable, the CBN would underscore its commitment to protecting consumer rights and fostering trust in the banking system.

  • Leveraging tax reforms to overhaul Nigeria’s revenue system

    Leveraging tax reforms to overhaul Nigeria’s revenue system

    President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday transmitted four Bills to both chambers of the National Assembly. The Bills are part of his administration’s broader effort to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal landscape and boost government revenue in an economy that has long been heavily reliant on oil. Already, deliberations on the proposed reforms have started after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu’s letter of request on the floor of the Red Chamber. However, the proposed changes have sparked a national conversation among various stakeholders about their potential impact on businesses, consumers, and the overall economy. Assistant Editor NDUKA CHIEJINA looks at the four Bills, exploring their objectives, key provisions, and the reactions they have generated.

    The President Bola Tinubu-led administration is leaving nothing to chance in its quest to reform Nigeria’s tax regime. With the transmission of four Bills to both chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday, the President left no one in doubt of his resolve to leverage reforms to modernize the nation’s tax administration, broaden the tax base, and ensure a more equitable distribution of the tax burden among Nigerians.

    The four Bills, which are part of his administration’s broader effort to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal landscape and boost government revenue in an economy that has long been heavily reliant on oil, come as the Federal Government seeks to address a widening fiscal deficit, rising debt levels, and the need for funding critical infrastructure and social services.

    The game-changing Bills include Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Establishment Bill, Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill. The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Establishment Bill proposed a rebranding of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), renaming it as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

    According to a former staff member of the FIRS, the word “Federal” in the FIRS name gives the impression that the Service only handles federal tax and revenue matters. However, with “Nigeria” in its name, the NRS would be positioned to handle taxes and revenue collection across all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—creating a unified tax administration system across the country.

    The Bill renames the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), symbolizing a broader scope of responsibility. The NRS would be responsible for assessing, collecting, and accounting for all revenues accruing to the Nigerian Government, at both the federal and sub-national levels. This includes taxes that were previously the purview of state and local governments.

    The Service is expected to create a centralized system that integrates tax collection from multiple levels of government, reducing administrative overlap and creating more transparency in revenue management. The NRS will likely leverage modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to streamline tax collection, enhance compliance, and combat tax evasion more effectively.

    The Nigeria Tax Bill, on the other hand, is a sweeping piece of legislation that seeks to provide a consolidated fiscal framework for taxation in Nigeria. This Bill aims to streamline tax collection by centralizing the process under a single agency, thus reducing the fragmentation that has characterized Nigeria’s tax system for years.

    Under this framework, various revenue-generating agencies, such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and others, would focus on their primary functions while relinquishing their revenue collection duties to a specialized agency equipped for this role.

    The goal is to create a more coordinated, efficient, and transparent system for revenue collection across the country. By consolidating tax administration and removing the revenue collection functions from multiple agencies, the government hopes to eliminate redundancies, minimize leakages, and improve accountability in the management of public funds.

    The third Bill in the series of President Tinubu’s tax reform proposals is the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill. This Bill is pivotal in establishing a clear and concise legal framework to ensure the fair, consistent, and efficient administration of all tax laws across the country.

    The overarching objective of this Bill is to enhance the ease of tax compliance for individuals and businesses, reduce the incidence of tax disputes, and optimize revenue collection for the government. The Bill addresses one of the long-standing issues in Nigeria’s tax system: the complexity and lack of coherence in the administration of tax laws.

    Over the years, taxpayers—especially businesses operating across different regions of the country—have often faced inconsistent enforcement of tax laws, leading to confusion, compliance challenges, and a significant number of disputes between tax authorities and taxpayers.

    The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill will remedy these problems by providing a well-defined and uniform legal framework for the administration of taxes at all levels. It proposes a standardized approach to administering all tax laws in Nigeria, including those governing corporate income tax, personal income tax, value-added tax (VAT), excise duties, and other taxes.

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    The fourth and final Bill, the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, aims to establish critical institutions for the effective harmonization, coordination, and dispute resolution in Nigeria’s revenue administration system.

    This Bill is one of the most strategic in the tax reform agenda, as it seeks to address the structural issues that have long impeded the efficiency and fairness of revenue collection and tax dispute settlement in Nigeria.

    The Bill seeks to establish three pivotal bodies: The Joint Revenue Board; The Tax Appeal Tribunal and The Office of the Tax Ombudsman. Together, these institutions will play a crucial role in streamlining the processes for revenue collection, addressing disputes, and ensuring taxpayers’ grievances are heard and resolved in a timely and equitable manner.

    At the heart of this Bill is the establishment of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), a coordinating body tasked with harmonizing tax administration across all tiers of government—federal, state, and local.

    One of the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s tax system has been the lack of synergy between the various revenue collection agencies at different levels of government. The JRB is designed to bridge this gap and foster cooperation among these entities to improve revenue mobilisation.

    The Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), another key institution to be established under this Bill, will serve as the primary forum for resolving tax disputes in Nigeria. Tax disputes have been a significant challenge in Nigeria’s revenue system, often leading to protracted legal battles and delayed revenue collection.

