Kano Governor Abba Yusuf has banned all forms of public demonstrations in the State.

He imposed stringent restrictions on all public gatherings intended to protest within the state.

The Governor, in a statement by his Media and Publicity Director Sanusi Bature on Wednesday, said he was exercising the authority vested in him as the chief security officer of the State.

“By virtue of his position, the Governor has directed the police, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps to apprehend, detain, and prosecute any individual or group partaking in demonstrations on the streets of Kano,” the statement said.

According to Bature, the Governor’s decision is a proactive measure aimed at averting any potential breakdown of law and order orchestrated by adversaries of the state.

“We are privy to credible intelligence indicating that certain prominent figures from the opposition party in Kano have devised plans to sponsor student associations and political agitators from other northwestern states to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

“The State Government has explicitly outlawed protests, demonstrations, or processions of any kind, and individuals found on the streets of Kano engaging in such activities will be promptly apprehended.

“Through this declaration, we caution student groups against being manipulated by troublemakers who are resolute in fomenting disorder in Kano,” the statement added.

Yusuf urged all citizens of the state to carry on with their normal activities as the state retains its tranquility.

He added that the State Government will persist in vigilant oversight of the situation involving the emirate tussle to promptly address any individuals or factions trying to undermine the relative peace that state presently enjoys.

[TheNation]

The Federal Government on Tuesday said it had reinstated the suspended social investment programme, disclosing the scheme would provide direct payments to 75 million Nigerians in 50 million households to reduce the suffering of citizens, especially vulnerable groups.

It stated that the cash transfer programme was overhauled to tackle fraud.

The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, announced this at the ministerial sectoral briefing to mark the first year in office of the President Bola Tinubu administration in Abuja.

On January 12,  Tinubu suspended all the programmes administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency for six weeks, as part of a probe of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and the scheme.

The president also suspended Betta Edu as the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation on January 8. Edu’s ministry supervises the operations of the NSIPA.

The intervention programmes affected include the N-Power, the conditional cash transfer scheme, the government enterprise and empowerment programme, and the home-grown school feeding initiative.

On March 13, the House of Representatives asked the federal government to resume the implementation of the suspended social investment initiatives.

To revamp the programme, Tinubu approved the establishment of a Special Presidential Panel, led by Edun to carry out an intensive review and audit of the existing financial frameworks and policy guidelines of the social investment programmes.

Giving an update on the steps taken by the committee at the briefing, the finance minister stated that the government had decided to restart the programme to provide succour for poor Nigerians.

Edun said, “I am duty-bound to give you an overview of the strategy, policies, and implementation of Mr President’s reform programme. Immediately upon assuming office, Mr President launched macroeconomic reforms to restore stability to the Nigerian economy, including subsidy reforms and foreign exchange market reforms. These reforms caused a spike in costs for individuals and businesses, but Mr President is committed to counterbalancing the negative effects with interventions across the social spectrum.

“The government has restarted the social investment program, providing direct payments to 75 million Nigerians in 50 million households. Access to credit has been improved, with N1bn allocated to consumer credit and grants of 50,000 Naira being given to 1 million nano industries.”

Food inflation

The National Bureau of Statistics in its April CPI report, said Nigeria’s 33.69 per cent inflation rate was largely driven by food inflation which stood at 40.53 per cent in April, 2024.

Nigerians have continued to lament the steady rise in the prices of goods and services partially fuelled by the removal of petrol subsidies.

But, the minister said with 30 per cent of the world affected by issues of food security, agriculture would play a critical role in addressing global food insecurity.

He stated, “Food security is a worldwide issue, affecting 30 per cent of the world’s active population, and Nigeria is no exception. As I mentioned earlier, agriculture is critical, and success in this area is crucial. Efforts are being redoubled, with N200bn provided by the Ministry of Finance towards an intervention program.

“Just today (Tuesday), we met with the social investment prudential panel and development partners to discuss the President’s emergency plan for food security. We talked about advancing this issue and providing food, nutrition, and security, and this area will receive more attention in the coming weeks. The economy is growing at 2.98 per cent in the first quarter of this year, higher than the population growth rate and last year’s growth rate. Agriculture has the potential to help move the economy forward and reduce inflation.”

Speaking further, the minister stated that the federal government had initiated direct payments to contractors, suppliers, and vendors engaged by the government, evidently aiming to curb corruption in business dealings.

He explained that this measure would guarantee the prudent and accountable expenditure of the nation’s wealth.

Edun also revealed that the government was set to roll out an Economic Emergency Plan that would be implemented in the next six months. The plan, he explained, would help stabilise the economy and set the country on the path of growth.

He explained, “A system of payment has been implemented to ensure that Nigeria’s money is spent wisely and accountably. The government has played a role in helping states in attracting cheap funding and processing projects at the community level. Nigeria’s international credit rating has improved, with Moody’s and Fitch increasing and improving Nigeria’s rates to positive.

“The government is committed to counterbalancing the negative effects of economic reforms with interventions across the social spectrum. Infrastructure is key to growing the economy, building employment, and creating multiplier effects throughout the economy. A fund has been set up to provide institutional long-term funds to support housing construction and low-interest mortgages for the average Nigerian and we are working to attract cheap funding for states and process projects at the community level.”

