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.

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.

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.

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).

By Philip Yatai, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Children have always been referred to as the leaders of tomorrow, and that “tomorrow” belongs to children. However, these assertions seem to be neither here nor there, considering the myriad of challenges before the Nigerian child.

The challenges are profound and pervasive with many children inhibited by socio-cultural and economic factors in the coordinates of their wellbeing and development.

The challenges range from childhood mortality to poor access to basic education, nutrition, and healthcare rights to child labour and sexual abuse, not to mention their being victims of conflict and war.

In addition to these challenges, climate change has put the lives of children under constant threat.

According to Save the Children International, nearly 710 million children in many countries are living at the highest risk of suffering the impact of climate crises.

Similarly, violent conflicts, widespread insecurity, kidnapping, and banditry seem to form part of everyday challenges for millions of children in Nigeria.

With the number of out-of-school children estimated at more than 10 million in the country, stakeholders have expressed concern that even those in schools were challenged by poor facilities, with many of them sitting on bare floors.

Kidnappers have been having a field day, abducting school children and their teachers at will, a situation analysts described as counter-productive to the ongoing efforts to provide children with functional education.

During the 2024 Children’s Day celebration in Abuja, the young ones particularly called for more investment in their education. They made a case for children’s acquisition of functional skills to position them in a way that would enable them to exploit their potential in the ever-changing world.

The call by the young ones was in tandem with the theme of the event, “Enhancing the Total Wellbeing of the Nigerian Child through Quality Education and Skills Development.”

“Help children in need and give those from poor households access to free education from the primary to the tertiary level.

“Equip our schools and make them conducive for learning.

“This will enable all children to access quality education and develop the needed knowledge and skills to live productive adulthood,” a 14-year-old secondary school student, Kolawale David, advocated.

For nine-year-old Ashezi Akwashiki, the author and advocate of a book on literacy and education, “dreams do come true, if every child is nurtured, supported, and equipped with the right knowledge and skills”.

At nine, Akwashiki has been instrumental to the production of “Book Buddies” by Ashezi Initiative, a non-profit organisation promoting literacy and educational equity.

This wouldn’t have been possible if she did not get the support she needed to learn and if her immediate environment had not been conducive enough to excite her imagination.

No wonder FCT’s Children Parliament described the wellbeing of children as the cornerstone of the future of Nigeria.

The Speaker of the parliament, Rahama Waziri, who made the assertion at an event to commemorate the 2024 Children’s Day, added that Nigerian children were in dire need of quality education and skills.

Waziri said that the celebration provided the needed opportunity to discuss how to collectively ensure that every Nigerian child received the education and skills necessary for him or her to thrive.

According to her, empowering children with education and skills is pivotal to the sustainable growth and development of the country.

“It is through their eyes that we envision a brighter tomorrow, and it is through their development that we can achieve it.

“Education is the bedrock of any progressive society. It is the tool that empowers individuals to transcend the limitations of their circumstances and achieve their full potential.

“For the Nigerian child, quality education is not just a right but a necessity.

“It is the gateway to opportunities, the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and the foundation for a prosperous and equitable society,” she maintained.

She also stressed the need for skills development, describing it as crucial to preparing children for the challenges and opportunities in the future.

She noted that the world is evolving rapidly, and that the jobs of tomorrow will demand a diverse set of skills.

Therefore, she said, “It is imperative that children are equipped with both technical and soft skills that will enable them to adapt and thrive.

“We need to ensure that schools are well-equipped with modern facilities, including libraries, laboratories, digital resources, and that curriculums are updated to reflect current realities and future projections.

“In this digital age, technology plays a crucial role in education. Integrating ICT in classrooms can enhance learning experiences and provide students with the skills needed in a tech-driven world,” she said.

Acknowledging the need to equip Nigerian children with functional digital skills, Ms Chidinma Ilechukwu, the Assistant Project Officer, International IDEA, Nigeria Office, said children must be protected at all cost owing to the many challenges they face – abuse, violence, abandonment, and neglect.

