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Diversifying investment portfolio, infrastructure development via Sovereign Sukuk
Features

Diversifying investment portfolio, infrastructure development via Sovereign Sukuk

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

With the rapid growth of Nigeria’s population and the attendant need for development, it has become imperative for government to build infrastructure at minimal cost.

Stakeholders posit that bad infrastructure is one of the country’s biggest roadblocks to smooth corporate operations and capital inflows.

They say the present mode of financing infrastructure is usually marred due to high cost of servicing the debt secured to finance the infrastructure deficit in Nigeria.

Experts say Sukuk financing is one of the effective alternatives and strategies for enhancing growth and development through capital project financing.

Recently, the Debt Management Office (DMO) hosted an investor meeting for the N300 billion series seven Sovereign Sukuk issuance in Abuja.

The DMO had earlier hosted an all parties meeting on March 26 in Lagos, in preparation for the Sukuk issuance.

The Director-General of the DMO, Patience Oniha, said that the Federal Government had been able to raise a total of N1.09 trillion through the Sovereign Sukuk since 2017, to support infrastructure development.

Since 2017, the DMO has completed six Sukuk issuances, raising N1.092 trillion to fund road and bridge projects.

Oniha recalled that the first Sukuk was issued in September, 2017.

She said that after extensive marketing, the offer, which was for N100 billion with a tenor of seven years, received a total subscription of N105.878 billion.

Oniha said that following the modest success of the first Sukuk and the achievement recorded from Sept. 2017 to Dec. 2023 when the last Sukuk was issued, the DMO had raised a total of N1.09 trillion.

“With this amount, over 4,100 km of roads and nine bridges across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory have either been constructed or rehabilitated.’’

Oniha said that the projects had brought substantial benefits, including reduced travel time improved road safety and job creation.

She said that the projects also created improved access to markets for remote farmers, increased access to public services like education and healthcare, and economic development as a whole.

“In addition to those benefits, other reasons for the sustained issuance are the fact that the Sukuk is project-tied, promotes financial inclusion and contributes to the development of the domestic financial market.

“Sukuk has been well accepted as demonstrated by the level of subscription received in the past.

“Investors get fulfillment of contributing to infrastructure development, and also getting a return in terms of income which is paid every six months,” Oniha said.

Experts say that if alternatives sources with minimum cost are pursued, Sukuk can be a viable option for funding large-scale infrastructure investments in Nigeria.

They urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to increase non-Muslim awareness of Sukuk by engaging in more interactions with the public, to improve capital market intermediation and stimulate the issuance of more Sukuk as a reliable source of funding.

According to them, Sovereign Sukuk has contributed to financial inclusion and economic growth by providing Shariah-compliant investment opportunities, catering to certain underserved populations.

“It also attracts diverse investors, including Islamic finance institutions, broadening the investor base and deepening financial markets.

“Sukuk injects liquidity into the economy, promoting economic activity and growth.

“These contributions can have a positive impact on overall economic growth and development,’’ an economist said.

For investors, Sukuk provides a sense of project ownership and ensures that economic activities are based on tangible assets, giving investors a secure foundation for their investments.

For the government, Sukuk can be an effective financing instrument for infrastructure development and economic growth, as seen in countries like Indonesia.

However, experts advise government to establish a comprehensive approach to assist working units in technical ministries in project preparation, development, and service delivery.

They call for support and guidance for instrumental stakeholders like technical ministries to have the authority and tools to achieve Sukuk project success.

Sukuk can contribute to achieving sustainable development by benefiting individuals, institutions, societies, and the country as a whole.

Investors in Nigeria see Sukuk as an attractive option for diversifying their portfolios and supporting infrastructure development.

However, industry analysts believe that Sukuk, as a source of financing infrastructural deficit in Nigeria, needs to attract young retail investors.

They believe that Nigeria can benefit immensely from deep capital for financing infrastructure through Sukuk.

Uche Uwaleke, a Professor of Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said that Sukuk was the route to go by the Federal Government in obtaining project-tied credit facilities.

According to Uwaleke, the issuance of N300 billion Sukuk by the DMO on behalf of the Fededal Government is highly commendable.

“Recall that when the Federal Government first entered the Sukuk market in 2017, only N100 billion worth of Sukuk was issued.

“So, the current one represents an improvement as investors are given more room to diversify their portfolio.

“I am particularly happy that the government is upscaling the use of Sukuk in plugging the infrastructure gap in Nigeria.

“The advantage that Sukuk has over the conventional bond is that it is asset-backed.’’

Uwaleke said that Sukuk proceeds must be tied to infrastructure which was why proceeds had been applied to road construction.

“Given that it is an infrastructure based bond, Sukuk represents a critical instrument for Nigeria’s economic development.”

The expert, however, said that the Sukuk market size in Nigeria was still very small despite the potentials

He urged governments, both at the federal and sub-national levels to utilise more of Sukuk when raising funds from the domestic capital market considering the huge infrastructural gap in the country.

“It is by so doing that government borrowing can be more impactful and also work to reduce the country’s debt burden,” he said.

