“We cannot continue to tax poverty when we are supposed to promote prosperity” – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Senator Alli Ndume. Controversial. Outspoken, brilliant and engaging. Of all his attributes I did not find a place for ‘willful ignorance’ as one of his attributes or did I miss something? His Channels Television Interview was at once interesting and absurd coming from a person of his status : ranking Senator of the Federal Republic.

If his attack of Tinubu Tax Bills now before the Parliament was understandable, his open admission that he has not read the Tax bill he was so vehemently opposed to is unpardonable.

In plain sight Senator Ndume displayed his ignorance. That ignorance will be best cured by facts and not bluster. The Tax bill is not dead on arrival. The tax bill is well and alive and that is why we are having this conversation.

Despite the consensus that a fair, equitable and business-friendly taxation regime is pivotal to Nigeria’s drive for economic growth and sustainable development, the requisite will to pursue the reforms needed for achieving this has, unfortunately, either not been there on the part of the leadership, or where efforts have been made, it has not produced significant results.

Nigeria has consistently ranked as one of the countries with the lowest revenue-to-GDP ratios in the world, which, according to Il Jung, “makes its fiscal position vulnerable to shocks”.
This from the IMF staff who prepared Nigeria’s revenue mobilisation report 2023. President Tinubu understands this clearly.

Such is the situation that “general government revenue in Nigeria was 7.3 percent of GDP for 2021—less than half of the average in countries belonging to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and nearly a third of the average of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)—and ranked as 191st out of 193 countries in the world.”

At 9.4% in 2023, Nigeria’s tax revenue to GDP ratio was not only among the lowest in the world but also on the continent, according to Axel Schimmelpfennig, the IMF mission Chief for Nigeria. To Il Jung, “Nigeria’s low tax revenue has been mainly driven by the narrow bases of its indirect taxes, low tax compliance, large amount of tax exemptions as well as low rates. Tax compliance and tax morale are still very low. Nigeria’s VAT collection efficiency (C-efficiency ratio)—the ratio of actual revenues to potential revenue—is the lowest among peer African countries.” The result is “…that the government has too few resources for social and development spending on health, on education, on infrastructure, etc.,” Schimmelpfennig says.

This age-long challenge of narrow revenue base, huge debt burden and high demand for social and development spending, which successive administrations have been confronted with, is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu decided to tackle head-long through a Root Cause Analysis in order to identify and resolve underlying issues in Nigeria’s tax system to enable it proffer appropriate solutions. President Tinubu had been upfront about tackling this challenge before assuming office, and in his inauguration speech, he assured local and foreign investors that his “government shall review all their complaints about multiple taxations and various anti-investment inhibitions.”

Less than 2 months in office, he announced the setting up of the Presidential Committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, headed by former Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Taiwo Oyedele, comprising of experts from both the private and public sectors to undertake comprehensive law reforms, fiscal policy design and coordination, harmonization of taxes, and revenue administration. At the inauguration of the committee in August last year, the President restated his commitment to reforms to ensure a more enabling environment and relief for small businesses and those at the bottom of the pyramid. “We cannot continue to tax poverty when we are supposed to promote prosperity,” he said.

The President’s vision and clear mandate is evident in what the Fiscal policy and tax reforms Committee delivered as recommendations to the government, and became a part of the Economic Stabilisation Bills (ESB) approved by the Federal Executive Council in September, as part of the Accelerated Stability and Advancement Plan (ASAP) of the government. The ESB which seeks to amend about 15 different tax, fiscal, and establishment laws to facilitate economic stability and set the country on the path for sustained inclusive growth, has as some of its objectives: inflation reduction and price stability; complementing monetary policy measures with appropriate fiscal interventions to strengthen the naira and sustain exchange rates convergence; promotion of fiscal discipline and consolidation; enhancement of job creation and poverty alleviation; as well as export promotion and diversification.

