Features - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Vivian Ihechu
Jun, Wed, 2025

Gaming, Gambling Addiction: A growing societal burden needing urgent attention

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Analysis: Gaming, Gambling Addiction, a growing societal burden needing urgent attention

By Vivian Ihechu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In Nigeria, a silent and rapidly escalating crisis—Gaming and Gambling Addiction—is overwhelmingly affecting public health and social well-being, particularly among the youth.

Physical ailments like hypertension, diabetes and cancer often overshadow public health discussions, but mental and social well-being are emerging as critical, often-overlooked, drivers of risky behaviours such as problem gaming and gambling.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines gambling as risking something of value on an uncertain outcome for a potential increased return.

This includes traditional betting, casino games, lotteries, and bingo, with electronic gambling machines (EGMs) and certain online casino games carrying the highest risk of harm.

The lines between “gambling” and “gaming” are increasingly blurred, especially as modern gaming platforms incorporate “gambling-like” elements such as “loot boxes’’.

Regardless of whether it’s skill or chance, the consequences are alarmingly similar – severe financial stress, relationship breakdowns, family violence, profound mental illness, and even suicide from unmet expectations or commitments.

So grave is the concern of addiction that in 2018, the WHO formally added both online and offline gaming disorder to its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), describing it as “a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour” that “takes precedence over other life interests.”

The escalating societal impact was the central focus of the Responsible Gaming Symposium, organised by Gamble Alert, an NGO.

Under the theme, “Building a Sustainable Industry Through Responsible Gaming Practices,” the symposium held in Lagos united health professionals, industry regulators, gaming operators, and researchers to forge a comprehensive framework for addressing gambling addiction and championing player well-being.

Some dignitaries at the Responsible Gaming Symposium, organised by Gamble Alert, an NGO.

Prof. Peter Olapegba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration at the University of Ibadan and a Professor of Social/Health Psychology, highlighted how digitisation had profoundly amplified the problem, making gambling “socially acceptable across all age groups” and accessible through smartphones and social media.

His observation, “When you open your Bible app, you even see gambling advertisements” testified to its pervasive integration into daily life.

Olapegba presented alarming statistics that an estimated 60 million Nigerians were actively involved in gambling, collectively spending a staggering 1.8 billion naira daily.

In spite of this massive engagement, he questioned the government‘s oversight, saying, “The government is regulating, but it’s unclear whether they’re promoting or preventing gambling’’.

He warned that gambling becomes problematic “When it pushes you to lose control of your budget, when you can no longer stick to your financial plan.”

Also, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasised that gambling wasn’t just an economic issue, but a critical public health concern affecting mental, social, and physical health.

He was represented by Dr Tolu Ajomale, the Director/Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health.

According to him, the broader scope of health is beyond the purely physical, drawing attention to the often-ignored pillars of holistic well-being.

“Health is wealth when you are well, socially; when you are well, mentally and when you are well, physically’’.

Causes and Negative Impact

Shedding light on the hidden human cost of gambling, he explained that gaming and gambling waves and addiction had become a worrisome behaviour in society, emphasising that it wasn’t just an economic issue, but a critical public health concern affecting mental, social, and physical health.

He linked the rise of addictive behaviours like gaming and gambling to socio-economic pressures, driving individuals, especially younger people, toward gambling as an “escape” mechanism.

According to him, in a challenging economic climate, many individuals seek escape or a misguided path to resilience, sometimes succumbing to vices.

Also, the increasing accessibility of digital platforms places vulnerable populations at greater risk, particularly with younger individuals engaging in online gaming where age verification is a significant hurdle.

“The most concerning, is the fact that with digital platforms making gambling increasingly accessible, vulnerable populations are at greater risk of developing addictive behaviours’’.

While acknowledging the legal and ethical arguments put forth by the gaming industry, the commissioner highlighted the undeniable evidence of gambling addiction’s devastating impact on individuals’ social, mental, and physical health.

“This calls for greater responsibility from gaming operators to ensure players possess the mental capacity and legal maturity to participate.

“Many people who are often involved with gambling become addicts, and evidence of addiction is usually seen in their social lives, to their mental health, to their physical health.

“For the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the repercussions of gambling addiction are a public health problem, demanding proactive measures.

“Yet, the challenge lies in shifting the focus of decision-makers, who often prioritise economic gains over human well-being.

“It always boils down to the naira,” he lamented, referring to the common focus on financial metrics.

Proffering solution, he challenged the industry to prioritise player well-being over profits, suggesting a reframing of the industry’s sustainability

“The sustainability of the gaming industry depends on the well-being of its players’’, saying that a healthy client base is essential for long-term profitability.

Mr Fisayo Oke, CEO and Founder of Gamble Alert, decried the “worrisome loose gaming industry,” asserting that responsible gaming was not just a moral imperative but a critical business strategy.

He stressed that player safety should be mandatory, not optional.

“The sustainability of the industry depends entirely on how safe customers are, highlighting industry accountability and player education as crucial dimensions.

The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) also sounded alarm over rising online gambling risks, especially among the youths.

Mr Bashir Are, CEO of LSLGA, represented by Mrs Adetoun Adeyemi, emphasised their commitment to “promoting responsible gaming and safeguarding the public.

“A partner reported over 180 calls for gambling addiction help between January and July 2024, leading to free counselling,’’ he said.

The LSLGA called for broad stakeholder support to tackle this emerging social challenge.

Indeed, the human toll is stark.

A “gaming/gambling addict’’, Yusuf Adewale (Not real name) lamented how frustrating it was to be hooked on gaming.

“When I sleep, I dream of playing and winning.

“I don dey play for over five years. I have spent plenty money to play. Many times, I don borrow money to play. I play and replay. Yet, I have not won anything.

“I spend all I make on gambling and gaming.’’

Sadly, Adewale said he would keep playing until he, perhaps, wins one day.

Discussions also revealed significant challenges, notably the lack of a centralised database to track self-excluded players, as problem gamblers circumvent exclusion by switching operators.

Industry leaders also acknowledged the problem.

An expert emphasised the critical need for coordinated efforts to protect vulnerable players like Adewale.

However, they asserted that there were mechanisms in place to check gaming addiction and underage gaming, but how many operators adhered to those?

Mr Abayomi Oketope, President of the Association of Casino Owners and Gaming Operators, stressed the need to “build in responsible gaming” for business sustainability.

Mr Gossy Ukanwoke, CEO of BetKing Nigeria, affirmed their commitment to “responsible gaming practices and safeguarding the welfare of customers,” including robust Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols.

Mr Olajide Oladuro, Chairman of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, warned against viewing gambling as a career, stating, “Gambling is not a way for anybody to get prosperous.”

He emphasised, “It is just something that you do at leisure with your loose change, and you don’t stay bent on it’’.

To stem the tide, he advocated for extensive grassroots sensitisation, local radio campaigns, strict enforcement against underage gambling, and educating youth about alternative opportunities.

The consensus underscored the industry’s growing awareness of gaming/gambling addiction’s potential to disrupt finances, mental health, and social relationships, demanding urgent societal intervention and robust protective measures.

As such, as the country confronts the growing challenge of gambling addiction, the experts’ passionate plea is a critical wake-up call.

The path forward demands a united front: gaming industries must prioritise player protection, governments must implement robust regulations, and communities must foster awareness about mental health risks.

The true measure of a society’s progress isn’t just economic growth, but how it safeguards the most vulnerable.

By recognising gaming and gambling not merely as an entertainment option, but as a potential public health threat take the first step toward meaningful change.