    The establishment of the TAT is intended to provide a specialized mechanism for addressing such disputes in a fair and timely manner. This will not only speed up the dispute resolution process but also ensure that taxpayers and tax authorities have a clear avenue for addressing grievances. The Tribunal will be staffed with tax experts who have a deep understanding of Nigeria’s tax laws and the complexities of tax administration.

    This specialised knowledge will allow the TAT to handle complex tax cases with greater efficiency and accuracy. The TAT will operate as an independent body, ensuring that disputes are resolved fairly and impartially. This is especially important in building trust between taxpayers and tax authorities, as the Tribunal’s rulings will be seen as objective and unbiased.

    The Office of the Tax Ombudsman is another significant innovation introduced in this Bill. The Tax Ombudsman will act as an independent intermediary between taxpayers and tax authorities. It will serve as a voice for taxpayers, ensuring that their concerns and complaints are heard and addressed by the relevant authorities.

    This office will be empowered to investigate complaints related to tax administration, such as unfair treatment by tax officials, delays in processing tax refunds, and other administrative challenges.

    In cases where disputes arise between taxpayers and tax authorities, the Ombudsman will act as a mediator, helping to resolve conflicts before they escalate into formal disputes. This mediation role is seen as a way to reduce the number of cases that end up in the Tax Appeal Tribunal or regular courts.

    The Office of the Tax Ombudsman will also play a key role in promoting transparency and accountability in the tax administration process. By providing an independent oversight mechanism, the Ombudsman will ensure that tax authorities are held accountable for their actions and that taxpayers are treated fairly.

    The Ombudsman will be required to submit an annual report to the National Assembly, outlining the nature of complaints received and how they were resolved. This report will provide valuable insights into the performance of Nigeria’s tax system and highlight areas where improvements are needed. The creation of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman is expected to build trust between taxpayers and tax authorities, as it provides an independent avenue for addressing grievances and ensuring that tax administration is carried out in a transparent and accountable manner.

    Initial reactions to the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill have been largely positive, with many stakeholders viewing the Bill as a necessary step in improving Nigeria’s tax administration system. Tax professionals, in particular, have praised the Bill for its focus on creating specialized institutions for dispute resolution and taxpayer advocacy, which they believe will lead to a more transparent and efficient tax system.

    However, some concerns have been raised about the capacity of the proposed institutions to carry out their mandates effectively. There are questions about the funding and staffing of the JRB, TAT, and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman, as well as the need for extensive training to ensure that these bodies are able to fulfill their roles effectively.

    In transmitting the Tax Reform Bills to the National Assembly, President Tinubu emphasised their importance in reshaping Nigeria’s fiscal framework, particularly in relation to tax administration, revenue collection, and dispute resolution.

    He reiterated that the proposed reforms are not just about renaming institutions or tweaking policies, but about creating a comprehensive and efficient tax system that can drive the nation’s economic growth.

    Tinubu explained that the reform Bills would help achieve several critical objectives: improving taxpayer compliance, strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal institutions, and fostering a more transparent and equitable fiscal regime. He noted that a well-structured tax system is the backbone of any thriving economy and is essential to unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential.

    His words: “I am confident that the Bills, when passed, will encourage investment, boost consumer spending, and stimulate Nigeria’s economic growth.” Tinubu further pointed out that the consolidation of tax laws, simplification of tax administration, and enhanced dispute resolution mechanisms embedded in these Bills would make it easier for individuals and businesses to comply with tax obligations, which in turn would enhance revenue generation for the government.

    The President also highlighted how the Bills align with his administration’s broader goal of economic reform, particularly in light of the current challenges facing Nigeria, such as inflation, unemployment, and the need for sustainable revenue streams outside of oil.

    He described the Bills as part of a more extensive strategy to create an enabling environment for investment and reduce the burden of taxation on individuals and businesses.

    Other government officials have echoed the President’s optimism regarding the potential impact of these reforms. Finance experts within the administration, as well as the FIRS leadership, are in agreement that the harmonization of tax laws and the establishment of new institutions will not only improve efficiency in revenue collection but also significantly reduce tax evasion and corruption.

    The President’s team has described the Bills as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s fiscal policy, offering long-term benefits that could transform Nigeria’s economy by ensuring that revenue flows are more predictable, transparent, and capable of meeting the country’s development needs.

    The reaction from the public, business community and economic experts to the proposed Tax Reform Bills has been largely positive. Many see the reforms as a much-needed intervention to streamline Nigeria’s tax system and enhance revenue generation.

    Key stakeholders have noted that for too long, Nigeria’s tax collection system has been burdened with inefficiencies, multiple taxations, and a lack of coordination between different agencies. These Bills, they argue, offer a path toward resolving these issues.

    Despite the overwhelming support, some concerns have been raised. A few critics argue that the success of these reforms will depend heavily on the government’s ability to implement them effectively. They warn that unless the new institutions are well-funded, well-staffed, and given the necessary independence to carry out their mandates, the benefits of the reforms may not be fully realised.