It was in furtherance to a realisation of these objectives that President Bola Tinubu sent a letter to the 2 chambers of the National Assembly, requesting for the approval of 4 tax reform bills, which are: “The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill”, “The Nigeria Tax Bill”, “The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill,” and “The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.” These Bills seek to provide a consolidated fiscal framework for taxation in Nigeria, a clear and concise legal framework for the fair, consistent and efficient administration of all the tax laws to facilitate ease of tax compliance, reduce tax disputes and optimize revenue, among others.

While investors and the business community have welcomed this development, there has been a pushback from some quarters from those who have apparently not familiarised themselves with the contents of the Bills. The concern by the Northern Governors Forum about the proposed amendment in one of the bills is the distribution model for Value Added Tax (VAT) which has been addressed by Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Fiscal Reforms Committee. He assured them that the aim of the proposal is “to create a fairer system by devising a different form of derivation which takes into account the place of supply or consumption for relevant goods and services whether they are zero rated, exempt or taxable at the standard rate”.

The surprise, though, is the response from Senator Ali Ndume who has declared that the bills “will be dead on arrival”, even as he confessed that he is yet to read the bills, which we presume should be available to him, having been received by the National Assembly, as the Senate President announced on the floor of the Senate. I refuse to believe that any Senator, and definitely not one of Senator Ndume’s standing will say, “We don’t need to study the bill”, as he was quoted to have said. Senator Ndume can’t be that flippant, as the legislative business is serious business.

For the benefit of Senator Ndume and others who might be of the mind that they do not need to study a document before speaking to it, here are some of the changes proposed in the bills:

1.Changes to the income tax laws to facilitate remote work opportunities for Nigerians in Nigeria within the global business process outsourcing. This will empower our youths to play a key role in the digital economy space.

2.Zero rated VAT and other incentives to promote exports in goods, services, and intellectual property.

3.Tax exemptions for small businesses including WHT, VAT, and 0% CIT.

4.Exemption from personal income tax for minimum wage earners and reduced tax burden for over 90% of private and public sector workers

5.VAT at 0% for food, education, health, and exemption for rent and public transportation. These items constitute an average of 82% of household consumption and nearly 100% for low-income households to ameliorate the rising cost of living for the masses.

6.Introduction of the Tax Ombudsman to advocate for improved tax system and protect vulnerable taxpayers

7.Reduction of corporate income tax rate from 30% to 25% over the next 2 years and elimination of earmarked taxes on companies to be replaced with a harmonised single levy at a reduced rate.

8.Elimination of minimum tax on loss-making companies and those with low margins

9.Grant of input VAT credit to businesses on assets and services to reduce cost of investment and improve competitiveness

10.Redesign of the personal income tax band and rates, VAT and Capital Gains Tax to be progressive while protecting the poor

11.Changes to permit the payment of taxes on foreign currency denominated transactions in naira to reduce the pressure on the exchange rate and simplify compliance for businesses.

12.Proposal to repeal over 50 nuisance taxes and levies, and harmonise the remaining taxes to a single digit

13.Equitable basis for VAT revenue sharing to ensure that states without many headquarter companies are fairly treated and recognised for their economic contributions

14.Rationalisation of tax incentives to reduce uncertainty and provide a level playing field for all investors

15.A new National Fiscal Policy to set the framework for fair taxation, responsible borrowing and sustainable spending.

Without a doubt, these Tax-reform Bills have been thoughtfully and carefully designed in alignment with President Tinubu’s agenda to remove all obstacles impeding business growth in the country, promote small businesses and the poor, it is strange that Senator Ali Ndume, who purports to be speaking for the people will stand in opposition to them, even when he confessed to having not read them. If he has not read the bills, I doubt that he read a newspaper editorial, which quoted the Chairman of the Reforms Committee to have explained that “the reforms are geared towards correcting the structural imbalances in the tax system which has seen the poor overburdened with taxes while the elite and middle class routinely evade, avoid, or underpay taxes”.

Senator Ndume might need to familiarise himself with what is driving the reforms and the proposals that have been laid out, which include consolidating the different ‘nuisance taxes’ taxes and levies, which some have put at 62 official and 200 unofficial taxes into a streamlined system of 8 taxes to eliminate unnecessary financial strain on citizens while ensuring a more efficient revenue collection process. The committee is also pushing for a constitutional amendment to limit the total number of taxes on individuals and businesses to a single-digit.

