The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria

  • Imperative of supply chain reform in Nigeria

    Imperative of supply chain reform in Nigeria

    By Oyindamola Olaniyan

    Just a few years ago, I was a wide-eyed Nigerian student setting feet on American soil, eager to pursue my Master’s degree in supply chain and logistics technology. Now, with a prestigious role at Amazon Inc., one of the world’s largest supply chain companies under my belt, I find my heart brimming with a burning desire to revolutionize Nigeria’s supply chain landscape.

    The opportunities are enormous, both for economic boom and job creation for millions of unemployed citizens and entrepreneurs.  Nigeria is a land booming with tech start-ups, and an unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit. Africa’s economic giant boasts a vibrant market with industries ranging from agriculture to tech, all reliant on a complex web of supply chain processes for production completion.

    Despite this potential, the system faces several roadblocks that disrupt the flow of goods across the country. The inefficiencies in Nigeria’s supply chain are undeniable. From dilapidated infrastructure that cripples transportation to a lack of streamlined digital solutions, the system often resembles an obstacle course more than a well-oiled machine.

    The ever-present threat of insecurity is another hurdle with the rise of banditry, kidnappings, and insurgency disrupting the flow of goods and services, jeopardizing economic growth and national security. These issues, I witnessed first-hand from my teenage years, contribute to higher prices, product shortages, and a stifled business environment.

    Read Also: Court restrains SKECC Nigeria Ltd, three others from trespassing on Oyo farm land

    Imagine this: you’re transporting fresh produce, but instead of smooth roads, you face pot-hole nightmares. Delays become inevitable, and your once-pristine produce wilts in the scorching sun. This, unfortunately, is a reality for many businesses due to poor road networks and inadequate transportation systems.

    Fear of attacks on major roads forces transporters to detour to less efficient routes, increasing travel time and costs. Deliveries are delayed, perishable goods spoil, and businesses incur significant losses. The impact of insecurity on the supply chain is evident in the recent food crisis faced by some regions in Nigeria. Banditry and insurgency disrupt agricultural activities and transportation routes, leading to shortages of essential food items like grains and vegetables. This not only threatens food security but also pushes prices upwards, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

    But the problems do not stop there. Frequent power outages throw another wrench in the works. Manufacturing schedules get disrupted, and stored goods become vulnerable, adding to costs and stifling competitiveness.

    Adding to the frustration is the bureaucratic maze. Cumbersome customs procedures and ever-changing regulations create a time-consuming nightmare. This not only discourages foreign investment but also hinders the growth of domestic industries.

    There is, therefore, a real need for people with specialized skills in areas like logistics management and data analytics. Without these skills, it is hard to run a truly efficient supply chain.

    My experience in the US opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. Witnessing the seamless integration of technology, robust infrastructure, and the emphasis on data-driven decision-making in American supply chains was truly eye-opening. It became clear that these are the very changes Nigeria desperately needs.

    To tackle these challenges, there’s a roadmap to a more efficient future. Here are some key steps to consider:

    • Investment in roads, railways, and ports is crucial. Public-private partnerships can expedite these projects, creating a more connected and cost-effective network. A ray of hope is shining in this area going by the super highways being embarked upon by the Federal Government. The Lagos-Calabar, Badagry-Sokoto and Calabar-Abuja super highways are a good starting point in plugging the shortfall.

    • Embracing technology like blockchain for transparency, Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time tracking, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for demand forecasting can revolutionize efficiency and minimize waste.

    • Increased police and military presence on key transportation routes, coupled with improved intelligence gathering, can deter attacks and create a safer environment for economic activity. Implementing real-time tracking systems for goods and vehicles can provide valuable information to security forces and businesses, facilitating quicker response times to potential threats.

    • Educational institutions and industry leaders need to collaborate on creating training programs focused on supply chain management, logistics, and data analytics. Investing in training programs geared towards supply chain management will create a workforce equipped to tackle modern logistics challenges.

    • Streamlining customs procedures, harmonizing regulations, and fostering a consistent business environment will attract investors, stimulating growth and job creation. Simplifying regulations and expediting approvals would free businesses from unnecessary burdens and allow them to focus on core operations.

    • Promoting eco-friendly packaging and energy-efficient transport solutions not only benefits the environment but also enhances brand reputation in a global marketplace increasingly focused on sustainability.

