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Features

Harmonising Nigeria’s public service retirement age discrepancies

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By Mark Longyen, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Mr David Adebayo and Ms. Ngozi Chinedu were two hardworking Nigerians with divergent career paths.

Adebayo, a senior administrative officer in the public sector, dedicated his life to the civil service.

By the age of 60 which coincided with his 35 years in service he retired, according to government regulations.

In contrast, Chinedu, a senior marketing executive at a multinational corporation, continued working until the age of 65, benefiting from the stability and perks of her private sector job.

Upon retirement, Adebayo encountered several challenges. His pension, often delayed and not adjusted to inflation, was insufficient for a comfortable post-retirement life.

Losing his employer-sponsored health insurance forced him to rely on the National Health Insurance Scheme, which barely covered his basic healthcare needs.

Not having enough leisure time during his service years, post-retirement financial strain and inadequate healthcare support took a toll on his well-being.

Chinedu’s experience was however markedly different. Working until 65 allowed her to amass a larger pension fund, ensuring financial security on her retirement.

Her private health insurance continued into her retirement years, providing comprehensive coverage.

The extended work period also meant that she enjoyed a better work-life balance and job satisfaction, marked by professional growth and substantial earnings.

In retirement, Adebayo and Chinedu’s lives further diverged.

Adebayo, without a solid post-retirement plan, struggled with social isolation and mental health issues.

Chinedu maintained her professional network and engaged in community activities, finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

This narrative reflects the impact of retirement age discrepancies in Nigeria.

It underscores the relentless call by stakeholders on the federal government to accede to the demand for the review and harmonization of the retirement age of all public servants across-the-board.

Many public analysts believe that harmonising Nigeria’s retirement age discrepancies by addressing the variations in retirement ages across all sectors in the country, is long overdue.

According to them, inconsistent policies that culminate in retirement age disparities in the workforce is discriminatory, counter-productive, and a morale killer.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has, for instance, persistently demanded that the retirement age and length of service in the entire public service be reviewed upward to 65 years of age and 40 years of service, respectively.

Reinforcing this standpoint, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during the 2023 and 2024 May Day celebrations, reiterated that the organised labour was resolutely committed to its demand for the upward review and harmonization of public servants’ retirement age.

He said that increasing the years of service should be done uniformly across all sectors, instead of being selectively done in favor of just a few sectors of the public service in the country.

“Only a few establishments, including the core civil service, are now left out.

“We are, therefore, demanding that the age of retirement and length of service in the entire public service, including the core civil service, be reviewed upward to 65 years of age and 40 years of service,” Ajaero said.

Concurring with Ajaero, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), an NGO that is committed to strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria, also called for the immediate upward review of the retirement age of civil servants.

PLAC argued that this would facilitate an efficient pension administration process for the welfare of core civil servants, be they judicial officers like retired judges or public servants in any sector.

It was against this backdrop that former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 12, 2021, approved the upward review of the retirement age of health sector workers from 60 to 65, and catapulted that of consultants from 65 to 70.

The former President also signed a Law in 2022 increasing the retirement age for primary school teachers to 65, with no fewer than 15 state governments currently implementing it already.

On June 8, 2023, President Bola Tinubu signed a Constitution Alteration Act to amend Section 291 of the Constitution, to ensure uniformity in the retirement age and pension rights of judicial officers of superior courts.

This Act, the Fifth Alteration (No.37) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, eliminates disparity in the retirement age of judicial officers by harmonising it at 70 years.

It also reduces the period of service required to determine a judicial officer’s pension from fifteen to ten years.

Also, the Nigerian Senate recently passed a Bill to increase the retirement age for civil servants working in the National Assembly to 65 years or 40 years of service.

The Bill, which was initiated by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), has set tongues wagging across socio-political and ethnic divides.

PASAN has argued that increasing the retirement age would help fill the vacuum caused by retiring experienced officers and better utilize their experience while building the capacity of younger employees.

According to Sunday Sabiyi, PASAN chairman, the Bill is expected to be signed into law by President Bola Tinubu soon, and when signed, national and state assembly workers will retire at the age of 65 years and 40 years of service, respectively.

Similarly, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has been upbeat in its call for an upward review of the retirement age for employees in the core civil service.

Joshua Apebo, ASCSN Secretary-General, while reiterating the association’s position, urged the trade union movement to ensure uniformity in retirement age in the public service.

Apebo argued that since judicial officers, university lecturers, health workers, and primary school teachers now enjoy the new retirement age hike, and with that of the legislature in view, it was only fair that it also benefitted other core civil servants.

Dr Gboyega Daniel, a public affairs analyst, picked holes in the discrepancies in retirement age in Nigeria, and called for immediate policy reforms to harmonise the benchmarks.

Daniel said that these discrepancies create perceptions of inequality, favoritism, and strain the pension system, which affects service morale and productivity, culminating in imbalances and potential sustainability issues.

According to him, varied retirement ages complicate workforce planning and disrupt the systematic transfer of knowledge and experiences.

“The civil service mandates retirement at 60 years or after 35 years of service, while the academia sees professors and other academic staff retiring at 70 years.

“Judges and justices in the judiciary retire at ages ranging from 65 to 70, depending on their positions.

“Ditto for teachers, who have since had their retirement age jacked up by the Buhari administration,” he said.

He, therefore, suggested immediate legislative actions to amend existing laws and implement policy reforms that would establish unified retirement age across all sectors.

Dr Tunde Balogun, a UK-based Nigerian, said the current debate about reviewing the retirement age and length of service was not limited to Nigeria.

“Recently, the UK Government said it was considering raising the retirement age of public servants from the current 60 years to 68 years.

“At the moment, retirement at age 65 years is common in many EU member states. Many countries have already decided to raise the retirement age to 67 years,” he said.

Experts say that reviewing the core civil servants’ retirement age to 65 years and 40 years of service as well as harmonising the discrepancies across the board, is a policy that is long overdue.

Although some critics argue that the policy would be inimical to the career progression of their younger colleagues and affect fresh employments, its proponents say the benefits far outweigh its demerits.

According to them, achieving uniformity in retirement age policy can leverage experience and expertise, enhance fairness, efficiency, and sustainability in workforce management and pension systems.

They believe government should demonstrate sincerity of purpose and apply a holistic approach to the issue. (NANFeatures)

Features

Why FBI Director Gray’s visit to Nigeria matters

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Why FBI Director Gray’s visit to Nigeria matters

By Kayode Adebiyi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Contrary to the narrative of John Grisham’s fictional thriller, The Racketeer, this was a real-life, long-overdue gesture of genuine friendship and partnership, a testament to the shared interest in combating trans-border crimes that pose a significant global threat.

The visit of one of the longest-serving Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) directors, Mr. Christopher Wray, to Nigeria last week signalled a new era in cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

With the increase in the growth and sophistication of trans-border crimes and criminal networks in such crimes as cybercrimes, online fraud, trafficking in illicit drugs and money laundering and illicit transactions, government agencies across the world are working closer for solutions.

Wray’s historic visit to Nigeria, marked by his courtesy calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, was a significant milestone. This was not only his first visit to Africa in his seven years as FBI director but also a testament to the growing importance of Nigeria in the global fight against trans-border crimes.