He added, “And as it was mentioned earlier, the pivot thing to CNG is a government policy not just for vehicles but for generators. They have to be either CNG-fueled or solar-based or electric vehicles.

“That is the new incentive structure. And it continues also in the oil and gas sector. There has just been a new set of incentives that are encouraging new investments. We expect $7bn worth of investment that has been sitting on the sideline to now come; similarly, in other sectors.

“A stable, growing economy attracts investment that increases productivity, grows the economy further, creates jobs and reduces poverty. That is the trajectory that Nigeria is now on.”

Speaking on economic reforms, the finance minister announced that Nigeria has sufficient resources to pay its debts, both domestically and internationally, without strain.

According to him, this is a significant improvement from the previous situation where the government struggled to pay its way through implementing technological change procedures.

The minister said the revenue of the Federal Republic “has been totally revamped, rejuvenated, and increased substantially” due to the implementation of macroeconomic reforms and the restart of the social investment program.

He said, “We met a situation where the government did not have enough money. The government was not able to pay its way through implementing technological change procedures, which does not just require the skill of the workforce but also the political will.

“However, we are now in a situation where the revenue of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been revamped, related and increased substantially. What did mean is that the government can now pay its way the government is paid is debt service without resulting to Ways and Means, particularly into debt service, the obligations domestically are now being paid.”

This has put the government in a comfortable position to service its debts and meet its financial obligations.

Edun also highlighted the improvement in Nigeria’s international credit rating, with Moody’s and Fitch increasing and improving Nigeria’s rates to positive.

This, combined with the paying up of a $200m shareholding with the Islamic Development Bank, has built confidence and allowed Nigerians to take their rightful place at the table.

“The process that has been put in place is one that we are mandated not just by Mr President, but even the National Assembly passing the 2024 budget insisted that Nigeria’s money that was in the hands of parastatals agencies, or other enterprises needed to be brought in properly and that has been done which puts the government now in a comfortable situation as we would like to where we pay our way domestically internationally.

“There is a whole host of debt that we met. We owe Islamic Development Bank $200m in shareholding, this is not in terms of loans but in terms of shareholding, our subscriptions. These were things that did not allow the confidence to be built and did not allow Nigerians to have that pride of place when they sit at a table when they travel and they owe money. All these are things of the past now,” he said.

The minister emphasised the importance of infrastructure in growing the economy, building employment, and creating multiplier effects throughout the economy.

A fund has been set up to provide institutional long-term support to support housing construction and low-interest mortgages for the average Nigerian.

He added that the companies that exited Nigeria were not to be blamed on the current government.

He said, “Our government inherits the assets and liabilities of the previous administration. The 800 companies or so did not make up their minds overnight. They stayed until they could stay no more, he said.

“For the economy we have inherited, we have pointed out how seriously all obligations, both international and domestic, are being paid. This is being done because the revenue, which the company covers on behalf of Nigerian workers, is being diligently brought in. It is being monitored, collected, and accounted for. As I leave here, I am a member of the National Minimum Wage Committee and Tripartite Committee, and I chair the subcommittee on implementation documentation of the last minimum wage.

 “In assessing and analysing the implementation of the 2019 award, we came across people in the private sector, particularly nationals in the south, who asked, ‘Why are you not rescaling?’ Please go and look at the law; it is not a scale, it is a minimum, and it is not mandatory to be anything other than that minimum. We hope to quickly bring discussions to a conclusion on this matter. This is one of the items on our minds, as this is a minimum wage for both the private and public sectors, and it is the law of the land. We need to be guided by discussions, stations, and expectations.

“Mass transit vehicles are being produced, and I have even driven one of them, which will provide us with, for example, a bus that used to be fueled for 50,000 naira will now be fueled with 15,000 naira. That is the kind of change and improvement that is on the way.”

•Gives reasons why Tinubu’s one year rule hasn’t yielded desired fruits
•Says trial- and-error economic policies won’t work

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has listed six actions President Bola Tinubu must take if he was desirous of making a success of the responsibility of the office he currently occupies.

Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, offered the advice in a statement made public in Abuja yesterday.

He said: “First, pause and reflect. It is important that the government understands what reforms must be undertaken and in what sequence. A framework is needed with clearly stated reform objectives and strategies.

“Second, undertake a comprehensive review of the 2024 budget within the new reform framework. The 2024 FGN budget, the exact size of which remains a mystery, is not designed to address the structural defects of the Nigerian economy or the cost-of-living crisis. It will neither create prosperity nor promote opportunities for our young people to lead a productive life.

“The review must prioritise fiscal measures to deal with an unprecedented rise in commodity prices. Higher commodity prices have created more misery for the poor in our towns and villages and have pushed millions of people below the poverty line. One of such measures for immediate implementation will be to ease the existing restrictions on selected food imports.

“Third, undertake a comprehensive review of the Social Investment Programme, SIP, to mitigate some of the impact of these policies on the most vulnerable households. The SIP must go beyond Conditional Cash Transfers to include programmes that prioritize support to MSEs across all the economic sectors, as they offer the greatest opportunities for achieving inclusive growth.

”In addition, a holistic programme to support medium and large-scale enterprises to navigate the stormy seas in the aftermath of the withdrawal of subsidy on PMS is also needed.