With digital platforms making gambling increasingly accessible, the stakes have never been higher.

Experts advocate collective responsibility to protect individuals’ well-being, understand underlying triggers, and create supportive environments that offer healthier alternatives to economic and emotional escape.

The conversation has begun. Now, action must follow. (NANFeatures)

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

Emotions as inmates salute Zulum over infrastructural achievements amidst insurgency

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Tue, 2025

Features

Emotions as inmates salute Zulum over infrastructural achievements amidst insurgency

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By Abdullahi Mohammed, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Recently, a soul-stirring tribute for Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno evoked emotions at Maiduguri Maximum Custodial Centre.

The heart-warming prayers of teary-eyed inmates for the governor hinged on his incredible infrastructural achievements amidst insurgents’ attacks.

It was not about the 66 inmates that the governor granted pardon to on Democracy Day, or about the N20, 000 cash he gifted to each of the 1,280 inmates; it was not the donation of 300 bags of rice, 50 jerry cans of cooking oil and five cows to the inmates; it was about Zulum’s feats in governance.

Mr Daniel Simon, referred to as Sarkin inmates, who spoke on behalf of the inmates during the governor’s visit on Democracy Day, said what the governor had done in the area of housing and roads infrastructure in the capital city and some communities amidst attacks was unthinkable.

Simon prayed God to continue to bless the governor and grant him the opportunity to be one of those who would be favoured by God to transform Nigeria in the future as he did in Borno.

In the light of the aforementioned, Mr Dauda Iliya, the governor’s spokesperson, highlighted some of Zulum’s recent achievements.

Iliya listed the construction of 1.90 km dual road, with 3.80 km drainage and streetlight at Amb. Mahmud Ahmed Road Gwange.

“The construction of 9.30km roads network and 9.10km drainages network at Umarari/Ngarannam; construction of 3.88km road and drainage network at Farm Centre Housing Estate.’’

He said that the governor had also constructed N782 million dual carriage road network at Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH) and rehabilitation of 3.10 km single carriage road within the Kashim Ibrahim University.

“The rehabilitation and overlay of 37.54km dual carriage road Lagos Street, from Welcome to Maiduguri Gate through Bama Road to Custom Flyover, from Custom Flyover through Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road to West End Flyover and from West End Flyover through Baga Road to Gubio Road Junction.

“The rehabilitation and overlay of 4.80 km dual carriage road from West End Flyover through Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road to Race Course Roundabout to Shehu’s Palace Roundabout, 5.56 km Muhammadu Indimi Way and 960m Shehu Laminu Way from Post Office to Bolori Roundabout.

“The completion of 3 span flyover bridge with service length at West End Sir Kashim Ibrahim Road,” the spokesperson said.

Some international partners had, in December 2024, appraised Zulum’s achievements at the inauguration of 1,900 housing units used in resettling the 1,874 households affected by insurgency in Monguno.

Annet Günther, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, described Zulum’s approach to the resettlement efforts as realistic to achieving peace, security and stability in the North-East.

Günther said there was need for those working towards peace–Zulum, UN or the international partners, like Germany– to have perseverance and determination.

For Elsie Attafuah of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, the state and the international partners’ joint efforts had been yielding results in the North-East, Borno in particular.

Attafuah said that the UNDP had been focusing on enhancing community security, safety, rehabilitating essential infrastructure, basic services and revitalising local economies for sustainable recovery.

“Through these efforts, we have restored trust between community and the government, laying a solid foundation for reintegration, economic renewal and long-term peace.

“This project (housing) represents a model of collaboration between the Borno Government, UNDP, our donors, especially the Government of Germany, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, EU and many more to support this initiative.

“UNDP, through Regional Stabilisation Facility (RSF), that is the stabilisation facility, supported 500 housing units, 900 semi-permanent shelters and 375 solar-powered streetlights which will improve security particularly for the weak and the most vulnerable.

“Building peace is not easy; it takes continued efforts and it does not come overnight; I have just been told as for how many years we have been working on this already.

“This housing project is also a great example of collaboration between the Government of Borno and international partners.

“Funding for the housing units comes from both the state government and international partners,” Günther said.

The German diplomat said the houses and the shelters built in Monguno for the returnees and the survivors were contributions towards building peace.

Attafuah corroborated Günther’s commendation of Zulum’s administration, noting that the housing project aligns with UNDP’s regional stabilisation effort, working towards peace restoration in communities in Lake Chad area.

In spite of the challenges, Zulum said his administration had succeeded in resettling more than 2.5 million people affected by the Boko Haram conflicts.

He said that before the end of his tenure in 2027, his government would close all IDPs camps in the state.

Worthy of mention, Zulum said that the German Government funded the construction of 500 permanent and another 900 semi-permanent shelters, while the Borno Government constructed the remaining 500 houses and provided amenities such as a health centre and potable water, among others.

“A Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed between Borno Government and UNDP in 2020 under the RS German initiative to start the construction of 500 housing units.

“In August 2023, another LOA was signed under RSF German reintegration funds aimed at completing the 500 permanent housing units, providing an additional 900 semi-permanent shelters, and installing 375 solar streetlights,” the governor said.

He said in addition to the efforts, the Borno Government had also constructed 500 permanent housing units and provided toilets for the temporary shelters, bringing the total number of houses constructed to 1,900.

According to him, the accommodation will play a crucial role in the voluntary decongestion and eventual closure of some IDP camps in Monguno, ensuring a smoother transition for resettling families.

Zulum said that the construction of 500 two-bedroom self-contain flats, 10 block two-story building of 72 three-bedroom flats Metro housing estate in Maiduguri was aimed at cushioning the effects of accommodation costs among the civil servants both at federal and state levels.

Of note, there is scepticism from the returnees in Monguno regarding their resettlement plans, but their body language speaks volumes.

To this end, the governor told those of them who were not ancestrally from Monguno that his government would allow them to continue to stay in the camps for the time being, but they would still have to return to their places of origins.

Zulum pointed out that the objective of his resettlement efforts was to comfort the survivors in their permanent homes and engage them in farming and other business activities in order to be self-reliant without depending on donor’s aid.

He said that the majority of the survivors in IDP camps were women and children, mostly young mothers between the age of 15 years and 17 years who were born and brought up in the IDPs during the conflict period of more than 15 years.

The governor said no fewer than 1,874 IDP families from 14 communities benefited from his housing project, which was achieved about seven months ago.

He also said that each of them (beneficiary) received food and non-food items, N50,000 cash for the household heads and another N20,000 for each housewife.

A government official said on anonymity that children (young mothers at IDPs) took IDP camps as their permanent home, for they did not even know about life outside IDP camps.

“Ironically, nobody can tell the whereabouts of the relatives of those women and children in IDP camps –15 years after the peak of Boko Haram conflict, not even the parents of the young mothers, whose true identity is questionable because of the circumstances at which they were born.

“The young mothers themselves were either brought into camps as orphans or their own mothers if still alive, got their pregnancy out of wedlock,’’ he said.

Observers say Zulum deserves commendation for remarkable accomplishments in infrastructure in spite of lingering onslaughts from insurgents.

They say that while security operatives also deserve commendation for holding sway, efforts should be stepped up towards restoring peace and stability in Borno.(NANFeatures)

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

Why Genotype Compatibility matters in Sickle Cell prevention

Tosin Kolade
Jun, Tue, 2025

Features

Why Genotype Compatibility matters in Sickle Cell prevention

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By Uche Bibilari, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that arises when both parents carry the sickle cell gene, creating a 25 per cent chance of transmitting the disease to their offspring with each pregnancy.

Globally, an estimated 400,000 babies are born annually with SCD.

Medical experts have consistently warned that genotype incompatibility remains the leading cause of new cases and should be a central consideration among intending couples.

According to them, avoiding unions between carriers, especially those with AS and SS genotypes could greatly reduce new incidences, limiting them to carriers alone.

In high-income countries, the average life expectancy for individuals living with SCD is approximately 57 years.

According to data from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the situation is far more critical in Sub-Saharan Africa, where between 50 and 80 per cent of children born with Sickle Cell Disease die before their fifth birthday.

In contrast, babies born with SCD in the United States have a 95 per cent chance of reaching adulthood.

Given these disparities, experts are unanimous that prevention is the most effective and affordable strategy for eliminating the disease.

Prof. Titus Ibekwe, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, underscored this view during a recent public lecture in Abuja.

It was titled “The Evolving Therapeutic Landscape in Sickle Cell Disease”.

He emphasised the importance of proactive partner selection based on genotype compatibility.

“Prevention is key in the fight against sickle cell, and this costs nothing.

“It simply means paying close attention when choosing a life partner ensuring that individuals with the AS genotype do not marry another AS.

It is also that an AS does not marry an SS, or two SS individuals do not marry”.

Ibekwe explained that such unions greatly increase the risk of having children with SCD, and that sustained adherence to genotype-based partner selection could drastically reduce, if not eliminate, the disease burden.

Beyond prevention, Ibekwe noted that treatment options for individuals living with the disease have expanded, including advanced therapies such as bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy.

He explained that gene therapy aims to correct the faulty gene responsible for the disease, allowing it to function like a healthy one.

Also speaking on the burden of SCD in Nigeria is Dr Maureen Achebe, a Clinical Director of Haematology at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

She disclosed that Nigeria bears the highest global burden of the disease.

“Every year, 300,000 babies are born with SCD in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 150,000 of them are born in Nigeria alone,” she said.

Achebe outlined this as a major public health concern and warned that, with Nigeria’s high fertility rate, the number is expected to rise greatly by 2030.

She advocated for newborn screening to detect SCD before symptoms begin, noting that babies appear normal at birth but benefit greatly from early diagnosis and care.

“Without early identification and intervention, infants will continue to die of undiagnosed anaemia, pneumococcal sepsis, or severe malaria,” she said.

Achebe noted that the sickle cell trait historically evolved as a natural protection against malaria.

According to her, individuals who carry one sickle cell gene (AS genotype) are less likely to die from severe malaria compared to those without the gene (AA genotype).

“However, those with full-blown SCD suffer from chronic complications, reduced quality of life, poor educational and professional outcomes, and premature mortality,” she said.

Additionally, she emphasised the importance of preventive strategies, urging the use of vaccinations, daily folic acid supplements, and proactive infection control.

She also recommended hydroxyurea as a proven daily treatment that improves survival rates and reduces the severity of symptoms.

While she recognised the promise of gene therapy and bone marrow transplantation, she pointed out their high costs, limited accessibility, and the fact that children under 12 tend to respond better to these treatments.

Achebe clarified that while gene therapy treats the symptoms and effects of the disease, it does not eliminate the sickle cell gene from the patient’s reproductive cells, meaning affected individuals can still pass it to their children.

She warned that the total economic toll of SCD in Sub-Saharan Africa currently stands at over $9.1 billion annually, projected to rise to $10 billion by 2030.

“Tackling SCD requires strong financial and political will to scale up newborn screening and ensure nationwide access to care,” she said.

Achebe further stressed the need for public awareness, early diagnosis, and cultural education to dispel myths surrounding the disease.
“Sickle Cell disease is a scientifically inherited condition, not caused by witchcraft,” she affirmed.

In the same vein, Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA), University of Abuja, highlighted the importance of continued research and capacity building.

She explained that CESRTA, established in 2015, has made major progress in clinical and translational research to bridge treatment gaps in Nigeria and beyond.

“Our centre provides platforms for skills development and engages in strategic collaborations with local and international institutions to improve care outcomes,” she said.

Following the 5th Global Congress on Sickle Cell Disease, the centre was upgraded to the National Centre of Excellence for SCD Research.

This is a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to combat the disease.

As the world marks World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, experts are calling for a renewed push toward genotype awareness, partner compatibility, and universal newborn screening as critical tools in the fight to eliminate SCD. (NANFeatures)

Nigeria’s Aviation Future: Between domestic growth and national pride

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Sun, 2025

Features

Nigeria’s Aviation Future: Between domestic growth and national pride

302 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Federal Government’s pursuit of a national carrier has been a long-standing endeavour, marked by both initial successes and subsequent setbacks.

From the records, Nigeria had made not less than 11 attempts to float a national carrier, out of which only four, – Nigeria Airways, Virgin Nigeria, Nigeria Eagle and Air Nigeria – took off.

The four attempts mentioned above took off by having aircraft and staff members, while the other seven shots were just idea that never saw the light of the day.

The establishment of a national carrier, therefore, has been a recurring theme, not just because it represents national pride but also it creates jobs, boosts tourism, fosters international trade, generates revenues and supports economic growth.

It was, therefore, not surprising that the recent announcement, that the Federal Government would no longer push for the establishment of a national carrier was greeted with mixed reactions from stakeholders.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently at a function in Lagos, disclosed that the Federal Government would no longer establish a national carrier, but gives full support to the growth and expansion of domestic airlines.

During the launch of a book: ‘100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects’ written by Wole Shadare, the minister said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to driving policies that would support the growth and development of local airlines.

Clarifying his position, Keyamo on his verified X handle (@fkeyamo) said: “While not directly investing in a new national carrier, the government remains open to private or public, for establishing a national carrier that benefits Nigeria”.

With the clarification made by the minister, it is pertinent to distinguish between a national carrier and a flag carrier to know the direction of the government in floating a wing for the country.

A national carrier is an airline that is wholly government-owned and operated, representing the country in aviation-related bilateral agreements.

Examples of national carriers include, Air France (France), Qantas (Australia), and Emirates (UAE). It can also be owned by government and privately managed as we have with Ethiopian Airlines (ET).

A flag carrier, on the other hand, is a privately-owned airline that is designated by the government to represent the country on international routes. Examples are United Airline or Delta Air in America, British Airways in United Kingdom and Lufthansa in Germany.

It is important to note that while both types of airlines fly under the flag of a country, the distinction lies in their ownership and operational structure.

Like Emirates, Qatar Airways, the defunct Nigeria Airways was a wholly owned entity of the Nigerian government for most of its existence.

Established in 1958 as West African Airways Corporation Nigeria (WAAC Nigeria) and later changed to Nigeria Airways in 1971, the defunct national airline was the embodiment of Nigeria’s presence in international aviation.

For over 40 years, before ceasing operations in 2003, the airline linked various destinations within Nigeria, West and Central Africa. It also operated intercontinental flights to Europe, USA, Middle East and Asia,

The airline which employed thousands of workers directly and indirectly, operated various models of Boeing aircraft and diverse fleet with specific configurations.

Plagued by mismanagement, corruption and overstaffing, at the time of closure in 2003, the airline had debts of more than 60 million dollars (equivalent of about 91.8 billion dollars as at present)

The latest of the attempts to have a national carrier was the inauguration of Nigeria Air on May 27, 2023, just 48 hours before the end of the tenure of the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The then Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, had in 2018, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London, made public the Federal Government’s partnership with Ethiopian Air to float the Nigeria Air.