Equally significant was Wray’s inaugural visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he held a crucial meeting with the Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

This meeting, the first of its kind, underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating trans-border crimes and the confidence in the EFCC’s renewed anti-corruption efforts under Olukoyede’s leadership.

There are perhaps a dozen anti-corruption agencies in Africa, notable among them the EFCC, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks; the Kenyan Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC); the Ghanian Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO); and the Sierra Leonean Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), among others. Wray, however, visited only two – the EFCC and the EACC.

Wray’s visit also aims to strengthen the partnership between the FBI and the EFCC. In his remark during the visit, Wray said: “We have had a relationship over the years, and this is a reflection of how stronger than ever we are looking forward to taking our partnership to higher and higher levels in tackling threats that affect the people of Nigeria and the people of the United States.”

In response, Olukoyede said in the fight against the “bad guys” and trans-border crimes, the Commission was “willing to continue and develop ideas that would be of mutual benefit to both agencies and ensure that the issue of cybercrime will take utmost priority in our scale of preference and also ensure that sextortion that has become a major challenge to us is taken very seriously.”

Wray’s visit takes on a special meaning in the context of statistics showing that apart from rising cybercrimes, illicit drugs and small arms, illicit financial flows also cost Africa around 88.6 billion dollars yearly.

Security analysts hope a deeper collaboration between the FBI and the EFCC will improve capacity building and intelligence sharing.

This genuine collaborate among the two agencies will mean that the Malcolm Bannisters of this world, the fictional character in Grisham’s book, will have a hard time in the future.(NANFeatures)
**If used, please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Features

Breaking barriers to stardom amid challenges in music industry

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Breaking barriers to stardom amid challenges in music industry

By Folasade Adeniran, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Debutante musicians believe that although many aspiring musicians are putting a lot of effort to make a name in the music scene, there are challenges ranging from payola, copyright infringement and privacy.

Lack of funding and infrastructure, talent development and grooming, limited royalty and distribution systems are their major headache, according to them.

In spite of lack of funding, payola — the illegal practice of paying a commercial radio station to play a song without the station disclosing the payment – has had a serious drag on many talents.

Music enthusiasts observe that Nigeria is home to a thriving and diverse music industry that has given birth to some of the most significant musicians in Africa.

They note that Nigerian music has a rich cultural legacy that has enthralled both domestic and foreign listeners, ranging from Afrobeat to highlife.

“Music industry possesses both the capacity to support millions of budding artistes and generate considerable revenue for the economy, but the industry is doing less,’’ they observe.

However, some artistes state some other challenges they face in music industry, apart from these.

For instance, Ebuka Hillary, a gospel minister popularly known as EbukaSongs, with international record label, Spotlite Nation, says that one of the things to be worked on in the industry, particularly the gospel industry, is the availability of genuine love for upcoming artistes.

“When they see an artiste rising, it is time for everybody to put themselves together, put force together, and help that one to stand, instead of criticising and saying all sorts of things about the young ones who are still coming up,’’ he notes.

Another music artiste, Lillian Iheonunekwu, by the stage name, Lilcassie, highlights some of the challenges she faced while advancing her musical career.

“Not having to know someone who knows someone; not having the right contact is a problem. Promotion as an independent artiste is draining,’’ she observes.

Other up-and-coming artistes also express their challenges in trying to bloom in the music industry.

Omotola Omodanisi says: “The challenge of finance is sometimes overwhelming and the inconsistent availability of excellent team players is daunting.

“There’s no well-defined support structure for the average upcoming artiste and excellent promotion process can’t be executed by minimal budget which makes the upcoming artiste unable to cater for these needs,’’

A budding hip-hop artiste, Sola Chinedu, says it is difficult to get brands and label executives to discover artistes that are good at music creation.

“I currently use streaming platforms to promote my music hoping for the best. Even the record labels that might finally get an upcoming artiste turn them into slaves,’’ she alleges.

Chinedu said he has been tempted to give up so many times due to the strain, fear and disappointments but the love of music continues to push him.

Arinze Nnamdi says his journey hasn’t been easy and that as an independent artiste, “you have to do basically everything by yourself.

“We do not have a support system; you are the only one carrying out your dreams yourself. It hasn’t been easy but definitely I keep on pushing, till I definitely get there.

“One of the basic challenges is funds, you don’t have a record label, you are doing everything yourself, nobody is supporting you.

“So, if you do not have sponsors, it’s not going to be easy for you because you have to bring out money for this and that. It’s challenging and also getting people to listen to you.

“Most people do not want to listen to your track, they underestimate upcoming artistes, they prefer to listen when you finally blow.

“You are lucky, if you are from a rich background and you are able to fund yourself, but what of those from poor background?

“If there are people that could help fund musical artistes, that will be helpful because right now, I don’t think the music industry is favourable to upcoming artistes,’’ he observes.

Sharing similar sentiments, Ifechukwu Raymond also known as Raymid, an up-and-coming singer and rapper, says nobody is ready to support or even listen to budding artistes.

“That’s why young artistes tend to give up when their efforts are in vain. It’s only grace and connection that work sometimes for a person,’’ he says.

The artiste says that apart from support from music professionals and experts, people do not listen to up-and-coming artistes.

“It’s just families and friends that listen to you and that cannot be your audience for a long time. So, the struggle to get people to listen to you is tasking.

“That is why some upcoming artistes think that hiring video vixens and displaying ostentatious lifestyles will draw audiences but does it work all the time?”

Raymond also pleaded with talent hunts and organisers of music competitions to be fair in their judgment.

“Give it to those who deserve it. There’s no need to play politics. Support true talent and throw them into the limelight,’’ he pleaded.

Esther Okechukwu has had an unfortunate share in trying to survive in the musical industry as she claims that: “My friend introduced me to a producer and I showed him my musical composition, hoping that he could bring it to life. After seven days of working with him, I was unable to reach the producer.

“I later found out that another artiste had used my song, only that some alterations were made. It was painful.’’

Okechukwu also said that lack of knowledge and guidance for budding artistes have been eliminating talents from the industry.

But the Chairman of Santabella Group and the parent company of Santabella Music Empire Ltd., Oladipupo Lawal, says international companies have a role to play in the gradual obscurity of artistes on the national and international scene.

He says concerns over the future of local artistes have been raised by the aggressiveness and dominance of international enterprises.

“One e-mail address serving the whole continent of Africa overloads the system, giving international companies an unfair advantage, and only artistes with connections to these corporations receive the much-needed editorial support, leaving others in obscurity.

“This is the reality of the role of streaming platforms such as Apple Music, which purport to provide editorial support to artistes.

“Significant negative effects result from this global invasion, including the decline in popularity of many local music icons and the general public lack of exposure to their works.

“Marketing and promotion are among the areas of the sector that are affected by this change,’’ he observes.

Lawal further states that songs that are trending on digital platforms are given priority over local content on radio stations, which used to be the main places to find new music.

`Consequently, radio commercials are no longer as effective as they once were; this gives multinational corporations even more clout and denies many artistes a just opportunity to be heard,’’ he notes.

Also, the General Manager of Megaelectrics, Deji Awokoya, says for artistes to advance, they must endure and remain true to their trade.

“I wonder why young performers are chasing fame and fortune rather than honing their skill and establishing themselves in their local communities first,’’ he asks.