“Fourth, Tinubu must be cautioned against any attempt to further pauperize the poor by introducing new taxes or increasing tax rates. We are aware of the behind-the-scenes attempts to increase VAT rate from 7.5% to 10%, re-introduce excise on telecommunication, and increase excise rates on a range of goods.

South Africans will be going to the polls on May 29 in the seventh general election since the end of Apartheid in 1994. Interestingly, 2024 is a symbolic year as South Africans and many countries in Africa who supported the fight against apartheid celebrate 30 years of freedom. As a kid, I remember feeling a sense of pride in the election of Nelson Mandela while listening to my parents talk about South Africa.

He was my first memory of a love for a president. It did not help that back home in Nigeria, we were at the time battling with a military dictatorship. Just a year before that in 1993, Nigerians were promised an election and a transition to democracy which was later brutally denied the people. I obviously could not relate with a military head of state and it made sense to connect with Nelson Mandela as my president.

The freedom celebrated in South Africa in 1994 vibrated across Africa and it inspired a new form of hope in the power of a people-driven struggle for freedom. It was our democracy where black South Africans celebrated the freedom to vote and to live free from the oppression of the apartheid regime. 

Thirty years later, it is time again for the people to vote. South Africa has a parliamentary system of government. According to the electoral commission, 70 political parties and 11 independent candidates will be contesting in this election. With an amendment to the Electoral Act in 2023 in line with the judgment of the constitutional court, independent candidates will be contesting for the first time in the elections.

The independent candidates are accommodated within the compensatory proportional representation system. About 27, 782, 477 certified voters are expected to vote in the 2024 national and provisional elections. South Africa allows for special voting, and two days before the election day are allocated for voters who cannot get to their voting stations on election day and who had already applied to the electoral commission to vote.

With 55.23% of the voters women and about 44% between 18 and 39 years old, it can be said to be an election that ought to be defined by young people and women. Interestingly, the electoral commission recorded a 226% increase in the number of certified voters between the ages of 18 and 19 years when compared to the September 2021 voter roll.

Going by the data on young voters, there is an indication that a large percentage are those born post-apartheid and within that number are the Gen Z voters. This is particularly important in a country with an impressive culture of vibrant civic activism amongst the youth population. But can this election become a rallying point for young South Africans to convert their civic activism and number to political power in a bid to influence the elections? 

Elections are usually moments of citizens mobilisation around issues that affect them. It is the simplest feature of a democracy where the people freely choose their leaders. For all its supposed beauty, what happens when there is a growing distrust in the ability of democracy to deliver its dividends? Or where there is a lack of youth enthusiasm to vote in an election? Arriving in South Africa as part of the Yiaga Africa election study mission, I have had to reflect more on these questions and on what freedom means to the young people of South Africa.

In addition, have elections become a ritual that serves the optics of the “presence of democracy” without a real connection to the needs of the people? Are our political leaders truly listening to the voices from the streets and homes where young people are looking for more than just mere rhetorics in political campaigns? Are we losing our youth to despondency and distrust in democracy without stepping back to reflect on how we got here?

These are questions that seek answers because the more I interact, the clearer it is, that there is growing disinterest in elections and democracy, especially amongst the younger population. There lies a major challenge for democracy. 

In South Africa in 2024, freedom means a lot more to the people than just the ability to vote in an election. Freedom is the ability to celebrate a democracy where social inequality is an exception and not the general rule, where economic empowerment is not restricted to a select few and development is inclusive regardless of sex, race and class. Freedom for the youth is the ability to thrive in an economy that is truly supportive of their dreams.

It is about having a voice that influences policies and having leaders who are honest in their practices and their abilities. For women, it is also about true representation and freedom from violence. This sense of freedom defines the perception of democracy and as long as a majority of the people do not feel this freedom, the enthusiasm to engage the ballot will continue to dwindle. Then the big question; do political parties and candidates care enough about the desire for freedom by the people? 

For the most part, the culture of disconnected politics is beginning to take centre stage in the politics in South Africa and most countries in Africa. Increasingly, we have political parties and candidates that are more interested in political power than in making concrete and sustainable change. Elections are now becoming a contest for power rather than a contest to lead. If leadership is about responsibility, can we have political parties and candidates willing to take on the responsibility of leading the people to inclusive prosperity? This is the least the people desire.

Elections are defining moments for every democracy. In 2024, there is a lot of hope for the voters in South Africa who understand the importance of this moment to turn out in their numbers to vote. I may not have the answers, however, three decades of freedom can begin the journey to expanding freedom that inspires hope in democracy.

Every seat contested in this national and provincial election is important because elected officials on those seats will represent the diverse voices and needs of the people. In 1994, 86.87% of the 22, 709, 152 voters turned out to vote in South Africa. Thirty years later, what will be the turnout story for South Africa? Elections are determined by voters who turn out to vote and Democracy wins when the people actively participate. 

Cynthia Mbamalu is an election expert and an enthusiast for inclusive democracy. She is the director of programmes, Yiaga Africa and part of the Yiaga Africa Election Study Mission to South Africa 2024.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministry of state for petroleum resources (Oil) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to resolve the divestment issue delaying the Seplat and ExxonMobil deal.

Tinubu spoke on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation from ExxonMobil Upstream Company, led by Liam Mallon, its president, in Abuja.

In February 2022, Seplat announced an agreement to acquire ExxonMobil’s 40 percent stake in Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) — with the expectation that the transaction will be closed in the second half of the year.

Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Company (NUPRC), on May 19, 2022, declined to approve Seplat’s proposed acquisition due to “overriding national interest”.

Two months later, Seplat said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) had won a court injunction restraining ExxonMobil from selling its assets in Nigeria.

Following the push against the deal, former President Muhammadu Buhari reversed his authorisation for the acquisition on August 10, 2022 — a few days after his initial approval.

Amid the delay in obtaining approval, Seplat extended the SSPA for the acquisition of MPNU in May 2023 and May 2024.

At the meeting, Tinubu assured the delegation that the federal government is committed to resolving the divestment issues between the company and Seplat Energy, which are currently in litigation.

“We have been pushing for closure on divestment issues, and I believe the other party, Seplat, is open to this,” Tinubu said.

“We are close enough to be fair and blunt with you, and we are not afraid to hear from you on better options and recommendations for the growth of the industry in Nigeria.”

The president commended the company for its commitment to environmental protection in Nigeria, stating its efforts to reduce gas flaring.

He described ExxonMobil as a valuable partner in Nigeria’s development over the decades and urged the company to continue supporting the success of his administration.

Also, Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of petroleum resources (Oil), said Tinubu has issued a clear directive to him and Mele Kyari,NNPC group chief executive officer (GCEO) to resolve the divestment issue.

Lokpobiri said all necessary actions are being taken to achieve this.

“Mr. President has given a clear directive to the NNPC GCEO and I to resolve the issue of divestment, and we are doing whatever we can to achieve that,” the minister said.

Regarding decommissioning and abandonment in the oil industry, he said the ministry is addressing the issue in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and global best practices.

‘OIL, GAS REFORMS TO MAKE NIGERIA GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE’

Tinubu said his oil and gas reforms will make Nigeria’s petroleum sector globally competitive.

On February 28, Tinubu signed three executive orders as part of the federal government’s plans to improve the investment climate in the sector.

The three executive orders, which became effective on February 28 are tax incentives, exemption, remission for oil and gas companies, local content compliance requirements and reduction of contracting costs and timelines.

The president said these reforms will ensure no oil company encounters unnecessary challenges in the country.

“Nigeria is going through a lot of reforms, and we have been navigating the leadership quarters carefully to ensure that we achieve a win-win situation for all parties and attract more investments,” Tinubu said.

Also, Lokpobiri said the reforms driven by the three executive orders will ensure companies operating in Nigeria have the best environment to continue making their investments and that no company will seek to leave Nigeria.

ExxonMobil’s president expressed gratitude for the support and assurances from the government and affirmed the company’s enduring dedication to the country’s energy sector.

Mallon also praised the president for the reforms initiated within the first year of his tenure.

[TheCable]

#NIGERIASPEAKS MAY 2024

Hunger, Poverty & Dissatisfaction Trail President Tinubu’s 1^st Year in Office – API National Survey

Abuja, Nigeria, May 29^th, 2024 – Africa Polling Institute hereby releases its May 2024 #NigeriaSpeaks survey report. The national survey was administered between May 1^st and 18^th, 2024, to elicit citizens' opinions and assessments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first Year in Office. The survey was conducted using a stratified random sampling method, ensuring representation from all nationwide demographic groups. A total of 3,996 citizens were interviewed, providing a robust and diverse dataset for analysis.

This latest API national survey brings to light a stark reality: Hunger, Poverty, and Dissatisfaction are the harsh realities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s One Year in Office, as an overwhelming majority of citizens (84%) express profound sadness with the current state of affairs in the country. Their voices, filled with dissatisfaction, are a clear call for action, as a significant majority of citizens (81%) feel the country is headed in the wrong direction, identifying Hunger (36%), Inability to meet basic needs (28%), Unemployment (13%), Heightened Insecurity (9%), and Poor Electricity Supply (5%) as the biggest challenges facing them personally today. In addition, a staggering 74% of citizens affirmed that their personal economic situation has deteriorated over the last year, compared to 20% who said their personal economic situation had remained the same and a mere 5% who said it had improved.

Furthermore, in terms of the job performance of President Tinubu, a significant 78% of citizens expressed that he had performed abysmally, with 49% rating him “Very Poor” and 29% “Poor.” This widespread dissatisfaction also extends to the performance of other arms of government, as a striking 81% of citizens rated Senate President Godswill Akpabio dismally, compared to 79% who rated Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, poorly. Also, the Nigerian Judiciary under the CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, was not spared, as 75% of citizens also rated him poorly.

In addition, citizens were asked to assess the performance of President Tinubu’s Cabinet in order to identify the performing and non-performing ministers. Interestingly, 68% of citizens thought that none of the cabinet members had performed well since their appointments. However, 32% were willing to identify those they considered the top and least performing ministers. Based on the responses, the top five performing ministers are: Professor Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education (27%); Former River State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT (25%); Former Ebonyi State Governor, Dr. Dave Umahi, the Minister for Works and Housing (21%); Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy (14%); and Professor Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare (12%).

On the other hand, the least-performing ministers are: Hon. Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power (44%); Dr. Dave Umahi, Minister of Works and Housing (30%); Hon. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy (27%); Hon. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (22%); and Hon. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (20%). It is worth noting that the data listed Dr. Dave Umahi among the top-performing and least-performing ministers, and this may be a result of the mixed sentiments that have engulfed conversations over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, of which he has been in the eye of the storm.

Finally, from the survey fieldwork, API has keenly observed a growing mass of aggrieved and discontented citizens nationwide, especially among the youth. Many are unemployed or underemployed and have become local crusaders and social activists in their communities, waiting for the slightest opportunity to vent their anger against fellow citizens and the Nigerian state. 

Survey Methodology

This survey is part of the #NigeriaSpeaks series of national public attitudes surveys and polls conducted by Africa Polling Institute (API). The #NigeriaSpeaks project is a powerful governance tool, a periodic series of nationwide public opinion polls and surveys, to bridge the gap in credible primary data. It captures public attitudes and perceptions, giving citizens a significant role in shaping public policy discourse, practice, and advocacy while underscoring the importance of their voices in strengthening democracy. This latest national survey was administered between May 1^st and 18^th, 2024, to elicit citizens' opinions and assessments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 1^st Year in Office. It involved in-person, face-to-face, household interviews with a stratified random nationwide sample.

A total of 3,996 randomly selected Nigerians aged 18 years and above were interviewed in the 36 States and the FCT, representing the six geopolitical zones in the country. Three Local Government Areas (LGAs) were visited in each of the 36 States, covering the 108 Senatorial Districts in the country, as well as the urban, semi-urban, and rural residents. Only in the FCT were the entire 6 LGAs visited. The data was weighted using the 2016 population estimates by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to enhance its representativeness to the national population. With a sample of this size, we can say with 95% confidence that the results are statistically precise - within a range of plus or minus 3%. For scholars, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who wish to undertake further statistical analysis of our data, the raw data for this national survey can be purchased on our website, www.africapolling.org

Africa Polling Institute (API) is an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan opinion research think-tank that conducts opinion polls, surveys, social research, and evaluation studies at the intersection of democracy, governance, economic conditions, markets, and public life to support better public policy, practice, and advocacy in sub-Saharan Africa.

Signed

Professor Bell Ihua, mni

Executive Director, Africa Polling Institute

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.           Website: www.africapolling.org        Tel: +234 8064841888.

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has not let up on his vilipending of the outstanding first-year record of achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. In his latest statement, Atiku claimed that Mr. President was not ready for reforms, dismissing his policies as "trial and error."

Atiku’s self-serving efforts to minimize the bold, genuine and metamorphic policies and interventions of the present administration only smacks of primordial political envy and crass desperation for the power that Nigerians have so wisely denied him. The former Vice President lives in an alternate reality of prejudice and unpatriotic desire for Nigeria’s failure so he may scavenge his way to an even more elusive presidency.

Quite contrary to Atiku's claim, President Bola Tinubu's administration has, in its first year in office, attracted over $20 billion into the economy while the stock exchange has ballooned from N18.12 billion in Q1 of 2023 to N93.37 billion in Q1 of 2024, representing an increase of over 400 per cent with an annual economic growth rate leaping from 2.5 percent to 3.46 percent. Key sectors of manufacturing, telecommunications, oil and gas, solid minerals, e-commerce and fintech have continued to attract increased and ceaseless flow of foreign direct investments (FDIs). Yet, Atiku remains willfully blind to the pace of progress that is so self-evident.

President Tinubu set an audacious target of building a $1 trillion economy in the next few years and has put together a bevy of experts and professionals, and introduced far-reaching policies and programmes to drive the actualization of this desirable economic target. The President needs the support and encouragement of Nigerians, not the bile-filled pessimism of partisan Atikus.

Atiku’s false alarm of an imminent food scarcity boldface ignores the widely acknowledged proactive measures already introduced by President Tinubu to guarantee food security in the country. In December 2023, the Federal Government set a target for the cultivation of 500,000 hectates of land across the federation. Cultivation of rice, maize, wheat and cassava on over 246,231 hectares of land in 30 states of the federation is in progress in addition to approving massive grants and other incentives to farmers.

The former Vice President’s swipe on the administration’s national security management again betrays his lack of touch with the reality of the our current situation. Not only did the administration revamp and reconfigure the country’s security apparatus, it created a Special Security Fund to boost its superiority and operational effectiveness against merchants of crime and insecurity. Yet, Atiku turns a blind eye to considerable improvement in our security, especially in the North East where Atiku hails from.

The same Atiku that accused the administration of lacking compassion for the people and failing to provide palliatives to cushion the transient onerous effects of inevitable and vitally necessary economic policies turns around to recommend a review of social investment policies he suggests were nonexistent. He also conveniently ignored ongoing serious negotiations with Labour Unions on the upward review of minimum wage for workers in the country all meant to improve their welfare while the benefits of reforms reach that certain fullness.

Beyond his preferred economic blueprint of selling off our prized national assets to his friends and cronies, Atiku’s only notable contribution to Nigeria’s development has been his unquenched and unquenchable hunger pang for power for his less than altruistic purpose. Atiku cannot achieve in eight years what President Tinubu has accomplished in his first year in office.

And yes, the occasion is the first year anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, not four or eight-years in review. The opposition’s efforts to burden the administration with ceaseless, contrived, unjustified and diversionary reproval is grossly miscalculated and misled. The sheer length of Atiku’s prevaricative epistle of a statement is testament to the expanse of the administration’s policy and programme uptake in 365 short days.

