Trust is an essential quality. It is a valuable non-commodity asset. It is the diviner of promise and fulfilment. A government that succeeds is one which holds sufficient public trust and exerts itself considerably to keep it by delivering on its promises.

Introducing the consumer credit scheme was one of the foremost pledges of President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential campaigns. The President had said: ‘’Corruption will be addressed when an individual does not need to have cash readily available to buy a vehicle, for instance, if there is a credit facility to finance it. Credit financing, in turn, will stimulate productivity and demand. We can, and we will. We will change the inefficiencies. We will drive Nigeria’s potential to delivery.’’

Within a few months after assuming office, President Tinubu went to work in fidelity to his promise. In April 2024, the President approved the take-off of the Consumer Credit Scheme with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) as the institutional apparatus.

Today, the gestation of hope has reached parturition. CREDICORP has begun disbursement. And Nigerians from across diverse backgrounds and sectors, especially those in the essential service sector, are the latest beneficiaries. So far, the agency has disbursed over N3.5 billion with teachers, medical doctors, security officers, administrators, and workers in specialised services as the first beneficiaries.

The reason for this is obvious. This segment of workers forms the core of the nation’s workforce and provides essential services. But the credit blanket will spread further to cover the majority of Nigerians in subsequent phases as the scheme was conceived by President Tinubu for all Nigerians.

According to data by CREDICORP, credit was provided for a slew of needs, such as the procurement of petrol alternatives (solar panels, CNG conversion, tricycles), home improvements, school fees and medical needs, as well as the purchase of household items.  

The CREDICORP data also shows that over N1.5 billion has been disbursed to federal and state workers in the education sector; administrators in federal and state MDAs over N755 million; medical doctors in federal and state services over N600 million; police/paramilitary officers (police, civil defence, customs, immigration, and correctional service) over N367 million, and Nigerians in specialised services (judiciary, EFCC, ICPC, traffic authorities, environment) over N273 million.

Additionally, in the education sector, over 4,700 Nigerians are beneficiaries; in administration over 2,800; in health over 1,300; police/paramilitary over 1,260, and specialised services, over 750. More Nigerians are being enlisted as beneficiaries of this epochal scheme.

President Tinubu’s vision is to spread prosperity, create a robust credit system, strengthen the financial architecture, and empower Nigerians sustainably while removing the incentive for corruption.

In full apprehension of the concerns of citizens, the President Tinubu administration has sustained its interventions in critical sectors and directly in providing relief to vulnerable Nigerians. It is ratcheting up effort on social investment programmes to lift the most vulnerable population out of poverty. So far, additional payment has been made to about one million verified recipients under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programme.

President Tinubu has remained true to his pledges. He pledged to introduce the student loan scheme to remove financial impediments to higher education for Nigerians. Today, this pledge is an actuality.

The President affirmed public good and trust as his motivation when he met with the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani at the Presidential Villa, on September 20.

 He said: ''I did not come to look for money and exploit the situation; I came to work. I asked for the votes, and Nigerians gave them to me."

President Tinubu is working for Nigerians.

Fredrick Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 polls, Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to seek a true independent Nation free from state Capture and end the unprecedented hardship and suffering.
"On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held it down in failure and has kept the people suffering.
Writing his Independent Day message on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State Governor said, "Anniversary celebrations, whether of an individual or country, provide opportunities to Reflect on memories, Celebrate accomplishments, look to the future, and offer gratitude.
"This is exactly what we are doing today as our dear nation marks its independence anniversary, 64 years since our country, Nigeria, took charge of its destiny and began its journey to development as an independent nation.

'It's a Day to appreciate God for lavishly endowing us with everything natural, human, and material to be a great nation.

"For me however, this day should be a day of sober reflection for every Nigerian, especially for us, the leaders, whose actions and inactions have continued to contribute to the retrogression and very visible failure we are all witnessing.

"An unexamined life, they say, is not worth living. We must, therefore, examine our lives in the light of our journey as a nation within these last 6 decades.

"Have we pulled our people out of poverty or have we thrown more people into poverty? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child, or have we raised an army of over 18 million out-of-school children roaming the streets? Have we built a productive economy, or have we built a nation with now the worst debt profile in our nation's history?

"On every measure of development, from the critical areas to every aspect, we are performing badly. From ranking poorly on safety and peacefulness to being one of the most terrorized countries in the world. From being ranked among the most highly corrupt countries in the world to being placed among the nations with gross disobedience to the rule of law. Our nation has continued its dangerous dance on the edge of a precipice.

"When compared with some countries who gained independence around the same time as ours, before and after us, Nigeria stands out as a failed nation that must be urgently rescued from further decadence.

"On this day, we must make a sober commitment to build a nation truly independent from the present state capture that has held it down in failure and has kept the people suffering. We must build a nation independent from tribal disunity and religious disharmony. We must build a New and Productive Nigeria that cares for the well-being of the people. That is the Independence we will celebrate as a nation, and it is POssible."

Signed
Ibrahim Umar
POMR SPOKESMAN
October 1st, 2024

The Shepherd Superintendent of the Household of God Church, Lagos, Rev Chris Okotie, has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation's 64th Independence Anniversary to reinforce their faith in God's sure promises.

In a press release circulated in Lagos yesterday by Rev Okotie's media adviser, Ladi Ayodeji, the cleric, who quoted profusely from the Bible in his main text on the story of Abraham, urged Nigerians to be hopeful always for better days as God does not abandon his people.

Below is the summary of his goodwill message:

"These are perilous times.
"Our faith in God must become the Gyrostat which keeps us afloat as we navigate the tempestuous waters of our convoluted reality. Nigeria is a client Nation for God. Nigeria has a prophetic destiny.
Therefore the sovereign superintendence of Almighty God is assured.
"Nigeria is strong. Nigeria will survive.

So Hope on. Hope ever.
Hope on. Hope ever!"

Rev Okotie has always said that Nigeria enjoys a special bond with God, and the country's trajectory should not bother the Nigerian people.

Nigeria is experiencing a renewed wave of independence from colonial influences, this time achieving it through energy independence via the domestic refining of its rich crude oil resources. This transformation is being spearheaded by indigenous investors who own refineries, representing a significant step away from neo-colonialism and imperialism.
The reason local refining of petrol by Indigenous investors is being used as the linchpin of Nigeria's economic independence after political independence was secured in 1960 is due to the central and all-encompassing role that petrol plays in the life of Nigerians. That is evidenced by the negative effect of the withdrawal of subsidy on petrol pump price some seventeen months ago at the inception of the incumbent administration and how a critical mass of Nigerians was thrown into severe economic hardships and misery. All because petrol drives transportation which is pivotal to the socio-economic activities of all Nigerians.