Under the shared ownership of the airline, ET had the controlling interest with a 49 per cent stake. Institutional investors like MRS had 46 per cent and the Federal government had just five per cent.

From the plan, ET was to manage the airline’s operations under a management contract, which would connect the local Nigerian market with international markets and destinations.

Aviation stakeholders, were, however, opposed to the structure of the deal contending that the airline was neither government owned national carrier nor locally owned flag carrier.

They argued that the Nigeria Air was owned and controlled by foreign entity that could operate domestic routes and international flight flown from and to Nigeria.

“The deal presents Nigeria Air as a foreign owned, government-backed airline that will fly internationally and also on domestic routes.

“We can also see that the deal is just business for ET to fulfil its objective of becoming Africa’s aviation hub.

“National carrier are more than just business for countries. They inspire national pride for the citizens

“Under the current circumstances, the Nigeria Air could do more harm than good,” industry expert, Dumebi Oluwole said.

Oluwole also contended that the deal was in violation of Article 7 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Convention that guides airlines operation worldwide.

The article, according to him, is called cabotage and provides that foreign airlines should not run operations with special privileges exclusively in a state.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria, which was also displeased by the formation of the carrier, had also sued the Federal government to stop the floating of the airline on the grounds that the national carrier project did not show fairness, equity, and transparency.

Besides the opposition and the legal encumbrance, the inauguration of the airline was also marred by scandal with the report that Sirika chartered an ET aircraft for the launch.

When Keyamo assumed office as minister, he also criticised the ET national carrier deal that it was unfair to Nigerian airlines.

According to him, it would be irresponsible for the Federal Government to allow a foreign entity to monopolise the nation’s aviation industry, thereby compromising the growth of local businesses.

The Minister declared the deal as “fraudulent and anti-Nigeria” and announced the Federal Government’s decision to suspend it indefinitely.

Some industry players had welcomed the suspension of the ET Air Nigeria deal and the declaration by the minister that the Federal Ggovernment would no longer invest any funds in establishing a national carrier.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Group Capt. John Ojikutu, said there was no reason to continue calling for a National Carrier after the Privatisation, Commercialisation and Concession Act of 2000.

Ojikutu, the former Commandant of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, said, in line with the minister’s position, what the country needed was a flag carrier.

He, however, argued that the government must take up the responsibility of designating the flag carrier if the airline must operate on the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA).

According to him, a wholly government funded and operated national carrier would result in a repeat of the Nigeria Airways experiences of corruption and mismanagement.

“Any attempt to continue with the idea of a National Carrier is a way to forming a government airline for government officials and not necessarily for the Nigerian citizens,” he said.

Mr Abdulmalik Jibreel, Aero Contractors Inter-Governmental and Business Development Manager, shared the sentiments of Ojikutu on the need for the country to have a flag carrier.

According to him, an efficient flag carrier would contribute to the nation’s aviation industry’s growth and be a mix of domestic, regional, and international routes, strategically designed to connect Nigeria to the world and contribute to the economy.

He added that it would maximise the benefits from Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Jibreel, however, explained that establishing a national airline independently, without government involvement and support, would be complex and challenging.

Mr Oluwaseun Jegede, an aviation finance expert, suggested a merger of the liquidated Arik Air and Aero Contractor under the management of AMCON, to birth a national carrier.

Jegede said the idea would save the Federal Government the financial commitment of buying new aircraft and lay to rest the challenge of huge debt owed by the former managements of the two airlines.

On the contrary, Mr Wale Otubanjo, a former Flight Captain with the defunct Nigeria Airways, said national carrier is a national pride and should be funded by the government.

According to him, the pitfall of the Nigeria Airways was mainly mismanagement which could be averted.

Justifying the importance of a national carrier to a country, Otubanjo referenced the decision of the South African government to keep its national wing, South African Air, afloat even when it has not made profit in more than a decade.

Similarly, Mr Hector Nnadi, the Chairman of Joint Consultative and Negotiating Council (JCNC), said re-establishment of a national carrier would be for the benefit of the Nigerian aviation community, the flying public, and the nation’s economy as a whole.

According to him, with proper management, a national carrier would be a key driver of economic growth and development for the country with far-reaching impacts on various sectors.

By and large, there is a strong consensus that Nigeria needs a national carrier or flag carrier, and the current administration should double its efforts to establish one.

While some argued against government involvement, citing potential inefficiencies and the success of privately-owned airlines elsewhere, many believed a national carrier is crucial for Nigeria’s aviation sector and overall economic development. (NANFeatures)

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

Evaluating legislative impact of Nigeria’s 10th Senate in 2 years

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Fri, 2025

Features

Evaluating legislative impact of Nigeria’s 10th Senate in 2 years

273 total views today

By Naomi Sharang, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Inaugurated on June 13, 2023, the 10th Nigerian Senate, under the leadership of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has dubbed itself the “uncommon Senate”.

This designation reflects an ambition to stand out in productivity and impact, with emphasis on “people-centred” legislation.

In his inaugural speech, Akpabio had assured his colleagues of cooperation in all matters.

He said that their joint efforts would bolster efficiency in the red chamber.

“It is time now to go forward with the task set before us as a collective body – the promulgation of laws and enactments for the well-being and security of the country,’’ he said.

Two years after, observers say the 10^th Senate has made significant legislative and oversight moves, aiming to shape Nigeria’s policy and economic landscape.

They say the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, stands out.

Worthy of note, Bamidele played key roles in the last two years in the formulation and prioritisation of several significant legislative initiatives including the introduction and passage of the Tax Reform Bills 2024.

The Tax Reform Bills include the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill; the Nigeria Tax Bill.

The executive bills, sponsored by Bamidele, are poised to redefine Nigeria’s fiscal landscape and offer the prospect of enhanced revenue without overburdening taxpayers.

“Since the birth of the 10th Senate about two years ago, I have been discharging the duties of my office with modest records of accomplishment.

“One of such accomplishments is the timely passage of key legislations, particularly in the areas of fiscal reform and national security.

“By engaging my colleagues across all political divides, we have successfully passed laws aimed at creating an environment for economic competitiveness and positioning Nigeria for a 1 trillion dollars economy by 2030.

“I am proud to say that many of these legislative initiatives are already making a difference in the daily lives of our citizens.’’

Bamidele said that efforts were exemplified in the amendment of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (Establishment) Act, 2024.

The Senator explained that the Act guaranteed the sustainability of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) as a valuable tool for poverty alleviation in Nigeria.

“The frameworks are designed to foster environmental sustainability; encourage greater access to qualitative health care; discourage social dislocation; eliminate terrorism and insecurity and reduce the gap between the haves and the have-nots,’’ he said.

The Senate also passed the Investments and Securities (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2024.

More so, the Senate amended the Nigeria Data Protection Act (Amendment) Act, 2023 to mandate social media platforms and bloggers to establish physical offices in Nigeria.

The amendment further aims at promoting accountability and transparency within the digital media space.

Another key bill of the 10th Senate is the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2024.

The bill established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), designed to provide financial aid to students in tertiary institutions.

Other achievements of the 10th Senate was the passing into law, the Minimum Wage Bill which President Bola Tinubu approved a minimum wage increase from N30,000 to N70,000, a response to prolonged agitation from labour unions in the country.

The legislation also mandates a review of wages every three years, ensuring that pay keeps pace with inflation.

There is also the Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances Bill that was signed into law, raising their earnings by 300 per cent.

Similarly, are the bills on regional development commissions which were all signed into law by the President.

These commissions are the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), and the North-West Development Commission (NWDC).

Others are the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) and the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC).

The Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, scored the 10^th Senate high.

“We have done very well and we have delivered on our mandate as representatives of the people.

“You know that the legislature is for three-pronged functions; law making, oversight functions and then advocacy for our constituents.

“So, when we talk about law making, at least in the past two years, we have sorted out nothing less than 700 bills.

“Some are in the third reading; some are in the second reading; some have just come through the first reading.

“And some have already been passed to the Presidency for assent and some have been assented to and they have become laws.”

Adaramodu, representing Ekiti South, said that the 10th Senate had raised so many motions adding that many of the motions and resolutions therefrom, had been sent to the executive.

“Some have been executed; some are still under processes of maybe inviting those who are concerned.

“We have dealt with so many public petitions and we have done a lot, lawmaking wise.

“And then when we talk about oversight function, we have done a lot, especially as it is related to security matters.

“We have invited the security chiefs almost eight times in order to interrogate them, to ask questions, to give them suggestions and then to ensure that they are never left alone.

“Maybe lack of facilities, arms and ammunition and then their welfare, we have done all those things.

“We have done a lot; we have assisted the Executive to ensure that minimum wage was raised by more than 100 per cent to Nigerian workers.

“We have made sure that the judiciary has never been left alone in our own advocacy too whereby we have raised the judicial officers’ emoluments by almost 300 per cent.’’

In terms of infrastructure, Adaramodu said the upper chamber had done a lot in that manner.

“We have been able to appropriate enough and to make sure that we supervise the Executive in making sure that roads construction and rehabilitation are given adequate attention.’’

He listed the top priority road projects to include the Badagry-Sokoto Road; roads leading from Kaduna to Kano and the road leading from Abuja to Lokoja.

On the Legislature-Executive relations, the lawmaker said the Senate approved only bills that would have direct impact on citizens.

“We are not going to publish everything that is brought to the National Assembly; so, the ones that cannot scale through in most cases will not and the ones that will scale through will scale through.

“And there is no way the executive will bring any bill which is for the advancement of Nigeria and Nigerians that will be rejected,’’ he said.

On his part, the Chairman, Committee on Senate Services, Sen. Sunday Karimi, said the 10th Senate had lived up to the expectations of the people who voted them into office.

“It has been two years since the 10th Senate was inaugurated; so far, so good, we have at least performed the expectations of our people.

“A lot of bills and motions that impact positively on our people have been passed into law.

“The government brought an increase in salary for workers, a request to us, and we immediately passed it so that workers’ earnings will increase.

“Not just that, the student loan scheme, the NELFUND, which will allow Nigerian students to take loans to finance their education.

“This bill became an act of parliament which enables Nigerian students to easily have access to loans.’’

Nonetheless, some concerned Nigerians have flayed the Senate for pandering to the executive.

Recently, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Presiding Overseer of the Global Community Citadel Church, said that the National Assembly had become a haven for legislative rascality.

He faulted the red chamber for rubber stamping everything the President sent to it.

However, Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, rejected opinions that the 10th Senate was a rubber stamp legislature.

“If you call it a rubber stamp Senate, that is a mistake; it is an error; we are not out to fight this government; we are out to work with this government to impart positively on our people.

“Let me tell you, there are areas we disagree with the executive; we may not do it publicly for you to know.

“Sometimes, we go into closed-door sessions and iron out our disagreements.

“So, if you say that it is a rubber stamp, no; let me tell you something, Tinubu was advised to remove our zonal intervention projects, and he was going to do that.

“I can tell you the leadership of the 10th Assembly disagreed strongly with the president; it was not only restored, the president increased it,’’ he said.

While the Senate applauds its accomplishments so far, political pundits say the National Assembly needs to rise up to its mandate of making laws for the peace, order and good governance as well as representing the interests and wellbeing of the citizenry.(NANFeatures)

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

Analysis: Nigerian Albinos and struggle against skin cancer

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Fri, 2025

Features

Analysis: Nigerian Albinos and struggle against skin cancer

310 total views today

In Nigeria, a silent struggle for survival unfolds daily for thousands living with albinism.

Their unique genetic makeup, which lacks melanin (pigmentation), leaves them acutely vulnerable to the scorching sun.

This vulnerability tragically results in skin cancer claiming no fewer than two lives every month, says Bisi Bamishe, National President of the Albinism Association of Nigeria.

Bamishe describes the community as being “under siege’’, with countless others battling for their lives in hospitals or languishing at home without adequate medical care or hope.

Bamishe deeply laments the severe lack of structured interventions.

She highlights the urgent need for free or subsidised skin cancer treatments, consistent distribution of preventive measures like high-SPF (20-30) broad-spectrum sunscreens, protective clothing, UV-protective sunglasses, and specialised annual dermatological and eye examinations.

The prohibitive costs associated with these essential measures place them far beyond the financial reach of most of Nigeria’s estimated two million persons with albinism (PWAs).

The Founder of The Albino Foundation (TAF), Mr Jake Epelle, also affirms that persons with albinism in Nigeria always have to contend with some health challenges due to the genetic condition they have.

Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition present at birth.

It results in a lack of melanin in the hair, skin, and eyes, making individuals highly susceptible to sun and bright light.

Consequently, almost all people with albinism have visual challenges and prone to developing skin cancer.

While albinism affects approximately 1 in 20,000 individuals worldwide, Nigeria has one of the highest prevalence globally.

The country’s tropical climate, with its intense sunlight, places PWAs at heightened risk of skin cancer.

A UN study reveals that most people with albinism in Nigeria die from skin cancer before age 40.

Skin cancer, caused by DNA damage often from sun exposure, is treatable if caught early, but the lack of access to care is a significant barrier.

Nigeria has fewer than 125 dermatologists for a population exceeding 220 million, creating a dire ratio of roughly one dermatologist for every 1.1 million people.

These specialists are also concentrated in urban areas, further hindering access for PWAs in rural regions.

Beyond the severe health challenges, albinism in Nigeria also presents a unique set of social stigma and discrimination challenges.

These pervasive issues impact various aspects of their lives, including education, employment, and overall well-being.

There is an urgent call to action.

The International Albinism Awareness Day, observed annually on June 13, with the 2025 theme “Demanding our rights: Protect our skin, Preserve our lives,” underscores the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and accessible healthcare.

The theme calls on authorities to take steps to prevent skin cancer-related deaths, including skin cancer screening and the provision of sunscreen, and to add sunscreen to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Essential Medicines List.

According to the National Organisation for Albinism and Hypopigmentation, the failure to prevent these foreseeable yet preventable deaths among persons with albinism constitutes not only a violation of the right to health but also the right to life.

Stakeholders are advocating for improved education and awareness among PWAs and the public on early detection, preventive measures, and available treatment options.

They also push for integrating skin cancer treatment into the National Health Insurance Scheme.

For persons with albinism, the time for mere discussions has passed.

They demand tangible, swift, and decisive actions from governments, health authorities, and all stakeholders to combat this preventable loss of life.

The community’s survival hinges on urgent, comprehensive action. (NANFeatures)

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

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

From Sidelines to Centre Stage: Assessing Tinubu’s sports economy vision

Muhyideen Jimoh
Jun, Thu, 2025

Features

From Sidelines to Centre Stage: Assessing Tinubu’s sports economy vision

267 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

As President Bola Tinubu marks his second year in office, his administration has embarked on transformative reforms aimed at revitalising the Nigeria’s sports sector.

Tinubu, long hailed as a master strategist in the political arena, unveiled a sporting vision that seeks to turn passion into profit and athletes into assets.