“Having good music is what will stand them out of the crowd; the second is creating a community, which can be accomplished by consistently putting oneself out there.

“Before leaving, they have to be well known on their streets. They ought to learn from Portable’s portrayal of the concept of being well known,’’ he suggests.

Alextino Sunday, also known as, DJ Lextino, says the music industry is very wide and continuously growing every day with a lot of challenges and a few people trying to feed on new artistes claiming to help them.

“The country alone is a huge challenge because nothing helps upcoming and independent Djs  like us in the industry and this highlights the reason why lot of talents are wasted’’ he says.

Afropop singer, Ifeanyi Ifegwu, also known as Siino, says artistes and professionals in the music industry face major hurdles.

He says many gifted people have financial difficulties when it comes to recording, producing, and promoting their work.

“The general development of the industry is hampered by the lack of well-equipped recording studios, concert venues, and trustworthy distribution methods.

“Opportunities for development and professionalisation can be obtained by promoting public and private investment, creating funds specifically for music, and enhancing infrastructure,’’ he notices.

The afropop singer adds that talent development and nurturing are essential to the music industry’s long-term viability.

“Artistes can enhance their abilities, broaden their creative vision, and negotiate the intricacies of the industry by having access to top-notch music education, mentorship programmes and talent development initiatives.

“Working together, government agencies, business leaders, and academic institutions can build a nurturing environment that develops the next wave of Nigerian musicians,’’ he says.

All in all, veteran artiste, Dare Art Alade, says it takes a community to raise a musician, insisting that: “Everybody coming together to support, give their time and helping that young artiste grow goes a long way in growing the creative industry.(NANFeatures)

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

Features , Economy/Business

NCS’ bold steps to ease trade operations in Nigeria

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By Martha Agas, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

With its poverty rate hitting 38.9 per cent in 2023, Nigeria has continued to battle several social and economic problems, throwing up an avalanche of concerns for both the leaders and the populace.

The populous African nation has continued to battle food shortages, poor infrastructure, unemployment, while striving to make quality health care and education affordable.

It is also confronted with security challenges ranging from banditry, militancy, separatist agitations, among others.

With these challenges getting more serious by the day, experts say that the prospects of overcoming them may not be so bright with the nation’s monolithic economy that depends substantially on oil.

They say that short and long term measures must be initiated if the nation is to be salvaged from its many woes.

One recurrent suggestion has been the need to diversify the economy, especially with the global upsurge in energy transition, which is expected to reduce the demand for oil.

Relying on the oil sector, in spite of the transition, will diminish the nation’s revenue base, the experts have always pointed out, while emphasising the need to build resilience to navigate the situation by leveraging opportunities in other sectors.

Sectors that provide such revenue options include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, among others.

In line with this, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has continued to focus on reforming the economy to deliver sustained growth that would have multiplier effects on all aspects of life.

To this effect, government has continued to develop and implement policies and initiatives designed to generate revenue from the non-oil sector.

One of such policies focuses on trade reforms.

The idea is encapsulated in the Trade Policy Of Nigeria(TPN) 2023 to 2027, designed to promote trade as a tool for economic growth and development. It aims at using trade as a catalyst to develop a diversified and competitive economy.

While it hinges on government’s commitment to an open and transparent trade policy, one of its key objectives is to address constraints limiting Nigeria’s potential to participate effectively in international trade.

As part of efforts to address these constraints, the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), in 2022 embarked on a journey to reposition and ease trade operations in the country through its Trade Modernisation Project(TMP), which has three phases.

The project is a 20-year concession agreement signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the NCS Board, and the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.

The TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS. It seeks to simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

It is aimed at making it easy to obtain export and import clearances. It will also ease the payment of duties and the release of goods.

Shortly put, it is a long term rescue plan aimed at ensuring predictable and transparent processes and procedures for imports, exports and transit trade.

According to the General Manager of the Concessionaire, Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, the project creates the basis for improving NCS’ services which include improving revenue generation, facilitating trade development and minimising corruption in trade facilitation.

The project is aimed at automating trade operation processes using a software described as the Unified Customs Management System(UCMS), to be deployed by NCS, which would soon be inaugurated by the Federal Government.

The UCMS is the core of the operational activities and underpins the decision chain and command of goods clearance for release, in line with the requisite taxes and waivers of the Federal Government.

The automation aims to address leakages in the revenue collection of customs duties and includes Electronic Cargo Tracking System.

This system gives traders access through the UCM to comprehensively monitor their transactions from the beginning of the process until the delivery of their goods, and act appropriate where they experience hiccups.

The system also facilitates Electronic Port System, Logistics Monitoring System, Mobile Enforcement System and Intelligent Gate System.

In addition to providing further ease of cross border trading, its major advantage is the significant long-term impact it would have on the social and economic development of the country.

At the end of the 20 year period, the project is expected to generate in excess, 250 billion dollars as revenue for Nigeria.

This is because automating the process helps to increase revenue collection due to improved trading experiences, which would increase trading frequency and, therefore, revenue from chargeable duties.

While Nigeria gets to use the revenue to fund its infrastructure development, create jobs, address its security challenges, it would also develop other non-oil sectors to ensure sustainable development.

On the current stage of the development of software to be deployed to drive the modernisation process, the Head of the  Business Section of the Project, Usman Abba, a Chief Supritendent of Customs, said that all internal sytems had been completed, and final touches were being made on stakeholders’ integration.

While this is the first phase of the process spanning year one to six, with two more phases to go, it is expected that at a stage, all systems must be deployed to hardware, software and technology services.

The reform, through the project, is expected to streamline customs processes, reduce delays and cut down on corruption. As a result, businesses can operate more efficiently, and government can collect more accurate and timely revenues from trade activities.

Additionally, aligning trade policies with international standards can attract more global partners and increase Nigeria’s share of global trade.

As the implementation of this project gets to its peak, excited analysts say that Nigeria can look forward to a more dynamic, efficient and profitable trade sector, driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity.(NANFeatures)

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

Features , Health

Saving youths from menace of tobacco industry interference

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By Oluwafunke Ishola

Africa, and indeed Nigeria is known for its generally youthful population.

However, data show that these youths are endangered as the tobacco industry has targeted them for their “predatory” tobacco marketing tactics to create profits, thereby breeding a new wave of addiction.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health challenges the world has ever faced, killing more than eight million people around the world every year.

The 2024 WHO Global Report on Trends reveals that children are using e-cigarettes at rates higher than adults in many countries and globally an estimated 37 million youth aged 13 to 15 years use tobacco.

It revealed that 22 countries in the African region are on track to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in tobacco use by 2025. However, it emphasised that progress has been stifled by rising numbers of young tobacco smokers due to tobacco industry influence.

This year, once again, WHO and public health champions from across the globe have come together, leveraging the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) celebrated annually on May 31, to raise awareness about the harmful influences of the tobacco industry on youth.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2024 is “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference”. It emphasises the need to protect future generations and ensure that tobacco consumption continues to reduce.

WHO report titled “Hooking the next generation: how the tobacco industry captures young customers” shockingly revealed that the industry works to reach children and youth to replace customers who quit or die.

According to the report, internal tobacco industry documents, dating as far back as the 1970s, show that tobacco companies have long considered children and youth to be “replacement smokers”, “pre-smokers” and a critical market to sustaining their business and the future of their brands.