He urged members of the public to take advantage the opportunity and invest in Sukuk because, unlike conventional bonds, as it was tax- free with a predictable and stable return.

Attahiru Machido, a stockbroker, said that the idea of Sovereign Sukuk was informed by the need to bridge infrastructure deficit in the country.

Machido said that the roads constructed with the proceeds of Sukuk would be effectively supervised to ensure that they meet the required standard.

“The roads must remain usable throughout the lifespan of the Sukuk ” he said.

Olalade Agboola, bank executive, said that Sukuk, like all other government securities, was backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.

“It also qualifies as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustees Investment Act.

“It qualifies as government securities within the meaning of the Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act for tax exemption and pension funds, amongst other investors,” she said.

As the Federal Government continues to explore funding options to bridge the wide infrastructure gap, experts hold that a cost effective, project-tied credit option like the Sovereign Sukuk is a veritable choice.(NANFeatures)

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

JAMB and 2025 UTME: Matters arising
Features

JAMB and 2025 UTME: Matters arising

By Kayode Adebiyi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) a few days after the Computer-Based Test (CTB) was written across the country.

The results indicate that more than 1.5 million candidates who sat for the matriculation exam scored below 200, out of the total 1,955,069 candidates.

For context, this means that 420,415 candidates scored above 200—that is, around 25 per cent—while less than 1 per cent scored above 300.

Other statistics were revealed, including the 40,247 underage candidates who were permitted to demonstrate their exceptional abilities, with only 467 (or 1.16 per cent) achieving “scores that meet the threshold for exceptional ability as defined for the UTME”.

The outcome of the examination and the preceding circumstances are eliciting concerns from some stakeholders.

Ike Onyechere, Founder, Exam Ethics Marshall International (EEMI), said that the outcome was not surprising.

According to Onyechere, the examination is now being administered with ethics and professionalism hence the massive failure.

He added that the massive failure had exposed the deep-rooted problems in the nation’s education system.

“JAMB has made commendable efforts to ensure the integrity of the examination process by reducing opportunities for malpractice.

“I do not think the JAMB statistical analysis should surprise anybody.’’

He emphasised that universities were increasingly alarmed by the academic quality of incoming students, noting that many of them lacked basic foundational knowledge necessary for tertiary education.

Onyechere attributed the trend to systemic issues, including inadequate preparation, the inclusion of underqualified candidates, and a widespread cultural dependence on exam fraud.

“There is moral infrastructure decadence in the system; it is not just about the students; it involves stakeholders, schools, parents, and the government.

“Many students rely on fraudulent means to pass, and now that JAMB has blocked those avenues, their lack of preparedness is glaring.’’

He said that many candidates were not academically ready, as some were still in SS2 or underage, having not completed the syllabus.

He proposed a reform in the registration process, suggesting that only candidates with five credits in WAEC or NECO be allowed to sit in future for the UTME.

According to him, this will significantly reduce the number of applicants from nearly 2 million to about 1 million and ensure a more qualified candidate pool.

He also dismissed claims that the CBT format could be a barrier to performance.

“The CBT is easier in many ways; it is mostly objective, and technology is now part of everyday life, even market women are technologically inclined; we can’t blame CBT for the poor results.”

Onyechere urged students to focus on talent discovery and career alignment rather than chasing certificates.

“Exams are not rocket science; it is about working hard and understanding your strengths; education should be a journey of self-discovery, not just certification,” he said.

As JAMB itself acknowledged, 71,701 candidates were absent, and many candidates faced “biometric challenges”, making them unable to participate.

The board said it was investigating the matter, “and those who are cleared will be rescheduled for examination at designated centres”.

Some significant aspects of the 2025 UTME some parents, candidates and other stakeholders criticised are the registration process, CBT format and early timing.

They argue that, while the CBT format offers advantages such as faster grading and reduced instances of malpractice, it also presents challenges for some candidates.

“Access to reliable computer systems and internet connectivity was a concern at many centres at the just-concluded UTME, particularly for students in rural areas or those from less privileged backgrounds.

“The truth is that digital literacy of some candidates can also be a challenge, potentially placing them at a disadvantage compared to their more tech-savvy peers,” an educationist said.

Meanwhile, JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made some clarifications.

Oloyode said the performance statistics for the 2025 UTME were in line with results recorded over the past 12 years.

He said that out of the 1.9 million candidates who sat for the UTME, approximately 1.5 million scored below 200.

The JAMB boss emphasised, however, that such results were not unusual and aligned with historical patterns.

“This is not peculiar to this year; the performance statistics are consistent with those of the last 12 years,’’ he said.

More so, some stakeholders say Oloyede, known for his uprightness, courage, and forward thinking, should continue to address the challenges faced by candidates and their sponsors and strive for continuous improvement.

They call on Oloyode and his team to enhance the robustness of JAMB’s registration platform, ensure equitable access to CBT facilities, and implement effective measures to prevent technical glitches during examinations.

They said Oloyede pioneered the use of the CBT format when he was Vice Chancellor at the University of Ilorin, and therefore, it is understandable to see his passion for it.