Central to this vision is the re-establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC), a strategic move designed to fast-track the development of a robust sports economy.

In October 2024, the President, in his usual bold innovative style, dissolved the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and transferred its functions to the newly revived NSC.

Malam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, both astute sports administrators with enviable track records, were subsequently appointed as Chairman and Director-General of the commission, respectively, with a mandate to steer the sporting ship to a podium finish.

Dikko, upon assuming duty at the NSC, emphasised the need for a holistic approach to sports development, moving beyond mere medal pursuits to fostering grassroots participation, talent identification, and infrastructural growth.

“We must change our mindset from the fixation of just competitions and winning medals and focus on our domestic sports development.

“When we set the foundation right, the results and the winning of medals will naturally come in a sustainable manner,” Dikko said.

Similarly, Olopade stressed the importance of professionalism and effective leadership in sports administration to get the country back on track.

“Sports cannot be run like other government activities because of its dynamic nature.

“Making the NSC oversee the administration of sports is a significant achievement,” he added.

President Tinubu as a mark of his commitment to increase investment in sports and make the sector a significant contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has set down a marker.

In a clear departure from the past, the 2025 federal budget allocated over ₦94 billion to the sports sector, marking a 227% increase from the previous year.

These funds are earmarked for the rehabilitation of key facilities, including the National Stadium in Lagos, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, and Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with plans to transform them into world-class sports cities through public-private partnerships.

The Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu while commenting on the budget, commended the Tinubu-led administration for increasing the budget from N29 billion to over N94 billion.

“The President of Federal Republic of Nigeria has tripled the budget of the sports from N29,082,369,979:00 in 2024 to N94,947,006,325:00 in 2025.

“The leap in the expenditure framework represent 227 per cent increment. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hereby commended for the giant strides in the budgetary allocations to the sports sector.

“It is our hope and belief that, the increment in budgetary allocation would mark a turning point in the development, administration and management of sports activities in Nigeria,” Amadu said.

To further drive President Tinubu’s vision for a vibrant sports economy in line with international best practices, the NSC inaugurated the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) to serve as the blueprint for this transformation.

Under RHINSE, the NSC aims to position sports as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, targeting a 3 per cent contribution and the creation of at least three million jobs across the sports value chain by 2029.

Dikko said that the vision includes the establishment of an Anti-Doping Laboratory to enhance Nigeria’s standing in international sports and generate foreign exchange.

Both Dikko and Olopade have reiterated that the NSC will continue to partner with the private sector to achieve its lofty goals, as government alone cannot do it.

To this end, the NSC initiated partnerships with corporate entities like MTN Nigeria, among others.

These collaborations aim to boost sponsorship opportunities, enhance athlete support, and create a sustainable sports ecosystem.

The leadership of the NSC has articulated a vision for a comprehensive sports development model that prioritises grassroots engagement, talent identification, and infrastructural enhancement.

This approach seeks to build a sustainable sports economy that not only produces champions but also contributes to national development through job creation and economic diversification.

Stakeholders say President Tinubu’s second year in office has heralded a new era for Nigeria’s sports sector.

They, however, stressed that to fully achieve these goals, all hands must be on deck, and the private sector must be fully involved, as Nigeria undoubtedly has abundant talents but has continued to struggle administratively to harness and transform the sector.

Harrison Jalla, Chairman of Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, while assessing President Tinubu’s scorecard in the sector, commended him for increased funding for sports.

“On funding, President Tinubu did excellently well, he is arguably the best thing to have happened to Nigerian sports in terms of funding,’’ he said.

The ex-international, however urged the President to immediately constitute a board for the NSC in order to make its operations constitutional.

“To give legal backing to the activities of the National Sports Commission, President Tinubu must, without further delay, inaugurate the National Sports Commission Board in consonance with the National Sports Commission Establishment Act 2023.

“The National Sports Commission remains a defective structure without a functional Board, and all its activities currently lack the force of law,’’ he said.

Legendary former Green Eagles captain and sports administrator, Segun Odegbami at a recent public lecture identified the power of sports as a strong force that can change the world in all ramifications.

He therefore urged the Federal Government to continue to explore the endless possibilities in the power of sports as a social and economic driver.

As President Tinubu enters the second half of his term, stakeholders are of the view that Nigeria’s sports sector finally has a fighting chance to fulfill its potential.

But the journey from ambition to achievement will require political will, private sector participation and institutional discipline. (NANFeatures)

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

Health sector progress and challenges under Tinubu

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Thu, 2025

Features

Health sector progress and challenges under Tinubu

347 total views today

By Folasade Akpan, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

As Nigeria steadily advances toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, significant health sector reforms are underway, targeting a range of issues from childhood malnutrition to robust investments in Primary Health Care (PHC).

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the President Bola Tinubu administration has intensified reforms through strategic frameworks including the National Health Renewal and Investment Initiative (NHRII) and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).

Additionally, the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Compact has been signed by the Federal Government, all 36 state governments, and development partners.

These efforts aim to harmonise previously fragmented interventions to build a more integrated, efficient, and self-reliant health system.

By Dec. 2024, enrolment in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) had increased by 14 per cent, reaching 19.2 million Nigerians from 16.7 million.

Capitation payments to health providers grew by 93 per cent, while fee-for-service reimbursements, which cover individual medical services, surged by 378 per cent.

This expansion reflects improved access to essential health services and reduced out-of-pocket spending, alongside strategic efforts to enhance service quality.

The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) remains a cornerstone in Nigeria’s UHC journey, designed to promote equity by establishing operational PHC facilities in every political ward, supported by functional secondary healthcare centres in each state.

Over N130 billion has been allocated, with N31 billion disbursed in 2023, N25.8 billion in 2024, and an additional N32.8 billion approved to support more than 8,000 PHC centres.

A landmark achievement is the national rollout of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine on Oct. 24, 2023, targeting girls aged nine to 14, with 14 million girls vaccinated to date.

Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, credited this success to the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady’s support, and the commitment of ministers and stakeholders.

As of May 30, 2025, the agency was revitalising about 1,100 healthcare facilities, with plans to ensure at least one functional PHC centre per ward by year-end.

To combat high maternal mortality rates, the government identified 174 Local Government Areas responsible for half of maternal deaths and inaugurated the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Investment Initiative.

Through this, 1,600 women have been treated under the Fistula-Free Programme, and more than 4,000 women have benefited from free Cesarean sections.

At the maiden Joint Annual Review of the health sector in Nov. 2024, Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, highlighted tangible results from government commitments.

He said data from the Demographic and Health Survey showed a 16.7 per cent reduction in under-five mortality between 2018 and 2023, along with a 40 per cent decline in diarrheal diseases.

Pate said there were also a 24 per cent reduction in tuberculosis cases and a 12 per cent decrease in HIV prevalence during the same period.

He said by the third quarter of 2024, Nigeria had met 31 out of 41 key performance indicators across Presidential Commitments and was on track to surpass all targets for the year.

Pate said under PHC 2.0 reforms, the government emphasised equity by allocating financial and human resources across more than 8,000 PHC centres, with N45 billion disbursed directly to states.

According to Pate, addressing brain drain challenges, 40,000 frontline health workers have been trained toward a target of 120,000.

“Additionally, 17 states showed notable improvement in modern contraceptive usage, with six doubling their efforts.

“Following an Executive Order by President Tinubu, at least 40 businesses submitted proposals to boost local healthcare manufacturing.

“A Memorandum of Understanding with Afreximbank secured 1 billion dollars to finance healthcare, leading to the creation of MediPool.”