Key players in securing this second independence the petroleum energy sufficiency include the Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, which has a capacity of 650,000 liters per day, as well as five modular refineries: Aradel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, producing 11,000 barrels per day (bpd); Waltersmith in Imo State, with a capacity of 5,000 bpd; Edo Refinery and Duport in Edo State, producing approximately 6,000 bpd and 2,500 bpd, respectively; and OPAC in Warri, Delta State, which has a capacity of 10,000 bpd.

Importantly, all five operational refineries plan to significantly expand their capacities, signaling that Nigeria is on the verge of moving from a state of scarcity to one of surplus in petroleum products, all things being equal.

It is crucial to recognize that past government policies, such as putting some economic activities in the Exclusive and Concurrent Lists of government which precludes the private sector from engaging in certain economic activities ,some of which the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) enacted in 2021 has begun to reform are culprits. That is derived from the fact that they are some of the factors that have hindered the modular refineries from producing petrol despite some being operational for over two decades. For example, Aradel has been in operation since 2010 but has not produced petrol due to regulated pump prices and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation's (NNPC) preference for subsidizing petrol imports rather than local refineries.

Consequently, local refineries have focused on producing other petroleum products such as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), naphtha, and black oil etc for over thirty years. It is absurd that local producers were denied subsidies on petrol pump prices despite their capacity to generate numerous direct and indirect jobs. As such, the lack of encouragement for petrol production is preposterous. It demonstrates the high level of lack of patriotism by those assigned the responsibility to serve our country at high level.

Subsidizing the refining of petrol at modular refineries would have enhanced our country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), instead of exporting capital and jobs to foreign countries that supply petroleum products to Nigeria. This export of highly needed hard currencies has exacerbated pressure on the naira and contributed to exchange rate instability.

Unlike the regulated prices of petrol, the prices of other petroleum products have historically been determined by market dynamics. With the reforms introduced by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the elimination of petrol subsidies, Nigeria appears poised to attain more autonomy via genuine energy independence. This process began with Dangote Refinery starting local petrol production at the beginning of September of this year.

The encouraging news is that Nigeria is set to take a significant step towards economic independence and energy security on the 1st day of October, when Dangote Refinery will begin receiving crude oil supplies paid for in naira, enabling the refinery to sell to local distributors in the same currency.

Coincidentally, October 1st marks the anniversary of Nigeria's political independence from colonial rule 64 years ago.

Although four state-owned refineries were established between 1965 and the 1980s, they have not produced refined petroleum products for about 28 years. These refineries fell into disrepair due to mismanagement by bureaucrats who prioritized personal gain over public service, embezzling funds intended for essential maintenance that never resuscitated the facilities. Their negligence has certainly resulted in a breach of the public trust placed in them as public servants.

To provide some historical context, Nigeria discovered crude oil in Oloibiri, located in present-day Bayelsa in the oil-rich Niger Delta, in 1956. Seven years later, the country built its first crude oil refinery in Port Harcourt, with a capacity of 60,000 liters per day. This was followed by a second refinery in Port Harcourt, a third in Warri, and a fourth in Kaduna, bringing the total number of state-owned refineries to four, with a combined capacity of 445,000 liters per day.

As we know, after a period of operation during which Nigeria enjoyed a degree of energy independence, the four refineries became non-functional about 28 years ago. This decline occurred despite numerous turn-around maintenance contracts awarded by successive governments, amounting to trillions of naira, aimed at restoring their functionality.

It is evident that the substantial investments made to revitalize these refineries have not yielded any positive outcomes, with numerous start dates announced over the years that never materialized. The facilities remain in a state of disrepair, raising questions about how they could still be inactive despite the significant funds spent on their rehabilitation. This situation suggests either a high-level conspiracy to undermine Nigeria by those tasked with refurbishing the refineries—who may be aligned with the interests of those profiting from continued imports of petrol into Nigeria —or that the facilities are in such poor condition that efforts to revive them by NNPCL are futile.

Continuing with the historical context, it’s important to note that Nigeria gained political independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. However, the country remained economically dependent on European nations due to the presence of various foreign companies operating in Nigeria, which were linked to their parent companies abroad where policy decisions were made. This was especially true for British firms, given that Britain was Nigeria’s colonial ruler, with these subsidiaries essentially acting as extensions of their parent companies in London.

In addition, firms from France, Germany, and Portugal swiftly established their presence in Nigeria, with their subsidiaries managed from Paris, Berlin, and Lisbon, where strategic decisions were formulated and relayed for execution. Given that Britain initially engaged with Nigeria as a trading partner before merging the northern and southern protectorates into a single colony known as Nigeria in 1914, it’s understandable that the grip on trade persisted even after Nigeria’s political independence in 1960. While Nigeria achieved political sovereignty, it did not attain economic freedom.

Consequently, the Nigerian oil industry and the broader economy, with only a handful of indigenous investors, have been stifled by what can be described as the "rentier economy syndrome."

It is such a source of curiosity to me that some Nigerians continue to push a political agenda by falsely claiming that foreign firms are exiting Nigeria in droves while it is the reality that British companies continue to dominate Nigeria’s economy. Not just in manufacturing but also in professional services, including:

1. PwC Nigeria (Audit, Tax, Consulting)
2. KPMG Nigeria (Audit, Tax, Advisory)
3. Ernst & Young Nigeria (Audit, Tax, Consulting)
4. Deloitte Nigeria (Audit, Tax, Consulting)
5. Linklaters Nigeria (Law Firm)

In the financial services sector, major players include:

A. Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria
B. Barclays Bank Nigeria (now Absa Nigeria)
C. HSBC Nigeria
D. Ecobank Nigeria (partially owned by the UK’s Ecobank Transnational)
E. ARM Investment Managers (part of the UK’s ARM Holdings)

The technology services sector also features companies such as IBM Nigeria, HP Nigeria, Oracle Nigeria, Microsoft Nigeria, and UK-based tech firms like Andela, Interswitch, and Flutterwave, all of which maintain operations in Nigeria.

The logistics and supply chain sector also features a considerable number of companies originating from the UK, including DHL Nigeria, UPS Nigeria, FedEx Nigeria, and Maersk Nigeria, which is part of the UK-based A.P. Moller-Maersk. Bollore Logistics Nigeria is another firm that has maintained its operations in the country.

Similarly, the education and training sector includes the British Council Nigeria, IDP Education Nigeria (which provides study abroad services), Study Group Nigeria (education consulting), Pearson Nigeria (education services), and Cambridge Assessment Nigeria, all of which are actively involved in the market. Additionally, CharterHouse, a British boarding school, is establishing a campus in Lekki, Lagos.

