As the world converges in Baku, Azerbaijan for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) less than 11 days away, Nigeria has yet another unique opportunity to assert its interests and priorities in the global climate discourse. With the country’s vulnerability to climate change evident, it is imperative that Nigeria’s delegation pushes a bold agenda that addresses the nation’s pressing climate needs.

A top priority for Nigeria in Baku should be securing increased adaptation financing. While wealthier nations are primarily responsible for historic emissions, African countries, including Nigeria, suffer disproportionately from climate impacts. Notably, African nations received only 20% of global adaptation finance flows in 2021–2022, a figure far below the 45% allocated to East Asia and the Pacific region. As Nigeria faces intensifying climate impacts like rising temperatures, severe flooding, and drought, adaptation funding is vital to safeguard livelihoods and stimulate economic resilience.

In 2024, floods have affected 34 states, 217 local governments, and over a million people. Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) estimates that $142 billion is needed to build climate resilience by 2030. At COP29, Nigeria should advocate for increased financial commitments from developed countries, emphasizing the importance of grant-based funding and technology transfer. Furthermore, Nigeria’s climate response requires enhanced capacity and expertise across various sectors. Thus, COP29 offers a crucial platform to secure commitments for technology transfer, training, and capacity-building programs that could foster homegrown climate solutions and support green job creation.

Another key focus for Nigeria is enhancing its technological capabilities to fight climate change. The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (FMSTI) has initiated a needs assessment to identify essential technologies for climate mitigation and adaptation across agriculture, transportation, and biodiversity. However, constraints in trained manpower, suitable technology, and inadequate funding hinder progress in biodiversity conservation. By expanding partnerships with other countries and international organizations, Nigeria can address these gaps and protect its rich biodiversity. This collaboration is essential, given Nigeria’s high deforestation rate of 3.7% annually, one of the highest globally.

Food security also remains a significant concern as climate change disrupts Nigeria’s agricultural systems, which are highly dependent on rainfall. Droughts, floods, and erratic weather patterns have severely impacted crop yields, affecting the livelihoods of the 70% of Nigeria’s workforce involved in farming. Through climate-smart agriculture (CSA), Nigeria is working on seed improvement, hybridization, and climate-resilient crops. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) is promoting the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Card Scheme (NFSHCS), an initiative aimed at enhancing soil fertility, improving productivity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At COP29, Nigeria should seek investment in climate-smart seeds, irrigation systems, agroforestry, and land restoration technologies to address challenges like land degradation and desertification.

Nigeria’s energy sector, responsible for around 70% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, is also an area of critical focus. The government aims to produce 30% of its electricity from solar and wind power by 2030. Additionally, Nigeria has committed to the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, which targets a tripling of renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. Nigeria has made strides in renewable energy, with initiatives such as the Renewvia and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) solar mini-grids in rural areas, and the World Bank and African Development Bank-supported Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP). With these efforts, Nigeria is well-positioned to secure additional partnerships for its energy transition at COP29.

Moreover, reducing emissions from the transportation sector is vital. The transportation industry, a significant carbon emitter, releases approximately 60 million tons of CO2 yearly, a figure expected to rise. At COP26, Nigeria pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 and aims to deploy 13 million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2050, with 100% adoption by 2060. As a step toward this goal, Nigeria announced the roll out of 100 electric buses at COP28, an initiative that can attract further investment in clean transportation. Borno and Lagos states are already making strides in EV adoption, with Lagos committing $260 million for 1,000 electric vehicles. Nevertheless, Nigeria needs to improve EV infrastructure to fully embrace electric mobility. At COP29, Nigeria should present its clean transport strategy to garner the necessary funding and expertise.

This year’s COP presents a pivotal moment for Nigeria and other climate-vulnerable nations to assert their priorities and gain substantial commitments from the global community. Nigeria’s delegation should be united in its efforts, with government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders all working together toward shared climate goals. Additionally, Nigeria can leverage the Nairobi Declaration to enhance its influence, using it as a blueprint to advocate for climate finance, climate justice, technology transfer, energy transition, climate-resilient agriculture, and capacity building. This approach will help Nigeria balance its development ambitions with the global climate response.

Following COP29, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) is expected to hold a post-COP29 meeting to evaluate outcomes and develop an implementation plan. This will be a critical next step in ensuring Nigeria’s commitments translate into tangible climate actions.

All the best to our delegates at COP29.