The objective, it says, to provide greater financial stability and predictability for taxpayers, fostering a more conducive business environment. Apart from that are the amendments to the withholding tax regulation, with businesses earning below 50 million Naira exempted from this tax, to provide relief for small companies and reduce the tax burden on emerging enterprises to engender growth of SMES, which play a central role in providing employment and the development of the economy.

Estimates from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) a few years back had it that out of 70 million taxable adults in Nigeria, only 14 million pay tax, with 96 percent of those who do so through the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system, which is an indication that most of those outside the formal system don’t pay tax. Yet, a report listed Nigeria as home to almost a thousand billionaires (computed in naira), out of which only 214 pay taxes of N20 million and above. If any proof is needed for allegations of evasion and gross underpayment of personal income taxes, that must be it.

President Tinubu’s bold decision to resolve the challenges that confront the tax administration system to improve Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio, increase non-oil revenue generation, attract investment, support businesses and strengthen the economy deserves all the support it can get, especially from the Governors and the National Assembly. Senator Ndume will do well to rally support for the bold initiatives of President Tinubu, study the Tax Reform Bills and work with his colleagues for speedy passage so that Nigerians can take advantage of the opportunities they are designed to unlock.

Sunday Dare is the special adviser to the president on public communication & orientation

“For the first time, we have fulfilled two major commitments: conducting this joint annual review and presenting the State of Health Report for Nigeria. These reports symbolise our dedication to transparency, accountability, and progress. Governments have all contributed to this effort. Their dedication and resilience are at the heart of our healthcare system, and we continue to rely on their commitment to carry forward these foundational legacies. As we build on this legacy, we are reminded that our mission to deliver an efficient, equitable, and quality health system for all Nigerians would not be possible without the efforts of those who came before us. We stand on the shoulders of these giants in the health sector, learning from their experiences and carrying forward their vision for a healthier Nigeria.” – Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

This extract from the keynote speech of the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, at the sector-wide joint annual health review meeting foregrounds the historic spectrum of the event.

The Sector-Wide Joint Annual Health Review (JAR) meeting was held in Abuja from 6 to 8 November 2024. It was the first of its kind and provided a robust platform for the rigorous interrogation of challenges, evaluation of achievements, and the mapping of strategies and priorities for the health sector.

In the course of the three-day event, groundbreaking initiatives, such as the ???????? ??? ??????? ????????? ????????? ?????????? (?????), which offers ???? ???????? ???????? ?? ??? ???????? ???????? ????? ??????? ??? ????????, and the N?g?r?a C?i?a?e C?a?g? ?n? ?e?l?h V?l?e?a?i?i?y a?d A?a?t?t?o? (V&A) ?s?e?s?e?t R?p?r?, were launched.

According to the ministry of health and social welfare, the V&A report provides essential insight into the impact of climate change on health across Nigeria. By identifying climate-related health risks, the Report supports the creation of a resilient health system capable of addressing the challenges posed by a changing environment, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable health security and the well-being of Nigerians.

“Another key outcome was the establishment of a dedicated ?????? ??????? ????? (???) focused on strengthening our national health data systems. The EWG will implement regular health mini-surveys, bridging the current five-year gap in data collection from the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Through timely and reliable data, the group will empower us to track progress, address emerging health threats, and make informed, data-driven decisions essential to the sector’s success,” the ministry said.

The ???????? ????????? ????????? Innovation ?????????? (?????) has spurred interest and commendation since its launch. The reason is obvious. It is a transformative programme — innovative by design and novel in scale.

Here are a few highlights of the initiative, which was launched on the second day of the meeting.

The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) is a strategic action plan to reduce maternal mortality through intensified intervention suites along the supply and demand components in priority 172 local government areas across the country.

Here, demand implies the desire and need for healthcare services related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. It encompasses several dimensions, which include quality care, awareness and education, etc, while supply entails the availability and accessibility of healthcare services, resources, and products necessary for the care of pregnant women, new mothers, and their infants.