The healthcare sector presents a different scenario. While some British firms like GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria, AstraZeneca Nigeria, and Sanofi Nigeria may have ceased their manufacturing operations due to challenges in importing raw materials, they remain active in the Nigerian market. UK-based healthcare providers such as Medical Tours International and Health Tours Nigeria continue their presence as well.

Contrary to the claims made by the naysayers attempting to tarnish the country’s reputation through misinformation, there has not been a complete withdrawal of foreign firms from Nigeria. Instead, the healthcare companies mentioned have merely adapted their business models, relocating their manufacturing operations due to difficulties in accessing foreign exchange for raw material imports. The same applies to a couple of American firms that also shut down their manufacturing operations in Nigeria.
Nonetheless, what l found out is that they are still engaged in the Nigerian market and may resume manufacturing once the exchange rate stabilizes.

This stabilization is anticipated as foreign exchange receipts increase due to a rise in crude oil production, and as the demand for foreign currency—which has contributed to its scarcity—diminishes. Furthermore, starting in October, petrol marketers will no longer face the challenge of purchasing refined petrol with hard currency, as they have pledged to source products from Dangote Refinery and other local refineries, including the five modular refineries now authorized to produce and sell petrol under a willing buyer, willing seller arrangement.

Given that the headline inflation rate has decreased consistently over the past couple of months—from 33.40% in July to 32.15% in August—thanks to measures implemented by economic management authorities, there is optimism that some manufacturing companies that previously exited may return.

This hope is reinforced by the fact that a nation with a population exceeding 200 million is too significant for any consumer goods manufacturer to overlook. The positive outlook is further supported by the current flow of petrol from Dangote Refineries, which is expected to alleviate pressure on the naira, allowing it to stabilize, as petroleum product imports account for up to 40% of Nigeria's import bill, according to Central Bank of Nigeria,CBN.

With local production and distribution, the excessive pressure on the naira is expected to diminish as the country achieves energy security and is no longer forced to rely on imported petroleum products. This shift is anticipated to contribute to further economic improvements, providing relief and growth that will help alleviate the hardships currently faced by many Nigerians.

Moreover, according to data from NNPC Ltd., Nigeria's crude oil production—the nation's main source of foreign exchange—has recently increased to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day. This is a rise from about 1.2 million barrels per day at the beginning of the current administration roughly seventeen months ago. As a result of this situation, foreign exchange inflows into the economy, which had previously been minimal, are anticipated to improve significantly.

Evidence of the longstanding relationship between the UK and Nigeria, rooted in their colonial past which makes them seem co-joined in the hip, despite the ongoing reforms can be seen in the presence of numerous energy and consulting firms that continue to operate in the sector. In light of the above reality, notable UK-based oil and gas service companies, such as Schlumberger, Halliburton, and Baker Hughes, along with consulting firms like Accenture, McKinsey, and BCG, all maintain energy practices in Nigeria. In the real estate sector, UK firms like Knight Frank, Savills, and CBRE remain active players in the Nigerian market.

The media and advertising industries also feature a robust presence, with entities such as BBC World Service Nigeria, CNN International Nigeria(regional headquarter in london), and UK-based advertising firms like WPP, Omnicom, and Publicis Groupe all operating in Nigeria and collaborating with local companies.

Given the substantial number of UK firms still operating in Nigeria, it raises questions about the outcry regarding foreign firms leaving the country, which seems to stem more from political fearmongering by those who lost in the 2023 presidential elections and their supporters on social media.

The complexities surrounding the pricing and distribution of petrol produced in Nigeria, following the commencement of operations at Dangote Refinery about a month ago, have shifted public sentiment from celebration to disappointment. Many Nigerians are grappling with the realization that refining crude oil locally does not necessarily lead to lower pump prices compared to imported petrol. Although pump prices may not decrease in the short term, the involvement of Nigerian indigenous investors in crude oil refining has its benefits.

In addition to the jobs created by Dangote and other privately owned refineries, the shutdown of several European refineries that previously exported refined petroleum products to Africa, including Nigeria, indicates a positive shift in local employment. This significant development, marked by the participation of indigenous investors in crude oil refining, is expected to alleviate pressure on the naira and strengthen its exchange rate as the demand for foreign exchange to import refined products declines. According to sources from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), refined petroleum imports and gas constituted about 40% of the nation’s import bill before the emergence of Dangote Refinery.

However, the ongoing crisis regarding the pricing and distribution of refined petroleum products in Nigeria has also highlighted the rentier nature of the country’s economy, a characteristic that traces back to the initial arrival of Europeans and their establishment of ties with Africa.

To provide historical context, it's important to remember that Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to establish contact with Africa, including Nigeria before others arrived. This occurred during the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries when Portugal became the first nation to dock in the ancient Benin Kingdom. Their primary motives for engaging with West Africa were exploration and trade. Historical records indicate that Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal (1394-1460) sponsored voyages to explore the western coast of Africa in search of trade opportunities.

As part of their exploration efforts, Portugal set up trade posts along the West African coast, including sites like Elmina in present-day Ghana (established in 1482) and Badagry in Nigeria, which became a point for the slave trade. Other European powers, including Spain, the Netherlands, Britain, and France, followed suit in their attempts to explore and colonize Africa.

Initially, these invaders sought friendship with African leaders rather than conflict to facilitate trade, which was their primary goal. They presented gifts to win the favor of local kings and, once they gained their trust, turned some into agents for supplying various goods, including cash crops, minerals, and enslaved people.

Interestingly, as some of these companies with roots in advanced economies withdraw from Nigeria, indigenous investors and firms like Dangote Industries, Globacom, Airpeace, and Innoson Motors are stepping in to fill the gap. Despite this positive development, some Nigerians mistakenly criticize their country and the current government for the departure of some foreign firms, which are essentially and more often than not instruments of imperialism. To be clear, while one is not averse to foreign investments in our economy because they are critical to the success of any economy as they serve as catalysts for expansion, local entrepreneurs need to be in control of some critical areas of the economy that are strategic to the security of the country.

But the misguided critiques often making false claims about exodus of foreign firms are motivated by news headlines influenced by Western bias, as Western media largely controls global information order and shapes public opinion. This narrative of the West controlling world information order is being challenged by platforms such as Nduka Obaigbena’s Arise TV, John Momoh’s Channels TV, the late Raymond Dokpesi’s Africa Independent Television (AIT), and James Ibori’s News Central Television (NC), which are expanding their influence via their growing footprints like in Africa and globally. They aspire to be in pole position like the BBC from the UK which promotes a European perspective, while CNN presents a North American viewpoint.

Just as the aforementioned media outlets have long been representing their regions, Al Jazeera from the Arab world has been similarly asserting the influence of the Arab world on Africa in the past decade, and CCTV from China is beginning to establish a presence in Nigeria through partnerships with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) with which the Chinese hopes to also assert her influence over Nigeria.

