It is difficult to marshal a credible and persuasive argument against local government areas (LGAs) getting all the federation allocations due to them. In fact, it can be argued that the LGAs should receive additional support and grants from the Federal Government and the state governments to enhance their financial viability, increase their capacity to discharge the critical responsibilities assigned to them, and reimburse them for acting as agents of the other two tiers of government. But it was never envisaged, and is simply indefensible and reprehensible, that LGAs would receive less than their statutory entitlements.

This is why the July 11^th ruling by the Supreme Court on direct federation allocations to the LGAs is right on the money. This is also why the state governors, who in most cases have not covered themselves in glory concerning LGAs’ allocations, have found it difficult to openly and coherently express their displeasure about the ruling. Good for them. But granting what has been excitedly termed financial autonomy to the LGAs is at best a good starting point. It is not enough. If the goal is to ensure good governance where it matters the most, the rest of us need to do much, much more.  

All Nigerians belong to, and live and work within, local government areas—be it villages, towns or municipalities. We are all citizens and residents of LGAs first before being same in states and the country. Being the first and closest level of government to all of us, the LGA is where we should feel the presence and the essence of government the most. Sadly, however, the local level is where governance deficit—alongside citizens’ disengagement—is the most pronounced in Nigeria. As I have argued on this page and in other platforms for more than 15 years, local governance is miserably broken in our country. And as desirable as it is, direct allocation to LGAs is not the cure-all that will bring local governance to good health in Nigeria. In actual fact, we should dispense with the thought of magic bullets.

Those who think financial autonomy will work the magic probably assume that our LGAs are underperforming simply because they are not getting all the money due to them or not getting the money directly. At best, this may be one of the reasons, but definitely not the sole reason. It has also been argued that once LGAs get their money directly and fully, they would be denied of any legitimate excuse for underperformance and that local accountability actors would spring up and be more active. Embedded in this view are two related assumptions: one, there is a link between full (as opposed to partial) receipt of federation allocations by the LGAs and optimal performance by the LGAs; and two, the reason why local accountability is constrained is because of partial disbursement of LGAs’ funds. The logic behind these assumptions is light.

Direct allocations to LGAs can actually produce the opposite of the desired effect. The money directly disbursed can be pilfered or thoughtlessly squandered or can be routed back to their political lords, the governors. Another possibility is that the well-resourced and unhindered LGA chairpersons can transform into mini-governors with their own well-oiled patronage networks and election war-chests, which can have grave implications not only for vote buying but also for social and political order. Talk about possible unintended consequences. These possibilities have led some to take the position that the Supreme Court ruling will change nothing, and may even make things worse. This is a cynical view. But cynicism is easy, and solves little.

The highest court in the land has ruled almost unanimously (6-1) to compel direct federation allocation to LGAs. The court also made consequential pronouncements on illegalities undertaken with impunity by states on local government matters. While it is important to acknowledge that even faithful implementation of the verdict will not automatically change things, the next order of work for those interested in changing the status quo is to identify, based on proper diagnosis, what else needs to happen to enthrone good governance at the local level in our country. In this piece, I will highlight three critical areas.

The first is that financial autonomy for LGAs must be accompanied with strengthening of the mechanisms for holding local officials to account. At the moment, accountability systems and structures are weakest at the local level. The checks and balances within government, provided through legislative and judicial oversights, through the presence of opposition parties, and through operational controls and procedures such as financial audits and restraining institutions, are hardly present at the local level. Local citizens are largely uninvolved or uninterested in local affairs. The press and civil society, which beam the searchlight on exercise of power and amplify citizens’ concerns, are more present and more active at the federal level.

