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Military diplomacy as tool for peace, stability in Nigeria
Features

Military diplomacy as tool for peace, stability in Nigeria

By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The Nigerian military recently initiated a new diplomacy campaign aimed at fostering peace and stability as well as winning hearts and minds in communities.

Observers say this innovative approach marks a significant shift from the traditional militaristic approach to security, recognising that lasting peace can only be achieved through building trust and cooperation with local populations.

The campaign, which is being implemented across various theatres of operation, involves engaging with community leaders, women, and youth groups to understand their concerns and needs.

Under this mode, military personnel are being trained to be more empathetic and responsive to the needs of the communities, providing humanitarian assistance and support where possible.

One of the key aspects of this campaign is the emphasis on civic engagement; military personnel are participating in community development projects, such as building schools, hospitals, and roads, and providing medical care and educational support to local children.

These efforts are designed to demonstrate the military’s commitment to the well-being of the communities and help build trust and confidence.

The results of this campaign are already being felt; in several communities, local residents have expressed gratitude for the military’s efforts, noting that they feel safer and more confident in the military’s ability to protect them.

The campaign has also helped to reduce tensions and improve relationships between the military and local populations, making it easier to gather intelligence and conduct operations against terrorist groups.

The maiden edition of the military diplomacy campaign being conducted by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), commenced on April 24 in three states, namely, Adamawa, Anambra and Katsina.

The campaign is in line with the Chief of Defence Staff’s leadership concept, which is, “To Nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People – Centric, Collaborative and Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint Environment”.

In Adamawa, specifically in Yola South Local Government Area, the campaign aims to promote peace, security, and patriotism by deepening civil-military relations through dialogue and sensitisation.

Addressing the audience at the Shagari Primary School premises in Yola, the DHQ Team Lead, Commander Godwin Egbunu, said the campaign was organised to also appreciate the people for their cooperation.

Egbunu said the campaign was an initiative of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to encourage continued collaboration between the military and its host communities.

He said it was a way of reaching out to communities to encourage them to come out and share credible intelligence to support the ongoing military operations nationwide.

“Part of our message is for the youths and community members to desist from joining or being lured into criminal groups, cult groups, kidnapping gangs, and all other things that will bring about negative vices.

“We want to ensure that communities live at peace with one another, avoiding communal clashes.

“Wherever there are controversies, they should reach out to the nearest military unit to air their grievances so that the military can step in to avoid skirmishes.

“Also, we want to encourage you not to see the military as enemies but to see the military as partners and uphold the trust.

“The military is your military; so, they should love the military, embrace the military, and be friendly with the military,” he said.

Egbunu urged the people to also exhibit spirit of patriotism, orderliness and attitudinal change to ensure peace and security in their communities.

He also urged parents to observe their children, know how they lived outside homes to be able to know when they began to engage in negative activities.

Egbunu also urged them to always volunteer useful information to the military and other security agencies as well as avoid taking laws into their own hands, adding that self-defence did not mean killing another person.

The team leader also warned about the danger of fake news caused by the use of social media, saying that fake news had a negative impact on peace and security in the society.

He urged them to always rely on traditional media outlets like TV and radio stations to get authentic news or contact the nearest military formation to verify whatever information they had.

According to him, the military is not only about fighting but also engages in several non-kinetic efforts like medical outreaches, educational support and provision of essential amenities like boreholes.

He urged the people to be bold to relay whatever negative experience they might have had with the military in the past.

The Commander 23 Brigade Yola, Brig.-Gen. Paul Zawaya, represented by the Brigade’s Intelligence Officer, Lt.-Col. Felix Ayeni, commended the people for their cooperation with the military in tackling insecurity in the state.

He said the successes recorded by Operation Farauta in the state, were as a result of the support of the government and people of the state and pledged to sustain the operation to ensure that Adamawa remained safe and secured.

The Chairman, Yola South Local Government Area, Salihu Malkohi, represented by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Aliyu Isah, thanked the CDS for the initiative and thanked the military for the good job being done in the state.

Malkohi said the local government had remained committed to supporting the military and other security agencies in ensuring peace and security in their communities.

He said the security being enjoyed in the local government had attracted an influx of people to the local government and attracted development and economic opportunities.

He solicited for more military presence in Adamawa, saying that were ready to give more land for more military barracks in the state.

Some of the community leaders commended the CDS for the military diplomacy campaign initiative, saying it would boost their confidence that they had a military that they could be proud of.

They called for frequent engagement of such nature to enable them to see the military as their partners and not oppressors.

Mr Darius Susarumso, a civil servant, said the engagement had painted a different picture of the military in the minds of the people.

He urged the military to take such campaigns to all parts of the country, especially the crisis affected areas, to be able to win the support of the people for their operations.

Malam Shehu Ali, a community leader and Secretary of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Yola South, said the engagement was most desirable for both the military and the civilian populace.

Ali said the military diplomacy campaign remained the only way to enhance the performance of both and bridging the gap in communication to avoid being misunderstood and earn cooperation of the civil populace.

“Therefore, this meeting and this kind of forum is unique, fundamental and is very important.

“I am happy that the military initiated an approach to achieve it; you can see the level of openness from the participants; that tells you that they have been looking forward to having this kind of a room and they have gotten it,” he said.

Another stakeholder, Pastor Catherine Christopher, challenged parents to raise up their children in the fear of God, perform their duties, and be able to transfer the same value to their children.

She said the campaign had given them hope that the people had something to hold on to and look up to in the military, urging the people to pray more for the armed forces in their effort to rid the nation of insecurity.

Analysts say the campaign seeks to win the hearts and minds of citizens, encouraging them to support national unity, safety, and peace as part of the military’s non-kinetic approach to fighting insurgency.

They say with the right approach, the Nigerian military’s new diplomacy campaign can become a model for other countries facing similar security challenges; demonstrating the power of building bridges with local communities to achieve lasting peace and stability. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Democracy strong, alive in Nigeria
Features

Democracy strong, alive in Nigeria

Democracy strong, alive in Nigeria

By Bayo Onanuga

We have read the alarming claims of disgruntled opposition figures,  some partisan human rights crusaders and emergency defenders of democracy over recent defections of key members of opposition parties into the governing All Progressives Congress.

 

The seismic shift caused by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s open declaration of support for President Bola Tinubu, the defection of the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the former vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last election, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and the principal political actors in Delta and Rivers States certainly threw the opposition and their sympathisers into disarray.