Without the aforementioned indigenous media platforms, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole, would have continued to struggle to have a voice on the global stage, hence the continent is often regarded as marginalized and lacking a promising future. However, this scenario is set to improve as Nigeria actively seeks a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a goal promoted during the recently concluded 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

For those who criticize President Bola Tinubu’s administration for alleged mismanagement of the economy and attribute the departure of a coupe of European and American companies to it, it’s important to reconsider this perspective. The exit of these firms may not be negative, especially if local investors are taking their place. This shift could be indicative of an emerging African renaissance.

This renaissance is reflected in the increased trade initiatives among African nations, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which aims to enhance trade between countries on the continent. Based in Ghana, AfCFTA seeks to eliminate significant trade barriers, such as stringent immigration regulations that historically made it easier for citizens of European, American, Asian, and Arab nations to enter countries like South Africa for instance while Nigerians faced excessive scrutiny when applying for visas.

In light of this context,for the sake of emphasis it is worth repeating that it is regrettable that some Nigerians are erroneously claiming that the recent departure of a few foreign firms signifies Nigeria’s economic decline. In reality, their exit represents the ongoing recalibration of our economy, driven by the reform policies of the current administration.

To understand this better, we can look at the historical context of European arrival in Africa and their transition from trade partners to colonial rulers, a dynamic that persisted until the United Nations passed a resolution in 1960 calling for the independence of European colonies. For instance, Nigeria, as a former British colony, is home to Crown Agents, the trading arm of the British monarchy.

While Crown Agents no longer engage in the slave trade—once a major source of wealth for the British monarchy—it is known that the monarchy possesses substantial real estate holdings in central London and throughout the UK, some of which were likely acquired using profits from the slave trade.

A significant portion of the British monarchy's wealth is indeed linked to the proceeds from the slave trade, but other sources of wealth include the extraction of resources from colonized nations, such as gold, other solid minerals/precious stones, and oil and gas. This explains the estimated wealth of the British monarchy, which is around £40 billion (approximately USD 52 billion).

Given this context, it raises the question: what lessons have Nigerians learned from the foreign firms that have been operating here since the 1950s? In the pharmaceutical sector, for instance, indigenous companies like Emzor Pharmaceuticals are successfully competing with foreign firms, leading to the exit of some of these foreign competitors. Allow me to once again reiterate that while this is a positive development, some misinformed Nigerians are mistakenly portraying it as evidence of a toxic business environment resulting from ongoing socioeconomic reforms in the country.

Let’s consider Guinness and Nigerian Breweries as examples. Their operations in Nigeria remain subsidiaries of European parent companies based in Scotland and the Netherlands, and no local investor is competing in this sector. Although there have been efforts by indigenous investors, such as the Ibrus in Delta State, who introduced the Skoll beer brand through the brewery located in Ughelli in the 1980s. This venture ultimately failed after a few years. Similarly, Jos Breweries produced the Trophy brand, along with a few others in the southwest and southeast, but they also did not survive, even with technical partnerships with European or other foreign brewers.

In contrast, South Africa boasts its indigenous beer brand, Lion Lager, which was first brewed in the 1920s. SABMiller, founded in South Africa in 1895, operates a brewery in Onitsha in partnership with Anambra State, though it is now owned by Belgium-based AB InBev.

The disappointing state of the beer brewing industry in Nigeria stands in stark contrast to the developments in crude oil and petrol refining that began in the late 1950s. For instance, Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum Company, co-owned by British and Dutch investors, has been operating in Nigeria since 1936. Shortly before, crude oil was discovered in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, in the Niger Delta region in 1956 according OPEC records. Shell is now retreating by moving offshore after selling its onshore assets to local firms. Following the movement giants like Shell into the deepsea, locals like Midwest Oil and Gas, Transcorp Energy, and Next Oil etc are now engaged in exploration onshore.

In addition to indigenous oil and gas exploration companies that have been competing with foreign firms in oil extraction for roughly the past two decades—following the government's decision to uncap the so-called marginal oil fields, which refers to wells too small for large foreign firms—there are also modular refineries that have been addressing the gap left by the failure of the four refineries established by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) under NNPC Ltd, which had a combined capacity of 445,000 liters per day.

The prevalence of International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the oil and gas sector is largely due to flawed government’s policies,predating PIA reforms which effectively sidelines local investors from the industry.

This concerning situation, stemming from the flawed structure primarily serves neo-colonial interests and their local allies, who have established a system that had weakened indigenous Nigerian investors. Regrettably, some Nigerians involved in this setup are self-serving civil servants who prioritize personal gain through kickbacks over the nation's welfare, which should be their primary concern. This behavior mirrors the term “useful idiots,” originally coined by former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin during the Cold War to describe Western proponents of communism. In the context of Nigeria today, it accurately describes those who may unintentionally support neo-colonial or imperial agendas.

Against this backdrop, the inauguration of the 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery as a domestic oil refining company is viewed as a form of second independence for Nigeria. It enables citizens to access refined petroleum products without the need for imports, a reliance that has lasted for the past three decades. The importance of this development is therefore underscored by the scheduled start of crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery from NNPC Ltd on October 1st, coinciding with Nigeria’s political independence from Britain in 1960.

Moreover, with Dangote Refinery providing an opportunity for energy independence, major petroleum marketers have opted to procure their products exclusively from the refinery and the soon to be commissioned modular refineries instead of relying on imports. This shift could help ease the pressure on the naira, considering that 40% of Nigeria’s import bill is devoted to petrol, oil, and gas. Consequently, the country may be on the brink of an economic revival.

In summary, on this momentous occasion marking Nigeria’s 64th independence from British political control, we also acknowledge a "Second Independence" from economic reliance through the development of indigenous refineries like Dangote Refinery, along with five modular refineries currently in operation and several more in various stages of establishment. This transition is further supported by local firms stepping in to occupy the space left by foreign companies resistant to ongoing reforms.
On the new fervor of renaissance sweeping across Africa and Nigeria in particular,l have discussed in other interventions in this column how Alhaji Aliko Dangote is about to help Nigeria achieve energy independence and by extension economic renaissance in the way that the likes of Chief Mike Adenuga about 20 years ago pioneered the independence of Nigeria in the telecommunications sector with Globacom; Mr. Allen Onyema has accomplished filling the gap in the aviation sector with Airpeace and what Mr. Innocent Chukwuma is currently doing in the motor vehicles manufacturing sector with Innosson Vehicle Manufacturing, IVM.
Thus, as a country Nigeria is exhibiting remarkable autonomy by having indigenous investors show a significant presence in the oil/gas, telecommunications, airlines, and automotive, landscapes of our country.
So, by and large, the nation at its 64th independence is weaning itself of too much dependence on foreign-made goods and services through the efforts of the aforementioned entrepreneurs and their brands.
As Nigeria’s past colonizer, the role of Uk for instance should be the mentoring and nurturing of Nigeria’s political leaders and businesses.
Arising from the above fact, if Nigerian entrepreneurs are taking the driver’s seat of strategic businesses that will help guarantee the sovereignty of Nigeria through the entrepreneurial skills of Dangote, Adenuga, Onyema, and Chukwuma amongst others, it is a welcome and worthy development which our political leaders should encourage as our beloved country clocks 64.