    • Funding research into supply chain best practices and innovative technologies tailored to the Nigerian context can propel us towards a more efficient future.

    Navigating Nigeria’s supply chain landscape is undoubtedly complex, yet ripe with opportunities for innovation and growth. Its supply chain holds immense potential, but it needs a collective effort to unlock its full potential.

    By addressing infrastructure gaps, embracing technological advancements, nurturing talent, enacting favourable policies, and promoting sustainable practices, Nigeria can transform its supply chain to a major economic enabler, consolidating her position as a regional economic giant. As stakeholders in Nigeria’s economic future, it is our collective responsibility to advocate for these transformative changes and work towards a supply chain ecosystem that is resilient, efficient, and conducive to sustained prosperity.

    Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a brighter economic horizon in Nigeria.

    •Olaniyan wrote through oyinlaniyan@yahoo.com]Ajayi Crowther University: After the storm

  • Nigeria’s economy on growth path, Says Omokri

    Nigeria’s economy on growth path, Says Omokri

    Despite the prevailing headwind, Nigeria’s economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on the upward swing, a former presidential aide, Mr Reno Omokri, has said.

    Responding to an open letter by journalist/politician Dele Momodu, who was the spokesman of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in which he claimed that Nigeria’s economy had virtually collapsed, Omokri said on the contrary, the economy was showing signs of recovery and growth. 

    Listing the indicators of growth, the former presidential aide said world rating agencies were of the consensus that despite the difficulties, President Tinubu’s economic reforms were yielding positive results.

    He said: “The International Monetary Fund projected that due to the reforms being undertaken by the current administration, Nigeria will have a 3.1% GDP growth rate in 2024. This is one of the best projections for an African country in 2024, and does not signal an economy that has virtually collapsed.”

    He added that Nigeria had a record high of ₦6.52 trillion trade surplus in the first quarter of 2024.

    He pointed out that such had never happened as the country routinely had trade deficits in the past.

    This, he explained, meant that because of the monetary reforms by the government, Nigeria is now exporting significantly more than it is importing.

    He explained that the growth is largely in the non-oil sector.

    “For example, Nigeria is now a net exporter of cement to Europe and a growing exporter of refined petroleum products to Europe and West African states,” he stated, arguing, “Ghana, a fellow petroleum exporting country, is largely dependent on LPG from Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Senate halts debate on S/South Development Commission Bill

    Omokri said in terms of revenue, all Nigerian states had received significantly higher federation account  allocations since May 29, 2023, than they were receiving under the Buhari regime, with each state now getting at least 45% more allocation, and Nasarawa and Anambra getting almost 100% more and 70% more respectively.

    He quoted Financial Derivatives (FDC), as saying with a Return on Investment of 22.90%, Nigeria’s Stock Exchange is now the most profitable capital market on earth.

    “The National Bureau of Statistics has also corroborated this. For the first time in our history, the all-share index (ASI) of the Nigerian Stock Exchange crossed the 100,000 mark in 2024,” the former presidential aide said.

    According to Omokri, “Capital inflow into Nigeria increased by 66.27% this year. This is probably why Fitch and S&P Global Ratings upgraded Nigeria’s economy to a Stable B, and why foreign inflows into the capital market jumped fivefold in the first quarter of 2024 to N93.37 billion from N18.12 billion in the same period last year.

    “Despite clearing the backlog of foreign exchange debts owed to foreign airlines and other foreign investors by the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria’s foreign reserve hit a year-to-date high of an estimated $34 billion this year. How can a nation with such a healthy reserve be said to be on the verge of economic collapse?

    “Finally, the Student Loan promised is now a reality and is being disbursed. That means Nigeria is about to witness a dramatic increase in its human resources, as more youths will have access to education.”

  • Arik Air shareholders clarifications: Re: 13 Nigeria Airlines blacklisted for contract defaults

    Arik Air shareholders clarifications: Re: 13 Nigeria Airlines blacklisted for contract defaults

    Shareholders of Arik Air yesterday reacted to a report that international lessors have blacklisted over failure to fulfill their contractual obligations

    Below is the airlines response:

    The attention of the Shareholders of Arik Air Limited has been drawn to publications in the Daily Post, BuinessDay of 17 July, 2024 and some online publications purporting that 13 Nigerian airlines have been blacklisted by international lessors for contract defaults. The publications stated that “the lessors blacklisted the Nigerian airlines over their refusal to pay lessor fees contrary to the terms of their contract”.

