Says Nigeria under ‘state capture’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria is speedily becoming a bad case under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who he referred to as Emilokan and “Baba-go-slow”.

He said chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment have become permanent occurrences in this dispensation.

The former President, who said this while delivering his keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum, Yale University New Haven Connecticut, USA, said Nigeria currently suffers from state capture.
Obasanjo spoke on the theme: Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria.

His words: ”As we can see and understand, Nigeria’s situation is bad. The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment. That’s the situation mostly in Nigeria in the reign of Baba-go-slow and Emilokan. The failing state status of Nigeria is confirmed and glaringly indicated and manifested for every honest person to see through the consequences of the level of our pervasive corruption, mediocrity, immorality, misconduct, mismanagement, perversion, injustice, incompetence and all other forms of iniquity. But yes, there is hope.’’

CORRUPTION

The former president further described state capture as, “ one of the most pervasive forms of corruption, a situation where powerful individuals, institutions, companies, or groups within or outside a country use corruption to shape a nation’s policies, legal environment, and economy, to benefit their private interests”.

“State capture is not always overt and obvious. It can also arise from the more subtle close alignment of interests between specific business and political elites through family ties, friendships, and the intertwined ownership of economic assets”, he said.

“What is happening in Nigeria right before our eyes is state capture. The purchase of National assets by political elites – and their family members at bargain prices, the allocation of national resources – minerals, land, and even human resources – to local, regional, and international actors. It must be prohibited and prevented through local and international laws.

“Public institutions such as the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, and regulatory agencies both at the federal and local levels are subject to capture. As such, state capture can broadly be understood as the disproportionate and unregulated influence of interest groups or decision-making processes, where special interest groups manage to bend state laws, policies, and regulations”.

He, however, quoted Chinua Achebe’s ‘The Trouble with Nigeria,’ saying: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with Nigerian land, climate, water, air, or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership.”

Obasanjo added: ”In hindsight, this forty-one-year-old prescriptive analysis on the root causes of Nigeria’s leadership crisis is quite moderate and appropriate. It is at least not as desolate as the diagnosis provided by Robert Rotberg and John Campbell, two prominent US intellectuals – the latter a former United States ambassador to Nigeria to boot: ‘Nigeria has long teetered on the precipice of failure,’ they argue. ‘Unable to keep its citizens safe and secure, Nigeria has become a failed state of critical geopolitical concern. Its failure matters because the peace and prosperity of Africa and preventing the spread of disorder and militancy around the globe depend on a stronger Nigeria.”

Nigeria’s external debt stock is projected to rise to $45.1bn by the end of 2024 as the Federal Government seeks additional funding to bolster the economy, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO).

The DMO revealed in its latest report that the country’s external debt increased by $780m in the second quarter of 2024, climbing from $42.12bn in March to $42.9bn in June.

In a new development, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) last Thursday approved a $2.2bn external borrowing plan to finance the Federal Government’s 2024 Appropriation Act.

The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, announced the approval during a briefing with State House correspondents at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

He disclosed that the borrowing plan included a mix of Eurobond and Sukuk offerings, valued at $1.7bn and $500m, respectively.

“These funds are expected to bolster Nigeria’s fiscal stability amid ongoing economic reforms,” Edun stated, adding that the allocation between the instruments would depend on market conditions and advice from transaction advisors.

He further noted that the borrowing plan is subject to approval by the National Assembly, emphasizing that the funds would play a key role in addressing fiscal challenges and supporting critical infrastructure projects.

“The first (memo) was to complete the borrowing programme of the FG in terms of the external borrowing with the approval of the $2.2bn financing programme made up of access to the international capital market for some combination of the Euro bond offer and the Sukuk bond offer.

“A Euro bond of about $1.7bn and Sukuk financing of another $500m the actual makeup of the financing which will be done as soon as the National Assembly has considered and seen fate to hopefully approve of the borrowing plan and the external borrowing approval is given, it will be done this year, as soon as possible after approval.