Magnus Onyibe, an entrepreneur, public policy analyst, author, democracy advocate, development strategist, alumnus of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA, and a former commissioner in the Delta State government, sent this piece from Lagos, Nigeria.
To continue with this conversation and more, please visit www.magnum.ng.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)  Mr Haliru Nabana have said that Mr Idris Okuneye, a cross dresser popularly known as Bobrisky, served his jail term in correctional facility in Lagos state.

Nababa stated this while addressing the House of Representatives Committee investigating alleged bribery and misconduct against the NCS and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the naira and was sentenced to six months in jail.

NAN recalls that Mr Vincent Otse, social media influencer and human rights activist known as Very Dark Man (VDM) published an audio recording which captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he spent his jail term in a private apartment.

The audio also captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he paid N15 million to EFCC officials to drop charges of money laundering against him.

Nanaba, however, explained to the committee that Bobrisky was convicted and was incarcerated from April 12 to August 13, 2024 in the facility.

He said that there was no time when Bobrisky was allowed outside the correctional facility saying that there are records of his activities in jail to show that he was in the facility.

He, however, said that as a result of special features such as mammary gland and curvy hips which portrays Bobrisky like a women, he kept in a private cell away from other inmates.

According to him, this is inline with international best practices as it is to protect his human right and to protect him against violation by other inmates.

NaAbba also said that for security reasons, Bobrisky was at a point, moved from Medium Security Custodian Centre to Maximum Security Custodian Centre all within the correctional facility.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede said that no money was received to drop charges against Bobrisky.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Michael Nzekwe, Olukoyede said that in April, 2024, Bobrisky while undergoing investigation, in his extra-judicial statement made a confession.

He said that Bobrisky was alleged to have failed to submit to Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) a declaration of its activities of his firm, Bob Express.

According to Olukoyede, this is contrary to Section 6(1) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022

“Notwithstanding the unequivocal confession of the now ex-convict admitting the essential ingredients, the prosecution in total fidelity and candor to its oath and strict adherence to professional practice of not only disclosing exculpatory documents to the defense.

“We received a report of the investigation activities from SCUML which showed that Bob Express is not a Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession (DNFBP),

“We then decided to drop the charge in the interest of justice and fair hearing, without any inducement or prompting of any sort from the defense, and in line with the mandate of the Special Task Force against Naira abuse,” he said.

Earlier, VDM told the committee that he has more evidence yet to be released to the public saying that he would continue to fight corruption.

He said that while other Nigerians are in jail for offenses committed, Bobrisky should not be given any form of special treatment.

“Nigeria is not for the godfathers, I will not allow corruption, if I see a secret about you, I will tell, I am being very honest, I will not fear anybody because Nigeria is going down.

“I will implore you people to do the right thing because the judiciary system is been messed up so bad, you people have to to save your face,” he said.

He, however, tendered some part of the evidence to the committee and promise to release more as the investigation progresses.

He told the committee to ensure Bobrisky appears before it and not to tolerate any further  disrespect from him.

In his ruling, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Ginger Onwusibe (LP-Abia) said that Bobrisky must appear in person in their next hearing.

He demanded video footage of the activities of Bobrisky through out his terms in the correctional facility.

The chairman said that the accounts provided by VDM into which the allayed money for bribe was paid into will be investigated.

The hearing was then adjourned to a further date to announced.

NAN reports that Bobrisky was absent at the hearing and his counsel who came to represent him was not recognised to speak as he had no letter or approval to speak on his behalf.

(NAN)

President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation to mark its 64th Independence Anniversary on October 1.

Here, Vanguard highlights ten (10) key points from the President’s speech:

Economic Reforms: Tinubu acknowledged the economic difficulties, including rising living costs and unemployment. He urged Nigerians to remain patient, assuring them that reforms are beginning to yield positive results. “I want to assure you that your voices are heard… we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.”

Security Achievements: The President announced progress in the fight against terrorism and banditry, stating that over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated. “Our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry… we have restored peace to hundreds of communities.”

Return of Displaced Persons: Tinubu shared that many Nigerians in conflict zones are returning to their homes. “Thousands of our people have been able to return home… our security agencies are committed to ending this as quickly as possible.”

Natural Disasters Response: In response to recent flooding, the President announced the creation of a Disaster Relief Fund and integrity tests for dams. “This federal government will always stand with our people in their times of trouble.”

Foreign Investments: Nigeria attracted over $30 billion in foreign direct investments within the past year. “Thanks to the reforms, our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion.”

Agriculture and Food Security: Tinubu emphasised the importance of mechanised farming and highlighted the establishment of a tractor assembly plant to boost food production and reduce costs. “We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs.”

Energy Transition: The President confirmed the expansion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) usage in mass transit to lower transportation costs. “Our energy transition programme is on course… to provide cheaper public transportation.”

Youth Empowerment: Tinubu announced a National Youth Conference and several youth-centred initiatives, including the 3 Million Technical Talents programme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. “This conference will empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building.”

Fiscal Responsibility: The administration has reduced Nigeria’s debt service ratio and paid off significant inherited debts, maintaining stable foreign reserves. “We have reduced the debt service ratio from 97 per cent to 68 per cent.”

Unity and Resilience: Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united in the face of challenges. “We are Nigerians—resilient and tenacious. We always prevail and rise above our circumstances.”

[Vanguard]

Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today, I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard.

As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Exactly 64 years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy as a form of government and launched the dream of a great country that would lead the rest of Africa out of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment, a beacon of hope to the rest of Africa and the world.

Over six decades later, we can look back, and Nigerians worldwide can see how well we have succeeded in realising the lofty dreams of our founding fathers.

The world is witnessing and benefiting from the can-do spirit of the Nigerian people, our massive intellectual capacity, and our enterprise and industry in all vocations, from arts to science, technology to infrastructure. The dreams that our founding fathers envisaged are still a work in progress. Every day, we put our hands on the plough, determined to do a better job of it.

While it is tempting to focus on what has been left undone and where we have stumbled as a nation, we must never lose sight of how far we have come in forging and holding our country together.