Nonetheless, JAMB’s Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the board had begun an investigation into the alleged technical glitches, following widespread complaints about poor performance in the 2025 UTME.

Benjamin said the board was also collaborating with vice-chancellors and IT experts to determine the root cause and ensure that affected candidates receive appropriate remedies if any errors were confirmed.

He said the board was also expediting its annual system review, a comprehensive post-mortem of the examination process, typically conducted months after the exercise.

According to him, the review will cover three key stages comprising registration, examination, and result of the investigation.

He added that the board was particularly concerned about unusual complaints originating from a few states and scrutinising the issues in detail to identify and resolve any technical faults.

“To assist in this process, we have engaged several experts, including members of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, Chief External Examiners (who are heads of tertiary institutions), the Educational Assessment and Research Network in Africa, measurement experts, and Vice Chancellors from various institutions.

“If it is determined that there were indeed glitches, we will implement appropriate remedial measures promptly, as we do in the case of the examinations themselves,” he said.

Education stakeholders say a hybrid conduct of the UMTE could help in such a way that some candidates are allowed to use pencil and paper so that less tech-savvy candidates in rural areas are not schemed out of admission opportunities.

They opine that while there is no easy fix regarding poor performance, the contributions of other stakeholders can further strengthen JAMB’s role in facilitating fair and transparent access to tertiary education.(NANFeatures)

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

PETAN: Driving local content partnerships, sustainable energy transition
Features , Oil & Gas

PETAN: Driving local content partnerships, sustainable energy transition

 

 

 

By Yunus Yusuf (News Agency of Nigeria)

 

Africa stands at a critical juncture in the global energy landscape, rich in hydrocarbon reserves but burdened by energy poverty, foreign dependency, and the pressures of a shifting global energy paradigm.

 

At the forefront of Africa’s strategy to address these issues is the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), a consortium of indigenous oilfield service companies leading a continental push toward local content development and strategic energy partnerships.

 

Founded in 1990, PETAN has evolved from advocating equitable opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to exporting oilfield expertise across Africa.

 

Its blueprint—built on indigenous capacity and regional collaboration—offers a practical path to energy independence and sustainable economic growth.

 

As more African nations discover oil and gas resources, the PETAN model is increasingly seen as a template for success.

 

In spite of persistent challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, limited access to finance, and technology gaps, PETAN remains resolute.

 

Its presence at global conferences like the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston has significantly amplified Nigeria’s footprint in the global energy space.

 

Through the Nigerian Pavilion at OTC 2025, PETAN showcased indigenous capabilities, fostered international partnerships, and reinforced its commitment to local content development.

 

With over 70 Nigerian participants and 30 Nigerian companies participating, the event marked a milestone in the country’s drive to position local firms on the global stage.

 

Mr Emeka Ene, a former PETAN Chairman, described the significance of the platform.

 

Ene said: “The OTC pavilion has become a viable platform for exhibitors to showcase their innovations and attract investment into the Nigerian oil and gas industry.”

 

According to PETAN’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Innocent Akuvue, this visibility underscores Nigeria’s growing technical capacity and PETAN’s role in transforming policy into tangible outcomes.

 

“PETAN has been instrumental in translating the Local Content Act from policy to practice.

 

“We’ve moved from rhetoric to real capacity development; training engineers, fabricators, and service providers who now compete globally, ” Akuvue said.

 

He said that PETAN member companies had invested significantly in technology transfer, infrastructure, and training.

 

“From developing fabrication yards to certifying technicians, their efforts have created jobs, retained in-country value, and enhanced technical resilience,” he added.

 

Chairman of PETAN, Mr Wole Ogunsanya, emphasised that local content is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a business imperative.

 

Ogunsanya said, “We see local content not just as compliance but as a strategy for sustainable growth.

 

“It’s about nurturing ecosystems where local innovation thrives and drives Africa’s energy future.”

 

Ogunsanya highlighted PETAN’s broader continental ambitions.

 

He said that through engagement in international forums like OTC and African Energy Week, PETAN had emerged as a pan-African voice for indigenous capacity.

 

“In 2023, the association hosted the inaugural African Local Content Roundtable in Lagos, drawing stakeholders from Ghana, Angola, Uganda, and Mozambique,” he explained.

 

Ogunsanya noted, “Discussions centred on harmonising local content frameworks, regional training standards, and cross-border partnerships.

 

“One notable outcome has been PETAN’s technical support in Ghana and Equatorial Guinea, where Nigerian firms now collaborate with local companies to deliver oilfield services—strengthening intra-African cooperation and reducing dependence on foreign contractors.”

 

The chairman said that as the global energy landscape transitions, PETAN was aligning with the future.

 

He added that while hydrocarbons remain vital for Africa’s development, PETAN was actively investing in gas monetisation, renewable energy integration, and emission reduction technologies.

 

Ogunsanya stressed, “Gas is our transition fuel.

 

“Through investments in LPG distribution, flare reduction, and gas processing, PETAN companies are enabling cleaner energy solutions while driving inclusive growth.”