Professor Daniel Musa Gwary is the director of the Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Maiduguri. His work focuses on climate adaptation and disaster risk management

The headlines of today are a stark reminder of a world grappling with public and private boundaries as high-profile figures repeatedly find themselves caught in the tide of scandal. Recent controversies surrounding Baltasar Ebang Engonga, Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), and hip-hop mogul P. Diddy serve as prime examples of how morality and discretion have become blurred in the glare of the modern media spotlight. 

These incidents beg a larger question: Are we, as a society, falling into the trap of a modern-day Babylon, a world driven by indulgence, with societal boundaries slipping away at every turn? Are we seeing a cultural shift where the virtues of restraint and responsibility are losing ground to sensationalism and self-gratification?

To address these questions, we must delve deeper into the scandals, their broader implications, and what they reveal about society at large.

Public figures hold a unique position in society; they are role models, influencers, and, in many cases, symbols of what society values or aspires to become. When people in such influential positions are caught in controversial circumstances, it is natural for the public to react with a mixture of fascination and outrage. Baltasar Ebang Engonga, who occupies a prominent financial oversight role in Equatorial Guinea, has reportedly been implicated in a scandal involving explicit videos, footage that stands in sharp contrast to the responsibilities of his position. For a government official, such behavior could indicate not only a personal failing but a deeper vulnerability that may undermine the public’s trust in institutions intended to guard the public interest.

Similarly, P. Diddy, who has long been a significant player in the music and entertainment industry, faces allegations of sexual misconduct. While the details continue to unfold, the headlines and reactions have fueled a debate about accountability, power dynamics, and the extent to which fame can insulate people from facing real consequences. P. Diddy’s case also reflects a cultural fascination with the very thing that horrifies, stories of excess, indulgence, and power gone unchecked.

The ancient story of Babylon, a city notorious for its decadence, lives on as a cautionary tale of what can happen when a society loses its moral compass. The metaphor of Babylon resonates today, not simply because of high-profile scandals but because of society’s tendency to consume and propagate them. The media, both traditional and social, is constantly fueled by public interest, which thrives on scandal. Stories about the private lives of Ebang Engonga and P. Diddy do not just appear; they are disseminated, shared, and amplified because of society’s insatiable appetite for spectacle.

Yet this compulsion to scrutinize and even revel in the moral downfalls of public figures comes with consequences. As we continuously broadcast and consume these narratives, a kind of cultural desensitization sets in. What would have once been shocking or career-ending scandals are now absorbed into the fabric of our everyday media diet, rendering each new story less impactful than the last. This collective numbing is troubling because it suggests a gradual erosion of societal standards, where once-taboo behaviors become routine and expected.

Our technologically advanced world means that anything can be recorded, shared, and sensationalized in seconds. This digital transparency, while valuable in holding people accountable, has also brought us closer to the kind of voyeuristic society that ancient Babylon symbolized. In the case of Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the alleged explicit videos circulating on social media illustrate how modern technology can both reveal private indiscretions and magnify their impact.

For public figures, the line between private missteps and public consequences is thinner than ever, creating a new reality in which they must constantly weigh the repercussions of every action. Technology not only exposes such acts but also accelerates the spread and consumption of scandalous content. And as society consumes these stories, technology also reshapes our relationship with them, allowing us to interact, comment, judge, and even participate in the lives of others in ways that were previously unimaginable.

The cumulative impact of these scandals raises larger questions about the moral direction of society. Are these high-profile downfalls isolated cases of individuals with questionable judgment, or are they symptomatic of a broader societal trend toward moral indifference? As each new scandal emerges, public outrage seems to subside faster, making space for the next scandal on the horizon. This pattern hints at a society that has come to accept, and perhaps even expect, the kind of behavior that once elicited public condemnation.

Moreover, when society routinely witnesses the powerful act with apparent impunity, it can foster a sense of disillusionment and moral confusion. If public figures such as Ebang Engonga and P. Diddy are allowed to retain their influence and prestige despite scandal, what message does that send to the public, particularly the younger generation? The lesson is both implicit and troubling: success and power can justify, or at least cushion, moral lapses.

At its core, the notion of a “modern-day Babylon” evokes a sense of lost boundaries and diminishing standards, where excess and self-gratification take precedence over restraint and accountability. But there remains an opportunity for society to choose a different path, one that emphasizes personal responsibility and communal values. While scandals like those of Baltasar Ebang Engonga and P. Diddy capture the headlines, they also serve as cautionary tales. They remind us of the potential fallout when people in positions of power are not held accountable.

If society wishes to avoid a descent into Babylonian-style moral decay, it must do more than simply watch these scandals unfold. It must demand accountability from its public figures and challenge the systems that allow such behaviors to go unchecked. It means calling for transparency, enforcing standards, and fostering a culture where influence is tied to integrity rather than power alone.