 

While the opposition elements are understandably heartbroken over the failure of their fabled grand coalition to gain traction, we find it disturbing that they resorted to peddling false allegations of promoting a one-party State against President Bola Tinubu, who is working very hard to reverse decades of economic mismanagement in our country.

 

Contrary to the false claims in the propaganda materials in circulation across mainstream and social media, democracy is not under any threat in Nigeria.

 

Accusations that the administration is moving towards authoritarianism are baseless and exaggerated.

 

We must add that no policy, official action, or directive from the Presidency seeks to “dismantle democracy” or “weaken opposition or create a one-party state.”

 

Accusations of bribery, blackmail, and the weaponisation of state institutions only exist in the idle minds of politicians and their agents who have failed in their assigned role of opposition and are fishing for scapegoats.

 

The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the governing APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs. It is certainly not part of President Tinubu’s job to organise or strengthen opposition parties.

 

We find it curious that those who celebrated the defection of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the formation of a regional grand coalition with the sole aim of defeating President Tinubu in the 2027 election are the same people shedding crocodile tears over Nigeria’s so-called drift to a one-party state and authoritarianism.

 

While the latter-day defenders of democracy raised no anxious voice against the disgruntled politicians cobbling an anti-Tinubu, anti-APC coalition along dangerous regional lines, even before INEC blows the whistle for party politicking, they are quick to ascribe the political shifts in some states to “bribery, blackmail, and coercion” without any shred of evidence.

 

Without any equivocation, freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of choice are part of the cherished ideals of democracy.  When politicians and citizens cannot freely join any association or political party of their choice or cannot openly express their views, democracy is imperilled.  Those opposed to the Tinubu administration should understand that they can issue diatribes, without fear, against the government because we practice a thriving democracy.

 

It is hypocrisy writ large when opposition politicians and their collaborators in the ‘human rights’ movement desire that the party of the President should implode so they can gain electoral advantage and cry wolf when their wish does not materialise.

 

We want to state that democracy is not threatened or undermined simply because politicians exercise their rights to freedom of association. Nigerians migrating to the APC and expressing support for Tinubu are doing so out of their free will, based on the belief that the reforms being executed are in the interest of Nigerians and the unborn generation. It is a gross disservice to democracy in itself for these emergency defenders of democracy to delegitimise the political choices of some Nigerians while upholding the choices of others to form a coalition against Tinubu and APC.

 

Under President Tinubu, democracy is strong, and the multiparty democratic system will continue to flourish unhindered. His administration remains resolutely committed to upholding and strengthening the democratic foundations upon which our Fourth Republic has stood since 1999

 

Politicians changing party affiliation is not new or peculiar to Nigeria. In more advanced democracies, there are ready examples of notable politicians, statesmen and women who changed their parties.

 

President Tinubu and the National Working Committee of the APC, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, deserve commendation for making the ruling party viable and attractive to all Nigerians willing to participate in the democratic process.

 

President Tinubu is an avowed democrat and a firm believer in multiparty democracy. His political activism and democratic credentials in galvanising and strengthening opposition platforms as a force that defeated a sitting President and the then ruling party attest to his credibility as a tested defender of multiparty democracy.

 

We urge all Nigerians to join hands with the administration in protecting our democracy by respecting our people’s choices and giving alarmists, who draw their narratives from the pool of fiction, a wide berth.

 

Onanuga is the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy)

Malaria: How misdiagnosis fuels Nigeria’s fever, AMR crisis
Features

Malaria: How misdiagnosis fuels Nigeria’s fever, AMR crisis

By Abujah Racheal, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Mrs Grace Ameh is a resident of Eyyan Community in Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory.

Each time her five-year-old daughter runs fever, her first suspicion will be malaria. This is because of limited access to diagnostic facilities.

Ameh said that a nearby patent medicine vendor often prescribed malaria drugs and antibiotics for her child without conducting any tests, relying solely on the symptoms.

“Weeks ago, my daughter’s condition worsened after multiple treatments. We kept giving her malaria drugs and antibiotics but nothing worked.

“Eventually, we rushed her to a hospital, where they told us that it was typhoid,” she narrated.

Ameh’s story reflects the harsh reality for millions of Nigerians, where fever is often equated with malaria.

Misdiagnosis is not just dangerous, it is fuelling a growing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) crisis.

According to the 2024 World Malaria Report, Nigeria accounted for 40 per cent of malaria cases and 46 per cent of malaria deaths among the 10 High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) countries last year.

Though global interventions have averted over 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths since 2000, malaria continues to threaten lives, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, which shoulders 95 per cent of global malaria deaths.

Data from the Primary Healthcare Performance Initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also reveals a disturbing trend that diagnostic accuracy in Nigeria is just 36.4 per cent.

This means that fewer than four in 10 patients are correctly diagnosed.

Given that 70 per cent of diagnostic decisions rely on lab tests, the majority of Nigerians are being treated without laboratory confirmation, especially in primary healthcare settings.

Experts said that malaria is the most frequently mistreated disease in Nigeria. Community health centres, pharmacies and clinics often treat patients presumptively, resulting in poor outcomes and preventable deaths.

Akindele Opeyemi, a pharmacist and health systems consultant, said that the Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (MRDT) was designed to be affordable, fast and easy to use.

Opeyemi said that many frontline health workers were not using them consistently in spite of policy support.

“Community pharmacists, nurses and even some physicians have stopped using MRDTs. They do not trust the results, or the logistics are simply broken.

“In some cases, prior antibiotic use masks the malaria parasite, leading to false-negative MRDT results. Some MRDT kits are also too weak to detect low-level infections, further eroding trust,” he said.

According to him, when those treating over 70 per cent of malaria cases do not use diagnostic tests, it is no surprise that malaria deaths are rising.

Mr Batet Musa, Nutrition Policy Advisor at Resolve to Save Lives, said that even when malaria drugs were prescribed correctly, malnutrition could render treatment ineffective.

“Artemether/lumefantrine, a common malaria drug, requires fatty foods for optimal absorption, something many families cannot afford.

“A child fed only with pap won’t absorb the medicine well. Sometimes, it is not just fake drugs or misdiagnosis, it is hunger,” Musa said.

He said that sub-optimal dosing, especially in children due to poor knowledge or economic hardship, leads to treatment failure and severe complications.

Dr Ridwan Yahaya, Antimicrobial Stewardship Manager at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), said that antibiotics were frequently prescribed alongside malaria drugs.

Yahaya said that overtime, this indiscriminate use had led to a dangerous rise in drug-resistant bacteria, a problem now recognised as a major global health threat.