President Bola Tinubu remains unshakable in his commitment to building concrete blocks of progress and greatness for Nigeria. While Atiku and his band of mudslingers idle away, the President will continue, unstoppably, to deliver high grade infrastructure not only in our nation’s capital, Abuja, but all around the country.

Signed:
Felix Morka, Esq.
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

The screaming headline of a BBC story on May 22, 2024 was to the effect that students from Nigeria at Teesside University have been ordered to leave the UK. Placard carrying students accompany the story. If one is not careful, only nine students are visible. But a closer look shows a hand clenched around what could be a placard. In addition, two students – a male and a female – are hiding behind another student, whose placard reads: “INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ALSO HAVE RIGHT[S] RESPECT IT”. It means some of the students are being intimidated and are afraid.

These students were demonstrating against just one of the many universities in the UK that are forcing Nigerian students to return home. However, this developing and worsening situation of throwing students off their respective course, and reported to the British Home Office for deportation, is not unique to Teesside University. Many UK universities that had benefitted enormously at the height of the “japa” syndrome are now causing the Home Office to deport Nigerian students after they defaulted in the payment of fees.

Historically, Nigerian students have not been habitual tuition debt defaulters. However, Nigerian students fell on bad times after the unparalleled devaluation of the Nigerian currency by about 300% as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration began in Nigeria about a year ago. The naira values respective students had stashed up from sales of personal or family properties or parental earnings could no longer meet the needs of external obligations for the payment of tuition fees.

The problem of failure to meet debt obligations is not unique to students. As a result of tripled replacement costs or huge naira debts on goods already sold at pre-devaluation prices, businesses are finding it difficult to continue being in existence. Some businesses are negotiating debt reductions or forgiveness from suppliers around the world. Nigeria being largely an importing country has been unable to take advantage of devaluation through huge export quantities resulting from a cheaper naira.

However, the Teesside University situation provides an opportunity to look broadly at the larger picture—the problem of external/foreign education as a material and human drain on Nigeria. The problem of foreign education especially in terms of both material and human resource drain on Nigeria is multifaceted. From significant financial costs, exacerbated by the sustained crippling of the Naira, a disastrous level of brain drain/talent flight, and broader socio-economic impacts. Included in the problems have been the false expectation that foreign education opened up job opportunities and pathway to residency in the countries of study.

Tuition Fees and Living Expenses

Nigerian students studying abroad often pay significantly higher tuition fees compared to local institutions. For instance, in countries like the UK, US, and Canada, international student fees can range from $15,000 to over $50,000 per year, depending on the program and institution. Living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation, add to the financial burden. These costs can range from $10,000 to $20,000 annually. These costs, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), have resulted into a major financial drain on Nigeria over the years. The CBN’s Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, in a speech to the House of Representatives on February 6, 2024 stated:

Looking at the demand side of the exchange rate, it’s important to note the growing number of Nigerian students studying abroad. In the 1980s and 1990s, the need for US Dollars for their living expenses was minimal. However, recent data shows a significant change. According to UNESCO’s Institute of Statistics, the number of Nigerian students abroad increased from less than 15,000 in 1998 to over 71,000 in 2015. By 2018, this figure had reached 96,702 students, as per the World Bank. Another report projects the number of Nigerian students studying abroad to exceed 100,000 by 2022. Additionally, the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency noted a 64% increase in Nigerian students studying in the country, rising from 13,020 in the 2019/2020 academic session to 21,305 by the 2020/2021 session. Given this data, it’s crucial to highlight that between 2010 and 2020, foreign education expenses amounted to a substantial US$28.65 billion, as per the CBN’s publicly available Balance of Payments Statistics.

On the flip side, the African giant did not attract any form of inflow from foreign students. This is not surprising given the current state of the Nigerian educational system, with university students counting over seven months at home as a result of strike actions.

The Nigerian young populace has tapped into study visas as a perfect formula to “japa” from Nigeria, an expression that is used to represent escaping from the country. Similarly, many Nigerian companies are currently faced with an exodus of resignations, as foreign schools resumed academic activities and both young and old citizens jumped on the leaving train abroad.

Brain Drain and Loss of Talent

Many Nigerian students who study abroad do not return home after their studies. They often seek mean jobs reserved for them and not jobs measuring up to the skills they had acquired. The salaries and improved living conditions are necessary allure, in spite of the fact that most of the earnings go into meeting survival bills, leaving no extras. At times, Nigerian youths embark on homelessness, and eating donated foods at soup kitchens.

This sad situation has resulted into a significant loss of skilled professionals in various fields such as medicine, engineering, IT, banking and finance and even more recently, the academia.

The absence of highly educated and skilled individuals hampers local development. Sectors like healthcare and education face shortages of qualified personnel, affecting service delivery and overall progress.

Socio-Economic Impacts

The allure of foreign education often undermines confidence in local institutions. There is a perceived, gap in the quality of education provided locally compared to international standards. Efforts to improve the local education system has continued to be deprioritized, as the wealthier segment of society opts for foreign education solutions.

Impact on the Nigerian economy

The massive brain drain currently ravaging the Nigerian corporate world is leaving a huge skills gap in most organisations, as it seems the best hands are the ones jumping on the “Japa” trend, making an imperative case for firms to train and retrain their staff to fill the space. This has also meant more competition in terms of hiring as firms now develop strategies to outwit themselves in getting the remaining best hands in the industry.