“The actual combination of instruments that will be raised will depend on what the advisors, the transaction advisors, the commercial advisers, and what they say about market conditions at the time we decide and we want to enter the market,” Edun explained.

In its report, the DMO noted that Nigeria’s external debt experienced a notable increase in its naira valuation between March 31, 2024, and June 30, 2024, due to naira devaluation.

On March 31, 2024, the total external debt was valued at $42.12bn, equivalent to ₦56.02tn, using an exchange rate of ₦1,330.26/$1.

By June 30, 2024, the external debt rose marginally to $42.90bn but surged to ₦63.07tn in naira terms due to a higher exchange rate of ₦1,470.19/$1.

This represents a 12.59 per cent increase in the naira valuation of external debt within the period, largely driven by the naira’s depreciation.

While the dollar-denominated debt grew by just 1.87 per cent, the significant devaluation amplified the burden of external debt in local currency terms, further emphasising the exchange rate’s critical role in Nigeria’s debt sustainability.

Justifying the borrowing, Edun said the external financing initiative aligned with the administration’s broader economic recovery plan, which focused on stabilising macroeconomic conditions, adjusting market pricing for foreign exchange and petroleum products, and supporting local production.

He added that, earlier in the year, Nigeria’s successful domestic issuance of dollar bonds highlighted the growing resilience and sophistication of the country’s financial market, attracting both local and international investors who showcased confidence in the Federal Government’s economic reform agenda.

Amid the rising wave of inflation gripping the country, no fewer than 15 Northern states spent an approximate sum of N45bn on different poverty alleviation programmes in the first six months of 2024, an investigation by Sunday PUNCH has revealed.

On Friday, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that Nigeria’s inflation rate surged to 33.88 per cent in October 2024, up from 32.70 per cent in September.

In January, the country’s inflation rate was 29.90 per cent, indicating that it had increased by 13 per cent within the first 10 months of the year.

The effect is felt in most of the northern states, a region that reportedly has the highest poverty rate in the country.

In April 2024, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, decried the high level of poverty in Northern Nigeria, especially the North West.

According to him, the region had the highest poverty rate in the country, with a national average of 40.1 per cent as of 2019.

Delivering a paper, titled “Navigating the Maze: Addressing Multi-Dimensional Insecurity Challenges in Northern Nigeria,” at the combined convocation lecture of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Ribadu identified Sokoto as the worst-hit in the region.

The Multidimensional Poverty Index Survey launched by the NBS for the 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2022 also confirmed the high rate of poverty in Northern Nigeria.

The survey indicated that 65 per cent (86 million people) of the 63 per cent (133 million people) poor individuals in Nigeria reside in the North.

It stated that 91 per cent of people in Sokoto State are poor while listing the proportion of multidimensionally poor for other northern states as Jigawa (83.3), Zamfara (82.70), Yobe (81.70), Bauchi (81.30), Kebbi (79.10), Katsina (77.50), Gombe (77.40), Kano (68.80), Taraba (65.10), Borno (64.0), Niger (61.60), and Adamawa (59.90).

An investigation by Sunday PUNCH showed that about 15 of the 19 states in the North spent the sum of N45,323,220,202 on several programmes to reduce poverty in the region between January and June 2024.

The states are Zamfara, Yobe, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Gombe, Borno, Bauchi, and Adamawa.

The figures were derived from an analysis of the budget implementation reports of the states, obtained from the Open Nigerian States, a BudgIT-backed website serving as a repository for government budget data.

The performance report is prepared quarterly and issued within four weeks of each quarter’s end.

During the same period, the states received over N325bn in grants and aid from various financial institutions across the globe.

But despite getting financial aid worth N5.3bn, there was no record that Kano State spent any amount on poverty alleviation programmes in the first half of the year, though about 68.8 per cent of the population of the state lived below the national poverty line.