She reiterated the organisation’s continued commitment to ensuring that all children in Nigeria have access to justice through the implementation of the Child Rights Acts at the federal and state levels.

Sharing similar sentiment, Sylvia Sarki, Operations Manager, Across Atlantic Development, UK, said parents, guardians and caregivers must continue to support and empower children to reach their full potential.

Sarki insisted that children must be supported to explore and grow as future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow.

Responding to these calls, President Bola Tinubu said the Federal Government had embarked on key transformative policies to create a conducive learning environment across the country.

Tinubu, represented at the event by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, re-affirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing all matters relating to the total wellbeing and development of the Nigerian child.

He said that the Federal government had established the National Education Data System and approved skill development for all levels of education and teachers ‘training in digital skills.

“We are also working with the state commissioners of women wffairs and the state ministries of education, state universal basic education boards, and Civil Society Organisations to ensure quality education and skills development for Nigerian children,” Tinubu said.

The president also said that in furtherance of his “Renewed Hope” agenda, the government had earmarked N100 billion in the 2024 budget for school feeding programme, targeting 10 million Nigerian children in primary one to six.

He explained that the programme is being reviewed to address hunger, improve nutrition, enhance student’s’ attendance academic performance, boost local agriculture, and serve as an economic stimulus to local communities.

Similarly, Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, assured the children that their rights would be protected.

“When it comes to fighting for your rights, I shall always be there for you because Mr. President said the poor shall breathe and the children are one of the vulnerable,” the minister said.

For Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, children are assets to the nation and must be nurtured and supported.

Benjamins-Laniyi assured children in Abuja of FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike’s commitment to ensuring that every child in the federal capital territory has access to quality education and skills development opportunities.

She added that the FCT was working to promote policies that protect children’s rights, education, and other necessities towards building a life of dignity.

Also reassuring the children of government’s support, was the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, who announced the establishment of an ‘Education Endowment Fund’.

According to Maikalangu, the fund is to enable children in rural communities to have access to quality and functional education.

He emphasised the role of education in protecting children from various forms of abuse, adding that no child should be denied access to basic education.

Stakeholders stressed the need to prioritise children’s rights and participation in matters that concern them, with a view to build a better future for all. (NANFeatures)

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

By Mark Longyen, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

“My primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African subregion and the African continent. We shall work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts, and to resolve new ones. As we contain threats to peace, we shall also retool our foreign policy to more actively lead the regional, continental, and global quest for collective prosperity.”

The above excerpt extracted from President Bola Tinubu’s speech during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, clearly enunciating and underscored the foreign policy focus of his administration as encapsulated in his Renewed Hope agenda.

At the heart of the administration’s foreign policy approach, dubbed the ‘Tinubu Doctrine,’ is a ‘4-D Diplomacy Strategy’ centred on promoting democracy, driving economic development, harnessing Nigeria’s demographic potential, and engaging with the diaspora community.

One year after Tinubu’s epochal inaugural speech, analysts have given the President a thumbs up for not just reinforcing Nigeria’s traditional Afrocentric foreign policy thrust but redefining it under the auspices of the 4D agenda.

According to them, Tinubu’s foreign policy focus is a success and consistent with the nation’s traditional three concentric circles, which prioritizes West Africa, Africa and rest of the world, and a non-aligned disposition.

For instance, Tinubu’s foreign policy initiatives are observed to have deliberately accorded the West African subregion, under the auspices of ECOWAS, topmost priority, followed by the African continent under the auspices of AU, and then the rest of the world.

The President, some observers argue, has matched his inaugural speech words with action in the implementation of the administration’s foreign policy, and is barking and biting, where necessary.

Notably, in the past twelve months, Tinubu has embarked on a string of strategic diplomatic trips to many countries of the world, seeking and sealing bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the national interest.

These trips were for multifaceted reasons, varying from expanding and strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral relations and multilateral partnerships, to defence and security, as well as to convince foreign investors to invest in the nation’s economy.

