The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerians

  • Senate proposes 10-year passport ban on Nigerians convicted abroad

    Senate proposes 10-year passport ban on Nigerians convicted abroad

    The Senate on Tuesday moved to impose a 10 year passport ban on Nigerians who have been convicted and deported from foreign countries over criminal activities.

    This move followed the second reading of a Bill titled:”A Bill to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. P343 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004” sponsored by Senator Bello Sani Abubakar (APC – Niger North).

    Presenting the lead debate of the Bill on behalf of the sponsor, Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, said the Bill is intended to highlight the need for more provisions in the extant legislation in order to preserve, sanctify and redeem the image of the Federal Republic of Nigeria globally.

    He said that the Bill seeks to provide for measures towards preserving the image of Nigerians while abroad and the Federal Republic of Nigeria globally.

    In his lead debate, Senator Ogoshi said that the proposed amendment to the extant Act has become imperative and compelling as a veritable action to effectively redeem the severely tarnished image of our dear country in the eyes of the international community and to enact a strong disincentive for the commission of crimes by Nigerians across international jurisdictions.

    He said: “The commission of crimes by Nigerians in foreign jurisdictions has dealt a crashing blow to the reputation and image of Nigeria, and is costing us stupendous disgrace in the diplomatic community and in international transits.

    “It projects Nigerians as persona non grata to whom foreign visas are restricted or denied, with negative effect to our national interest.

    “Countries like China, Turkey, Canada, France, Egypt, Germany, Ethiopia, South Africa, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, among others, which are destinations of interest to our citizens, apply stringent visa rules to Nigerians.

    “A major reason for the visa restriction is the significant commission of crimes and conviction of Nigerian in those countries.

    “Though profiles of crimes by Nigerians in foreign countries are protected for human rights reasons, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, and being privy to the issues in the diplomatic community, the detriment of such crimes to our foreign affairs, the harm to our bilateral and multilateral interests, and the dent to our image and integrity, I am convinced, that it is incumbent upon us as a country to act and demonstrate responsibility to ending the indulgence of our citizens in crimes anywhere in the world.

    “As a consequence of the injury to the integrity of our country from crimes by our citizens in foreign jurisdictions, innocent and patriotic Nigerians suffer harassment in international transits, denial and hardship in visa applications, discrimination and negative stereotype in social dealings, costs and distress.

    “The green passport is widely discountenanced and the sovereign pride it intrinsically bears has severely diminished. That is nothing less than a state of emergency!

    “The Legislature is mandated, under Section 4 of the Constitution, with lawmaking for the peace, order and good governance of Nigeria.

    Read Also: BevAgro drives green revolution in Nigeria’s food system with solar-powered EV network

    “The extant law on Passport  (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act is good, but good is the enemy of better.

    “It would do better if amended with provisions that impose an extra layer of deterrents to the commission of crime by our citizens in foreign countries.

    “It would demonstrate responsibility on our part to discourage the perpetration of crime by our citizens and to redeem the image of our country.”

    Senators supported the Bill and approved that the Bill be read for a second time when it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    The bill, which enjoyed unanimous support on the floor, was referred to the Senate Committee on Interior for further legislative work and public hearing.

    If passed, the law will make Nigeria one of the few African countries with domestic legislation sanctioning citizens convicted of crimes in foreign jurisdictions, as part of efforts to restore global respect for the Nigerian passport.

    Akpabio added: “I applauded this bill when I first read it, because it speaks to preserving the integrity and international reputation of our nation.

    “So as this bill, when it goes through public hearing and all, and comes back to us, and we send it to Mr. President for assent, and the concurrence of our colleague in the House of Representatives who helped to cope such incidents, who tightened the ways and manner in which Nigerian passports circulate in the hands of foreigners, and also where a Nigerian goes to mess up the image of the country, such a Nigerian should not just go to prison and be deported to Nigeria.

    “Such a person should actually lose international passport for at least 10 years, or 10 to 20 years, to serve as a deterrent.”

  • Why Nigerians in Diaspora deserve voting rights

    Why Nigerians in Diaspora deserve voting rights

    The recent News Central Diaspora Town Hall convened a powerful dialogue on the pivotal role of Nigeria’s diaspora in the nation’s development, spotlighting the critical link between diaspora remittances and democratic inclusion.

    As remittance flows continue to underpin Nigeria’s economic stability, speakers urged that diaspora voting rights must be recognised and enabled as a natural extension of the diaspora’s financial contributions.

    Councilor Hephzibah Olugbemi underscored the staggering economic power wielded by Nigerians abroad, highlighting that “in July alone, $553 million was remitted to Nigeria.”

    She emphasised that the diaspora’s influence extends beyond money, calling for Nigerians overseas to “make their voices heard, not just with their money but with their vote.”