The three forms of political accountability—horizontal, vertical and diagonal—are thus in short supply at the local level. Yet accountability is critical to good governance. Accountability doesn’t depend on the good nature of those in power. It has to be demanded—otherwise, it will not be supplied. Let’s be clear: the deficit in the demand and supply of accountability at our local level will not automatically be reversed simply because we are changing how money is disbursed. Following the Supreme Court ruling, there have been increased calls for citizens to hold their local officials to account. These calls are clearly well-intentioned. But the implicit assumption behind the calls is that local citizens were not holding their local officials to account because no one urged them to. It is a bit complicated, but the evidence suggests that incentive may be at issue.

The task then is to provide the incentives and the tools for citizens to exercise their agency as accountability actors, to fashion new accountability mechanisms for the local level and to strengthen existing ones. In furtherance of this, Agora Policy (which I lead) is co-hosting a solution-oriented dialogue on this issue with BudgIT, Yiaga Africa, Premium Times, Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch, and The Cable. Themed “Enthroning Accountability in Local Governance in Nigeria” and kindly supported by MacArthur Foundation, the timely policy conversation will hold on August 5^th in Abuja.

The second thing that needs to happen is that we have to improve the quality and content of democracy at the local level. Politics and decision-making at that scale should approximate the Athenian form of democracy. Local citizens should be able co-govern and should be able to decide the priorities of government at that level. The saying ‘all politics is local’ should have special resonance at the local level. Also, local politics is expected to serve as a school of democracy. But avenues for participation and learning and for enriching democratic practice are hardly present or used. The only option left is electoral democracy, and our local elections are clearly a total sham. No matter the diversity of political persuasions in a state, the party in power always records 100% success rate in local elections (except in FCT).

The Supreme Court has rightly ruled that LGAs are constitutionally required to be administered by elected officials (not by caretaker committees that governors prefer), that it is illegal for governors to dissolve democratically-elected LGA administrations, and that federation allocations should not go to LGAs without democratically-elected officials. It is in the news that most of the affected states are now rushing to schedule local elections. This is all well and good. But the issue is not about conducting elections just to fulfil all righteousness.

We need to significantly improve the quality of local elections so that those who emerge as elected officials are the real representatives of the local people and are those whose loyalty lies with the people, not solely with the state governor. Good governance has a better chance at the local level when there is a credible chance that non-performing officials can be thrown out at the next election.

In between elections, we also need to create avenues for citizens to have inputs into decision-making through public hearings, townhall/community/ward meetings and participatory budgeting. It is assumed that the closer the government is to the people, the more responsive the government will be to their needs. Periodic elections alone, even when they are clean and credible, will not be enough to make government responsive or to prioritise the needs of the people. In the space between elections, there should be constant opportunities for engagement between the officials and the people. Structured and continuous avenues for citizens’ participation will be key. If there is a space for us to test out forms of participatory democracy, the local level offers the ideal scale.

The last point I want to highlight is that building/improving local capacity will be critical.  Generally, the capacity for getting things done is low in our public sector. But, as with accountability, the state capacity deficit is most magnified at the local level. This shouldn’t surprise us: those really talented and driven will rather work at the federal or state levels, not in LGAs. Simply changing how we disburse money will not address this obvious capacity gap. Improving the capacity of the elected officials and civil servants on planning, budgeting, programme design and execution will thus be critical if our goal is to improve service delivery and overall governance at the local level. But it is not only the officials that need capacity enhancement. The citizens and the community-based associations also need support to enhance their interest and increase their capacity to engage the system at the local level more effectively.

I will end this intervention by repeating what I wrote in a related piece on this page about a month ago (‘Refocussing the Debate on Local Governance in Nigeria’). We need a comprehensive reform of how we approach local governance in this country. The Supreme Court has done what is within its remit. Other arms of government, expectedly, will do their bits. But enthroning effective, accountable and responsive local governance is a task beyond government. We all have roles to play too. And we should do our parts, for our enlightened self-interest. If local governance improves in the country, we should all be better off. 

The two individuals that no longer surprise me at all are Citizens Joe Igbokwe and Bayo Onanuga, however in the present instance I wonder what sycophancy and court-jesting have done to their ability to discern the times and by jove incline their hearts to wisdom, apologies to the Holy Book.

