The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria

  • Bankrolling bloodlust

    Bankrolling bloodlust

    Sir: As Nigeria has fought and assortment of well-drilled and well-oiled non-state actors, a common question on the lips of many Nigerians has been who is doing the drilling and the oiling?

    Boko Haram, the umbrella terrorist organization fighting Nigeria for more than 10 years now started as a sore in Maiduguri the Borno State Capital. This was before it exploded into a full case of hives. Residents and indigenes of Borno State over the past 20 years have borne witness to the chilling cruelty of the group from its earliest days to its explosion on the world stage as a notorious terrorist group, the infamous perpetrators of the abduction of the Chibok and Dapchi school girls.

    As senator, Mohammed Ali Ndume has represented the good people of Borno South senatorial district since 2011. As legislator, he has been at the forefront of aggregating the voices of his people who have suffered unimaginable atrocities at the hands of Boko Haram.

    Recently, he made some interesting comments on the funding of Boko Haram. Drawing from the alarm raised by US congressman Scott Perry, that the United States International Development Agency (USAID) had sunk a whooping sum of $697 million in U.S. aid into terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda, Ndume has called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate the claims.

    The question about who funds Boko Haram and other terrorist groups within the country has remained a burning one since Boko Haram expanded its operations in 2009. This question has never been satisfactorily answered. What is most troubling is that the government has shown a rather curious unwillingness to dig out the answer about who sponsors Boko Haram and how best to cut off their lifelines.

    Read Also: Rotary Nigeria urges FG to grant tax waiver to donor companies

    As terrorism has maintained a deadly grip on the North, it has become clearer than day that its operations are being well funded. Over the years, the terrorists destabilizing Nigeria have operated in such a way and manner as to leave no doubt that they are well funded. But very little has been done to disrupt their network because rather than strike the root, the government has preferred to clip the branches of terrorism  from time to time. The  jarring failings of this approach is clear from the number of trophies terrorists have continued to take from Nigeria despite resolute efforts to root them out.

    Some non-governmental organizations in Nigeria have also been accused of sponsoring terrorism. The truth remains that unless those who sponsor terrorism in the country are identified and rooted out, terrorism will continue to thrive. As long as terrorists have sources to fuel their bloodlust, they will continue in their business of dealing death and destruction.

    The truest of sovereignty for any country lies in its ability to control who comes in and who goes out of the country, and what comes in and what goes out. It is in this wise that Nigeria must act. Corruption and terrorism have thrived in the country because there is very little transparency and control over how money comes or goes out and how it circulates. It is about demanding accountability and assurances that Nigerians will be safe in their country regardless of what or who comes in.

    •Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • Nigeria ready to host Gulf of Guinea maritime police

    Nigeria ready to host Gulf of Guinea maritime police

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to establish a combined maritime task force to safeguard the Gulf of Guinea.

    Speaking at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa on Sunday, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leading this initiative.

    He proposed Lagos as the headquarters of the task force.

    Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said President Tinubu’s message was delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.

    “The time has come for the African Union Peace and Security Council to prioritise the creation of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea.

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    “I wish to announce that Nigeria would like to host the headquarters of the task force in Lagos,” he said.

    Nigeria signed an agreement to provide strategic sea lift services for AU peace support operations, natural disaster support, humanitarian actions, and personnel movement.

    Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, signed for Nigeria.

    Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, signed for the AU.

    Under the pact, the Nigerian Navy will provide a vessel for the operations on a cost-recovery basis.

    Nigeria opposes split of AU dept

    Nigeria opposed a proposal to restructure the AU’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS).

    It warned that such a move could lead to unnecessary expenditures and disrupt continental peace and security efforts.

    Speaking at the AU session, President Tinubu, represented by Tuggar, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to meaningful AU reforms but rejected the bid to create a new department separate from PAPS.

    He said: “We do not support the proposal to reconfigure the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS).

    “The reconfiguration in the way currently suggested will only lead us to incur more expenditure needlessly.

  • FG moves to strengthen data sovereignty, position Nigeria as digital hub 

    FG moves to strengthen data sovereignty, position Nigeria as digital hub 

    The federal government has initiated efforts to classify and host certain categories of data within the country as part of its drive toward achieving digital sovereignty and establishing Nigeria as Africa’s leading digital hub. 

    Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, stated that Nigeria would allocate more resources to accomplish this goal.

    He emphasized that NITDA aims to foster an innovative ecosystem that balances regulation with industry growth by investing in cloud infrastructure, data classification, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. 

    Abdullahi made these remarks while speaking as a panelist at the Africa Hyperscalers Digital Infrastructure Outlook 2025. 

