President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday explained why his administration linked its Eight-Point Agenda to Digital Identity Initiatives.

He said the measure would streamline service delivery, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and allow Nigerians to benefit directly from government programmes and services.

The President said a robust and efficient digital identity system has proven vital for the success of government programmes, such as providing incentives for farmers, the student loan scheme, the National Youth Talent Export Programme, Renewed Hope City and Estate Housing initiative, and the Skill-Up Artisans Programme.

President Tinubu said this at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centren in Kado, Abuja, while declaring open this year’s National Identity Day organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, said this year’s event with the theme: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Enabling Access to Services, underscored the critical role that digital identity plays in the nation’s development.

“In today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not just a matter of convenience; it is a cornerstone of our socio-economic progress.

“Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the backbone that enables access to essential services, from healthcare and education to financial inclusion and social welfare.

“It is through a robust DPI that we can ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their background or location, has the opportunity to participate fully in our nation’s growth.

“Our administration’s eight-point agenda, which includes food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, improving security, enhancing the business environment, upholding the rule of law, and fighting corruption, is intrinsically linked to the success of our digital identity initiatives.

“By leveraging DPI, we can streamline service delivery, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure that government programs reach those who need them most,” the President said.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the day was worth celebrating as it was meant to open up new opportunities for Nigerians to actively participate in government programmes and enjoy the benefits thereof.

He said Digital identity system enables government to plan for its socio-economic programmes and other challenges, noting that it remains critical to social and financial development of the country.

NIMC’s Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote said: “I must say we are on the right path, and key strides have been made through collaboration and partnerships with government agencies and private sector players – linking of NINs and phone numbers with the telecommunication companies, NIN and Bank Verification Number (BVN) harmonisation with financial institutions to facilitate digital payments, digital money, digital identity and digital processes, amongst others.

“Furthermore, the Student Loan Initiative showcases how DPI can eliminate financial barriers to education.

“By collaborating with 257 institutions, 332,715 students have been registered for loans, and over 18,000 students have already received payments through the initiative,” she said.

Former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, has revealed that during his tenure from 2007 to 2015, he required his aides and commissioners to join social clubs across the state.

This mandate, Fashola explained, was aimed at ensuring that government policies and activities were more accessible and better understood by the public.

“During our administration, I mandated my aides and commissioners to join social clubs in Lagos so they could gain insights and educate people about government policies wherever discussions were taking place,” Fashola said.

Fashola, who also served as a former minister and is a patron of the Eko Club, shared these insights during the club’s 50th-anniversary lecture last Wednesday.

The lecture was titled “The Role of Social Clubs in Social Engineering.”

The ex-governor emphasised the importance of common interest as a key pillar of social clubs and urged Eko Club to reinvigorate its focus on sporting activities. Fashola noted that sports is a significant yet underutilised source of employment, especially in an environment grappling with high youth unemployment.

“Eko Club must return to its sporting objectives and lead the revival of youth inter-club competitions. We cannot rely solely on government efforts for the success of our athletes at international sports events,” he said.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also called for the club to be more engaged in matters of public interest.

He added that Eko Club should expand its role beyond hosting events and be more involved in societal issues.

“It is my humble view that we have been somewhat detached from issues that affect our common interests. Eko Club is too significant and prestigious to be known merely as a venue for parties, anniversaries, and weddings, important as these may be to social engineering,” Fashola remarked.

He encouraged the club to focus on its future rather than dwelling excessively on its past, advising them to prioritize the next 50 years of development.

[Punch]

Netzence Sustainability Limited (Netzence) has reiterated commitment to ensuring sustainable practices across the world, saying its CloseCarbon technology will serve as a solution to the global climate crisis.

The firm, in a statement, lamented that the global efforts to mitigate climate change were facing significant challenges in accurately monitoring, reporting and verifying carbon emissions.

The statement, however, said Netzence’s CloseCarbon technology would address it by providing a comprehensive technological platform for organisations.

The statement reads: “Netzence’s CloseCarbon technology addresses this issue head-on by providing a comprehensive and robust platform for organisations to manage their carbon footprint. At the heart of CloseCarbon lies a sophisticated data-driven approach that enables organizations to seamlessly monitor, analyse, and report their emissions. This innovative solution leverages advanced algorithms and machine learning to gather and process vast amounts of data, ensuring the highest levels of accuracy and transparency in carbon accounting.

“The compliance carbon market is a constantly evolving landscape, and CloseCarbon is designed to adapt to these changes seamlessly. The solution stays up-to-date with the latest regulatory requirements, ensuring that organizations remain compliant as the rules and regulations in the carbon market evolve. Additionally, the technology is built on a flexible and scalable architecture, allowing it to incorporate new technologies and data sources as they emerge, ensuring continuous improvement and optimization.

“CloseCarbon’s data-driven analytics also provide organizations with valuable insights into market trends and emerging risks, enabling them to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve. As sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors become increasingly important, CloseCarbon’s comprehensive carbon management capabilities align with these growing priorities, helping organizations enhance their sustainability credentials. By offering a holistic approach to carbon management, CloseCarbon addresses the market’s need for integrated compliance solutions that streamline reporting, reduce complexity, and drive meaningful sustainability initiatives.