    This sentiment echoes the broader recognition that diaspora remittances are a lifeline, sustaining families and fueling economic activity across Nigeria.

    Read Also: We’ll sustain dynamics of our approach in combating terrorism, says Akume

    Bobby Digi Olisa, President of Nigerians in the Diaspora New York State, emphasised the need for infrastructural frameworks to support diaspora participation. “We need NIN and BVN registration. As the Diaspora invests billions into the motherland, they should surely have the right to vote.”

    Chibuzor Ubochi, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in Europe (NIDO), firmly stated, “Diaspora voting is our right, not a favor,” adding that voting is an intrinsic right of every Nigerian, including those abroad who significantly sustain the nation through remittances.”

    Data from multiple sources show diaspora remittances to Nigeria reached approximately $19.5 billion in 2023 and are projected to hit $26 billion by 2025, reflecting both resilience and growth in formal remittance channels.”

    The chairman of NIDO noted that “these inflows consistently exceed Nigeria’s oil revenues and contribute substantially to the federal budget, highlighting the diaspora’s outsized role in the national economy.”

    As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, participants in the Town Hall meeting stressed that diaspora remittances must be matched by political recognition and inclusion. The collective call is for transparent, secure electronic voting systems that integrate diaspora input, ensuring that Nigerians abroad can exercise their democratic rights fully. They maintained that empowering the diaspora politically will reinforce their economic contributions and foster a more inclusive, accountable governance system, critical for Nigeria’s sustainable growth and unity.

  • The patriots’ agenda

    The patriots’ agenda

    A distinguished group of Nigerians self-proclaimed “The Patriots” held a summit in Abuja some weeks ago and apparently considering what is wrong with contemporary Nigeria, zeroed in on the constitution imposed on us by the AbdulSalami Abubakar regime in 1999. No sensible person would dispute the fact with The Patriots that the political structure as currently existing is problematic. The same is true of the large cabinet and presidential system itself and the process of law-making. They preferred a mixed presidential system and parliamentary system including the process of constituting the membership of the National Assembly and asked whether a bi-cameral legislature is not too expensive and therefore counterproductive.

    This is just to highlight a few of the multitude of problems identified by The Patriots. The Patriots drew from the global experience of its membership headed by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a distinguished former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations and experience particularly of federations like India with its 1.5 billion of people and complex advanced written civilisations having about eight times or more people than Nigeria but manages to run its affairs much more on reasonable basis than Nigeria.

    On the question of the political structure of Nigeria, The Patriots suggest a zonal structure using the current informal zonal thinking in the country to arrive at idea that a six zonal structure for the country will be more equitable and fairer than the present 36 states federation in which small state structure promotes unitarian rather than federal systems of government. This is against the federal system which the different peoples of Nigeria embraced in 1957, 1959 and which allayed the fear of ethnic domination which was a genuine fear arising from politics and political sloganeering leading to independence. The Patriots argue that nothing has positively happened since that time to fundamentally change the views of Nigerians about the political ideas necessary to lead them to feel that what they need now is unitarianism in preference to federalism. The fissiparous tendencies that mar every discussion about the present and future political trajectory of our country always  leads to feel that our founding fathers chose the federal system advisedly . The Patriots therefore suggest that to overcome the fear of ethnic and political domination, the country should be restructured into six zones or at most eight zones of equal status in a cooperative federation and the question of creating states and local governments should lie in the zonal political province as long as revenue allocation will be done in such a way that this will not lead to disrupt access to the federal revenue based on differential contribution and access.

    The Patriots  suggests that the country should embrace the revenue philosophy of fiscal federalism meaning simply that states or the zones should retain most of what  they produce in the form of  taxes on manufactured goods, mineral exploitation, individual and corporate taxation and agriculture and send to the federal purse the appropriate federal taxes which along with import revenue and appropriate export tax and tariffs on inland transportation and communications and currency, should accrue to federal revenue purse.  This federal revenue should be enumerated and whatever is not listed should ordinarily belong to the zones. With this division of revenue, the zones and states should have enough revenue for their administration and development. The Patriots put much effort to define what political regime we need to adopt to run a fair federation. Tied with this is the electoral system and the organization and conduct of elections. It argues and correctly so, that if elections are not transparently conducted, what arrives at the end will be worthless. Nigerian elections have been supervised by members of the judiciary, civil service, the academia in recent times. We have not tried the police and the military yet and there is no hope that those two institutions of the Nigerian state will do better than their compatriots who have been given the assignment before and have failed because in the nature of politics in Nigeria, the rampant corruption and bribery have hitherto extended to the military and the uniformed services.