Joe Igbokwe in the service of his master decided perhaps without deep research to do the greatest disservice to the present watch. In threatening the Igbo in Lagos and across the Country, Citizen Joe Igbokwe has forgotten that hunger and poverty are indiscriminate of Region, Religion and ethnicity. He has forgotten that unemployment and want are indiscriminate of Creed and Clan. And he has forgotten that playing the ethnic card ala threatening a Tribe in the face of pain, penury and poverty is but an invitation to anarchy. He has forgotten that he who is down needs fear no fall.

Citizen Bayo Onanuga is himself caught by a disease I would call Obi-neurosis, a fear I would call Obi-Phobia, and a complex that fixates him to everything and anything Peter Obi, and the Obidient Movement. I pity him.

The two citizens here mentioned and their fellow travelers in the path of infamy are obsessed with the spoils of power that they cannot see. They are blinded by filthy lucre that they cannot read the times, and their soul is sold to Mammon such that they cannot perceive the ominous tide that romances our space.

They are without an ounce of equivocation Pseudo-Progressives swimming against a deluge. Joe Igbokwe can threaten the Igbo for all he cares. Bayo Onanuga can accuse Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement for all he cares, one infallible fact is that the clock is ticking, that time is running out, and like Kenyans the Gen Zee generation are tired, and have elected to trounce the tranquilizing drug of gradualism choosing proactive action over siddon look.

The Looming Protest has nothing to do with Ethnicity, Region or Religion, deceive yourself for all you care, the Truth is before us. The Looming Protest has nothing to do with Peter Obi or the Obidient Movement, lie to yourselves for all you care, the Truth is lucid. Continue to make matters worse for Tinubu with your sycophancy, continue to gaslight the gullible, and continue to delude and denude the hapless. Truth is that Nigeria is at the precipice and that our Country is hanging dangerously at the tipping edge.

Rather than advise their Master to work the path of caution, discretion and propriety, they sing his praises and nudge him further down the path to Golgotha. They see no wrong in wanton profligacy and wanderlust. They see no wrong in a Presidency that pours out 100m US Dollars for a new Presidential Jet in the face of harrowing poverty. They see no wrong in the spate of job loss and inflation. They see no wrong in the scarcity of food, the hike in price of Fuel, and the suicidal hunger that confronts the Nigerian hoi polloi. All they do is hail their Master as though he is infallible. All they do is blame Buhari as if their Master didn't promise to continue with Buhari's policies that saw Nigeria going in out of inflation, today Nigeria is enmeshed in the worst inflation in our history. Seeing the glaring comeuppance of failure, seeing that the Young are gearing up to challenge for the soul of our nation, Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga and their cohorts in the cult of Court-jesting are busy shifting the blame, are busy gaslighting the ignorant, and are busy throwing darts at the innocent, but it won't work.

It was Frantz Fanon who said long time ago that every generation out of relative obscurity discovers it's mission, Fulfills or betrays it. If the Gen Zee across Africa have risen, to ethnicise this rising is like pouring water on the Crocodile, I pray Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga and Co knows this. If the Gen Zee is planning the Nigerian version of the Kenyan uprising, the right thing to do is to begin quickly to address their grievances and proceed with some immediate Reforms and not to threaten, insult, over-awe, harass and harangue them.

I must close this effort with the ageless lines of John F. Kennedy to wit, those who make peaceful change impossible, make violent change inevitable. The Truth is that those threatening the Young people hatching and planning a peaceful protest for the soul of Nigeria come August 1st to August 10th, 2024 are the enemies of democracy, enemies of the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, and the enemies of Nigeria QED. And Nigeria shall most definitely outlive them.

I believe in Nigeria. I believe that the Eagle shall yet Soar. And I believe that this period of darkness shall yet pass.

I'm CHUKWUDUMEBI.

Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.

Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT.