“One of the key benefits of CloseCarbon is its ability to streamline the complex process of compliance and reporting within the carbon market. By automating data collection, monitoring, reporting, and verification, CloseCarbon empowers organizations to navigate the intricate regulatory landscape with ease.

Organizations using CloseCarbon can effortlessly generate detailed reports that meet the stringent requirements of various carbon trading schemes and regulatory bodies, saving valuable time and resources while enhancing the reliability and credibility of their carbon data.

“Beyond the compliance aspect, CloseCarbon offers organizations a powerful tool to optimize their carbon reduction strategies. By providing actionable insights and data-driven recommendations, CloseCarbon helps businesses identify the most impactful areas for emissions reduction, enabling them to prioritize and implement effective sustainability initiatives. This holistic approach to carbon management allows organizations to make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship – a crucial factor in the increasingly eco-conscious business landscape.

“Transparency and trust are essential pillars of the compliance carbon market, and CloseCarbon’s robust data management capabilities and rigorous reporting standards help build confidence among regulators, investors, and stakeholders. By offering verifiable and auditable carbon data, CloseCarbon empowers organizations to showcase their environmental credentials, strengthening their position in the compliance carbon market and enhancing their overall sustainability reputation.

“The success of the compliance carbon market lies in its ability to inspire collective action towards a sustainable future. Netzence Sustainability Limited’s CloseCarbon aligns seamlessly with this objective, providing a scalable solution that can be adopted by organizations of all sizes and across various industries. As more businesses embrace CloseCarbon, the cumulative impact on carbon reduction efforts will be profound, marking a crucial step in the global transition towards a net-zero emissions economy.

“Netzence’s CloseCarbon stands as a game-changer in the carbon compliance market, offering a comprehensive and innovative solution to the longstanding challenges of carbon accounting and reporting. By empowering organizations to streamline their compliance, optimize their carbon reduction strategies, and foster transparency and trust, CloseCarbon paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

“As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the adoption of solutions like CloseCarbon will be instrumental in driving collective action and progress towards a net-zero emissions future. Netzence’s vision and commitment to sustainability have positioned CloseCarbon as a crucial tool in the fight against the climate crisis.”

[Vanguard]

By the time the Department of State Services released Nigeria Labour Congress President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, last Monday evening September 9, he had become contrite, remorseful and perhaps ashamed of his uninformed action. The labour leader was invited twice by the secret police and twice he failed to honour the invitation.

As I learnt, during the second invitation, Ajaero even told the new DSS boss who telephoned him that he was travelling out of the country and could only honour the invitation on his return. What an insufferable arrogance! However, unbeknownst to him, at the behest of the police and office of the national security adviser, which have been investigating him, the DSS had placed him on a watch list.

For failing to honour the invitation, the SSS operatives promptly arrested him at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja on Monday morning as he arrived to board his flight to London. He was whisked to DSS office in Abuja where the police interrogated him for his alleged infractions, which remain yet unstated. It is instructive to state that the DSS, according to official sources, has nothing against Ajaero. However, the service arrested him so he can respond to the allegations levelled against him by the police.

That interrogation was said to have been conducted within the DSS premises with his lawyer in attendance. When the interrogation was over and Ajaero was released on bail, the DSS took him home in a well-fortified security vehicle early enough on Monday night. He was then asked to break the news of his release to his associates by himself. Unknown to many, the NLC president himself delayed the announcement of his release till almost midnight that same Monday for reasons known to him.

I have gone to this length to narrate Ajaero’s encounter with the DSS based on the information I garnered from sources close to the service in order to demonstrate that the NLC president was not picked up at the airport for no unjustifiable reason, as many may want us to believe and that he was not in any way manhandled by the service during the period of the arrest.

On the contrary, he was reportedly treated with respect and decorum, and his rights fully respected. The DSS explained to him that not honouring the invitation extended to him was a grave error on his part, which he allegedly admitted and reportedly apologised.

With that background, it is evident that the United Kingdom Trade Union Congress, which intervened in the matter and attacked the present administration for alleged intolerance and violation of Ajaero’s fundamental human rights without justification, did not understand the issues involved and what actually transpired. The TUC-UK is one organisation lawyers would label a meddlesome interloper in this matter. And it was just fit and appropriate that the Presidency had given the association the response it rightly deserved.

For crying out loud, why would a labour leader deserving of that name or more precisely, why would an Ajaero who is the NLC president not honour a lawful invitation by a legal entity like the Nigeria Police?

It would appear Ajaero deliberately acted the way he did in order to further heat up the polity that has already become tense over the fuel situation or to befuddle the matter of his arrest in a bid to embarrass the government.

I will return to the matter of premium motor spirit shortly.

Just like Ajaero would want it to act, the NLC behaved in a way typical of the union. Without interrogating what actually happened, the congress slammed the federal government with a midnight deadline to order Ajaero’s release, otherwise government should be ready for a showdown.

Affiliate organisations of the labour union were placed on red alert, following an emergency meeting of the national administrative council of the NLC in Abuja in reaction to the arrest. They were directed to mobilise for a confrontation with the government if the NLC president was not released by midnight.