    The electoral commission could be headed by a senior member of church or mosque if such an acceptable man can be found. If we can put together an acceptable organ to conduct an election without the dead weight of government bureaucracy, then we have made progress. Secondly, The Patriots sees the operation of the bicameral legislature as too expensive and unaffordable for Nigeria bearing in mind our fragile economy depending on the oil economy that is up and down in prices. It is the suggestion of The Patriots that a bicameral legislature of the House and Senate may not always be ideal in all circumstances. Perhaps a lower House would be sufficient  and an expanded Council of States to include representatives of the religious bodies,  judiciary, academia and the intelligentsia  broadly  including the press, and the military and other security organisations  like the police, prisons, customs, immigration, interior and external intelligence services may give government a wider scope of needed representation.

    The Patriots feel the current size of the federal cabinet and state counterparts is too large. A cabinet of more than 30 members is too large in my view. If the federation is made up of eight zones, 30 members is enough to give each zone enough room for representation. The Patriots also made a suggestion about presidential system. Nigeria is in a position to say we have tried the parliamentary and the presidential systems and we should be in a position to judge. Most of us will want a mixture of the two systems to be adopted by Nigeria just like South Africa and it would help the party system to develop and would permit detailed discussions of government policy before bills become laws and will also raise the intellectual level of cabinet ministers and that of the president and state governors. The zones will be empowered to create the number of states and local governments they can fund and effectively supervise. If adopted, the new recommendations will assist party formation and party governance.

    Read Also: Davido Nigeria’s ‘most influential’ person – Asa Asika

    The thrust of the suggestions of The Patriots is not only political structure but it touches the place of the judiciary and its organisation to eliminate current clashes of jurisdictions and concurrent jurisdictions which even to a layman is totally unwieldy. There ought to be federal courts with limited jurisdiction to federal laws and interstate disputes, and zonal courts whose jurisdiction ends at zonal levels. The Patriots suggest that the secular nature of the state must be maintained and only religious cases should go before sharia or cannon courts.

    The role of the well organised bureaucracy of the past recruited on the basis of careers open to talents and merit must be brought back to the federal and the constituent zones or states constituting the state. Efficient and effective bureaucracies are keys to progress. The history of an efficient bureaucracy in Nigeria has been proven by the continuity of governance during the turbulence of military rule in Nigeria during which some government continuity has been maintained. In recent times, entry into the core areas of the bureaucracy has been marred by such contrivances as federal character and ethnic balancing with consequential weakness of the bureaucracy. There are good people in every part of Nigeria and the institutions of government, whether in the bureaucracy, military, foreign representation and other organs of government need not be so weakened as to make government largely irrelevant and impossible and unsustainable.

    The Patriots did not spend much time or make adequate place for the economy and education in their scheme and how to build a big economy that would move Nigeria beyond the current oil economy. We always spend too much time on politics not realising that if we have a big economy, it would not matter who is a president or minister because everybody will be so busy that they would not have time for the present political gossips that dominate discussions and ethnic disputes.

    Not much is said about transforming the present clerical education system inherited from the colonial regime that lays emphasis on white collar jobs and certificates to practice one trade or the other. We should move to a STEM education system with emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics from primary to tertiary levels and how to train artisans of bricklayers, carpenters, iron-benders, cobblers, electricians, mechanics and so on. Emphasis needs to be laid on what one can make with one’s hands and not rote memories. We need a fundamental change in education and the earlier we begin this the better. Time is really against us in a world of competitive and knowledge economy.

    In the submission of the recommendations of The Patriots, efforts have been clearly made to separate personal feeling in preference for scientific and objective feelings that an unserious consideration of the inputs of this highly considered group would be like the country shooting itself in the foot.

  • Why young Nigerians shun elections

    Why young Nigerians shun elections

    Sir: Daniel Noboa of Ecuador became the world’s youngest democratically elected president at age 35, taking office in November 2023. He follows a global trend of youthful leaders rising to power, including Gabriel Boric of Chile, who was elected at 35 in 2021, and Jakov Milatovic of Montenegro, who took office at 36 in 2023. Their elections reflect a growing desire for fresh perspectives and generational change in leadership.

    Nigeria’s political landscape remains dominated by older, wealthier, and more visible figures. Yet beneath the surface lies a generation brimming with potential – soft-spoken, idealistic, and driven by community service rather than power. These young Nigerians, however, rarely emerge as contestants in elections. This phenomenon reflects not only individual temperament but also deep structural barriers that favour the brash over the reserve. To understand why many youths are absent from ballots, we must examine the legal framework, campaign dynamics, party structures, finances, culture, and avenues for reform.

