The Nation Newspaper

Category: Special Report

  • Poultry farmers, suppliers, retailers lament rise in price of eggs

    Poultry farmers, suppliers, retailers lament rise in price of eggs

    Many Nigerian families who have eggs on their menu lists are not likely to enjoy the ‘luxury’ anymore as the price of eggs continues to soar and poultry farmers are shutting down their businesses. GBENGA ADERANTI looks at the challenges faced by the farmers and how they affect the price of eggs and the economy in general.

    Up until about three months ago, Mrs Tola Jacobs was getting between 20 and 30 crates of eggs from a poultry farmer in Ikorodu, Lagos every week. And when the poultry farmer sent a message to indicate that there would be a slight adjustment in the price of eggs, Mrs Jacobs was not bothered.

    “I was not perturbed because I knew that the price increase would be passed on to the consumers. The owner of the poultry where I was getting egg supply said if things continued the way they were, he might be forced to shut down his poultry farm indefinitely.

    “Many of us thought it was a joke, but true to what he said, we got there one Monday morning and he said he had suspended operation and had sold all his birds,” she said.

    Since the poultry farmer shut down, a part of Jacob’s business has been affected. Before now, she was making a substantial sum as gains from her egg business, unfortunately, the supply has stopped coming and her fortune has nose-dived.

    Mrs Jacobs is in a financial crisis as she can no longer continue with the payment of thrift savings she entered into.

    Another Lagos-based poultry farmer, Mr. Anya Okaro, looked despondent when our correspondent visited his depot on Tuesday afternoon. He too had also suspended activities at his poultry farm in Ikorodu, Lagos.

    ”The current situation in the poultry business is not appealing to farmers,” he told The Nation dejectedly.

    Before now, his depot at Akute, Ogun State, was a beehive of activities as retailers from Akute and environs converged on it to collect their supplies every Monday morning. That, however, has since ceased to be the case.

    On that Tuesday afternoon, nobody was around except Okaro who had come to keep an appointment with our correspondent. “Most of the farmers are quitting the business because of the high cost of input, especially the grains and the soya beans which constitute parts of the recipe of the feed,” he said.

    Today, according to Okaro, a bag of layer feeds sells for between N13500 and N15,000, with 200 birds consuming about a bag in a day, while they produce an average of 140 pieces of eggs per day.

    He disclosed that the cost of feeding keeps increasing every day, and so also the price of eggs. Unfortunately, the disposable income of consumers is not getting better and many of them are quitting the consumption of eggs.

    According to Okaro, the drop in the demand for eggs is what is causing many farmers to quit the business.

     “Realistically, a crate of eggs should sell for N4,000 for farmers to remain in business. Unfortunately, consumers are resisting the price increase. So farmers have no option; they either slow down or shut down the business,” Okaro said.

    He opined that except people look for alternatives in terms of inputs that would pull costs down, the price of eggs would continue to rise.

    He said: “A crate of egg in the open market now is about N4,000, but by the time you check the cost of producing one egg, you will find out that the profit margin for the farmer is very small. And for you to sustain the business, not to talk of expanding the business, the future is bleak. The government needs to do something.”

    Before the new development, Okaro was producing an average of 100 crates of eggs daily, and 700 hundred crates in a week. But all that has gone into the winds and he has had to sell his birds pending when normalcy would return to the business.

    He confirmed that the poultry farmers who remain in the business would continue to supply eggs but at exorbitant rates.

    He disclosed that many things are competing for the components used in producing feeds, warning that with time only a few people would be able to afford eggs on their menu lists.

     Okaro warned that if the trend is not addressed, the price of eggs could go beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. “I heard that they are already selling a crate of eggs for N4,500 in some places. We would be talking about N6,000 in the next two weeks,” he said.

    Investigation revealed that most farmers who could not cope with the cost of feed have shut down their businesses while others have scaled down their operations.

    Like some of his colleagues, Donald Ibegbu, another Lagos-based poultry farmer, has also shut down his poultry farm. Until recently, he was an average poultry farmer, producing about 100 crates of eggs daily.

    He said with the high cost of feeds, most poultry farmers are struggling to remain in business. “Presently the future is very hazy, and unless something extraordinary happens, it will get worse.”

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    He said, warning that poultry farms will continue to fold up if the present trend continues.

    Mrs Suliat Aderinto, an egg supplier in Lambe, an Ogun community, was before now collecting more than 30 crates of eggs every week and within a week would run out of stock. However, since the increase in the price of eggs, according to her, demand has been very low, and this has forced her to reduce the number of crates she collects from farmers. Today, she collects between 18 and 20 crates a week.

    “Eggs are expensive. People are not even willing to buy. This has also forced me to reduce the number of crates I buy from the farm.

    “Many of my colleagues have stopped the business while some who are still in it have reduced the quantity they collect from farmers,” she told The Nation.

    She also disclosed that many farmers have sold off their birds because they could not afford the cost of poultry feeds. As a way of keeping their customers, many of the farmers who have shut down are referring their customers to their colleagues who are still producing in the hope that when normalcy returns, their customers will come back.

    “The truth is that most farmers have folded up. Some who had 300 birds before do not have more than 60 to 70 birds now, which would only give them two or three crates of eggs in a day,” Aderinto said.

    Shortage of egg supply has had a serious impact on Aderinto’s business.

    She said: “Imagine how much I was making from selling 30 crates of eggs every week. The gain I was making from the business was enough for me to cater to my needs.

    “If the eggs had been cheap, people would buy them. Those who were buying crates have stopped buying crates; they now buy half crates.

    “The money we make from the business has drastically reduced,” she said.

    Lending credence to the doldrums in the poultry business, former President of the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), who is also the Chairman of Tuns Farms International, Asiwaju Khamis Tunde Badmus, told The Nation that while Nigeria has enough infrastructural facilities, most poultry farmers do not have the working capital.

    “Most of the farmers producing 100 percent before are now producing 50 percent because the working capital has been eroded.

    “In addition, there is no purchasing power to buy feed in large quantities,” he said.

    Tuns Farms, one of the biggest suppliers of eggs in Nigeria, is also feeling the pain. As big as the farm is, it currently produces 20 percent of its capacity.

    “Many farmers are indeed closing down because their poultry farms do not have money to buy feed,” Badmus told our correspondent.

    According to him, with the current price of poultry feeds, it would be difficult for many poultry farmers to feed 5,000 chickens.

    “Unfortunately, the cost of feed is always increasing. If you transfer the cost of production to what you are selling, those who want to buy it do not have money. Egg has become a rich man’s commodity,” Badmus lamented.

    Our correspondent observed that eggs, which used to be regular commodities at parks, are fast disappearing. Before now, you would hardly visit bus stops and parks without seeing the boiled egg hawkers. But they are gradually disappearing.

    Also, many homes with eggs on their menu lists are already doing a rethink as the price of eggs goes beyond their reach.

    While the fear of scarcity increases, Badmus insists that there is nothing to fret about as the federal government has continued to address the challenges facing the economy.

    He, however, added a caveat: things could get worse if there are no urgent steps to assist poultry farmers.

    “We have the infrastructure to produce enough chickens to feed the whole of Africa. We have enough machines to produce the feeds,” he said.

    The poultry industry is said to be worth N10 trillion, sharing about 25 percent of agriculture’s contribution to the GDP as the sector employs more than 20 million Nigerians.

    Last year, a crate of eggs sold for between N2,500 and N3,000. But currently, a crate of eggs is sold for N4,000, and before the year runs out, it could cost between N5,000 and N6,000, as more and more farmers shut down their operations.

    Business under threat

    Investigations conducted by our correspondent revealed that while there are other essential components in the production of feed, soybeans and maize, the most essential ingredients, are grossly in short supply.

    It was gathered that since insecurity in the northern and middle belt zones of Nigeria became aggravated, many farmers have stayed away from the farms; a situation that has caused the scarcity of these important poultry feed components. The development has taken feeds beyond the reach of the average poultry farmer.

    And unlike before, when poultry farmers enjoyed a form of protection from the government, things are quite different now. Badmus said the practice before was for the government to give farmers maize from its reserve, but things have changed as the government is now more concerned about feeding its human population.

    While the increase in the price of poultry feeds has made it difficult for many poultry farmers to continue the business, Ibegbu is optimistic that with the naira appreciating, the prices of poultry feed would also come down.

    He, therefore, warned that the government should do something about components like soybeans and maize which are not dollar-dependent.

    Will there be scarcity of eggs?

    Ibegbu was of the view that there could be scarcity or glut, depending on the disposable income available to the average Nigerian.

    “How many people can buy a crate of eggs for N4,000?” he asked. “You know it is a function of demand and supply. If the farmers produce; can the people afford it?

    “If people can afford it, the scarcity of eggs may not be there. But what happens to the majority of Nigerians who use eggs as their source of protein? If they cannot afford it, malnutrition will set in. 

    “Yes, there will be scarcity in the sense that many of the farmers are going underground. Very few farmers are producing, meaning that we may not be able to produce enough. And if the number keeps going down, the class that will be able to purchase it may not be able to see it to buy. That may be the reason for scarcity.”

    Okaro also disclosed that shutting down has had a serious impact on him as it is difficult for him to fulfil some of his obligations.

    He said: “We still have the same bills to pay, and we are suffering because most of the things we were able to do before, we are not able to do today because of the disposable income we have at the moment.”

    Okaro is of the view that the challenge currently faced by farmers is temporary.

     “These things come as a circle. We are going down the hill, but we won’t continue this way. At a point when the government is doing what it is supposed to do, everything will become normal.

    “Every challenge also brings an opportunity for us to improve. But as of today, it looks bleak.

    “You are going to see the trajectory going up again, maybe in the next two years,” Okaro said.

    In the early 90s, many West African countries depended on Nigeria for their supply of eggs. Then, the poultry business was at its peak. It was a time when the government did everything possible to protect poultry farmers and support them with different kinds of incentives.

    Some months ago, the Chairman of the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Mojeed Iyiola, said 50 per cent of its members had shut down their poultry businesses due to sectoral challenges.

    According to Mojeed, poultry farmers lost over N3tn in 2023. The Lagos PAN chair said economic conditions had forced a significant number of poultry farmers to exit the industry.

    Scarcity likely to linger

    The Lagos PAN chair had hinted that the poultry farmers were facing difficulties in meeting the increasing demand for poultry products due to the closure of a significant portion of their farms; an indication of a possible short supply of eggs.

    According to him, “Most poultry farms in the country closed down last year due to difficulties faced in the sector.”

    “We are currently unable to meet the demands for eggs due to the shortage of poultry farms. Presently, we have a very low supply of eggs in the face of growing demands.”

    He disclosed that the problem has been aggravated by the astronomical rise in the prices of poultry feeds as well as the production cost.

    The price of maize, for example, has increased by 79.23% year-on-year from N329.05 for 1kg in December 2022 to N589.75 by December 2023. The monthly increase was 5.47% from N559.18 recorded in November 2023.

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) food price index for December 2023, the cost of chicken feed rose by 81.71% year-on-year from December 2022 to December 2023.

    Also, the price of medium agric eggs has increased year-on-year from December 2022 to December 2023 by 52.09%. For month-on-month inflation in eggs 4.39%.