“Misdiagnosis contributes to antibiotic overuse. We are creating a population of resistant organisms, and that is deadly,” he said.

In spite of over 70 years of interventions, Nigeria still accounts for 30 per cent of global malaria cases (68 million) and 23 per cent of global malaria deaths (194,000 annually).

To reverse this, stakeholders are calling for a rethink of malaria strategies.

According to Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, 60 per cent of hospital visits in Nigeria are due to malaria, including at tertiary hospitals.

Pate said that this suggested a significant failure at the primary care level.

One promising initiative is the African Leadership and Management Training for Impact in Malaria Eradication (ALAMIME).

The initiative is coordinated by Makerere University’s School of Public Health and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

ALAMIME is building leadership capacity for malaria programmes across nine African countries, including Nigeria.

ALAMIME Nigeria Lead, Prof. Olufunmilayo Fawole, said that the country needed malaria solutions grounded in “our context, not copy-paste”.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP).

The MoU is to support local manufacturing and strengthen Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain, especially for malaria diagnostics and treatment tools.

This partnership, under the World Bank’s IMPACT project, aims to tackle long-standing issues such as stockouts, expired kits and unaffordable drugs that plague frontline providers.

To address Nigeria’s malaria diagnosis crisis and curb rising antimalarial resistance, Dr Salman Polycarp, an epidemiologist, stressed the need for stricter regulatory oversight.

Polycarp said that such a step would ensure that only reliable, internationally approved Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) kits would be distributed and routinely monitored.

“Continuous training and re-training of healthcare workers, especially at the primary care level, is essential to improve their ability to accurately use and interpret RDTs.

“In high-burden areas, RDTs should be integrated with microscopy to enhance diagnostic precision, particularly in complicated or drug-resistant cases,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the importance of proper diagnosis before treatment, discourage self-medication and reduce reliance on presumptive treatment.

“Large-scale, region-specific studies on RDT performance are also necessary to account for Nigeria’s diverse ecology and ensure diagnostic kits are deployed where they work best,” Polycarp said.

Dr Tochi Okwor, Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the NCDC, said that healthcare providers should strictly adhere to treatment guidelines, prescribing malaria drugs only after confirmed test results.

She also called for regulation of over-the-counter access to the drugs.

“Investing in research on Plasmodium species and tracking emerging resistance patterns through genomic surveillance is vital, especially in areas with high transmission,” she said.

Okwor also recommended adoption of next-generation diagnostic tools including molecular testing and AI-based technologies, to detect infections missed by standard RDTs.

She said that Nigeria must strengthen partnerships to access better tools, technical expertise and innovations.

“Upgrading health information systems to track malaria cases, RDT performance and treatment outcomes will support data-driven policy decisions and improve healthcare delivery,” she said.

For mothers like Ameh and thousands of Nigerian children, accurate diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death.

Only homegrown solutions tailored to local realities can bring Nigeria closer to malaria elimination and prevent a deeper AMR crisis.(NANFeatures)

** If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria **

Strengthening gender desks in schools: The Kaduna example
Features

Strengthening gender desks in schools: The Kaduna example

By Aisha Gambo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

Across many schools in Kaduna state, a silent transformation is unfolding to tackle School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) and create a safer environment for students, especially girls.

 

For students like Hauwa’u Yusuf, a Senior Secondary 1 student at Government Secondary School, Rigasa, daily school life once came with anxiety and fear.

 

She was bullied by some of her male classmates who taunted her, mocked her, and threatened physical assault.

 

At the time, Hauwa’u and her peers, unsure of whom to confide in, chose silence.

 

Such experiences are not isolated.

 

Bullying, a major form of SRGBV, includes behaviours like name-calling, peer exclusion, verbal harassment, physical violence, and even cyberbullying.

 

According to UNESCO, nearly 130 million students between the ages of 13 and 15 globally have experienced bullying.

 

In Nigeria, these figures are reflected by the UN Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI), which reports that 50 per cent of girls and 52 per cent of boys under 18 have encountered physical violence.

 

Additionally, 25 per cent of girls and 11 per cent of boys have suffered sexual violence, much of which occurs in school environments.

 

More specifically, 44 per cent of Nigerian girls and 35 per cent of boys have reported enduring physical or sexual violence from either teachers or fellow students.

 

The widespread prevalence of such violence threatens not only the safety of students but also their academic performance and emotional well-being.

 

In response to these alarming statistics, the Kaduna State Government has initiated targeted interventions through the establishment of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) focal persons, also known as Grievance Response Mechanism (GRM) Officers, in schools across the state.

 

This initiative aims to provide safe, confidential, and accessible avenues for students to report incidents of abuse and receive appropriate support.

 

Yusuf’s school was one of the beneficiaries of this intervention.

 

With the deployment of a GBV focal person, the school created a space where students like Hauwa’u could safely report harassment.

 

“The bullying has reduced,” she said, while suggesting that further measures, like deploying more security personnel, could enhance the initiative’s effectiveness.

 

The GBV/GRM officer at the school, Salamatu Sadik, explained her role succinctly.

 

“I sensitise students about GBV and listen to complaints confidentially. I also ensure that offenders are reprimanded or reported to higher authorities when necessary”.

 

She stressed the importance of continuous training for GBV officers and recommended the use of pamphlets and leaflets to educate students about GBV and the steps to take when they encounter it.

 

Expanding on this initiative, Aisha Muhammad, Deputy Director of Female Education at the Kaduna State Ministry of Education noted that suggestion boxes have been introduced in schools to enable anonymous reporting.

 

According to her, existing school counsellors have been retrained and repurposed as GBV focal persons.

 

“When a girl experiences sexual violence or any form of abuse, she reports directly to the focal person. These officers are trained to handle complaints confidentially and link survivors with healthcare and psychosocial support”.

 

Muhammad, who is also the focal person for the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), said all local government areas have service providers, including hospitals and social workers, designated to provide timely interventions.

 

Other schools are implementing additional measures to reinforce safety.

 

At Government Girls Secondary School, Maimuna Gwarzo, GBV officer Amina Abdullahi stated that the school works closely with the Kaduna State Vigilante Service (KADVIS) to control access to the school premises.

 

“Girls are discouraged from forming close personal relationships with male teachers, and any inappropriate overtures are to be reported immediately.

 

“We tell the girls that if any male teacher asks to see them after school or elsewhere, they must inform us immediately,” Abdullahi said, underlining the importance of boundaries and proactive communication.