Why is labour so recalcitrant and inflexible, why does the union always resort to protest, in spite of the present government’s demonstration of good faith with them? Why is labour always dangling the strike option at the snap of their fingers?

The other day and despite the then-ongoing negotiations with the government and organised private sector, labour still called for a strike over the national minimum wage, disrupting business activities in some parts of the country, particularly aviation operations in Lagos and Abuja. In the end, after its ineffective industrial action, labour returned to the negotiation table with the government and OPS during which a new N70,000 national minimum wage was agreed upon.

The two unions even got an icing on the cake, as President Bola Tinubu directed a three-yearly review of the NMW as opposed to the existing every five years review.
The President Tinubu administration has shown good faith, trust in labour, and belief in what a harmonious relationship the government and labour unions can contribute to nation building and a stable polity. It is high time labour reciprocated this appropriately.

On the matter of the fuel situation, I mean the recent increase in the pump price of PMS, which Ajaero obviously wanted to load up with his arrest to create another confusion, there is also a need for some clarifications. In the wake of the hike in the pump price of petrol from N617 to N897 per litre, while calling for an immediate reversal of the increase, the NLC had claimed the hike was a breach of the agreement it reached with the government during the minimum wage negotiations where it came down from its demand of N250,000 to N70,000.

In a statement signed by Comrade Ajaero, Labour claimed it had an understanding with the government that there would be no further increase based on which it agreed to the N70,000 NMW. However, those who attended the negotiations and witnessed as the negotiating parties reached an agreement said there was no such understanding. I believe Ajaero and the other labour leaders know the true position of things and are merely engaging in subterfuge.

Truth is the recent hike was a difficult pill for government to swallow. President Bola Tinubu recently said In Beijing, China while addressing the Nigerian Community there that if there was a better option, the government would have taken it. The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited had long informed the government it was not covering its cost, arguing that with the unification of the multiple exchange rates that earlier existed, the company now required more money for the foreign exchange it would need for fuel importation. NNPCL argued that the matter was not helped by the high debt it owed suppliers.

According to the corporation, in order to guarantee fuel availability, there is a need for an increase that would be close to the cost of making the products available. And because the PMS price in Nigeria is about the lowest within the sub-region, smuggling walked on all fours as the products are being smuggled across the border.
We can argue that the government needs to double up its efforts in checking smuggling, and that would be right. However, fuel availability must be guaranteed in the interim while efforts are being made to drive down the cost including warding off smuggling. Availability is expected to be further assured with Dangote Refinery now coming on stream.

Indeed, the announcement on Friday that the federal government had finally reached an agreement with Dangote Refinery on the commercial terms for the supply of crude oil to the refinery and the off-take of its PMS is heart-warming. Following the agreement, the government announced that the distribution of petrol from the refinery would commence on Monday, September 16 with an initial 25 million litres per day. Under the agreement, NNPCL will be the sole off-taker of petrol from Dangote Refinery while diesel from the facility will be sold directly to any interested marketer.

And as a buffer for the gradual reduction in the demand for PMS, the government is also speeding up efforts on the compressed natural gas initiative. Already, the government has commenced the distribution of CNG conversion kits and cylinders to transport unions in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states under a plan aimed at converting one million commercial vehicles free across the country in the next two years. As opposed to PMS that is around N897 or N900 per litre, CNG costs between N230 and N300 per kilogram.

In my view, the federal government must now begin the implementation of the NMW and get the organised private sector to also toe the same line to stem labour’s seeming uneasiness. Arrears on the NMW must also be paid to win over the hearts of workers. This is also where the governors must immediately come in as well. The increasing revenue now going to them should come handy in implementing the new minimum wage.

Rahman is a senior presidential aide

The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) season begins with 36 teams in a new-look single-table group stage.

In recent years, every edition of the UCL has featured Nigerian footballers. Prominent stars like Finidi George, Kanu Nwankwo, and John Obi Mikel have won the competition, and a host of others have made some mark on Europe’s biggest stage.

Regardless of its twisted format, when the new UCL season kicks off on Tuesday, more Nigerians will be representing their various club across Europe.

TheCable presents all the Nigerian stars set to carry on the torch and possibly set records this season.

ADEMOLA LOOKMAN (ATALANTA)

Lookman has been a key figure for Atalanta, and his hattrick won the Europa League final for the Bergamo side’s first-ever European title. Lookman has continued from where he left off last season and would be needed to maintain top form if Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will shock the elites.

VICTOR BONIFACE (BAYER LEVERKUSEN)

Like Lookman, Boniface was integral to Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic run last season and has already scored thrice this term. The 23-year-old, who won the 2023/24 Bundesliga Rookie of the Season winner, would look to make big statements this season at UCL.

NATHAN TELLA (BAYER LEVERKUSEN)

Tella, a former Arsenal academy player, continues to claim his place in the Leverkusen team despite fierce competition, and the England-born winger’s versatility continues to be his greatest asset. He has featured in all four of Leverkusen’s five matches this season and will be expected to feature heavily on their UCL sojourn.

RAPHAEL ONYEDIKA (CLUB BRUGGE)

The 23-year-old FC Ebedei product won the Belgian Super League with Brugge last season and is still regarded as an important player for the Bruges-based club despite unsuccessfully pushing for a transfer to Galatasaray. It will be interesting to watch if Onyedika can get his head back in the team and turn the club’s European fortunes around.