    Nigeria made history in 2018 when the late President Buhari signed the Not Too Young To Run Act, lowering minimum candidacy ages: president from 40 to 35, governorship and senate from 35 to 30, and house of representatives and state assemblies from 30 to 25. This amendment, steered by youth advocates like Samson Itodo and Cynthia Mbamalu of YIAGA Africa, opened a legal door for emerging leaders. But the minimum age is the only first step. Legal eligibility does not guarantee access.

    Many interested youths lacking political pedigree or visibility continue to struggle to get nominated by parties or raise a profile. Legal clearance is still overshadowed by economic privilege and charisma. As a result, the seats reserved for youth by law remain vacant or filled by outspoken, well-connected individuals, while quiet, introspective young Nigerians remain on the side lines.

     Campaigning in Nigeria demands financial firepower – nomination fees, posters, transportation, rallies, office accommodation, media and security. Form costs for major parties can exceed N45 million, beyond the reach of most young aspirants. Even grassroots youthful hopefuls rely on personal crowdfunding, endured logistics struggles and limited reach.

    Voting buying is endemic: candidates must offer cash, food or favours to earn voter loyalty. Reserved young aspirants simply cannot match entrenched politicians on fiscal terms. Without money, young, willing and thoughtful voices remain unheard, excluded not for lack of ideas, but for lack of means. The political field remains skewed toward those who pay.

    Nigeria’s political culture reveres age and familiarity. Traditional norms dictate that leadership belongs to elders, who mentor younger generations. A young aspirant or candidate is often dismissed as inexperienced, naive, or over-ambitious – accused of “jumping the queue.” For ambitious youths, who prefer to grow quietly through communities, these judgements reinforce self-doubt and self-exclusion.

     The problem extends to gendered expectations and patriarchal norms. Young women, especially introverted ones, face a dual invisibility-less visible by youth and overshadowed within their cohort. Cultural pressures to defer to age and status can stifle the confidence needed to run or even declare interest.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: 10 Super Eagles players who switched national allegiance from England to Nigeria

    Despite youths comprising nearly forty percent of Nigeria’s voting population, their votes seldom translate into representation. While activism may ignite energy, many youth voter drives sputter as election seasons end.

     Every young aspirant who retreats from running is a lost opportunity for Nigeria to diversify leadership. Modest youths bring fresh perspectives – grassroots service, data-driven solutions, and technocratic insight. Their absence ensures politics remains performative and populist.

    To correct this imbalance, interventions must empower aspiring youths. There may be a need to reform party structures. Mandate youth-only seats or zones within primaries. Cap form fees or subsidize youth forms. Enforce issue-based selection criteria to deter from charisma-driven ballots.

    It is important to create grant schemes for youth aspirants. Expand crowdfunding platforms like RNV. Improve micro-loan access for campaigns, reducing reliance on vote buying.

    Mentorship and civic literacy should be scaled up by encouraging partnerships between civic groups and private sector to mentor young aspirants. Include mentorship programmes targeting introverted and policy-focused youths. Promote civic education early – universities, communities and virtual hubs.

    Media should profile successful youths who are making impact in politics and community roles. Youths should also leverage on digital mobilization to democratize visibility beyond rallies.

    The 2023 surge of youth activism signalled a generational shift. But its momentum risks fading. Quiet leaders – those who serve local schools, mentor peers, pilot grassroots projects – are essential.

     Young Nigerians must be encouraged to act on conscience, not charisma. They deserve access to legal candidacy, financial means, mentoring, and representation. What begins with legal reform must evolve into cultural shift.

    •Joe Afolayan, Abuja

  • Nigerians gather for 60 days of praise

    Nigerians gather for 60 days of praise

    Amidst a series of challenges facing Nigerians, and a longing for national revival, a sound is rising, not of protest, not of pain, but of praise, which is tagged  ‘60 Days Sacrifice of Praise Over Nigeria.’

    The event is billed to be held between August 3, 2025 and October 1, 2025.

    According to the organiser of the programme, Dr. Chigozie Wisdom, “this nationwide spiritual movement will fill the airwaves and altars with one resounding declaration, ‘The Siege Is Over.’”

    The event, which is the 6th edition, according to the organiser, “is a spiritual response to the cry of a people seeking divine transformation in every corner of their nation.”

    Read Also: Sanusi urges Nigerian coaches to keep advancing their knowledge

    Wisdom said.

    The opening ceremony will be held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Lagos, on Sunday, August 3.

    “Nigerians from all walks of life are gearing up to participate in the soul-lifting programme. ‘From the bustling streets of Lagos to the quiet villages in the North, believers are preparing to join virtually and onsite, lifting a unified voice of praise. This year’s edition promises a dynamic blend of daily online praise sessions, live worship gatherings, targeting key areas like governance, education, youth, economy, and health,” Wisdom said.

    The prophetic Minister believes that praise is a weapon capable of breaking strongholds and shifting atmospheres.