Scorecard as ECOWAS Chairman

The President’s debut official trip to West Africa was to Guinea-Bissau for the Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on July 9, 2023 for the 63rd Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, where he was automatically admitted as the newest member of the exclusive club.

His status was quickly elevated when the ECOWAS member states unanimously elected him as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, to succeed President Umaro Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, who had held the reins between 2022 and 2023.

In his acceptance speech, he read the riot act to terrorists and military putschists warning them that the threat to peace in the subregion had reached an intolerable alarming proportion and called for concerted actions from member states.

Tinubu warned that under no circumstance would ECOWAS under his leadership condone any disruption to democratic order in any member state in the subregion.

In what seemed like he had a premonition of what was to happen next, as well as a test of his will, military leaders in Niger Republic overthrew the government of President Mohamed Bazoum seventeen days after.

The Niger coup sparked an immediate outrage and reaction from Tinubu, who quickly convened an emergency meeting of the body where stringent punitive measures were taken against the Niger military putchists, including the threat of military action, should they fail to restore Bazoum.

This was, however, later diplomatically resolved with the subsequent lifting of sanctions on Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy tradition of good neighborliness.

This age-long foreign policy disposition aims at strengthening and deepening bilateral relations with Nigeria’s immediate neighbours, which is strategic to Nigeria and West Africa’s economic and security interests.

On August 1, 2023, Tinubu made another short trip across the Nigerian border to the Republic of Benin for the 63rd independence anniversary ceremony of the country.

While this visit may appear ceremonial on the surface, deep down, it represented a significant step in the efforts by the two countries to consolidate their age-long relationship of good neighborliness.

Commenting on Tinubu’s West African foreign policy focus, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), former Nigerian Head of State and founding father of ECOWAS, lauded him for uniting the bloc under his leadership.

Gowon, who spoke recently at the inauguration of the Academy of International Affairs, a foreign policy think-thank founded by former foreign affairs minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, in Abuja, said that Tinubu as ECOWAS Chairman, had achieved a crucial foreign policy milestone by promptly taking measures to forestall the bloc’s disintegration.

He said that by rallying ECOWAS leaders together quickly during the Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger exit threat, and lifting the agonizing sanctions earlier imposed on them, Tinubu took the right step in the right direction that has kept ECOWAS as one bloc.

“I must commend President Bola Tinubu for all the foreign policy initiatives he made, which have kept ECOWAS together in the face of recent challenges.

“I implore the President to continue to ensure that Nigeria’s voice remains audible, and its influence felt in international relations,” Gowon said.

Corroborating Gowon’s view on Tinubu’s ECOWAS foreign policy approach, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, pioneer President, ECOWAS Commission, and current AU High Representative for ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa,’ expressed confidence in ECOWAS under Tinubu to resolve the Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger impasse.

Chambas noted that Tinubu’s combined democratic and diplomatic credentials needed not be proved because all his life, he has stood for fighting for democracy, adding that his own personal experiences were also a testimony.

“He is very strong in his opposition to military interventions because, having elected democratic governments over any other form of government, including military intervention, is the only accepted form of governance globally.

“We also know President Tinubu to be a practical person and politician, who has his ideals and principles and will do what is necessary to keep ECOWAS united.

“I’m aware that he is already working actively with the ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, to ensure that every diplomatic step is taken to keep ECOWAS united,” Chambas said.

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, while reinforcing the Afrocentric focus of President Tinubu recently, stressed that Nigeria’s core foreign policy thrust over the past year has been consistently Afrocentric.

Tuggar explained that this was driven through a three concentric circle application, aimed at achieving economic growth, peace and security within West Africa and Africa at large.

According to him, Tinubu’s administration’s newly defined foreign policy projection is encapsulated in the ‘4Ds’, namely Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

“The 4Ds doctrine is being deployed to build alliances through diplomatic engagements and partnerships with other nations, multilateral institutions and the diaspora community.

“This foreign policy outlook heralds a new era of regional stability and collective prosperity for the sub-region and, indeed, Nigeria.