MediPool, a Group Purchasing Organisation operating under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aims to reduce drug costs and boost local pharmaceutical production through strategic bulk purchasing.

It will initially serve BHCPF-supported facilities, which reach more than 37 million Nigerians.

In spite of a global decline in financial aid to Nigeria and other developing nations, the government responded by leveraging domestic resources.

The National Assembly approved an additional N300 billion for the 2025 health budget, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining progress.

International recognition of Nigeria’s healthcare reforms came in 2025, when Time Magazine named Prof. Muhammad Pate among the 100 most influential people in health worldwide.

Also honoured were Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director of Nutrition, and Dr Abasi Ene-Obong, a genomics innovator, highlighting the country’s growing impact on global health.

Pate was honoured for revitalising PHC, expanding community health workforces, scaling up maternal and child health services, and promoting local production of health commodities.

Bako-Aiyegbusi was honoured for her leadership in advancing national nutrition policies and systemic food reforms.

In cancer care, Kebbi State Governor’s wife, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu noted accelerated progress in the last two years, including the addition of six cancer centres and the vaccination of 14 million girls against cervical cancer.

As President-Elect of the Union for International Cancer Control, she attributed the improvements to renewed investment and stronger budget commitments.

Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, immediate past Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, commended President Tinubu for protecting health budgets and promoting tertiary health infrastructure.

He highlighted directives to legislators to avoid cuts to health budgets and allow constituency projects within health institutions, which helped improve infrastructure.

However, significant challenges remain. Dr Happy Adedapo, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Oyo State, emphasised that health sector funding remained below the 15 per cent target of the Abuja Declaration.

He called for increased budget allocations, better incentives for rural health workers, infrastructure improvements such as steady power supply, and ongoing health worker training.

Public health expert, Dr Adedayo Olabiyi, stressed that sustainability required more than facility upgrades, it demanded enhanced service delivery across all wards.

He urged sustained funding, workforce expansion, reliable data collection, and stronger community engagement.

Olabiyi also highlighted the need to improve health worker retention through better incentives and career development.

Mr John Chigbu, CEO of Cassona Global Imaging Limited, argued that developing medical tourism could stimulate economic investment in health.

He underscored that healthcare should not be a privilege for the wealthy and called for greater corporate and citizen participation to support affordable care.

Consultant nephrologist, Dr Odeyemi Ayola, emphasised the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships in transforming and funding Nigeria’s health system.

He advocated for deeper collaboration among government, private sector, non-governmental organisations, and communities to pool resources and bridge service delivery gaps.

According to Ayola, this synergy will increase healthcare spending, strengthen services, and ensure sustainable access to quality care.

Experts agree that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has made significant progress in transforming its healthcare delivery systems over the past two years.

The challenge now is to sustain the gains, shifting focus from merely building infrastructure to ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every Nigerian equitably and resiliently.(NANFeatures)

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

FOI Act @ 14: Gains, gaps, and the road ahead

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Jun, Thu, 2025

Features

FOI Act @ 14: Gains, gaps, and the road ahead

225 total views today

By Usman Aliyu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

When Nigeria’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill was signed into law on May 28, 2011, it was heralded as a major victory for transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.

The Act came after more than a decade of advocacy by civil society groups and the media who demanded an end to the culture of secrecy in public institutions.

The law stipulates opening up government files, empowering citizens to ask questions, and forcing public officials to provide answers.

Fourteen years later, the promise of the FOI Act has been partially realised, but not without significant gaps and ongoing challenges, especially at the subnational level.

States like Delta, Ekiti, and Lagos have enacted the law with records of compliance, but a recent roundtable convened in Benin by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) with stakeholders across the South-South region, laid bare the troubling reality in other states of the federation.

The roundtable was part of the Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative (SAGNI), a CTA’s project supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funding from the European Union through International IDEA to strengthen institutions, empower citizens, and foster a culture of accountability.

This project focuses on selected federal institutions, departments in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Anambra, and Edo States.

Participants observed that in spite of its federal scope and the recent Supreme Court judgment reaffirming its applicability nationwide, the FOI Act remains more in theory than in practice at the subnational level.

Regrettably, the law is still treated with suspicion or indifference.

For instance in Akwa Ibom, civil society organisations report that government agencies routinely ignore FOI requests, delay responses beyond the seven-day legal deadline, or refer requests to higher authorities unnecessarily.

Faith Paulinus, Lead for Governance Reform and Anti-Corruption at Policy Alert, based in Akwa Ibom, explains how his team sent 180 requests to public institutions in 2023, but none received timely or satisfactory responses.

Even with extensive training for information officers, he said, the default reaction remained non-compliance, highlighting a troubling persistence of bureaucratic secrecy.

His organisation trained information officers and directors of planning, research, and statistics within various ministries, departments, and agencies.

Yet, when Policy Alert sent those requests to the institutions across the Niger Delta, not a single response from Akwa Ibom came within the seven-day statutory window or even at all in some cases.

He bemoaned that even those who responded often referred the organisation to the Attorney General’s Office or higher political authority, an indication of how poorly the law was understood within government institutions.

“FOI requests are not political; they are legal rights; but the entrenched culture of secrecy persists,” he said.

However, Delta has made modest progress.

Besides the enactment of the FOI law in the state, the government also publishes its annual budgets online.

Dr Rachael Misan-Ruppee, Founder of the Development Initiative for Community Development Impact (DICDI), testifies that the state government now uploads its budget documents online, a step forward in terms of transparency.

According to her, the FOI Act in Delta has enabled dialogue.

However, she said that actual compliance was sluggish as she rated the implementation a mere four out of ten.

“There is still a serious gap in awareness, especially among ordinary citizens.

People do not know they have the right to ask these questions and if they do not ask, government actors will not be pressured to answer.’’

Misan-Ruppee proposed an innovative solution such as making FOI compliance a key performance indicator (KPI) for civil servants.

“That way, information officers would be judged not just on form-filling, but on their willingness to respect the public’s right to know,’’ she said.

She believes accountability will only improve when civil servants are evaluated based on how they respond to information requests.

Elsewhere, legal confusion continues to undermine the law’s effectiveness.

In Bayelsa, some officials still claim that the FOI Act does not apply because it has not been domesticated by the state assembly, even with the April 2025 landmark judgment of the Supreme Court, affirming the nationwide applicability of the Act as a federal law.

For grassroots advocates like Princess Elizabeth Egbe of the Global Care Rescue Mission, based in Bayelsa, this misinterpretation is not only frustrating but dangerous.

According to Egbe, it reinforces a system where access to information is treated as a privilege instead of a right.

Granted, basic documents such as state budgets, once seen as off-limits, are now gradually being made public through sustained pressure, Egbe says more must be done to institutionalise openness.

In Cross River, years of legislative efforts to domesticate the FOI Act have stalled, leaving the law in limbo.

Felix Ikam, Executive Director of CHEDRES, recalls how his organisation supported the drafting of a state version of the Act, only for it to be shelved without explanation.

Compounding the problem, he said many state ministries and agencies suffered from weak recordkeeping practices, meaning that even when willing, they often lacked the data citizens were requesting.

Ikam fears that without political will and renewed civic advocacy, progress will remain slow.

In her own observation, CTA’s Executive Director, Faith Nwadishi, described FOI Act’s 14-year journey as one of ‘progress overshadowed by persistent opacity’, particularly at the state and local government levels.

She said that many public institutions still operated in a culture of secrecy, with some even demanding outrageous fees for information that, by law, should be publicly available.