    The Nation also gathered that the cost of poultry feed kept soaring as a result of insecurity as most farmers are finding it difficult to get to the farm. They are not producing soya beans and maize.

    Okaro insisted that while there is demand for maize and soya beans, there is no supply. According to him, the price of eggs would have skyrocketed if not for the ingenuity of some farmers who still want to stay in business.

    “Most of the poultry farmers have cut down the cost of production by working on internal efficiencies, making sure that the cost of production is reduced.

    “But in a situation where you cannot control it, you either fold the business or you scale down production,” he said.

    Mojeed also blamed the greed of some farmers for the increase in the price of eggs. According to the Lagos PAN chair, maize and soybeans, which are components of feed, are being exported to other countries by some greedy farmers.

    Arresting situation

    Most farmers have called for the importation of essential ingredients like maize and soybeans at least temporarily. But in the long term, the solution is for more people to go back to the farm, and for more people to go back to the farm, their security must be guaranteed.

    “The government must provide security for farmers to go back to the farm,” Okaro said. He also said it is not out of the way to subsidise fertilizers and seedlings, especially during the rainy season.

    While not denying the fact that other items are essential in feeds, he is hopeful that if the cost of maize and soya beans comes down, with other micro-ingredients from abroad being affordable and “with the stability and improvement we are hearing about foreign exchange, if the prices of the things added to boost the feeds also come down, things will be better,” Okaro said.

    Badmus implored the government to go back to the era when poultry farmers were assisted. “At that time, we had a glut of egg production in Nigeria. The federal government gave us an import licence. We were allowed to import soybeans and feed, it prevented any form of scarcity of eggs.”

    Realising that the federal government has invested heavily in maize, he advised that the importation of the feed component should be a stop-gap process till the poultry sector is stabilised.

    “Again, the government should make available the working capital, because those who had 20,000 birds before can hardly boast of 10,000 now. If the government makes funds available and each farmer can go to the development banks instead of commercial banks, things will be better,” he said.

    A few of the poultry farmers who were able to access the funds were able to survive. They produced eggs and chickens in large quantities because there was a market for local poultry production; there was demand and everybody invested.

    This made it possible for the poultry farmers to do out growers’ schemes successfully.

    Speaking on the success of the scheme, Badmus said: “We would give you a day-old chick and feed. When these chicks come of age, you return to us and we slaughter them. It grew, we were in the Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana, and at a stage, we were supplying KFC Ghana chicken.

    “When another government came, it scattered the whole process and since then things have become worse. It was a bit difficult to do business. But irrespective of what is happening in the sector, we have the infrastructure on the ground in Nigeria to produce for local consumption and export, the challenge is lack of working capital.”

    Badmus revealed that at a point when the poultry sector was in crisis, the country depended on imported frozen foods to the extent of importing chicken from Brazil and other parts of the world; imported turkey parts flooded the Nigerian market.

    As a way of bringing sanity into the sector, the presidency formed a committee to revive the poultry industry. Then the government gave poultry farmers a special tariff.

    Contrary to proposals in certain quarters that the country could embark on the importation of eggs as a temporary measure, Badmus warned that it would be dangerous for the country to embark on the importation of eggs, saying, “We are exposing ourselves to big risk because we could be poisoned through this.”

    To prove that the danger is real, he gave an example of the imported frozen chickens that are being preserved with formalin, a chemical that is used in preserving dead bodies. He disclosed that Nigerians risk cancer by consuming imported chicken preserved with formalin.

  • When the Army sought media support on insecurity

    When the Army sought media support on insecurity

    Peace, security and development are inseparable. They are products of human rights, because the more a society promotes, protects and fulfils the human rights of its people, the greater its chances for curbing violence and resolving conflicts peacefully. OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE writes that mindful of this reality, the Nigerian Army organised a one-day chat with the media in Asaba, Delta State for reporters in the Southsouth zone tagged “Nigerian Army Civic Quarterly Media Chat for the First Quarter of 2024” to sensitise them to the need to cooperate with the military in fighting insecurity.

    Bothered about the near-collapse of a peaceful environment in almost every part of the country; which, most times results in attacks and killing of military personnel and loss of lives of civilians, the Nigerian Army, in its bid to strengthen relations with the media, recently organised a one-day retreat for journalists in the Southsouth geopolitical zone.

    Recognising the fact that a solid and legitimate rule of law system protects the human rights of people, holds power accountable, prevents violent crime and provides fair and legitimate avenues to resolve conflict, the Army expresses the view that peace and security, which could include personal security and democracy enhances and sustains socio-economic or human development.

    Experts have noted that “peace is an essential element to the realisation of all human rights. It is a product of human rights because, the more a society promotes, protects and fulfils the human rights of its people, the greater its chances for curbing violence and resolving conflicts peacefully.

    “Peace is a quality energy that brings balance. World Peace grows through non-violence, acceptance, fairness and communication.”

    The event “Nigerian Army Civic Quarterly Media Chat for the First Quarter of 2024,” attracted reporters from the print, broadcast and online mediums and took place in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

    Also in attendance were media executives, the academia and retired military personnel.

    In an address at the media chat, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja canvassed media support for the military in addressing insecurity challenges which the country is experiencing.

    According to him, the support was crucial in attaining national security and development in the face of competition for media attention by terrorists.

    Lieutenant-General Lagbaja, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major-General Jamal Abdussalam said the event, with the theme “Imperatives of Military-Media Partnership for the Attainment of National Security,” underscores the critical role that collaboration between the military and media plays in safeguarding national security.

    He said: “The Nigerian Army recognises the enormous impact of the media as a vital link between the military and the public in providing essential information, shaping public opinion and holding institutions accountable.

    He said the media chat was aimed at creating an environment conducive to dialogue among the Nigerian Army and media practitioners, to facilitate the exchange of valuable information and ideas for mutual benefit.

    He said the Nigerian Army is striving to deliver on its constitutional mandate, even as he urged the media to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, impartiality and patriotism by ensuring that their reports contribute positively to national security.

    He said the event was planned to foster avenues for collaboration among the military and civil actors given the difficulties presented by the activities of criminals.

    He urged the media to refrain from inadvertently amplifying the activities of terrorists, insurgents and other deviant groups which thrive on attention and exploitation to instil fear in law-abiding citizens.

    His words: “The unprovoked killing of some of our troops carrying out their constitutional assignment in Okuama Community in Delta State comes to mind.

    “More worrisome was the orchestrated use of disinformation to misguide the public about the true account of the incident.

    “I, therefore, take this moment to urge the media to refrain from inadvertently amplifying the activities of these undesirable elements.

    “Terrorists, insurgents and other deviant groups thrive on attention and exploit propaganda to instil fear in law-abiding citizens.”

    The Army Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major-General Nosakhare Ugbo noted that threats to national security could emerge from various sources, including disinformation and urged journalists to be patriotic, especially with competition from terrorists for media attention.

    His words: “It is equally aimed at inspiring members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm from this region to continue to support and positively portray the Nigerian Army through constructive and objective reportage.”

    He noted the role of the media in shaping public perception of military operations, adding that the Nigerian Army’s ability to effectively communicate its mission and actions is crucial in garnering support and trust.

    Ugbo said the Nigerian Army is committed to keeping the media informed of its activities through civil-military relations programmes.

    He maintained that the army has the responsibility to engage with the media by providing access to information without compromising operational security and sensitive intelligence.

    He urged the media to embrace responsible journalism that is grounded in accuracy and objectivity.

    The Director-General of Voice of Nigeria who was the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Jibrin Ndace suggested regular engagements between the media and the military to ensure that accurate information was disseminated to the public to foster understanding and trust.

    Read Also: Army chief commissions projects in Nembe

    His words: “This collaboration plays a pivotal role and serves as a beacon of transparency, ensuring that accurate information is disseminated to the public to foster understanding and trust.”

    Delta State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza noted that the media was not hostile to the military, stressing that rather it is a bridge linking the government, its agencies and officials to the public.

    He praised the army’s collaborative efforts with the media in the interest of national security.

    He said: “Establishing this all-important relationship will provide the military the opportunity to communicate with the people and get them to understand what it is doing, clarifying grey areas and carrying them along for them (public) to have a buy-in into the mission of the military.”

    The Chairman of Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Churchill Oyowe called for sustained interaction between the military and the media to mobilise the public to support efforts to address current security challenges.

    The Guest Speaker, Major-General Olusegun Adeleke (rtd) in a lecture titled “Enhancing National Security Through Media/ Military Engagement,” described the relationship between military-media relationship in Nigeria as largely of “suspicion and adversarial,” due to the nature, cultures and history of both institutions.

    He said: “The reason for this frosty relationship is that the media, by its nature, is sceptical, intrusive, freewheeling and entrepreneurial, which makes it respond to the basic tenets of its existence to expose the actions of the government, including the military to public scrutiny.

    “On the other hand, the military is overly concerned with the successful conduct of its operations, which usually require the maintenance of operational security.”

    He enumerated the issues that drive engagement activities of the media-military to include humanitarian, human rights, child soldiering and target acquisition and engagement/acquisition and engagement.

    According to him, a major dilemma faced by the media covering military operations include whether to prioritise national security concerns or the public’s right to know; while the military may grapple with ethical questions about how much information to reveal and how to balance transparency with security.

    He said the military and the media sometimes appear to have contrary views or perceptions of what constitutes national security, especially during military operations.

    Adeleke suggested that the military should ensure that as much information as possible is made available to the press at the point of filing their stories, even as he urged future planners of media-military relations to consider innovative approaches such as increasing security with media coverage for embedded journalists.

    He also urged the military and media to jointly establish clear protocols for information-sharing and reporting.

    He called on military leaders to organise regular press briefings and interviews to update the media and the public on important developments, policies and initiatives.

    The military should conduct debriefings and after-action reviews with media representatives following major events or operations.

    He further urged the military to respect the independence of journalists and their right to report without undue influence or censorship.

    In another paper presented at the event titled “Promoting Military-Media Trust for Enhanced Public Support towards Addressing Nigeria Security Challenges,” Prof. Godwin Oboh, using media theories, highlighted the imperatives of cooperation between both institutions.

    The interactive event had two panels of discussants moderated by journalists who dissected the lectures presented.

  • Making Lagos livable for residents

    Making Lagos livable for residents

    Beyond providing palliatives to cushion the effects of economic challenges ravaging the country, the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration is investing in long-term projects that will, in the long run, make life more livable for the people. OYEBOLA OWOLABI reports

    Currently, Nigerians are experiencing situations that are so taxing. This is because the country is, at present, in the throes of the worst economic slump.

    This, experts say, resulted from the unanticipated and abrupt fuel subsidy removal and Naira devaluation. The governments, at all levels, have launched palliative measures to ease the people’s pains pending when the situation evens out.

    In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also rolled out certain measures to ease the burden. However, beyond the interim measures, the government is investing in some long-term projects to make life more livable to engender prosperity across the state.

    Food security and sufficiency

    Governor Sanwo-Olu in 2021 launched the Five-Year Agricultural Roadmap to pave the way for developing agricultural value chains where the state has competitive and comparative advantages to move self-sufficiency in food production from 18 to 40 per cent.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Bisola Olusanya, said the Roadmap is also expected to boost food production and drastically reduce post-harvest losses, thus encouraging private sector investments that would trigger agricultural transformation in the Southwestern states. To this end, the Fresh Agricultural Produce Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin is active and bubbly with activities.