Since independence, our nation has survived many crises and upheavals that led to the dissolution and disintegration of many other nations worldwide. Six years after independence, our country descended into a political crisis that led to a bitter and avoidable civil war. Since returning from the brink of that darkest moment, we have learned to embrace our diversity and manage our differences better as we continue to work towards engendering a more perfect union.

Despite the many challenges that buffeted our country, we remain a strong, united, and viable sovereign nation.

Dear compatriots, our independence anniversary gives us another chance to reflect on how far we have gone in our journey to nation-building and to renew our commitment to building a better nation that will serve present and future generations of Nigerians.

While we celebrate the progress we have made as a people in the last sixty-four years, we must also recognise some of our missed opportunities and mistakes of the past. If we are to become one of the greatest nations on earth, as God has destined us to be, our mistakes must not be allowed to follow us into the future.

My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired. We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform our political economy and defence architecture.

On the security front, I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry. Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism. Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever. As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.

We have restored peace to hundreds of communities in the North, and thousands of our people have been able to return home. It is an unfinished business, which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible. As soon as we can restore peace to many communities in the troubled parts of the North, our farmers can return to their farms. We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs. I promise you, we shall not falter on this.

Our government has been responding to the recent natural disasters, particularly the flooding in parts of the country. After Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri, I also visited to assure our people that this federal government will always stand with our people in their times of trouble. At the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council, we approved a Disaster Relief Fund to mobilise private and public sector funds to help us respond faster to emergencies.

Our government has also ordered integrity tests of all our dams in the country to avert future disasters.

The economy is undergoing the necessary reforms and retooling to serve us better and more sustainably. If we do not correct the fiscal misalignments that led to the current economic downturn, our country will face an uncertain future and the peril of unimaginable consequences.

Thanks to the reforms, our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year.

Fellow compatriots, our administration is committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of our regulatory processes. This principle guides the divestment transactions in our upstream petroleum sector, where we are committed to changing the fortune positively. As such, the ExxonMobil Seplat divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter of days, having been concluded by the regulator, NUPRC, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA. This was done in the same manner as other qualified divestments approved in the sector.

The move will create vibrancy and increase oil and gas production, positively impacting our economy.

The more disciplined approach adopted by the Central Bank to monetary policy management has ensured stability and predictability in our foreign exchange market. We inherited a reserve of over $33 billion 16 months ago. Since then, we have paid back the inherited forex backlog of $7 billion. We have cleared the ways and means debt of over N30 trillion. We have reduced the debt service ratio from 97 per cent to 68 per cent. Despite all these, we have managed to keep our foreign reserve at $37 billion. We continue to meet all our obligations and pay our bills.

We are moving ahead with our fiscal policy reforms. To stimulate our productive capacity and create more jobs and prosperity, the Federal Executive Council approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which will now be transmitted to the National Assembly. These transformative bills will make our business environment more friendly, stimulate investment and reduce the tax burden on businesses and workers once they are passed into law.

As part of our efforts to re-engineer our political economy, we are resolute in our determination to implement the Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of local governments.

The central concern of our people today is the high cost of living, especially food costs. This concern is shared by many around the globe as prices and the cost of living continue to rise worldwide.

My fellow Nigerians, be assured that we are implementing many measures to reduce the cost of living here at home.

I commend the Governors particularly, in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the Southwest Governors that have embraced our agricultural production programme. I urge other states to join the Federal Government in investing in mechanised farming. We are playing our part by supplying fertilizer and making tractors and other farm equipment available. Last week, the Federal Executive Council approved establishing a local assembly plant for 2000 John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, disc riders, bottom ploughs and other farm equipment. The plant has a completion time of six months.

Our energy transition programme is on course. We are expanding the adoption of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas for mass transit with private sector players. The Federal Government is ready to assist the thirty-six States and FCT in acquiring CNG buses for cheaper public transportation.

Fellow Nigerians, while we are working to stabilise the economy and secure the country, we also seek to foster national unity and build social harmony and cohesion. Our economy can only thrive when there is peace.

As we work to overcome the challenges of the day, we remain mindful of the next generation as we seek to galvanize their creative energy towards a better future. We lead today with the future we wish to bequeath to our children in focus, recognizing that we cannot design a future that belongs to them without making them its architects.

Considering this, I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population. It will provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building. By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.

The 30-day Confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives. Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations. The government will thoroughly consider and implement the recommendations and outcomes from this forum as we remain resolute in our mission to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.

Our government is implementing several other youth-centric programmes to give our young people an advantage in the rapidly changing world. We are implementing, amongst others, the 3 million Technical Talents programme (3MTT) of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone.

We have also enthusiastically implemented the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides cheap loans to our students to pursue their tertiary educational dreams. In addition, later this month, we shall launch The Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP). It is conceived as a comprehensive suite of interventions at job creation by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment that is aimed at facilitating the creation of 2.5 million jobs, directly and indirectly, on an annual incremental basis whilst simultaneously ensuring the welfare and safety of workers across the country.

As is the tradition, the government will soon announce all the beneficiaries of our national honours for 2024.

The Senate President and the Chief Justice of the Federation have been conferred with the honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). The deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives have the honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), while the deputy speaker of the House has been awarded Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) .

Fellow Nigerians, better days are ahead of us. The challenges of the moment must always make us believe in ourselves. We are Nigerians—resilient and tenacious. We always prevail and rise above our circumstances.

I urge you to believe in our nation’s promise. The road ahead may be challenging, but we will forge a path toward a brighter future with your support. Together, we will cultivate a Nigeria that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens, a nation that resonates with pride, dignity, and shared success.

As agents of change, we can shape our destiny and build a brighter future by ourselves, for ourselves and for future generations.

Please join our administration in this journey towards a brighter future. Let us work together to build a greater Nigeria where every citizen can access opportunities and every child can grow up with hope and promise.

May God continue to bless our nation and keep members of our armed forces safe.

Happy Independence anniversary, my fellow Nigerians!

-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

On September 10, heavy rain caused the Alau dam in Borno State to overflow, leading to major floods in and around the vast metropolitan city of Maiduguri. The deluge heavily impacted homes, schools, markets, offices and several health facilities. According to government officials, over 400,000 people have moved into 30 IDP camps. Most of these camps are schools which lack hygiene facilities and safe drinking water. The potential for outbreak of diseases is high, and, undoubtedly, Borno State, which is recovering from over a decade of sustained terrorist attacks, is in dire need of assistance. In response, Nigerians from all over the country have scrambled to help. As at last week, the state government has received donations totalling over N12 billion. Prof Usman Tar, the state’s Information Commissioner, said the funds have already been transferred to the Disaster Relief Committee which includes representatives from both the federal and state government agencies. He also announced that the state government has been working hard to assist citizens who have been most impacted by the disaster.