 

While these measures have led to positive changes, challenges persist.

 

Grace Yohanna, Centre Manager of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Kafanchan, expressed concern that some GBV officers still lack the training to maintain confidentiality.

 

This, she said, is a key element in building trust with survivors.

 

“There must be continuous awareness campaigns in schools. Students need to know who the GBV officers are, how to access them, and what help they can expect,” Yohanna said.

 

She added that both teachers and students need comprehensive education about inappropriate behaviours, such as corporal punishment or unwelcome physical contact, which are often normalised.

 

Comparatively, other Nigerian states and African countries offer useful models.

 

In Ekiti State, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with UNICEF, introduced gender-sensitive training for teachers and set up community-based referral mechanisms.

 

Lagos also established a digital GBV reporting platform and formed GBV school clubs to foster peer engagement and awareness.

 

Elsewhere in Africa, Rwanda’s Ministry of Education has introduced Anti-SRGBV Committees in schools, comprising students, parents, and staff who mediate peer-related conflicts and raise awareness.

 

Kenya, through its Girls’ Education Challenge programme, combines gender desks, counselling, and safe spaces with mentorship programmes for at-risk girls, ensuring they remain in school and are protected.

 

Following these regional examples, Rev. Joseph Hayab, Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation, called on tiers of government to engage trained professionals for GBV roles.

 

“Any institution with a gender desk must adopt policies that protect confidentiality and create safe spaces for disclosures,” he urged.

 

All in all, stakeholders say that the establishment of GBV/GRM desks in Kaduna schools is a commendable step towards a gender-responsive education system.

 

However, experts argue that for these structures to have lasting impact, further actions are essential.

 

They recommend regular training for staff, sustainable funding for awareness campaigns and safety infrastructure, effective monitoring, and learning from other states and countries.

 

According to them, if adequately scaled and supported, these gender desks could become a model for other Nigerian states and beyond, ensuring that all students, especially girls, have access to a safe, inclusive learning environment free from discrimination. (NANFeatures)

 

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Making Nigerians trust in governance again
Features

Making Nigerians trust in governance again

By Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

Over time, trust deficit has been an issue bothering the intentions of the government in Nigeria and eroding public confidence.

 

A government, private or corporate body needs public trust to get the buy-in for its various programmes and policies aimed at either benefiting the people or maximising profit.

 

An eroded public confidence itself means that the naked truth is misconstrued as false because on several occasions, the populace had been let down by successive administrations.

 

Trust is said to be a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something; when it is lost, all else is lost.

 

The famous Greek philosopher, Socrates, placed a high value on honesty and self-knowledge, suggesting that trust, in its most meaningful sense, should be based on understanding and discernment, not simply on appearances or emotional displays.

 

He believed that virtue, or living a good life, is essential for cultivating trust; he argued that people are naturally drawn to those who exhibit virtuous qualities and that a lack of virtue can undermine trust.

 

As Ebenezer Obadare, Senior Fellow, Africa Studies, said in Focus on Africa in August 2024, Africans seriously wanted to trust their government, but it must be hinged on a number of factors.

 

“This trust can be easily regained if government officials hearken to the wishes of their populace, especially frustrated and increasingly desperate young people, for greater accountability and judicious management of resources.

 

“One thing that African governments must do, as a matter of urgency, is to work towards changing the impression that political offices exist only for the acquisition of personal wealth.

 

“(This) must be complemented with an aggressive and deliberate pursuit of social welfare.

 

“Insofar as the primary reason that young Africans are voting with their feet and seeking to start new lives in other parts of the world is the poverty of physical infrastructure.

 

“To support job creation across the region, African governments must invest heavily in such infrastructure like schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, electricity, among others as a strategy of retaining and nourishing the continent’s best brains,’’ he said.

 

These key factors, analysts say, are seemly achievable feats by governments that wish to sacrifice for the populace and those run by efficient and effective leaders.

 

They say African leaders must ensure that governance is hinged on the observance of the rule of law, justice, fairness and accountability.

 

Experts hold that while ordinary citizens watch the show behind the scenes, they observe signs that give them confidence in a government or leader.

 

They see the intention behind policies and also see how it affects them and the leader accordingly.

 

For instance, citizens see how their leader takes care of their personal welfare and health, and compare them to theirs.

 

They see how and where their children go to school; they also see how men and women around their leaders live before and after taking office.

 

Also, the citizens see how policies and programmes of the government are being explained to them.

 

Are they being talked to or talked at? Are they given enough chance to give positive feedback or treated like enemies the moment they voice their observations?

 

Echoing these sentiments, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr Abbas Tajudeen, said that only effective communication by government spokespersons could build trust and enhance public perception of the government and its institutions.

 

According to Abbas trust and effective leadership communication are pivotal to improving public perception of government institutions.

 

He said there was need to address the challenges and opportunities of communicating leadership ideals in Nigeria’s democracy, the shared duty to uphold truth and trust, and the steps that could be taken together to reinforce good governance.

 

“After 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, Nigeria has reached a stage where the way we communicate leadership and policy must reflect the maturity of our democratic process.

 

“At its core, democracy is not merely the government of the people, by the people, or for the people; democracy, for me, is about government WITH the people.

 

“This redefinition highlights the need for an active and ongoing partnership between those who govern and those who are governed; this relationship should be built on truth, inclusion, and mutual respect.

 

“In an era when misinformation can spread faster than facts and erode public trust, the necessity for honest, clear, and inclusive communication cannot be overstated,’’ he said.

 

More so, experts say the citizens watch how notable national programmes and policies of the government are abandoned in states and local government areas; and how politicians only come to them during elections.

 

The citizens also observe how government institutions charged with the responsibility of protecting their rights tackle their challenges.

 

Are they confident that if their cable service provider has issues with them, someone will stand up for them?

 

When the electricity band they were placed on fails to provide the agreed hours of supply, who takes up their case?

 

When their landlords indiscriminately increase rent, who stands up for them? When seeking justice, do they get treated like the other person of influence in the society?

 

These factors and many more expectations of the citizens about their government are significant because they create a certain pattern of impression on their minds about the social contract.

 

Players in the civil society space say perception is key in any democracy, because what the citizens see is what they believe.

 

Experts posit that the high cost of sustaining an expensive democracy in Nigeria leads to social suffering and poverty among the most vulnerable people.

 

By implication, poverty and lack of opportunities further veer the public away from trust and confidence in the ability of political leaders to govern effectively.