    But the government is moving a step ahead still. According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the state is building the largest food logistics hub in Sub-Saharan Africa. The hub is 65 per cent ready.

    He said: “One of our plans for ensuring food security is to build food hubs across the state. Today, we are building the largest logistic hub in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is 65 per cent ready and, hopefully, be fully ready before the end of the year. The hub is a cold and dry storage facility to push produce to our people.

    “The hub will also dovetail into the middle-level markets, just like in Idi-Oro. We are building another four of those hub in Ajah, Abule-Egba, Agege and Ikorodo. We hope they will be ready before the end of the year. We have also identified locations for another seven of such hubs.”

    Read Also; Lagos to London: Foreign airlines slash prices to compete with Air Peace

     Mini-ranching

    In the meat value chain, the government is looking to establish mini-ranches that will fatten cattle to meet the large demand for meat.

    According to Sanwo-Olu, about four million cattle are consumed yearly, and Lagos alone accounts for about two million. This thus prompted the government to evolve a project that would meet the demand for meat.

    Power/electricity

    As part of efforts to make electricity more available and affordable, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the government has transmitted the Lagos State Electricity Bill to the House of Assembly. This, he noted, would help to untangle and unbundle the two DisCos currently operating in the state and allow other players to participate.

    “The state currently has six IPPS running but we need to localise the laws and regulations so that investments can come in. Hence, we have transmitted a bill to the House of Assembly towards setting up our equivalent of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). This is to help unbundle the system to allow new investments in energy generation and distribution. We will also have more investments in gas and other alternative sources of energy.

    Infrastructure/rail

    On January 24, 2023, the Blue Rail Line was inaugurated and, on February 29, 2024, the Red Rail was inaugurated. These projects form part of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Scheme. Governor Sanwo-Olu, however, promised greater investments in the rail component of transportation.

    “The beauty of rail is in its connectivity, and so we will ensure that all lines on the LRMT are interconnected for seamless commuting,” he said.

     Road

    According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the state has built over 10,000km of roads. He, however, said the state would need N5 trillion yearly to address road infrastructure alone, an amount which is bigger than the state’s budget.

    He said: “Lagos is below the water level, and so our roads fail easily because the water table makes the land soft. Another factor is the human detrimental actions. We have just banned Styrofoam because it blocks drainage systems. Water and bitumen are enemies, and so we have to spend a lot more on maintenance.

    “But, notwithstanding, the government is working to address the challenges of bad roads, especially inner roads. We are working with the local governments and they have agreed to rehabilitate 114 roads concurrently, while the state government will support with additional 50 or 60 roads. This means that we will be working on about 180 roads simultaneously. The implication of this is that there will be discomfort and hindered movements because of road closures and rerouting. But we trust Lagosians to understand that it is all for their good.”

    Fourth Mainland Bridge

     The 37 km-long Fourth Mainland Bridge will, perhaps, be the biggest project of the century when completed. Governor Sanwo-Olu has assured the people that the project is on course. According to him, the groundbreaking will be done in April despite the delays.

    He said: “The Fourth Mainland Bridge is delayed because of funding challenges. But I have given my word that the groundbreaking will be done in April.

    “The dynamics of funding have changed globally, and what they are asking for are things we cannot provide. We have thus done an extensive creative redesign of the entire project. Where we originally planned eight lanes, we reduced to four, where we planned three levels of bridges, we reduced to one. But all these do not take away the fact that the Fourth Mainland Bridge will be built. The implementation will be broken into three phases to ease our affairs, but it will be built.”

    Health

    The state intends to establish a university of medical sciences to bridge the gap in teaching and learning. According to Sanwo-Olu, the institution will strengthen the state’s medical infrastructure, and counter the mass exodus of medical personnel. Professional medical programmes that will be studied in the proposed university include all branches of medicine, pharmacy and pharmacology, and medical and health support courses.

    “Lagos State, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Universities Commission (NUC), will establish a medical university before the end of this year. This is a strategic intervention moment for us. The institution will be targeted at graduating 1,500 doctors yearly.

    The government is also building the Massey Children’s Hospital, a 150-bed specialist hospital for children in Lagos. The government is rebuilding, remodelling and repositioning the hospital into a seven-storey, 150-bed, ultra-modern, fit-for-purpose Pediatrics Programmed and Emergency General Hospital.

    Sanwo-Olu said the hospital will be the biggest Children’s Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa when completed. According to him, the construction of the facility reflects his administration’s unwavering determination to bridge all gaps in the health sector.

    He said: “As a responsive government, we identified the inadequacy of the present Massey Street Children’s Hospital to continue to meet the needs of a megacity with a population of 22 million people. As a result of the steady and increasing number of patients who daily throng the hospital to access medical services, the capacity has been overstretched and must be urgently upgraded to provide quality service to patients.”

    Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi also said the hospital will be the first product of the medical blueprint strategy championed by the governor for transforming the state’s healthcare infrastructure.

  • Row over CBN’s policy on import duty rate

    Row over CBN’s policy on import duty rate

    • Importers complain over ‘Customs’ arbitrary tariff imposition’
    • Our operations are guided by WTO, ECOWAS, NCS Acts, says Customs

    A clash between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has cast a shadow over import duty calculations. The CBN’s directive, issued on February 23, 2024, aimed to stabilise import duty assessments by pegging them to the closing forex rate on the date of opening Form M. However, the NCS’s adherence to existing regulations and laws has led to a deadlock, sparking concerns among importers, clearing agents and other stakeholders. As tensions simmer and uncertainty looms, OLUWAKEMI DAUDA reports that there is an urgent need for collaboration and clarity between the CBN and Customs for the smooth operation of trade activities.

    Why did the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) peg import duty exchange rate on opening of Form M  in a circular dated February 23, 2024, without adequate consultation with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)? Why is the Customs not using the policy? Why is the CBN turning blind face and keeping mute over it?

    The prolonged delay in the NCS adhering to the CBN’s directive to adopt the closing forex rate on the date of opening Form M for computing Customs duty on imported goods is causing significant concern among various stakeholders. Importers, clearing agents, operators, members of the public, the business community and port users are all eagerly awaiting clarification and action from the leadership of both institutions to address these pressing issues.

    The failure to implement this directive not only creates uncertainty but also undermines the efforts to make the port more attractive for business, generate revenue and boost international trade.

    They accused the Customs of flouting CBN directive on the rate payable on their imported goods as at the time of clearing their cargoes from the port, which is higher than the amount they expected as at the time of opening Form M.

    Importers and clearing agents, who are directly impacted by these policies, require clear guidelines and consistency in order to conduct their operations efficiently.

    Furthermore, the lack of adherence to the directive could potentially lead to financial losses and hinder the competitiveness of businesses operating within the import sector. This situation underscores the urgent need for effective communication and collaboration between the CBN and the NCS to resolve any outstanding issues and ensure the smooth implementation of policies that support trade facilitation and economic growth.

    Form M is a mandatory statutory document used as a declaration of intention by importers or their clearing agents for the importation of physical goods into any part of the country. But the Customs insisted that they are collaborating with the CBN and have no problem with the apex bank because its operations in the determination and assessment of import duty are guided by relevant provision of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Consolidation Act) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act 2023, which they cannot violate under any circumstances.

    Also, the NCS import duty collection platform (NICIS II), which is an automated system, was designed to collect uniform FX rate at the time of submission of declaration by importers or their clearing agents. The platform, it was learnt, appropriates revenue for the government and cannot be compromised by any Customs officer at any given time.

    But the apex bank gave the directive to Customs to adopt the closing forex rate on the date of opening Form M in a circular dated February 23, 2024,  and signed by its Director of Trade and Exchange Department, Hassan Mahmud,  following complaints by importers on the irregular changes in the import assessment levies applied by the NCS. In the circular, the CBN noted that arbitrary increase in the forex rate used to compute Customs duty has created uncertainties around the pricing structure of goods and services in the country, thereby creating “abnormal increases” in the prices of goods across the nation.

    The circular signed by the apex bank’s Director of Trade and Exchange Department, Mahmud, reads in part: “Following the liberalisation of the FX market on Willing Buyer-Willing Seller trading principle, the Central Bank of Nigeria has noted the concerns of importers of goods and services in the irregular changes in the Import Duty Assessment levies applied by the Nigeria Customs Service.”

    These developments, the CBN said, “have further built uncertainties around the pricing structure of goods and services in the economy and creating abnormal increases in the final sale prices of items, which is largely driven by uncertainties, rather than traditional  market fundamentals, with implications to near term inflation trends.”

    It said further, “To this effect, the Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to advise that the Nigeria Customs Service and other related parties adopt the closing FX rate on the date of opening Form M for the importation of goods, as the FX rate to be used for Import Duty Assessment. This rate remains valid until the date of termination of the importation and clearance of goods by importers.

    “This would enable the Nigeria Customs Service and the importers to effectively plan appropriately and reduce the uncertainties around varying daily exchange rate in determining their revenue or cost structure, respectively

    “Therefore, effective 26 February, 2024, the closing rate on the date of opening of Form M for the importation of goods and services would be the rates that would apply for the assessment of import duty. This supersedes the requirements of Memorandum 9, J (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Foreign Exchange Manual. (Revised Edition), 2018.”

    The CBN added that while it is mindful of the initial volatility and price distortions in the aftermath of the forex market liberalisation, it remains confident that these reforms would, in the medium term, ensure stability in the market and entrench market confidence necessary to attract investment capital for the growth and development of the nation’s economy.

    But investigation conducted by our correspondent revealed that the NCS, instead of following the directive given by the CBN, is adhering strictly to the NCS Act 2023, which is the rule guiding its operations. The current management of the Service, it was learnt, has no option than to jettison the CBN’s directive because it does not want to violate its newly enacted law by the  National Assembly despite the fact that the CBN said that it took the decision to tackle the volatility and frequent updates on the Customs website concerning the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market.

    Speaking with The Nation on the issue, the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, said that the Service is mindful of the initial volatility, price distortions and its implications on the trading public and the overall economy, “the NCS, with the support of the Honourable Minister of Finance, has initiated periodic consultations with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to mitigate the potential impact of exchange rate fluctuations on import activities.”

    The NCS operations in the determination and assessment of import duty, he said, “are guided by relevant provisions of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Consolidation Act) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act 2023.” According to him, “Article 9 (paragraph 2) of WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation clarified that the conversion rate to be used shall be rate in effect the time of exportation or importation, which means conversion rate at the time of declaration.

    “Also, article 11 of ECOWAS CET (Consolidation) Act specified that where the conversion of currency is necessary for the determination of the Customs value, the rate of exchange rate to be used shall at the date of lodgement of the Customs declaration.”

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    The NCS spokesman added that “Section 67, subsection 1 (a) (iii) of NCS Act clearly states that the official currency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, using the prevailing official exchange rate issued by the CBN and applicable at the time of submission of declaration of the goods into Nigeria or the exportation of goods from Nigeria.” He said further that it is important to note that “the NCS import duty collection platform (NICIS II), which is an automated system, is designed to collect uniform FX rate at the time of submission of declaration.”