Nwadishi cited a case where a public institution requested for over N1.2 million for documents that should ordinarily be online.

“Some agencies outsource FOI responses to private law firms; this is not just unacceptable, it’s a violation of the public’s right to know.”

Nwadishi, meanwhile, praised the 2025 Supreme Court judgment affirming the applicability of FOI Act across all the 36 states, calling it a “game-changer” that affirmed the national character of the right to information.

Quoting CTA’s baseline study across the FCT, Anambra and Edo States, she said that more than 70 per cent of respondents had never used FOI Act, adding that among those who did, 75 per cent had no response.

“The FOI Act is our strongest weapon against secrecy and impunity; it is not just a legal provision; it is the heartbeat of democracy.”

Nwadishi disclosed the plans to reopen CTA’s FOI Service Delivery Awards and a forthcoming hackathon in Benin and Awka to drive innovation in FOI usage.

“We need the media to inform, civil society to educate, the government to comply and citizens to act; let us not wait another 14 years to make the FOI Act work,” she said.

Observers say notwithstanding these setbacks, the FOI Act has created new avenues for engagement between citizens and government, especially in states where civil society remains active.

In some cases, journalists and activists have used the Act to demand transparency around constituency projects, health funding, and procurement processes.

There is growing awareness among some sections of the population that information is power; and that the right to know can translate into better service delivery.

Still, these gains are uneven and fragile.

Public analysts and FOI advocates have unanimously agreed that a lack of public awareness, institutional resistance, poor documentation, and absence of sanctions for non-compliance will continue to blunt the law’s impact.

They point that many public officers remain unaware of their responsibilities under the Act, and citizens, especially women, persons with disabilities, and rural communities, often lack the knowledge or confidence to make formal requests.

As the FOI Act marks its 14th anniversary, experts and stakeholders agree that the road ahead requires renewed commitment.

These awareness campaigns, they say, must be broadened to empower citizens to use the law.

“Public agencies must be compelled to set up dedicated FOI desks manned by trained officers,’’ they said.(NANFeatures).

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

How Zulum’s incentives keep troops’ morale high

Muhyideen Jimoh
Jun, Wed, 2025

Features

How Zulum’s incentives keep troops’ morale high

257 total views today

By Abdullahi Mohammed

Since return to democracy, Nigeria has been confronted with multi-pronged security challenges.

In the North-East, the terrorist group, Boko Haram, has carried out a bloody campaign against western education.

Similarly, in the North-Central, farmers-herders clashes are rampant; in the North-West, bandits are on the rampage; in the South-East, the secessionist group, IPOB, is marauding; the security challenges are overwhelming.

The strain on national resources, human and material, is enormous; thereby, necessitating effective and urgent measures to stop the menace.

According to budget implementation report, the Federal Government disbursed a total of N1.03tn to boost the fight against insecurity and terrorism between January 2024 and June 2024.

For nearly two decades now, one state that has heavily borne the brunt of the problem is Borno; the birth place and operational base of Boko Haram.

Social and economic lives have been disrupted, making it imperative for practical steps to be taken to restore law and order in the region.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, assures that the military is equal to the task.

Oluyede, however, recognises the importance of good welfare package and motivation if the dream would be realised.

“The strength of the Nigerian Army does not solely lie in the weapons we place on the battlefield, but more in the will of our soldiers who wield them.’’

He spoke in Maiduguri during the COAS bi-annual conference while meeting with top-ranking army officers spearheading the onslaught against the insurgents.

“Accordingly, it behoves on everyone seated here to show exemplary leadership, to mentor and guide the next generation on the right path.

“We will play our role and there will come a time where it will be their turn to take the reins of leadership at every level.

“Hence, our action today will resonate in the future and our achievements will from the foundations of their beginning,” he said.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno aligns with Oluyede.

Recently, Zulum announced a donation of N300 million to support the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram insurgents.

The governor made the announcement after attending the 2025 anti-terrorism military operation, Operation Desert Sanity II medal parade held in Njemena, Chad Republic.

Security analysts believe that improving motivation could help in stabilising the professional conduct of serving personnel on the battlefield, wounded soldiers and of course the families of those killed on active service.

Worthy of mention, Zulum has been consist in financially supporting the families of the military personnel killed on active service and the teeming soldiers who were wounded too while fighting the Boko Haram insurgents in the state, as witnessed in the last one year more than ever before.

Observers say the governor’s legacies, especially in the provisions of operational logistics to military services, other security agencies and stakeholders in the state, remain unforgettable to many.

Zulum had on June 7 gifted a N100 million support to 88 wounded soldiers and families of fallen heroes in the state.

The gift was handed over to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj-Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar in Maiduguri.

Of the hundred million, Zulum said each wounded soldier would receive N500,000, while N56 million would be distributed to the families of fallen heroes as a token.

About one N100 million naira was also gifted to the wounded soldiers and the families of the fallen heroes in December 2024 by the governor in Maiduguri.

Explaining how the narrative has suddenly changed in the ongoing resurgence operations, Abubakar, who was deeply engaged, said more than 100 terrorists, including 12 Boko Haram Commanders, had been neutralised within a week operation in Marte, Izge and Bitta communities of Borno.

Of course, the success was in connection with the use and application of COAS motivational techniques and the shower of Zulum’s incentives to the command’s wounded soldiers and the families of the deceased soldiers.

Zulum’s usual humility made him believe that his generosity alone could not heal the pains in the hearts of the wounded soldiers and the families of those killed in the battlefield.

To prove that, the governor further expressed his administration’s gratitude to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect lives, property and the territorial integrity of the country.

Mr Dauda Iliya, Zulum’s spokesperson, said since the beginning of the security and post conflict recovery in the last one year, the governor had procured 110 vehicles and distributed some to Military, Police, NSCDC and CJTF for surveillance in urban and resettled communities.

Iliya said that the governor had also procured 500 motorcycles to enhance military security patrol in rural communities of Borno.

According to him, the state government has also procured assorted security gadgets, equipment and other logistics for security outfits.

“The governor graciously approved the recruitment of 1,250 Civilian JTF to strengthen local security and compliment the effort security agents prosecuting the counter insurgency incentives,” the spokesperson said.

Stakeholders say that the Zulum and Oluyede’s approach to ensure higher level of motivation and mentoring is yielding results than many think as witnessed previously in the overwhelming victory over the insurgents in the ongoing resurgence operations.

Worthy of recall, Oluyede had on May 23 ordered Commanding officers and soldiers to crush and clear terrorists without showing any mercy out of the Nigeria’s territory.

“Ladies and gentlemen, there is no contesting our decision to completely neutralise these detractors to peace.

“Thus, I charge each and every officer and soldier to spare no quarter in running these terrorists and criminals to the ground,” COAS said.

He insisted that every strategic decision made at that conference must be adopted to achieve its set objectives.

In addition to that, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, also expressed happiness on how intelligence surveillance in Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad region has been intensified with the procurement of Super Tucano aircraft.

The air chief happily announced further that the new aerial platforms had enabled night operations to target terrorists’ hideouts in the forest effectively.

Security experts say major actors in governmental affairs and other stakeholders have lessons to learn from Zulum’s approach.

“Zulum’s consistency in being transparent and generous with resources at his disposal in boosting the morale of troops as well as reaching out to wounded soldiers and the families of fallen heroes needs to be emulated,’’ a security expert said.

All in all, stakeholders say that Zulum’s approach could raise the spirits of serving personnel and motivate them to put in their best while facing the enemy of the state. (NANFeatures)

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