Are we living in a modern-day Babylon? The answer is not so straightforward. Society is undoubtedly witnessing a moment where traditional boundaries are tested, where private scandals of public figures like Baltasar Ebang Engonga and P. Diddy are dissected for all to see. Technology has brought the far corners of the world into our homes and our hands, but it has also blurred the boundaries of public and private, decency and voyeurism, accountability and indifference.

Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to indulge in these stories, and the values they reflect, lies with each individual. As we engage with these narratives, we are at once consumers and creators of the culture around us. Whether we continue to foster a modern-day Babylon or strive for a higher moral ground depends on the standards we set, the boundaries we enforce, and the responsibility we demand from both our leaders and ourselves.

In a world poised at a moral crossroads, let the scandals of today remind us not only of the dangers of excess but of the power of restraint, integrity, and accountability. Only then can we hope to avoid the path of Babylon and build a society where power is tempered by purpose, and influence is rooted in virtue.

Quincy Jones, a legendary figure in music whose 70-year career saw him excel as an artist, bandleader, composer, arranger, and producer, has passed away at the age of 91.

Jones died on Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, California, as confirmed in a statement from his representative, Arnold Robinson, shared with Entertainment Journalists. No cause of death was provided.

“With full but broken hearts, we share the passing of our father and brother, Quincy Jones,” the Jones family said. “This is a profound loss for our family, yet we celebrate the extraordinary life he lived, knowing there will never be another like him. He was truly one of a kind, and he will be dearly missed. We find comfort and pride in knowing that the love and joy that defined him were shared with the world through everything he created. Through his music and boundless spirit, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”

The news hit like a somber note. When I heard Quincy was dead, memories stirred deep within me, and nostalgia came rushing in, transporting me back to a time when Nigeria’s entertainment industry was not just thriving but vividly and excellently documented. This was not just about the individuals like Quincy who gave the industry its pulse and its rhythm. It was about an era when entertainment journalism in Nigeria brought life to our screens, papers, and minds.

In those days, reading about stars like Quincy and other music legends was an experience that extended beyond just the headlines. We saw their world through the pens of journalists who crafted stories with skill and respect for their craft. Publications like “Prime People”, “Vintage People”, “Quality”, and “Climax” coupled with entertainment pullout published in various daily newspapers in those days brought the stars closer, uncovering the lives of musicians, actors, and entertainers in a way that was both captivating and insightful.

In fact, these newspapers and magazines were the trusted voices of our entertainment industry, setting high standards for the quality and integrity of celebrity reporting. They not only celebrated the stars but also critically engaged with the challenges, the growth, and the changing tides in the industry. It was through these pages that we saw Quincy and other entertainers rise, evolve, and make waves both locally and internationally. The writers behind these publications saw entertainment as a serious beat, one that required dedication, research, and, most importantly, respect for those it covered.

Back then, entertainment journalism held an esteemed place. It was journalism in the true sense of the word, where stories were verified, sources were genuine, and the integrity of reporting mattered deeply. It was an era that respected the artist, the fan, and the reader. They told stories not for shock value but for the impact, for the historical record, and for the sheer love of documenting our culture.

Quincy’s passing has reminded me of this golden era, a time when every article, every interview, and every feature brought us closer to the stars while upholding the profession’s standards. Today, with digital media’s fast pace and the rise of social media “gossip” sites, much of that integrity has been lost, replaced with sensationalism and a rush to break the story first, often at the expense of accuracy and respect.

As we say goodbye to Quincy, perhaps it is time to reflect on what entertainment journalism could and should be. Let his legacy remind us not only of his talents but of an era that documented his and others’ lives with dignity, dedication, and a commitment to storytelling that today’s entertainment journalists can learn from and, hopefully, aspire to replicate.

Without a doubt, the recent passing of Quincy, a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry, has reignited conversations about the significance of entertainment journalism and its role in capturing the vibrant essence of showbiz. His legacy not only highlights the impact of influential personalities in the industry but also serves as a poignant reminder of a time when entertainment reporting thrived on authenticity, creativity, and deep engagement with artists. As audiences reflect on the golden era of showbiz reporting, characterized by in-depth stories and genuine connections with celebrities, there is a growing recognition of the need to revive this form of journalism to bridge the gap between entertainment and its audience.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where sensationalism often overshadows substance, the revival of entertainment journalism is both timely and essential. As fans crave insightful narratives that celebrate the artistry and human experiences behind the glitz, a renewed focus on quality reporting can enrich public discourse about the entertainment industry. This revival can also encourage new talent in journalism to embrace the craft’s rich storytelling traditions, fostering a more meaningful relationship between entertainers and their audience. Quincy’s death underscores the urgency of this endeavor, challenging journalists to reclaim their role as storytellers and curators of culture in a rapidly changing media environment.