    Maiwada said further that “there is a consultation by this institution to address these challenges as soon as practically possible. Mindful of these implications on the trading public and the overall economy, the NCS, with the support of the Honourable Minister of Finance, has initiated periodic consultations with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to mitigate the potential impact of exchange rate fluctuations on import activities. The relative stability in the past days can be attributed to the interventions of the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Governor of the CBN.”

    Recently, the NCS, through the CBN, has been regularly reviewing and adjusting the exchange rate for import duties and clearance of goods on its website to reflect the prevailing market rate following the unification of the forex market in June last year. Since the beginning of the year, the Service has adjusted the forex rate almost twice weekly, and lately, the rate has been coming down.

  • When Akeredolu’s widow receives her rites in Imo community

    When Akeredolu’s widow receives her rites in Imo community

    One of the mores in Igbo land which have continued to be observed is the Mgbafu Mkpe rite. The traditional Igbo ceremony is performed after the death and burial of a woman’s husband. CHRIS NJOKU reports that the recent handover of Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu to her late husband’s family at the Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony in the Emeabiam Community in Imo State serves as a poignant ritual that symbolises the community’s support and care for widows during times of loss and transition

    In some Igbo cultural areas, several customs and traditions are observed when a woman’s husband dies. In some circumstances, the widow is subjected to various horrid conditions if there husband’s relations suspect that their brother’s death was not natural. If they strongly holds the view that the deceased’s wife has a hand in his death, they would administer some oaths on the widow to prove her innocence in the death of her husband. In some extreme cases where the widow has no male child, she is relieved of her husband’s properties, which are inherited by the kinsmen.

    Again, when a woman is married to a far place, and the husband dies, the relations of the widow would want the relations of the late husband to reassure them that the widow is still wanted and cherished. The traditional rite, in this case, is known as mgbafu mkpe rite which is performed after the passing and burial of a woman’s husband.

    The Mgbafu Mkpe rite holds profound cultural and social significance in Igbo land as it serves as a poignant ritual that symbolises the community’s support and care for widows during times of loss and transition.

    The traditional Igbo ceremony, performed after the passing and burial of a woman’s husband, embodies the essence of unity, respect for tradition, and the preservation of cultural heritage specific to the Igbo community.

    Embracing tradition and unity

    The Mgbafu Mkpe rite not only signifies the acceptance of the widow within the husband’s family but also highlights the community’s commitment to upholding age-old mores that define their identity.

    Through the ceremony, the community demonstrates its unity and solidarity by coming together to honour and support widows to ensure that they are cared for and respected as a result of the loss of their spouses.

    Preserving cultural heritage

    At the heart of the Mgbafu Mkpe rite lays the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions that have been passed down through generations. This ritual serves as a testament to the values of family ties, respect for elders and the importance of community support in times of grief. By adhering to the customs, the Igbo community reaffirms its cultural identity and strengthens social bonds that have endured over time.

    Connecting tradition to modern times

    The Mgbafu Mkpe rite continues to hold relevance in contemporary society, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. As communities evolve, the ceremony remains a steadfast reminder of the enduring values of unity, respect and care for those in need. Its timeless significance resonates with individuals and families, emphasising the importance of honouring customs that shape their cultural legacy.

    Transitioning with tradition

     Against this backdrop of cultural significance and community unity, the recent handover of Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu to her late husband’s family at the Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony in the Emeabiam Community takes on added meaning.

    In the serene atmosphere that enveloped Emeabiam Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Sunday, March 31, 2024, the traditional Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony unfolded at the late Chief BUB and Nneoma Dora Anyanwu’s compound in Umuikea Emeabiam. This symbolic gesture not only reflects the enduring traditions of Igbo land but also underscores the commitment of the community to support and care for widows through age-old customs.

    The event marked a significant moment for Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of the late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN, CON), who passed away in December 2023.

    A symbolic handover

    Representing Umuegeolu Kindred, Elder Herbert Igbo facilitated the symbolic handover of Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu to the immediate younger brother of the late Governor, Prof. Wole Akeredolu.

    Igbo said: “We must ensure Chief Betty is embraced and cared for as one of our own, in line with our traditions.”

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    Tradition and gratitude

    Before the handover, the Akeredolus honoured tradition by presenting kola nuts, palm wine and a she-goat to the Umuegeolu Kindred, along with customary items to the Anyanwu family.

    Prof. Wole Akeredolu expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating that “we are grateful for the support and understanding shown by our extended family and community during this challenging time. We will continue to uphold our responsibilities towards Chief Betty.”

    Cultural significance

     Chief Celestine Okoro, the Principal Adviser to the Emeabiam Elders’ Council highlighted the cultural significance of the Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony, emphasising its importance within the Imo State community.

    Chief Okoro said: “This ceremony symbolises our unity, respect for tradition and commitment to caring for those in need within our community.”

    Unity and respect

    The presence of members of Umuegeolu family, Ndi Mgboto Emeabiam, Oha n’Ikoro Emeabiam and Babajide Akeredolu underscored the unity and respect shown during the ceremony.

    Babajide Akeredolu, one of Betty’s sons said: “It is heartening to witness the solidarity and support within our community. This ceremony reflects our values and traditions, uniting us in times of both joy and sorrow.”

    The Traditional ruler of Emeambia Autonomous Community, Eze Eunans Eke, Okpo 1 of Umuokpo told The Nation that the traditional rite is a long-preserved heritage.

    He said that rite is an acceptance of the woman by her husband’s relatives after the burial of her husband.

    “When a woman loses her husband, there is this tradition to let her people know that she has lost her husband. She visits her place (village) for Mkpe (mourning) or Azu Mkpe (after mourning) to let her people know that her husband is dead and that she is now mourning.

    “The relatives or immediate relatives of her husband usually accompany her to such visit. What that means is that they want to know if where she is married to would accept her again after the demise of her husband. Somebody from her husband’s place would follow her on that journey to identify that she is truly their wife and that even though her husband is late, somebody will have to stand out to accept that she is still our wife and I would continue from where her late husband stopped.  This is one of the significances of that matter.

    “So, usually in Igbo land, it is called Isi Mkpe, maybe somebody from her husband’s place will stand out to say I am taking her back from where my brother stopped.  I will be taking care of her, she is in good hands. This is the reason these things are done.”

    Continuing, he said: “In that arena, usually, there are representatives of the woman’s family, there are also representatives of where she is married to. They will be there where public questions would be asked from the woman’s relatives.

    Jokingly, he said: “Now that our daughter is here, we will not allow her to go back to her late husband’s place. Who is going to take care of her, we are taking her, we would allow her to go back there again and then someone from the husband’s place will say no she is still our wife, we still need her, we are here to take her back, we are going to take care of her and we will take care of every of her responsibilities. This is how it is spelt out. Questions are asked and positive answers are given.

    “However, if the woman has been a torn in their flesh, if the woman has not given them peace, if the woman is a pain, they don’t want her again; maybe the death of her husband has become a leeway to send her away.  In such circumstance, they would tell you to take her back; we don’t want to marry her again.

    “But, in this case, the husband’s brother came to say we need her, she is still part of us and I stand to say I will continue from where my late brother has stopped. I will take care of her.”

    He described the outing as very successful. “As far as I’m concerned, it was successful and positive.

    The royal father, therefore, advised:  “There is no perfect marriage or perfect relationship. The man who married her would have endured a lot of things while he was alive. They would not have told anybody what they had passed through. As long as she has lived with her husband for more or closer to 40 years, I think they should tolerate her and she should tolerate them also and as much as the man loved her all these years, they should accommodate her.”

    Elder Richard, another member of the kindred, explained that Mgbafu Mkpe serves as a poignant reminder of the rich cultural heritage and traditions that bind communities together.

    He said through rituals and ceremonies such as these, “the essence of unity, respect and care for widows is preserved, ensuring that customs are upheld and cherished for generations to come.”

    He said: “The community’s commitment to honouring its traditions and supporting those in need remains a cornerstone of its identity and strength.”

  • How my visit to Opokuma challenged my perception about the N’Delta

    How my visit to Opokuma challenged my perception about the N’Delta

    By Uche Igwe 

    My recent visit to the Opokuma community in Bayelsa state was quite a memorable eye-opener. It was initially for a funeral. One of our colleagues, Pereowei, lost his father, Pa Ebiowei Percy Joses and we all had to join him in solidarity. In truth, it was a trip I would have loved to avoid if I had a choice. But Mr. Pereowei and I share a fascinating history and his community brings up mixed memories. I met him many years ago while working on a not-for-profit project with the Late Mrs. Augustina Alaere Alaibe. Aunty Alaere (as we fondly called her) is one of the most compassionate and visionary women I have ever come across. 

    I worked with her closely and enjoyed her confidence and generosity. Looking back at the impact of the Family Reorientation Education and Empowerment (FREE), one would only imagine her kind of vision. My last visit to Opokuma was to commission a community library and self-esteem centre she built. Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka was a special guest at the event, which was widely attended. I remember joyfully accompanying Aunty back to Port Harcourt after the ceremony. We said goodbye to each other, but I did not know it was our last. 

    Anyway, it has been fourteen years now since we lost this indescribable Amazon. I was away in Scotland during her funeral, although I visited her husband in London before her remains were brought home for burial. Somehow, I had not visited Opokuma since then. When my friend announced the death of his father and later the funeral, I knew that I had to be there. As part of my trip, I decided to first to visit Trofani, Aunty’s community. It was my first time, so I arranged for Ebiowei Koinyan to accompany me. Ebi is from the same community and promised to guide me. 

    He did a bit more by giving me elaborate historical insight into some of the landmark events that took place in these communities. We passed by Okordia-Zarama, Sampou junction, Kalama junction, Kaiama, Odi and Aduku before heading to Trofani. 

    The journey was smooth, but the state of the east-west road slowed us down. 

    My colleague, Gideon, who drove the car, did his best to avoid the damaged parts of the road. Flooding hurt the road to the point that urgent attention is needed. Even with my drivers excellent driving skills, the journey took us longer than necessary. It was already dark when we got to Mbiama junction. The timing of our trip and the news about disturbances in some communities in the nearby Delta state made me a bit nervous as the night drew near. However, I did not share my apprehension with Ebi or the driver, so we continued.

    Interestingly, solar streetlights illuminated most communities, making our journey easier. It was very refreshing driving through Kaima and Odi, and later Opokuma. The lighting across the communities was both spectacular and distinctive. When I last visited, many of these communities were in utter darkness as they were yet to be connected to the national grid. It was quite fascinating to note the street lights were provided by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). 

    The street lights provided sufficient illumination that bolstered our confidence as we drove around in the night. I was told that some of these street lights have been used by students to read at night. Ebi pointed us to the blue and white painting on the poles, suggesting that the solar street lighting is part of a deliberate effort by the NDDC to contribute to fighting insecurity in the region. 

    Our return back to Opokuma was hitch-free. We all assembled in the house of the former Managing Director of NDDC, Mr. Timi Alaibe, before proceeding to Pereowei’s house. Unsurprisingly, we were joined by the current Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and his delegation.  What was supposed to be a funeral vigil almost turned into a carnival as guests were entertained with all sorts of music, especially reggae.

    By the time the vigil ended, it was way past midnight. We drove back to Yenagoa, where we found a hotel where we spent the night. It has been more than a week since we got back from that event, yet the picture of the illuminated streets keeps flashing back in my mind. 