    “This is not just an event. It is an altar, a divine assignment,” Dr. Wisdom declared.

    While the 2025 edition is the 6th, Wisdom stated further that just like the previous editions, it is power-packed.

  • Eminent Nigerians to hold national summit on constitution tomorrow

    Eminent Nigerians to hold national summit on constitution tomorrow

    Draft to be sent to Presidency, National Assembly

    A historic national summit is to be held in Abuja this week to endorse what the conveners believe will be a people’s constitution for Nigeria.

    The event is expected to be attended by eminent Nigerians, including elder statesmen, former leaders, civil society actors, and constitutional experts.

    They are coming together to present a Draft Legislative Bill for a New Constitution to the Presidency and the National Assembly.

    The three-day event, called the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, is expected to be held from tomorrow till Thursday, July 17.

    The summit, with the theme: Actualising a Constitutional Democracy That Works for All in Nigeria, is the brainchild of The PATRIOTS in collaboration with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG).

    It aims to lay the groundwork for replacing the 1999 Constitution, widely criticised for being imposed by the military without broad public consultation.

    Led by a former Commonwealth Secretary-General and Chair of The PATRIOTS, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the summit is expected to attract a powerful array of national figures.

    These include Prof. Wole Soyinka, Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), NLC President Joe Ajaero, and Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, among others.

    Read Also: Buhari: ‘Nigeria has lost one of its greatest leaders of all time’ — Shettima

    Also playing leading roles are former Governors Gbenga Daniel and Aminu Tambuwal, who co-chair the Organising Committee, and Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), who leads the summit’s Resolutions Committee.

    The organisers have said the summit would consolidate years of consultations and civic engagement to produce a new constitutional framework that promotes federalism, justice, electoral integrity, institutional reform, and inclusive development.

    “This is a national call to action to reshape Nigeria’s constitutional foundation,” said the Head of the Summit Joint Secretariat, Sir Olawale Okunniyi. “We are inviting all Nigerians to join in this transformative process.”

    The 1999 Constitution has been faulted for Nigeria’s systemic challenges, including insecurity, poor service delivery, economic centralisation, and weakened institutions. The proposed new constitution, according to the conveners, seeks to reflect Nigeria’s diversity and give citizens more control over their governance.

    The summit will feature plenary sessions, expert presentations, and stakeholder consultations.

    Civic organisations, traditional leaders, media, youth groups, and political actors are encouraged to attend or follow proceedings.

  • Eight countries where Nigerians can easily get a work visa

    Eight countries where Nigerians can easily get a work visa

    Relocating for work typically requires a valid work visa, and the process varies by country. Some European nations have simplified their visa procedures, making it easier for foreign professionals to secure employment permits.

    A work visa allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in another country. The specific type of visa depends on factors such as job position, skills, and employer sponsorship.

    Applicants must submit the required documents, meet eligibility criteria, and comply with immigration rules. Countries with streamlined visa systems often use them to attract skilled workers and address labour shortages.

    According to Visa guide, here are 8 countries where Nigerians can easily get a work visa

    Iceland
    Iceland is a popular choice due to its work-life balance and structured visa process. Applicants must secure a contract before applying for a visa. The country offers multiple work permits, including those for expert knowledge, labour shortages, athletes, family reunification, students, specialised employees on a service contract, and special reasons.

    Latvia
    Foreign nationals require a residence permit, type D visa, and work permit unless they are Latvian company shareholders, permanent residence holders, or managers of foreign companies representing a Latvian firm. EU nationals do not need a work permit but must apply for a residence permit if staying beyond 90 days. Work permit types include A type for Latvian employers, C and E types for intra-company transfers, D type for business visits, and a seasonal work visa for temporary employment.

    Lithuania
    Lithuania is attractive to immigrant workers. Applicants need a job offer before applying, and the employer submits the work permit application to the Lithuanian Labour Exchange. Some non-EU citizens can work without a permit if they meet high-level professional qualification requirements and obtain a decision on compliance with labour market needs, after which they apply for a temporary residence permit instead of a national visa or work visa.

    Estonia
    Estonia has a high rate of accepted work visa applications and receives fewer requests than other countries. Applicants can apply for a D visa for short-term projects or begin working immediately while applying for a residence permit upon arrival. Job opportunities are frequently posted on the Work in Estonia webpage.