    According to a statement by NITDA’s Head of Corporate Communications, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, the Director General outlined strategies for leveraging innovative solutions and regulations to support President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, which spans various sectors of the economy. 

    The Africa Hyperscalers Digital Infrastructure Outlook 2025 convened industry experts from the tech ecosystem to discuss Africa’s evolving role in the global AI-driven infrastructure boom.

    Speaking on the Agency’s regulatory framework which ensures adaptability in an ever-evolving technological landscape, the NITDA boss highlighted the agency’s two-pronged approach which are rule-based regulation and non-rule-based regulation.

    According to him, rule-based regulation involved strict guidelines for industry compliance while non-rule-based regulation allowed for industry-led innovation with established benchmarks.

    “Before we regulate anything, we need to be aware of the landscape, we need to be intelligent, we need to have data and make sense out of that data, we need to be dynamic because technology is fast-changing and we need to develop that agility within the regulatory framework,” he noted.

    The DG also noted that one of the Agency’s key initiatives is the Cloud First Policy which was introduced in 2019 to discourage excessive reliance on physical data centres.

    He stated that the policy encouraged Government Agencies and private businesses to leverage cloud computing, software-as-a-service (SaaS) and other digital solutions.

    He disclosed that while the strategy initially granted waivers for businesses to use public cloud infrastructure, NITDA has since pushed for local data centres to scale up their capabilities.

    Speaking on the agency’s achievements, Abdullahi said that a major milestone in NITDA’s journey was its successful engagement with global hyperscaler providers and with Google Cloud pledging to collaborate with local data centres to drive cloud adoption and establish a hyperscaler data centre in Nigeria.

    “The Google CEO, Sundar Pichai, met our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Paris and the president shared his transformative ambition for Nigeria.

    “The president said that he believes technology can help him to achieve all the 8-point agenda from economic diversification, national security, food security, and infrastructures which include digital infrastructures with a focus on education and healthcare because technology can enable all of them,” he said.

    He added that to further drive cloud adoption and investment, NITDA is finalising a framework that would mandate the classification of data, ensuring that certain categories of data remain within Nigeria.

    According to him, this move is expected to attract more cloud service providers and strengthen the country’s digital sovereignty.

    While emphasising that Africa’s focus should be on AI applications rather than building Large Language Models (LLMs), Abdullahi disclosed that NITDA is also prioritising the application of AI to enhance governance, regulation, and service delivery.

    He asserted that the agency has identified three areas in which AI can revolutionise governance and business operations by automating processes, enhancing regulatory efficiency, and developing knowledge management systems.

    Read Also: Leadership: Fayemi charts new course for Nigeria’s brighter future

    “The real power of AI is in application, not in building large language models (LLMs). We should focus on deploying AI to sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and financial services, where it can make an immediate impact,” he said.

    In her opening remark, Dr Nadu Denloye, Co-founder of Telnet Nigeria Limited said that Africa is on the cusp of a remarkable digital transformation, driven by advancements in connectivity, cloud adoption, data centres, artificial intelligence, and a growing digital-native population.

    Describing the programme as a platform for solutions, she expressed confidence that the programme would craft solutions that will provide crucial insights and actionable strategies to drive Africa’s digital growth.

    “Africa’s digital revolution is unfolding at an unprecedented pace. By leveraging our collective expertise and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, we can overcome obstacles and unlock the immense opportunities that lie ahead,” she stated.

    Other panellists present at the event were the CEO of Open Access Data Centres and the Chairman of the Africa Data Centres Association Dr. Ayaotunde Coker, Chief Executive Officer, Kasi Cloud, Johnson AgboGbua, Data Centres Global Sector Lead, International Finance Corporation, Mr Obinna Isiadinso, Chief Operating Officer, IHS, Kazeem Oladepo, and the Commercial Director, Bayobab, Mrs Abibat Kazeem.

  • inDrive unveils cashless bank transfer feature in Nigeria

    inDrive unveils cashless bank transfer feature in Nigeria

    inDrive, a leading global ride-hailing platform operating in nine African countries, has introduced “Light Cashless,” an innovative new payment feature in Nigeria designed to enhance safety and convenience for both riders and drivers. This solution allows drivers to display their preferred bank details within the app, enabling passengers to copy and paste the information for seamless direct bank transfers—eliminating the need for a traditional payment gateway integration.

    By launching “Light Cashless,” inDrive becomes the first ride-hailing platform in Nigeria to adopt this model, reinforcing bank transfers as one of the most trusted and widely accepted payment methods in the country. This feature is now available via the latest inDrive app update and is being rolled out in seven key cities.