    Those images permanently challenged my initial impression of the journey and helped me conquer my fears. I can speak for these communities in Bayelsa State because I was there. When I shared this experience with some friends, they confirmed that the situation is the same in other states. Providing street lighting may not be all that is needed to develop the Niger Delta; however, it is an important step in the right direction which must be applauded. 

    The stereotype of the Niger Delta as a region of poverty, insecurity and conflict is something many people have been made to believe over time. It will take a lot to challenge and counter it, but the situation on the ground suggests that some of these narratives are often exaggerated. Things have changed, but probably not at the pace that many people will expect when you take stock of the quantum of resources that have been extracted from the region. Yet, I will argue that Niger Delta is probably one of the safest regions in the country as of today. 

    The NDDC has its own share of criticisms and reputational baggage, but these footprints suggest that something different is going on under the new leadership in the agency. The infrastructural gap still remains. Solar street lighting interventions are valuable; however, there are opportunities to scale up these interventions to provision mini-grids to produce the required transformative impact on the livelihoods in these communities. 

    Dr Uche Igwe is a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science(LSE). He can be reached at ucheigwe@mail.com

  • Soludo’s hard stance on building collapse

    Soludo’s hard stance on building collapse

    Before now, issues of building collapse were strange in Anambra State. This may be because there was no compromise in the rules and regulations guiding the construction industry in the state. Unfortunately, the nasty incident has become a recurring trend over time, so much so that no fewer than 20 lives are said to have been lost and many others were injured. Southeast Bureau Chief, NWANOSIKE ONU reports that Governor Charles Soludo has taken a hard stance to correct the anomaly.

    Less than three weeks after a three-storey building collapsed at the Odu-Igbo section of the Ochanja Market in Onitsha, killing no fewer than six people, another five-storey building has collapsed at Basden Street, Fegge, in the commercial city of Onitsha, in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Unlike before, the issue of building collapse seems to be a recurring one, which results in loss of life and property. The causes of these collapses range from poor construction practices, lack of proper building regulations and inadequate enforcement of existing regulations.

    The effects of a building collapse could be catastrophic. They may include the loss of lives, the incapacity of those who were injured in the collapse, the destruction of property, financial losses, the wastage of time and valuable resources and an increase in the number of homeless people, among other effects.

    Buildings can collapse due to several reasons. Experts in the construction industry believe that “a structure can collapse due to soil absorbency, poor design; poor quality material or maybe even due to fire or earthquake or Tsunami. The engineer cannot prevent the structure from collapse or failure but can warn the residents and certify that the structure is unfit for dwelling.”

    Authorities also say that other reasons that could lead to building collapse include substituting specified materials for substandard ones. Other areas of concern include poor concrete mixes, premature removal of formworks and general poor workmanship; use of substandard materials; and use of substandard blocks from block factories.

    In recent times, building collapse has become a recurrent issue in every nook and cranny of Anambra State.

    Some of the areas where the incident has been noticed, perhaps often, are the commercial and industrial cities of Onitsha and Nnewi; where most of the buildings are alleged to have been erected without specifications.

    In the process, people get various degrees of injuries, lose their lives and goods or are rendered homeless. There are casualties in such incidences as witnessed a few weeks ago when a three-storey building collapsed at Odu-Igbo Market, Ochanja on one Monday night. When the building collapsed, five people died instantly while about 26 people were trapped.

    The incident forced Governor Chukwuma Soludo to cut short his programmes to pay an unscheduled visit to the scene. The level of devastation unsettled him.

    As if that was not enough, another five-storey building collapsed a week later. This time around, the incident occurred at Fegge. Before the Fegge and Ochanga incidents, the same thing had played out in Nnewi and its neighbouring town of Ozubulu, among others.

    In Anambra State, no fewer than 20 people had lost their lives, while several others were hospitalised due to various degrees of injuries.

    Such a thing has become reoccurring because it has been said that at least, one building collapses every three months.

    Worried about the horrid situation, the Soludo administration has expressed its commitment to tackling the menace; which he described as a preventable tragedy.

    He said one of the best ways to confront the anomaly is through tackling the issues of impunity and illegal constructions. He revealed that the collapsed buildings were erected by private developers without the government’s approval.

    But, does he have the willpower to carry out his plans to sanitise the construction industry in Anambra State?

    Some stakeholders believe that Soludo has the political will to right the wrongs in the state’s construction industry. As a corroboration of stakeholders’ opinions, the governor is said to have already marked some buildings for demolition. The marked buildings, according to him, did not meet the government’s specifications in terms of approval.

    Again, the governor has evolved plans to redesign some areas where rock-solid structures would be erected.

    He said: “All buildings constructed without proper approval will be brought down henceforth, including structures currently under construction at other markets.

    “A comprehensive inventory of buildings in Anambra markets and public places will be conducted.

    “Markets will undergo integrity tests to identify and remove potentially unsafe structures, and individuals found responsible for illegal construction will face legal consequences.”

    He emphasised the importance of prioritising public safety, even as he vowed to eradicate “the impunity and lawlessness” that have enveloped the construction industry. We can’t afford to waste one life because of the greed of a few.”

    The Chairman of Ochanja Market, Mr Bonaventure Mmuo told The Nation that all market leaders in the state must adhere to the governor’s instruction. He said the issue of building collapse is giving Anambra State a bad name.

    Governor Soludo has instructed the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji to begin the demolition of illegal structures in the area. The demolition instruction followed the collapse of a five-storey building in Fegge.

    The illegal structures, according to Soludo, belong to the state and not Nigeria Inland Water Ways (NIWA).

    In a chat with The Nation, the Secretary of the Hausa Community in Onitsha North and South local government areas, Alhaji Ishawu Imam praised the governor and the chairman for their decision to give them time to move their properties out from the buildings marked for demolition.

    “We’re happy with the developmental programmes of the Soludo-led administration. We pledge our continued support to the government,” he said.

    The council boss told The Nation that most buildings currently under construction would be subjected to integrity tests to avoid further catastrophe.

    He said he would meet with the Chairman of the Physical Planning Board in Awka before the government commences the process.

    “Everywhere in Onitsha cannot be market. We have declared war on illegal structures and we shall ensure that the right things are done about building collapse in Onitsha South Local Government Area,” Orji said.

    However, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) said it would not relent in its effort to curb the menace of quackery in the state and country.

    The Chairman of the Council in Anambra State, Victor Meju told The Nation that substandard materials and poor foundation are the reasons for building collapse.

    This, according to hi, had claimed many lives in Nnewi, Ozubulu Onitsha and other cities in Nigeria.

    He told The Nation that COREN is collaborating with the administration of Soludo to ensure that those faking engineering practices are stopped.

    Meju reeled off some statistics on the number of casualties resulting from building collapse. He said there were three in Nnewi, two in Ozubulu and 11 in Onitsha.

    “We have heard about a series of deaths as a result of building collapse in the state. Before, it used to be Lagos, but it has become rampant in Anambra.

    “In the first week of May 2024, I will lead a campaign in the state concerning building collapse. We have failed in that aspect. We are bringing in young engineers with high technical qualities. Our retired colleagues don’t have the new models anymore.

    “If you go to many sites, you will see Architects posing as engineers. Those things have to stop,” the COREN chairman said.

    He advised prospective builders: “When embarking on such a massive building project, keep behind political, ethnic and religious sentiment and consult the council for proper orientation. When such buildings collapse, they create tension and panic among the residents.”

    The Chairman of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Chike Maduekwe, a lawyer said such things wouldn’t be happening if proper procedures were followed.

    During his visit to one of the collapsed sites in Onitsha, Soludo promised that he would ensure that the victims of the collapsed building get justice.

    He said: “When investigations are completed, the developer, the chairman of the market and every other person involved in the disaster will be prosecuted and jailed.

    “The remaining building under construction by the same developer which is close to the collapsed one will be demolished immediately after rescue operations on the site have been completed.”

    On how to stop frequent building collapses, Soludo said that henceforth, the erection of any building in any market in Anambra State must get his approval, or else it will be demolished.

    He also said every other existing building must pass through an integrity test.

    The major problem any administration faces is selective justice. As Soludo has rolled out his plans for the state, those who are likely to suffer it are the less privileged.

    Those the government will descend on are those who have no one to speak for them. Their friends, cronies and associates would be free from any such exercise.

    No government works without implementing its policies. The governor has reeled off brilliant ideas to tackle building collapse in the state. How it works out remains a conjecture.

  • Calls to end poverty, cycle of women’s abuse heighten

    Calls to end poverty, cycle of women’s abuse heighten

    • Stakeholders demand financial architecture and digital tech reforms to drive gender equality

    After two weeks of high-level deliberations on issues affecting women’s socio-economic emancipation and the recurring violence against women and girls at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports that the 68th session of the Commission on the Status (CSW68) ended with delegates’ consensus on reforming financial architecture, digital technology and strengthening institutions to end women’s and girls’ poverty

    The background

    Over 50 edicts that suppress the rights of women and girls have been issued by the Taliban in Afghanistan. In Sudan, scores of women have reportedly been subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence in the ongoing conflict. There are also horrific accounts in the report by the United Nations Special Representative to Israel, Pramila Patten of sexual violence against women and girls and indications of sexualised torture during the terror attacks launched by Hamas and other armed groups on October 7; as well as shocking testimonies of sexual violence against Palestinian women in detention settings, house raids and checkpoints in the occupied territory. It also indicated that more than two-thirds of the tens of thousands of people killed and injured during Israel’s military operations in Gaza were reportedly women and children.

    In Nigeria, at least 1,400 students (mostly girls) have been kidnapped from schools since the 2014 incident involving 276 Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram Terrorists. Women and girls have continued to bear the brunt of armed violence with horrendous tales of rape and sexual exploitation of victims filling public spaces daily.

    The world over, conflict and crisis are increasing; with a devastating impact on women and girls. Despite evidence that women’s full participation makes peacebuilding more effective, the number of women in decision-making roles has continued to plummet.

    It is against this backdrop that how to end the poverty of women and girls, stop all forms of violence and discrimination against them and also restructure financial systems, digital technology algorithms and the renewable energy sector was the crux of the United Nations (UN) 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68th) held in New York, USA.

    The two-week high-level deliberations which brought together two Heads of State, three vice presidents, over 100 ministers and 4,800 Civil Society Organisation (CSO) representatives described as worrisome the rising cases of discrimination against women and girls in many parts of the world.

    With approximately 270 side events organised by member states, inter-governmental organisations and UN entities; as well as over 760 parallel events held by civil society and youth-led organisations, this year’s CSW, recorded as the second highest attendance since its establishment in February 1947, agreed that women and girls were the worst hit in the turbulence the world is currently going through.

    The issues

    Setting the pace for the discussions, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, at the opening ceremony, revealed that the latest statistics showed 10.3 per cent of women were living in multi-dimensional poverty; calling for intentional reforms and investments in women and girls.

    “Our world is going through turbulent times, and women and girls are being hit hard.  In conflict zones around the globe, women and girls are suffering most from wars waged by men…

    “The facts are clear: women lead to peace.  Budgets and policies must follow with ambitious targets for women’s participation and urgent investments in women’s peacebuilding.