Zamfara State, with an 82 per cent poor population, spent only N1.3m on poverty alleviation programmes, despite getting N52.8bn in grants alone during the period under review.

For Yobe State, another high poverty rate, N16bn was on poverty alleviation programmes, though it received N53bn in grants.

For other northern states, Plateau spent N3.6bn, Niger N280m, Nasarawa N94m, Kwara N583m, Kogi N14bn, Kebbi N54m, Katsina N16m, Kaduna N13m, Jigawa N6bn, Gombe spent N1.8bn, Borno N3.2bn, Bauchi N850m, and Adamawa N839m to tackle poverty in their states during the period under review.

The World Bank has raised concerns over $32m in unaccounted funds from a Nigerian water sector project, sparking fears of embezzlement and mismanagement.

According to the FY2024 Sanctions System Annual Report, the Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) discovered the discrepancies following a forensic review of the project’s financial records.

The funds, originally allocated to improve water infrastructure in Nigeria, were not properly accounted for, prompting the Bank to intervene to safeguard the project’s integrity.

In response, the World Bank engaged key project stakeholders, including Nigeria’s Task Team Leader, Operations Manager, and Financial Management Specialist, to address the issues.

To mitigate further risks, the Bank directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to reimburse $22m while retaining $6m in the project account to cover future operational expenses.

The Bank also restricted the project’s financial operations to direct payments, aiming to prevent additional irregularities.

A copy of the report obtained by Sunday PUNCH read, “INT followed up on risks identified regarding a project in Nigeria’s water sector and flagged to operations the risk, which was associated with $32m of unaccounted funds.

“INT met with the Task Team Leader, Operations Manager, Programme Leader, and Financial Management Specialist to identify steps to reduce the risk of embezzlement. As a result, the project team asked the Central Bank (of Nigeria) to reimburse the full amount ($22m) and limited the remainder of the project to direct payments.

“The local account remained with about $6m in undisbursed balance, a little more than the anticipated PIU expenses for the remainder of the project.”

Further investigations showed that the World Bank has imposed a 1.5-year debarment with conditional release on a Nigerian engineering firm and its managing director for fraudulent practices in the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project.

This decision follows an investigation by the bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency, which uncovered instances of misrepresentation during the bidding and execution phases of the project.

A document from the World Bank obtained by the platform provided more information on the project, noting, “This case arises in the context of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (the “Project”) in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The project sought to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds in Nigeria. On April 16, 2013, Nigeria entered into a financing agreement with IDA for an amount equivalent to Special Drawing Rights (‘SDR’) 321.4m (approximately $500m at the time of signature) to support the project.

“Simultaneously, the bank and Nigeria entered into two grant agreements under the Global Environment Facility and the GEF Special Climate Change Fund, for $3.96m and $4.63m, respectively, to support the project.

“On February 12, 2019, the bank provided additional financing to Nigeria in the amount of SDR 208.7m (equivalent to $300m), plus a Scale-up Facility Additional Credit in the amount of $100m. The project became effective on September 16, 2013, and closed on June 30, 2022.”

The NEWMAP project, financed by the International Development Association and supported by the Global Environment Facility, was designed to reduce soil erosion in targeted Nigerian sub-watersheds.

The $900m project spanned multiple states, including Abia, where the firm under scrutiny was contracted.

The engineering firm, part of a joint venture, was awarded a $1.22m contract in 2015 to provide design and supervision services for erosion control.

The investigation revealed that during the selection process, the firm misrepresented the availability of key staff and the role of one of its JV partners.

Also, during project implementation, the firm replaced key personnel without notifying the project management unit, violating contract terms.

The investigation uncovered that two key staff members listed in the firm’s proposal were unavailable during the project.

Despite this, their resumes and certifications were included in the proposal to strengthen the bid.

The firm’s managing director admitted during the hearing that the staff’s availability was never confirmed before submission.

This act constituted a fraudulent misrepresentation, according to the World Bank’s Consultant Guidelines.