    Slovakia
    Slovakia’s economic growth makes it an attractive destination for job seekers. Applicants typically require a single permit for residence and work, a work permit with temporary residence for employment or family reunification, or a long-term residence permit. Work visa options include a single permit requiring a reported job vacancy 20 days before applying, a work permit for family reunification cases, seasonal employment for up to 180 days, and an EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Sweden launch bilateral cooperation in youth empowerment, education

    Czechia
    Czechia attracts job seekers due to its economy and skilled workforce. Work visa options include an employee card issued for specific job positions for two years, an EU Blue Card for university graduates, an intra-company employee transfer card for transfers within multinational firms, a type D business visa for self-employed individuals, and special provisions for foreigners with free access to the labour market, such as family members of Blue Card holders or certain international students.

    Luxembourg
    Luxembourg offers various visa options, including a short-stay Schengen visa for business activities, a long-stay national visa for employment exceeding 90 days, and an EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals working for over 12 months. The country has a high minimum wage and low unemployment rates.

    Germany
    Germany has a large and diverse workforce and welcomes immigrant workers through its visa system. Applicants can apply for a long-stay visa if they have a job offer, plan to establish a business or work as freelancers, seek employment upon arrival, participate in an au pair programme, or qualify for a working holiday visa under agreements with specific countries. The country has also introduced an ‘opportunity card’ allowing foreign nationals to enter and look for jobs without a prior offer.

  • Why 2031, not 2027, is the most consequential election for Nigerians

    Why 2031, not 2027, is the most consequential election for Nigerians

    By Opeoluwa Dapo-Thomas

    Caveat: When I write articles, I do so from three perspectives. One, as an economist, two, as a foreign investor, three, as someone with a deeper-than-average understanding of how government works — an understanding shaped by access to insider information, policy analysis, and years of studying both public records and behind-the-scenes governance.

    This vantage point gives me context that, frankly, most Nigerians don’t have. So while my views may sometimes challenge popular opinions, they are grounded in data, experience, and informed observation and devoid of the citizenry sentiments that shape today’s electoral choices.

    Nigerians love presidential elections, a little too much. Understandably so, given how personality-driven our politics is. The average Nigerian is more focused on individuals than systems, holding onto the belief that one man can emerge from a deeply flawed, regionally-rotating political structure and fix the country overnight.

    Even after decades of democracy and every past leader being demystified, we remain emotionally attached to the myth of “the one.” But before we look ahead, we must take stock of the present administration.

    The Tinubu Administration: A Mixed Performance So Far

    The current administration kicked off with two bold economic reforms: fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation. These policies unlocked more naira for the federal and state governments, allowing states to reduce debts, increase wages, and, unfortunately, undertake white elephant projects (petition for states to stop building unviable airports, please). The policies also saved the country from financial implosion and default risk.

    Yes, revenue has improved. But Nigeria still faces persistent fiscal deficits, inflationary pressure, and a troubling lack of reliable data. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) seems overwhelmed, especially post-rebasing. And without credible data, the much-anticipated foreign investments won’t fully materialize — no investor will deploy capital blindly.

    Meanwhile, the ruling elite are engaging in early politicking ahead of the polls, which means we should expect lethargy in governance in the coming months. For example, the Minister of Power is talking about reconciling APC members ahead of Oyo 2027, so it’s safe to say he’s interested in another type of “Power” that doesn’t involve electricity. The best form of politics right now, as the country is facing one of its worst economic crises, is by solving problems and explaining to Nigerians why you need time, because development does require time. Alleviating public suffering buys goodwill ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Credit Where It’s Due

    To be fair, there are notable achievements at the macro level: Tax reform has progressed, Nigeria attracted billions of dollars in oil and gas investments, the debt servicing to revenue ratio has improved, State debts are reducing, local government autonomy is being pursued with renewed vigour — a critical step for grassroots development. Credit access is improving through the Consumer Credit Corporation. Credit will unlock productivity as demand will increase. Student loans are being administered well, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, if completed, may become the most economically impactful project in modern Nigerian history. We now have a Central Bank that knows its mandate. We now have an FX market that’s much more liquid, for foreign investors can be assured of capital repatriation. Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P Global have upgraded Nigeria’s rating to a much more stable outlook. These upgrades suggest a positive trend in Nigeria’s creditworthiness, driven by ongoing economic and fiscal reforms implemented by the government.

    What Still Needs Work

    But a lot remains unresolved: What’s the roadmap for power reform? We need to address metering, implement cost-reflective tariffs, and clear debts owed to GENCOs and DISCOs. Should the government form another “Taiwo Oyedele-style” expert committee for the power sector? Where is the strategy for agriculture and food security? Why is the country still experiencing post-harvest losses in the region of N3.5 trillion annually, which is about 40% of Nigeria’s annual food production? These issues must be tackled in this administration to improve the quality of life for Nigerians and to lay the groundwork for real economic progress.