 

Some stakeholders have, therefore, recommended that the government should cut down its expensive political institutions and reduce the high salaries and allowances paid to political officeholders.

 

They are also suggesting a quick conduct of a national census to know the actual population of the country.

 

The national census will provide national planners with the needed data to enforce birth control policies where required and give data-driven social assistance to the most vulnerable citizens.

 

They also want the government to make health care affordable and accessible, and ensure there is peace, order and security to fulfill good governance.

 

Section 16 of the Constitution outlines the state’s economic objectives to ensure the prosperity and welfare of citizens.

 

It mandates the state to among other things, “Utilise national resources to promote prosperity and a self-reliant economy; control the economy to secure maximum welfare, freedom, and happiness based on social justice and equality; and promote planned and balanced economic development, support agriculture and industry, and protect the environment.”

 

As the saying goes, the modern state needs commitment, loyalty and obedience from the citizens, while the citizens expect the state to address their hopes and aspirations.

 

Analysts say that the government must divest its huge investment in recurrent expenditure to the provision of more pressing human needs like affordable health care, good roads, steady power supply, hospitals, quality education, quality shelter and other infrastructure.

 

Cultivating trust offers significant benefits, including enhanced collaboration, improved communication, increased productivity, and a more positive and engaged work environment.

 

It also fosters better decision-making and strengthens relationships, ultimately leading to higher job satisfaction and retention.

 

In all, it is true that citizens, especially in Africa, desperately want to trust their governments.

 

In return, African governments need to demonstrate that they can be trusted.(NANFeature)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

NYSC: Review or scrap?
Features

NYSC: Review or scrap?

By Kayode Adebiyi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

When the Federal Military Government, under the leadership of Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retired), set up the NYSC post-Civil War in 1973, many Nigerians praised the scheme.

The mandatory, post-tertiary scheme was part of efforts to “reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country” after the Nigerian civil war.

Today, 52 years later, the programme has come under serious scrutiny.

Michael has just been mobilised in the 2025 Batch A (Stream 1) to participate in the National Youth Service Corps scheme (NYSC) after graduating in late 2024.

For him, the prospect of serving as a corps member is fascinating and apprehensive at the same time.

“I have been posted to a state in the North-Central region, and I look forward to resuming at the orientation camp.

“However, I do not know what to expect with current security challenges everywhere in the country; I hope that my posting will be in the city, not a remote village.”

Iyabo, on the other hand, served a few years ago; she was posted to a state in the South-South from Lagos.

“NYSC was like I wasted one year of my life; I was already an entrepreneur since my undergraduate years.

“Leaving my budding business for one year to go and serve and return to unemployment did not work for me.

“If graduates were offered the option of not serving but being awarded their certificates after camp, people like me would have taken that option,” she said.

Michael and Iyabo are on the parallel sides of a growing call for the NYSC programme to be reviewed.

A parent, Mr Kazeem Salami, said that the NYSC had outlived its purpose in 2011.

“The post-election violence in some states that led to the death of about a dozen members of the NYSC brought to the fore the need to review the scheme.

“I had to think hard and long about it when my son was mobilised the following year; eventually, I decided that his participation would depend on where he was posted,” he said.

General insecurity and the safety of corps members are not the only reasons some stakeholders are calling for a review or outright scrapping of the NYSC scheme.

Some say the seven-point objectives of the scheme, as enunciated in Decree No. 51 (reviewed) of June 16, 1993, have not been achieved.

The seven-point objectives are to promote national unity and integration, inculcate discipline and patriotism, develop self-reliance, contribute to national development, remove prejudices and ignorance, equitable distribution and utilization of skills, and develop a sense of corporate existence.

“The NYSC was principally established to foster unity among the various ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria because participants serve in states and regions other than theirs.

“This is meant to foster understanding, growth and tolerance of different cultures across the nation, most especially to educate them on the customs and traditional practices in communities where they serve.

“Can we genuinely say that we have been able to achieve the objectives?

“When governors begin to evacuate their indigenes from other states, has it not cast a doubt in the minds of Nigerians on the continued validity of the scheme?” an analyst asked.

However, other stakeholders believe that scrapping the scheme will amount to throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

They say that, as a model for national integration and a platform for value orientation, the NYSC should be reorganised to meet the challenges of the 21st century rather than scrapped.

They call for a new scheme that should be properly funded and divided into sub-corps where the energies and intellect of young Nigerians are used to provide for the critical sectors.

Miss Sarah Adejobi, a youth empowerment advocate, said one way to make the NYSC scheme viable was by redefining its focus from post-war national integration to entrepreneurship for national development.

“Corps members are some of the greatest pool of human resources available in the most remote parts of the country; if we do a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, that is a big strength.

“Therefore, I have been advocating a system whereby they are divided into engineering corps, agricultural corps, medical corps, and educational corps.’’

She said the engineering corps would be designed to help in road construction, maintenance and other engineering works in rural areas.

Adejobi added that the agricultural corps would be designed in line with national food security strategies, with corps members teaching modern farming techniques to rural farmers.

“The medical corps should comprise doctor-corps members and other medical practitioners motivated to provide medical care to rural dwellers.

“Likewise, the education corps will provide qualified, willing and motivated teachers in the rural areas.

“This is the best way to utilise the corps members and maintain continuity, while providing them with job opportunities,” she said.

She said that if administered in the spirit that reflected the changing world, the NYSC scheme would bring out the best in the youths and instill in them the virtues of hard work, diligence, enterprise, patriotism and independence.

Interestingly, the debate about modeling the NYSC has been around for some time.

In 2012, the then Minister of Youth Development, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, said a new agenda was being adopted for the scheme.

The former minister talked about corps members not being given preferential postings to the oil and gas sector or “lucrative” establishments in so-called big states where their services were underutilised.

He also said that corps members would be drafted to the rural areas for cultural diversity and internalising the challenges of cooperation and national integration to bolster the credibility and relevance of the programme.

Critics, who argue that the reforms were not far-reaching, say affluent and influential persons in the polity and the economy had bastardised the scheme by influencing the posting of their children and wards.

They also mentioned insecurity, financial unsustainability, and poor living conditions as some of the factors militating against the implementation of meaningful reforms.

Stakeholders, including a member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, are therefore making a strong case for “a holistic review of the NYSC and its leadership”.