    Many women and girls are also facing a war on their fundamental rights at home and in their communities. Hard-fought progress is being reversed. Women’s rights are fundamentally a question of power, and I see two deeply worrying trends.

    “Despite the enormous progress which all of you have helped to realise, patriarchy is far from vanquished.  It is regaining ground.  Autocrats and populists are attacking women’s freedoms and their sexual and reproductive rights.  They promote what they call “traditional” values.

    And patriarchy is, indeed, an age-old tradition.

    “Discrimination against women goes back millennia. We don’t want to bring it back,” Guterres said.

    According to him, it was time for governments; civil society and the Silicon Valley of the world to join a massive effort to bridge the digital gender divide and ensure women have decision-making roles in digital technology at all levels.

    “This is one of the main goals of the Global Digital Compact that will be central to the Summit of the Future in September.

    “Your gathering this year is focused on tackling poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective are critical to accelerating gender equality.

    “The reason is simple: Globally, poverty has a female face.  Women have less access to land, natural resources and financial assets.  They suffer the impacts of climate change more than men, and they are more likely to be food insecure,” he said.

    The UN boss noted that the world was failing to invest in women and girls, adding that the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, mounting debt, climate-related disasters and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis were shrinking the pie even more.

    Read Also: Why we did not recover $69.4 million electricity debt, by NBET

    “We will not solve today’s challenges by relying on a global financial system that helps perpetuate inequality.

    I am therefore calling for an SDG Stimulus that would provide $500 billion annually in affordable long-term finance for developing countries. The proposal includes a debt lifeline to create breathing space for countries facing impossible repayment schedules.

    “Leaders endorsed the Stimulus at last year’s SDG Summit.  I urge all countries to support these efforts to increase the investments that will achieve SDG 5 on gender equality and turbocharge progress across the entire 2030 agenda.

    “At the national level, governments are responsible for investing in ending poverty and achieving inclusive, sustainable development for all. That takes budgets and taxes that address the specific needs of impoverished women and girls.

    “Governments must recognise the key economic role of unpaid care work, with policies that support both mothers and fathers to take paid work outside the home.  They should ensure that their climate policies, including a just and equitable transition to renewable energy, boost employment opportunities for women and improve access to goods and services for women and girls.

    “They must do more to prevent the global scourge of violence against women and girls and end the abomination of female genital mutilation. Equal rights for women and girls depend on ending violence and abuse against them.

    “The Commission on the Status of Women catalyses the transformation we need.  At this difficult and divided moment, let’s work together to end poverty in all its dimensions. Let’s do it by investing in women and girls, betting on women and girls and pushing for peace and dignity for women and girls everywhere,” he said.

    Gender equality is a fundamental human right

    In her keynote presentation at the Africana Women Working Group event whose theme was “Accelerating the achievement for gender equality and empowerment of women by women: implication on poverty and strengthening institutions,” held at the UN Delegates’ Dining room, The First Lady of Bahamas, Anne Marie Davis, emphasised her country’s dedication to gender equality and her role as a champion for the empowerment and protection of women, girls, and vulnerable communities.

    Recognising gender equality as a fundamental human right, Davis stressed the urgent need for collective responsibility to address inequalities, calling for shared responsibility to tackle the matter.

    She highlighted how women’s empowerment could trigger social and economic development, noting that   societies were yet to tap into their potential

    “We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history where recognising gender equality as a fundamental right is more than a moral obligation. It is a strategic need. Women’s empowerment is a catalyst for social and economic achievement, and we must use it to move all our nations ahead.

    “Empowering women involves not only empowering individuals, but families, communities and even nations, as we heard here this morning. Women are fundamental to every pocket of our societies, but our potential remains largely untouched. There are still too many areas that we need improvement in,” she said.

    Davis also stressed the need for institution strengthening by removing gender-based discrimination, supporting equal pay, and promoting women-led enterprises. She reiterated the importance of investing in women’s skill development and education to ensure their active involvement in the workplace and economy.

    She identified political empowerment as a ‘critical driver’ of institutional strength while advocating for greater representation of women in decision-making bodies at all levels of government.

    “When women engage in decision-making at all levels of government, policies represent a wide range of viewpoints, needs and goals of everyone, an entire cross-section, not just of a certain few. But we recognise that there is so much work to be done locally and globally. Davis emphasised the role of the UN in encouraging dialogue, sharing best practices, and mobilising resources to support initiatives that empower women and girls economically, socially, and politically.

    She said: “So, while we work together on gender equality at a national level in our respective countries, it is critical to know the value of international cooperation. The difficulties we face are global and so the answers must be collaborating.

    “The United Nations plays an important role in encouraging dialogue, sharing best practices, and mobilising resources to accelerate progress towards gender equality. And as I said earlier in my speech, provincial resources are critical for enacting gender-responsive policies and services…”

    No more rhetoric

     UN Coordinator, Africana Women Working Group, Prof. Adaeze Menakaya, stressed the need to prioritise interest rather than the continuous rhetoric.

    “What do we want? If women stand up today with one voice, that is our priority. Look at what happened in Liberia, women came together and the war came to an end. So we are talking about the priority to stop this cankerworm that is happening with women.

    “Till today, women are dying; widows’ rights are being taken away. The children and women are suffering. Women in the office cannot be promoted; you cannot go further because you are a woman.

    “Gender inequalities, gender balances and imbalances, gender emotions, gender character…these are all-inclusive and we are talking about the 2030 development agenda with six years to go into the end of the 2030 agenda.

    “So, we need to stand up to our priorities. Prioritise our issues, put an end to these global cankerworms and let women be dignified just like how God created us. We are fearfully and wonderfully made and nothing fashioned against us shall prosper. We stand out on the ground to say enough is enough. Our priorities stand right now,” she said.

    The First Female African-American Archbishop in the U.S., Her Eminence Mary Floyd Palmer, chronicled the challenges women had overcome, from gaining the right to vote to facing poverty and inequalities.

    Palmer expressed concerns about the lack of wisdom and unity in the current generation, emphasising the need for women to support and uplift each other.

    “In many countries around the world, we may not even be considered a part of the population of what matters…Now we have a whole generation that doesn’t seem to know what they’re doing. Our children are no less than 15 years younger than us. Our grandchildren are 30 years younger than us and our great-grandmas are sexier than our youngest grandchild.

    “We don’t seem to have wisdom. We don’t want to hear nothing from anybody with just a little bit of gray hair,” she said.

    The Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs and Children of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi reminded the women it was time to take actions that would leave lasting legacies for the future.

    Using the Renewed Hope initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu as an example, Benjamins-Laniyi explained how they were turning the lives of rural and low-income women in the FCT around.

    “It’s about positioning women first to impact their communities. So you don’t need to do it with a speech, but you need to do it with a lifestyle impacting every other lifestyle.

    “Today, every woman must recognise that in closing gaps, you are dealing with the gaps. You need the courage to confront whatever the gap is around you.  It may not end with you, but begin it. Step into it and raise with you a community of gap closures.

    “You and I must make that representation affordable, available, accessible, sustainable, and scalable and you know what? Make it clean.

    “You are the only weapon that we can use either against ourselves or to go far in life.

    And this weapon is our love. “Love the other woman, love another woman. But best of all, be that woman that other women can love,” she said at the Women Development in Urban and Rural Communities side event organised by Betneely Charity Foundation.

     Women’s access to clean energy

    The President of Women in Energy Network, Mrs. Eyono Fatayi Williams, who also spoke at the Betneely Charity Foundation’s event said developing women through SDG7 (affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all) meant a more inclusive and sustainable bundle of developmental opportunities for ready and willing women.

    “Women are disproportionately affected by energy poverty with the lack of access to clean and affordable energy and this impact will withhold education and economic opportunities,” she said.

    Mrs Williams argued that inclusive policy changes were required to cater to the peculiar needs of women in urban and rural areas.

    She called for policies that are gender-sensitive, and gender-inclusive and that address the challenges and blockers which make it difficult for women to access the opportunities for development in the energy sector.

    “Energy access is crucial for women’s development in urban and rural areas. Interventions can be on a national, sub-national or local council level while NGOs and other development partners also have a role to play, individuals have a role to play; you can sponsor a community or a cluster of women.

    Making a virtual contribution to the discussions, the Mandate Secretary for Health and Environmental Services of the FCT, Dr Dolapo Fasawe said: “Women in developing countries have been known to be the ones responsible for getting water for the family. With their certification, they have to go far and wide looking for resources to keep the family going.”

    A voice for rural women and girls

    The Founder of Betneely Charity Foundation, Dr Betty Olutunde emphasised the need for equal access to justice and the elimination of all forms of violence against women in rural areas who she said faced even more challenges than those in urban areas.

    In rural areas, this can be achieved through initiatives like promoting education and electricity for girls and providing sanitation, improving access to healthcare, said Olutunde.

    “Peace, justice and strong institutions are keys to promoting the development of women in Africa, in many African countries, women face discrimination and inequality in both urban and rural areas.

    “Weak institutions often make it difficult to implement policies that would improve women’s lives,” she said.

    The President of Defence and Police Officers’ Wives’ Association, (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa highlighted some of the interventions the organisation had embarked upon.

    She said: “DEPOWA under my leadership has conducted cervical cancer screening for over 500 women.

    To help improve our women’s personal effectiveness and productivity, DEPOWA organised a two-day personal visioning and planning workshop to help participants create a clear and specific vision for their future.

    “The goal was to help them gain clarity about what they want to achieve and how they can make their vision a reality. One hundred women participated in that workshop…”

     Agreed outcomes

    To meet the 2030 deadline to end women and girls’ poverty, stakeholders agreed that there was need to work 26 times faster.

    The Commission recognised that women and girls living in poverty become ‘shock absorbers’ in times of crisis and that further efforts were needed to increase resources to address their poverty.

    Acknowledging that the international financial architecture was not fit for a crisis-prone world, the Commission called for reforms to enable countries to mobilise and invest resources in gender equality. These measures include debt relief and progressive taxation and ensuring that public resources were allocated to address the needs and rights of women and girls.

    Also recommended were the mobilisation of financial resources from public and private sources; strengthening the international financial architecture; ensuring a gender lens in national budgeting processes, and preventing regressive taxation that disproportionately impacts women and girls with low or no income.

    The outcome document also noted that official development assistance must be increased to address women’s and girls’ poverty.

    The Commission called for the implementation of gender-responsive economic and social policies, including increased women’s representation, leadership and participation in economic institutions, enforcing core labour standards to ensure equal pay for work of equal value, and implementing policies to support women-owned businesses.

    It recommended the engagement and financing of women’s organisations, adding that robust, flexible and multi-year financing for locally-led feminist movements and women’s rights organisations was critical to addressing poverty, as proven by existing mechanisms such as the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women and the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund.

    The need to strengthen national capacities to collect and use disaggregated data on multidimensional poverty, and to adopt new development strategies towards sustainable economies was also brought to the fore.

    These include strengthening inclusive and gender-responsive social protection systems and scaling up investment in the care economy to reduce women’s time and income poverty and expand their employment opportunities.

  • Sustaining path to successful women-led businesses

    Sustaining path to successful women-led businesses

    Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) play critical role in achieving sustainable growth. But for SMEs to thrive, funding and capacity building are critical. The Women’s Day edition of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Business Series in Lagos presented an opportunity to equip the bank’s customers, especially the women with the strategies to help build successful businesses, writes Assistant Business Editor, COLLINS NWEZE.