“Through these efforts, Nigeria can assume a stronger leadership role in resolving conflicts and driving economic growth across Africa.

“Mr President emphasizes the significance of engaging with regional organizations, such as the AU, ECOWAS and forging strong partnerships with international allies,” Tuggar said.

Curbing terrorism in Africa

As a bold step towards curbing the surging scourge of terrorism and violent conflicts sweeping across West Africa, President Tinubu recently hosted a two-day African high-level counter-terrorism summit in Abuja, attended by African presidents, AU President, UN deputy secretary general, among others.

The summit aimed at precipitating African-led and African-owned solutions against terrorism; strengthening regional response to terrorism threats; enhancing regional cooperation; producing a comprehensive approach and addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, among others.

This bold move clearly underscores the urgency and seriousness with which Tinubu and other African leaders are tackling the continent’s spiraling insecurity situation, using regional platforms, such as the AU and ECOWAS, to address this existential threat.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu called for the establishment and strengthening of a regional standby military force to curb terrorism, violent conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government in Africa.

“Terrorism snaps at the very fabric of the prosperous and just society, which we seek to build for ourselves and our children.

“This violent threat seeks to frighten the farmer from his field, children from their schools, women from the marketplace and families from their very homes.

“We must, therefore, fight this threat together, combining determined national effort with well-tailored and regional and international collaboration,” he said.

Leveraging Paris climate change cum global financial pact summit

The President’s his first official trip outside the country, and the continent, was to Paris, the French capital, on June 20, 2023, to partake in the New Global Financing Pact Climate Change Summit.

The summit, which focused on the reform of multilateral development banks (MDBs), debt crisis, innovative financing, international taxes, and special drawing rights (SDRs), aimed at reshaping the global financial system and finding better ways to tackle poverty and climate change.

The pact was signed by world leaders to prioritise support for and investment in vulnerable countries, in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change, the energy crisis, and healthcare, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic on developing countries’ economies.

President Tinubu leveraged the event to engage in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy seeking support, collaboration and partnership with multilateral financial institutions and foreign investors, and rallying investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria.

Tinubu also held a series of high-profile sideline meetings with world leaders, global business leaders, and chief executives of leading multilateral and development finance institutions.

They included the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) boss, Odile Renaud–Basso, and African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim) President, Benedict Oramah, among others.

As a demonstration of his genuine commitment to addressing the existential threat of climate change issues, Tinubu has also recently established a Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions.

The committee is tasked with coordinating and overseeing all policies and programmes on climate action and green economic development in relation to the global climate change action plan, so as to mitigate their imaginable negative consequences.

Chaired by Tinubu himself, the presidential committee aims to remove the constraints to coordination, foster a whole-of-government approach to climate-action programmes, and provide an efficient governance architecture.

The committee is also saddled with ensuring that all relevant institutions in the sector are plugged into the President’s vision and are collectively implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda on climate action.

Sharing his view on the dividends of these efforts, especially the Paris summit’s benefits, Ayokunle Olubunmi, head of financial institutions ratings firm, Agusto and Co, said it offered Tinubu the opportunity “to put his best foot forward, present his plans, talk to foreign investors, market Nigeria, and gain the trust of the international community.”

He stressed that Nigeria urgently needed the help and support of the MDBs and the international financial institutions (IFIs) to bail it out its current economic quagmire.

“Don’t forget that with all the policies the government is putting in place, some have negative shocks on the economy.

“So, we need those development banks to be able to support the economy, to cushion the impact, either by giving direct loans to businesses or advisories, or other supports,” the analyst said.

Leveraging the Delhi G-20 Summit

President Tinubu also embarked on economic diplomacy to attract foreign investors, where he succeeded in securing a whooping 14 billion dollars in commitments from Indian corporations, during the G-20 Summit in Delhi, India, which held in September, 2023.

This was a milestone foreign policy accomplishment because the President travelled to India, having in mind his uncompromising drive for foreign investment as top priority, taking along top government officials, businessmen and women in his entourage.