A military officer who served as Nigeria’s aviation minister between 1985 and 1993 during the Ibrahim Babangida years once remarked that air travel was a luxury not meant for the poor. At the time, this comment sparked public outrage for its apparent insensitivity. Yet, more than thirty years later, that statement has proven eerily prophetic, as air travel has become increasingly inaccessible to most Nigerians.

In Nigeria, the significance of air travel is even more profound. With an underdeveloped transportation infrastructure and the risks posed by road and rail travel, air travel has become both convenient and necessary. Despite this importance, soaring ticket prices are reversing decades of progress, making air travel a luxury for the wealthy again. The soaring costs threaten the accessibility of air travel for the average Nigerian, restricting mobility and posing a barrier to economic inclusion.

This problem cannot be delayed for another day. It demands immediate attention and action. This reality is compounded by Nigeria’s unique economic and infrastructural challenges, which have made alternatives to air travel scarce, unsafe, or unreliable. As air travel becomes increasingly out of reach, so do the social and economic benefits it brings, from tourism to job creation. To restore air travel as a widely accessible service, Nigeria must address its infrastructural, regulatory, and economic challenges with targeted reforms and strategic investments. These investments, if made wisely and with a long-term vision, could transform the current state of air travel in Nigeria, making it more affordable and accessible for all.

The limited alternatives to air travel make Nigeria particularly reliant on its aviation sector, especially given the poor state of the country’s road infrastructure. According to a 2023 report by Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, approximately 60% of the nation’s roads are classified as “poor,” with many roads riddled with potholes, lacking signage, and without proper maintenance. These conditions are not only inconvenient but also dangerous, as travelling on these roads can lead to vehicle breakdowns, accidents, and exposure to kidnappings and banditry.

Between January and July 2024, over 500 cases of kidnapping were reported along Nigerian roads, highlighting the severe security challenges that plague ground transportation. Rail infrastructure, though expanding, remains limited, covering only 3,500 kilometres compared to India’s 65,000 kilometres, a stark illustration of Nigeria’s lag in connecting its vast geography. Water transportation is similarly underutilised, with infrastructure inadequacies and safety concerns making it an unreliable option for most Nigerians. Air travel holds unique importance in this environment as a safe and efficient means of connecting people and goods across the country.

However, the cost of air travel in Nigeria has surged in recent years, making it unaffordable for most Nigerians. For instance, the price of a one-way flight between Lagos and Abuja has risen from around ₦75,000 (approximately $47) in 2020 to over ₦170,000 ($100) today, effectively pricing out the average citizen.

Several factors are responsible for these soaring prices, with currency exchange rates playing a significant role. Since most aeroplane spare parts are priced in US dollars and airline operations are generally denominated in US dollars and other stronger currencies, the declining naira means that Nigerian passengers must pay more. Aviation fuel, which now constitutes 40 percent of airline operating costs, has seen a price increase of over 300 percent since 2020 due to limited refining capacity and global oil price fluctuations.

Additionally, Nigerian airlines are subject to over 15 separate taxes and regulatory fees, ranging from value-added tax to passenger service charges. These fees significantly increase the cost of doing business for airlines, ultimately passing on the burden to consumers. Inflation, which has remained above 30% in recent years, compounds these issues, reducing Nigerian consumers’ purchasing power and further limiting air travel access.

These rising costs have profound implications, particularly for a nation where freedom of movement is vital for economic and social inclusion. The aviation sector is not just a mode of transportation but a key driver of economic growth and social mobility. Affordable air travel enables Nigerians to access jobs, markets, and opportunities far beyond their immediate surroundings. When air travel is reserved for the wealthy, it limits social mobility and restricts the benefits of a connected society. However, if made affordable and accessible, air travel can promote social inclusion by providing access to remote and underserved regions, improving living standards and supporting poverty alleviation. This promising vision underscores the importance of restoring affordability and accessibility to air travel in Nigeria.

Given these challenges, Nigeria must adopt a comprehensive approach to restore affordability and accessibility to air travel. First, substantial investment in alternative public transportation infrastructure is essential. This could be achieved through public-private partnerships. Expanding and maintaining long-distance roads and rail networks would relieve demand pressure on air travel and provide more affordable options for Nigerians. Nigeria could look to countries like India, where extensive railway networks connect rural and urban areas, providing a reliable and low-cost alternative to air travel. Improving water transportation could also offer new solutions, as Nigeria has over 10,000 kilometres of inland waterways that could be leveraged to move goods and people efficiently. Developing these alternatives would improve mobility and foster healthy competition within the transportation sector, potentially driving down air travel costs and opening new economic and social development opportunities.