“The range of products the industry uses to appeal to youth has expanded significantly, from cigarettes, cigarillos and shisha to newer products like e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches.

“Flavoured products and additives, sleek designs and child-friendly packaging and imagery make addictive products even more appealing to youth.

“Companies rapidly launch new products that sidestep, or are not included, in current laws, and use every available means to expand their market share before regulations can catch up with them,” it said.

The health agency revealed that the industry’s tactics include positioning many nicotine products as “safer” than cigarettes, potentially distracting policy-makers and consumers from the fact that nicotine itself is addictive and harmful, particularly to children and youth.

“For example, e-cigarettes with nicotine are highly addictive and are harmful to health.

“While long-term health effects are not fully understood, it has been established that they generate toxic substances, some of which are known to cause cancer and some that increase the risk of heart and lung disorders.

“Use of e-cigarettes can also affect brain development, potentially leading to learning and anxiety disorders for young people,” it said.

The health agency lamented that the tobacco industry was succeeding in its efforts to create a new generation of young people who smoke, vape, suck nicotine pouches or use snuff. It noted that evidence from around the world shows an alarming uptake by children of some products, such as e-cigarettes.

“History is repeating, as the tobacco industry tries to sell the same nicotine to our children in different packaging.

“These industries are actively targeting schools, children and young people with new products that are essentially a candy-flavoured trap.

“How can they talk about harm reduction when they are marketing these dangerous, highly addictive products to children?,” Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General queried.

During a virtual World No Tobacco Day webinar with Journalists, Mr Caleb Ayong, Executive Director, Vital Voices for Africa (VVA), Togo, said tobacco infringes upon children’s basic rights to health and welfare, noting that child labour in tobacco production persists in many parts of Africa.

Ayong emphasised that 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals would not be achieved with tobacco industry operations, noting that it portends threats to actualisation of universal health coverage, disease prevention, and mental health promotion.

“Tobacco industry targets young people with aggressive marketing, investing billions on the advertisement of its products. It organises parties, concerts, and product placements to specifically lure young and impressionable minds to its products and activities,” he said.

He called for collaboration in shielding children from the clutches of tobacco, empower them with knowledge, and advocate for policies that prioritise their health.

According to him, journalists hold immense power to ignite change, expose industry lies, and inspire action through their reports, urging them to amplify the voices of youths, unmask tobacco industry’s deception, and create a world where every child breathes freely.

Similarly, Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), said the media plays a strategic role in exposing the tactics of the tobacco industry through incisive reports to elicit policy level interventions

“It is the media that must put our governments on their toes to ensure they do not shirk their primary responsibility of protecting our children,” he said.

According to him, the MPOWER package of WHO focuses on six effective measures to reduce demand for tobacco products.

“The W denotes the “Warn about the dangers of tobacco”, which is a role that the media is tasked with carrying out. The media shapes tobacco-related knowledge, opinions and influences individuals and policy-makers.

“For signatories to the WHO–Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) mass media anti-tobacco campaigns are key components of their tobacco control programmes,” he said.

Corroborating Jakpor, Mr Achieng Otieno, Being Africa, Kenya, explained that the WHO-FCTC was a blueprint for governments to adopt effective tobacco control and assist curb the global tobacco epidemic.

Otieno noted that the goal of the framework was to protect the present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco (and nicotine products) consumption and involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke.

“The FCTC plays a vital role in promoting and protecting children’s rights concerning tobacco control by advocating for policies and measures to prevent tobacco use initiation, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, provide access to information and education, and safeguard public health policies from industry interference,” Otieno said.

Besides, Mohammed Maikuri of Development Gateway, emphasised that the economic burden of smoking, including health expenditures and productivity losses, was estimated at $1.4 trillion annually, with a significant portion of this cost borne by developing countries.

Maikuri said treating diseases caused by tobacco was estimated to have cost Nigeria ₦526.4 billion in 2019, which was nearly one tenth of all healthcare costs in the country.

According to him, Development Gateway, in collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health, supported by the Gates Foundation, leads the DaYTA (Data on Youth Tobacco in Africa) programme, focusing on addressing critical data gaps related to adolescent tobacco use in Nigeria.

He said that the initiative aims to gather comprehensive country-level data on tobacco use among young people aged 10 to 17, thereby filling critical evidence gaps and complementing existing data.

Maikuri, however, said that Nigeria’s performance got worse in a 2021 survey showing that the tobacco industry was intensifying its interference in spite of Nigeria’s tobacco control legislation and efforts.

Commenting, Ms Oluchi Robert, Tobacco Control Advocate, noted that WHO report had shown Nigeria, the world’s seventh most populated country, has been recognised by major transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) as a market with enormous income potential due to its large youth population and expanding GDP.

Robert lamented that the tobacco industry in Nigeria, like in many other countries, targets children and youths through various tactics including product marketing, advertising, flavoured products and accessibility.

“Tobacco industry covertly engages in product advertisement through product placements in movies, music videos and use of social media to reach the younger audience.

“According to a 2020 cross-sectional study of school adolescents in Lagos, the most frequently reported channel of exposure was through product placements, with 62 per cent reporting exposure in films, TV, and videos.

“Up to 15.2 per cent and 12.6 per cent were exposed to tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) through promotional activities and sponsorships, respectively,” she said.

She faulted the easy accessibility of tobacco products to children and youths, through stores or online platforms.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), worried by the alarming increase in young and underage access to tobacco products, launched the ‘Don’t Burn Their Future’ campaign.

 

FCCPC said over 4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and above are tobacco users, with more than 26,800 annual deaths attributed to tobacco-related diseases.

The Commission emphasised that the campaign was a resolute move to safeguard the health and future of Nigerian youth and to curb the detrimental impact of tobacco products on society.

FCCPC underscores the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and a prioritised healthcare system in fostering a healthier future for the youth.

Contributing, Dr Tunji Akintade, said there was a fundamental and irreconcilable conflict between the tobacco industry’s interests and public health policy interests.

Akintade urged the government to strengthen its tobacco control policies, improve awareness and educate the public and policymakers about the devastating health and social consequences of tobacco use.

Experts stressed that tobacco industry interference in health policy was a major reason why youth remain unprotected, or not as protected as they should be.

They urged the government to protect current and future generations and hold tobacco and related industries liable for the harm they cause. (NANFeatures)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Features , Culture & Tourism

Engaging Nollywood to showcase Nigeria’s tourism endowment

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By Joshua Olomu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

All over the world film is more than an entertainment outlet. It is used as a tool for shaping opinions, driving national narratives to the larger world and projecting a nation’s cultures, economic, technological and other advantages.

Besides its entertainment value, one area where the motion picture is intentionally applied is as a tool for global marketing and advertisement of the tourism sector.

Films are unique platforms for promoting tourism, offering a blend of entertainment and destination marketing that can captivate audiences and inspire travel.

Some of the most admired and visited tourist attractions and destinations, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Great Wall of China attracted global attention through the power of the visual media.

The wonder of the screen can make tourists travel from around the world to visit the Statue of Liberty in New York and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Films are powerful tools for promoting tourism by bringing destinations to life, showcasing their unique attributes, and inspiring audiences to visit the real-world locations they have seen on screen.

The Nigeria’s film industry, known as Nollywood, is globally recognised as the second largest film producer in the world, turning out over 2,500 movies yearly.

It is only surpassed by Bollywood of India, even though Nollywood does not rake in as much income annually as the others, it is renowned for its rich and unique story telling attributes.

Before COVID-19 pandemic erupted Hollywood contributed $504 billion to the U.S. GDP. The figure represents at least 3.2 per cent of the goods and services portion of GDP.

Conversely, according to a research firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Nigeria’s film industry contributed only $660 million to Nigeria’s GDP in 2021.

One of those who think Nollywood can do better in terms of revenue generation for the country is the Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof AbdulRasheed Na’Allah.

“Nollywood can turn around the fortunes of the Nigerian economy. The government must understand that now.

“It is in the interest of the government to know that film industries are multi-million-dollar ventures. They can create wealth.

“From all over the world, people are watching Nollywood. People are beginning to know Nigeria through Nollywood.

“Is it our music, film, cultural dance, or language? We are taking the world by surprise, and because it is going to Japan, China and America, it is creating foreign reserves for Nigeria”, he said.

He spoke at a three-day conference in Abuja, yesterday, in honour of visiting lecturer, Prof Onookome Okome of the Department of English and Film Studies, University of Alberta, Canada, the VC tasked the Federal Government to support Nollywood.

Just like the Nigerian music brand, Afrobeat, Nollywood products have evolved to become global brands that are known and accepted across the world.

In recent times, the industry has produce blockbusters that have been screened in international cinemas, nominated and screened at prestigious festivals such as the Toronto Film Festival, Berlin Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, among others.

Therefore, it can be argued that Nollywood, as one of Nigeria’s best exports to the world, has not been adequately engaged in showcasing the nation’s rich tourism potential to attract inbound tourists.

Nigeria is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, breath-taking landscapes and diverse wildlife, which position it as a potential choice destination for tourists seeking unique experiences and adventures.

The country is home to nature tourism, with a lot of natural attractions, including lush rainforest, Savannas, wetlands and unique flora and fauna, spread across its six geopolitical zones.

This diverse ecosystem offer interesting activities to tourists, such as bird-watching,photography,star-gazing,camping,hunting,fishing,hiking and games viewing.

However, with these amazing tourism attractions spread across the country, beside various cultural fiesta and celebrations, Nigeria is yet to be classified as global tourism destination.

In the 2019 UNTWO World Tourism Ranking, Nigeria was not among the first 10 countries in Africa, with Egypt, Morocco and South Africa standing at first, second and third positions in that order.

Primarily, this ranking is based number of visitors and the income generated from the sector within the period.

Perhaps, inadequate packaging, promotion and effective marketing of the nation’s tourism attractions to the global market is the major drawback to the sector, and this is where Nollywood should be engaged by relevant authorities.

There is need for synergy between industry players, and this is where the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) need to show political will, patriotism and commitment.

NFC has the mandate to establish a robust framework for fostering a thriving and enduring film industry and cinema culture in Nigeria, and thereby actively contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the nation.

One of the NFC’s cardinal functions is to produce films for domestic consumption and export, and this is what puts it in the best position to engage stakeholders in Nollywood.

NTDA is responsible for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of tourism in Nigeria, and it has the duty to encourage people living in Nigeria to take their holidays therein and people from abroad to visit Nigeria.

These agencies need to join hands to initiate a pilot project and engage relevant guilds in Nollywood including the Screen Writers Association of Nigeria, Association of Movie Producers and the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

At the ideation stage of the project, a script should be written with a story line that set historical and cultural landmarks, parks and wildlife as locations for such film.

Other tourist locations such as Yankari Game Reserves, Ikogosi warm spring, Erin Ijesha water fall, Ojukwu Bunker, among others should as well be captured.

The various cultural festivals such as Argungu Fishing Festival, Osun Osogbo Festival, the Calabar Carnival and others should be reflected in such project.

The Federal Government, through its relevant ministries, should as well come up with an incentive mechanism for filmmakers whose projects tends to promote the nation’s tourism landscape.

These collaborations between filmmakers and tourism authorities will consequently lead to joint marketing efforts where film trailers can be paired with tourism advertisements, and locations can offer incentives for film crews to shoot there.

There is no doubt, if well engaged, Nollywood films will introduce audiences to locations they might not have known about, effectively serving as advertisements for these places.

Such films will also highlight the cultural aspects of a location, from food and festivals to traditions and architecture, and this cultural exposure can evoke viewers’ interest in experiencing these elements first hand.

As Nollwood films take more dominant place on global stage, using them to highlight the rich tourism attractions that abound in the country will create emotional connections with viewers.

This will attract both domestic and inbound tourists to locations which will ultimately bring sustainable tourism development and make the sector a major source of national revenue.

To be a vehicle for selling Nigerian’s tourism potential to the international community, Nollywood should take the positives from the country.

Then Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, addressed this concern at Leadership Master Training for Nollywood Celebrities and Stakeholders training under the platform of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

“Beyond the questions of economics and profit, there is the issue of the critical role of Nollywood in influencing culture, defining national character, and promoting national identity.

“You also have a responsibility to tell the best stories of our beloved country’’, said Gbajabiamila, now Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, acknowledges to enormity of the task but remains upbeat about what the industry can do.

“We are uniquely positioned in this great nation, endowed with an abundance of human capital and boundless possibilities.

“Our collective aim is singular, and it is bold: to position Nigeria as the world’s culture, creativity and entertainment capital“, she said. (NANFeatures)

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

Features

Fight Against Insecurity: Is it yet an Uhuru?

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By Deborah Coker, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

For more than one decade Nigeria has battled various forms of insecurity. They range from Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, Banditry in the North West and North Central to militancy and oil theft in the South-South.

In the South East, the fear of gunmen is the beginning of wisdom. Farmers and herders continue to clash in parts of North Central and South West.

These security challenges are a major strain on the country’s human and material resources.

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), is a global data hub that collects real-time conflict-related data, Nigeria recorded no fewer than 4,556 fatalities and 7,086 abductions in the last one year.

Among others, the data showed that banditry in the North-west lead other regions with 1,475 deaths and 4,343 abductions while in the North-central there were 552 incidents of banditry, even as farmers-herders conflict and cultism claimed at least 1,444 lives.

In addition, about 1,321 abductions were recorded in the region. In the South-South a total of 231 violent incidents majorly cultism-related and militancy were recorded resulting in at least 336 deaths. There were 295 abductions.

According to reports, between 2015 and 2021, Nigeria spent ₦8 trillion on defence, while Global Terrorism Index in 2023 ranked the country as the 8th country most impacted by terrorism globally.

On assumption of office on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu promised to frontally address the security challenges and he is keeping to that pledge according to Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru.

According to him, since the Tinubu administration was inaugurated, several key terrorists and bandits have been captured or neutralised just as a large cache of arms and ammunition were recovered.

Badaru said that while 245 kidnapped victims have been rescued, 61 HH radio, 223 vehicles, 363 motorcycles, and 551 mobile phones were recovered.

He also said that troops of the Armed Forces have denied the oil thieves of an estimated N91,247,052,565 as well as recovered 92,547,601,541 litres of stolen crude oil, 61,469,999 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,920,549 litres of DPK among others.

According to the minister, in a bid to improve national security and defend the nation’s territorial integrity, the ministry enhanced synergy within the armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies.

He said that defence equipment was procured, just as there was improvement in production and capacity development of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“We also enhanced personnel welfare, increased partnership with friendly nations/organisations and sustained stakeholders’ engagement sessions.

“The ministry ensured strict adherence to stipulated guidelines such as standard operating procedures, rules of engagement among others.

“This has contributed greatly to the feat recorded in tackling insecurity in the country”, the minister said.

Reports by military sources say that in the past one year no fewer than 9,300 bandits and terrorists have been neutralized while about 7,000 others were arrested, and 4,882 assorted weapons and 83,900 munitions recovered.

The results indeed are showing, on one of the recent operations by the troops of the Nigerian Army conducted in Zamfara and Katsina, no fewer than 11 terrorists were killed, and a large cache of arms and ammunition recovered.

With the feat recorded by the AFN with the supervision of the Ministry of Defence in the fight against insecurity, can Nigerians say it is yet an uhuru?

Chief Sunday Emeyese, a legal practitioner, said the security situation in the country has improved tremendously under the Tinubu administration when compared or juxtaposed with the Buhari administration.

“The regularity and incessant cases of unwarranted attacks and bombings by bandits has reduced.

“Kidnapping too is on the decline. However, Fulani herdsmen and communal attacks have not abated.

“The Tinubu administration must thus rise to the occasion and ensure that the issue of unbridled insecurity in the country becomes a thing of the past or is reduced to the barest minimum”, he said.

Similarly, immediate past Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu said that the security situation in the country now was not as bad as it used to be.

According to him, the situation is not as bad as it used to be. I can bet that it’s gradually stabilising. I can tell you that the level of insecurity in the country is going down.

‘’We are not yet there, but I can bet that it is not what it used to be, So I can say kudos to the president and the present sets of security heads. They are bringing the temperature down.

‘’But I think they still need to do more”, he said.

In the fight against insecurity, it is important to keep eyes on the ball.

Mr Tobi Akinwole, a driver, said that though the insecurity situation has greatly reduced, there was the need for the government to sustain the success recorded.

Akinwole advised the government not to relent in attacking the terrorists and bandits.

“Yes, we are witnessing a decline in insecurity in the country now. But we are not yet where we should be. People still have fears when they want to travel from one part of the country to the other, especially by road.

“And this is because they think that these terrorists and bandits and kidnappers can strike at any time.

“During the reign of the immediate past administration, these people operated without any fear. The Nigeria government cannot afford to relax now that we are experiencing some form of relief”, he said. (NANFeatures)

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

President Bola Tinubu
Features , Oil & Gas

Tinubu @ One Year: Oil and gas feat, expectations

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By Emmanuella Anokam: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

On his inauguration on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu, who is also the Minister of Petroleum Resources, began his administration by announcing the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.

The implications are that the fuel subsidy removal would free up financial resources for other sectors, incentivise domestic refineries for more petroleum products, and reduce dependency on imported fuel and channel funds for development of critical projects.

It is clear that the president stepped on toes with the subsidy removal, as it ended nefarious activities and dealt a big blow on economic saboteurs, especially those in the oil and gas sector.

It also deprived them of their ill-gotten profits.

The saboteurs usually smuggled the subsidised petroleum products to neighbouring African countries and sell them at exorbitant prices.

However, Nigerians are yet to reap the benefits of the fuel subsidy removal, as they currently face hardship, sufferings and economic downturn due to the removal.

Fuel is being sold at exorbitant rate by marketers because of the high cost of refining the crude outside the country, as Nigerians earnestly await oil production by our refineries.

The coming on stream of the 20 billion dollars Dangote Refinery with a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the third quarter of 2023 was a plus to the country’s oil sector.

Though the company has begun pumping refined Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) and aviation fuel or Jet A1 but yet to begin supply of fuel to bridge the gap and cushion the inadequacy in the sector.

Though presently, the sector has witnessed some landmark achievements.

The Federal Government had on Dec. 21, 2023, announced the mechanical completion and flare start-up of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC).

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), who disclosed this during an inspection of the refinery, said the development would herald the production of petroleum products, though Nigerians are still awaiting its full commencement.

The minister said that the mechanical completion of the Port Harcourt Refinery Company was a milestone achievement, with refining operations set to commence within the next quarter.

He said similar advancements were underway for the Warri and Kaduna refineries aimed at supplying petroleum products domestically and to the Sub-Saharan market, thus eliminating the need for imports.

“In collaboration with security agencies and host communities, we have tackled the menace of oil facility vandalism and crude oil theft.

“Ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products without scarcity has been a priority achieved through our work with NNPC, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA) and other agencies.

“Furthermore, with the president’s approval, we have secured Abuja as the host city for the proposed Africa Energy Bank’s headquarters.

“I have addressed critical issues such as subsidy removal and the sustainable supply of petroleum products, scarcity is now a thing of the past.

“Once our refineries, including modular and private monolithic refineries, become operational, we will cease importing petroleum products, thereby, strengthening the naira,” he said.

Lokpobiri, recently, while giving an update on the achievements in the oil and gas sector in the past one year of this administration, based on the Renewed Hope Agenda, Number 4 of Mr President, which aims to unlock the natural resources of Nigeria for economic prosperity, listed further achievements.

He said the foremost achievement was the significant increase in oil production, adding that on assumption of office, production was at approximately 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd), including condensates.

“Today, I am proud to report that we have increased our production to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day (inclusive of condensate).

“This increase is a testament to our relentless efforts to streamline operations and resolve conflicts among stakeholders,’’ the minister said.

Lokpobiri listed the steps taken to increase crude oil production to include; efforts toward revamping redundant oil assets to active status; continuous engagement with the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and others in resolving industry disputes.

According to the Minister, the Federal Government engaged local communities with critical assets on the need to protect the assets to reduce oil theft in the country.

He said that the Federal Government consolidated on existing security framework with private security firms and government security agencies for pipeline surveillance.

These, he said led to sharp decline in crude oil theft and thus increased production for export.

During this period, we also experienced the coming on stream of OMLs 13 (Sterling Exploration) and 85 (First E&P), with the respective assets reaching first oil in the development of their licences.

These assets are expected to produce an average of 20,000 and 40,000 bpd respectively.

He said that investments commitment to the tune of five billion dollars and 10 billion dollars respectively in deep-water offshore assets; and 1.6 billion dollars investment commitment in oil and gas asset acquisition was secured.

Lokpobiri said that the Federal Government has been working diligently to eliminate the bureaucracies and bottlenecks that had stifled investments for over a decade.

According to him, the Federal Government has been providing ministerial consent to companies to divest some of their equity in their assets to companies of proven technical and financial capability.

The year under review also witnessed the presidential ground breaking of the 350 megawatts Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant (GIPP) project which was necessitated by the need for delivering gas toward additional power generation capacity.

The project, being undertaken by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC), will enable gas supply to the plant which is expected to come through the Ajeokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, currently at advanced stage of construction.

The president also recently inaugurated three critical gas infrastructure, which included the ANOH-OB3 CTMS gas pipeline and ANOH gas processing plant in Assa, Ohaji/Egbema in Imo State and the expansion of the AHL gas processing plant 2 gas project in Kwale in Delta.

The projects, being undertaken by the NNPC Ltd. and partners in line with Tinubu’s commitment to leverage gas to grow the economy will add 500MMscf/d gas production capacity to the country and increase the available gas pipeline network by 23.3 kilometres

The increased oil output has been applauded by experts, who also highlighted expectations.

Assessing the administration, an Economic Expert, Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu said although there was an improvement in the last one year in the oil and gas sector, but a lot more could still be achieved.

“The removal of subsidy has reduced the multiple unwholesome malpractices associated with the subsidy and has availed more funds available for the government to deal with its obligations, although we hear subsidy still exists.

“The fight against oil theft has enhanced productivity of oil, though we are still far away from the installed capacity and even from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota of 1.7 mbpd assigned to Nigeria,’’ he said.

Ekechukwu decried high prices of petroleum products, which however, have contributed to high inflation rate among other factors.

He advised that the economy could rebound significantly in the next one year if we could produce crude oil exceeding the OPEC approved quota and end importation of petroleum products by making all the refineries to produce up to installed capacity.

“The government can end all manners of gas flaring and converting same for local use, end oil theft or even reduce same to barest minimal.

“Ensure all redundant oil Wells are bidded for and leased accordingly, then reduce corruption and increase transparency in the oil and gas industry,’’ he advised.

Mrs Nkechi Obi, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Techno Oil, hailed the Federal Government for the ongoing reforms in the sector. .

“It is obvious they inherited an economy that was on a free fall and will need much time to patch the mistakes of the last government. There will be light at the end of the tunnel.

“My only advice would be for the Tinubu government to lead by example in the area of transparency and cohesion, reduce ethnic conflicts and encourage more collaboration among private and public sector,’’ she said.

The Techno Oil GMD called for fair competition among private sector unlike the previous government that allowed forex to be traded at different rates for different persons and companies, adding that the current government should provide a safe environment devoid of security risk.

Obi urged the Federal Government to reverse its directive, which placed imported Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders and other components on custom duties and Value-Added Tax (VAT) payment exemption list.

She described the directive as a clear market distortion, adding that the indigenous manufacturing companies would not be able to compete with the dumping of substandard cylinders from Asia.

“As a matter of urgency, the government should impose duty on imported LPG cylinders. The six manufacturing companies of cylinders have created jobs and wealth and the government should not make it a wasted effort.

“All the efforts are eroded by that single policy. We can meet the demand of the country,’’ she said.

An economist, Mr Yusha’u Aliyu, said the global expectation for the industry was centred on stability in energy supply, especially by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

“However, demand is expected to rise, especially due to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) high forecast in most advanced economies.

” Meanwhile, expanding gas project in sub Saharan Africa, notably the AKK Project in Nigeria, is expected to shape world supply and consumption,’’ he said.

According to Mr Olabode Sowunmi, an oil and gas expert, the refineries are expected to produce or refine crude in 2024, and what they should produce should augment and significantly affect what is being imported.

In his views, there were a lot of activities without motion, adding that the downstream was the only area of the industry that affects the common man; so fuel price should be made affordable.

He called for transparency and harmonised work in the sector

According to some other experts, Nigeria is expected to intensify effort in the programmes concerning energy transition and rapid shift to more sustainable sources of energy and emergence of technologies to reduce carbon intensity of the fossil fuel.

Nigerians are also expectant of the construction of the 25 billion dollars Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project which aims to link Nigeria to the European market.

It is expected that the ongoing establishment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and vehicles will gain more ground at different points to reduce carbon foot print and provide cheaper alternative fuel to motorists to alleviate the pains and challenges currently faced by Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Features

X-raying 10th Senate under Tinubu’s administration 1 year after

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By Naomi Sharang, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Features

The 10th Senate, popularly tagged the ‘uncommon Senate’, was inaugurated on June 13, 2023, when Nigerians were grappling with the sudden rise in the cost of living, following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on his assumption of office on May 29.

The National Assembly and particularly the Senate was placed on a tight corner as so much was expected from the lawmakers toward cushioning the effects of the new government policy, which has led to high inflation and high cost of living.

As expected, the Senate began by passing executive bills that were expected to impact directly on Nigerians such as the Students’ Loan Bill, which was passed on March 14 and assented by the President on April 3.

The bill evolved as part of the strategies to ensure full implementation of the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 as it sought to provide loans to indigent students to pay for their fees in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

At the signing of the bill, Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its expeditious passage, saying that the action was a pointer to the administration’s priority on education for Nigerian youths as a tool of fighting poverty.

“We are determined to ensure that education is given the proper attention necessary for the country including skills development programmes.

“This is to ensure that no one, no matter how poor their background, is excluded from quality education and opportunity to build their future.

“We are here because we are all educated, and we are helped. In the past, we have seen a lot of our children drop out of colleges and give up the opportunity,” he said.

With the signing of the bill into law by the president, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund was established to handle all loan requests, grants, and disbursement to deserving beneficiaries.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was to be funded from multiple streams and would engage in other productive activities.

Its sources of funding as included one per cent of all profits accruing to the federal government from oil and other minerals, one per cent of taxes, levies and duties accruing to the federal government from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS),

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
Others were education bonds and education endowment fund schemes.

The loan would also be funded through donations, gifts, grants, endowment, and revenue accruing to the fund from any other source, according to the Act.

Another similar bill passed by the Senate was the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund, sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu.

The bill sought to provide a sustainable source of funds for the NYSC, skill acquisition, training and empowerment of corps members, training and retraining of the personnel of the scheme, development of camps and NYSC formations and facilities.

Another critical bill at the Senate which had passed second reading was a bill to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007.

The bill was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru.

The bill sought to limit the tenure of the Governor and Deputy Governors of the CBN to a single non-renewal term of six years.

Another bill that excited most Nigerians was a bill to revert to Nigeria’s old National Anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee”, which has passed second reading.

The sponsor- Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele said that it sought to make provisions for Nigeria to revert to its old national anthem that would promote a better symbol for unity, peace, and prosperity- compared to the current one.

Giving a scorecard of the achievement of the Senate, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, said that the 10th Senate had performed creditably well in the last one year.

He said that the upper chamber was able to come up with bills and motions that had impacted positively on the lives of ordinary Nigerians within the last one year.

“When we look at the education sector, we look at the bill and the passage into law, signed by the President, the Students Loan Bill, you will see that it is a people-centred bill.

“The social security bill which has now culminated to be called the social security trust fund which was passed within four months of the ascendancy of the Senate, is another very important bill.

“There are so many motions that had even scaled through, that had gone into resolutions, which had been passed to the President, which have renewed the hope of Nigerians especially in security and in the finance sector,” he said.

Adaramodu said that the CBN (Act), 2007 amendment bill would insulate the governor and the bank’s management from partisan politics.

“When we look at the Central Bank Bill, it is going to insulate the CBN governor and its management from partisan politics.

“And it is going to reiterate seriously and strictly on weight and means, so that it will not weigh too much against the GDP and then the income of the federation and then run Nigeria into internal unaccounted debt.

“Several bills and motions like that had been passed. And within the last one year, the 10th Senate had been replete with activities apart from the legislative activities, oversight activities.

“The NYSC Trust Fund which had already been passed in the Senate, it had gone for concurrence and then it went to the President,’’ he said.