Addressing world leaders at the summit, Tinubu declared Nigeria’s commitment to promoting shared prosperity and security and called for global unity and cooperation in tackling pressing challenges, fostering inclusiveness, and establishing a fairer world order.

Reflecting on the theme of the Summit: ‘One Earth. One Family. One Future,’ Tinubu underscored the interconnectedness of global affairs and the need for collaborative efforts.

He noted that most contemporary global issues were international in character and could not be addressed without multilateral cooperation.

“Therefore, stronger collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships among diverse regions are the pathways to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for our world.

“A world that lives as one family, but is divided by staggering income inequalities, and uneven access to basic social goods by the vast majority of our people, cannot result in a peaceful and secure world, where shared prosperity is achieved.

“Nigeria is poised, able and willing to be a major player in this family of the G-20 and in shaping a new world, without whom the family will remain incomplete,” he said.

He also seized the opportunity to hold discussions with some world leaders, who are regarded as key partners in Nigeria’s economic diplomacy drive with a view to stimulating local investment and wealth creation.

These included German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, U.S. President Joe Biden; European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen; and World Bank President, Ajay Banga, among others.

Russia-Africa Summit takeaways

The second Russia–Africa Summit and Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum focused on strategising to enhance relations between Russia and the African continent, among other benefits.

During the summit, which held in St Petersburg, Russia, Nigeria was able to secure in a single stroke a whooping fortune of 14 billion dollars pledge of Foreign Direct Investment for the country.

Addressing the plenary session of the summit in St. Petersburg, the President, through Vice President Kashim Shetima, noted that Nigeria was entering a new era, and repositioned for greatness through strategic reforms and diversification of its economy.  

Commenting on the President’s string of multilateral and bilateral diplomacy during both the India G20 and the Russia-Africa summits, a civil society organization, the Coalition for the Revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company, gave the President a thumbs up.

“We thank Mr President for taking this swift initiative towards Nigeria’s industrialisation, as we pray that his tenure brings incompressible fortunes to Nigeria and for every Nigerian.

“Our immediate shared fortune is the pledge of 3 billion dollars by Jindal Steel and Power of India, which will see Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mills working again, after being abandoned at 95 per cent completion stage since 1994.

“Apart from the production of iron, steel, other valuable products that will be available in the course of operation of Ajaokuta Steel Plant will for instance include about 110MW electricity, hydrogen, 35000 cubic meter of oxygen per hour.

“Others are nitrogen, argon, coke oven gas, sulphuric acid, and many more multiplier effects on the Nigerian economy, so the table must turn at this time in favour of Nigeria and Africa,” the CSO noted.

The Johannesburg BRICS Summit

As a demonstration of Tinubu’s commitment to economic collaboration with like minds globally, Nigeria attended the summit of the BRICS states, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa; as well as Egypt, Ethiopia, Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an observer, although she has yet to formally apply to join the group.

The President said at the summit that Nigeria was seeking foreign partnerships that would provide opportunities for all to engage in trade, prosperity and shared progress with no marginalisation.

Tinubu, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to playing a major role in shaping global framework and governance in the areas of finance, climate change, digital economy and post-pandemic recovery.

“This endeavour aims to foster global economic governance reform while enhancing the representation and voice of emerging market economies or developing countries.

“We seek a partnership that provides opportunities for all to engage in trade, prosperity, and shared progress with no marginalisation based on geography, race and legitimate sovereign affiliations.

“These nations confront historical developmental vulnerabilities and challenges that are beyond their control. Thus, it is imperative for us to unite within regional groups and forge a novel form of international cooperation,” he said.

Milestone UN General Assembly outing 

Foreign policy analysts describe President Tinubu’s maiden UN outing and speech at the 78th Session of the General Assembly on September 18, 2023, as a milestone, exemplary, and aligning with his foreign policy focus.

The President’s speech highlighted five themes namely, the need for global institutions and other nations to see Africa as a priority; an affirmation of democratic governance as the best guarantor of sovereign will, and the challenges posed by terrorism and violent extremism.