Foreign education spending requires the availability of foreign exchange, something which the Nigerian economy is in shortage of at the moment. The increased demand for the dollar to pay for foreign services, speculative needs, including thefts by Nigerian authorities especially when federal allocations are shared, and importation amongst others have caused a significant depreciation in the local currency against the US dollar.

Potential Solutions

Expecting Nigerians already outside under the japa syndrome to return home is the appropriate thing to do. A lot can be done in meeting the needs of Nigerians from within through a focus on infrastructure developments, that will boost productivity on several fronts. However, this is wishful thinking. There is the assumed “shame factor”, over returning to Nigeria when all acquisitions prior to the japa plan had been liquidated and there is nothing to return to.

The Nigerian diplomatic and consular efforts need be more activist in protecting the rights of Nigerians outside our shores. Some of the Teesside University students could use such assistance to secure their respective certificates that were almost earned when they defaulted. The ease with which Nigerians are being subjected to deportation pressures and actual removal should be a basis for negotiations by our diplomats. To claim that nothing can be done once a report had been made to the Home Office impugns the involvement of Nigerian in protecting its citizens. We should not only remember that we have a diaspora only when calculating annual remittances.

Significant investment in Nigeria’s education sector is crucial. This includes upgrading infrastructure, enhancing teacher training, and developing a robust curriculum that meets global standards as well as boosting the emoluments being paid to academics, in order to retain more of the available capacities. In this regard, policies that create attractive job opportunities for graduates within Nigeria to reduce the incentive to emigrate is yearning for adoption.

Forming partnerships with foreign institutions to facilitate knowledge transfer and collaborative programs that allow students to gain international exposure without leaving the country permanently would be a welcomed development, after all, Nigeria in my student days attracted brains from around the world as students and teachers.

The big assumption is that Nigeria would be blessed with the leadership at all the arms of government, the federal, state and local government levels as well as public, private and social sectors, that could eschew corruption and divert stolen and hidden wealth and continued stealing into education, research and development as well as improved health delivery, boost rule of law and capable to successfully handle our currently inclement external dynamics, build sustainable institutions as well as improve the flow of human and material resources aimed at reducing inequalities. Is such leadership possible at this time in Nigeria’s history? I would modify Ayi Kwei Armah to say that: The Beautiful Ones Are Yet To Be Conceived.

A citadel of learning and a leading African financial institution rolled out the drums Saturday in separate celebrations to mark this year’s International Africa Day. At the University of Uyo, the celebrations were full of pomp and pageantry. There were speeches, songs, dances and theatre. The colourful event was attended by scholars, professors and dignitaries from across the continent, including former Vice President of The Gambia, Mrs. Fatoumata Tambajang; Prof. Mutombo Nkulu-N’Sengha from the United States and a large delegation from several West African countries. In addition, former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; Prof. Wole Soyinka and Kenya’s Prof. P.L.O Lumimba sent in goodwill messages. The celebrations were part of a three-day international conference on Dialogue and Pan Africanism organised by The Pan African Dialogue Institute (TPADI). TPADI is a network of academics, professionals and civil society leaders in different fields of life, within Africa and the diaspora, who are motivated by the best spirit of Pan Africanism to serve the continent and its people worldwide. Led by Dr. Effiong Udo, the institute has a collaborative working relationship with the University of Uyo and is headquartered inside the expansive campus.

Africa Day is celebrated every May 25; the birthday of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). It was on May 25, 1963, that the leaders of the then 32 independent African States signed a founding charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which brought the OAU into existence. In 2002, the OAU established its own successor, the African Union (AU), and adopted May 25 every year as a day to celebrate Africa and highlight the continent’s continued struggle against neocolonialism, exploitation and adversity. Many Nigerians are not aware of Africa Day, just as a lot of Africans and African leaders, including Nigeria’s, do not even remember to mark International Africa Day. Surprisingly, ever since the day was declared, only nine African countries (The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) are known to observe May 25 as public holiday with celebrations. The other 46 countries, including Nigeria are less aware of this very important day. With the celebrations at UniUyo last Saturday, this year marks the first time that the day is celebrated with the right degree of pomp in Nigeria.

The theme for the 2024 Africa Day is ‘’Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa’’ - a theme Access Holdings, one of the continent’s leading financial services groups, describes as “a poignant reminder of Africa's diversity and the need to address the educational challenges faced across the continent”. The Access Group is the only financial institution in Nigeria that has celebrated the day.

Africa is a vast and complex continent of over 1.2 billion people speaking more than 3,000 languages across 54 countries. Despite shared challenges, each nation contributes uniquely to the continent's rich cultural and historical mosaic. Unfortunately, education remains a significant hurdle. According to UNESCO and the African Union, over a quarter of school-age children in Africa were out of school in 2023, and 90% of children were unable to read or write by age 10. This stark reality underscores the need for urgent educational reforms to equip future generations.

Access Holdings is also celebrating the 2024 Africa Day in a big way. Aligning with this year’s theme, the leading African financial group will once again host the Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament starting from the Children’s Day Anniversary on May 27, 2024, in Kaduna. This event, which will culminate at the Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club on June 9, will bring together over 150 school pupils and their teachers for a day filled with sports, art activities, and messages promoting child welfare, such as “Stop Child Abuse” and “Childhood Isn’t Meant to Be a Nightmare.” As the largest charity polo tournament in Africa, this event highlights Access Bank's commitment to supporting underprivileged children, having donated over N700 million towards building schools and providing social amenities for surrounding communities in the past seven years.