The suggestion that NYSC should be made optional–allowing individuals to choose whether to participate in the programme or not– is a strong element of that call.(NANFeatures)

 

***If used, please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

Great Wall of China: A symbol of resilience, unity of purpose
Culture & Tourism , Features

Great Wall of China: A symbol of resilience, unity of purpose

 

 

 

 

By Busayo Onijala, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

When the Great Wall of China was built, it was to serve as a reinforcement, protecting the Chinese empire from invasions and raids by nomadic groups from the north, particularly the Xiongnu and Mongols.

 

It served as a strategic military tool with watchtowers, allowing soldiers to monitor approaching threats. This enabled military forces to prepare defence or engage the enemy in a timely manner.

 

Asides being a military tool, it served various economic and political functions such as preventing unauthorised migration and embodying imperial authority.

 

However, more than 2,000 years later, it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987) and a cultural treasure of the Chinese people, welcoming millions of tourists yearly.

 

 

 

This landmark is the longest man-made structure, spanning over 20,000km and with over seven sections to visit from, including Mutianyu, Juyongguan, Badaling and Jiankou.

 

Standing on the foot of the wall from the Juyongguan section, it seems much more complex to understand the construction.

 

Words of Chairman Mao Zedong, founder of modern China, “不去长城 非好汉” (you are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall)

 

 

 

The name Juyong means ‘Army Garrison Pass’, a reflection of its role as Beijing’s ancient northwestern shield.

 

Unlike most modern structures built by machines and the newest technologies, the Great Wall was built manually by millions of hands including those of peasant labourers, soldiers and prisoners who faced extreme conditions.

 

Each brick on the wall is a testament to the workers’ determination to build something that would protect their homeland and future generations.

 

Climbing the steep steps of the wall and navigating levels where it seems to rise sharply against the mountains reminds one of the difficulties that those who built it must have endured.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Argentinian journalist, Mr Hernan Russo, said that climbing the Great Wall and reaching the 12th level was a wonderful experience.

 

“This place is thousands of years old, and I thought about the number of people who lost their lives climbing the stones through thousands of kilometers to build it.

 

“In fact, there is a fact that hit me. Some say the great wall is one of the largest cemeteries in the world because millions of people died building it.

 

“Here I am walking on it, over 2,000 years later, with my camera.”

 

He said he was grateful for the experience to climb the wall because it made him to think about how immense and ephemeral life could be.

 

According to Russo, this is why every step on the wall should be enjoyed.

 

A Nigerian journalist on a media exchange programme in Beijing said that the panoramic landscape between levels of the Great Wall was marvellous.

 

“Meanwhile, it is easy to imagine the exhaustion and strain the builders must have gone through as they laboured on the wall day after day.

 

“Personally, every step I took on the wall was like a victory, a sense of achievement, as I overcame physical obstacles in front of me,” she said.

 

She said that the obstacles made her to reflect on her own personal struggles, particularly when tasks seemed insurmountable.

 

“Just like those who built the wall, we often face difficulties that demand much endurance and strength to push forward.”

 

The Chairman Mao Zedong, Founder of modern China, made a famous statement, “不去长城 非好汉”. This translates to either: “you are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall” or “he who has not been to the Great Wall is not a true man”.

 

Words of Chairman Mao Zedong, founder of modern China, “不去长城 非好汉” (you are not a hero until you climb the Great Wall)

A Kenyan journalist, Brian Ngugi, believes that anyone who climbs the wall and gets to the top is resilient.

 

Describing the wall as majestic, Ngugi urged prospective visitors willing to climb the wall to make sure they are fit, wear comfortable shoes and be ready for an exciting experience.

 

“You might not really be sure whether you will be able to get to the top because the steps are too many and very steep, but with a lot of patience, you can reach the top.

 

“Indeed, I agree, as they say: ‘You are not a great man if you haven’t been to the Great Wall’,” he said.

 

A Slovene journalist, Mojca Pisek, said the Great Wall represents a chapter of history that shaped China.

 

She said history could be a good teacher if one could be a good student, noting that the wall was a great piece of China’s past that everyone could appreciate.

 

“To anyone coming here, keep going, listen to your body and take plenty of stops, because once you make a stop and you have a breath or two, that energises you, and then you can keep going.

 

“Unless you have a health condition, you can always keep going and get to the top,” she said.

 

Analysts observe that in spite of the passage of time, erosion, and pressures from tourism, the Great Wall still stands strong in different sections, offering lessons to generations about the value of endurance, persistence, strength of mind, and unity of purpose.

 

They believe that, like the millions of workers who built the Great Wall, everyone has the power to face adversity, push forward and make their own marks on the sands of time. (NANFeatures)

 

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria

Repositioning Technical Education for Nigeria’s development
Features

Repositioning Technical Education for Nigeria’s development

By Sylvester Thompson, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In today’s evolving global economy, the strategic development of a nation’s technical education sector is a cornerstone for industrial growth and socio-economic advancement.

For Nigeria, a country with a youthful population and vast economic potential, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) offers a viable path to economic transformation, job creation, and technological innovation.

Technical education equips individuals with the practical skills and technological capabilities essential for driving industrialisation.

According to Aniefiok Ukomm and Emmanuel Agha in their book ‘An Evaluation of the Role of Technical Education in Nigeria’s Industrial Development’, it is this technological capability that distinguishes a robust economy from a weak one.

Moreover, it serves as the engine that produces the goods and services necessary for national growth and global competitiveness.

Over the years, technical education has assumed increasing significance in Nigeria’s development discourse.

The Federal Government, through the National Policy on Science and Technology Education (S&TE), has articulated its commitment to empowering citizens via skills acquisition, addressing youth unemployment, reducing social vices, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

At the 61st anniversary and the combined 26th to 29th convocation ceremony of Auchi Polytechnic, President Bola Tinubu affirmed that technical and vocational education is vital in resolving Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

He emphasised its importance in the areas of industrialisation, job creation, and technological advancement.

Tinubu further underscored that technical skills are the backbone of the economy, as they stimulate innovation, boost productivity, and generate employment.

Similarly, on November 27, 2024, the former Minister of Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, during a shareholders’ consultative dialogue in Abuja, outlined a new strategic direction focused on strengthening science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and vocational education.

This initiative aligns with the national development agenda to harness youth potential and build a skilled labour force.

In line with this vision, Dr Benjamin Achiatar, President of the Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria (APPN), has also stated the transformative potential of technical education in nation-building.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he outlined its benefits across short, medium, and long-term horizons.

According to him, technical education can reduce youth unemployment in the short term.

“This typically refers to within a government’s fiscal year, it does so by equipping young people with practical skills. These skills enable them to find jobs or start their own businesses.

“As a result, technical education fosters entrepreneurship and promotes self-reliance. It also helps to reduce poverty by expanding economic opportunities and improving living standards”, he said.

In the medium term, which covers a period of up to four years, Achiatar stated that technical education encourages innovation.

“It also supports technological advancement. When implemented effectively, it builds a culture of entrepreneurship.

“Additionally, it reduces the country’s dependence on non-renewable resources. This helps to drive sustainable development”.

Albeit these prospects, there remain many hurdles.

Scholars such as Prof. Reko Okoye and Maxwell Arimonu, in their work ‘Technical and Vocational Education in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and a Way Forward’, observe that TVET programmes have historically failed to reduce poverty and unemployment due to systemic issues.

These include inadequate funding, obsolete infrastructure, poor staff training and retention, a misaligned curriculum, and the apathy of political leaders.

Expressing same concerns, Olusola Alalade, General Secretary of the APPN, lamented that technical graduates in Nigeria are often undervalued and underutilised.

He noted that although polytechnics were initially modelled after the British system post-independence, the lack of incentives and recognition in both government and industry led to their marginalisation.

Consequently, many industries established in the 1970s and 1980s collapsed due to an inability to harness local technical talent effectively.

Alalade further observed a worrying trend, noting that Nigeria has skipped the crucial phase of industrialisation and moved directly from raw material production to service provision.

As a result, the country now largely markets and distributes manufactured goods from other nations instead of producing them domestically.

Notably, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (2023) reveal that Nigeria’s unemployment rate among youth aged 15–34 stood at over 53 per cent.

This figure reflects the urgency of repositioning technical education to address workforce gaps and catalyse economic development.

Given these challenges, stakeholders agree that a multifaceted strategy is required.

Firstly, they argue that improving remuneration and career pathways for technical educators is essential to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Secondly, they suggest that investing in continuous professional development programmes, particularly those focused on digital technologies and pedagogical innovation, can improve teaching quality and relevance.

Furthermore, partnerships between educational institutions and industry are vital.

These collaborations can align curricula with market needs, provide students with hands-on experience, and ensure that graduates possess industry-relevant skills.

Government intervention is also vital in funding infrastructure, upgrading teaching materials, and implementing comprehensive education reforms.

In conclusion, revitalising technical education in Nigeria is not merely an academic exercise, but a national imperative.

By addressing systemic barriers and fostering collaboration, Nigeria can lay the foundation for a strong technical education system.

All in all, treating technical education as a strategic investment will help cultivate a resilient workforce capable of driving industrial prosperity and sustainable development. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Is Neighbourhood watch the missing link in Nigeria’s security strategy?
Features

Is Neighbourhood watch the missing link in Nigeria’s security strategy?

By Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Insecurity in Nigeria has evolved into a national crisis, touching nearly every part of the country.

From the Maitatsine riots of the early 1980s to the enduring Boko Haram insurgency, the nation’s security challenges have deepened, albeit successive efforts to curb them.

As traditional military solutions yield limited results, stakeholders are calling for alternative, community-led approaches.

One of such is the implementation of a neighbourhood watch programme.

Nigeria’s descent into widespread insecurity can be traced back to the Maitatsine uprising in Kano state during the Second Republic under President Shehu Shagari.

At the time, the violence was seen as a temporary phase of unrest under a young democratic government.

However, the emergence of Boko Haram in 2009 marked the beginning of a more entrenched conflict.

Originating in the North-East, the insurgency has since spilled into other regions, evolving into a prolonged armed struggle and humanitarian crisis.

It has destabilised the Lake Chad region, with repercussions felt in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

According to a 2025 report by the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, the activities of various armed groups; including bandits and kidnappers are closely tied to the Boko Haram conflict.

The report reflects that since 2011, persistent violence between herders and farmers; mainly over access to scarce resources, has escalated in central and north-western Nigeria.

These groups have committed numerous atrocities, including murder, rape, kidnapping, and organised cattle rustling.

Also, large areas of farmland have been seized by armed bandits, leaving many farmers too fearful to cultivate their land.

In response, the Nigerian government has launched several initiatives to push back against these non-state actors and protect the rights of citizens.

Yet, the impact of these efforts remains limited.

In recent years, some analysts have advocated for a more balanced strategy that includes both kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (non-violent) approaches.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has been at the forefront of this shift, promoting policies that focus on addressing the root causes of insecurity.

Non-kinetic measures aim to promote long-term peace through education, community engagement, and social development rather than direct confrontation.

In spite of these efforts, tangible progress remains elusive.

A lack of widespread awareness, public education, and behavioural change continues to hamper results.

Disturbing incidents circulating on social media, such as a boy being brutally flogged by his tutor in Maiduguri, the alleged abuse of a pupil by a teacher in Lagos, and the cruel treatment of a widow by her in-laws in Enugu reveal a broader societal issue.

These acts show a troubling disregard for the consequences of individual actions.

This pattern of indifference is visible across homes, workplaces, public services, and even within the armed forces.

As one analyst aptly asked, “Can we afford to continue like this? What is the implication of our actions on national security? Are we heading towards a society where only the strongest survive?”

Malam Garba Ibrahim, a civil servant, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that when they were growing up, there was a fear of being watched at all times.

He said it was easier to follow the rules because one is not sure if the lunatic on the street is a security agent.

This sentiment resonates with many Nigerians in their 40s and 50s, who recall a time when discipline and communal responsibility were more ingrained in daily life.

Therefore, some security experts are calling for a comprehensive neighbourhood watch programme.

With the vast youth population in the country, the neighbourhood watch programme has been suggested as part of a non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity.

A neighbourhood watch security programme is a community initiative focused on reducing crime and anti-social behaviours through increased vigilance and collaboration between residents and local law enforcement.

It encourages neighbours and communities to be aware of suspicious activity, report it promptly, and work together to create a safer environment.

Some key aspects of a neighbourhood watch programme include increased awareness by residents to be more observant and aware of potential threats in their neighbourhood.

It also encourages the reporting of suspicious activities to relevant authorities through training, while fostering a sense of community and encouraging residents to work together to improve safety.

How does this neighbourhood watch work and organise itself?

It involves residents organising into groups to oversee their neighbourhood security.

Participants receive training on suspicious activity, reporting procedures, and crime prevention techniques.

The groups also communicate with each other, residents, and law enforcement to share information and coordinate efforts.

It also involves active surveillance, such as neighbourhood patrols or citizen monitoring of public areas and working with the police to enhance community safety and address local crime issues.

Some analysts have proposed the use of social media in the employment of the neighbourhood watch programme.

They say deliberate training by the government on the positive use of social media by citizens would help, not only in checking the rate of crime, but nip it in the bud quickly.

The recent proposal by the Federal Government to review the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) can be streamlined to accommodate this factor of a non-kinetic approach.

Some suggest that the personnel of the civil service are experienced enough to be engaged to tackle insecurity because they only need to be given schedules to follow.

Others agree that retired armed forces personnel are also veritable tools for keeping the peace because their training and years of service can match those of the non-state actors causing havoc across the country.

One fact security experts agree on is that the number of security personnel employed to handle the various security challenges in the country are not adequate for the task.

Involving every capable Nigerian will serve as a way forward in making everybody to “see something” and “say something”.

Neighbourhood security programme has several successes, including deterring crime, boosting neighbourhood awareness, building stronger bonds between neighbours, and improving the overall sense of security.

These programmes can also lead to more effective reporting of crimes and better communication between residents and law enforcement agencies. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Naira-for-Crude and matters arising
Features

Naira-for-Crude and matters arising

By Deborah Coker, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Recently, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) directed the full implementation of the Naira-for-Crude policy for local refiners.

The Naira-for-Crude policy, introduced in 2024, entails the sale of crude oil to domestic refineries– Dangote Refinery and others in naira instead of U.S. dollars.

FEC’s resolution on the policy was conveyed by Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance, who provided insights.

“Thus, the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative is not a temporary or time-bound intervention, but a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining, bolster energy security, and reduce reliance on foreign exchange in the domestic petroleum market,” the minister said.

Policy analysts say the latest move, if expanded and enforced, could become a game-changer in the oil industry.

According to observers, under the policy, there will be no more half-in, half-out arrangements; no more allowing the naira to be treated like second-class tender in its own country.

It is worthy of recall that some stakeholders, have long before FEC’s directive, canvassed for full implementation of the policy.

Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC Delta-North) had been vocal in advocating the Naira-for-Crude policy and harped on the need to create consistent, structural demand for the naira.

Nwoko had always argued that the nation could not expect the naira to gain strength if its use was not prioritised in its own economy.

According to him, optimising the naira includes paying salaries, signing contracts, and of course, selling crude in naira.

Nwoko, who is the Senate Ad-hoc Committee Chairman on Crude Oil Theft, said there was need to replicate the policy across other sectors.

“We begin to build a currency that commands respect, not pity.

“More importantly, this is about economic dignity; Nigeria is the only country where foreign currencies are treated as the gold standard even within its own borders.

“Of course, this will not solve everything overnight; implementation will be key, and we have seen policies fizzle out before.

“But the tone has shifted; this is no longer a six-month experiment; this is national direction,’’ he said.

Though Nwoko’s advocacy was seen as idealistic in some quartres, he was relentless and pushed for a bill to ban the use of foreign currencies in domestic transactions, a controversial but necessary move.

His argument was that as long as landlords collected rent in dollars and expatriates got paid in pounds, the naira would continue to suffer in its own house.

In his appraisal, Mr Peter Esele, former President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), said the new FEC’s directive was a welcome development.

According to Esele, also a former President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the directive is long overdue.

‘’It is just that most times in this part of the world, we just do things arbitrarily; so, as the saying goes, it is better late than never.’’

He said that the benefits of the Naira-for Crude scheme were enormous as the policy would strengthen the naira and help businesses to look for local currencies.

‘’It will strengthen our local currency; it will also help businesses to look for local currencies and not going about scampering for dollars, which is scarce.

‘’And one of the reasons why you have our currency moving from N1, 200 to N1, 300, and N1,700 at times going to almost N2,000 to the dollar is because of the demand,’’ he said.

The former labour union president added that Nigeria was the only country where certain commodities were priced in dollars.

‘’You do not go to America and then you are now pricing things in Euro; no, or you go to UK and you start pricing things in dollars.

‘’There are some real estates in Nigeria; all their prices are in dollars; it is not done anywhere.

“So, anything that is supposed to be purchased in Nigeria must be done in the local currency.

“And this is good for potential investors in refineries, knowing that they can get the crude oil supply in naira and they will not go scampering or looking for dollars; so, it is a win.

“It is beneficial to our economy and it is also beneficial to our national security.’’

Esele said that the impact of the new policy on petroleum product would however be negligible.

“Maybe two naira or three naira, but at the end of the day, it is not going to be as wide as we may think; this is because the government is selling the crude in naira; it is not selling outside of international crude oil price,’’ he said.

In the same vein, Mr Ifidon Coker, an economist, said that the Naira-for-Crude policy mainly aimed to reduce pressure on the foreign exchange market and strengthen the naira by allowing domestic buyers to pay for crude oil in the local currency (naira) instead of in U.S. dollars.

According to Coker, economically, it has some key economic benefits which include reducing demand for foreign exchange.

“Since crude oil transactions typically require dollars, insisting on naira payments lowers the demand for dollars, helping to stabilise and possibly strengthen the naira against other currencies.

“It will improve liquidity in the naira market by encouraging large oil sector transactions in naira; the policy increases naira liquidity within the economy, making more funds available for lending and investments.

“It will also boost local industries by ensuring that domestic refineries and oil marketers can now purchase crude in naira, reducing their exposure to exchange rate fluctuations and making it easier for them to plan and operate.

“This can help Nigeria move closer to energy self-sufficiency.”

He also said that the policy would enhance monetary policy control, as with less reliance on dollars, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) could better manage inflation and other macroeconomic variables, as it reduced external shocks tied to foreign currency volatility.

“Encouragement of investment in the oil sector will bring about easier access to crude oil in local currency and encourage private investment in refining and related sectors, promoting industrialisation and job creation.

“This policy will also make for a reduction of capital flight; since transactions are done in naira, there is less incentive to move large sums of money abroad for oil trading, which can help in retaining capital within Nigeria.

“It will strengthen national economic sovereignty, because the policy will promote greater control over Nigeria’s strategic resource and reduces dependence on the dollar-dominated global oil market.

“The policy is indeed an excellent one that any good economist and concerned citizens would affirm and indeed align with.

“However, for these benefits to fully materialise, the policy must be implemented transparently, supported by adequate refining capacity, and backed by broader reforms in the oil and financial sectors,” he said.

Experts say the Naira-for-Crude policy is a laudable initiative that will lead to reduction in foreign exchange pressure, stabilisation of petroleum product prices, and in turn, a decline in food inflation.(NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

 

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