PETER OLAYINKA (RED STAR BELGRADE)

The 28-year-old, who was born in Ibadan, is a veteran of the Europa League but stepped up to UCL with Red Star last season. He was sparingly used as the Serbian champions finished bottom of Group G and would look to feature more prominently this term.

VICTOR ELETU (AC MILAN)

The 19-year-old has been with AC Milan since 2018 and plays for its youth team in the third-tier Italian football. The midfielder is one to look out for in the future, and his inclusion in the club’s UCL squad is an indication of potential.

SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE (AC MILAN)

Big things are expected of the dribbling maestro, who mostly flatters to deceive. The 25-year-old, however, has European pedigree as a Europa League winner with Villarreal, and it is hoped he can make an impact this season.

GEORGE ILENIKHENA (AS MONACO)

ELVIS ISAAC (SLOVAN BRATISLAVA)

The 22-year-old winger plays mostly for the club’s Team B in the second division, where he has three goals in four matches. He was on the bench in all eight of Slovan’s UCL qualifying round games and could be an impact player.

VICTOR OLATUNJI (SPARTA PRAGUE)

The Sokoto-born striker has been an important player for the Czech club since joining last year. In his first season, he won the League and Cup double. He was also integral to his club qualifying for the UCL group stage for the first time in 19 years.

[TheCable]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a disaster relief fund Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State, to assist Nigerian citizens impacted by floods and other disasters.

He said the relief fund is already expedient as the climate becomes more unpredictable and many places in the country are vulnerable to its vagaries.

President Tinubu announced this at the Borno Government House when he visited the state to sympathise with the government and people over the recent flooding from Alau Dam.

He urged the private sector to contribute to the fund.

Senate president Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied the President on the visit, said the National Assembly will collaborate with the executive to establish the Fund.

Tinubu visited the Shehu of Borno, an Internally Displaced Persons camp at the Government Secondary School in Maiduguri and had a drive-through of the areas affected by the disaster.

President Tinubu said: “After my visit to the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I have been reflecting on how to tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change.

“There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas.

“If we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging,” he said.

The President thanked Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu; and Kogi State governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; and other governors who look beyond party lines to bear the burdens of others.

 He said that Nigeria’s diversity should spur prosperity.

The President extended his sympathy to the government, the people of Yobe State, and all the states affected by flooding and pledged his government's continued support for victims of natural disasters.

“For all the people of Yobe State, I sympathise with you. We will create an outstanding programme for Nigeria to recover from this calamity. We will build our nation together,” the President assured.

The President commended the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, for prompt intervention and the Theatre Command of the Nigerian military for the evacuation that saved many lives.

“I am glad that Prof. Zulum has been a very active governor. Let me assure you that we will be with you, Borno State and share the burden.

“This disaster was a natural one. It was not the making of anybody. We cannot pass the blame. We pray that the Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the departed and grant them eternal rest.

“May God also overlook their shortcomings and misdeeds on earth," he added.

President Tinubu commended all the ministries, agencies, and security outfits, particularly the military, involved in evacuation and relief and recognised the international organisations working in the state.

The Governor of Borno State thanked the President for the visit and commended the prompt intervention of Federal Government agencies, particularly NEMA and the military's Theatre Command, in evacuating stranded victims.

At the palace, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, thanked the President for the honour of visiting the state after the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, had earlier represented him.

The Shehu of Borno urged the President to investigate the cause of the Alua dam collapse and overflow into the town to prevent a recurrence.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

“Must the hunger become anger and the anger fury before anything will be done?”

- John Steinbeck

For a President who came into office after a fiercely contested election, winning the votes of less than 10% (8.55m) of the total eligible voters (93.46m) in a country of over 200m, one would have expected that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would govern with some humility, inclusivity and with milk of human kindness that will help in healing the country.

Instead, he waltzed in with an air of arrogance and a know-it-all attitude never seen in any Nigerian leader. This arrogant streak started on his inauguration day on 29 May 2023 when he impulsively announced the removal of fuel subsidy before even assembling his team to review the country’s financials, consulting anyone or having any backup plans that would mitigate the consequences of this knee-jerk policy decision. President Tinubu, the much-advertised politico-economic maestro who was said to have “built” Lagos and “tamed” the Atlantic Ocean, has so far not lived up to that billing. He brought along with him an overhyped team of economic “wizards” from Lagos that has so far mismanaged the economy, wreaking so much economic chaos and hardships on the citizens. It is now crystal clear that this President and his economic team are not ready for prime time because they have all frozen on the big stage when the lights came on.

President Tinubu blindly accepted and is administering to Nigeria and its citizens a prescription from the World Bank of removal of subsidies on fuel, education and electricity, massive devaluation of the currency in a country that is almost entirely import dependent. No economy, no matter how powerful, can withstand these sudden shocks as were imposed onto Nigeria’s fragile economy.

These rushed and poorly thought-through economic policies have resulted in a cost-of-living crisis, widespread hunger, the worst inflation rate in 28 years, worsening insecurity and social unrest that resulted in youths protesting for an end to bad governance from 1-10 of August 2024.

In a country that is not experiencing drought or officially at war, President Tinubu’s economic policy has resulted in millions of Nigerians, predominantly women and children, going to bed hungry with no certainty of having anything to eat when they wake up. In hospitals all across the country, hunger is now the first diagnosis in children and adult patients regardless of the admitting diagnosis.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the non-governmental charity organization that provides humanitarian medical care in conflict zones and countries affected by endemic diseases, raised the alarm that in the last year, it has seen a 200% increase in the number of patients admitted for malnutrition and that it’s feeding Centers in northern Nigeria are overflowing with patients mostly women and children being treated on mattresses on the floor.

The catastrophic flooding that engulfed Maiduguri, attributed superficially to the rupture of the Alau dam, is symptomatic of the failure in governance and accountability. Despite the disbursement of multimillion-dollars earmarked for the dam's rehabilitation, years of neglect and decay preceded the disaster.

It is heartbreaking to watch videos of the devastation caused by these floods to a region that is slowly recovering from the ravages of the fight against Boko Haram. Massive humanitarian crisis of washed habitations, livelihoods, loss of lives, hunger, poor sanitation and disease will require serious and substantial involvement of the federal government and help from the international community.

As a result of the widespread hunger in the country, the United Nations is reported to have launched a $306 million appeal for Nigeria’s food crisis relief. These are situations we hear of in drought-affected or war-torn countries like Sudan, Afghanistan or Yemen, not our Nigeria—the land of plenty.

The response by the state and federal governments to this Tinubu-inflicted hunger on Nigerians has been half-hearted and deceitful. Instead of looking at and reviewing the immediate cause, which is the sudden removal of fuel subsidy, President Tinubu has recently doubled down by pushing the knife deeper into the belly of Nigerians by increasing the price of petroleum products again, another cruel policy decision that is worsening hunger and cost of living crisis.

President Tinubu has remained indifferent, insensitive and unresponsive to the sufferings of Nigerians. He has instead been focused on his personal comfort and enriching himself, his family and business associates while throwing crumbs at the governors, members of the National Assembly (NASS) and some Clerics of both faiths to buy their silence.

The mood of the nation is foul. President Tinubu’s policies have united citizens in anger against the government all across the country. From the citizenry to organized labour, civil servants, traditional rulers, the clergy, business community, academicians, media, NGOs, professional organizations, and the rank and file of all arms-bearing security services, no one is in a good mood.

Nigerian youths came out en masse to protest for an end to bad governance from 1-10 August 2024 to draw the attention of the government to the sufferings of the people. Security personnel were drafted from their primary assignments of fighting crime and rampaging terrorists to the streets to violently suppress the constitutionally protected rights of citizens to peaceful protests. Many youths were killed, arrested, detained and subjected to a mass trial. These protests were a harbinger of bad things to come; I liken them to pulling the pin of a live grenade.

Tinubu’s government is getting into an unnecessary, avoidable and unwinnable fight with organized labour. The arrest and detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress at the airport in Abuja on his way to an international labour meeting in the UK was an embarrassment on the international stage for this government. Organised Labour has the full support of all Nigerians in fighting for a living wage and Justice for all. So, President Tinubu’s Gestapo tactics will be vigorously resisted by all Nigerians.

There is no way of spinning it. The truth is that security has worsened under this government, contrary to the official propaganda and half-truths. President Tinubu and his managers of security are repeating President Muhammadu Buhari’s mistakes of doubling down on continuing militarization of the fight against banditry.

The state and federal governments are in denial of the fact that good governance has a direct relationship to the security of any country and that hunger is an existential threat to a country’s National security. No military, no matter how powerful, can quell the anger of hungry citizens.

In a town hall meeting on Channels TV, General CG Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), said that although the military takes out at least 600 terrorists every week, he estimated that 2000 new terrorists get recruited within the same period. No military operation can be considered successful if its actions encourage this level of recruitment into the ranks of the enemy.

At a separate event, Lt. Gen. TA Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, raised the alarm that his troops are getting battle fatigued, resorting to drugs and substance abuse and suffering from high incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These are worrisome signs of a cry for help from our fighting men that both the political and military leadership must take seriously.

It is no secret that there is a grand swell of discontent and frustration in the rank and file of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, as is demonstrated all over social media by soldiers complaining of hunger in the barracks and the war front, poor welfare, non-payment of entitlements, prolonged tour of duty, inadequate equipment, low morale and lack of motivation.

I watched the infuriating video clips of Bello Turji, the terrorist bandit leader operating around Shinkafi-Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara state, where he and his band of rag-tag child soldiers were celebrating their “capture” and ransacking of 2 armored personnel carriers they claimed they captured in a fight with the military.

The truth is that these vehicles were abandoned by the soldiers when they got stuck in the mud.

This bungled operation provided these terrorists an easy opportunity to win a cheap public relations war against the Nigerian state and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). ⁠Cruel cynics, including some clerics on Tick-Tock, were saying that the operation was just staged to resupply Turji. Social media is awash with videos and commentaries, making the AFN a butt of jokes on the internet.

Understandably, soldiers, especially those on the war front, felt belittled, humiliated and unappreciated. This has seriously dampened the morale of our fighting men.

I commend the military on its success in taking out Halilu Sububu the notorious bandit leader and mastermind of the abduction and brutal killing of the late Sarkin Gobir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa. But, the gruesome images circulating on social media of acts of unprintable savagery committed by soldiers, which are reminiscent of the heydays of Boko Haram, are unbecoming of a professional military and bad publicity for the AFN internationally and only serve as a recruitment tool for the terrorists.

We need no reminding that winning the peace will not be on the battlefield and is not the sole responsibility of the military. Failure of both state and federal governments to protect citizens is leading to people picking up arms to protect themselves, leading to the proliferation of small and light weapons. This is a recipe for disaster and anarchy.

The world is watching, there is hunger and anger in the land but our leaders don’t seem to care.

THINGS CANNOT AND MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE THIS WAY.

Usman Yusuf is a Professor of Haematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation.

After much ado, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Sunday 15th September 2024, confirmed lifting fuel from the Dangote Refinery for sale to long-suffering consumers. Many are still wondering, why all the delay, insincerity, avoidable controversy, allegations and counter-allegations in the first place.

On Tuesday, the 3rd of September 2024, Nigerians were supposed to be jubilant that their country would shed decades of an embarrassing nickname of an oil-producing nation that shamelessly imports refined petroleum products coupled with inexplicable shortages.

The Lagos-based Dangote Refinery, the world’s largest integrated private oil refining project worth about US$20 billion with a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, rolled out its refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol on that day.

However, the anticipated joy was cut short even before it started. The government in its wisdom chose the same day to announce another increase in the pump price of petrol, adding to the economic hardship sweeping across Africa’s most populous nation, which witnessed nationwide street protests for 10 days in early August.

From less than 200 Naira per litre before President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, petrol pump prices went up more than three-fold, first to 617 Naira and then to 855 Naira per litre from 3rd September 2024 (1,600 Naira=US$1).

The oil sector provides about 95% of Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings and 80% of its budgetary revenues. Given the erratic public electricity supply, petrol powers the Nigerian economy, transportation of persons and goods and local industries. With the country’s high unemployment rate and the government as the largest employer of labour, self-employment also depends on the availability of fuel.

The infamous “Nigerian factor,” a euphemism for the combination of the enablers of dysfunctionalities including a cesspool of corruption, mismanagement, incompetence, inefficiency and nepotism, has made the country’s four state-run oil refineries non-operational.

By March 2021, President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration had awarded licences to 23 private companies including the Dangote group to set up local oil refineries as part of efforts to free Nigeria from the stranglehold of the “oil Cabal,” which has continued to make a kill from the importation of refined oil products.

The Cabal are powerful individuals, some in government, and profit-driven oil marketers who prioritise profits over Nigeria’s interests, with the government running the industry as a monopoly. Working hand in glove with some public officials the Cabal and their collaborators have ensured that operations and transactions of Nigeria’s oil industry, up-stream and down-stream are governed by conspiratorial opacity and secrecy.

To compound the mystery, several Nigerian presidents, including those from the return to civilian rule in 1999 after prolonged periods of military dictatorship, have combined their exalted office with the petroleum affairs portfolio as is currently the case under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Junior ministers appointed to the petroleum ministry only play second fiddle to the almighty presidents who wield sweeping political and economic powers with unlimited access to oil money and without accountability. For instance, despite producing no oil, the failed state-owned refineries still gulp millions of dollars annually in purported workers’ remuneration and endless maintenance bills.

Nigeria is a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), however, the rot in the domestic industry has ensured that the country does not meet its OPEC production quota.

The trust level is so low that many do not believe or have confidence in the government. The authorities' reasons for Nigeria’s failure to meet its OPEC quota, include smuggling and oil theft, which do not cut the ice among the sceptical population, who also question the domestic oil consumption figures often quoted by the government.

Corruption has unleashed outlandish tales on Nigerians, some involving animals such as snakes, monkeys and rats swallowing millions of Naira. The oil industry has its share, such as oil tankers reportedly disappearing on the high seas. Beneath the surface is the deal-making by marketers/suppliers, some accused of engaging in round-tripping or rotation of empty oil tanks and getting paid as if they brought in products, with the regulators looking the other way.

The big elephant in the room is the successive governments' claim of oil subsidy payments, which they claim were necessary to make petrol affordable and accessible for Nigerian consumers. Neither of these has happened.

While diesel and kerosene have been deregulated, PMS/petrol remains a hydra-headed monster difficult to tame because of the benefits to the Cabal and various interests involved. Oil subsidy in Nigeria is considered a phantom scheme. What is paid, by whom and to whom is not for public knowledge, yet billions of dollars are taken out of the country’s treasury.

As justification for the increase in the pump price of PMS/petrol, President Tinubu told Nigerians in his inaugural speech “Subsidy is gone,” without any explanations on the alternatives.

Subsequent increases in the pump price of petrol and other government economic policies including the floating of the local currency, the Naira, have left Nigerians reeling in cost-of-living pains with choking spiralling inflation and devalued purchasing power.

After the August #EndHunger and #EndBadGovernance national protests, the Tinubu government insists that the pains are temporary, promising that its economic policies will yield positive results in the long term.

The hypocrisy and unnecessary controversy around the Dangote Refinery, have led to allegations that some powerful interests behind the continued importation of refined petroleum products are out to frustrate Africa’s richest man and others like him trying to seal the leaky pipe of corruption, draining Nigeria’s scare foreign exchange revenue.

First, was the inexplicable decision to deny the refinery of local crude oil, which forced it to resort to import. This was followed by the allegation that the petrol produced by the refinery was of inferior quality.

After much debate, the NNPCL on the directive of President Tinubu is to begin the sale of crude oil in Naira to the Dangote refinery from the 1st of October 2024. It is also reported that the NNPCL is now buying PMS from the refinery in Naira for sale through marketers, even though both sides do not seem to agree on the price.

One key question - was the increase in the pump price of petrol on the 3rd of September a deliberate government action to pre-empt the Dangote refinery’s rollout of PMS? If so, what was the end game, and could the increase not wait until both sides agreed on a pump price?

Why take Nigerians through unnecessary chaos, artificial scarcity and long queues at filling stations with petrol selling for up to 1,400 Naira a litre or more in parts of the country, amid a booming black market? If petrol is deregulated like diesel and kerosene as claimed by the authorities, why would Dangote refinery sell to the NNPCL and not directly to the final consumers?

When will Nigeria’s oil industry be transparent? Even the Lagos land where the Dangote refinery is located has not escaped controversy. While industry sources claim that US$100 million was paid for the land, some state government sources say only US$3 million was the amount paid.

To Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, the largest conglomerate in West Africa with a presence in 17 African countries and the first Nigerian company to join the Forbes Global 2000 Companies list, the refinery project is only part of the diversification of his vast business empire. As an experienced mogul who began business very early in life with a loan from his uncle, Dangote 67, is no stranger to the difficulties of doing business in Nigeria, even though his critics claim he had been enjoying preferential concessions from successive administrations.

Even so, the Kano State-born billionaire from northern Nigeria has made no secret of his frustrations with the controversy trailing the refinery project. The stress has taken its toll with his visible premature grey hairs. Dangote has disclosed being warned by a colleague against building the refinery in Nigeria but may not have expressed any regrets about such a huge investment in his country.

However, the Dangote refinery experience raises critical questions about Nigeria’s sincerity and readiness to attract local or foreign investments. As a philanthropist, who supports humanitarian initiatives, and whose group is arguably the largest private sector employer of labour in his country, Alhaji Dangote is contributing to the building of a better Nigeria and Africa. In 2014 he endowed more than US$1.25 billion to scale up the work of his Dangote Foundation in health, education and economic empowerment. Dangote needs no validation as a successful businessman in Nigeria, Africa or globally, and he can invest his money wherever he chooses.

It would be tantamount to criminal sabotage for greedy, insensitive and profit-driven Nigerians to use their privileged positions to force philanthropists such as Alhaji Dangote to abandon Nigerians, especially the poor and needy already dealt a devastating blow by bad governance, mismanagement and corruption. The World is watching!

Ejime is an Author, Global Affairs Analyst, and Consultant on Peace & Security and Governance Communications

By virtually all performance indices, the Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State has done exceptionally well in nearly eight years. Indeed, without equivocation, the “Heartbeat of the Nation” has joined the league of top-notch states in Nigeria regarding socio-economic development.

This reality, which we can all take pride in, is underpinned by the consistent and appreciable rise in the State’s Internally Generated Revenue coupled with prudence and innovation in managing Edo State’s resources.

Edo State’s Impressive Economic Performance

Specifically, from a mere N24 billion in 2016, Edo State’s IGR grew astronomically to hit N65 billion in 2023, and that was even before the failed monetary policy of the Federal Government bashed the Naira.

This achievement of almost tripling the IGR in seven years is a testament to the Obaseki-led administration’s innovation and creativity in fiscal management. In 2022, Edo State ranked eighth among the 36 States and the FCT, with an IGR of N47.5 billion. The “2023 Fiscal Performance Ranking of the States” by BudgIT (www.budgit.org/) ranks Edo State sixth in the country. This puts the State among those that “have comparatively limited dependence on federally distributed revenue for their operations and thus have greater viability if they were to exist as an independent entity theoretically”.

Alongside this reality, the Edo State Government has, in the past eight years, created a genuinely enabling economic environment that has attracted several private sector investors. Today, Edo State has remained one of the best investment destinations among Nigeria’s 36 states. The State has reduced the cost of governance and almost entirely digitized the process.

The Obaseki Administration’s Strategic Projects

Under the Godwin Obaseki-led administration, Edo State has implemented numerous economically strategic projects, such as the Ossiomo Power Plant, Oil Palm Programme, Ethanol Plant, Modular Refinery, Benin Port, etc. The State has also implemented the most impactful education transformation program (EdoBEST) in West Africa. The latest plank is the recently launched EdoCert, a cutting-edge digital platform designed to streamline certificate issuance and verification in the State.

These accomplishments were undoubtedly a product of transformational leadership anchored on a clear vision and roadmap. This is why, even today, Edo State is yet a “work-in-progress” and needs to be supported by political buccaneers and cowboys at the helm of affairs.

Thus, at this critical moment of Edo 2024, as the electorate votes to elect a new governor on September 21, 2024, they have only one choice: the man with proven capacity and competence. Governor Godwin Obaseki is aware of this absolute minimum requirement for his successor. He is backing a tried and tested candidate who will keep the Edo Flag flying and raise the bar of governance in the State and Nigeria. Thus, Governor Obaseki affirms that “we have set things in order and achieved progress. 

Vision for the Future: Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s Agenda for Edo State

Now, it is time to solidify the reforms and implement projects focused on improving the quality of life of our people. And here comes Dr. Asue Ighodalo, whose vision for Edo State is “a place where every citizen can live a good and secure life.” A distinguished Economist and Lawyer, Ighodalo is in the race with an agenda with five strategic focus areas.

His prosperity agenda is anchored on Security, Law, and Order. He insists, “We will work hard to ensure that security, law, and order are the foundation of our prosperity.”

Under the agenda, Edo State shall support the security forces, adopt technology, establish a security trust, build trust in the people, engage the community, enforce the rule of law, and restore “our values” as a people.

Ighodalo-led administration in Edo State shall also alleviate hardship, provide stable power, provide good jobs, build roads, offer quality, affordable healthcare, access to quality education, and empower the youth and women.

Ighodalo, concerning economic growth, promises that “we will leverage our competitive advantages to grow our economy and create prosperity for all.” This shall be underpinned by Good Governance, under which “we will deliver quality services to our people and ensure that we are transparent and accountable.”

The Edo State environment will also be taken care of, and Ighodalo promises that “we will protect our environment and tackle erosion, flooding, and deforestation.”

In sum, Ighodalo, the boardroom guru, affirms that “it is the Edo spirit of excellence and greatness combined with hard work that will guide us on this pathway to prosperity for all. Let us work together to create an Edo State representing the best of us and what we can achieve.”

Asue Ighodalo’s manifesto is built on an excellent track record of accomplishments in diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy. With two first degrees in two crucial areas of Economics and Law, obtained from top-notch institutions (the University of Ibadan and London School of Economics and Political Science, respectively), Asue has bestrode the Nigerian corporate world like a colossus with giant footprints.

Having been called to the Nigerian Bar since 1985, Asue has core practice areas in corporate and project finance, securities and capital markets, energy and natural resources, and mergers and acquisitions. He co-founded Banwo & Ighodalo, one of Nigeria’s foremost corporate and commercial law firms, with 15 partners and over 100 lawyers.

Until December 2023, Asue was Chairman of the Boards of Sterling Bank Limited, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Edo State Investment Summit, Levene Energy Group Limited, and Global Mix Limited. He is the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and also served on the Board of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority from May 2017 to May 2021.

Asue has lectured on the Roles and Duties of Directors and Corporate Governance at the Lagos Business School (LBS) and the Institute of Directors. He was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics (D.Litt.) (Honoris Causa) by the Edo State University, Uzairue, in November 2021.

Making the case for the next governor

Therefore, in the spirit of continuity and sustainability, the Godwin Obaseki-led administration is fielding and backing Asue Ighodalo so that Edo State will keep rising to greater heights. Asue has all it takes to expand the frontiers of good governance and move Edo State to the seemingly elusive economic Eldorado. He has the experience, exposure, competence, and capacity to deliver!

• Okeke, a National Daily Columnist, practicing Economist, Business Strategist, Sustainability expert, and ex-chief Economist of Zenith Bank Plc, can be reached via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Kanu Agabi, has said that politicians who rigged elections have no moral justification to call on God for help when they run into roadblocks.

Agabi stated this during an appearance on Channels Television on Sunday.

He asserted that those who nurse suspicion against elections in Nigeria have justifiable grounds to seek redress in court.

Agabi noted that the problem with Nigeria is not the 1999 constitution but those who are enforcing the laws.

“So, the problem is not with the laws but with “good people to enforce them. We need to reform ourselves as a nation,” he said.

Speaking further, the ex-justice minister said the courts are burdened with electoral cases because Nigeria’s elections come under “justifiable suspicions”.

He said, “We keep talking of reforming the judiciary. We keep attacking the judges, we stigmatise them, we abuse them, we insult but the truth is this: we have very good judges.

“The judiciary is not perfect but it is the best arm of government. The problem is this: On the judges’ lists, there may be 30, or 40 cases a day. How can he cope? As long as they go on struggling with that system, they cannot cope.

“The problem of the judiciary arises from the fact that the judges are overworked.

“Take the elections for instance. Do you know how many percentages of elections are challenged? Why? Because the elections come under justifiable suspicions. Those who suspect the elections are justified but if we reach a point where the elections are not opened to the kind of criticisms and suspicions that they have been suspected, then they can free up the courts.

“Primaries are rigged at the party levels. Giving a spiritual dimension, when you have stolen the office that you are holding, do you expect God to partner with you? Can you pray over that office? Can you use it to do any good? That’s the problem.

“St Paul said I am an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the grace of God. Whatever office you hold, you must be able to say the same thing. You must be able to say, ‘I am a governor by the grace of God’, ‘I am a senator by the grace of God’. If you can’t say that, your prayer in calling upon the name of the Lord in that office is an abomination.”

[NaijaNews]