Objectives of the MAMII strategy

• Increase facility utilisation by 60 percent

• Increase delivery by skilled birth attendants by 60 percent

• Reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by 30 percent

Key supply-side thrusts of interventions have been identified

• Training of 120,000 frontline healthcare workers

• Improving PHC functionality and expanding BHCPF PHCs to 17,600

• Deployment of MNH innovations (PPH bundle, calibrated drapes, MMS, etc)

• Availability of responsive emergency management and referral systems, including sustainable health financing.

One of the high points of the JAR meeting was the presentation by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on the performance of key reforms and the strategic blueprint for 2024 – 2026. Of interest is the functionality level of the primary healthcare centres. The strategic objective remains: Every Nigerian has equitable access to quality PHC services they need through a system that they trust.

There are levels to PHC functionality. By definition, partially functional implies, “the PHC has the potential to provide antenatal and immunisation services”. Functional level 1 — “capable of providing antenatal and immunisation services”, and functional level 2 — “Everything in place for a pregnant woman to deliver a baby safely 24/7”.

BREAKDOWN OF FACILITIES BY FUNCTIONALITY AND ZONE

• 8,421 facilities across 37 states

Total analysed facilities: north-central (1,381), north-east (1,010), north-west (2,029), south-east (1,287), south-south (1,218), south-west (1,496)

Partially functional: north-central (138-10%), north-east (60-6%), north-west (470-23%), south-east (203-16%), south-south (212 -17%), south-west (106 – 7%)

Functional L1: North-central (953 – 69%), north-east (594 – 59%), north-west (1,071 – 53%), south-east (993 – 77%), south-south (775 – 64%), south-west (1,061 – 71%)

Functional L2: North-central (290 – 21%), north-east (356 – 35%), north-west (488-24%), south-east (91 – 7%), south-south (231 – 9%), south-west (329 – 22%)

PHC REVITALISATION: PROGRESS AS OF OCTOBER 28, 2024

1. Total facilities projected for revitalisation: 4,022; 377 are being funded from national sources; 200 are globally funded with 72 being solarised and a record of 3,37352 Impact/BHCPF for states.

2. Workplan & BOQ submitted: 3,384 and 360 are being funded from national sources with a record of 3,024 Impact/BHCPF for states.

3. BOQ issued (no objection): 2,587 and 156 are being funded from national sources with a record of 2,587 Impact/BHCPF for states.

4. PHC revitalisation objection contracts awarded to vendors: 213 with a record of 57 Impact/BHCPF for states.

5. PHC revitalisation work commenced: 272; 227 from state funds and 253 from the private sector.

6. PHC revitalisation work commenced: 280; 45 from state funds and 27 from the private sector.

Citizens can now view PHCs in their communities to access quality primary health care and to provide feedback for continuous improvement.

The launch of the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment Report, which is in furtherance of building a resilient system that will address the impact of climate change on health, was another milestone of the JAR meeting. Professor Pate launched the report on the last day of the event.

The minister said the launch was a significant and proactive plan by the federal government to deal with the evolving perils of climate change on health.

“Climate change is a wicked problem. It is a wicked problem in the sense that it is complex, it is multi-perceptive. It interconnects with several other elements and, when we solve one, on another problem actually features. Whether it is in the injuries that we saw in Maiduguri and a few of other states this year or the flooding or in parts of Lagos state where we saw cholera outbreaks. Because of the rising water table, whether it is in the protracted cycle of transmission of malaria or the dengue fever that we saw in Sokoto a few months ago. Or flooding that destroys farmlands. So, this is a very complex issue,” he said.

Fredrick Nwabufo is the senior special assistant to the president on public engagement

When voices rise in waves of protest, deeper wounds are laid bare—truths woven into our laws and ethics, waiting to be unearthed. In Nigeria, one such moment emerged in the #EndBadGovernance protests, where voices for change faced harsh reprisals. The arrest and prosecution of 76 individuals, among them children, echoed like a somber drumbeat across the nation. The image—young souls accused of plotting to topple a government they scarcely understood—was not merely a misstep in justice, but a profound betrayal of innocence.