Another critical issue is the insecurity that has plagued Nigeria’s transportation network, particularly on roads and waterways. Banditry, kidnapping, and piracy make these modes of travel dangerous, prompting more Nigerians to rely on air travel for safety, which increases demand and, consequently, costs. By addressing security concerns in road, rail, and water travel through increased policing, surveillance, and enforcement measures, the government can make these alternatives safer and more viable. This would reduce the demand for air travel, creating a more competitive environment that could lead to more affordable fares.

The government’s role in this process is crucial, and its intervention is necessary to restore affordability and accessibility to air travel in Nigeria.

Regulatory reforms are essential for creating a more efficient and less costly aviation sector in Nigeria. By streamlining administrative and regulatory processes, we can reduce airline operational expenses, leading to lower consumer costs. Countries like South Africa have demonstrated the benefits of streamlined regulations, where simplified frameworks reduce costs without compromising safety standards. In Nigeria, reforming the aviation sector to reduce bureaucratic hurdles could enhance affordability. Tax reform would also provide significant relief. The government could reduce airlines’ operating costs by reducing aviation-related taxes, potentially lowering passenger ticket prices. In the long term, these changes could stimulate the aviation sector, boosting job creation, economic activity, and increased connectivity. This potential for positive change should inspire us to push for these reforms.

Competition within the air travel market is another vital component of affordability. By promoting the entry of new airlines, Nigeria can foster a competitive environment that generally leads to lower prices for consumers. For example, competition between national carrier Kenya Airways and local airlines has created more affordable options for consumers in Kenya. Nigeria’s recent signing of the Cape Town Convention, an international agreement facilitating aircraft financing, presents an opportunity to attract new airline entrants and encourage a more dynamic aviation market that benefits travellers.

Minister of aviation Festus Keyamo is critical in spearheading efforts to make air travel accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. To reduce air travel costs in Nigeria, the minister of aviation can adopt several strategies targeting taxes, fuel costs, competition, infrastructure, and innovation. Reducing aviation taxes, fees, and redundant charges would lower airline operating costs, allowing for more affordable fares. Subsidies on aviation fuel or investment in local fuel production could stabilize and reduce fuel costs, a significant airline expense. Additionally, establishing a foreign exchange window for aviation could mitigate currency volatility.

Encouraging competition is also essential. Lowering entry barriers and incentivizing low-cost carriers would make more affordable options available. Bulk procurement of essential airline parts, collective insurance, and fuel-efficient operations could further decrease airline costs, benefiting consumers. Establishing strong infrastructure alternatives, like high-speed rail, road, and water transport, would relieve demand pressure on the aviation sector, thereby driving down prices.

Regional collaboration, such as Open Skies agreements with neighbouring countries, could increase route options and affordability. Supporting local maintenance and training programs could reduce dependence on foreign expertise, lowering labour expenses. Lastly, encouraging digital solutions and a subsidized frequent flyer program for low-income travellers could make air travel more accessible.

Beyond infrastructure and regulatory reforms, establishing an online complaint mechanism for passengers could improve transparency and accountability within the aviation sector. A similar initiative in India, called AirSewa, allows passengers to submit grievances directly to authorities, ensuring faster response times and promoting a consumer-focused airline industry. Implementing a similar platform in Nigeria would empower passengers to voice their concerns and encourage airlines to improve service quality.

These initiatives, combined with streamlined licensing, local skill development, and efficient operations, would reduce air travel prices and foster excellent connectivity and economic growth in Nigeria. Such a comprehensive approach would make air travel more affordable and accessible for a more significant population.

Nigeria’s aviation sector faces complex challenges, but with targeted reforms and strategic investments, air travel can once again become a service for all rather than a luxury for a select few. Addressing infrastructure, security, taxation, and regulation limitations will require commitment and vision, but the potential benefits are vast. By making air travel accessible, Nigeria can enhance its connectivity, create economic opportunities, and ensure that all citizens benefit from a modern, mobile society. Restoring air travel as a bridge to opportunity will open economic possibilities and solidify Nigeria’s commitment to equal access, inclusion, and national growth. Through these efforts, Nigeria’s aviation industry can take off, empowering millions and supporting the country’s journey toward a more connected, prosperous future.