    The economies of great nations thrive on the strength and output of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), widely seen as engine of growth.

    The benefits of providing capacity building and funding for SMEs are huge. Banks with foresight are, therefore, taking steps to invest and support SMEs in the interest of the economy.

    United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is one of the banks that is investing and supporting SMEs.The bank used the opportunity provided by the Women’s Day edition of the UBA Business Series tagged ‘Her Story’ and meant to celebrate the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) to demonstrate its commitment to SMEs, especially women-led businesses.

    During the event, held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, successful female business entrepreneurs used the event to advise SME operators and would-be business owners to focus on meeting specific needs of customers and also promoting tier own self-development.

    These, the speakers said, would create a path towards building prosperous brands in the short and long-term.

    During the hybrid event, entrepreneurs emphasised the need for SMEs to invest in themselves and have a proper working business structure as tips that will help build and grow their businesses.

    The co-founder and CEO of Good Hair Limited, Chioma Ikokwu; Founder of African Naturalistas, Atilola Moronfolu; founder of Hello Perfect, a leading skin aesthetics and laser clinic in Nigeria, Onyeka Michael-Ugwu and actress/founder and Chief Executive Officer, NOUA Skin, a luxury boutique skin studio based in Lagos, Oshuwa Tunde-Imoyo, were panellists at the special women’s edition of last quarter’s UBA Business series who spoke on the theme: “Her story”.

    Ojukwu, who emphasised the need for meaningful partnerships and collaborations in business, said: “It is important to start by solving a problem, you have to separate your lifestyle from your business and ensure that you are intentional about what you put out there. Also, get straight to the point about what you are offering your customers, no need beating about the bush.’’

    Buttressing Chioma’s point, Onyeka told business owners and would-be entrepreneurs to surround themselves with the right people as these are the people that will help tend to the growth of the business. “I always tell people, build a team that can give their best to your business. When you treat your team right, they will put their all into growing your business,” she said.

    Atilola who was all about the advantage of a proper business structure to one’s business, said, “Get your structure right, you need to have a standard operating procedure that works whether you are physically present or not. Also, it is very important to separate your personal finances from your business finances, that way, your business learns to thrive on its own,” she explained.

    On her part, Oshuwa spoke about education and investing in one’self, as she added that business owners need to hone their skills, and should not be afraid to ask for help when they need it. “I agree with Atilola and Onyeka about collaborations and I also subscribe to learning new things by investing in educating yourself, this will translate into better business decisions,” she said.

    UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, who commended the panelists for taking time off their busy schedules to share their knowledge, said UBA organises these business series frequently as they go a long way towards equipping customers, especially the women with the strategies to help build successful businesses.

    Read Also: Why we did not recover $69.4 million electricity debt, by NBET

    “We believe that SMEs, especially those run by the females, are the engine of growth in any economy, and so, at UBA, we invest in educating our customers and Small business owners on tips that will help them run successful businesses that can impact the world,” Ladipo said.

    UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the  continent, with 25,000 employees’ group wide and serving over 35 million customers globally. Operating in 20 African countries and in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.

    More initiatives to support SMEs

    The UBA recently instituted $100 million new loans to SMEs and other businesses across Africa that are focused on green finance projects.

    UBA’s Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, broke the news during the partnership signing agreement between the bank and the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) at the UBA Head Office in Lagos. He said the move aligned with the bank’s commitment to fostering economic development and reducing poverty.

    “The facility aligns with our objective to power businesses. Through this, we will lend to women-led SMEs at cheaper rates. It will demonstrate our commitment to gender equality. We will actively engage governments to create loans. It is a transformative initiative for fostering economic development,” Alawuba said.

    The AGF will under the agreement provide $50 million Portfolio Guarantee for the SMEs and green finance projects that will benefit from the facility.

    The AGF will further facilitate extensive capacity building for the borrowers, with special focus women-led businesses and green finance projects across the 20 countries where UBA operates in Africa

    Alawuba reiterated the bank’s commitment towards supporting SMEs in Africa, especially to women-founded and managed businesses.

    He said the bank’s robust network, which is spread across the 20 countries in Africa and major global financial capitals remain big advantage.

    He said: “This guarantee will serve as a catalyst for the bank’s intervention for SME business, women-led and environment friendly businesses, enabling us to further extend our reach and impact. Additionally, the extensive capacity development initiatives planned for our SME customers across 20 African countries align with our vision to empower businesses, drive innovation, and foster sustainable growth.

     “I am particularly excited about our focus on advancing the AfCFTA initiative, reaffirming UBA’s $6 billion commitment to SMEs across Africa. This initiative, announced in September last year, demonstrates our dedication to supporting the economic integration of our continent,” he further said.

    “Moreover, our commitment to promoting gender equality in our business is reflected in our collaboration with the Affirmative Finance Action for Women(AFAWA) protocol. Through this we will provide loans to women-owned SMEs at more concessional rates, with customer friendly collateral terms, aiming to bridge the significant financing gap faced by women in Africa, amounting to $42 billion,” Alawuba noted.

    In the same vein, capacity development platforms are to be extended for free or at highly discounted rates while the partners will engage with governments across Africa to create and activate business environments that are more women friendly. It will also expand the bank’s Green Finance propositions across Africa.

    Also, the Group CEO of African Guarantee Fund, Jules Ngankam, said the partnership between two pan-African institutions who are both at the forefront of catalysing growth and development of SMEs will significantly drive economic growth across the continent.

    “Small and medium enterprises despite being the backbone of all African economies – they account for 90 per cent of the private sector and 60 per cent of all jobs – are perceived as risky and therefore have limited access to financing. Through this guarantee facility and the technical capacity development grant support, we will de-risk SMEs with a priority on those that are owned or led by women and those that are within the green sector.

    This partnership is sequel to the announcement made by UBA, and Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in September 2024, which will help the bank drive its $6 billion commitment to SMEs across Africa under the AfCFTA initiative.

    Support for Intra-Africa trade 

    Intra-African trade is also a key area of strength for the UBA. The bank’s  presence in 20 African countries is mainly to drive intra-African trade. Its partnership with AfCFTA is also to drive inter-African trade.

    Also, the UBA is at th forefront of the partnership involving Afreximbank’s  Pan-African Payment & Settlement System (PAPSS), a payment system for settlement of business transactions across Africa.

    So, intra-African trade is important and Africa needs to trade more with each other and that will further improve our economic development across the continent.

    Alawuba recently disclosed that UBA is a bank focused on African development. A lot has been happening in Africa and we recently met with development partners to discuss agenda for Africa’s development.

    He said: “Some of our customers also share the same development agenda for Africa. And I believe that this is our time, this is the time for UBA, to work with other development partners and corporate organisations across Africa to develop the resources and opportunities that are available in Africa.

    “We are present in 20 African countries and four other countries outside Africa. We believe that Africa has tremendous opportunities and we need to have partners, institutions that will be able to harness these opportunities for the people. So, UBA is well-positioned to facilitate business within Africa and the rest of the world”.

    He said the most important thing  is for Africa to drive financial inclusion, adding that a lot of Africans that are left out of the banking industry and that is where UBA comes in.

    “UBA is in the forefront of using digital technology to drive financial inclusion. And we think that we need to build strong African institutions that will be able to support infrastructure development, support SMEs and the development of our continents.

    “Our goal is to work with several development partners who share the same vision, the vision that Africa needs to move and improve development in the continent. And this development has to be done by Africans working with like minds who believe that Africa must move forward,” he said.

    Funding support for economy

    The UBA also recently received a $175 million facility from the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) Group.

    The fund will be channeled towards enhancing its support to the private sector and financing of infrastructure development in Nigeria.

    This facility comprises a $100 million in long-term senior debt, $50 million of trade finance medium-term senior debt and a $25 million risk participation programme. The announcement was made following AfDB’s Board of Directors nod for the facility.

    The long-term senior debt will enhance UBA’s capacity to finance projects in Nigeria in the key sectors of infrastructure, agriculture and related value chains, as well as manufacturing, energy, and SMEs.

  • Couple who lost older son to NDLEA officials’ bullets battle to save second baby’s sight

    Couple who lost older son to NDLEA officials’ bullets battle to save second baby’s sight

    For the family of Fidelis Omhonria, July 13, 2023 is a date that would live in the memory for life. It was the day that bullets shot from the guns of  officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) killed their older son and shattered an eye of the second. Eight months after, the family is not only battling with the irreversible damage that was done to their psyche, they are also saddled with the burden of paying the enormous hospital bills that come with treating the second child, who doctors insist must be flown abroad to save his sight. In spite of the urgency that the trip requires, the family regrets that little or nothing is being done to expedite action, INNOCENT DURU reports.

    • US hospital bill jumps from N60m to N150m  

    • Delta govt reneges on promise to reimburse family  

    • NDLEA, Delta govt deny allegations

    Eromonsele, a less than two years old toddler, faces the risk of losing his sight unless urgent steps are taken to fly him abroad for necessary medical attention.

    Much as his parents have tried to put behind them the ugly experience of their eldest son’s death from bullets fired by some yet to be identified NDLEA officials, Eromonsele’s painful cries every night evokes an ugly reminder of the tragic incident.

    “At times when he cries, you see blood coming out from that particular eye,” said Eromosele’s distraught father, Fidelis, as he fought back tears. “The way they programmed the use of my son’s eye drop is somehow. We must do it every two hours to avoid infection and we must apply it without failing,” he added.

    The sleepless nights and huge sums spent on Eromonsele would have mattered less to the distraught parents if they are certain that the solution lies in them. But the solution, according to medical experts, lies in flying him abroad, the US to be precise, for advanced medical care.

    “After trying their best, doctors at Federal Medical Centre, Asaba where the two kids were initially rushed to said they would have to refer him to Lagos because the situation of the eye was not one they could handle.

    Fidelis said: “We came to Eye Foundation in Lagos and were there for more than one week. The consultant later said because he (Eromosele) is a little child, they did not have the machine to see through the cornea of the affected eye because the damage was much.

    “He advised that it would be better for us to take him out of the country. We had to come back to Asaba where another ophthalmologist also said the best thing for us is to fly him out of the country.”

    Fidelis recalled that while they were in Lagos, NDLEA officials kept calling, “and I told them we were in Lagos trying to stabilise the boy, because at that point, he was not talking.  I said I would get in touch with them when I got back to Asaba.

    “On getting back to Asaba, I called the number that was calling me but it was not reachable. The controller that was there before had been transferred. After that period, they abandoned me.

    “When I came back to Asaba, I also tried to communicate it to them that we were back and that Eye Foundation said they could not do it; that the child needed medical attention in the US. But the NDLEA started telling me that they would come today, they would come tomorrow.

    “They were doing all that because it is not any of their sons. This is my son. I have to do anything I can at this level to see that I save my little boy.”

    Personal efforts to fly child abroad

    Seeing that the NDLEA was not forthcoming, one of Fidelis’ friends stepped in and helped him to do USA visa applications for his family.

    He said: “We processed the passports and all that on our own since NDLEA was not responding. I communicated with them to let them know what I was doing and they said they would get back to me.