This incident, crying out for redress, cuts to the heart of justice, empathy, and humanity. It has kindled outrage and sorrow, a collective heartbreak that reveals the frailty of a system meant to protect its most tender lives. Here, in the shadow of these events, society stands accused—faced with the question of how to shelter its children from harm and injustice. The charges of treason against these minors were shocking in their harshness. Treason, a grave accusation reserved for those who endanger a nation’s stability, was weaponised against children—kids who were strangers to one another, with no understanding of the political weight of their actions.

Seeing the children dragged into a courtroom under such grave accusations is heart-breaking. It evokes disbelief, fear, and deep anger, prompting painful questions: How could the state fail them so profoundly? What kind of society would allow its youth to be subjected to such trauma? This incident exposes how, in some cases, the government prioritizes control over compassion, even if it means breaking the spirit of the innocent. The result is a scar on the nation’s conscience, a painful reminder of the injustices that children are sometimes forced to endure.

In addition to the emotional toll on the children involved, this incident has forced society to confront its failures on a moral level. Nigeria’s criminal justice system allowed these minors to languish in detention for three long months without verifying their ages or giving them a fair trial. Each day spent in confinement stripped them of a piece of their innocence, safety, and hope. Imagine the loneliness, confusion, and fear that these children must have felt, torn from their families and subjected to the cold, intimidating machinery of a justice system that saw them not as children but as threats. For these minors, every passing day was a reminder that they were alone, abandoned by the very system meant to protect them. For those watching, it was a harrowing reflection of a society that had lost sight of its humanity.

In Chapter 2, the Nigerian Constitution outlines the state’s responsibility to protect the dignity, equality, and welfare of its citizens, particularly the young and vulnerable. Yet, in reality, the system falls painfully short. According to UNICEF, over 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, many of whom are forced to fend for themselves on the streets. These numbers evoke not only sorrow but a sense of urgency. The fact that children are denied basic rights to education, healthcare, and protection is a mark of shame that weighs heavily on the conscience of any empathetic society. It begs the question: How can we allow children—our future, our hope—to be so vulnerable and unprotected? And more pointedly, how could our justice system betray them in their hour of need?

Critics may argue that since Chapter 2 rights are non-justiciable, the government technically has no legal obligation to enforce them. Yet this argument only deepens the wound, highlighting the gap between what the law permits, and what our collective conscience demands. These minors, imprisoned and alone, have endured the kind of fear that can scar a person for life. Studies by the Nigerian Psychological Association show that children exposed to prolonged detention often suffer from severe trauma, depression, and anxiety. For these young individuals, the horrors they endured may leave them struggling with emotional scars for years to come. Their innocence, once lost, can never be fully restored, and the memory of these experiences will likely haunt them into adulthood. The country, too, will be haunted by these scars, knowing that it allowed its children to be subjected to such harm.

This case stirs emotions beyond anger and sadness; it raises profound questions about our society’s empathy, accountability, and commitment to its youngest citizens. How can a nation that claims to value its future generation turn a blind eye to their suffering? Nigeria has one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally—over 20% of children aged 5-11 do not have access to education. These statistics are not mere numbers; they are the faces of real children, each with hopes, dreams, and aspirations that are crushed by systemic failures. When these vulnerable children end up wrongfully detained or abused, it is a failure that reverberates through the entire society, echoing a painful truth about the lack of compassion and justice.

The need for accountability and reform among government officials and law enforcement is urgent and undeniable. The recent #EndSARS protests highlighted this very issue, with the world watching in horror as police and government officials were exposed for their brutal treatment of young Nigerians. The fact that this behaviour continues and that officials are not held accountable for mistreatment and abuse evokes feelings of frustration, helplessness, and even betrayal. When those sworn to protect instead become oppressors, trust in the government’s ability to safeguard its citizens erodes, leaving a society that feels abandoned and vulnerable.