Among the donors are Aliko Dangote, who gave N2 billion; Aminu Dantata (N1.5 billion); Mohammed Indimi (N1 billion); Oluremi Tinibu (N500 million) and Access Holdings which gave N1 billion. Access is one of the two only banks to respond to the disaster in Borno State. The other being Jaiz Bank which gave N110 million. Chief Executive of Access Holdings, Africa’s leading financial powerhouse, Bolaji Agbede and other executives of the company, flew into Maiduguri late last week with the N1 billion gift to the state government, in a demonstration of the company’s commitment to community support. Access Holdings’ contribution will be allocated as ₦500 million in cash to support the state government’s on-the-ground response efforts, ₦500 million for the restoration of critical infrastructure damaged by the flood, as well as essential food supplies to ensure the most vulnerable receive care. The gesture should offer succour and relief to the beleaguered people of Borno and provide both immediate and long-term respite.

I commend all the donors for their kindness and generosity. From the banking community, I am not surprised that Access Holdings is once again demonstrating compassion and leadership. Compassion is an important attribute of good leadership. It is important for businesses to identify with the communities in which they operate, especially in times of crises. A kind and generous company will more likely build loyal customers and strong stakeholder understanding. Compassion evokes emotional affinity, brand admiration and customer allegiance. Consistently, Access Holdings is known for devoting a good chunk of its resources to invest in its environments. I call on other banks to emulate Access.

Speaking in Government House, Maduguri, at the meeting with Gov. Zullum and his officials, Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to supporting the people of Borno, restating a pledge to impact lives of communities where the institution operates. “At Access Holdings, we believe in positively impacting the communities we serve, not only as a financial institution, but as a family that cares deeply for its people. We recognise the resilience of the people of Borno, and we are committed to providing the support necessary to overcome this difficult time. This donation is not merely about the funding; it is about offering immediate succour to families and individuals, who have been affected, while also contributing to local economic resurgence and long-term resilience through the restoration of essential infrastructure,” said Agbede.

Governor Babagana Zulum expressed appreciation for the donation and the company’s swift response to the crisis. “We are moved by the generosity and commitment shown by Access Holdings and Access Bank during this critical time. This donation of ₦1 billion is appreciated during this challenging time and will be judiciously utilised to impact the lives of all those who have been affected by the incident. The restoration of our hospitals and essential services will strengthen our resilience, while the food relief will provide immediate comfort to families and individuals in distress. Truly, this support speaks to the importance of cooperation between the government, and the private sector in improving the lives of our local communities,” said Zulum.

Nigeria’s business community is currently facing a myriad of challenges, including depressed margins arising from oppressive operating environment, while the banking sector is not only struggling to cope with increasing incidents of non-performing loans, but is also racing to meet re-capitalization deadline of March 2026. Nevertheless, I commend Access Holdings for being the first mainstream financial institution to offer support to Borno in the wake of the disaster that affected over one million people, leaving entire residential areas submerged and tens of thousands of people displaced. I am pleased to welcome the company’s exemplary commitment to working closely with the Borno State Government, aid organisations, and other stakeholders to ensure relief reaches those most in need and the state is well-positioned for recovery. I ask the Bankers’ Committee and the Central Bank of Nigeria to emulate the Access example. On its part, the federal government should take steps to examine the structural integrity of all our dams to avoid a future occurrence of this disaster, which is obviously a threat to national security.

“The people and not the leaders, are the true architects of society”

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Democracy as a concept of governance has received global acceptance in its various forms. No two democracies are the same but the commonality in all democracies is the exercise of governance powers by persons, either collectively or individually on behalf of the people/state/society. At the core of democracy is the selection of the persons who will govern on behalf of the people. The selection process is usually through one form of election or the other and in theory it is meant to represent the free will of majority of the people. That the process suffers from varying degrees of imperfection in all countries who have elections is not the subject of this intervention. Rather this intervention is to interrogate what we the people should expect from those persons who end up at the helm of affairs with governing powers to superintend different aspects of our socio-economy.

For the sake of good order let me confess that what prompted this article is the insufferable postulation floating widely and freely that Nigeria’s fortunes rise and fall with its ‘leadership’. By that the proponents mean the political leadership and in our case the President is the almighty Leader. I beg to disagree and vehemently too. In my assessment, the fortunes of a people lie with the people. And this notion of a people waiting to be led appears to be a collective attempt at shirking individual responsibility for our attitudes and actions which in my view aggregate the critical mass that shapes a society’s vision and ethos and hence its direction and outcomes. That is why I agree with the argument of the 18th century philosopher, Joseph de Maistre, that - ‘the moral and intellectual qualities of a people determine the kind of government they will have’.

The popular opinion that we Nigerians mirror our actions and attitudes on those of the political leadership is demonstrably illogical. It is said that if people exhibit corruption tendencies, it is because the leadership is perceived or seen to be corrupt. And ‘fish rots from the head’ is a popular quote in support of this fallacy. I am not persuaded that in a very religious country like Nigeria, our people will put aside the examples set by revered powerful General Overseer pastors, influential Imams or powerful deities (for those with a preference for Indigenous beliefs) in favour of those examples of political leaders no matter the exalted position.

If all religions have laid out established and clear doctrines to guide the conduct of adherents, it will be absurd to ascribe collective untoward conduct to any other leadership other than that of the particular religious tendency. There is a reason why religious adherents are called FOLLOWERS, and it is a simple reason, they are enjoined to follow and be guided by the subscribed doctrines only.

In my numerous discussions/arguments on this matter I have found the following examples rather thought provoking. Nobody I have asked has been able to name the leaders of Switzerland or Finland. In fact, nobody has been able to recall the name of any Swiss leader ever! They all agree though that those countries are amongst the most successful in the world. So, my argument in question form will be ‘is it the leadership or the people that are responsible for the success of these countries?’. My take is that the people of these countries have collectively built enduring socio-political structures that operate and

are safeguarded with the imprimatur of the collective will of the people and not dependent upon the whims and caprices of ‘leaders’.

Also noteworthy is the fact that in the atmosphere of gloom we paint for our country, there are also some areas that not only offer hope but are quite inspiring and uplifting. We blame the ‘leadership’ when our sports teams do not perform well, when public services are poor and generally for everything that goes wrong, with the absence of an ‘enabling environment’ being the culprit. So, the leadership is responsible for creating the enabling environment? It is the case that in this same environment, our entertainment industry is superlative and have become world beaters. Our musicians have captured the world’s imagination and rapt attention. The Remo Stars Club and football academy are very impressive world class facilities that portend better days ahead for our sporting sector generally. Yet these remarkable developments have been achieved under ‘bad leadership’. So, in my opinion this is another illustration of we the people being the architects of our progress. And please, this is not me suggesting that good governance has no role to play, far from it! Without good governance providing good access roads and security for example, the private initiatives will not achieve their full potential and we the people will be the losers.