    “The legal officer later said they did not have money. The bill given to me for the treatment in the US was between N60 million and N70 million.

    “We contacted a doctor over there who promised to assist. She said the surgery would not be done in her hospital but that she would help us coordinate the system for my son to be taken to a teaching hospital there.

    “She said the most important thing was to bring my son there. But the only thing she would not assure me was that she would give me a visa. The NDLEA, at least, can write and stand and help us to coordinate everything in the US.

    “I made everything known to the NDLEA and the chairman later called me to condole with me. He said he was currently not in the country but whatever the case, he was coming to Asaba.

    “He said he wanted to send me some money but I said on what account are you sending me money? He said no, it was not from NDLEA; that he was sending me the money in his own personal capacity because he saw my son as his own grandson.”

    After that period, Fidelis said, there was a break in communication.

    Delta State governor, SSG step in

    Fidelis recalled that when the incident occurred, the Delta State governor and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) came and said they were going to settle all the bills of which he had paid about 80 per cent.

    “Since the governor said he was going to settle all the bills, I stopped going to the NDLEA because I was not hearing from them again.

    “At a point, one of the PAs in the governor’s office said I should stop calling because it was NDLEA’s responsibility.

    “One of my friends escalated the issue on social media, quoting the governor. After that, the SSG called, saying that he thought we had long been sorted with the money that the governor promised.

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    “He said I should go and bring evidence of all the expenses I had made and the ones we were expecting to make. I went and gave everything to him and he said he was very sorry he never knew that the whole incident had not been sorted.

    “He said that the governor actually had intention of giving me money to sort out things but because they were very busy, they didn’t know that it had not been sorted. This was between the end of October and early November 2023.”

    Continuing, Fidelis said: “He said the governor would need to approve some money for me, including the one I was going to spend overseas and everything concerning the boy; that he was going to take over the responsibility.

    “He said they would write a letter to the US Embassy so that they could at least grant us a visa. The SSG wrote a letter, added all the applications I had done so far and sent it to the Abuja embassy of the US.

    “He tried his best and also helped me to connect to a doctor in the US to help me out and make the necessary arrangements in  the US concerning my son’s condition.

    In the process of doing that, he said, “the NDLEA Chairman, Bubba Marwa, came on the 2nd of November to pay a condolence visit to me in my house in Asaba.

    “Before then, our lawyer, because we had waited for NDLEA for a very long time, had  already sent a petition through the senator representing this constituency, Senator Ned Nwoko, to the Senate.

    Before Marwa came, we had to go to court for the civil suit. The government was handling the criminal case.

    “When Marwa came, he told me that there was no need for court; that I should tell my family to see how we could take care of my little child so that we would send him to the United States for proper care.

    “The NDLEA chairman went on air to say that he would fast track everything that I had been doing so that my son would be taken to the US for proper treatment.

    “After he left, I went to meet my family member an told him what he said and the efforts of the SSG, and that we should withdraw the case.

    “Later, the SSG told me that since the NDLEA had come into the matter, we should let everybody work together so that the state and the federal governments would not be working at cross purposes.”

    NDLEA takes over

    Going forward, the embattled father said NDLEA attached a protocol officer to him to start giving them all the necessary information on the document they needed to fly the child and the parents abroad.

    “All the documents they needed from both here and Lagos Eye Foundation  I  submitted to them to expedite action, because we had already got a date.

    “When you apply for US visa, they would give you a far date, but because it is a critical case, the government needs to come in to help us expedite it so that we can have a close date.

    “Thereafter, the protocol officer asked me to resend all that had I sent before. I was wondering because we already got a date and only needed them to expedite it.

    “From November till December ending, nothing was done.  I went and buried my son that was killed, hoping on what Marwa had said.

    “I informed NDLEA about the burial and begged them to assist so that the other boy could see. They said okay, that they would do their best. 

    “I have kept begging the (NDLEA) chairman and everybody around him for help so that my son does not go totally blind. I have lost one already.”

    When NDLEA was foot dragging with expediting the date given for the interview, Fidelis said: “My uncle helped us get a date, which was February 2nd 2024, for the visa interview. I told him the NDLEA was already working on it so that they could stand that they were sponsoring the trip. I so much believed Marwa’s words.

    “To my greatest surprise, on the first of February, the NDLEA protocol officer called and said that there was a visa interview date for me. I said I hope it was not the date that one of my uncles had already got for me.  Why are they capitalising on this?

    “The protocol officer called me at about 8:30 pm when I was already sleeping. He said there was a date for me; that they saw it in their system. I told them that the date was more or less for the application I personally submitted and not theirs.

    “Their legal officer said we should go to the embassy; that they would see how they could do a letter to them.  Before then, NDLEA said I should change the location to Lagos because that was where they could do it with ease.

    “I did so, but to my greatest surprise, it was the date that my uncle got that they told me about, and it was Abuja and not Lagos they asked me to change to.

    “That very night, I called my agent and he booked a flight for my entire family. When it was our turn to be interviewed, they looked at the medical report and everything and said there was no NDLEA involvement in the process and so they would not be able to give us  visa.

    “They said we should go and do the needful and reapply. I thereafter messaged Marwa and he apologised. He reimbursed the money I spent on the flight from Asaba to Abuja.”

    Within 48 hours, Fidelis said, “I submitted another application. I paid half a million from my pocket.   The protocol officer then called, asking me to send my documents. I did all that.

    “She said I should accept any date that they give me in the application so that they could expedite it. Since I did that till now, it has been still story upon story and my son’s condition is getting worse on a daily basis.

    “I have been begging, I have been crying for them to save my son from losing his sight. They gave us 2025 for the second application I submitted.  It is now left to the NDLEA to expedite it so that I can take my son out for treatment.

    “Now the medical bill has been reviewed because of the exchange rate. It is now N150 million against the N67 million given to me.”

    The genesis

    Recalling how the problem began, Fidelis said: “On July 13, at about 4.20 pm, I went to  get my children from school and took them to their mother’s shop on Opanam Road.

    “Less than five minutes after I drove away from the shop, my wife started calling that I should come. She was shouting bullet! bullet! She didn’t know where the bullets came from because they were inside the shop.

    “I turned back immediately. Coming back, I sighted about three NDLEA vans . I stopped. But before I could get to the shop, I had sighted NDLEA officials. They were just shooting, and people were running around.

    “Before I could get to the shop, I saw my wife and my children. People were shouting, trying to help my wife to take my children to the hospital, and I told them that they should go.” 

    He continued: “The NDLEA men parked in front of my wife’s shop.  I now went to go and meet them. I said, ah, the bullet you people fired just now injured my child. The man did not even look at me.  He just faced the other side.

    “I brought out my phone and snapped them, snapped the vehicle and snapped the guy inside the vehicle. 

    “Before I knew it, they rushed at me,  asking why I was snapping them?  They said I should bring the phone.

    “Before I knew it, they just entered their vehicle and zoomed off. That was when I followed them. I was crying, shouting and videoing them.

    “At a point, they stopped and asked why was I videoing them. I took time to tell them what they did. He said is that so? That they didn’t know.

    “They called one of their persons in their office, which is the commander, who spoke to me and asked me to come to their office. I followed them to their office just to know the place.

    “Thereafter, I went back to meet my kids at the hospital. I was told that my older son, two years and five months old, and the younger one, who was one year and a few weeks old, were in the theatre.

    “The medical doctor said I could not see them and that I should hold on because they were working on them.

    “They told me that bullets pierced through my son, Ivan’s chest, and came out from the back. The other one, they said the bullet pierced through the glass and entered his eyes. The eye was bleeding and all that.

    “At about 11 am or thereabouts, the older one, Ivan died.

    “The second child was not closing his eyes, so they were trying to see how they could bring him back to life.

    “Along the line, we went to keep the deceased one in a mortuary to  see  how the other one would survive.

    NDLEA, Delta govt deny allegations

    The NDLEA has denied the allegations by Fidelis.

    Speaking on a telephone interview with our correspondent, the spokesman of the agency Femi Babafemi said: “We sympathise with the parents and we stand on our promise to support the family. Nothing has changed from the promise made by the Chief Executive of the agency because he is a parent, he is compassionate and he feels for them. Let me put in on record that  we provided all the necessary documents that we required  to provide to assist the family. We wrote a letter to the US Embassy , confirming that we are the ones sponsoring their trip and listed all their names. And that we are also responsible for the  medical bills. All of that was stated in our letter to the US embassy. Besides that, even their coming  to Abuja, all their expenses both travels and accommodation, we paid for that.

    “How can that translate to abandoning them?  That is not tantamount to abandoning them.  Unfortunately, we cannot dictate  to the Embassy when they will issue the visa. That is certainly not within our control. I have been in touch with the parents  and even after they were denied visa the first time. I encouraged them to reapply.  The chairman of the agency himself has been in touch  with the officials of the US Embassy on this issue. We have always shown the urgency on that.  We are also in touch with the state government to ensure that everything  works well and they get to travel for the treatment.  Certainly we have not in any way  deviated from our promise  to support and assist them. All that we have done cannot be interpreted to mean  that we have abandoned them.”

    Asked if the agency has been responsible for the boy’s hospital bills, Babafemi said: “We have a full directorate  of medical services. If they need us to handle all of that, we will do. We do within what we know. We pay what we know.  We take responsibility for what we know but not what  is done behind us that we don’t know.  There are no expenses locally that we know of that we have not assisted.”

    The Secretary to the Delta State government, Dr Kingsley Emu also denied that the state has been supporting the family and hasn’t reneged on its promise.

    He said: “The state is very sympathetic to what happened to the family. It is a big loss that nobody can sweep under the carpet.  We have demonstrated as a state significant physical, financial  and moral sympathy in this direction. The state picked up the whole bills at the hospital here and that can be verified at the FMC.  Every bill on this matter as at the time we visited, we picked up. We also understand that the NDLEA picked up some bills when he went to Lagos.  I think Eye Foundation  did some refund.  I have been having discussions with him as a friend and as a rep of the state. What he wanted is to take the child abroad with the family which is okay. The governor directed me and he announced that on the television  to issue a letter of recommendation to the embassy  which is the maximum we can do in this matter.  Like you know, a visa is a privilege. We did that.

    “NDLEA came several times and  has done similar things. NDLEA has a bilateral relationship with the United States on drugs related issues and they have made a lot of entreaties with them.  I don’t want to talk about small small cash gifts  in between.  But to turn around and say  that we have abandoned him  is not correct. Until last week, he sent me a text and showed me the heaps of eye drops that the family had expended on the boy’s eyes.  If he gets a visa, NDLEA has undertaken to write off all  the bills abroad. That was what the chairman told me.  The NDLEA chairman was here in Asaba to see him.  Ask him if he has sent any bill,  one document. Ask him to show evidence of any document  he has shown and the expenditure that he did and we didn’t support him.”

    Continuing, he said: “Even as he waits for the visa to come, which is his preference and which I also support for first class medical attention, there is no bill. Ask him to show you one a  who he communicated with.  Who did he discuss with? Where is the bill communicated formally to the state?

    “The state is still pushing for him to go.  If he tells us today that we should look for an alternative solution in any hospital, we would be able to help him. If he has made up his mind to treat the problem locally and he has a bill, let him bring it.”