Immediate action is necessary to begin healing from this. First, we must reform Nigeria’s legal system to include specific protections for minors. This means creating laws that prevent children from facing wrongful detention and safeguarding their rights in any legal process. The thought of a child languishing in detention without representation or support is unbearable, and our laws must reflect that. Civil society groups play a critical role here, advocating for children and bringing these issues to light so that change becomes inevitable. Advocacy is not merely about changing laws; it is about instilling a sense of empathy in the public and policymakers, reminding them that each child affected by these failures is an individual deserving of compassion and protection. A legal system built on empathy is not just a dream; it’s a necessity.

Beyond legal reform, empathy training for government officials and law enforcement agents could change how cases involving minors are handled. Studies from Kenya have shown that training police officers in sensitivity and child protection leads to fewer cases of abuse and mistreatment. These are promising signs that change is possible and that we can build a society where officials treat vulnerable individuals with the care they deserve. Such a change, which is within our reach, would not only protect children but also help restore faith in a system that often feels indifferent to the needs of its people.

Societally, we need a shift toward collective responsibility in protecting our vulnerable populations. UNICEF’s work in Nigeria has shown that community programs supporting at-risk children can significantly reduce their exposure to dangerous environments. Community initiatives offer hope, protection, and a sense of belonging, showing these children, they are not alone. Expanding such programs nationwide could serve as a lifeline for many young people, sparing them the pain and isolation of facing life’s hardships alone.

The recent arraignment of minors during the #EndBadGovernance protests is more than just a legal case—it is a human tragedy that confronts us with the harsh realities of our society’s shortcomings. As a nation, Nigeria must grapple with the pain, frustration, and sense of betrayal that this incident has evoked. For the children involved, their experiences will likely remain a dark shadow in their lives, a reminder of how they were let down by the systems that should have protected them. For the rest of society, it should serve as a wake-up call, a painful reminder of the importance of justice, empathy, and compassion.

Most of these vulnerable children are out-of-school children with little or no education and are exposed to being used as tools for political manipulations. It is neither their fault that “Nigeria has happened to them”, and it seems all hope is lost for many of them to use their God-given talents to contribute to Nigeria’s development. Their ordeal is about to change. Dr Tunji Alausa, our new minister of education, has already demonstrated a commitment to vocational education and addressing the needs of out-of-school children. He has laid out intentions to enhance technical college facilities and include vocational skills in the basic school curriculum, focusing on practical training over theoretical courses. These boys can learn a trade or profession and contribute meaningfully to society. It is our collective responsibility to set them on the right path. 

We must not forget this incident; it should fuel a movement for change, pushing Nigeria toward a future where children are seen, heard, and protected. We owe it to these minors, ourselves, and future generations to build a society that values every individual’s dignity, rights, and humanity. Only then can we hope to heal from the scars of this injustice and create a society where all children, regardless of their circumstances, are safe and valued.

The Defence Headquarters, the nation’s military high command, addressed a press conference last week and announced that a new terrorist group has invaded the country from Niger Republic and Mali. Known as ‘Lukarawas’, the group has settled in Sokoto and Kebbi States, creating serious security challenges to the people and the security agencies. The military said the terrorists came after the military coup which toppled the civilian administration in Niger Republic in July, 2023 and that they were able to enter Nigeria due to lack of effective border controls after the July coup. Just last week, Lukarawas killed 15 people in Kebbi and there are reports of attacks on other villages, including imposing financial levies on the communities and stealing food crops and livestock. This has negative impacts on food production. Lukarawas is said to have links with ISWAP (Islamic State – West Africa or Willayat Garb Ifriqiya), the ruthless terrorist group that operate freely in the Sahel region and is responsible for mass killings and devastations in that region. Reports that the group is offering financial incentives to lure young Nigerians in Sokoto State into its fold are particularly jarring.  

According to Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director, Defence Media Operations, who spoke to the journalists, prior to the military takeover in Niger, there were joint border operations between Nigerian army and Nigerien security forces which had kept the terrorists at bay, but with the breakdown of the joint border operations in the aftermath of the coup, the borders have become more porous, less protected and less impregnable to the terrorists. ‘’The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions into remote areas in some Northwestern states to spread their ideology’’, Buba said. This must be a very serious problem for our military which has already been overburdened by over 15 years of fighting Boko Haram and other criminal groups across the country.