    If this is true, it is unfortunately counterproductive to the unrelentless efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government in securing very needed foreign direct investment into Nigeria.

    We wish to clarify that Arik Air Limited founded in 2006 has a verifiable good record of transactions of acquisition of aircraft with no-default in repayments to the international credit agencies that financed acquisition of her aircraft up until 9 February 2017 when it was forcefully taken over by AMCON through an ex parte order of the Federal High Court.

    Read Also: World Youth Skills Day: How NewGlobe is equipping Nigeria for the future

    Arik Air financial model is such that all sales collections are by Nigerian banks. By this collection arrangement, Arik Air authorised the local collection banks that the repayments for the aircraft shall be first charge on the sales collections accounts.

    Furthermore, the banks were authorised to bid for forex from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to pay for the aircraft acquisition. Where the local banks could not source forex from the CBN, Arik Air authorised the banks to purchase forex from other sources/channels to meet these obligations.

    By this arrangement, Arik Air Limited has fully paid-up over 80% of its aircraft fleet to the aircraft financiers. Hence, up to 9 February 2017 when AMCON forcefully took over Arik Air there could not have arisen any cases of default in meeting the airline’s obligations.

    Suffice it to state that Arik Air commenced domestic flights operations in Nigeria in 2006 and further extended into West, Central Africa and South Africa. The network grew over the years to London Heathrow (which it operated from Lagos for about 9 years), New York (which it operated from Lagos for about 8 years), and Dubai (which it operated from Lagos for about 4 years). During this period (30 October 2006 to 9 February 2017), no Arik aircraft or engines were seized, detained or commandeered for any default.

    Rather than seizures, based upon Arik satisfactory repayments performance, the international financiers offered about $500 million to Arik to purchase additional newly manufactured aircraft to further expand the airline operational capacity and route network before AMCON forceful take over on 9 February 2017.

    Thus, it is an incontrovertible fact that the legacy Arik Air management did not default in any of its aircraft purchase repayments and was not blacklisted by any lessor or aircraft financing partners. Any such reports of default before 9 February 2017 are false, unfounded and grossly misleading

    Suffice it to state that Arik Air was placed into receivership on  February 8, 2017 vide an ex parte order of the Federal High Court and was forcefully taken over on the February 9, 2017 by AMCON’s receiver manager, Mr. Oluseye Opasanya (SAN) with a large detachment of mobile policemen. The takeover was effected without any form inventory of assets and liability as required by law.

    It is interesting to note that AMCON and its Receiver Manager took over Arik Air Limited vide an ex parte order of the Federal High Court Lagos, yet it refused to obey a judgment of the Federal High Court Lagos that granted an unfettered access to the shareholders/directors of Arik Air to their offices in March 2023.

    We note with dismay that AMCON took over 19 serviceable aircraft that operated average of 120 daily flights with spare parts inventory valued at about $150M. Arik Air Limited valued at the sum of $3.7 billion by Delloite of London has been recklessly mismanaged by AMCON’s receiver managers resulting in only two  serviceable aircraft as of date, the rest have been cannibalised/grounded , engines abandoned in maintenance shops worldwide, multimillion dollars London Heathrow and New York JFK landing slots lost while some aircraft cannot be accounted for due to AMCON’s receiver manager discontinuation of servicing contracted financial obligations of legacy Arik Air Limited. Today, Arik in Receivership has only two operational aircraft and its route network is embarrassingly reduced to Lagos-Abuja-Lagos flights.

    As in receivership practice, AMCON Receiver Managers are obligated to service all contracted obligations, duly maintain the aircraft and manage efficiently the network and value of the airline.

    In this regard therefore if there is any blacklisting of airline, it is the Arik (in Receivership) by AMCON that is blacklisted and not the legacy Arik Air Limited.

    It should be noted that all reported defaults of the airline occurred sometime in 2019, two years into AMCON receivership under the watch of Mr. Oluseye Opasanya SAN through to the tenure of Mr. Kamilu Alaba Omokide FCA (both AMCON receiver managers).

    In conclusion, it is important that Nigeria and the international community are informed of the true facts of who and what is working against Nigeria in the international business community.

    Hence any such bad reputation associated with Nigeria resulting from negative media in aviation associated with Arik Air (in receivership) is only as a result of mismanagement of Arik Air by AMCON receivership managers.

  • Court restrains SKECC Nigeria Ltd, three others from trespassing on Oyo farm land

    Court restrains SKECC Nigeria Ltd, three others from trespassing on Oyo farm land

    An Oyo State High Court  in Iseyin   has  restrained  a Chinese firm, SKECC Nigeria Ltd. and three of its Directors, Umar Yahaya, Daye Shi, and Jilong Liu  from trespassing on Agboola Farms land at Kishi, Oyo State.

    The suit, filed on behalf of Agboola Farms Limited came up in Court on Wednesday before  Justice  E.A. Taiwo.

    Read Also: Tinubu commits to deepening AI, robotics engineering skills in Nigerian youths

    Counsel to  Agboola Farms Limited, Kazeem A. Gbadamosi, SAN and Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo, SAN, appearing with Oluwaseun Ayodele Esq.and  Ridwan Sanusi, Esq., moved the Court to grant an Order of Interim Injunction restraining the 1st-4th Defendants, their agents, servants, privies, representatives including their workmen, staff, or anybody whatsoever claiming through or under them from exploring, excavating, prospecting for mineral resources and/or moving equipment into the land of the Claimant and further committing any act of trespass on the Claimant’s land situated and being at KM 8, Kishi/Ilorin Road, Sooro Village, Kishi, Irepo Local Government of Oyo State.

  • Nigeria, United States reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral trade

    Nigeria, United States reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral trade

    The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka Anite, has assured that Nigeria and the United States of America are committed to strengthening trade and economic collaboration.

    The minister highlighted the key areas of discussion as the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the Bi-National Commission (BNC), and the Commercial Investment Dialogue (CID).

    The two countries emphasized the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s exports, promoting innovation, and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

    The minister gave this assurance during a meeting with a United States delegation led by Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, Arun Venkataraman in Abuja, with a focus on enhancing bilateral trade and investment relations between Nigeria and the United States.

    He said: “The two countries share a relationship built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared value, and commitment to open trade and economic collaboration. Nigeria’s vast economic potential includes a large market and abundant natural resources. Initiatives like the National Talent Export Program position Nigeria as an export hub for talent outsourcing.

    “We are committed to deepening our partnership in trade and investment. This includes promoting non-oil exports to the USA under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and creating an environment where businesses can flourish.”

    Venkataraman expressed the US government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic reforms and addressing challenges faced by US companies in Nigeria, stating that their work to deepen business ties and build a strategic commercial partnership underscores their commitment to further enhancing these ties, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities that benefit people across both countries.

    The US delegation also showed keen interest in Nigeria’s economic reforms and expressed their readiness to support initiatives that promote trade and investment.

    Read Also: Spain seeks more investment opportunities in Nigeria’s power sector

    Venkataraman said: “We know that the United States and Nigeria recognize the immense potential of our economic cooperation, but now it is time to take that potential and make it a reality. We are not here to talk; we are here to take action.”

    Both parties agreed on the need for regular dialogue and collaboration to address trade disparities, foster investment, and promote innovation.

    The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria-USA trade and investment relations.

  • Nigeria engages GEF on Niger Delta mangrove regeneration project

    Nigeria engages GEF on Niger Delta mangrove regeneration project

    Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action Ajuri Ngelale has held a crucial virtual meeting with Michael Uwemedimo, leader of the $100 million Global Environment Facility (GEF) project.

    The GEF project aims to regenerate mangrove forests in the Niger Delta, offsetting carbon emissions in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    Ngelale’s engagement with Uwemedimo, which underscores Nigeria’s commitment to climate action and environmental conservation, was one of a number of critical engagements he held on Tuesday, aimed at furthering Nigeria’s climate action on the global scale.

    Read Also: Akpabio reshuffles Senate’s standing committees

    The project’s success is believed to have the potential to make a significant impact on the country’s carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts against climate change.

    Also, Ngelale has intensified preparations for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Conference of Parties (COP29) as he convened a meeting with members of the Economic Team Office (ETO), and the National Climate Change Council (NCCC), to review progress on preparations for cross-governmental engagements.

    He also held another virtual call with Nicky Keefe, Bloomberg Group Executive, to discuss Nigeria’s participation in the B20 Business Forum in Brazil and plans to drive value chain localisation in renewable energy technologies.

  • Nigeria seeks to improve Diaspora’s contribution to GDP, says minister

    Nigeria seeks to improve Diaspora’s contribution to GDP, says minister

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has said that Nigeria is moving towards improving its Diaspora contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of the country.

    Tuggar stated this in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE).

     He said: “We are moving closely towards changing those negative narratives about Nigeria and to improve on the contribution to GDP of Diasporans.”

    A member of the PAC-ADE delegation, Executive Director, Deniece Laurent-Mantey, while fielding questions from journalists noted that Nigeria was part of their first official trip to Africa.

    She explained that the council, inaugurated by President Biden in 2023, aims to strengthen the African diaspora’s role in economic and social development.

     “We chose Nigeria because Nigerian diasporans represent a vibrant part of the African diaspora community,” Lawrence said.

    Laurent-Mantey praised the engaging and interactive discussions with Minister Tuggar and expressed optimism about future collaborations.

    She added: “We talked about how we can partner with the Nigerians in the diaspora, across different sectors. Our partnership should go both ways: how can the US support Nigeria, and how can Nigeria support America as well?”

    The PAC-ADE was established by President Biden via Executive Order 14089 during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit and was formally inaugurated in October 2023 by Vice President Harris. The council includes 12 members distinguished in various fields such as government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities.

    The council advised the President on strengthening relationships between U.S. officials and the African diaspora in the United States.

    Read Also: Nigeria missing at continental ITTF  youth tourney   

    In March, the council adopted its first set of recommendations for the President.

    These included programs focused on student exchanges between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African educational institutions, advocating for more U.S. Government policy support for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), funds for climate-focused initiatives in Africa, improving visa processes for Africans travelling to the United States, and enhancing investments and collaborations in African creative industries.

    The council’s visit to Nigeria underscores the significance of bilateral relations and the impact of the Nigerian diaspora.

    This follows the historic Framework of Cooperation signed between the U.S. and Kenya in May 2024 at Spelman College in Atlanta.

     This agreement included funds to support the Edtech Africa Initiative, a public-private partnership recommended by PAC-ADE to promote STEM education partnerships between HBCUs, the Open University of Kenya, Mastercard, and Microsoft.

  • Nigeria’s food price puzzle

    Nigeria’s food price puzzle

    The image that comes to mind as the Federal Government struggles to rein in inflation is that of a cowboy battling to break in a bucking bronco: a tough, chaotic and unpredictable process. Officials leading the charge must feel a sense of frustration that all measures – orthodox and unorthodox – are only producing the most modest of effects.

    In January 2024, headline inflation in Nigeria was 29.90% – relative to a rate of 28.92% in December 2023. The latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) put the rate for June at 34.19%, while food inflation is racing ahead at 40.87%. There are those who dispute these numbers. One national newspaper quoted the President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Kelvin Oye, as saying the rate was closer to 90%.

    Let’s admit that inflation is a global problem at this point and was an issue in the recent United Kingdom (UK) polls. It would be one in the United States and could have a bearing on how the November presidential elections turn out – beyond the questions around Joe Biden’s age. At 400%, it is highest right now in Venezuela. The rate in Zimbabwe is 172.2%, Argentina 89.6%, Sudan 76.1%, Turkey 50.6% and Ghana 45.4% just to mention a few.

    So, should we celebrate Nigeria’s official rate of 34.19%? Perhaps not, given that there are a few countries in Africa and elsewhere where the rate is in low single digits. But it doesn’t matter whether similar problems exist in the North Pole; people just want solutions to their day-to-day troubles with upkeep.

    The inflation rate could crash to levels that most households were used to, but that’s no guarantee that high prices are going to drop. It’s just that they stop rising at a dizzying clip. For instance, property owners who have hiked rent are unlikely to revert to old rates if inflation is tamed.

    Read Also: Wike woos Nigerians in Diaspora over infrastructural development

    Several weeks back, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) tried to highlight a bit of good news. It had identified a decline in month-on-month increase for about a quarter.

    Government statistics may offer hope, still they are cold comfort to the housewife who steps into a market and feels as though consumables have been vacuumed by an unseen force. The frustration that comes from not being able to buy what you intended, the terror involved in heading home with a half-empty basket, are hard to describe.

    Government is feeling the heat; what with people baying about hardship and the opposition celebrating every new piece of bad news. At some point several months ago, President Bola Tinubu pointedly said he wouldn’t sanction food imports. He was apparently anxious about the potential impact on local agricultural output.

    After holding out for several months, the administration has executed a u-turn and rolled out a raft of measures such as removal of tariffs on a range of imported grains. Given the challenging circumstances and urgency required, the move has been fairly well received.

    But African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina, an important voice on economic matters on the continent, wasn’t impressed. He called the latest policy depressing, warning that it could hurt local agricultural production.

    His worries are similar to those that stayed Tinubu’s hands earlier in the year and are relevant. That said, they don’t answer the question as to where local output that can produce the swift respite the country needs is to be found. Hunger is a potent political weapon that can do irreparable damage to any administration. Food inflation is fast becoming a national security issue that anarchists and sundry mischief-makers can manipulate to destabilise the country.

    There’s no shortage of theories as to why food prices have gone through the roof. One of the most popular puts it down to insecurity ravaging the nation’s food baskets. Bandits have chased people away from farms across the Northwest, whilst farmlands in large swathes of Middle-Belt states like Plateau and Benue remain unsafe for farmers due to the activities of gunmen and herders.

    In many states down South, people have abandoned farms because of faceless killers and kidnappers. With rural communities losing their innocence, local staples like garri and yams are now out of the reach of many. Would it have been better to do nothing, let the situation fester in anticipation of a miracle without a time frame? I think not. Hunger needs to be assuaged immediately.

    Another factor driving food inflation is extortion by security agencies who clog the roads with checkpoints. Farm produce in the hinterland is still relatively affordable. But there have been reports that farmers have to pay a premium to navigate the route from farm to market. It isn’t just policemen and soldiers who are involved, even local toughs have gotten in on the racket. When the protection money is added to high transportation costs and other expenses, the eventual price of food is beyond the average man in urban areas.

    I was told recently of how market cartels fix prices at extortionate levels – far above what the selling farmer asks for his produce. The activities of these middlemen is devastating and often underrated as a factor driving high prices. While the government might be leery about getting involved with pricing, it can’t just sit back and watch a greedy few manipulating things to the detriment of the larger population. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) needs to investigate and intervene robustly.

    To restore food productivity to former levels, the country has to neutralise bandits, kidnappers such that farmers feel safe enough to return to their isolated plots. This won’t happen overnight given the massive landmass of the country, porous borders and ungoverned spaces. We will never have enough policemen or soldiers to protect every square meter. New security arrangements involving collaboration with local communities have to be developed. These, too, require time to conceive and implement.

    We should be heartened by fact that just as we would never have enough security agents, violent criminals would never be that many to overrun every inch of Nigeria. There’s still enough safe space to improve productivity and tackle the demand and supply conundrum. If there is sufficient supply leading to a glut, prices will crash – especially with perishable commodities. But what we’ve had so far is population explosion meets declining productivity, delivering the current perfect storm.

    A couple of days ago the government released 750 trailers laden with rice to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and local government areas across the country. This is just another palliative plaster that cannot heal the weeping wound. What would work is laser-like commitment to the myriad initiatives that are announced daily. We’ve heard of huge hectares being put to cultivation by federal and state governments. Niger recently launched a massive mechanised farming initiative. Southwest governors have vowed to produce food eaten in their region going forward.

    The twin hammer blows of naira devaluation and removal of fuel subsidy have had their knock on effects in terms of cost of inputs and transportation. It will take a while for adjustments to be made.

    The challenges fuelling high food price cannot be addressed in one fell swoop. There are also no easy options. While food importation looks like a risky gambit which can depress local agricultural productivity over time, it’s instructive that the government settled for a solution that isn’t open ended. Limited to an 180-day window, the measures could have the desired effect of providing sufficiency in our markets while giving room for anticipated harvests to come in the same period.

    It is expedient that the government fights escalating food prices with all its got. The average person is more concerned with quick wins like cheap food. They compare the price of basic staples like rice, garri, beans and on such basis draw conclusions as to the success or failure of administrations. Grand legacy projects are fine, but people still remember with nostalgia when a bag of rice sold for N18,000. Dealing with such basic needs first, provides the calm environment every government needs to accomplish its long term objectives.

  • Nigeria blessed to have Kalu lead constitutional amendment – Reps Deputy spokesperson

    Nigeria blessed to have Kalu lead constitutional amendment – Reps Deputy spokesperson

    Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, said Nigeria is blessed to have Benjamin Kalu as the chairman, House Committee on Constitutional Review. 

    The Committee recently held a three-day workshop with Justices, Judges and Speakers of the State House of Assembly in Lagos. 

    Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Agbese praised the Deputy Speaker for his exceptional leadership and innovative approach to the constitution review process.

    The Deputy Spokesman said the Kalu-led committee has adopted a citizen-driven approach, engaging with various stakeholders and soliciting inputs from Nigerians across the country.

    According to him, this inclusive strategy has ensured that the review process reflects the aspirations and concerns of citizens, making the Constitution truly representative of our collective values.

    He said these efforts have not only enhanced the review process but also fostered a sense of ownership and inclusivity among Nigerians.

    Read Also: Kano Emirate: Judiciary latest casualty of Gov Yusuf- Group

    “As the Chairman of the House of Reps Constitution Review Committee, Rep. Kalu has proven to be a blessing to our great nation, demonstrating unwavering dedication and a passion for democratic growth,” Agbese said. 

    “He has come up with innovative approaches and extensive engagement to help us get it right this time. What we have done is to identify some thematic areas that Nigerians are yearning for changes to the constitution as it concerns good governance.

    “We consequently identified critical stakeholders in various sectors to interface with us and provide their insight and guide us through the process. These efforts have not only enhanced the review process but also fostered a sense of ownership and inclusivity among Nigerians.”

    Agbese added that the Committee has set a timeline for themselves and is aggressively working on certain areas of concern to Nigerians. 

    “We looked at state creation, state police, local government autonomy and contradictions in local government elections,” he said.

    “We also touched on autonomy and funding for the judiciary.”

    Agbese assured that the Committee will keep to its promise of concluding the process before December 2025.

    “We are trying to amend the constitution and not create further problems for the nation,” he noted. “We want a constitution that would be as flexible as possible that would strengthen our institutions.

    “We strongly believe that we can have a constitution that would not only unite us but will also give a sense of nationhood to citizens. “

  • Nigeria will be great again, Ajayi assures

    Nigeria will be great again, Ajayi assures

    Founder, Love of Christ Generation Church, Rev Mother Abimbola Esther Ajayi, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will be great again despite our present challenges.

    Ajayi stressed this while addressing journalists after a rally the church organised in preparation for the forthcoming ‘Celebrate the Comforter,’ a programme, which will take place in Abuja on 20th of July.

    She emphasised that the growth of Nigeria was a process that would be achieved eventually.

    According to her, what is happening in Nigeria is not a new phenomenon as it happens everywhere around the world.

    She said: “There’s nothing new, Rome was not built in a day. I have lived somewhere else in the world for almost 20 years.

    “We’ll get there at some point. I have faith that Nigeria is going to be great again”.

    “Talking about the forthcoming event, she stated that the vision behind the programme ‘Celebrate the Comforter,” is to change the face of white garment churches all over the world.

    Read Also: Poor funding, defective policies bane of Nigeria’s food supply -Experts

    According to her, there are a lot of misconceptions about the white garment church which she intends to correct with the programme. “We are telling the world that the only book we believe in is the word of God, the Bible, the sword of the spirit.

    “And winning more souls for Jesus Christ, that is what is at the back of our mind.”

    Guest ministers billed for the crusade are: Supreme Head; C&S Unification Church Worldwide,( Dr) Solomon Adegboyega;  Head, Celestial Church of Church Worldwide, Pastor Emmanuel Oshoffa; Archbishop & Metro of the Arch-province of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Okikiolaolu Ositeku; Founder, C.A.C Agbala-Itura Worldwide, Prophet Kayode Abiara; and President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Daniel Okoh;

    Gospel ministers lined-up to connect the congregation to soul-lifting renditions are; Yinka Ayefele, Lanre Teriba, Yinka Alaseyori, Beejay Sax, Muyiwa Riversongz, Bidemi Olaoba, Kent Edunjobi, Israel Classic, Aramide Fadilepo, amongst others.