    Why 2031, Not 2027 -Will Be the Economic Turning Point

    All the reforms by the Obasanjo government began reflecting during Yar’Adua’s administration

    Judging from antecedents, President Tinubu has the political capital and track record to solve these problems. There will be cabinet rejigs in his second term since there is no need to be worried about re-election anymore. His second term (if re-elected) will free him from electoral distractions, allowing him to push through the tough, foundational reforms that Nigeria desperately needs. It’s easier to push for state police and implementation of LG autonomy when you don’t have elections to worry about. The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at the moment, is offering concessions to Labour MPs amid a major rebellion over his government’s planned welfare cuts. Reforms are not easy to pull through when you are shackled with political landmines in the National Assembly.

    This current administration needs time. Some have asked where the FDIs are now since the FX market is now “liquid”. Many assume that simply liberalizing the FX market will immediately unlock FDI inflows, but in reality, attracting meaningful foreign investment is a multi-year process that typically takes 3 to 7 years, depending on political will, macroeconomic stability, and institutional strength. The journey begins with identifying and prioritizing strategic sectors such as energy, agriculture, ICT, and manufacturing, while clearly defining Nigeria’s unique value proposition. This must be followed by revising investment laws covering foreign ownership, profit repatriation, and dispute resolution, then digitizing business registration, permits, and licensing systems to reduce red tape. Building the physical and regulatory infrastructure to support investment, offering targeted incentives like tax holidays or accelerated depreciation, and actively engaging in global investment forums (e.g., Davos, Africa Investment Forum) are also critical. Once investors show interest, which can take time because of the investor’s internal due diligence, governments must support them with land access, permits, and local partnerships, while fostering joint ventures and local supply chain linkages. Iteration is key; policies must be adapted as challenges arise. The real question, then, is: how do you compress this entire sequence into a single term in office?

    The Coalition…

    Elections offer citizens a platform to evaluate the performance of the incumbent and express disapproval by voting for an alternative. However, the flaw in this system is that while the current administration may have scored a 6 out of 10, there’s no guarantee that the next candidate will perform any better. The current opposition coalition, which happens to be a mix of ex-allies of the President and perpetual defectors, appears more interested in taking power than presenting credible policy alternatives. They lack a coherent economic plan and function more like a reactionary force than a reform-driven movement.

    Governments born from power grabs often serve up drab governance once in office. They squabble over every appointment because of the almighty “Federal quota” and political compensation. They dilute their policy agendas in the name of compromise and waste time fighting within the National Assembly. We saw it under Buhari and Saraki (2015–2019). The result is stagnation. When they finally settle, they start preparing for re-election (ignore all that one-term promise). If the opposition wants to be taken seriously, they must build an economic think tank, propose viable alternatives, and prepare for 2031, not 2027. They can use 2027 to test their new party’s resolve.

    The Northern Factor

    It is widely expected that 2031 will be the North’s turn again. But it’s fair to ask: how has the North historically performed economically when in power? Yar’Adua (2007–2010) reversed Obasanjo’s progressive reforms: lowered VAT from 10% to 5%, cancelled the sale of the Port Harcourt refinery, and rolled back key deregulations. Buhari (2015–2023) resisted subsidy removal and failed to reform the forex market, secure pipelines, or deliver on oil and gas reform. Border closures triggered food inflation.

    Both leaders, though well-meaning, leaned toward populist, socialist-style governance. In truth, Nigerians are generally socialist in thinking, and Northerners even more so. Their policies, though people-centric, often failed to catalyze wealth creation and growth.

    This is not a bug; it’s a feature. Which is why 2031 is pivotal: not just as a change in leadership but as a moment to determine whether we prioritize growth over sentiment, and proper management and multiplication of our paltry resources. The era of $100 oil prices, which the PDP government once enjoyed, is now a thing of the past. The United States, which once relied on Nigeria for 10% of its oil imports, has not only stopped buying our crude but has also become the world’s largest oil producer. This surge in U.S. output has flooded the global supply market, making it harder for geopolitical tensions to push prices into the three-digit range. Balancing our budgets now requires serious financial engineering that would combine legislative collaboration and executive coordination with states to achieve. The electoral choice in 2031 has to be a market-driven capitalist who has the political capital to pull it through. Most of today’s reforms would start yielding dividends in the long run.

    Our leaders now have to think outside the box. How do we leverage oil as working capital to support other sectoral developments? How do they grow the economy to a 1 or 2 trillion dollar economy? Leaders have to be pro-market. Nigeria needs a leader who will create economic systems that will supersede them.

    Final Word

    The 2031 elections will determine whether Nigeria consolidates the hard reforms initiated now, or resets back to populism, patronage, and power-for-power’s sake politics. It will be the real test of whether Nigeria wants to build institutions, attract long-term investment, and become a functional, growth-driven economy, or remain caught in a cycle of reaction and regression.