    This launch brings multiple benefits, including enhanced security by reducing the risks associated with carrying physical cash, greater convenience as passengers can complete payments with just a few taps, and increased financial flexibility for drivers who receive payments directly into their bank accounts without delays or transaction fees. Additionally, direct bank transfers ensure increased payment transparency, allowing both passengers and drivers to track transactions easily within their banking apps, reducing disputes and ensuring clear financial records.

    The introduction of “Light Cashless” aligns with inDrive’s mission to challenge injustice and create a fairer, more flexible ride-hailing ecosystem. The platform remains committed to user-driven innovation, continuously empowering both drivers and passengers with greater control over their ride-hailing experience.

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    “This new feature is a game-changer for the Nigerian market, where bank transfers are already a trusted and widely used form of payment,” said Timothy, Country Representative at inDrive in Nigeria. “By eliminating the reliance on cash while avoiding the complexities of integrated payment gateways, we are providing a simple yet effective solution that enhances safety, convenience, and financial efficiency for all users.”

    The “Light Cashless” feature is now live in seven major Nigerian cities and will continue expanding across the country. Users are encouraged to update their inDrive app to access this new functionality.

  • Nigeria seeks new funding sources sequel to US aid stoppage

    Nigeria seeks new funding sources sequel to US aid stoppage

    • FG to retain 28,000 health workers after USAID aid cut

    The Federal Government is exploring alternative sources of funding the country’s economic growth following the decision of the Trump Administration in the US to stop foreign aid, The Nation learnt yesterday.

     Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning sources said in Abuja that the US policy came to Nigeria more as an opportunity to explore new possibilities than a setback.

    “The Trump aid policy is nothing but an incentive for us to double our efforts to be creative in raising resources to boost our economic growth and development,” the source who does not want to be named said.

    The official explained that while foreign aid has been useful, Nigeria is now prioritising international partnerships and foreign investments.

    “In a globalised world, collaboration between developed (North) and developing (South) countries is essential,” the source said.

     “The North has grown its economy, and the South still needs support to develop its own.”

    However, the government believes that Nigeria must focus on long-term partnerships rather than relying on aid.

    Continuing, the source said: “While we are willing to leverage foreign support to fill gaps, our main priority is attracting foreign investments and partnerships that will help us grow our economy in a sustainable way.”

    One area of concern is funding for HIV programmes, which was heavily reliant on donor support.

    The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, said government was already working on ways to fund HIV programmes locally.

    “The Nigerian government will intensify domestic resource mobilization strategies to ensure the sustainability of the HIV response,” she said

    This, according to her, would help reduce the risk of sudden donor aid cuts affecting HIV prevention and treatment efforts.

    Read Also: Tinubu will commission several FCT projects in May – Wike

    “Through effective stakeholder collaboration, favorable policies and advocacy to policymakers, Nigeria can still achieve the target of ending AIDS by 2030,” she added.

    Soon after assuming office for a second term on January 20, President Trump signed an executive order suspending foreign aid for 90 days.

    In effect, no U.S. aid would be given unless it aligns with America’s foreign policy and values.

    This decision could have serious consequences for many African countries, especially those with health programmes dependent on U.S. support.

    Nigeria’s Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is in charge of managing foreign aid and working with donor agencies.

    With the new U.S. policy, the Ministry will focus on securing alternative sources of funding and strengthening Nigeria’s economic independence.

    FG to retain 28,000 health workers after USAID aid cut

    Health and Social Welfare Minister Ali Pate  confirmed yesterday that the Federal Government was in the process of absorbing  28,000 Nigerian health workers who were previously funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

    Pate said on Channels Television that government has put measures in place to reduce the impact of the aid cut and strengthen the country’s health system.

    He said government could not afford to let the 28,000 affected health workers be left jobless.

    Government, according to him, will integrate them into the national health system to ensure that healthcare services continue without disruption.

    “These health workers are Nigerians, and we must take responsibility for them,” Pate said.

    “While we appreciate what the U.S. government has done, we cannot depend on external aid forever. We are committed to building a self-sustaining health system that serves all Nigerians.”

    The Minister admitted that underfunding has been a major problem in Nigeria’s health sector.

    Prof. Pate highlighted several challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system, including low government spending, with Nigeria allocating only $120 per person on healthcare compared to over $4,000 per person in the U.K.

    The underfunding has contributed to poor health infrastructure, as many hospitals struggle with outdated equipment, shortages of essential drugs, and inadequate facilities.

    Another major issue is Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imports, with over 70% of medicines and 99% of medical devices sourced from abroad.