Other themes included the challenges of illicit mining and pilfering by extra-African powers and companies; and the threats posed by climate change.

The speech ingratiated the African and Nigerian publics to their own plight, as well as appealed to the sentiments of the developed world to partner with the developing world in a mutually benefiting relationship and equal terms.

“We welcome partnerships with those who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assume larger roles in the global community.

“The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.

“Many proclamations have been made, yet our troubles remain close at hand; failures in good governance have hindered Africa.

“But broken promises, unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad have also exacted a heavy toll on our ability to progress,” he said.

Tinubu decried the menace of climate change and the pilfering of Africa’s resources with the active connivance of some countries and entities from the global North.

“African nations will fight climate change but must do so on our own terms. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.

“To achieve the needed popular consensus, this campaign must accord with overall economic efforts.

“Foreign entities abetted by local criminals, who aspire to be petty warlords have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources,” he stressed.

Commenting on the President’s UNGA speech, Prof. Jideofor Adibe of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said the preamble of the speech spoke well to the different target publics.

“Admitting issues with domestic governance would be sweet music to the ears of the world leaders expecting the usual victim complex and begging bowl syndrome.

“The bit about broken promises, unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad will also play well with African and Nigerian publics,” the don said.

Nigeria-U.S. Relations

The U.S. has over the years been a very strong ally of Nigeria and Nigeria’s foreign policy under the Tinubu administration has been marked by continuity rather than any semblance of departure from the past.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, for instance, reiterated this disposition recently during the visit of a U.S. congressional delegation to Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, noting that Nigeria and the U.S. are partners bound by shared values of democracy, rule of law, and commitment to peace and good governance.

“I share my enthusiasm about deepening partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. We know in America that there is no greater or more important partner for the U.S. on the African continent than its biggest country, its biggest democracy, and its biggest economy. 

“We know the investments we make in this country in different sectors, and our partnership on security and counter-terrorism are not just for Nigeria’s benefit but for both of our countries’ benefit.

“You are a leader of particular character. You have the courage to do very difficult things, right at the beginning of your term. Something that many American leaders should look to.

“Someone who believes so much in their people that they can make difficult decisions and know that their country is resilient and strong to endure so that it can emerge stronger on the other side,” Booker said.

The U.S. has also recently announced the unveiling of an Open Skies Air Transport Agreement with Nigeria, which had provisionally been applied since 2000, that now establishes a modern civil aviation relationship between the two countries.

The agreement includes provisions that allow for unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open code-sharing opportunities.

Commenting on these developments, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, State Department, Joy Basu, recently lauded Nigeria’s foreign policies, stressing that the money policies were conducive for businesses to thrive, as well as strengthening and positioning the nation’s economy for overall growth.

“The U.S. is committed to fostering its collaboration with Nigeria in order to tackle myriad pressing issues and obstacles, which Nigeria, being Africa’s largest economy, is facing.

“We are working closely with the U.S. Treasury, Nigerian authorities and African central banks towards ensuring public and private sector economic restoration, stability and prosperity across Africa,” the envoy said.

In her view, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, said that over the past one year, Nigeria has witnessed progress from the reforms introduced by this administration to stabilize the economy with visible improvement.

“The Nigerian government has also been proactive in its foreign policy approach aimed at addressing security challenges in the country and the sub-regions as demonstrated by the hosting of an African counter-terrorism meeting last month.

“There have also been other notable initiatives such as the nationwide digital literacy programme and the expansion of the broadband infrastructure to bridge the digital divide and empower our people in this digital age,” she said.

Observers believe that Tinubu’s foreign policy has been remarkably consistent, pragmatic, vibrant, bold, brave, and uncompromisingly Afrocentric, gauged in the national interest.

They posit that Nigeria’s foreign policy focus under Tinubu has been a continuation and consolidation of the nation’s traditional foreign policy, predicated on an ‘Africa First’ mantra, and a reaffirmation of his inaugural speech pledge one year ago. (NANFeatures)

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

By Taiye Olayemi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

On Aug. 16, 2023, President Bola Tinubu heeded the called by tourism industry stakeholders for the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Tourism in the country, with the appointment of Lola Ade-John as the minister to spearhead affairs of the ministry.