 

Ogunsanya said that to support this shift, PETAN gad been working closely with the African Energy Chamber and the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) to shape balanced energy policies that address both sustainability and development.

 

“Our mission is to build an Africa where energy drives development, not dependency.

 

“And we’re doing it—one partnership at a time,” Ogunsanya affirmed.

 

An energy law expert, Dr Ayodele Oni of Bloomfield Law Practice, commended PETAN’s regional approach:

 

“PETAN understands that Africa’s energy sustainability depends on integration.

 

“They’re not just promoting Nigerian capacity but advocating for a continental ecosystem where African companies support African projects,” he explained.

 

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

One year after fire, Dosunmu Market traders rebuild dreams with bank’s support
Features

One year after fire, Dosunmu Market traders rebuild dreams with bank’s support

By Grace Alegba
A year after flames swept through the bustling Dosunmu Market in Lagos Island, some traders are slowly rising from the ashes; one bank loan, one rebuilt shop, one act of resilience at a time.
The fire, which tore through 14 buildings on April 9, 2024, turned thriving businesses and decades of hard work into smouldering ruins, leaving behind heartbreak, loss, and uncertainty.
But amid the wreckage, stories of survival and new beginnings are emerging.
Alhaja Modinat Bakare, a tailoring accessories importer and long-time trader, had just stocked her warehouses when disaster struck.
 “Everything I worked for over 40 years was gone in a day,” she said, her voice still heavy with emotion, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Bakare told NAN that the fire wasn’t her first heartbreak; months earlier, she had lost another shipment in a friend’s warehouse. But the April inferno was the final blow.
“I watched my two warehouses burn, powerless,” she said. “I had loans to repay and no business left.”
Through the intervention of IBILE Microfinance Bank Ltd., Bakare received a lifeline.
The bank helped clear her existing loans and granted her fresh credit at a lower interest rate. She is now back in business—cautious but grateful.
“I am not fully recovered, but IBILE saved me. Without their help, I don’t know where I would be,” she told NAN.

For Mr Olabanji Raheem, who deals in baby care products, the fire didn’t just destroy goods;  it erased a legacy.
“I lost 24 shops, a building, everything,” he said. “It was a dark moment.”
Today, Raheem leads the Moshalashi Traders Association, advocating for insurance awareness among fellow traders.
He credits IBILE Microfinance and its insurance partners for helping him get back on his feet.
“We don’t think about insurance until tragedy hits,” he said.
 “This experience taught us that lesson the hard way.
“Not everyone was as lucky.”
Chima Nwakwo, an importer, is still reeling from the loss of goods worth hundreds of millions of naira.
 “The government gave out funds. Some got N2million, N1.5 million, or N500,000. I got nothing,” he said.
“I had to fall back on another business investment to start again.”
The silence in his voice speaks louder than words; survival in a system that sometimes forgets those it should protect.
Mr Emmanuel Nnoli, another tailoring accessories dealer, believes that rebuilding should include structural safety.
 “We need fire stations inside our markets,” he told NAN in an interview.
 “The recent fire was contained only because traders acted fast. Next time, we may not be so lucky.”
He also didn’t benefit from IBILE’s low-interest loans and found himself entangled in a high-interest debt trap.
“If I had known about the bank’s offer earlier, things might be easier,” he said.
At the heart of this recovery effort is IBILE Microfinance Bank Ltd.
NAN reports that the acronym IBILE represents the five divisions in Lagos State: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe respectively.
The Managing Director of the bank, Mr Adegboyega Kazeem, said the bank’s rapid intervention was driven by the need to protect Small Media Enterprises, the backbone of Lagos’ economy.
“We didn’t just give loans,” he said. “We walked with our customers, offering financial guidance, insurance education, and constant support.”
The bank, established by the Lagos State Government in 2017, continues to work with traders to ensure financial inclusion, especially in underserved communities.
For the traders of Dosunmu Market, rebuilding has gone beyond restoring shops, it has become a story of resilience, collective support, and the power of second chances.
“Everything I have now,” Bakare said, “is from starting again. And I’m still standing.”(NANFeatures) (www.nannews.ng)
**If used, kindly credit the Writer and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Tackling obstetric fistula in Nigeria
Features

Tackling obstetric fistula in Nigeria

By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In Nigeria, the battle against obstetric fistula, a painful and debilitating condition caused by prolonged and obstructed labour, has seen promising strides.

The progress so far is attributable to both government initiatives and inputs from non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

One of the most significant government interventions is by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which has expanded its coverage to include care for Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) patients.

In the light of this, the NHIA Coordinator in Kwara, Hajiya Idayat Bello-Olaitan, said no fewer than 71 women in the state had benefited from the NHIA’s Free Fistula Programme (FFP), with 31 enrolled under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

VVF is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina, causing continuous urinary incontinence; it is one of the most distressing complications of gynecologic and obstetric procedures.

The government aims to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity through programmes such as the NHIA-FFP and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care (CEmOC).

According to Bello-Olaitan, women undergoing fistula treatment under these schemes receive free, comprehensive care, including surgery, feeding, transportation, and family planning counseling, thus eliminating the burden of out-of-pocket expenses.

Fistula survivors like Mrs Safiyanu Moses illustrate the success of these interventions; once ostracised due to the stigma of her condition, Moses now shares her journey of recovery and empowerment.

“I was ignored because of the smell, but today I am fine, like everyone else,” she said.

Empowerment initiatives such as NHIA’s FFP and community-based projects not only provide medical treatment but also offer vocational training, helping survivors rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

In Minna, the Raised Foundation has conducted more than 800 successful surgeries since 2017, restoring hope and dignity to affected women.

According to the Foundation’s Communications Officer, Ruth Mamman-Jiya, the goal is to ensure that no woman endures the suffering of obstetric fistula while trying to give birth.

In a similar effort, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Government of Norway, has empowered 50 rehabilitated survivors in Gombe State through a programme that combines surgery, vocational training, and economic empowerment.

During a graduation ceremony for the 50 survivors, Dr Bajowa Lanre, UNFPA’s Sexual Reproductive Health Analyst, reiterated the agency’s commitment to ending obstetric fistula, describing it as a condition with severe stigma and life-altering consequences.

He said that women should never have to endure such experiences as UNFPA had provided life-transforming surgeries and support across Nigeria.

Lanre said with backing from the Norwegian Government, the programme was also helping women reintegrate into their communities with renewed dignity and economic potential.

The Gombe Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Ms. Asmau’u Iganus, highlighted that the support improved not only the social status of the survivors but also their economic well-being.

On his part, Dr Musa Issa, Founder of Fistula Foundation Nigeria, said that the treatment and empowerment of survivors turned them into role models within their communities.

Survivors like Moses now express hope and joy at their recovery and view themselves as ambassadors committed to helping other women seek treatment.

In Kaduna, Abuja, and Zamfara, the Bashir Foundation for Fistula and Women’s Health (BFFWH) is also working to provide both surgical repair and post-operative rehabilitation.

According to Ibukun Ogundare, Director of Media and Technology at BFFWH, the programmes focus on underserved communities and include post-surgery support such as psychological counselling and vocational training.

He said the efforts were part of a broader national movement to eliminate obstetric fistula and improve maternal health.

These combined efforts reflect a growing national and international commitment to ending obstetric fistula in Nigeria.

Through collaboration between government bodies, NGOs like the Raised Foundation and BFFWH, and international partners such as UNFPA, significant progress is being made.

For example, in southern Nigeria, Prof. Johnson Obuna, Medical Director of the National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC), pointed out that many VVF cases were caused by poor Caesarean sections, highlighting the need for quality maternal care and skilled birth attendants.

To address such challenges, the Nigerian Government had unveiled initiatives like the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project, offering free caesarean sections and improving access to skilled delivery services.

Since its inception, more than 4,000 women have benefited, contributing to a measurable decline in maternal mortality and morbidity.

Government support plays a critical role in combating maternal mortality and morbidity through policies like the free caesarean section initiative, which has already benefited more than 4,000 women.

The ongoing MAMII project is a key component of this national effort, aiming to reduce maternal deaths by improving access to essential healthcare services.

Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate announced key achievements in Nigeria’s fight against maternal health issues, including the expansion of the Free Fistula Programme, now active in 15 healthcare facilities nationwide.

He said that the initiative provides free fistula repair, care, and transportation to affected women, significantly improving access to treatment for this debilitating childbirth-related condition.

As part of broader reforms under MAMII, the government also unveiled a National Training Manual for Obstetric Fistula Management, reinforcing its commitment to long-term fistula prevention and care.

Observers say the efforts mark a critical step in addressing obstetric fistula and promoting safer childbirth for vulnerable women across Nigeria.

Expanded health insurance coverage now includes maternal care, providing critical services to women in underserved areas and helping to prevent complications like VVF.

Empowerment and reintegration are essential for long-term recovery.

Programmes that include vocational training and start-up support restore not just health but also dignity and independence.

Testimonies from survivors like Mrs Gladys Nwachi, who lived with VVF for 18 years, highlight the life-changing impact of these efforts.

Her story and others like hers underscore the importance of continued investment in prevention, treatment, and survivor support.

Ultimately, experts say tackling obstetric fistula in Nigeria requires a comprehensive approach, combining free surgical interventions, preventive maternal care, and post-operative empowerment.

It is experts’ view that the goal of eliminating obstetric fistula and improving maternal health outcomes across the country is within reach due to sustained commitment from both local and international stakeholders.(NANFeatures)

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

Advancing press freedom through UN’s human rights declaration
Features

Advancing press freedom through UN’s human rights declaration

By Fortune Abang, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

World over, a free press plays a crucial role in informing the public on positive developments; exposing societal ills, holding leaders accountable and acting as a watch dog.

In recognition of the importance of a free press, the UN General Assembly declared May 3, annually, as World Press Freedom Day.

The event is to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through media regardless of frontiers,’’ the declaration states.

Stakeholders say there is need for free, independent and diverse journalism to bolster democratic growth in any society.

They emphasise on the need for adherence to press freedom as it will be instrumental in not only exposing corruption, environmental issues and social injustices but also in shaping public opinion.

Some recounted risks faced by journalists and how most journalists lost their lives doing their job, while calling for sustainable measures to avoid further threats and censorship.

According to policy analysts, there is the need for intervention from media management and government at all levels in order to promote freedom of the press and bolster democratic culture across the world.

Alina Doodnath, a Caribbean Online News Agency “Loop News” Reporter based in Trinidad and Tobago, described Press Freedom as a strong foundation upon which journalists could advance their labour rights, to earn working and living wage.

According to her, in the Caribbean, journalists go above and beyond every day to uphold commitment to the professional ethics, working without overtime pay and, sometimes, under dangerous conditions.

“Their lives are at risk every day, whether it is from physical violence or from vulnerability, due to their employment’s lack of adequate labour regulations, leaving them dependent and also open to outside influences.

“Journalists have unrelenting commitment to helping people by upholding tenets of journalism through unbiased and accurate reporting; sometimes being a reporter can cost your life, whether from violence, physical and mental stress of the job.

“I hope in future media organisations will establish stronger protection policies for journalists to be able to carry out their duties with confidence, knowing their rights as workers are protected,” she said.

Marie Ngono, a journalist at the Cameroon Tribune, a bilingual national daily, stressed the need for various African media management to take proactive measures aimed at advancing press freedom and promoting credible information dissemination across the continent for public interest.

According to her, it entails capacity building centered on fundamental principles of journalism, promotion of editorial independence amidst political, economic and social pressure and the use of digital technology in countering the spread of fake news.

“Journalists should employ measures to ensure their self-protection against violence, including using digital and physical safety strategy, promote diversity and social-inclusion, as well as lend voices to marginalised persons in communities.

“Journalists should build public trust by upholding professionalism and transparency, as well as create awareness about relevant laws and policies designed to protect press freedom,” she said.

In the same vein, Talibeh Hydara, Editor of The Republic, a media-organisation-based in The Gambia, decried unprecedented violence against journalists across the world.

“Governments and societies must prioritise protecting journalists from censorship, harassment, and violence, ensuring they can report without fear.

“There is also an urgent need to strengthen legal frameworks to safeguard media independence, promoting transparency in governance and combating misinformation through education.

“If these measures are in place, media organisations will thrive on their own without any financial support and truth will prevail over falsehood and corruption,” he said.

Mohamed Saad, Editor-in-Chief of the Brown Newspaper based in Sudan, bemoaned bad governance systems and tradition as major challenges facing press freedom, particularly in the Sahel.

“Unfortunately, African journalism is often subordinate to governments’ authoritarian policy and many attempts to criticize or expose corruption can lead to imprisonment or assassination.

“We must change the ugly narrative; the concept of government towards journalism is changing the idea that journalism satisfies power.

“Fear of the authorities is also main reason for lack of press freedom in Africa; for there to be free press, there must be a nascent democracy,” he said.

A Ghanaian Times Senior Reporter, MALIK Sullemana, said that press freedom had become important to ensure sustainability of a just, fair and democratic society.

“No society can thrive without journalism; thus far, the state must ensure the safety of journalists is guaranteed at all times.

“To ensure press freedom, I suggest the enactment of laws or legislation that makes attacks on journalist a first degree felony, plus a fine and minimum prison term of not less than 25 years for offenders,” he said.

Marthe Akissi, a member of the National Organisation of Investigative Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire, underscored the need to strengthen legal frameworks protecting journalists and independent media, to advance press freedom.

She said it entailed abolishment of repressive defamation laws, often used to suppress critical voices and ending impunity for violence against journalists.

“Governments must create legal and institutional environments that protect, rather than repress the press.

“In this regard, my thoughts today, being World Press Freedom Day, are with some of our Burkina colleagues who have been kidnapped and others taken to the front line.

“Citizens’ support for free media and the mobilisation of civil society can also help to create an environment conducive to a free press operation,” she said.

On his part, Ephrahim Bahemu, Business Editor of Mwananchi Communications Limited in Tanzania, said press freedom could be strengthened through establishment of a legal framework to protect media independence, particularly in areas of government interference.

He said that such laws should be centred on safeguarding journalists from any environment that infringed upon their freedom to report issues of public interest.

According to him, in addition to legal protections, financial independence has become crucial for ensuring truly free press operations.

“Over the years, the media landscape has shifted dramatically; traditional sources of revenue, such as mainstream advertising, have been disrupted by the rise of digital platforms like Google and social media.

“As a result, many media outlets have become increasingly dependent on government advertising, which compromises their editorial freedom.

“To address this, the media industry must explore alternative and sustainable revenue models.

“One such solution could be implementation of paywalls for news content, encouraging audiences to support quality journalism directly. Innovation in monetization strategies is essential because good journalism cannot exist without financial resources,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eman Alshammry, Saudi Arabian Journalist of Aljazirah Newspaper, reiterated the need for journalists to imbibe professional ethics to bolster the freedom of the press, which she said is globally operated in red lines.

According to her, wanting to express one’s opinion does not mean that one should cross the boundaries of one’s profession as a journalist.

“Respecting the space available to you demonstrates your awareness and high culture.

“Freedom does not mean transgression; such is not freedom, but chaos,” Alshammry advised.

Stakeholders say effective implementation of policies centered on press freedom are pivotal to ensuring safety of journalists, as the ultimate guarantor of the people’s right to know.

They say supporting journalists in the midst of war, crises and teething conflicts through provision of technical, financial, legal and psychological assistance will advance press freedom and boost their right to information and protection.(NANFeatures)

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

Championing ethical journalism in a press freedom era
Features

Championing ethical journalism in a press freedom era

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In any democracy, the media serves as both a watchdog and a voice for the people.

However, in Nigeria, the balance between press freedom and journalistic responsibility continues to ignite serious debate.

Nigeria ranks 112th on the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting the challenging environment in which journalists operate.

In 2024 alone, security agencies were responsible for 45 out of 69 documented attacks on journalists, accounting for approximately 65 per cent of these incidents.

Moreover, between July and October 2024, 90 cases of press violations were reported, underscoring the worrisome rise in press freedom violations, and attributed to state actors.

In spite amendments to the Cybercrime Act, the law continues to be used to intimidate journalists.

In February 2024, for instance, four journalists were charged under this Act for reporting on alleged financial mismanagement at Kwara State Polytechnic.

Furthermore, the persistent practice of “brown envelope journalism”, where some journalists accept monetary inducements for favourable coverage remains widespread.

Stakeholders believe that this unethical practice undermines journalistic integrity, often attributed to low remuneration and delayed salaries.

Government censorship further exacerbates the situation.

In May 2024, authorities banned the broadcast of a song critical of President Bola Tinubu, citing a violation of public decency.

This action was condemned by human rights organisations as an abuse of power and a violation of artistic freedom.

Albeit these challenges, journalists continue to play an important role in holding those in power to account.

One widely cited expert on irresponsible journalism is Prof. Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate and media critic, who has repeatedly warned against the dangers of unethical reporting.

In a 2019 public lecture, he stated: “Irresponsible journalism is as dangerous as fake news; it poisons the public mind and erodes trust in institutions”.

He stressed that while press freedom is vital, it must be matched with a commitment to truth, fairness, and public interest.

“Freedom of the press is fundamentally defined as the right to communicate and express ideas through various media, including printed and electronic platforms, without undue government interference.

“However, it is crucial to note that press freedom is not absolute. Just as the law curtails actions like libel and obscenity, it should equally regulate the spread of misinformation”.

The Nigerian Constitution, in Section 22, grants the media the responsibility of holding the government accountable, thus recognising the media as the fourth estate of the realm.

Similarly, Section 39(1) of the Constitution guarantees every individual the right to freedom of expression, including the right to seek, receive, and impart information.

In the U.S, press freedom was enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution in 1787.

Nevertheless, this does not mean press freedom is without limits.ERE

For example, the 1990s saw the passing of the Espionage and Sedition Acts, which placed restrictions on freedom of speech.

Additionally, in 1969, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that publications inciting imminent lawless action could be prohibited.

While press freedom is a cornerstone of any democracy, the question must be asked: should press freedom serve as a licence to spread misinformation, disinformation, and falsehoods?

This issue stems from the misconception among some citizen journalists and media outlets that freedom of speech permits the publication of any content, regardless of its credibility or propriety.

This, however, is a misinterpretation of the right.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, recently emphasised that Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, boasts one of the freest press freedoms in its history.

“We have press freedom; it is the responsibility of every government to protect it. However, I must stress that freedom of expression carries enormous responsibility.

“You cannot publish falsehoods and claim to be exercising press freedom. Press freedom is only valid when you speak the truth,” he stated.

He continued, “President Tinubu, as a foremost democrat, is fully committed to safeguarding constitutionally guaranteed rights for all Nigerians.

“He also encourages constructive criticism and healthy opposition, essential for strengthening our democratic framework.

“I reaffirm that President Tinubu’s administration remains dedicated to upholding press freedom and creating an enabling environment for media practice in Nigeria”.

Idris also warned media practitioners to be patriotic, urging them not to cede their platforms to criminals who spread fake news.

“We have a duty to deny them space. All media organisations must refuse to provide a platform for the dissemination of fake news,” he stressed.

“I call on the media to promote media literacy to identify and punish the purveyors of fake news”.

Furthermore, communication experts argue that media spaces should not serve as outlets for fake news and misinformation.

According to them, there are reports of some individuals exploiting press freedom to incite religious, ethnic, or communal conflicts through negative and false reporting.

Corroborating this stance, the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, recently responded to viral fake news about the sacking of three ministers.

“Security agencies must act urgently against fake news websites and platforms, and those who fail to verify the authenticity of stories before allowing them to go viral.

“Press freedom cannot exist when false narratives are concocted without regard for truth”.

The Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, has also called for media discipline and regulation.

He noted that the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), in spite being over 70 years old, lacks the capacity to address the spread of fake news among its members.