  • IOC, NOC urge Nigerians to embrace  physical fitness

    IOC, NOC urge Nigerians to embrace  physical fitness

    Edo, Bayelsa, Gombe, Ondo Imo,  the Federal Capital, Abuja and Lagos were among the states that recorded large turn out when Nigerians trooped out in their thousands on Saturday,  28th  June to celebrate the 2025 International Olympic day which is a global event to commemorate the founding of the International Olympic Committee( OC) in1894, the birth of the modern Olympic Games.

    With physical fitness and wellness as the key factor, the story was the same in all the over twenty states that took part in the one day exercise.

    In Lagos, the   participants ants ignored the early morning rain the to honour the event

    Read Also: Auto crash: NFF, NWF  commiserate with Kano over death of athletes

    In his message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Engr. Habu Gumel urged Nigerians to embrace  physical fitness and make it their way of life which is exactly what the Olympic day celebration stands for.

    Engr. Gumel emphasized that engaging in sport fortifies both our mind and body, promoting robust health and wellbeing.

    He added  that  partaking in sport, embodies new Olympic motto: Faster, Higher and Stronger we will go together.

    “Such is the magnificence of sport,” he said.“It propels the world into motion, transcending geopolitical boundaries and embracing diverse expression of movement.”

  • Cleric urges Nigerians to shun negative confessions, preaches hope amid hardship

    Cleric urges Nigerians to shun negative confessions, preaches hope amid hardship

    The Founder and General Overseer of The Anointed Saviour’s Church International, Molete, Ibadan, Rev’d Samson Fapohunda, has urged Nigerians, especially Christians, to refrain from making negative confessions about the country, particularly during difficult times.

    Speaking during a Thanksgiving service to mark his 75th birthday, Rev’d Fapohunda warned against what he described as the tendency to “fall with the fall.”

    He emphasised that maintaining a positive mindset and speaking positively, even in the face of adversity, could help bring about a turnaround in the nation’s fortunes.

    Reflecting on his life journey, the cleric attributed his achievements and survival to God’s abundant grace, mercy, and favour.

    He noted that while life has taught him many lessons, the most profound is that only God’s mercy can truly transform any negative situation for the better.

    He said, “I give glory to God Almighty who gave me the opportunity from a humble background and turned around my life.

    “I lost my father at the age of 10years and things were really rough and tough, but I thank God for his grace. Since that time I lost my father till now, I have passed through all manner of things, but I always use my life as an example for many people, because I didn’t fall with my fall.

    “What I mean is that, for example, in this country and maybe in our individual lives, if things or situations fall, do not fall with it. If you don’t fall with fall, then you may control the fall, and that was what happened in my life.

    “If the country falls, let’s say something goes wrong, that is a fall, and the people are saying, the country is bad, or condemning the country, that something has gone wrong, with that, we are falling with the fall. But if you stand up, stay positive and be optimistic even though things are rough and tough, then you are not falling with the fall. Things will turn around, and we all will be better for it.

    “So I use the example of King David. Before he became a king, God used him to kill Goliath. Everybody said he could not do it, nobody gave him a chance, and even King Saul did not support him. But the boy said, I will go, for God will support me. So David did not fall with the fall, even though they said he could not make it.

    “We are going to make it in this country. Even though there are positive signs towards that already, let us trust that God will make things work out well very soon. We should not give room for negativity.”

    He enjoined the government and political office holders to shun nepotism and psychophancy at the expense of competence, so that things will turn around for good.

    “Growing up, I went through a lot, but thank God, today. I lost my father at a very young age, and all hope seemed lost at the time; that’s why I thank God for the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo for the free education scheme at his time.

    “That is why I urge those in government, if they can make education like it was of old. If I had to pay for school as it is today, maybe I won’t be able to enjoy any form of education, back then”, he stressed.

    Noting that today’s Christianity is not like it used to be in times past, he urged church leaders to be cautious in putting a financial burden or stress on their members, saying many people who attend churches these days are those in need of one help or the other.

    He added, “Christianity is no more than it was back then. Christianity in the past was different from what we have now. In those days when we started, we wanted to stand with the people and not what obtains now. We wanted to work and serve our Master, and we even engage in petty jobs to sustain ourselves

    “We were not looking for money, but now, it’s not like that. Everybody wants to become a millionaire in this field. In my church, we don’t call people out for donations or financial support during programmes like we see Churches do these days.

    “That is why we don’t celebrate the church anniversary among others. The categories of people that come to church these days are either those who have one challenge or the other. For instance, those who need healing, those seeking employment or trusting God in one way or another other and when you ask people to start donating, most times people get frustrated and discouraged because they don’t have the means.

    “Churches back then asked people to give based on what they had, but these days things have changed. That’s why the church in those days was very different to what we have now.”