The firm also falsely claimed that a JV partner actively participated in the project.

While the partner was listed in the proposal, it neither contributed to the work nor received payment for its involvement.

The firm’s justification that the partner was included for its political connections was deemed unsubstantiated by the World Bank.

The firm and its managing director are barred from participating in any World Bank-financed projects for a minimum of 1.5 years.

This sanction extends across the World Bank Group and may be enforced by other multilateral development banks under a cross-debarment agreement.

The document read, “The Respondent Firm, together with any entity that is an Affiliate directly or indirectly controlled by the Respondent Firm, shall be ineligible to (i) be awarded or otherwise benefit from a Bank-financed contract, financially or in any other manner; (ii) be a nominated sub-contractor, consultant, manufacturer or supplier, or service provider of an otherwise eligible firm being awarded a Bank-financed contract; and (iii) receive the proceeds of any loan made by the Bank or otherwise participate further in the preparation or implementation of any Bank-Financed Projects.”

It added, “the Respondent Managing Director, together with any entity that is an Affiliate that he directly or indirectly controls, shall be ineligible to (i) be awarded or otherwise benefit from a bank-financed contract, financially or in any other manner; (ii) be a nominated sub-contractor, consultant, manufacturer or supplier, or service provider of an otherwise eligible firm being awarded a Bank-financed contract; and (iii) receive the proceeds of any loan made by the Bank or otherwise participate further in the preparation or implementation of any Bank-Financed Projects.”

Reinstatement after the debarment period is contingent on the firm implementing compliance measures, including the establishment of an integrity compliance program.

Further checks by Punch showed that a firm, Diyokes Consultants Limited, based in Enugu State, Nigeria was declared ineligible by the World Bank for a period of 1.5 years (from March 11, 2024, to September 10, 2025) for fraudulent practices.

The individual associated with the same firm, Innocent Diyoke, shared the same ineligibility period and grounds for sanction.

Both the firm and individual were linked to fraudulent activities uncovered in connection with the World Bank-financed project.

It was earlier reported that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, secured loans worth $6.45bn from the World Bank in just 16 months.

The amount increased to the new figure following the recent approval of three new loans totalling $1.57bn from the World Bank for various projects in Nigeria and is expected to increase further in the coming months.

This was as the international lender approved no fewer than 36 loan requests to the Federal Government, amounting to a substantial total of $24.09bn within five years.

These approvals, aimed at financing various development projects nationwide, arrive alongside increasing concerns about the country’s escalating debt profile, prompting questions about the sustainability of these financial commitments and their potential long-term effects on the economy.

Some of the projects under Tinubu include loans for power ($750m), women empowerment ($500m), girl’s education ($700m), renewable energy ($750m), economic stabilization reforms ($1.5bn) and resource mobilization reforms ($750m).

For many Nigerians, long years of infrastructure decay and increased unemployment have triggered an increased feeling of bitterness whenever they hear the government’s intention to borrow.

Although some of them realistically agree that resources are thin, considering an outsized population; however, they believe the past borrowings have not been justified.

Nigeria’s representative, Chidimma Adetshina, has finished as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico.

The final moments of the prestigious event, announced early Sunday morning, saw an electrifying face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women stood poised to claim the crown.

The competition, described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.

In a post via Instagram, the organisers said, “The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.”

Though Denmark ultimately won the crown, Adetshina’s exceptional performance and grace earned her widespread admiration from judges and audiences alike.

Details later…

Ondo State Governor and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Lucky Ayedatiwa, is so far leading in 15 local government areas as the Independent National Electoral Commission announced the results of Saturday’s governorship election.

The State Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State, formally opened the state collation exercise around 12:10 a.m. on Sunday

In the results of the 15 local government areas declared so far, Ayedatiwa won in all, including Idanre Local Government, where Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship running mate, Mr. Festus Akingbaso, hails from.

