The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian

  • 59 ‘hostages’

    59 ‘hostages’

    •The children intercepted in Abuja show we have to review the almajiri system

    The exploitation of children and teen boys has been a scourge of Nigerian society. It has been even more so in the last decade. The interception on January 6 of a vehicle conveying 59 children across the north only pays credence to this fact.

    According to the report, the 59 children ranged between four and 12 years old. The officer who led the interception at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, said they were being ferried from the city of Kano to Nasarawa State. The driver of the van with vehicle number KMC 2832 CJ was Ali Ibrahim, and his assistant was Alhassan Ibrahim. But the kingpin was Idris Usman who resides in Nasarawa. They have been arrested.

    This is not the first time that arrests of this sort have been made. And not just in travels across the north. In the south, vehicles have been intercepted coming all the way from the north, and they were well into either the southwest or the southeast. The arrests have not thwarted such ambitions.

    The report did not disclose why Usman had arranged moving 59 children from the core north city of Kano all the way to Nasarawa in the north central. It was quite a journey, but the police, we expect, will investigate the motives and make them known to the public. All we know so far is that the 59 did not belong to one family but different families in Kano.

    We still need some questions addressed. One, how did he, Usman, spot and gather the children? What was the purpose of taking them away from their roots and carrying them faraway to a place they probably had never been and where they probably had no blood ties? Did the parents know about this mission, and if they did, what was the evidence of consent if, that is, there was any?

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    It is intriguing that the vehicle had moved many miles and through quite a few states without either detection or interception. Abuja is just next door to Nasarawa, and Usman and his plot was a hair’s breadth away from success. It is therefore kudos to Deputy Superintendent Sarki Umar and his team for saving scores of apparently impressionable and, we daresay, helpless children.

    Ordinarily, such children between four and 12 should be in school. They should be learning how to improve their minds and build their characters in a formal institution. But apparently, they were not. They draw attention to the failings of the almajiri system that has created two social problems. One, they have separated children, especially boys, from their parents, and handed them as wards to teachers, who are at the mercy of their whims and the wards at the mallams’ own mercy. Two, they are cut off from a society of social responsibility and meaningful engagement.

    What this means is that the teachers, known as mallams, can exploit their positions for selfish purposes. Hence the investigations are necessary.

    Children of that age bracket were exploited to protest hunger last year, even though they were not engaged in the economic life of the country, and their stake for decades had been as beggars who lived on the speculative generosity of their providers.

    In this era of banditry, kidnapping and killings, such impressionable young serve as recruiting boom for the hoodlums. This is a dangerous trend that is providing ready fuel for cynical men who see banditry as a path to prosperity while many families mourn, fear and run from ruin.

  • Egypt waives visa for Nigerian diplomats in new partnership agreement 

    Egypt waives visa for Nigerian diplomats in new partnership agreement 

    Egypt has waived visa for Nigerian diplomats in a new partnership agreement, as relationship between both countries is elevated to a “Comprehensive Partnership.”

    Both countries are to consider other areas of collaboration and partnership during their meeting in Cairo, Egypt. 

    The issue of security cooperation is also said to be on the table. 

    A statement by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Minister of Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar led team is already in Cairo, Egypt, to participate in the third round of political consultations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

    The statement which was signed by the media aide to the Minister, Alkasim Abdulkadir, stated that both foreign ministers agreed to elevate the relationship between Egypt and Nigeria to a “Comprehensive Partnership.” 

    The relationship, he said, emphasized  mutual respect for each nation’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. 

    The Minister of Water Resources Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev and Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security were part of Nigeria’s delegation.

    The statement also stated that both countries have also committed to intensify coordination on regional and international issues.

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    The statement reads: “The Minister of Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has visited Cairo, Egypt, to participate in the third round of political consultations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, both foreign ministers agreed to elevate the relationship between Egypt and Nigeria to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” emphasizing mutual respect for each nation’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. 

    “Both countries have also committed to intensify coordination on regional and international issues, aiming to strengthen the African Union’s role in addressing continental challenges and promoting integration. They also pledged to work together to advance democracy, good governance, and the objectives of Agenda 2063. 

    “While  recognizing the shared threat of terrorism and extremism, Egypt and Nigeria agreed to enhance security cooperation by sharing experiences in implementing comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies. 

    “They also expressed a commitment to supporting conflict resolution in Africa through peacebuilding and sustainable development initiatives. 

    “The ministers acknowledged the potential for increased bilateral economic engagement and agreed to encourage both governmental and private sector participation in areas such as agriculture, energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure. 

    “They also discussed plans to establish a Nigeria-Egypt Chamber of Commerce by the end of 2025, with a formal launch anticipated during the fourth round of ministerial-level consultations in Abuja in 2026. 

    “Additionally, the ministers commended recent agreements on visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders and the adjustment of visa fees for citizens of both countries, reflecting a mutual commitment to facilitating easier movement and stronger people-to-people connections. 

    “The next session of the Joint Committee at the ministerial level is scheduled for the last quarter of 2025, underscoring the ongoing commitment to deepening bilateral relations.”

  • Is Nigerian state failing?

    Is Nigerian state failing?

    Mixed reactions have trailed President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks that Nigeria is becoming a failed state. The alarm came at a time the country is gradually overcoming the fear of disintegration predicted by some foreign organisations, following government’s inability to resolve the national question and avert the speedy drift to chaos in the past. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the factors that can guarantee Nigeria’s survival as a peaceful, united, economically viable and politically stable country.

    A failed state, generally, implies that a sovereign country has lost two primary abilities. The first is the ability to maintain authority over its own people and territory. The second is the ability to protect its own national borders.

    In other words, the nation-state is on the edge; it is rendered ineffective and thus, unable to enforce its laws uniformly or provide basic goods and services to its citizens.

    State failure is not sudden, but gradual. The journey to collapse is long and tortuous. Where it has occured in any part of the globe, deep and protracted conflicts have often resulted into wars of attraction, with factors of ethnicity, inequity and sometimes, religion, playing critical roles. It means a total absence of unity, peace and cohesion, exemplified in the loss of territorial control whereby the components of the heterogeneous society which are neglected fight back and frontally oppose the centre of power and then regress to fending for themselves.

    The implication, according to a political scientist,  Boniface Ayodele, is that such a country is on the fast lane to disintegration and oblivion, unless serious efforts are made by the government, through the support of critical stakeholders, to avert the doom.

    As civil war results, the bewildered state loses its legitimacy, basis for existence and its monopoly on violence, and force becomes privatised under warlords, paramilitary or guerrilla units, as the experience of few African countries in tumoil has shown. “Examples abound, and the initial signs that are ignored include the weakness of state institutions, loss of legitimacy by government, and sometimes, the agenda of external influences. Nations also differ from one another. It is usually a combination of factors that account for failure,” said Ayodele,  who teaches political science at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti.

    Which of these elements or characteristics aptly capture the Nigerian situation, particularly at this time when concerted efforts are made by the current administration to steer Nigeria from state fragility through what government officials have described as bold socio-economic and political reforms?

     Delivering a keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, United States, two months ago, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who blamed the one-and-a-half-year-old Tinubu’s presidency for the nation’s cumulative woes, said Nigeria’s failing status is evident under the administration.

    In the lecture, titled: ‘Leadership failure and state capture in Nigeria,’ Obasanjo said the country’s pervasive corruption, mediocrity, immorality, misconduct, mismanagement, injustice, incompetence and all forms of iniquity confirmed Nigeria’s failing state status.

    He stressed: “As we can see and understand, Nigeria’s situation is bad. The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment.

    “That’s the situation mostly in Nigeria in the reign of Baba-go-slow and Emilokan. The failing state status of Nigeria is confirmed and glaringly indicated and manifested for every honest person to see through the consequences of the level of our pervasive corruption, mediocrity, immorality, misconduct, mismanagement, perversion, injustice, incompetence, and all other forms of iniquity.”

    However, a federal legislator, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, disagreed with the assertion. He said Obasanjo only hinged his remarks on the economic and security challenges confronting Nigeria. He pointed out that the administration is making frantic efforts to tackle the mounting challenges, which he inherited from previous governments.

    Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South District in the National Assembly, added:”I disagree with President Obasanjo that Nigeria is a failed state. Two, I disagree with President Obasanjo for using the language of war in peacetime. We are in peacetime. We don’t need this engagement of bullet interaction between an elder statesman and the government.

    Obasanjo’s assessment of the nation should be more holistic and not a focus on the economy. As a former military personnel, the former Nigerian president should shift attention to security issues where he has expertise.”

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    There are puzzles: has Nigeria lost, or is losing, its ability to fulfill fundamental security and development functions?

    Is Federal Government lacking effective control over its territory and borders, or its sub-nationals or local governments within the sub-nationals?

    Is government incapable of tax collection, law enforcement, security assurance, territorial control, political or civil office staffing, and infrastructure maintenance?

    Is the country ebbing away under the strains of widespread corruption, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom and criminality?

    Are non-state actors, including Boko Haram sect and Lakurawa group, pulling the rugs from the feet of state actors in troubled spots, thereby aggravating the problems of refugees and the involuntary movement of populations?

    Is the sharp economic decline, which has aggravated harship, not demoralising to citizens whose support are required for building a national consensus on governance?

    Is military intervention, from both within and outside the country, much more likely to occur, after 25 years of uninterrupted or stable civil rule?

    The correct perspectives and answers to these puzzles would reveal whether or not Nigeria is prone to state failure or anarchy.

    As from the 1990s, state failure has been on the front burner of debate among political scientists, statesmen, civil society organisations, democracy monitoring groups and governments.

    The phrase was used to express concerns about the potential collapse of poor states into chaotic anarchy after the end of the Cold War, as highlighted by Robert Kaplan’s depiction of chaos in Liberia and Sierra Leone and his warning of a “coming anarchy” in various global regions.

    In his theory of state, Max Weber, a social scientist, identified the maintenance of a monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force within its borders by nations and countries as a factor in state survival. In his view, when that monopoly is broken, as it has been broken in some countries through the dominant presence of warlords, paramilitary groups, corrupt policing, armed gangs, or terrorism, the very existence of the state becomes dubious. Consequently, the state becomes a failed state.

    Yet, the theory is complex and complicated because while the state may not require legitimacy for achieving a monopoly on the means of violence, it would need legitimacy if it needs to use that monopoly of violence.

    The first manifestation of failed state in Africa was Somalia, which descended into disorder, following a coup that ousted its dictator, Siad Barre, in 1991, leading to internal conflicts among the country’s clans.

    Also, in the 2020s, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Libya, Mali, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, were engulfed in crisis. The hullabaloo, which has persisted in the countries, is a major worry to the sub-regional, continental and world organisations.

    In these crisis-ridden countries, features of division, destabilisation and lack of agreement about the continuity of the state are obvious. Other attributes of failure include the presence of an insurgency, extreme political corruption, overwhelming crime rates which the police and security agencies could not curb, ethnic strife and cleansing, dictatorship and ballot box failure.

    Others include ineffective bureaucracy, judicial ineffectiveness, displacement of civilian authorities by the military, monopolisation and consolidation of power by regional actors, elimination of rival regional influence, and threat to the national authorities.

    Robert Rotberg, president of World Peace Foundation in the United States, listed alluded to  the elements of fragility, which can herald state failure, particularly the symptoms and consequences of general maladministration and inefficiency on the part of government.

    Drawing a connection between an improperly managed diversity and conflict arising from the struggle for relevance among competing tribes, he stated that there could be friction.

    “Failed states are tense, deeply conflicted, dangerous and contested bitterly by warring factions. In most failed states, government troops battle armed revolts led by one or more of rivals. Occasionally, the official authorities in a failed state face two or more insurgents, varieties of civil unrest, different degrees of communal discontent, and a plethora of dissent directed at the state and at the group within the state,” he said.

    As the conflict and war further divert attention from normal governance,  governmentloses respect. “Nation-states fail because they are convulsed by internal violence and can no longer deliver positive political goods to their inhabitants.  Their governments lose legitimacy,  and the very nature of the particular nation-state itself becomes illegitimate in the eyes and hearts of a growing plurality of its citizens,” Rotberg added.

    Also, the perception is that while a state may function in general, the ailing sub-state level  may collapse due to dilapidated infrastructure, wobbling economy, mounting debt, absence of social policy. The neglect or disaffection against the sub-regional government by the grassroots may provoke agitation or rebellion, making certain local governments, towns and villaged to slip from state control, thereby becoming ungoverned spaces.

    Thus, the chain of events leading and compounding the challenge of state failure are varied – civil war, ethnic violence, genocide, and predatory government and bureaucratic behaviour.

    “State failure, as it now appears, has spetrum and degrees. But the general assumption is that it results from the collapse of government, the collapse of state institutions, particularly the bureaucracy and service delivery apparatus, and societal collapse,” said Ayodele

    •To be continued:

  • Y2024 as mixed bag for me and as a Nigerian

    Y2024 as mixed bag for me and as a Nigerian

    Thank God the year 2024 is coming gradually to an end. On the international scene, there have been wars in Europe waged on Ukraine by Russia, wars in Gaza and Lebanon by Israel and growing unease between Israel and Iran. All across the Sahel in the Sahara, the countries have been plagued by Jihadist insurgencies of one kind or the other. These insurgencies are mixtures of racism and fundamentalism but camouflaged as going back to the old time religion of the prophet!

    Muslims are supposed to be brothers and it is very problematic interpreting these Sahelian wars as religious. Our country Nigeria has not been spared.  In fact, for almost a decade, we have been bogged down in the far north of our country fighting rebels claiming to be fighting to purify adherents of Islam. Nigeria has coordinated its response with the republics of Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Benin in its resistance and pacification of the distressed areas of the Northwest and Northeast. The inability of France to see to the end of these conflicts in Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad and Niger as the dependent governments of those countries would have wanted, has had ramifying effects on the politics and economic situation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). There has been military coups d’état or change of governments in some of the Francophone countries and expulsion of France and the withdrawal of the United States’ military presence in Niger and Chad for example. The call for restoration of democratic rule in the ECOWAS countries has precipitated crises in the sub-region and has led to the formation of an association of Sahelian states of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger and their consequent withdrawal from ECOWAS.

    We have not seen the end of the crisis yet. Wars have been raging in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR) as well as the Sudan proper and in the new Southern Sudan Republic. The war in the Congo is not new and this has been going on and off for more than a decade tying down considerable numbers of United Nations troops and sometimes intervention from neighbouring countries of Zimbabwe, Angola, Uganda and Rwanda. The war in the Sudan has largely been ignored because the lives being lost in thousands are African lives that the world apparently regards as expendable because little attention is paid to it when compared with other areas of conflict in the world. It could also be the world is suffering from the ennui of African conflicts being the norm rather than the exception. In Asia, wars have broken out for almost a decade between the government and the rebels in Myanmar leading to thousands of death. Only The Americas, Australia and Western Europe have been spared the scourge of war.

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    But we can generalize that wars are still a rarity in current human affairs, while the areas termed “federations of peace “remain the norm. The world is however like the human body. When one part hurts a little, the whole body hurts. To drive this point home, the global inflation leading to human distress and hunger in many parts of the world are not unrelated to the disruption of the supply chain which the wars have affected in a closely integrated global economy. The cost of bread globally particularly in Africa, Europe and the Middle East has skyrocketed because the disruption of shipping in the Black Sea has affected the trade in wheat from Russia and Ukraine. The war itself has poisoned relations between Russia and the West to such an extent that Russia is threatening to use nuclear weapons. The situation is becoming more and more complicated to the extent that North Koreans are fighting on the side of Russia and the war in a small European theatre is taking on the colour of a global conflict. 

    The whole world is waiting for Donald Trump’s promised magic of ending the war in a jiffy when he is sworn in as president of the United States on January 20. Since the end of the Second World War, the conflict in Ukraine, apart from the Cuban Crisis of 1962, is the closest thing in which Russia and the United States have come to direct confrontation with dire consequences for global peace. The war in the Middle East between Israel and Iranian proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, may yet spill over to Syria which is in a state of political flux and its neighbours, Israel and Turkey are carving out territorial areas of influence may yet lead to more complexity in which America may be involved when President Trump assumes power in the United States in January 2025.

    The threat to the world from global warming and adverse climatic change has also not abated. The extreme weather that is becoming the norm all over the world poses existential threat to the world the only habitable planet we know of. It does not seem some politicians like Donald Trump who doubt the scientifically proven case of global warming are ready to slow down industrial and human activities in order to save the environment. The series of conferences of parties on how to reverse the trend of global warming has become a global jamboree in which nothing changes because people put national economies before environmental enhancement and the tendency nowadays is to kick enhancement measures forward. In the meantime, while the climate problem confronts humanity with threat of annihilation, pandemic diseases are not far behind and it does not seem mankind is more prepared than what happened to the world with Covid-19 when millions of deaths were recorded all over the world including in the most technologically advanced economies.

    Coming home to our country Nigeria, we have had a bad patch this year to put it in a diplomatic language. Prices of everything have soared because of the geometrical decline of the national currency. It is not just the cost of imports that are beyond the average consumer, local farm produce like vegetables, fruits and other necessities of life because of the cost of transportation are also priced out of their purchasing power.

    I have sympathy for those in government who have had to bear the anger of the masses. I have had to tell people that every government would like to be popular if it had the means and that I have not seen a government that would create an unfavourable environment for itself because of the harshness of economic conditions. A dictatorship that is not answerable to the people would enjoy the people’s support, if the economy was buoyant. Having said this, any democratic government must do all it can to work for the happiness of the greatest number of its people. It is obvious to me that previous governments in this country have lived beyond their means and our people have eaten the fruits and the seeds of the harvest without investing for the future. We mismanaged our economy from the 1970s till the present economic crisis. If we had industrialized the country and developed agriculture and built an excellent infrastructure, we would not have had a national currency that is virtually worthless. With all the natural resources both human and economic that we have, our Naira should be worth more than this.

    But I can see some light at the end of a dark long tunnel. We should in the foreseeable future, never have to import refined petroleum and its products. If the roads under construction linking the North from Sokoto to Badagry and the West with the East from Lagos to Calabar reach approachable levels of development and open up the country, they should affect agricultural production and trade as long as other means of transportation like railways, other arterial roads and aviation and shipping are not neglected. It also seems that the activities of the rampaging cattle herders have been curtailed. All governments of the federation, local, state and federal, should assist businesses to create jobs to absorb the teeming population of our youth whose empty stomachs pose a terrible danger to the security of our country.

    If the country was safer than it is now, people will be traveling more than they are doing now and that will reduce the pent up tension in the country due to emotional hardship of not seeing relatives as it used to be in the past. Governments should communicate more often than now with the governed. Those in government should scale down conspicuous consumption manifesting in huge houses and retinue of staff and fleets of cars and generally lavish living which gives the impression that government is dishonest when it asks people to tighten their belts. 

    Above all ,governments must do whatever it takes to drastically bring the cost of living down so that our people will not be dying needlessly struggling to share free food donated by churches, government parastatals and non-governmental organizations. The state and local governments must be challenged by the citizens to be aware of and alive to their responsibilities as the governments closer to the grassroots and the source of the people’s problems. The people must also rise to the present challenging situation and work at getting out of the proverbial poverty Africans appear condemned to. Our hope is that the year 2025 will be better.

    Personally, I pray that I will be happier next year and not suffer the loss of any young member of my family as I have this year. The death of Jumoke, my niece but more like a daughter because I brought her up like my own child has brought the futility of life graphically to me. I feel like what an American cynic said that “life stinks”.

  • Experts urge FG to prioritise Nigerian professionals in policy formulation

    Experts urge FG to prioritise Nigerian professionals in policy formulation

    The Nigerian Economic Society (NES) President, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, the Nigerian Association of Macro-economic Modelers (NAMM) President, Prof. Philip Alege, and a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, have called on the federal government to integrate local experts into policymaking processes.

    They emphasised the need for Nigerian professionals to peer-review the recommendations of foreign experts and institutions, urging the government to avoid over-reliance on bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

    Speaking at the third annual hybrid NAMM international conference in Ibadan, themed “Macro-economic Modeling and Data Science for Socio-Economic Development,” Prof. Adenikinju highlighted the importance of engaging Nigerian economic associations and experts in the formulation of policies to ensure they align with the country’s socio-economic realities.

    He said: ”Economic policies have become too sophisticated, that you cannot make them on the basis of intuitions or without proper evidence-based framework. So, you need to have a model that will help you to put all of that analysis in a framework.

     ”It is very important  that the government also consult local experts as they consult foreign partners instead of just relying on the IMF and the World Bank to resolve some of these. When they go to the IMF, the World Bank, India or some of these other countries, their local experts will bring their models. So, models will work with models.

    ”The government should not just listen to foreign speakers and foreign experts, but get our own local experts to also be there at the table”.

    On his part, Prof. Ajakaiye, who is of  African Centre for Shared Development Capacity Building (ACSDCB), Ibadan, said government needed to do more in terms of using models in decision-making and involvement of local macroeconomic modelers.

    He also called on the government to listen to their own experts before receiving advice from their friends from outside. 

    The former DG of NISER said: ”The Federal Government is listening to advice from the Funds, the bank, and other development partners and organisations. But those suggestions are coming from their models, the understanding of the workings of the Nigerian economy may not be exactly what is in those models.

    ‘’It is important  that before the government accepts the suggestions, it should send the suggestions  back to their peers here for reviews and reconciliation. It is in that meeting with experts, and their colleagues from Nigeria that they will then be able to open up their models and reveal their assumptions. Then, Nigerian experts will be able to ascertain  if the  assumptions are correct or not exactly correct’’.

     He explained that by patronising local experts, they would be able to address the emerging challenges during  implementation.

    ”Our government should begin by, first of all, patronising and listening to their own experts before receiving advice from their friends from outside. This is because the outsider cannot know your country better than you. In a sense, charity must begin from home. NAMM is one of the organisations the government can patronise from home”.

    Also speaking, NAMM President, Prof.  Alege, underscored importance of models in policy formulation and decision-making, urging government to integrate Nigerian experts into the policy formulation of the government. 

    The NAMM president said: ”Before you can make policies, you must understand the working of the system. The major thing that economists do is to understand the working of the system, translate them into what we call models. A model is just a mathematical representation of your understanding of the working of the system. Once you touch any sector, it will have a reverberation on the other sectors.

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    ”We are also showcasing  what we can do so that governments can begin to test us. The government should look  at our side. The foreign institutions and experts are not doing better than us.  This is the economy we see every day. Governments should patronise us, encourage us, help us in capacity building”.

    Also speaking, the Vice President of NAMM, Prof. Olusanya Olubusoye; Prof. Afees Salisu, Prof. Chris Kalu, Dr  Chinedu Nwosu, Dr. Olaoluwa Yahaya, Dr Michael Adebiyi, a former Director of Research Department, Central Bank of Nigeria; and others called for an  adequate  use of models for robust decision-making.

    They also charged young scholars in macro-economic modeling to be meticulous and serious about research works, adding that there are ample career opportunities in the sub-sector.

    The programme was supported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law (CPEEL), UI, Nigerian Economic Society (NES), CAPE Economic Research and Consulting and others.

    The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including academics, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals, to deliberate on critical macroeconomic modeling and data science issues in Nigeria.  

    The eggheads urged the government to make use of economic models more in policy formulation and making for optimum economic performance.

  • Top 5 Affordable Villa Communities Under $ 750k in Dubai for Nigerian Investors

    Top 5 Affordable Villa Communities Under $ 750k in Dubai for Nigerian Investors

    Dubai, an internationally active real estate center, is drawing investors from all over the world—including Nigeria. Dubai’s property investment market is very appealing for many reasons including a rich lifestyle, zero-tax income, and a strong economy. There are plenty of choices for Nigerians who seek reasonably priced villas, however, of great quality in Dubai, which are also very wise for investment purposes.

    This article looks at 5 reasonably priced areas Nigerians might buy in Dubai for around $750,000. We’ll look at these residential locations and their additional perks with helpful insights from Bayut, one of the most prominent real estate websites in the UAE. You can quickly find different affordable villas for sale on Bayut and compare them using its smart features to pick the one that best meets your needs.

    Top 5 Affordable Villa Communities Under $ 750k

    1.   DAMAC Hills 2 (Akoya Oxygen)

    Although DAMAC Hills 2 is famed for its luxury and has every convenience one could ever desire, it remains peaceful with modern homes and amazing vistas. The estate’s designers created four diverse clusters: Vardon, Camellia, Albizia, and Amargo, all of which promote eco-friendly living. The absence of public transportation further increases the calm and quiet of the region, even with expressways providing easy access.

    Pricing:

    3 BHK villa starting price: AED 1,200,000 (USD 327k)

    4 BHK villa starting price: AED 1,380,000 (USD 376k)

    5 BHK villa starting price: AED 1,580,000 (USD 430k)

    Villa ROI: 6.97%

    2.   The Valley by Emaar

    Emaar is developing the Valley on the outskirts of Dubai so that it provides a peaceful setting far from metropolitan noise. Families looking for reasonably priced first-class villas within a self-contained environment would find this to be the ideal location. Emaar guarantees a well-planned property in a desirable location, as well as the required amenities offered by contemporary engineering.

    Pricing:

    3 BHK villa starting price: AED 2,100,000 (USD 572k)

    4 BHK villa starting price: AED 2,480,000 (USD 675k)

    ROI: 6.24%

    3.   Dubailand

    Dubailand is a great project because of the relatively affordable homes surrounded by a lively environment. Those who like customized homes that fit their tastes will find great delight in this area. Dubailand has many family-friendly elements. This estate compound’s proximity to the major roads and surrounding areas of interest guarantees rapid access, therefore enhancing the investment attractiveness.

    Pricing:

    3 BHK villa starting price: AED 1,650,000 (USD 449k)

    4 BHK villa starting price: AED 1,700,000 (USD 463k)

    5 BHK villa starting price: AED 2,100,000 (USD 572k)

    ROI: 6.29%

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    4.   Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)

    Because of its outstanding location and reasonable price, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) is a popular residential neighborhood among purchasers in the somewhat higher villa range. Because it provides everything they would need, the location has drawn numerous investors who either are young professionals or have children. It has so many conveniences that enable residents to have pleasant lives. The estate, as it is planned to be readily accessible and safe, will satisfy those seeking a location that cares for everyone.

    Pricing:

    3 BHK villa starting price: AED 2,550,000 (USD 694k)

    4 BHK villa starting price: AED 2,320,000 (USD 632k)

    5 BHK villa starting price: AED 2,890,000 (USD 787k)

    ROI: 7.25%

    5.   Al Furjan

    Al Furjan’s well-considered residential complex by Nakheel combines contemporary and traditional ways of living. Its proximity to important sites drew a lot of investors. The location is perfect for families, as it is near Ibn Battuta Mall and offers a variety of outdoor activities in its parks. Al Furjan is a great investment alternative for individuals who want to make consistent income from property in Dubai as, despite its higher price range, it offers a good mix of residential choices and community feelings.

    Pricing:

    3 BHK villa starting price: AED 3,000,000 (USD 817k)

    4 BHK villa starting price: AED 3,500,000 (USD 953k)

    ROI: 6.23%

    Disclaimer: Prices and ROI may vary based on property size, features, and market conditions. Research thoroughly and consult an experienced real estate professional before deciding.

    Factors to Consider When Investing in Dubai Real Estate

    Consider the following when making real estate investment in Dubai:

    • Budget: Think first about your budget so that the area you choose to live in will fit your financial situation.
    • Location: Consider existing location, potential growth of the property, and closeness of facilities before choosing one.
    • Property Type: Choose whether to invest in a villa or a townhouse.
    • Rental Yield: Assess at expected ROI after estimating rental income.
    • Developer Reputation: Choose a well-known developer with a solid prior track record.
    • Legal and Financial Advice: Seek legal and financial experts to help you guarantee a seamless and safe investing process.

    Conclusion

    For Nigerian investors looking into the Dubai real estate market, these areas are a good fit since they are affordable and have room for growth. Every community offers advantages to fit every kind of investment. When choosing any property for sale, investors have to take into account what they want out of their investment over many years and grasp the current real estate market to ensure that their investment is secure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q1. Can Nigerian investors visit Dubai to view properties before buying?

    A:  Before making a purchase, Nigerian buyers can inspect Dubai homes. With their tourist visa, they may evaluate real estate investments themselves. The visit could focus on local amenities, way of life, and areas of community under development.

    Q2. Are there any taxes or fees associated with buying property in Dubai?

    A: While personal income is not taxed in Dubai, buying real estate comes with certain fees. Buyers should budget agency costs, property registration, upkeep, and service expenses. New residences and some real estate transaction services are also subject to 5% VAT.

    Q3. What types of properties can Nigerian investors buy in Dubai?

    A: Freehold villas, apartments, townhouses, and off-plan projects in Dubai are purchasable by Nigerian investors. Freehold properties are preferred by foreign investors as they provide them with complete ownership of real estate free from any restrictions.

  • ‘Why Nigerian retirees live in penury’

    ‘Why Nigerian retirees live in penury’

    Nigerian retirees live in squalid conditions after putting in years of meritorious service to the nation, Dr. Friday G. Imoluamen has said.

    Imoluamen made this damning verdict at the official launch of his book, “Retirement: Challenges and Prospects in Nigeria,” in Lagos, yesterday.

    The financial guru who started off as a dispatch rider literally worked his way to get to the pinnacle of his career last March after putting in over three decades of meritorious service, said retirement should open new vistas of opportunities for everyone getting into that new phase of their lives.

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    The book which set the stage for a national conversation on the plight of retirees featured a thought-provoking review of the book by a renowned scholar, Professor Francis Anyim, from the University of Lagos.

    The reviewer emphasised the importance of preparing for retirement while still in active service, citing the alarming statistic that 85% of retirees in Nigeria are financially incapacitated.

    “Children are not retirement benefits,” the reviewer cautioned. “They will grow up and go their separate ways. However, retirement can open up new opportunities that are even better than those experienced during one’s working life.”

  • Fed Govt to support Nigerian businesses’ African expansions

    Fed Govt to support Nigerian businesses’ African expansions

    Minister of State for Trade and Investment (Industry), Senator John Enoh has reaffirmed Federal Government’s support for Nigerian businesses within the larger African market.

    According to him, the Federal Government remains dedicated to helping Nigerian businesses tap into vast opportunities within the African market.

    He said the Ministry’s mission is to create favourable conditions for Nigerian industries to flourish and compete on both regional and continental scales.

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    He pointed to ongoing government initiatives aimed at enabling local businesses to utiliSe frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning Nigeria as a key force in African trade and economic growth.

    “The African market offers immense potential, and we are committed to driving growth, innovation, and competitiveness within our industries,”  Enoh said.

    He urged business leaders to leverage government programmes that foster industrial expansion, enhance trade capacity, and strengthen Nigeria’s standing as a leading destination for investment.

    He assured that the ministry remains committed to its strategic vision to advance Nigeria’s economic progress by building stronger trade relations across Africa and empowering local industries to compete effectively on the global stage.

  • French envoy, others highlight investment opportunities in Nigerian movies

    French envoy, others highlight investment opportunities in Nigerian movies

    Nigeria’s creative subsector, if well-harnessed, holds lots of promises and offers opportunities for foreign direct investment for the country, Mr Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Lagos, has said.

    The French envoy, who spoke in Lagos, during the delegation meet up and press conference ahead of the MIPCOM 2024 Cannes, the Palais des Festivals, scheduled to hold from October 21-24, 2024, said local content creators and creative have the rarest opportunities being offered old and prospective participants who will attend the epoch-making event.

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    Going down memory lane, Favier recalled that “After supporting a stand for Nigerian Animation Studios at Animation Film International Market in Annecy for the past three years, the French Embassy in Nigeria will be providing Nigerian industry professionals with an umbrella at MIPCOM. Coordinated with NIFS platform, this stand will be hosting more than fifteen studios who will sell their movies, TV series, TV shows to international broadcasters and platforms.

    “This support to the Nigerian Audiovisual Industry was made possible thanks to specific funds. This year again, the programme called “Creation Africa” enables us to support entrepreneurship in the sector of cultural and Creative industries. This fund has been entrusted to us for a period of 18 months by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.”

  • My encounter with Nigerian pastors serving jail terms in England – UK Prison Chaplain

    My encounter with Nigerian pastors serving jail terms in England – UK Prison Chaplain

    Reverend Michael Angley Ogwuche is the National Director for Chaplaincy (England and Wales) for New Testament Church of God. He is also an Ordained minister serving on the Steering Committee of the Free Churches Group, overseeing Free Church Chaplains in Her Majesty’s Prisons across England and Wales. He spoke with INNOCENT DURU about his encounter with Nigerians, including pastors, who are serving jail terms in the UK and his plans to meet former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and his wife.

    Could you give a brief introduction of yourself?

    My name is Reverend Michael Angley Ogwuche. I was born in Abakpa, Kaduna, Nigeria, although both of my parents come from Benue State. My early education was a challenging journey due to dyslexia, a neurodiverse condition that affects one’s ability to process written information. In some parts of the world, it is classified as a learning disability, and growing up with this condition certainly posed its own set of obstacles.

    My upbringing was shaped by both of my parents, who embodied resilience and hard work. My father served in the Nigerian Army, specifically in the Supply and Transport Unit, and also worked as a personal cook for a colonial district officer in the Idoma division following his service in Burma under the British Army. My mother, although not formally educated, was a pillar of strength within our family. She ensured we had the basics, even amid financial challenges, and her memory continues to be a source of inspiration to me.

    In terms of higher education, I have been fortunate to study at esteemed theological institutions in the United Kingdom. I hold certificates in Biblical and Evangelistic Studies from Cliff College, affiliated with the University of Sheffield, and a Certificate in Theology from the University of Manchester. I went on to earn a BA (Hons) in Theology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (Global Mission and Culture) from the same institution. Most recently, I completed a Master of Arts in Chaplaincy from the University of Durham.

    Were you born with a silver spoon?

    Reflecting on my journey, I can say with confidence that I was not born with any privileges. But my path has been one of faith, determination and an unwavering commitment to life-long learning.

    What were you doing before you left Nigeria?

    Before leaving Nigeria, I was deeply involved in ministry and education. Following my time at the United Pentecostal School of Theology, I served as a Street Evangelist and was later appointed Director of Bible Correspondence for the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, an American mission. In this role, I oversaw the recruitment and administration of the Bible Correspondence Course programme, which played a key part in spreading the gospel and educating individuals across Nigeria.

    From 1993 to 1996, I worked as Registrar at the Christian Leadership College in Lagos. My responsibilities included managing academic records, overseeing admissions and ensuring the smooth operation of the college’s programmes. These roles provided invaluable experience in leadership, education and evangelism, equipping me for the missionary work that followed.

    At what point did you leave the country and why?

    In 1996, I relocated to The Gambia after numerous missionary visits to Ghana, the Ivory Coast, and Senegal. Nigeria at the time was relatively stable, and my move was driven not by economic factors but by a call to serve humanity through God’s work. Since then, I have travelled extensively, volunteering for various causes around the globe, often at my own expense.

    What was the experience like when you changed environment?

    Transitioning to life in the UK came with its challenges, including cultural adjustments and returning to formal education. Studying theology and chaplaincy in British institutions has deepened my understanding and enabled me to serve in various roles, including as a Hospital Chaplain, Maritime Cadet Chaplain, and Prison Chaplain. Additionally, I served as a Presbyter for the Methodist Church of Britain.

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    Today, I am the National Director for Chaplaincy (England and Wales) for the New Testament Church of God and an Ordained Minister. I also serve on the Steering Committee of the Free Churches Group, overseeing Free Church Chaplains in Her Majesty’s Prisons across England and Wales.

    You are a prison chaplain. What made you to choose that path?

    My journey to prison chaplaincy has been anything but straightforward. After two formative years at Bible College, I found myself serving in various areas of ministry. Street evangelism, in particular, ignited my passion for outreach, while leading a Bible correspondence course honed my communication skills. These early experiences, combined with my time as an associate pastor and circuit minister, provided invaluable insights into pastoral care. Thirteen years ago, I felt the call to chaplaincy, first serving in hospitals and as a Maritime Cadet chaplain before finding my place as a prison chaplain.

    My strong commitment to prison chaplaincy stems from my deeply held belief in justice and compassion, values central to my Christian faith. I am convinced that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of mercy and renewal. For me, this role is about more than providing spiritual guidance; it is about offering hope to those who are often forgotten by society.

    What is your experience working with prisoners?

    As a prison chaplain, I have the privilege of living out this belief every day. My role allows me to stand alongside people who are frequently marginalised, offering them encouragement, hope and guidance on their journey.

    Working within the challenging environment of a prison is immensely fulfilling. It is here, behind the walls, that I have witnessed the raw struggles of human nature, as well as the immense potential for transformation that exists in every individual.

    My faith compels me to see beyond the labels and offences, to the person behind them — someone who needs guidance, understanding and the chance for a new beginning.

    My motivation for this work is also deeply personal. I am driven by the stories of redemption and change I have been privileged to witness —those moments when light breaks through the darkness, and lives are truly transformed. With the right support and spiritual nurturing, I have seen people rebuild their lives in ways they never thought possible.

    My calling to serve as a prison chaplain is far more than a professional career; it is a mission to extend Christ’s love and compassion to those who are often overlooked. Through my work, I strive to create an environment where hope can flourish, and the possibility of new beginnings can take root.

    In terms of professional standards, it is important to note that becoming a Christian chaplain in the UK prison system involves meeting rigorous requirements. Alongside the necessary theological education, Christian chaplains must be either Anglican priests or deacons, Catholic priests or laypersons, or ministers from other denominations recognised under the Free Church Groups. These chaplains are trained and accredited faith practitioners within their own religious communities, and they are held accountable by their respective Christian denominations.

    My commitment to providing holistic, faith-based care within the prison system remains steadfast. This role allows me to offer a sense of hope and spiritual renewal to those who need it most, helping them navigate their personal journeys towards transformation. It is a calling that I embrace with both humility and conviction, trusting in the power of faith to inspire real, meaningful change in the lives of those I serve.

    Former Nigerian deputy senate president Ike Ekweremadu and his wife are in prison in the UK. Have you by any means met them and how are they doing?

    As a Nigerian-British citizen and someone deeply involved in the UK justice system, I am well aware of the case and convictions of Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu and his wife. Their situation has captured the attention of many Nigerians living in the United Kingdom. My vested interest in the welfare of Nigerians in foreign prisons is not just professional but also personal. As the founder of the Nigerian Overseas Prisoners Support Initiative (NOPSI), I am committed to supporting Nigerians who find themselves incarcerated abroad.

    While I have not had the opportunity to meet the Ekweremadus personally, my role as His Majesty’s Prison Chaplain has allowed me to inquire about their welfare through colleagues in chaplaincy who serve at their establishment. I am kept informed of their respective locations, but due to confidentiality, I am unable to disclose this information publicly.

    At present, NOPSI has formally requested a visit to the Ekweremadus, as part of our commitment to offering support to fellow Nigerians. However, because I work closely with the Ministry of Justice, I must undergo the necessary security clearances to ensure there is no conflict of interest. Our purpose in visiting them is to provide encouragement and to remind them that regardless of the circumstances surrounding their imprisonment, we are here for them as compatriots, offering support and hope in difficult times.

    Besides Ekweremadu, are there other high profile Nigerians in the prisons in the UK?

    There are indeed other Nigerians, including pastors, currently serving sentences in UK prisons. However, I am not in a position to reveal their names or identities due to their right to privacy.

    These individuals have been convicted of a range of offences from fraud and drug-related crimes to sexual offences and even murder. While it may be surprising to hear of religious leaders finding themselves in such circumstances, it is essential to remember that they are human too, capable of making mistakes or poor decisions.

    Additionally, some of the offences for which these individuals are imprisoned might have had different outcomes had they occurred in Nigeria, where the legal system operates differently.

    The UK is renowned for its strict adherence to law and order, and it does not make exceptions for one’s status or position. As the saying goes, if you do the crime, you must be prepared to do the time, which rings especially true in the British judicial system. It’s a stark reminder that justice here is impartial, and everyone is held accountable regardless of their role in the society.

    Aside from the UK, do you also  work with prisoners in other countries?

    I have recently returned from Hong Kong where I was working to establish NOPSI’s Asia Regional Office. This office will allow us to extend our support to Nigerian prisoners across the region, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and other locations. In November, I will be travelling to The Gambia to set up a similar office in West Africa.

    Once we are fully operational, I believe we will be able to expand our efforts to other regions as well. However, this is not a task we can accomplish on our own. The success of our mission will require the support and collaboration of the Nigerian diplomatic missions, particularly through the Diaspora Commission. Their backing is crucial as we strive to provide assistance and advocacy for Nigerians incarcerated abroad.

    How are you working it out, I mean serving as prison chaplain in the UK and also extending your ministry to other parts of the world?

    As I mentioned earlier, while I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a prison chaplain, it can be a challenging role, particularly when navigating the complexities of the system. One of the main difficulties arises from potential conflicts of interest between my duties as a chaplain within Her Majesty’s Prisons and any external activities I undertake, especially in relation to Nigerian prisoners.

    Security concerns mean that I must be cautious and mindful of my responsibilities, ensuring that my work outside the prison does not interfere with or compromise my role within the establishment. As such, I have to approach my support for Nigerian prisoners with great care, balancing my commitment to them with the need to uphold the security protocols and professional standards required in my position.

    Any plans to do something similar in Nigeria?

    At present, there are no plans to establish a similar initiative in Nigeria, as the country is still evolving in its approach to justice. For example, I am not aware of any statutory prison chaplaincy in Nigeria, unlike the system we have here in the UK and across much of the Western world.

    In the UK, the Prison Act of 1952 mandates that “every prison shall have a governor, a chaplain, and a medical officer, and such other officers as may be necessary.” This legislation laid the foundation for chaplaincy to be formally recognised and remunerated by the Ministry of Justice, enabling chaplains to perform statutory duties in addition to their primary roles in providing spiritual, pastoral, and religious care.

    This statutory recognition and support for chaplaincy in the UK creates a structured environment in which chaplains can effectively fulfil their roles within the prison system. Until a similar framework is established in Nigeria, implementing such initiatives will remain a challenge.

    Which government agencies would you be working with in Nigeria to actualise your dreams?

    I believe there are approximately four key agencies in Nigeria that NOPSI is particularly interested in collaborating with. These include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and, where possible, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

    Partnering with these organisations would be instrumental in achieving our goals, as they each play a vital role in the administration of justice and the welfare of Nigerians abroad. By working together, we can strengthen support systems for Nigerians incarcerated overseas and ensure they receive the assistance they need throughout their time in prison and beyond.

    What is your opinion about prisons in Nigeria and how can the situations be made better?

    The Nigerian Prison Service, now rebranded as the Nigerian Correctional Service, has long struggled with negative public perception. A simple change of name does not necessarily reflect a change in character. However, the issue goes beyond the Nigerian Correctional Service itself; it is part of a larger systemic problem that affects both the public and private sectors of Nigerian society. Until Nigerians fully understand the responsibilities of citizenship on a micro level, these problems will persist, as those working in these sectors are, after all, also Nigerians.

    This brings to mind Fyodor Dostoevsky’s observation: “The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.” For example, the average cost of housing a prisoner in the United Kingdom is between £44,000 and £54,500 per year, while in Norway it is around £102,000. In stark contrast, Nigeria spends less than $300 per prisoner annually. This stark difference highlights the value placed on those in correctional facilities.

    A clinical psychologist and prison governor in Norway once explained to The Guardian why Norwegian prisoners are treated with dignity: “The punishment is that you lose your freedom. If we treat people like animals when they are in prison, they are likely to behave like animals. Here, we pay attention to you as human beings.” The situation in Nigeria’s correctional system can improve, but only if both Nigerians and the Nigerian government begin to place real value on their citizens. Until this shift happens, meaningful reform remains unlikely.

    Which experience in your work as a prison chaplain made you emotional, I mean moved you to tears or unforgettable to you till date?

    Every time I walk down the wings to visit the men, I am acutely aware that I could have been one of them. This thought resonates deeply with me, but what strikes me even more is the disproportionate number of young Black men within the prison system. I often see my younger self reflected in these individuals. However, as a chaplain, I look beyond their crimes and see them as men in need of compassion and support. This is why I have dedicated the rest of my life to walking alongside those who find themselves imprisoned around the world.

    I hope that those of us outside the prison walls will have a change of heart and spare some thought for those on the inside. There are Nigerians in prisons in countries such as Malaysia and Singapore who will never return to Nigerian soil, having been convicted and sentenced to death. It is essential for the Nigerian government to remember that despite their circumstances, these individuals remain Nigerians. Ultimately, we are all imprisoned in some way; it’s just a matter of degree.