The creation of the first-ever Ministry of Tourism was greeted by celebrations and jubilation among stakeholders across the nation.

One year into the present administration, some tourism practitioners while commending the government for the creation of the ministry, however, fault its budget allocation.

The ministry has an allocation of N11.06 billion in the 2024 budget, of which the sum of N3.96 billion is for recurrent expenditures while N7. 30 billion is for capital expenditure.

Ime Udo, National President, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), advised President Bola Tinubu to ensure a substantial budget allocation for the tourism industry to support large-scale capital projects, marketing initiatives and capacity building.

Udo said it was necessary for the government to revitalise the industry, which has been abandoned for a long.

“The allocated budget of N11.06 billion for the tourism ministry in 2024 is a meagre sum, considering the industry’s neglect over the years and the need to execute significant capital projects.

“Recurrent expenditures account for a substantial portion (N3.96 billion), leaving limited funds for capital projects (N7.30 billion).

“To revitalise the industry, a more substantial budget allocation is necessary to support initiatives like infrastructure development, marketing campaigns, and capacity building.

“I believe tourism as a whole needs a lot more investment and budget than what we currently have.

“Tourism marketing and promotion does not only benefit the sites, attractions or festivals but also the entire socio-economic landscape of the people,” she says.

Udo further advised that going forward, a comprehensive tourism master plan must be developed, outlining strategies for sustainable development, growth and investment in human capacity building, training tourism professionals, and enhancing service standards.

She harped on the need for tourism and hospitality practitioners to leverage technology for digital marketing and virtual tours to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

For Ikechi Uko, a tourism consultant, the ministry is yet to receive its full support from the government.

“No office, no vehicles, no take-off grant, so, for now, we are waiting for the government to fund and support its new baby to help realise the full potential of the purpose of its creation.”

According to Gbenga Sunmonu, President, Nigerian Hotel and Catering Institute (NHCI), the tourism industry has not faired well in the last one year.

Sunmonu says this is a result of the low budget made available for the sector which cannot make any significant impact in the promotion of tourism.

“The budget allocation is abysmal. This is just a fragment compared to some MDAs in the country.

“To groom the industry, the government should approach a holistic strategy starting from increasing the budget through appropriation.

“The minister should be intentional to develop all year-round programmes along geo-political zones; involve the state commissioners and be ready to mass promote using all agencies of government,” he said.

Sunmonu advised the Federal Government to reinstate the Presidential Advisory Committee on Tourism and walk the talk.

“The tourism minister should minimise junketing across states and be purposeful in the visits to attract others to create wealth.

“Let the states make their respective tourism boards effective,” he says.

On his part, Nkereuwem Onung, National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), called for the release of a take-off grant for the new Ministry of Tourism.

“One of the bane of tourism development in Nigeria is lack of funding. Some state tourism budgets are higher than the federal tourism budget.

“I call on the federal government to release the take-off grant for the young ministry. We need a structured programme for the industry that will enable us to move on a predetermined trajectory.

Onung saaid going forward, the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of the ministry should be made public while appropriate records of international arrivals, domestic tourism potential and delivery be made available to all.

According to him, this will aid the growth of the industry over time.

Tourism is one of the biggest economic activities in the world today. It involves the pursuit of recreation, relaxation, and pleasure while making use of the commercial provision of services.

The tourism industry with its enormous potential is capable of generating the needed employment opportunities for the teaming youth as well as engaging them in meaningful ventures.

Stakeholders said the industry, if well positioned, can successfully boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings through the development of inbound and outbound tourism.

They said while the government should be committed to taking deliberate and giant steps in creating an enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive by making available the needed infrastructures and basic amenities, the private practitioners are meant to consolidate on this to build an attractive and formidable industry, capable of contributing significantly to economic growth. (NANFeatures)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran