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Strengthening gender desks in schools: The Kaduna example
Features

Strengthening gender desks in schools: The Kaduna example

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By Aisha Gambo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Such experiences are not isolated.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Other schools are implementing additional measures to reinforce safety.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Making Nigerians trust in governance again
Features

Making Nigerians trust in governance again

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By Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

NYSC: Review or scrap?
Features

NYSC: Review or scrap?

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By Kayode Adebiyi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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By Busayo Onijala, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Repositioning Technical Education for Nigeria’s development
Features

Repositioning Technical Education for Nigeria’s development

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By Sylvester Thompson, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albeit these prospects, there remain many hurdles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Furthermore, partnerships between educational institutions and industry are vital.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By Ismail Abdulaziz, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yet, the impact of these efforts remains limited.

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

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

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

In spite of these efforts, tangible progress remains elusive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How does this neighbourhood watch work and organise itself?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Naira-for-Crude and matters arising
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Naira-for-Crude and matters arising

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By Deborah Coker, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Tinubu-Buhari partnership and opposition’s desperate search for validation
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Tinubu-Buhari partnership and opposition’s desperate search for validation

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By Tunde Rahman

The special relationship between President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari has witnessed many remarkable moments. It has experienced dramatic and exciting times, just as there have been challenging moments.

Life changing and sweet memories abound between the two great leaders. Between the two great men, there are recollections of might-have-beens. There are also open testimonies about the gains of the partnership and words of commendation as well as scornful moments.

 

Nonetheless, the two leaders have trudged on to the admiration of their mutual friends and associates, and bewilderment – I dare say, disappointment – of others who would wish both had long parted ways.

 

About pleasant times, one important moment readily comes to mind. It was towards the end of 2017, two years into the Buhari presidency. The former president was traveling to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, for the 5th African Union-European Union Summit, which took place from November 28th to 30th, and had invited Asiwaju Tinubu to join his entourage. Coming from Buhari, the invitation was a pleasant surprise to the then All Progressives Congress National Leader, given that the administration he worked very hard, with others, to bring into existence, had largely sidelined him after taking over power in 2015.

The Cote d’Ivoire invitation, therefore, represented one of the few occasions he would be directly contacted.

 

As it turned out, taking Tinubu along on that trip proved helpful. Tinubu attended a couple of official meetings and engagements with the former president, including the meeting with the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire. Buhari alluded to this during that trip.

 

Speaking about Tinubu, while addressing the Nigerian Community in that country on the sidelines of the summit, the former president had said: “I must thank our Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has brought me a very beautiful piece of information, which I was not aware of until I sat down and read it. Thank you very much for your hard work, and I will discuss that paper with you.”

 

Many were wondering at the time as to what piece of information Tinubu had offered Buhari. But at that time, 2019 was around the corner, and Buhari needed to rally his troops for re-election. There was a need, in my view, to tap Tinubu again for his strategic support and rich political network. Each time Tinubu had any opportunity to visit Buhari at the Presidential Villa, it was to offer ideas and suggestions about the way forward for the government and the country. I know this as a fact because I was always there with him.

 

Tinubu had helped Buhari to power in 2015 after the General’s three previous unsuccessful attempts. An alliance between Buhari’s Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) and Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) that had earlier hit the rocks in 2011 was resuscitated in the run-up to the 2015 election, engendering a working alliance between the North-west and South-west. This was the alliance that put the wind in Buhari’s sail and fired him to the presidency.

 

For the first time in a long while, the former president recently spoke on this valuable support and fine relationship with Tinubu in a telephone call to the President on his 73rd birthday. According to a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari underscored the bond between him and Tinubu. He disclosed that his family and himself remain indebted to President Tinubu and other APC leaders for the invaluable contributions they made towards the formation of the party, which catapulted him to the presidency for two terms, and helped to produce another APC administration with Tinubu himself at its head.

“No doubt, the annals of the country will not be complete without bringing into mention, and a recognition of the varied and numerous roles of President Tinubu as an entrepreneur, a party stalwart, a staunch activist, party organiser, party builder, a reliable ally and a serial winner of democratic elections. I am truly proud of my association with the Asiwaju,” the former president said.

 

President Tinubu, on his part, has at every turn extolled the virtues of former President Buhari. For instance, during Buhari’s 82nd birthday last December 17, Tinubu penned a moving tribute to the former president.

He wrote: “Dear President Muhammadu Buhari, on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to you on your 82nd Birthday.

 

“As you celebrate this remarkable milestone in Daura, we reflect on your years of dedicated service and leadership, which have significantly shaped the course of our nation. Your steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s advancement and unity inspires many, and your enduring legacy continues to guide our nation’s journey towards prosperity and stability.”

 

Praising Buhari for his doggedness and resilience in contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011 before winning in 2015 and 2019, inspiring “us never to give up,” President Tinubu assured him: “I will continue to build on the infrastructure legacy you bequeathed to our nation as the leader of our country’s first All Progressives Congress administration.”

 

From the foregoing, notwithstanding the minor strain engineered by some palace courtiers when the former president was in office, it is apparent that the relationship between Tinubu and Buhari continues to flourish as it was built on mutual respect and affection. And like every association, there are bound to be challenges. About that of Buhari and Tinubu, this strain manifested in the sidelining of Asiwaju, particularly during Buhari’s first term in office, and in the orchestrated moves by some people in the Buhari government to thwart Tinubu’s ascension to the presidency in 2023.

 

However, it would appear that this relationship has weathered the storms. It is waxing stronger. Contrary to the impression in some quarters, particularly in the camps of some opposition politicians, the remarks by the former president during a visit by APC Governors, who paid him Eid-el-Fitri homage in his Kaduna residence, did not in any way undermine the accord. Underlining his cult-like following in the North, the governors had, during the visit, reportedly urged Buhari to dissuade his CPC associates from leaving APC, noting that doing so would strengthen the governing party against the opposition.

 

During the visit, Buhari had called on political leaders to embrace humility, transparency, and a citizen-first approach to governance, disclosing that he left office with no personal material gain, emphasizing that true leadership is measured not by personal accumulation, but by public service and impact. Garba Shehu again quoted the former president in a statement he issued: “Leaders must always prioritize the welfare of citizens over personal or partisan interests. I left office with the same physical assets I had before becoming President.” Buhari also expressed satisfaction with the renovations to his Kaduna home and thanked the Tinubu administration for the improvements made inside the building. “Outwardly, the house looks the same, but the renovations have been significant,” he said.

 

However, regarding the APC Governors’ request that he implore his CPC associates not to leave the party, the former president reportedly declined to commit. While reaffirming his loyalty to APC, he was said to have insisted that others must be allowed to make their own political choices. Some analysts and commentators had interpreted that to mean Buhari was pitching his camps with the opposition.

 

A deeper analysis of Buhari’s politics lends useful perspectives to his convictions as expressed during the visit by the governors elected on the platform of APC. That remark, embodying a laissez faire attitude, is consistent with Buhari’s politics. A vivid example was during the build-up to the 2019 governorship election in Ogun State when as President he appeared in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, to give the APC flag to Prince Dapo Abiodun, the then candidate of the party for the election. The former president had urged the people of the state to vote for any candidate of their choice. That remark drew flaks from many, but it underscored a principle Buhari has upheld throughout his political career.

 

It should also be recalled that recently when former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai defected to the Social Democratic Party and he (el-Rufai) claimed in a BBC Hausa interview that he left the APC with Buhari’s blessings, the former president also used the opportunity to clear the air, insisting he remains fully loyal to the APC and would never abandon the party that made his presidency possible. “I am a proud APC member and I want to always be known as one. I will continue to do everything I can to promote and support the party,” Buhari stated, without directly addressing el-Rufai’s claims.

 

At the moment, opposition politicians are desperately seeking Buhari’s support and endorsement to validate their 2027 plan. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his cohorts like el-Rufai, former House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and former Governor Bindow Jibrilla of Adamawa State, among others, visited the former president in Kaduna on Thursday to also pay homage to him for the end of Ramadan fasting/Sallah celebrations that occurred two weeks ago.

 

In all of that and his remarks to the APC Governors that visited him in Kaduna, has former President Buhari, thus far, deviated from or dumped the accord between him and President Tinubu and the spirit of friendship, mutual understanding, cooperation and reciprocal support that underpins their relationship? There is nothing that suggests so. The special relationship between President Tinubu and former President Buhari remains rock solid. The two eminent leaders will continue to cooperate and collaborate to sustain party unity and promote progressive governance.

 

-Rahman is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media, Publicity & Special Duties.

CNG: Tinubu & promise of cheaper energy for posterity
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CNG: Tinubu & promise of cheaper energy for posterity

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By Oche Echeija Egwa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy on May 29th, 2023, will always be remembered for its audacity. And the President himself will be in history books for his uncommon courage.

 

Now, less than two years later, the alternative is steadily paying-off, not only for motorists and transporters, but also for businesses and households.

 

 

 

Noticeably, the long, serpentine petrol queues that bedevilled the transportation industry in the past have gradually disappeared across the country. There is a growing interest in cheaper alternative sources of energy, like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.

 

Interestingly, new queues have resurfaced around filling stations, largely stimulated by demand for gas.

 

While inaugurating 30 hybrid CNG-powered buses on August 12, 2024, as part of palliatives to reduce the effects of removing subsidy from PMS (Premium Motor Spirit), the President assured that the relatively new bride, CNG, was cheaper, safer and more environmentally friendly.

 

President Tinubu said commercial vehicles accounted for more than 80 per cent of the nation’s petrol demand and daily consumption. He noted that instituting a more affordable and reliable alternative with gas would create a new lease of life, reduce cost of living and cut the corruption in petrol subsidies.

 

 

 

Removing the strangling subsidy, he said, was economic salvation for the nation and posterity.

 

“Countries like India have mandated CNG for all commercial vehicles since 2004. In Nigeria, commercial vehicles make up about 80 per cent of our petroleum demand, costing us trillions of Naira every month.

 

“The solution is here. We have it. We will work on it. We promise you, definitely, things will get better. Prosperity will be achieved.

 

“I thank Innoson Motors and others who have been committed to changing the narrative in this country. Utilising natural gas to power our transportation industry is the next way to go. Like many countries, Nigeria will work harder and be productive with our own gas. It is an economic necessity that we should embrace,’’ the President added.

 

According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigeria has the 9th largest natural gas reserves in the world. The reserves of Associated and Non-Associated Gas stood at 209.26 trillion cubic feet (TCF) as of January 1, 2024.

 

At filling stations in Abuja, and most parts of the country, some motorists have converted their vehicles to hybrids, sharing the benefits of gas, which include cost efficiency, reliability and environmental friendliness.

 

“You can see that queues for petrol have given way to gas,’’ a transporter, Ibrahim Bala Aminu, said at an NNPC station in Gudu, Abuja. “Gas is far cheaper. With N5,000 to fill my cylinder, I can work for a whole day, compared to spending N65,000 to fill my tank with petrol.’’

 

Anosike Uzo, a mechanic and spare parts dealer, describes gas as “a game changer” in the Nigerian transportation sector.

 

Updating newsmen at the Presidential Villa on achievements of the Presidential initiative, the Programme Director of Presidential CNG Initiative, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, said the PCNGI had been able to stimulate demand, and encourage the private sector to invest in the implementation of the policy.

 

“No doubt, after an intensive stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaign from May to November 2024, the PCNGI’s most important achievement was to convince the private sector to invest critical funds alongside the government’s investments upon stimulation of demand by commercial vehicle operators and private vehicle users alike.

 

“We have attracted over $491million of investments in the past year to AutoNG and we are very proud of it. This has created over 9,000 direct and 75,000 indirect jobs,’’ he said.

 

To further actualise the President’s vision for cheaper alternatives to petrol, and domesticating the initiative, Oluwagbemi said Nigeria’s conversion capacity of vehicles from pure petrol and diesel to bi-fuel vehicles was raised by almost 3,000 per cent with more than 200 new conversion centres established.

 

Before now, he noted that only seven conversion centres existed in the entire country.

 

“About 22,000 conversion kits were initially procured and started being delivered in October 2024 to the programme by the Ministry of Finance. Already, we are on course for 10,000 conversions by the end of this quarter under this program having started in December, 2024.

 

“More recently, that programme has been expanded by the PCNGI to enable deep discounts for public servants and finance the balance of costs for converting their vehicles working with another major initiative of Mr President, which is the Credit Corp. We will soon launch that initiative with the public sector unions,’’ he stated.

 

Allaying the fears of reported explosions in Benin, Edo State, the programme director said investigations had revealed that some of the cylinders and conversions were done by amateur technicians.

 

“At this point let me be clear, that the sole safety incident that occurred in Benin last year was a result of economic saboteurs engaged in illegal fabrication of CNG cylinders and were arrested by the police.

 

“With Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVSM) in place, that incident will be avoided as only properly labelled & accredited vehicles with certified tanks will be refuelled. The necessary steps to launch NGVMS are on-going, and we expect it to be in place by year end.

 

“We won’t relent in ensuring the safety of lives and investments of participants in the sector. This was why we prioritised regulatory standards issuance from the get-go in March 2024 and continue to work with these agencies especially Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) & National Automotive Design and Development Council. (NADDC). We enjoin all participants to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements on safety and security,’’ he said.

 

Oluwagbemi explained that gas filling stations had been directed to stop attending to vehicles that were poorly converted to avoid mishaps in the future.

 

“If you also recall, demonstrating the efficacy of CNG and EV platforms, CNG buses and tricycles as well EV buses were procured on our behalf by the Federal Ministry of Finance. A total of 655 buses were procured.

 

“421 CNG Buses and 36 EV buses have been delivered so far, the program has deployed 405 buses either as part of the settlement of terms with the NLC and TUC as part of the wage negotiations, or to the transport unions being run commercially in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Transportation or through the partnership with state transport companies that was launched last year.

 

“The Renewed Hope Mass Transit scheme launched during the Yuletide period providing free or discounted rides during that time, has now continued commercially and will soon be launched for tricycles as soon as we sort out the last mile gas infrastructure scheme,’’ the programme director noted.

 

He said the queues for gas would be reduced over time with ongoing mapping and opening of stations in strategic locations for ease of access, particularly for state commuters.

 

“Speaking about the last mile gas infrastructure scheme, we are aware that as a result of our successful awareness campaign last year and groundbreaking initiatives like CIP that pay the private sector to convert vehicles to CNG, there has been a visible gap in CNG availability at the last mile. We note the longer queues in some locales but assure this is temporary.

 

“The influx of CNG trucks as our industries invest and the over 30,000 CNG conversions undertaken by the private sector – having more than quintupled the CNG fleet of Nigeria – naturally will put pressure on our gas infrastructure. But the PCNGI is not relenting in solutions,’’ he said.

 

Oluwagbemi explained that an aggressive Last Mile Gas Infrastructure scheme, refuelling on lending Programme, would provide equipment at cost for refuelling to key conversion centres and refuelling partners.

 

He said 25 sites would benefit, and 15 states for the project, with the first site in Kwara State, while Kogi, Ekiti, Rivers and Abuja would be completed by May 1, 2025.

 

“By June 12 we shall have Kaduna, Abia, Enugu joining the fray with Niger, Kano and Benue following shortly thereafter.

 

“To further bolster this base infrastructure, we have co-opted our private sector partners to deploy over 150 new refuelling locations in the next 18 months. NNPC has already deployed 12 sites, with 8 to go this quarter, and approval for an additional 100 sought and secured for the next 18-24 months,’’ he said .

 

“NIPCO has imported equipment for 32 daughter station sites with 22 in operation and 8 under construction. Bovas has 8 under construction and AY Shafa has completed one with 9 under construction. Entities like Ibile Oil and Gas, MBH and Mikano are also investing in not just daughter stations but also mother stations.

 

“Just this week, l visited the largest mother station under construction in Nigeria by Mikano in Ogun State that will have 12 dispensing arms for large trucks, that are rapidly converting to CNG and has the potential to drive down food and goods inflation rate by reducing costs by up to 80 per cent! To this end, the Diesel Conversion Program will be launched this year by the PCNGI to accelerate this process,’’ he added.

 

On building capacity to meet up with the growing demands for the bi-fuel vehicles, the programme director pointed out that more than 1,500 technicians were trained last year, and another 5,000 would be up-skilled in 2025.

 

“This will ensure that Nigeria’s CNG sector is underpinned by strong local content and capacity. Active training and collaboration with national institutions like the Nigeria Army and Police is also on-going, as well as institutions like NITT, NADDC, SMEDAN and NASENI,’’ he said.

 

The programme director also disclosed that the university community would be fully involved in the expansion of the project, while appreciating President Tinubu for the political will to push the country into the future, and purposeful leadership dexterity of the Steering Committee led by Dr Zacch Adedeji.

 

At the interaction with journalists, Mr Bayo Onauga, Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, said the President had also directed the team to prioritise use of electric vehicles in Nigeria as suitable alternatives to petrol.

 

“The CNG and electrical vehicle programme are dear to Mr President.

 

“When he removed the fuel subsidy, he felt the pains of Nigerians, but it was expedient. And he said a solution must be found in using gas and electric vehicles,’’ Onanuga said.

 

With the benefits of cost effectiveness, the clean energy engendering cleanliness of our environment and cheaper maintenance gradually trickling down in the transport sector and beyond, transporters and motorists in Nigeria are hopeful of a brighter and more sustainable energy source delivered purposefully by President Tinubu.

 

Egwa is an Assistant Director in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity.

Assessing NACA’s renewed push for an AIDS-free Nigeria
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Assessing NACA’s renewed push for an AIDS-free Nigeria

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By Justina Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Mrs Joy Timothy, a 36-year-old mother of four, stared gloomily at her nearly empty restaurant.

She pondered what to do with the leftover food in the flask.

It would likely spoil by day’s end due to the erratic power supply that had rendered her freezer ineffective.

Prior to this time, her restaurant bustled with activity.

Several salesgirls assisted with cooking and serving meals to numerous customers, especially during the busy weekday rush.

She was once the envy of many; her food was known to be delicious, affordable, and hygienically prepared.

However, her fortunes took a drastic turn.

“I had a fight with my husband at home because he asked for money to buy alcohol and give to his girlfriend.

“My refusal led him to storm into the restaurant at peak hours, verbally abuse me, and publicly disclose my HIV status to customers,” she recounted.

Since the incident, customer patronage has declined sharply, worsening her economic hardship.

Her husband has since disappeared, leaving her to care for their children alone.

Mrs Timothy’s experience is not unique.

Many individuals face stigmatisation in workplaces, schools, businesses, and across wider society due to their HIV status.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with over 200 million people, carries one of the highest burdens of HIV globally, according to the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

As of 2023, around two million people in Nigeria were living with HIV/AIDS.

Of these, 1.6 million are receiving treatment, with a national prevalence rate of 1.3 per cent among adults aged 15–49.

Nevertheless, there has been measurable progress.

In 2023, the country recorded 75,000 new cases, a huge decline from the 130,000 reported in 2010.

According to USAID, approximately 1.3 million people in Nigeria are aware of their HIV status, with around 1.1 million receiving treatment to maintain their health and well-being.

It is worth recalling that the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), formerly the National Action Committee on AIDS, was established in 2000 to coordinate the national HIV/AIDS response.

Since its inception, NACA has been led by several notable figures, including Prof Babatunde Oshotimehin, Dr Sani Aliyu, and Dr Gambo Aliyu, all of whom contributed meaningfully to the agency’s mandate.

This legacy continued in March 2024, when President Bola Tinubu appointed Dr Temitope Ilori; a trailblazer in public health and medicine as the new Director-General.

Ilori, the first woman to hold the position, was welcomed with high expectations from the government, people living with HIV (PLHIV), and stakeholders, all eager to see the direction she would take the agency.

Now, one year into her tenure, Nigerians are asking pertinent questions: How has the agency fared under her leadership? Has there been any notable transformation? What impact has she made in controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic?

They also wonder whether, as a woman, she has proven the popular saying that “what a man can do, a woman can do better”.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dr Ilori stated that she has spent the past year driving reforms, strengthening partnerships, and championing sustainable approaches in Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response.

Among the key achievements under her leadership are strategic partnerships with both local and international organisations, which have led to increased funding and technical support for NACA’s programmes.

“For the first time in three years, Nigeria’s HIV data was successfully published by UNAIDS, reflecting improved data transparency and collaboration.

“We also launched the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Data Ecosystem at the NACA Command Centre to serve as a one-stop shop for HIV data within the country.

“We signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with pharmaceutical companies for the local production of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, HIV test kits, and other essential commodities, including active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production,” she explained.

On the issue of stigmatisation, Ilori assured PLHIV that NACA remains committed to protecting their rights through the enforcement of policies and laws that prevent stigma, discrimination, and inequality.

“We honour the strength, resilience, and leadership of women living with HIV. You face not only the virus but also stigma, discrimination, and systemic barriers, yet you continue to rise, to fight, and to demand your rightful place in this world.

“You are mothers, daughters, sisters, leaders, advocates, and warriors. You refuse to be silenced or defined by HIV.

“You are breaking down barriers, shattering stigma, and changing not only your own lives, but those of countless others who look to you for hope and inspiration.

“We stand with you. We fight with you. We commit to a future where every woman, regardless of her HIV status, has access to healthcare, dignity, and the respect she deserves,” she said.

Ilori also noted the agency’s prioritisation of community engagement, stating that NACA ensures interventions are tailored to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and key populations.

To improve the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and paediatric HIV treatment coverage in underserved areas, state-level committees have been established in Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Borno, Kwara, and Kaduna.

Recognising the importance of alternative funding sources, Ilori revealed that NACA has intensified efforts to strengthen the HIV Trust Fund through strategic partnerships with the private sector.

This aligns with global trends promoting domestic health financing.

“In response to the recent pause in aid from the United States Government, President Tinubu allocated $200 million to sustain HIV/AIDS programmes and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

“This affirms Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in healthcare funding”.

Ilori further noted that the government has fast-tracked local production of ARVs, test kits, and consumables to reduce reliance on external support.

Additionally, NACA partnered with the Nigerian Postal Service to facilitate the transportation of laboratory samples to referral laboratories.

Albeit these advancements, she acknowledged that challenges persist, including unequal access to services, cultural barriers, harmful gender norms, and societal misconceptions, in relation to PMTCT services.

Concerns about the long-term sustainability of interventions also remain.

To address these, she stressed the need to strengthen the health system, ensure equitable access to services, extend coverage to marginalised populations, and improve health literacy.

She added the need to promote local production of HIV commodities to reduce treatment costs and improve accessibility.

Also, Mrs Stella Ebeh-Obianuju, Coordinator of the Hope Initiative, a mother-to-mother support group, emphasised the importance of empowering women, especially those living with HIV, to overcome stigmatisation.

She noted that discrimination undermines the self-esteem and productivity of PLHIV, and called for stronger action against individuals who perpetuate such behaviours.

She also urged PLHIV to join support groups and pursue economic self-empowerment to maintain access to medication, nutrition, and other essential needs.

Meanwhile, several stakeholders have commended Dr Ilori’s leadership since she assumed office.

Mr Tajudeen Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) overseeing Global Fund-supported HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria programmes, described her as a transformative leader.

“The PLHIV community and the wider public have full confidence in your ability to synergise efforts towards achieving the 2030 target of ending the HIV epidemic.

“You have made significant progress, particularly in localising the HIV response and empowering communities towards improved health outcomes,” he said.

Dr Leo Zekeng, Country Director of UNAIDS, also praised Ilori’s leadership over the past year.

“Your achievements have been both remarkable and inspiring. Your dedication to implementing impactful policies has significantly contributed to the national HIV/AIDS response.

“Your innovative strategies and collaborative efforts have strengthened strategic partnerships, even in a challenging environment.

“You have championed domestic production of HIV commodities and engaged subnational leadership to ensure widespread access to testing and treatment.

“Your leadership in establishing the National PMTCT Acceleration Committee and joining the Global Partnership to Eliminate HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination reflects your commitment to human rights and inclusive healthcare,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Echey Ijezie, Country Programme Director at AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, acknowledged the improved collaboration between NACA and implementing partners since Ilori’s appointment.

“She made it clear that eradicating HIV in Nigeria requires collective effort. Her inclusive leadership has created a level playing field and enhanced cooperation among stakeholders,” he noted.

Mrs Esther Hindi, National Coordinator of the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN), commended Ilori’s unwavering commitment and visionary leadership, particularly in PMTCT.

Abdulkadir Ibrahim, National Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), also applauded her efforts.

“Your tireless work has given PLHIV hope and reassurance that the government remains committed to our cause, even amid funding challenges.

“Your leadership has built trust and strengthened our collective resolve to continue advocating for the rights and well-being of PLHIV in Nigeria,” he said.

In conclusion, stakeholders say Ilori’s focus on innovation, community engagement, and strategic partnerships has revitalised Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response.

They added that under her leadership, NACA is well-positioned to deepen its impact, reduce new infections and AIDS-related deaths, and keep the country on track to achieve an AIDS-free generation. (NANFeatures)

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