    The dependence makes healthcare costs vulnerable to foreign exchange fluctuations, further straining the system. Additionally, the fragmented structure of the health sector, divided among federal, state and local governments, has led to inconsistent service delivery, making it difficult to implement nationwide reforms effectively.

    Despite these challenges, Prof. Pate assured Nigerians that the government is taking bold steps to improve the health sector.

  • Nigeria seeks new funding sources as U.S. halts foreign aid

    Nigeria seeks new funding sources as U.S. halts foreign aid

    The Nigerian government has responded to the United States’ decision to stop foreign aid by looking for new ways to raise money for economic growth.

    An authoritative source to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, speaking to The Nation on condition of anonymity, said that Nigeria sees this policy as an opportunity rather than a setback.

    “The Trump aid policy is nothing but an incentive for us to double our efforts to be creative in raising resources to boost our economic growth and development,” the source said.

    The official explained that while foreign aid has been useful, Nigeria is now prioritizing international partnerships and foreign investments.

    “In a globalized world, collaboration between developed (North) and developing (South) countries is essential,” the source said. “The North has grown its economy, and the South still needs support to develop its own.”

    However, the government believes that Nigeria must focus on long-term partnerships rather than relying on aid.

    “While we are willing to leverage foreign support to fill gaps, our main priority is attracting foreign investments and partnerships that will help us grow our economy in a sustainable way,” the official added.

    Read Also: Tinubu will commission several FCT projects in May – Wike

    One area of concern is funding for HIV programmes, which rely heavily on donor support.

    The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, said the government was already working on ways to fund HIV programmes locally.

    “The Nigerian government will intensify domestic resource mobilization strategies to ensure the sustainability of the HIV response,” Ilori stated.

    She explained that this would help reduce the risk of sudden donor aid cuts affecting HIV prevention and treatment efforts.

    “Through effective stakeholder collaboration, favourable policies, and advocacy to policymakers, Nigeria can still achieve the target of ending AIDS by 2030,” she added.

    On January 20, after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order suspending foreign aid for 90 days.

    The order stated that no U.S. aid would be given unless it aligns with American foreign policy and values.

  • Awakening the sleeping giant – Nigeria’s urgent call for change

    Awakening the sleeping giant – Nigeria’s urgent call for change

    • By Timothy Oyegoke

    In the 64 years since Nigeria gained independence, true stability and development have remained elusive. Almost all its sectors are struggling to survive. While the country claims to be the Giant of Africa, the poor state of affairs is proof that the daydreamer is yet to wake up from its delusions.

    In the early 2000s, optimism was running high as Nigeria was included among the Next Eleven (N-11) emerging market groups in the world. Citigroup and other meaningful institutions projected that Nigeria could become the fastest-growing economy between 2010 and 2050, while the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank expressed similar confidence—citing the nation’s resource base and market size as key drivers for rapid economic expansion. Unfortunately, the promising nation has yet to fully realise these expectations. Like a baby whose becoming is yet to be eminent, the nation’s progress has been hindered by deep-rooted structural challenges and inconsistent policies. Years of mismanagement have overshadowed the potential shown by some reform-minded leaders.

    Adding to this economic malaise, it is disheartening to witness how rapidly the economy is deteriorating with little or no remedial action taken by the government. With a 34.8% inflation rate reported by the National Bureau of Statistics in December 2024, the grim state of the economy betrays the earlier hopes that Nigeria would emerge among the leading global markets. With inflation, poverty, and unemployment on the rise, our leaders have yet to implement robust policies to revive the struggling economy.

    Equally concerning is the country’s over-reliance on oil revenue, even as the world shifts toward technology and the digital economy. Nigeria’s dependence on oil exports has made its economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations and international politics. While a diversified economy could have leveraged other comparative advantages, Nigeria has failed to tap into the full potential of agriculture and other major sectors. Despite agriculture’s significant contribution to GDP, this sector remains underutilised in offsetting the vulnerabilities of an oil-dependent economy. In contrast, the nation’s steadfast commitment to oil has resulted in reduced national income and persistent economic instability—thereby prolonging the hardships endured by its citizenry.

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    The challenges, however, are not confined solely to the economic sphere. Turning to social sectors, the health system is on the verge of collapse due to the lackadaisical concern of those in power. Over the years, the health sector has consistently received less than a 5% allocation of the national budget, even as its condition continues to deteriorate.

    The dismal state of many medical centres and teaching hospitals across the nation underscores the chronic underfunding of the sector. Poor infrastructure and worn-out medical equipment contribute to Nigeria’s low ranking in global life expectancy ratings. Moreover, with a surge in chronic diseases, many hospitals cannot even boast of having a functional dialysis machine. To make matters worse, the cost of running tests in the few hospitals equipped with such machines is a nightmare for the average Nigerian.

    Consequently, disillusioned medical practitioners—true patriots striving for transformation—are losing faith. Many are leaving for countries with better healthcare systems and more reasonable reward structures. According to coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate, approximately 15,000 to 16,000 doctors have left Nigeria within five years. In a recent report by Nairametrics, Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio stands at one to 10,000, highlighting how overstretched medical professionals have become. Amid this malady, there remains little hope at the end of the tunnel.

    A similar crisis can be seen in the educational sector. Although the number of tertiary institutions and professors has increased, the retrogression in the overall quality of education is undeniable. The situation is even more dire in primary and secondary schools.

    Despite a recent upsurge in students passing their Senior Secondary School Examinations, the weak educational foundation becomes apparent when these students enter higher institutions. Recently, the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) lamented the declining quality of students admitted to universities; many young learners who once boasted of scoring an A in mathematics struggle to solve even the simplest equation in their first year. This decline also reflects on the quality of teaching, as many educators lack the motivation to work due to low pay and poor working conditions. Furthermore, some teachers, compelled by an exacerbating unemployment rate, are forced into roles they neither desire nor are adequately prepared for. Consequently, the deterioration in our educational system is hardly surprising.

    Similarly, chronic problems in the power sector with a collapsing national grid and poor transportation networks have further hampered the nation’s growth. Inadequate infrastructure has not only limited domestic production but also discouraged large-scale foreign investments that could have bolstered the economy. Coupled with other challenges, such as insurgencies and ethnic conflicts, it is evident that urgent action is needed to mitigate these escalating crises.

    Nevertheless, amid these challenges, it is worth noting that some brilliant minds are striving to put the nation back on track. The labour of hardworking youths across different regions, along with the unyielding patriotism of professionals worldwide, is a testament that the sleeping giant can still be revived, provided we commit to ending these deep-seated anomalies.

    Ultimately, the responsibility rests with every Nigerian. It comes down to our collective choice to pursue a better life: when we hold those in political office accountable; when we fight corruption and inefficiency in government institutions to the barest minimum; when policies are not only established but seen through to completion; when regulatory reforms, infrastructural development, and investment in human capital are given top priority; and when tribalism and religious bigotry are eradicated. In short, when everyone decides to make Nigeria great again.

    On whose shoulder will this responsibility lie? On whose mind will these burdens be borne? On whose heart will this vision remain? It is time for a serious rethink—a time to nudge ourselves back to reality. Enough of living in delusions, enough of living in “never enough.” It is time for Nigeria to regain its greatness across the continent.

    The call to make Nigeria great is here. How many compatriots will obey it?

  • Post-colonial culture in Nigeria

    Post-colonial culture in Nigeria

    The vast majority of Nigerians after the amalgamation in 1914 continued to live their lives as before without noticeable change traceable to the imposition of colonial rule.  The most noticeable outcome of amalgamation was the gradual extension of the Beit-el mal (native treasuries) first introduced to the North by Sir Fredrick Lugard to the rest of the country beginning in Yorubaland and Benin.  The attempt to extend this to the acephalous Igbo societies by creating ‘warrant’ chiefs where there were no traditional rulers met with failure. The economic implication of this system was the levying of taxes in the names of native rulers who were now made to enjoy political and economic power out of tune with pre-colonial tradition and culture.  Resistance to this imposition did not succeed in the face of superior physical force in the hands of the colonial administration.  Rebellion and revolts were shot down by the use of soldiers and Nigerians were cowed and made to face the responsibilities imposed by modern mode of governance which involved payment of taxes as a passage of citizenships rite.

    The colonial phase of Nigerian history witnessed rapid economic changes, building of railways, roads and ports and even aerodromes.  Gradually our people were sucked into the western economic, political and social vortex.  With this came increasing contact between our people and the outside world.  Nigerian soldiers fought in two world wars, first between 1914 and 1918 in theatres in Togo, the Cameroons and East Africa.  Some naval ratings were even sent all the way to Palestine.  The Second World War saw more extensive use of our soldiers in the Ethiopian campaigns against the Italians and in Burma against the Japanese. 

    The involvement of our troops in these global cataclysms had serious political consequences. The weakening of the British in a changed world hastened the process of decolonization.  This process was hastened by the rise of African nationalism and the emergence of political parties each of which in different ways fought for the political emancipation of our country.  The growing political awareness led to cultural nationalism and the cry to “boycott all boycottables” that is to say Africans should go back to their cultural roots by jettisoning imported names and taking on native names.  This was particularly the case among the descendants of Nigerian repatriates from Sierra Leone resident in Lagos. They cast away their European and Hebrew names thus David Brown Vincent took an African names of Mojola Agbebi, Edmund Macaulay became Kitoyi Ajasa, Joseph Pythagoras Haastrup became Ademuyiwa Haastrup, Jacob Henry Samuel became Adegboyega Edun. Their examples were later to resonate with Azikiwe and Awolowo when they dropped their biblical names of Benjamin and Jeremiah respectively. 

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    The wearing of African clothes became fashionable.  Lugard would in his grave have approved this development unlike what he condemned in 1914 when he described educated natives as the “trousered Negros of the coast dressed in bond street attire who send their laundry abroad every other week for dry cleaning”.  In this changed cultural preference, the cultural gap between Southerners and Northerners in Nigeria began to close. Northerners never abandoned their babanriga for western suits and in most cases stuck to their languages especially the Hausa language rather than taking to English.  This was to be their undoing in a   world in which English was the lingua franca.  This cultural recrudescence also led to greater interest in the study of Nigerian languages literature and history.  The vanguard in this regard was provided by the University of Ibadan which by the eve of independence in 1960 began to develop new curricula for students in liberal arts and the social-sciences as well as adapting the physical and biomedical sciences for the African environment. The so-called Africanisation gathered pace in the civil service, the church and the judiciary and it was only a matter of time before Africans began to occupy the commanding heights of the economy and the politics of Nigeria and this had its cultural dimension in African pride and the assertion of what was called the “African personality”.

    The post-colonial cultural development

    With independence in Nigeria came a rising tide of expectations.  People wanted increased prices for their primary produce like cocoa, groundnuts, palm kernel and palm oil as well as cotton, rubber, hides and skins on which post-independence Nigerian economy depended.  The various governments of Nigeria tried to meet the expectation of the people but they were not always successful.  With the decline in producer price of farm produce, there was increasing migration of the youth to swell the urban conurbation of Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Maiduguri, Benin, Aba and Port Harcourt.  The cities therefore became melting pots of cultures. The various governments particularly the one in the western part of the country spent vast sums of money from accumulated funds of the marketing boards on social welfare schemes such as education and health and urban planning and renewal. 

    The cities became more attractive to the youth who left the dreary existence of the villages for the cities in what has been appropriately described as rural-urban migration phenomenon.  With too many people in the cities the infrastructure could not cope and there began a gradual and slippery slope to a situation of urban decay and dilapidation. Crime increased and there was a corrosion of values everywhere.  Money became the most desirable object without consideration of how it was acquired.  Bribery graft, fraud and corruption alien to our culture have become the order of the day. 

    This phenomenon was accentuated and exacerbated by the incursion of the military into governance.  Force was seen as a veritable instrument of success.  There has been growing culture of aggression in Nigeria and a noticeable breakdown of the culture of respect for elders and others.  Some have ascribed this decline to exploding population which has led to increased competition for resources and jobs particularly among the people.

    Nigerian fraudulent practices have even gone international with advance fee fraud and drug and human trafficking being increasingly, associated with Nigerians.  Surprisingly or perhaps because of the prevailing hardship, the religion of Islam and Christianity have witnessed revival.  The orthodox aspect or traditions of these religions are increasingly challenged by sometimes extremist or even millenarian tendencies sometimes leading to a clash of votaries of these religious. Sometimes the battle-line as in the North of Nigeria is between the traditional Islamic religion and groups preaching a Shiite form of Islam in a largely Sunni milieu.  Among the Christian orthodox traditions such as the Catholics and Protestants have seen huge erosion of membership who now troop to the so-called Pentecostal churches.

    Founding of churches have become big business and many of the churches have gone beyond what orthodox Catholic and Protestants missions used to do in terms of establishment of schools and hospitals.  Some now have housing estates where the ordinary lives of the people are rigidly controlled.  Pentecostalism shares much in common with Islam in the sense that it is not just a religion but a way of life.  This has radically affected the culture of Christians, particularly as it affects marriages, child naming and burials.  The absence of government has also been replaced by the role Pentecostal churches play in the lives of Nigerians.  Some now provide educational facilities from kindergarten to universities.  This is also being emulated rather slowly by Muslims in a struggle for the souls of the people. 