There are two very significant, and quite commendable, actions Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has taken so far with regards to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University (COOU), Igbariam. The appointment of Prof Kate Omenugha as acting Vice Chancellor of the school is one. The appointment of Prof Chidi Odinkalu as the Pro-Chancellor of the University is another. He has thus put together two individuals who have the ‘unfortunate habit’ of handling any assignment they give to them in such a way that nothing is allowed to stand in their way, on the road to fulfilment and success.

I also see Soludo giving them all the needed support, going forward. The governor’s regular attendance, or official representation, at all of the university’s events, and especially the visible encouragement he gives to all the new environment-focused initiatives of the school, point to a subsisting goodwill. That goodwill should be maintained.

In sum, and for the record: Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Your Transformation cometh”! Yes, I see Omenugha working synergistically for the positive, phenomenal, transformation of that institution.

I was in the school last week for the 2024 annual conference of the Faculty of Social Sciences. As the Keynote Speaker, I had to give substance to the theme of the conference: “Leadership, Security and Social Stability in contemporary Nigerian Economy”. It was a gathering put together to x-ray the cocktail of security and other challenges that have come to characterize our chequered existence in the country today.

The conference was well attended. But if there was anyone who came to the conference expecting the usual lamentational excesses that has come to characterize retreats and conferences all over the country these days, that person must have left the event very disappointed. It was a solutions-finding gathering, with the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Anthony Agu, paying meticulous attention to everything that mattered; in the endeavour to make the event more than a passing success story.

Curiously, the office of the Vice Chancellor was also fully involved. Everyone was ‘online’, as if the entire university community was just one large undifferentiated family.  An unsuspecting observer would most probably think that everything was being organized by the VC’s office, with every other faculty as members of the organizing committee. Yet, there was no overbearing presence of anyone, or the dominance of any office at all.

As I later found out from other sources, this was just me getting a whiff of the sense of community that has come to characterise everything going on in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, since Omenugha came on the scene. Someone even quipped to me, as I asked question after question: “Prof, you can see what a woman can do within such a short time”?

Harrison from the VC’s office was as involved as the Dean of the Social Sciences. The latter readily intervened whenever and wherever there were issues to be ironed out in any matter relating to the conference. And Prof Sonny Odogwu of the school’s Faculty of Law, who came into the picture because of the IPOB-imposed seat-at-home order, was as much involved. Because the order still subsists in many parts of Enugu and Anambra States, there are no flights to or from the two states on Mondays. But there are flights to and from Asaba, which is less than an hour’s drive to Onitsha, in Anambra State.

The conference was scheduled for a Tuesday, so I had to fly into Asaba on Monday, spend the night there and then leave for Igbariam in Anambra State the next day. That’s how it fell on Prof Sonny Odogwu of Igbariam’s Faculty of Law to play temporary host and chaperon to me in Asaba. And he did a very good job of it. It was with him that I ran into my old friend from the University of Lagos, Big Ben, who is now the Vice Chancellor of the University in Asaba.

It was, “Ah, is that not Okey sitting down here in our own Polo Club”; and from me came, “Wait, Big Ben? O’ boy, where have you been? It was a more than welcome reunion, but back to our concern here for today.

With Odogwu I rode into Anambra the next morning, and into the gates of a university sitting on a massive land layout. Driving out of the school later with Dr Emegha Ndubisi later in the day, the story of the university began to unfold before me, as I one question after another.

It turned out that the now-resplendent university was a colossal eyesore for quite some time, before the then governor Peter Obi began to give it very serious, and well thought out, attention. The school owes its current layout, the impressive physical infrastructure, as well as its overall academic outlook owed on which so much that will last can now be built today, to Peter Obi. 

The former governor began with the production of a master plan for the University. At that time, he had to remind some people who were not too keen on designing a master plan for the institution that even a weaver bird must have an idea of the type or nest, and size of nest, it wants to make, as well as its preferred purpose before it starts weaving. How much more a university, he queried.

Obi said to anyone who cared to listen at the time that there are masterplans all the big institutions, as well as big building, all over the world today. He said that the story was the same even for those who lived in ancient times; since master plans for both the physical infrastructure and the broad framework of ideas a people wish to birth and nurture in an institution must first be conceptualized and designed beforehand.

His approach to the rescue mission he carried out at Igbaraim was holistic, because Obi did not just focus on merely producing masterplan and carrying it about as a trophy to show off with.  He was engaged in  the serious business of constructing and tarring the access roads to the campus, from the Onitsha Enugu Expressway a the same time.

The condition of this access road had been a problem to the school from its inception. But that nightmare ended with Obi’s tenure as governor. And it was also Peter Obi who Fenced the entire university campus.

When some of those who were opposed to the school, whose perimeter runs into several kilometres when measured, raised issues Obi was reported to have said to them: “Even some of you here have mosquito nets to cover your lovely dogs from mosquito bites at night. No one would allow Tsetse flies near his goats.  Yet it seems right to you that we should leave the citadel from which we hope to produce a new generation that will compete in a 21st Century world with open. Biko, I will find the money and make sure that this our university is fenced. He did just that.

Obi also tarred the internal roads within the university and urged the school authorities to maintain an environment that would develop and enhance every student’s innate sense of beauty. This was in addition to building an impressive Law Faculty building for the university. The building is described as impressive in the sense that it houses lecture rooms, a library, staff offices, and moot courts. For the record, the complex is one of the best in the South-East Geopolitical Zone of the country.

It is also to the credit of peter Obi that the school boasts of a Mass Communication Complex, consisting of lecture rooms, radio and TV studios, and staff offices, today. We say nothing about the construction of the Faculty of Arts/Social Science Complex, which houses staff offices and lecture rooms.

It you add the construction of two hostel complexes, the attraction of two more such complexes from the Central Bank through Dr. Kingsley Muoghalu, the construction of the Faculty of Agriculture building, the construction of the Faculty of Management Sciences building and the construction of an Administrative building, the question that may start forming in your head as your tabulate all the foregoing would be this: “What would you have in this place today if you remove everything done for by Peter Obi, as governor of Anambra State”?

To be fair, it is a matter of record that, besides the medical office built by Chief Willie Obiano, it was Obi who started the construction of all abandoned projects within the complex. It is also a matter of record that Obi made available the sum of five billion Naira to the school for its continued improvement, under well spelt out prudential guidelines.

And all of the foregoing does not include what he spent in providing the school with buses and security vehicles for greater institutional efficiency and improved internal security. We have also not said anything here about the academic facilities, other structures and lasting developmental imprints he left at the Uli campus of the University. And we shall not do that here.

Going back to our initial observations about the University’ Pro-chancellor and the acting Vice Chancellor, the university now has the right mix of primary drivers who have the capacity for lasting engagement according to the best global standards. The new VC has made some impressive strides, especially against the background of the rot she met on ground. What the lady has accomplished within a few short months presents a somewhat baffling reality to many observers.

Her lifelong exposure, and also in particular her tenure as a very effective hands-on for commissioner, would seem to have prepared her to do what she is doing at Igbariam today. But a little more of that some other time

From all accounts, Odinkalu’s first visit to the school, after his appointment as Pro-chancellor was an event all by itself. He was reported to have arrived in very simple clothing. The academic community thus unprepared for  a man had come to trek to every nook and cranny of the school, in order to find out for himself what everything looked like and what was to be done about it.

Chidi had to personally see everything for himself, including the ‘as is’ condition of every inch of land and every building within the premises. With that, he could easily relate to the physical space and human capital that would warehouse and service any new broad conceptual frameworks he would like to develop and inflict on the place with his new-found co-workers. I can assure you that all hands must be on deck, for as long as this new COOU duo are on this beat.

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has warned Nigerians about false promises of online “giveaways” advertised in his name by unidentified individuals.

These fraudulent schemes offer cash gifts, recharge cards, and other material items.

In a statement released to the media, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, Obi clarified that he is not involved in any such schemes targeting unsuspecting Nigerians.

Obi emphasized that he does not participate in sharing freebies online. Instead, he is focused on working for the nation’s betterment by investing in critical areas such as health, education, and poverty alleviation.

He noted that these fraudulent schemes have increased as his birthday approached, with many promising substantial birthday packages in his name to deceive innocent Nigerians.

“I thank my fellow Nigerians for their kind thoughts and prayers during my birthday on July 19, 2024. However, as I mentioned on my X account, I redirected all the resources I would have used for celebrations into critical areas of health, education, and poverty alleviation. I am not involved in any birthday giveaways being circulated online,” Obi stated.

He urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and prayerful for God’s divine intervention in the nation while reiterating his commitment to building a New Nigeria.

[NationalDaily]

Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has commended Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, for speaking the truth that Nigerians are not only hungry but angry.

The social commentator and analyst, on Saturday, said the removal of Ndume as Senate’s Chief Whip has undermined the integrity and independence of the Senate.

According to him, Ndume’s altruistic remark was intended to help President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to understand and know exactly the true and ugly situation Nigerians are going through.

Onuesoke, who’s the Chairman of Onuesoke Foundation, noted that the removal of Ndume as Senate’s Chief Whip will not change the fact about the prevailing bad economy, hardship, inflation and frustration across the country caused by poorly initiated and executed policies.

“Senator Ali Ndume is the real “ HERO,” who has sacrificed his position as Chief Whip for the interests of suffering Nigerians,” he asserted.

The former PDP governorship aspirant, therefore, urged Ndume to remain focused, steadfast and continue to speak for the poor and oppressed Nigerians.

According to him, it’s better to be on the good side be of God and the people than oppressors.

[Nigerian Tribune]

Nollywood actress and movie producer Yvonne Jegede has announced the death of one of her adopted children.

The actress via her Instagram page on Saturday shared the sad news, revealing that she has been the sole financial supporter for three children, one of whom, Olamide Ajimuda, recently died from Cholera.

Disclosing how she met Olamide, Yvonne said she met the child when he was in Primary 4, and he was expected to advance to Junior Secondary School 3 after the summer break. Unfortunately, Olamide’s life was cut short by the disease.

“I’m heartbroken because I lost one of my children to cholera. Olamide and I met when he was in Primary 4 and was supposed to go to JSS3 after this summer break. The news broke my heart,” she wrote.

In her post, Yvonne also gave an update on the achievements of the two other children she supports, saying they graduated to secondary school.

She said, “I am also happy that two of my children graduated yesterday to secondary school, and one of them is Olamide’s sister.”

She revealed that despite her financial limitations, these accomplishments bring her a sense of fulfillment and completeness.

“I don’t have all the money in the world, but this makes my world complete. Since 2019 till date, I don’t know how I do it, but my God provides enough to carry them through,” she wrote.

[Newsguru]

The joint labour unions have vowed to enforce the new N70,000 minimum wage in all states, warning that any state that fails to comply will be shut down.

The warning was issued by the Osun Chapter Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Christopher Arapasopo, in an interview in Osogbo.
Arapasopo revealed that the joint labour unions had agreed to accept the N70,000 minimum wage as a sacrifice to prevent a hike in fuel prices.

He explained that during the NEC meeting, all members unanimously agreed to enforce the minimum wage in all states and that any state that failed to pay would face severe consequences.

“The governors were present when this agreement was reached, and they were the ones who initially suggested N70,000 as the minimum wage. We, as labour, had suggested N250,000, but they brought it down to N62,000 before finally settling on N70,000, which we accepted,” Arapasopo said.

According to him, labour unions would not negotiate on this matter.

He said, “For any government or governor that fails to pay, we will shut that state down. It is a must for them to pay. It is a no-go area.”

Arapasopo noted that if the union had insisted on the N250,000 minimum wage, it would have led to an increment in fuel pump prices and inflation.

The Osun NLC chair assured that the N70,000 minimum wage was still a fair deal, as it would be the least salary paid to workers in the lowest cadre. He added that consequential adjustments and benefits attached to the levels would even increase the wage when implemented.

Arapasopo confirmed that the Osun chapter of the union would meet with the state government to discuss some allowances for workers, but reiterated that the minimum wage stands non-negotiable.

[PoliticsNigeria]

Omoyele Sowore said the accusation from the presidency that former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, was behind the planned protest was a “drivel from a sinking regime”.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, accused Peter Obi of being responsible for protests planned by Nigeria citizens.

Onanuga added that the organizers of the August protest are Obi supporters who remained angry that the Labour Party chieftain did not win 2023 election.

sowore said the August protest was an idea of Nigerians, and not the former governor of Anambra State. He described Onanuga’s accusation as framing fear.

He said Nigerians are tired of deceit, corruption, wickedness and incompetence of the ruling class.

On his X handle, on Saturday, Sowore said: “The drivel from a sinking regime. There is nothing that could stop an idea whose time has come.

“It doesn’t matter how you frame your fears and shenanigans, and the truth is that Nigerians are tired of the deceit, corruption, wickedness and incompetence of the ruling class and have opted to act from all locations at once.”

[NaijaNews]

The dream of a prosperous career in nursing is becoming a reality for many Nigerians who are setting their sights on the United Kingdom.

With the UK’s healthcare system in constant need of skilled professionals, Nigerian nurses have a unique opportunity to not only fulfill this demand but also to achieve substantial financial success.

The nursing profession and the health sector in Nigeria currently face several challenges, such as limited resources, inadequate facilities, and the migration of skilled professionals to more developed countries in search of better opportunities.

One of the most attractive destinations for Nigerian nurses is the United Kingdom, which offers not only competitive salaries but also numerous opportunities for professional growth and development.

This article uncovers the essential steps and insider tips for Nigerian nurses aspiring to earn up to £70,000 annually in the UK, turning ambitions into tangible, rewarding careers.

There are two ways Nigerian nurses can become highly paid nurses in the United Kingdom.

Transitioning from a Nigerian nurse to a UK nurse

Nigerian nurses typically hold a diploma or degree in nursing from an accredited Nigerian institution. However, to practice in the UK, one must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and meet its requirements.

• The requirements for Nigerians include a nursing license/registration, proficiency in English and a passport that has more than 3 months to expiry as at the time of application.
• You’ll need to choose one of the four nursing specialities- adult, children, mental health, or learning disability.
• Nurses must have a nursing diploma or degree recognized by the NMC. If your qualification is not automatically recognized, you may need to undergo a credential evaluation process.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory. Nigerian nurses must pass an English language proficiency test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET).
• The cost of these tests typically ranges from N249,000-N266,000.
• The NMC requires overseas nurses to pass a two-part competency test, including a computer-based test (CBT) and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).
• The CBT costs approximately £83, while the OSCE costs around £794.
• The registration process involves submitting your academic transcripts, proof of your nursing license, and passing the required tests. The initial registration fee with the NMC is £153.

After meeting the NMC requirements, nurses need to apply for a visa to work in the UK. The Tier 2 (General) visa is the most common pathway for healthcare professionals.

Beginning a nursing career from scratch

Nigerians who wish to practice nursing but haven’t studied nursing have two options. They can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in an accredited Nigerian university and follow the pathway for transitioning.

Alternatively, they can study nursing in the UK. Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in the UK involves enrolling in a recognized university program in England or Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

After completing your education, you must pass the NMC’s competency tests to obtain your license.

Becoming a highly paid nurse in the UK

Specialization in high-demand fields such as cardiovascular, oncology, rehabilitation, trauma, maternity, emergency, endocrinology, and infection control, is important to becoming a highly paid nurse in the UK.