He added: “That bill is seeking to rejig the NYSC scheme to ensure that Nigerian young adults are given the benefits to have something to do immediately after graduation from the NYSC scheme.’’

The lawmaker said that the Senate had done very well within the past one year, considering the scope where it operated.

“And then the issues that are bedevilling Nigeria especially security issues and then the economic issue.

“Several times, the senate had come with even the big stick at times for the security of Nigeria to be taken seriously and then for the security chiefs to work seriously for the security issues of Nigeria. And we have been reaping the results,” Adaramodu said.

But analysts have rated the 10th Senate otherwise.

Mr Cletus Uwakina, a right activist and the President, Crusaders’ Advocacy Initiative, said that the performance of the10th senate had most often fallen below expectations.

‘’In spite of some minor legislative successes, the national assembly has often fallen short in fulfilling its duties effectively as representatives of the people, particularly in areas of legislative oversight and accountability.

“One of the most glaring failures of the NASS is the significant delay in passing essential bills.

“The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), aimed at reforming the oil and gas sector, is a prime example, in spite of its importance, the PIA faced nearly two decades of delays and debates before being enacted in 2021.

“Such delays are not isolated incidents, many other crucial bills, including those addressing health, education, and economic reforms, often languish in committees for extended periods, undermining the legislative process and stalling necessary reforms.

“The national assembly role in overseeing the executive branch is critical for ensuring accountability and good governance,’’ he said.

He added: “However, its effectiveness in this area has been frequently questioned, investigations into corruption and misconduct within the executive often result in minimal substantive action.

“For instance, the probe into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over allegations of mismanagement involving billions of naira generated significant media attention but ultimately led to little or no accountability or reform.

“Similarly, its investigations into the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 relief funds lacked thoroughness and failed to lead to significant changes.

“In spite of initial efforts to scrutinise how funds were utilised, the outcomes of these investigations did not meet public expectations for transparency and accountability.’’

“Suspected corruption within the national assembly itself undermines its credibility and effectiveness, reports of budget padding, where legislators inflate the budget for personal gain, and accusations of accepting bribes to influence legislative decisions are not uncommon.

“Such practices not only eroded public trust but also compromised the national assembly’s ability to hold others accountable for similar offenses.

“The high salaries, allowances, and acquisition of very costly exotic official cars for legislators, particularly in a country facing economic hardships portray the National Assembly as an institution that is insensitive to the pains of citizens”. (NAN Features)

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

Features

President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and FCT civil servants experience

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By Philip Yatai, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

President Bola Tinubu-led administration has made it clear that its priority is to renew Nigeria’s hope and renew citizens’ trust in the government towards building a prosperous Nigeria.

This, according to the president, will require a bold and ambitious agenda that addresses the root causes of our problems and builds a more prosperous, secure, and equitable future for all Nigerians.

Tinubu, therefore, based his renewed hope agenda on eight priority areas namely, food security; poverty eradication; growth; job creation; access to capital; inclusion; rule of law; and fighting corruption.

These ambitious goals, however, require the unflagging commitment of the members of Tinubu’s cabinet, to ensure that the vision was not only achieved, but the hope of Nigerians renewed and confidence in the government rebuilt.

“I believe in the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu, and Nigerians will see the difference in no distant time,”

These were the words of Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while receiving handing over notes from Mr Adesola Olusade, the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the FCTA.

Wike, however, noted that not much would be achieved without the support of the workers of the FCT Administration.

But how could the FCT workers provide the needed support without motivation, welfare, and career progression?

Unlike other workers in the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, workers in the FCTA could only get to the position of a director and retire, because FCTA do not have a Civil Service Commission (CSC).

This means that, unlike their counterparts in other ministries, workers in FCT could not get to the peak of their career by becoming a permanent secretary.

In fact, permanent secretaries were being posted to FCTA by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

Often, these permanent secretaries were juniors to some of the directors in the FCTA.

This was disturbing even when the National Assembly had passed a Bill for the establishment of CSC for the FCT and was assented into law by the then acting President Yemi Osibanjo in 2018.

But the law was locked away in cupboards and shelves and growing dust, with no efforts to implement its provision by the previous administration.

Analysts opined that this development did not only kill the morale of the workers, but also stole their motivation and the willingness to give their best to the Administration.

Realising the negative impact this could have in actualising the vision of President Tinubu, through his renewed hope agenda, Wike immediately took steps to address the challenge.

Against all odds, the minister, on Oct. 13, 2023, announced President Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of CSC for the FCTA, in line with the provisions of the law.

This was to allow career progression for civil servants in the Administration.

“That hindrance to the workers’ career development has been removed with this development,” he said.

Head of Federal Capital Territory Civil Service, Dr Udo Atang .

On receiving the news, the elated FCT workers, in their numbers, stormed the Minister’s Wing of the FCTA Secretariat, praising Wike and Tinubu for taking the bold step to implement the FCT CSC Establishment Act, 2018.

Mr Korede Matilukoro, the then President of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), the umbrella body of FCTA workers, said, “this singular act has put smiles on the faces of the workers.”

Matilukoro pointed out that since 2004, the staff of FCTA had been deprived of becoming permanent secretaries, adding that Wike took the issue and within a month, secured President Tinubu’s approval for the implementation of the law.

But the excitement did not last long when a few days after, the Officer of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, announced the redeployment of Dr Magdalene Ajani from Transportation Ministry to FCTA.

Ajani was to replace the then PS, Mr Olusade Adesola, who was to retire on Jan. 29, but the workers rejected the action, describing it as faulty, and called for the full implementation of the FCT CSC Law.

Responding to the workers’ outcry, Wike ran to President Tinubu, halted the deployment of Ajani and on March 12, announced Tinubu’s approval for the appointment of Mr Udo Atang, as pioneer Head of Civil Service of the FCTA.

The minister also announced the appointment of 10 Permanent Secretaries for various Secretariats of the Administration as provided for in the FCT Civil Service Law, 2018.

Mr Emeka Ezeh was appointed the Chairman of the Commission’s Board, with six others as commissioners, representing the six geopolitical zones.

The excited pioneer head of FCT civil service, described the development as a demonstration of the reality of the renewed hope agenda of the Tinubu-led government.

Commending Tinubu and Wike for renewing the hope of FCT workers, Atang pointed out that the staff of the Administration have never had it this good.

He added that in the new FCTA system, every member of staff was a potential permanent secretary and head of service.

“I am also a beneficiary of becoming a Permanent Secretary, a son of nobody, rising to the peak of my career when I know nobody except God.

“We never expected that such things could happen to us.

“In terms of the aspiration of reaching your peak. I am one of the shining examples that somebody can be a Permanent Secretary in the FCT,” Dr Babagana Adam, the pioneer Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat of the FCTA, has said.

Similarly, the current President of JUAC, Mrs Rifkatu lortyer, expressed optimism for a cordial working relationship with Wike, for demonstrating high regards for workers and their welfare.

“So far, he is towing the right direction because the civil service commission had been our fight for a very long time.

“We have put one or two requests, and he has answered us. Every one of our requests is being considered; that is the most important thing,” Iortye said.

By and large, public analysts cautioned that now that Tinubu has actualised the long struggle for the FCT CSC, it was only fair that the workers pay back by being committed and work for the actualisation of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. (NANFeatures)

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

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