    While all this is going on, there is also the effect of globalization on Nigerian culture.  Our economy is open to the rest of the world and with this openness come the importation of all kinds of things namely wine, food, films, educational materials and other things promoting particularly western culture.  It is not unheard of nowadays to hear calls for gay rights that would have been met with the worst kind of reaction in the past.  The modes of dressing of the youth even the kind of English spoken are pitifully American.  The dot.com generations have also exploited computers to perpetrate fraud internationally.  Nigerians like other people in the globalised world are not immune to the spread of pornography and even paedophilia and other kinds of sexual perversion unheard of in times past.

    Happy people, poor country

    Nigerians are credited to be one of the happiest people on earth.  Whether this is deserved will always remain a moot question.  The fact however remains that Nigerians generally speaking are “happy-go-lucky” people.  This probably applies more to Southern Nigerians who celebrate virtually every important landmark in life, particularly child birth, birthdays, marriages, graduation, promotions and eventually death.

    Culture is dynamic and a living culture must necessarily welcome accretions from other cultures.  Before the coming of colonialism Nigerian cultural plurality was also not static.  There were contacts among the people brought together in the Nigerian state.  What is obvious is that the spatial distribution of the various ethnic groups has been bridged by modern means of communication and transportation and by an increasingly centralized state.  The result of this is a developing national culture.  Nigerians usually stand out among Africans as aggressive, confident and clever people.  There are of course negative traits which can be attributed to Nigerians and which are traceable to the Nigerian environment. The post-colonial state with its emphasis on individualism and capitalism has also thrown up the desire to be successful by all means this is a feeling that is antithetical to the pre-colonial culture of communalism and everybody being everybody’s keeper; a feeling which has been amply demonstrated in the saying that it takes a village to train a child.  This is no longer the case.  This has been replaced by one being the architect of one’s destiny and God for us all and the devil takes the behind.

  • EU supports Nigeria’s clean energy project

    EU supports Nigeria’s clean energy project

    To facilitate Nigeria’s energy transition to cleaner, affordable, and sustainable energy sources, particularly in rural areas, the European Union (EU) is supporting the adoption of clean cooking solutions.

    The EU noted that prioritising clean cooking solutions will help to reduce reliance on fuel, deforestation, improve public health outcomes, and create new economic opportunities, especially in rural communities where cooking practices are most harmful.

    Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, disclosed this during a sensitisation event on clean cooking solutions held in Plateau state.

    Stating that clean cooking is at the heart of the EU’s agenda and partnership with Nigeria, she explained that cooking is not just about food; it is about health, education, environment, and climate.

    Highlighting the importance of the Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP), an initiative funded by the EU and co-funded by Germany, Stefanowicz stated that the programme focuses on clean cooking, rural electrification, and diversifying energy sources across the country.

    “This partnership aims to address several challenges in Nigeria’s energy sector, including access to clean cooking solutions, which are essential for the country’s long-term sustainable development,” she said.

    She further disclosed that only 30 per cent of Nigeria’s population adopts clean cooking methods, while traditional methods such as firewood and charcoal remain widespread.

    According to her, these practices, “not only contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation, but expose millions of Nigerians to harmful indoor air pollution, which is linked to a range of serious health issues.”

    Referencing a 2018 report by the World Health Organisation, which revealed that 218,000 people in Nigeria died from household air pollution, Stefanowicz called for urgent action to promote cleaner cooking alternatives.

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    She said: “Together, we can improve lives, protect the environment, and contribute to economic growth. The EU’s ongoing partnership with Nigeria will continue to prioritise clean cooking solutions, providing a pathway to a greener, more sustainable future.

    “As part of this collaboration, the EU is committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions, particularly in rural areas where access to clean cooking alternatives is most limited.”

    Plateau State Deputy Governor, Josephine Chundung Piyo, highlighted the numerous benefits of adopting clean cooking technologies, particularly for women and children.

    “These technologies will reduce indoor air pollution and empower women by freeing up time spent on fuel collection,” she said.

    Piyo announced that Plateau State Polytechnic will establish a clean cooking technology research and testing centre to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative cooking solutions, benefitting the state and the entire Northern region.

    Managing Director, Plateau State Energy Corporation, Ponzing Gamde, added: “By adopting these technologies, we can live cleaner, healthier lives, and protect our environment.”

    Stating that a vibrant legislation would ensure the successful implementation of programmes to promote the adoption of clean cooking solutions, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, who was represented by Engr. Owen Dagogot, assured that the legislature is committed to supporting clean cooking initiatives through legislation.

    The event featured an exhibition of clean cooking technologies, offering stakeholders the opportunity to see, firsthand, how these innovations can improve quality of life and protect the environment.

  • Emerging financial partnerships: New era for SMEs in Nigeria, US

    Emerging financial partnerships: New era for SMEs in Nigeria, US

    By Ejiofor Patience

    In an age marked by rapid digital advancements and globalization, small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and the United States stand on the brink of significant transformation. Enhanced financial relationships between these two dynamic markets are set to reshape opportunities and drive substantial mutual benefits, experts predict.

    Nigeria, as Africa’s economic powerhouse and most populous nation, represents a vast frontier of opportunity, notably through its burgeoning SME sector. 

    Conversely, the United States, with its robust financial infrastructure, technological advancements, and entrepreneurial spirit, offers complementary strengths that can profoundly impact both markets.

    Taiwo Akindele Olorunfemi, an experienced Nigerian financial expert specializing in credit risk management, regulatory compliance, and financial auditing, emphasises that fintech innovations will dramatically improve financial inclusion for Nigerian SMEs.

    Historically hindered by limited access to credit, high costs, and bureaucratic red tape, these enterprises will increasingly benefit from collaborations between Nigerian banks and U.S.-based fintech companies. Such partnerships promise cutting-edge solutions leveraging blockchain technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced analytics to simplify credit processes, enhance transparency, and significantly lower transaction costs.

    “The partnership with American fintech firms will empower Nigerian SMEs by streamlining financial services and significantly boosting entrepreneurial activity,” Olorunfemi noted. These innovations will not only increase operational efficiency but also open doors to new opportunities for growth and global competitiveness.

    American SMEs are equally poised to reap significant advantages. Nigeria’s rapidly expanding market, characterized by a growing middle class, youthful demographic, and rapid urbanization, presents an attractive opportunity for American businesses. SMEs operating in technology, agriculture, healthcare, and education sectors will find strategic Nigerian partnerships invaluable in accessing and capitalizing on these markets.

    Moreover, Nigeria’s vibrant entrepreneurial culture offers unique opportunities for American SMEs to learn innovative business practices tailored to challenging local contexts.

    American enterprises can integrate these insights to enhance their operational efficiency, customer engagement strategies, and adaptability, both domestically and globally.

    According to Olorunfemi, “The exchange of knowledge and innovative practices between Nigerian and American SMEs will foster mutual innovation and competitive advantage.”

    A critical aspect of these growing relationships is regulatory harmonization. Improved alignment between Nigerian and U.S. regulatory standards, particularly in financial reporting and compliance, can significantly enhance investor confidence. 

    This alignment, facilitated by expertise such as Olorunfemi’s in Basel standards and international financial reporting (IFRS), will attract greater investment flows and simplify entry barriers for SMEs looking to operate across borders.

    “Regulatory harmonization not only builds trust but also simplifies cross-border activities, making international expansion feasible and attractive for SMEs from both countries,” Olorunfemi emphasized. Nigerian SMEs, in particular, will benefit from increased international financing and market integration, while American SMEs will experience easier entry into Nigerian markets, reducing complexity and associated costs.

    However, the collaboration will not be without challenges. Cybersecurity remains a significant concern, particularly with increased digital reliance and fintech solutions. Both Nigerian and American SMEs must prioritize robust cybersecurity frameworks, leveraging collaborative investments and shared best practices to mitigate risks effectively.

    Additionally, credit risk management remains a critical factor in ensuring long-term sustainability. Olorunfemi, experienced in managing credit portfolios, underscores the need for rigorous and standardized credit evaluation methodologies across international collaborations. 

    “A shared approach to risk management will enhance financial stability, build trust, and facilitate sustainable business practices,” he noted.

    Capacity building also emerges as a key area for collaboration. Joint training programs, workshops, and skill-sharing initiatives between Nigerian and American SMEs can significantly enhance operational capabilities.

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    Drawing from Olorunfemi’s experience in training and process improvements, SMEs can collectively develop best practices in financial management, regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and risk management.

    The benefits extend beyond direct business interactions, impacting broader socio-economic development goals. Enhanced SME activity in Nigeria can drive job creation, economic diversification, and inclusive growth. Meanwhile, American SMEs benefit from international competitiveness and diversified market exposure, driven by sustained innovation and adaptive business strategies.

    In summary, strengthening financial ties between Nigerian and American SMEs presents transformative opportunities. By fostering strategic partnerships, advancing fintech innovations, harmonizing regulatory frameworks, and enhancing cybersecurity and credit risk management, both nations can realize significant economic and developmental benefits. 

    With experienced professionals like Taiwo Akindele Olorunfemi guiding these initiatives, SMEs in Nigeria and the United States are well-positioned to build a prosperous future marked by sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration.

    Global financial fintech expert, Ejiofor Patience writes from Abuja