Beyond education, there are numerous aspects of African heritage and achievements that deserve celebration. Each African nation offers its uniqueness to the richness of the African beauty and colour. Angola, for example, is Known for its vast oil reserves, Angola is also home to the ancient Tchitundo-Huluvilo Caves, a significant cultural landmark showcasing, prehistoric art. Botswana, celebrated for its stable democracy established by Sir Seretse Khama, is also renowned for producing world-class athletes like Amantle Montsho, a former world champion sprinter. Cameroon is home to the towering Mount Cameroon and the legendary musician Manu Dibango. Cameroon has made significant contributions to global music and boasts rich natural beauty.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is known for its rich copper reserves and the majestic Congo River. The DRC is also the birthplace of Patrice Lumumba, a pivotal figure in Africa's fight for independence and pan Africanism. The Gambia, famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, is also making strides in education and tourism, becoming a notable destination in West Africa. A beacon of democracy and economic growth in West Africa, Ghana is widely celebrated for its rich history, including the Ashanti Kingdom and significant cultural festivals.

While Guinea, with its rich mineral resources, particularly bauxite, is also known for its vibrant music and dance traditions that play a crucial role in cultural identity, Kenya is remarkable for its breath-taking landscapes and wildlife, and is a leader in environmental conservation and home to world-renowned long-distance runners.

Mozambique is notable for its stunning coastline and rich cultural heritage, in addition to its vibrant arts scene, including music and dance. Nigeria, my country, my fatherland, my pride! Africa's most populous nation, Nigeria is celebrated for its diverse cultures, Nollywood film industry and significant contributions to literature and music. Through luminaries like Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Ngozi Chimanda Adichie; Cyprian Ekwensi and Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the Nigerian story is now heard in far-flung shores. Nigeria is also home to Dangote Petrochemical & Refinery, the continent’s largest petroleum refinery.

While Rwanda is a symbol of resilience and progress recognised for its remarkable strides in economic development and technological innovation, becoming a model for other African nations, Sierra Leone is easily known for its rich history and natural beauty. The country is also making progress in education and healthcare, contributing to a brighter future for its citizens, South Africa is famous for its stunning landscapes and diverse cultures and is a global leader in mining and a symbol of freedom and reconciliation, epitomised by Nelson Mandela. When you mention Zambia, its spectacular Victoria Falls comes to mind. Zambia is also making significant strides in economic development and conservation efforts.

Access Holdings operates in these African nations contributing uniquely to the continent's narrative, from historical landmarks to modern achievements in various fields. Said Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive of Access Holdings, “As we continue to consolidate the discourse around the 2024 Africa Day theme, we call on Africans to unite, invest in our incredible human resource even as we work to take our rightful place on the table of deliberations of global significance.” The University of Uyo Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, puts it differently, “The founding fathers of Pan Africanism contributed a lot to past liberation struggles in the continent. They fought for liberation from slave trade, transatlantic slave trade and colonialism. We need a new generation of Pan Africanists to take over and lead Africa through a new set of challenges plaguing the continent.”

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the three Executive Orders on oil and gas reforms, which he signed, will make Nigeria’s petroleum sector globally competitive.

The President made the affirmation during a meeting with a delegation from ExxonMobil Upstream Company, led by its President, Liam Mallon.

He emphasized that these reforms will ensure that no oil company faces undue challenges in the country.

The three Executive Orders, which became effective from February 28, 2024, are: Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc.) Order, 2024; Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements, 2024; and the Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines.

President Tinubu also assured the ExxonMobil delegation that the federal government is committed to resolving the divestment issues between the company and Seplat Energy, which are currently under litigation.

"We have been pushing for closure on divestment issues, and I believe the other party, Seplat, is open to this," the President said.

The President commended the company for its show of commitment to environmental protection in Nigeria, noting its efforts in reducing gas flaring in the country.

"Nigeria is going through a lot of reforms, and we have been navigating the leadership quarters carefully to ensure that we achieve a win-win situation for all parties and attract more investments," President Tinubu said.

The President described ExxonMobil as a worthy partner in Nigeria’s development over the decades and urged the company to remain committed to contributing to the success of his administration.

"We are close enough to be fair and blunt with you, and we are not afraid to hear from you on better options and recommendations for the growth of the industry in Nigeria," the President said.

The meeting, also attended by Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), discussed issues such as divestment, decommissioning, and abandonment as regards the company.

"Mr. President has given a clear directive to the NNPC GCEO and I to resolve the issue of divestment, and we are doing whatever we can to achieve that," Lokpobiri stated.

On decommissioning and abandonment in the oil industry, Lokpobiri noted that the ministry is addressing the matter in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and global best practices.

"The reforms driven by the three Executive Orders will ensure that companies operating in Nigeria have the best environment to continue making their investments and that no company will seek to leave Nigeria," the Minister said.

Liam Mallon, the President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, expressed his appreciation for the support and reassurances provided by the Nigerian government and pledged the company's long-term commitment to the country's energy sector.

He also commended President Tinubu for his courage and conviction to undertake bold reforms within his first year in office.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)