But what caused the ‘’gaps in the cooperation between both countries’’ and how does that relate with the need for our president to speak after a long and careful deliberation? In July 2023, a group of military officers overthrew Niger’s democratically elected government, creating shocks, apprehensions and panics across the ECOWAS sub region. President Bola Tinubu had just taken over as the chairman of ECOWAS, and within days, the regional body hurriedly announced a raft of sanctions on Niger, the strictest the bloc has ever imposed on an errant member. They included closure of all borders with Niger; suspension of financial transactions and freezing of the country’s assets. As if these were not enough, ECOWAS went further to issue an ultimatum to the junta to restore constitutional order and reinstate the ousted president, Mohammed Bazoum, within one week or face other measures, including military intervention. President Tinubu made the announcements in his capacity as the new ECOWAS chairman, although he was in office as President for only six weeks. His election as President coincided with Nigeria’s turn to head the body.

Soon after the sanctions were announced, the military leaders of Niger aligned with the three countries that had earlier fallen under military putsch (Mali; Burkina Faso and Guinea) and called off ECOWAS’ bluff by breaking away from the bloc and cutting off all military and diplomatic relations with Nigeria. The juntas vowed to collectively fight whatever military intervention Nigeria and ECOWAS were contemplating. It was an unexpected turn of events for Nigerians who had just been plunged into a serious economic crisis by the new administration. From all walks of life and every corner of the federation, people were quick to advise Tinubu not to go to war with Niger and its allies. Humiliated, Abuja then launched a flurry of diplomatic activities to try to convince the régime in Niamey to release the ousted civilian president who was said to be in house arrest. Nigeria has never been this disgraced.

 Eventually, good sense prevailed; ECOWAS ate its words and Tinubu learned his lessons in Diplomacy 101. There was no military intervention and the juntas are still in power till today. It is the biggest diplomatic embarrassment that we ever suffered since the killing of Ken Saro-Wiwa in 1995. Obviously, Tinubu was not well briefed on the potential implications and outcomes of the sanctions he announced. He did not even have a cabinet in place and did not even receive some counsel from foreign relations experts in the country before he plunged into the ECOWAS debacle. Even during the presidential campaigns that lasted from early January 2022 till the election in February 2023, foreign policy was not a strong suit of any of the presidential candidates. As a leading candidate, Tinubu had no foreign policy adviser and because he did not even give press interviews or appear for presidential debates, very little or nothing was known of his strength in foreign affairs. And so, when he emerged as ECOWAS chairman, it was clear that he was not prepared for the diplomatic challenges ahead.

 The break-up of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger Republic due to the hasty announcement of sanctions by President Tinubu last year has now led to the incursions of new terrorist groups into the country. This is why it is important for leaders to be deliberate, careful and calculated before they make pronouncements. A president’s words are powerful and they matter. As Benjamin Disraeli, former UK Prime Minister (1804 – 1881), said ‘’with words, we govern men’’, a leader should talk with dignity, charisma, self-respect and respect for his audience. Rushing to impose sanctions on a new military régime in Niger and threatening military reprisal against the junta was an act of recklessness for which we are now paying with open borders and terrorist invasions. A month after Muhammadu Buhari took office in May 2015, he went on a visit to Niger, Chad and Mali, discussed bilateral cooperation and cemented military collaboration and border security with them. That helped a lot.

We have to do everything to prevent Lukarawas from becoming another Boko Haram - in size and the magnitude of destruction they inflict on Nigerians - , and as a first step, Tinubu should re engage with the Nigerien authorities and restore military cooperation and border control with them. I’m surprised that President Tinubu was quick to travel out to Saudi Arabia this weekend to work with Arab leaders to resolve the Israeli-Gaza conflict, instead of working with other ECOWAS leaders to reach out to Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to resolve this security situation in our country. Talk of wrong priorities!