• Upon registering with the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council, Nigerian nurses must gain practical experience in their preferred specialization.
• This involves working as registered nurses in the UK under the chosen speciality for a few months to years.
• Specializations require obtaining a postgraduate qualification, such as a master’s degree in the chosen field.
• For some advanced specialist nursing roles, you are required to obtain the necessary nursing teaching qualification.

Non-specialist nurses in bands 1-5 earn between £22,500 and £35,000 per year.

In contrast, specialist nurses in bands 6-9 can earn anywhere from £42,000 to £115,000 annually, depending on the competitiveness of their speciality and their region of employment.

What you should know

The nursing profession in Nigeria deals with low remuneration, poor working conditions, and a shortage of qualified personnel.

Entry-level nurses typically earn between N50,000 and N100,000 per month in private hospitals, while those in government hospitals may earn between ₦70,000 and ₦120,000.

Double qualified nurses in Nigeria may earn between N160,000-N320,000 monthly.

Salaries are generally higher in urban areas compared to rural regions.

Recent efforts have aimed to address these issues through various initiatives. For instance, there has been an increased focus on improving nursing education and expanding training programs.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) plays a critical role in regulating and accrediting nursing programs to ensure professional standards.

Despite these advancements, the profession still struggles with the emigration of skilled nurses seeking better opportunities abroad.

[Nairamterics]

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has been fined $220 million by the Federal Government over the unauthorized appropriation of personal data without user consent, discriminatory practices against Nigerian users, and the abuse of Meta’s dominant market position.

The joint investigation, conducted by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), revealed extensive and ongoing violations of Nigerian laws, following a comprehensive 38-month investigation into its data privacy practices and market behaviour.

According to information obtained from the commission’s X account, Between May 2021 and December 2023, the investigation scrutinized Meta’s privacy policies and practices, uncovering multiple infringements of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

These violations include the unauthorized appropriation of personal data without user consent, discriminatory practices against Nigerian users, and the abuse of Meta’s dominant market position.

The investigation concluded that Meta engaged in abusive and invasive practices against Nigerian data subjects, such as transferring personal data across borders without authorization and forcing users to accept exploitative privacy policies. Despite being given numerous opportunities to present their case, Meta’s defences were deemed insufficient by the regulatory bodies.

The final order issued by the FCCPC mandates several corrective actions for Meta to comply with Nigerian laws. These include ensuring Nigerian users’ right to data self-determination, ceasing unauthorized data transfers, and eliminating discriminatory practices. The order also imposes a $220 million penalty on Meta, emphasizing the gravity of the violations.

“Being satisfied with the significant evidence on the record, and that Meta Parties have been provided with every opportunity to articulate any position, representations, refutations, explanations or defences of their conduct and practices under law, the Commission has now entered a Final Order, and issued a penalty against Meta Parties. The Final Order more elaborately describes the specific conduct or practices of the Meta Parties, the relationship between Meta Parties concerning the infringements, particularly about.

“Denying Nigerian data subjects the right to self-determine; Unauthorized transfer and sharing of Nigerian data-subjects personal data, including cross-border storage in violation of then, and now prevailing law: Discrimination and disparate treatment; Dominance; Abuse of dominance, and Tying and bundling.

“The Final Order of the Commission mandates steps and actions Meta Parties must take to comply with prevailing law and cease the exploitation of Nigerian consumers and their market abuse, as well as desist from future similar or other conduct/practices that do not meet nationally applicable standards and undermine the rights of consumers.

“The Final order also imposes a monetary penalty of Two Hundred and Twenty Million U.S. Dollars only ($220,000,000.00) (at prevailing exchange rate where applicable) which penalty is in accordance with the FCCPA 2018, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (Administrative Penalties) Regulations 2020 (APR),”

Meta has yet to release a statement in response to the penalty and the final order. The commission noted that the penalty underscores the government’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and data privacy, setting a significant precedent for multinational companies operating within its borders.

[BusinessDay]