Again, this is not an attempt to discharge our political leaders from responsibility for the many challenges bedeviling our national development. In as much as they are in the public sector front lines of managing our commonwealth and executing policies for the betterment and orderliness of society on our collective behalf, it is fair to pass a negative judgment on their all-round performance as a class. There can be no equivocation in condemning their ignoble role in the distressing state of our nation. The essence of this intervention is to make the case that we as a people must take responsibility for our role in causing the unsatisfactory state of our nation. This acceptance is a necessary foundation, for we as a people to build the national consciousness that will drive the collective will for us as a people, to take ownership of our collective destiny. To make progress, we must act and behave like good citizens and not merely be passengers in the ‘vehicle’ driven by the ‘Leader’.

In truth, the Nigerian elite bears the greatest burden of guilt for the mess we have made of our country. Let us recall a few short years ago, where we literally became the champagne guzzling capital of the world! International businesspeople (many of them borderline criminals) were flying into Nigeria with suitcases of obscenely priced exotic watches and other luxury items for sale to the locust elite in DOLLARS! We imported the biggest SUVs with scant regard for the running costs of these vehicles. Afterall, petrol and diesel were very cheap. We were spending humongous amounts of money buying imported generators but will refuse to pay for the electricity (however epileptic the supply) we were consuming and yet fail to see the causal link between our myopic attitudes and the poor state of electricity supply and distribution. Obviously other factors like poor governance in the form of retrogressive laws and corruption are significant but these should not be isolated.

So, in an economy where many people were making so much money without being productive and not being constrained with paying meaningful taxes, enjoying subsidized electricity (when available) cheap fuel and even subsidized foreign currency, criminal waste became the order of the day. And worst of all the elite who evidently benefit the most from our commonwealth are also very unpatriotic. So, whereas it is their consumption patterns that put pressure on the exchange value of the Naira, they cynically bet against the Naira by using foreign currencies as a store of value, invested their locally acquired wealth in the economies of foreign countries and flaunting foreign currencies publicly became the status symbol

verifier. That is why you will find that literally everybody in Nigeria is conversant with exchange rates. It is the elite that have ingrained this ‘conversion mentality syndrome’ into our subconscious. And anytime I hear the refrain ‘how much is it in dollars’ I am left wondering whether people convert their Naira to dollars before spending same in Nigeria. Anyway, suffice it to say that in most other countries, the citizens generally care less about exchange rates and concern themselves about the purchasing power of their local currencies.

I have no doubt that our dear country will overcome the present myriad of crisis. The Nigerian people are too resourceful and have too much at stake to allow our country to fail. ‘Sweet are the uses of adversity’ and ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ are two famous quotes that will play out in the coming years as we the people in our quest for personal survival take actions which will ultimately be for our collective benefit and progress. So, all of us have roles to play and are all leaders in various ways. The efficient and inspiring school principal is a leader that will build many more responsible citizens (with a multiplier effect) than a commissioner for education or the governor of that state! Genuine religious leaders will ingrain the much-needed positive virtues in people than a thousand orientation agencies. Sincere village heads will enable peaceful co-existence of citizens, more effectively than security agencies. The journey of building the critical mass of good citizenship necessary to put our country on the right path starts perhaps from the family units as a base and meanders upwards to the ‘leadership.’ At that juncture the leadership will be reflective of us as a reformed citizenry. It is not going to be easy or happen overnight, but my hope is that the hardship and an economy whose shape has changed forever will bring out the best in us. And personal hardship will dismantle the roadblocks of religious and tribal differences which hinder our progress but exists in our minds and attitudes.

Our people need to be sensitized about historical developments in other counties so that we will be galvanized to even do more than we are presently doing (historical and ongoing private and community efforts duly acknowledged). I just read recently that the establishment of Botswana’s first university in 1982 was driven by the people donating cows to be sold to Europe. Over four thousand cows fetched about $120,000 then, and with other significant support from some European countries and the Government, the project was successful, and it is the biggest university in Botswana today. There are other numerous examples of communities in different countries coming together to build schools, roads, water supply and so on. In neighboring Ghana, in the 1990’s, rural communities built over 1000km of roads through communal labour and funding. In Brazil, communities built over 100,000 homes in its mutual aid housing scheme. In South Korea, in the 1970’s community driven development programs built roads, bridges and homes which transformed rural communities.

As we may be aware, the British Government for example does not own any university! The top universities in the world are not funded by governments! America, arguably the most successful sporting nation in the world does not provide government funding for its sportsmen. The government of USA does not generate or distribute electricity to its people! Please let us invest in our country (as many illustrious Nigerians are doing). Let us stop deceiving our people that ‘government’ will provide everything.

‘Government’ will not provide everything BUT good governance is an indispensable factor in building enduring institutions that will activate overall progress and development. As mentioned earlier, the efforts of the private sector will be in futility if not complemented by responsible and competent political leadership. We need the political leadership that is responsive to the yearnings of the people to

have our resources well managed, provide sustainable infrastructure, ensure the provision of security of lives and property and make and execute laws that will facilitate our harmonious coexistence and development. So given that our progress is dependent on the symbiotic relationship of the public and private sectors, it is incumbent on us the people to project our best interests by ensuring that only well-meaning and capable persons get the opportunity to manage our affairs in the public space. I agree that in our present circumstances our politicians are out of control and there is an atmosphere of helplessness. With the present hardship and frustration even the most out of touch politician must realize that the people’s patience is running out. So, we must see the present atmosphere as our opportunity to galvanize our people to be citizen watchdogs over our public officials. The recent Supreme Court intervention granting autonomy to elected local governments is a welcome and significant development. Local governments are closer to the people and have a greater impact on their daily existence. Being closer to the people it affords the people a better opportunity to elect people they know better and can have access, and ultimately hold to account. State governors and the President are too far from the ordinary people and the local governments are our hope for greater accountability and with time things will scale upwards. We need to take ownership of our destiny and when this is manifestly evident, our political leaders will fall in line instinctively for survival.

In closing let me reiterate that we are all responsible for the dysfunction of our country today and the best way to improve our lot is for all hands to be on deck. The fixation with blaming ‘government’ or politicians for all the ills in our country is unhelpful and not progressive. Even worse is the postulation that ‘good governance’ will fix everything. We the people of Nigeria ‘spoilt’ our country and only we the people can ensure good governance and fix our country. Happy 64th Independence Anniversary and Long Live Nigeria!