In Ifedore LG, APC got 14,157 to defeat PDP which polled 5,897 votes.

In Ondo East LG, APC got 8,163, defeating PDP that garnered 2,843 votes.

In IleOluji/OkeIgbo LG, APC, 16,600, PDP, 4 442, in Idanre LG, APC, 9,114, PDP, 8,940.

However, in Idanre Local Government Area, a PDP agent alleged that there was no voting in Ofosun Oniseri.

He also alleged a case of ballot snatching at Alade.

He said votes from the ward should be expunged from the LG’s votes.

In Irele Local Government, APC got 17,117 while PDP polled 6 601. In Akoko South West, APC got 29,700 to defeat PDP which garnered 5,517.

The result from Owo Local Government Area indicated that APC polled 31,914 to defeat PDP which garnered 4,740.

In Ondo West LG, APC polled 20,755, while PDP got 6,387 votes.

In Akoko South East LG, APC polled 12140, while PDP got 2692 votes.

In Akoko North West, APC won with 25010, as PDP got 5502.

APC also won Ose LG with a total of 16555, while PDP got 4472. In Akure South LGA, APC polled 32969 votes against PDP’s 17926.

In Akoko North East, APC won with 25657 votes against the PDP’s 5072.

Akinwumi, after the results of the 15th LG, said the commission would go on reccess to resume by 12noon when results of the last three local government areas, Ilaje, Ese Odo and Odigbo, would be released.

See the breakdown of the LGs announced so far:

1. Ifedore LGA:

APC: 14157

PDP: 5897

SDP: 21

2. Ondo East LGA:

APC: 8163

PDP: 2843

SDP: 15

3. IleOluji/OkeIgbo LGA:

APC: 16600

PDP: 4442

SDP: 08

4. Idanre LGA:

APC: 9114

PDP: 8940

LP: 24

APGA: 25

5. Irele LGA

APC: 17117

PDP: 6601

LP:15

APGA: 30

 6. Akoko South West LGA

APC: 29700

ADP: 87

PDP: 5517

APGA:23

SDP: 11

7: Owo LGA:

APC: 31914

ADP:140

PDP: 4740

AAC: 16

APGA: 36

LP: 42

8: Ose LGA

AA: 03

AAC:08

APGA:19

ADC:141

APC:16555

LP:06

PDP: 4472

9: Akure South LGA:

AA: 08

AAC: 58

APGA: 95

ADC: 630

APC: 32969

PDP: 17926

LP: 238

SDP: 138

ZLP: 252

10: Akoko North East:

AA: 03

AAC: 19

APGA: 36

APC:25657

LP: 14

PDP: 5072

SDP:03

11. Ondo West LGA

A: 31

AA: 09

AAC: 30

ADC: 415

ADP: 143

APC: 20755

LP: 181

PDP: 6387

SDP: 123

12. Akoko South East LGA

A: 02

AAC: 04

ADC: 81

ADP: 28

APC: 12140

APGA: 19

PDP: 2692

SDP: 03

13. Akoko North West LGA

A: 06

AA: 04

AAC: 14

ADC: 130

ADP: 51

APC: 25010

APGA: 21

LP: 23

PDP: 5502

SDP: 05

14. Akure North LGA

A: 9

ADC:180

APC: 14451

LP: 238

PDP: 5787

PRP: 6

SDP:46

15. Okitipupa LGA

A:5

ADC 284

APC: 26811

LP:27

PDP: 10233

PRP: 17

SDP: 18

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State and the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, has vowed to concede defeat if he loses Saturday’s election.

Aiyedatiwa, however, said he would concede defeat if the governorship election is free and fair.

He disclosed this while addressing journalists after casting his vote at polling unit 05, Igbo Ward 4, Obenla in Ilaje LGA of the state.

Aiyedatiwa said reports from his aides showed that the election has been largely peaceful in some other units of the state.

“If the outcome of the poll does not favour my party, APC, as long as we did not receive any report that it (poll) was fraudulent in any way.

“Why not? We will accept defeat. But if we notice any practices and non-compliance of the procedures.

“The only thing is to go to the tribunal to challenge that. By and large, if it goes that way, I will accept the outcome of the election.”

Eighteen months after the implementation of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has observed that the fiscal policies introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration are struggling to deliver meaningful results.

Catherine Patillo, IMF Deputy Director, while presenting a report at the Lagos Business School (LBS) on Friday, reported a mixed performance of economic reforms across Sub-Saharan Africa, with notable successes in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Zambia.

Nigeria was conspicuously absent from the list of success stories in the region.

The report stated that sub-Saharan Africa’s average economic growth rate is projected to remain at 3.6 per cent for 2024. It noted that Nigeria’s growth rate, pegged at 3.19 per cent, falls below this average.

Patillo said that while macroeconomic imbalances have reduced in several countries, Nigeria has yet to show such progress.

She stated that more than two-thirds of countries have undertaken fiscal consolidation, stressing that while the median primary balance is expected to narrow by 0.7 percentage points alone in 2024, there are notable improvements in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Zambia, among others.

The report stated, “In contrast, Nigeria’s inflation rate, which slowed briefly in July and August, resumed its upward trend in September, rising further in October.

“At 33.8 per cent, it significantly exceeds the 21 per cent target set for 2024, with analysts predicting further increases in November and December.”

The report also observed Nigeria’s struggles with exchange rate stability, highlighting it as one of the worst-performing nations in that regard.

According to the report, other countries in the region are experiencing reduced foreign exchange pressures but Nigeria’s local currency depreciation and instability remain a concern.

On debt servicing, the report said Nigeria ranked among countries suffering the heaviest fiscal burden.

The IMF noted that rising debt service obligations are consuming substantial portions of revenue, limiting resources available for development.

It stated that in Angola, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia, the increase in interest payments alone absorbed a massive 15 per cent of total revenue.

The IMF grouped Nigeria among resource-intensive countries struggling with social and political challenges that hinder reform implementation.

Political unrest, public dissatisfaction, and tight financing conditions were identified as major impediments.

The report noted that resource-intensive countries continue to grow at about half the rate of the rest of the region, with oil exporters struggling the most and further noted that adjustment fatigue, public resistance, and weak communication strategies are undermining the impact of reforms in Nigeria.

The IMF recommended rethinking reform strategies, urging countries like Nigeria to adopt measures that mobilise public support for deep structural changes.

It pointed out the need for greater attention to communication and engagement strategies, reform design, compensatory measures, and rebuilding trust in public institutions.

As Nigeria grapples with biting economic hardship, a quieter crisis is unfolding- the pressure to provide for family has become a crushing weight for many men.

The fight to repress this pressure, especially in a society that prioritizes issues affecting women and children, has driven some men into depression.

In Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, a 45-year-old father of two who said he has fallen into depression as a result of his incapacity to provide adequately for his family, narrates his struggle to DAILY POST.

Every day, Idris (not his real name), who lives in the Ijeja area of the state, treks to his place of work in an attempt to manage his N16,000 salary.

With his hand on his chin, Idris, clothed in a faded dark blue shirt, said he works as a gate man at a well-known beer parlour along Onikoko, Panseke Road.

“Since I only make N16,000 a month working as a gate man, I trek to work every day in order to manage my salary, the cost of transportation is now high.

“I was previously earning N13,000, but as the prices of things got higher, my salary was increased to N16,000,” he said.

Shaking his head in self-pity, Idris said that despite his efforts, he sees himself as a failed man who cannot provide for his family.

“They do not pay me in cash; I am always given a cheque; I would have to go to the bank to cash the money. My wife does not work, so I must do everything to take care of my family,” he told DAILY POST.

Also, a middle-aged single father of two simply identified as Fred said, “I feel like I’m going crazy, especially when the money at hand isn’t enough to meet the basic necessities”.

He asserted that, like him, many men are falling sick every day, but rather than visit the hospital, they concentrate on taking care of their families.

“This hardship affects my reasoning, thinking and emotions. Sometimes it looks like I’m running mad when I start calculating all the things I want to do, especially when I know that what I have at hand cannot even take care of my needs.

Men Don’t Cry, Yet Dying In Silence

Men have a duty to provide for the family, and amid the toiling they are often less inclined to express their emotions because men don’t cry, as the popular saying goes.

As family heads, men, while dealing with a lot of emotional difficulties, find it hard to express their feelings or ask for help so as not to be perceived as being weak or even lazy.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over 6 million men suffer from depression annually. However, these cases are frequently underdiagnosed.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017 claimed that 7,079,815 Nigerians suffer from depression. Depression is a type of mental illness that is characterized by unhappiness and can lead to suicide.

Seven million Nigerians represent approximately 4 percent of the entire population, thus making Nigeria the most depressed country in Africa.

It has long been the norm for men to be strong, independent, and emotionally resilient, and this has left them with no choice but to bottle up emotions even when they need help.

It is also reported that men’s depression over family burden in Nigeria is a significant fraction of the global burden of diseases, accounting for 40% of the leading health conditions contributing to disability-adjusted life years (DALYS).

37-year-old Adesegun Akinsanya admitted that there is pressure to maintain a strong external look even while struggling internally.

“I’m a father of three. I have to provide for food, clothing and even transportation.

“I was brought up with the mentality that men are to shoulder the responsibilities, and that is a pressure I deal with every day,” he told DAILY POST.

Unlike the other men, Akinsanya has a wife who works, yet he expresses his fears.

“I am the head, and I don’t want her shouldering the responsibilities, although I want to change that mindset, but I cannot, that was what we were taught from infancy,” he said.

Fear of Judgment and Failure

Akinsanya pointed out that he has refrained from seeking assistance or talking about his struggles because of fear of being perceived as incompetent or a failure.

He admitted that the current economic hardship has added to the burden of men, yet, he wallows in silence and cannot speak out.

“Before now, my wife prepared a pot of soup with N5,000, but it’s different now; just two fishes would cost almost N4,000; even while cooking the gas would finish. I don’t know how to ask people for help, so I try to save the little I have and manage myself,” he said.

“I Shout On My Wife, Children When I’m Frustrated”

Akinsanya disclosed that when he is weighed down with the challenges of providing, he transfers the aggression to his wife.

“It’s an everyday pressure, and sometimes when I’m tired, I react angrily and shout at them when they ask for money,” he said.

Similarly, Fred revealed that while he gets irrational and upset over minor issues, he also distances himself from friends and families.

Fred said, “Sometimes for something that is not worth shouting on, I shout, I react irrationally sometimes to my friends, I get angry over little things that are not worth it, and when I get home and have a rethink, I start blaming myself and have to apologize the next day.

“Naturally, I don’t know how to beg, I carry my cross alone and at worst I distance myself from people, face my problems and once I get out of it, I start socializing with people again.”

Bottling Up Emotions Can Lead to Depression, Substance Abuse, Suicide – Psychiatrist

The Secretary General of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Dr Abayomi Olajide, said suppressed emotions might result in increased tension, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and even suicide.

Olajide asserted that silence is not a good coping strategy and can also lead to strained relationships with partners, family, and friends.

“The concept of men’s mental health is very broad, yes; it is often known that men don’t cry; they do not express their emotions; instead, they go about showing strength even when they are hurting.

“But it is not a good coping strategy, a problem shared is a problem solved. Internalizing some of these challenges often leads to anxiety problems, depression, and, for some, increased substance abuse.

“It could also affect their interpersonal relationship, and that can cause a lot of distress, psychosocial challenges, marital disharmony, social interactions can also be affected because they go about with tension,” he told DAILY POST.

Speak Out When You Feel Less Of Yourself – Psychologist

Mrs Damilola Onebamhoin, a counselling psychologist in Abeokuta, advised men to speak up when they feel inferior, warning that there is a connection between self-esteem and achievements to depression.

According to Onebamhoin, men must understand that asking for assistance and talking about their challenges is a show of strength and bravery rather than a sign of weakness.

The psychologist disclosed that talking to others about their worries might help reduce the burden, avoid mental health problems, and strengthen their relationships with loved ones.

She said, “Most people who have their goals outlined and they meet those goals or find fulfilment in doing something hardly fall into depression.

“An average person who feels lacking in one area or the other would want to feel depressed and it’s connected to our mental health. So when you begin to feel less of yourself then there is a problem.

“There’s something that connects your self-esteem and achievements to depression. Attaining a state of isolation and depression can lead to suicidal thoughts,” she added.

‘How Men Can Get Help’

Olajide advised men to first accept the fact that the economy is bad and things aren’t going as anticipated.

This, according to him, will enable them to realize the need to discuss the problems, get assistance when needed, and seek counsel.

The Consultant Psychiatrist who works at the Neuropsychiatrist Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, also recommended reminiscence therapy, explaining that they can recall memories of things they achieved in the past and dwell on them to encourage them.

He told DAILY POST that: “Support groups are also important in the society and community.

“Attending workshops or seminars- they must engage in problem-solving skills or use the knowledge of others to engage the problem and then move on with the solution.

“Yes, reminicious therapy, you can look back and think about what you’ve done in the past, the success you achieved, and rely on those things to encourage you.”

He emphasized that all men must keep in mind that they are not alone and that many others have faced and conquered similar difficulties.

‘The Society Have A Role To Play’

Olajide argued that society must learn to accept men as human beings, not superheroes who can do everything without having emotions.

He noted that rather than stigmatizing and discriminating against them, they should encourage them to talk about their struggles.

“Society should accept that men are human beings and are not superman. I think we need to change our ideology about men being superheroes who can do everything without having emotions.

“We need to begin to look at them as people with feelings and emotions, who can be hurt, disappointed, and can cry.

“Once society accepts that there is a little difference in the emotional component of men and women, it will give them that confidence to come out.

‘The Government Has a Role To Play’

Olajide urged all tiers of governments to do everything within their power to alleviate the challenging economic hardship facing the country.

According to him, they should provide chances for self-improvement, productivity, earning money, learning new skills, and other activities that are known to enhance men’s mental health.

The Consultant Psychiatrist, however, opined that they should also invest in sporting activities as this, among others, can help men deal with pressure and challenges.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says there is no plan to remove Mele Kyari, its group chief executive officer (GCEO).

A report had speculated that Kyari may not last in his post until the end of the year following a major shakeup at the organisation.

Speaking to Punch on November 15, Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s chief corporate communications officer, described the report as a baseless speculation.

“One might wonder if they were the ones who hired Mele Kyari, given their apparent insight into his career plans. Such baseless speculation is not only laughable but also a testament to the lengths some will go to craft immature narratives,” Soneye said.

“Let’s set the record straight: GCEO Mele Kyari is performing exceptionally, steering Nigeria’s energy sector toward unprecedented success.

“Under his leadership, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has transitioned from years of losses to declaring profits—a historic achievement.

“Just yesterday (Thursday), we reached a production milestone of 1.8 million barrels per day, a testament to his unwavering commitment.”

The Soneye said Kyari is focused on actualising President Bola Tinubu’s vision for progress and development in the energy sector, ensuring energy security for our nation.

“So, to address the rumour: it’s as credible as a mirage in the desert,” he added.

On November 13, the NNPC announced a major reshuffling in the leadership of the NNPC.

The national company appointed Adedapo Segun as its chief financial officer (CFO).

The company also named Udobong Ntia as the new executive vice-president (EVP) of its upstream operations.