“There are media practitioners who, consciously, abandon caution and spread fake news,” he added.

Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dili Ezughah, recently highlighted the theme of the 2025 World Press Freedom Day: “Navigating the AI Frontier: Strengthening Press Freedom in Nigeria’s Digital Transformation”.

According to him, the theme underscores the need to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the media landscape and the implications it holds for press freedom in the digital age.

Ezughah acknowledged the vast opportunities AI presents for enhancing investigative journalism, data analysis, and content creation.

However, he stressed the importance of deploying these technologies responsibly, ensuring that human oversight and ethical considerations are at the forefront.

“Journalists must uphold the highest ethical standards and verify all content, particularly in an era where deepfakes and synthetic media can undermine public trust,” he said.

In the same vein, the NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahaya has also emphasised that press freedom is essential for good governance, transparency, and national development.

He called for greater collaboration with both the public and private sectors to strengthen press freedom and uphold the media’s vital role in promoting good governance.

Additionally, NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, has reaffirmed that press freedom is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

She praised journalists for their role in society and urged the government to prioritise media workers’ welfare, especially amid insecurity and economic challenges.

Ike also called on journalists to uphold ethical standards, advocate for better working conditions, and continue holding leaders accountable.

According to her, the media must amplify the voices of the vulnerable and defend democratic values.

While countries like Nigeria have laws against libel, hate speech, and cyberbullying to curb misinformation, observers note that no government will tolerate the abuse of press freedom for destructive ends.

They insisted that press freedom must be exercised with responsibility and integrity, cautioning journalists against using it to spread falsehoods or undermine national unity.

Ultimately, a balanced approach is needed, one that safeguards press freedom while promoting ethical journalism in the public interest. (NANFeatures)

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

Gov. Mutfwang: Trudging on amidst recurrent distractions
Features

Gov. Mutfwang: Trudging on amidst recurrent distractions

By Polycarp Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In the run up to the 2023 general elections, political analysts identified Mr Caleb Mutfwang, a contestant to the Plateau governorship seat, as one candidate that was sure of victory.

They hinged such optimism on the affection the lawyer enjoyed among Plateau residents long before he picked the ticket of his political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Such popularity was amply demonstrated when he returned from Abuja after collecting his party’s flag.

The crowd that came to welcome him at the Heipang Airport was so massive that his opponents feared an imminent defeat.

And, true to the fears, Mutfwang easily won the election and was sworn in on May 29, 2023.

The battle for the seat was to continue at the courts with the Supreme Court finally declaring him winner in January 2024.

Mutfwang quickly settled into governance, moving with the speed of a leader ready to fulfil his contract with the people.

The first challenge was the high debt profile and the decay in the state’s civil service.

Civil servants were already on strike as they were owed several months’ salaries. The outstanding salaries and pension arrears were paid and the workers returned to work.

Available records also show that the government has also paid gratuities and death benefits dating back to 1986.

The minimum monthly pension has also been increased from N5,000 to N20,000, with the payment now more regular.

Attention has also been paid to transportation.

According to Mutfwang, the goal is to “invigorate the Plateau economy and draw investors to its vast potential”.

In this respect, Jos intra-city bus service has been launched, easing movement across the capital.

In the first phase launched on May 7, 2024, 15 buses were inaugurated with more coming on board as the demand kept rising while more routes were getting covered.

To boost inter-state transport services, 15 buses have been added to the Plateau Express Ltd, while 20 Toyota Sienna vehicles have been acquired to ply the Jos-Abuja route.

The governor has also ratified a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Valuejets Airline for thrice-weekly flights to Jos.

Government has also brokered a deal with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to rejuvenate the dormant rail transport and mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the populace.

The envisaged train service is anticipated to invigorate economic activities, attract investments, bolster commerce, enhance tourism and create direct and indirect jobs.

The health sector is also being revitalized with the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Agency (PS-DMCMA), equipped to procure, store and distribute drugs and medical supplies in state-run medical outfits.

The goal, Mutfwang says, is to ensure that essential medications are available, accessible, and affordable.

Until recently, Plateau was celebrated as one of Nigeria’s cleanest states, making it a choice destination for tourists.

The Mutfwang administration found a changed situation with Jos grappling with heaps of refuse and powerful stenches oozing from all angles.

To tackle the menace, the government has declared a state of emergency on the environment with refuse disposal trucks evacuating waste in Jos/Bukuru metropolis and beyond.

The reintroduction of the monthly sanitation programme, supervised by the Governor, has led to significant improvements and the streets are noticeably cleaner.

The monthly stipend of street cleaners in Jos has also been reviewed from N8,000 to N15, 000 to encourage them to put in their best.

To improve the road network across the state, the government has initiated significant projects within the Jos/Bukuru Metropolis and across the 17 Local Governments.

The administration has rehabilitated a network of roads constructed more than 40 years ago and had deteriorated into hazardous conditions.

It has also completed the flyover bridge linking NASCO and Abattoir communities. This project is significant as it eases traffic within the capital city.

The construction of a 6.5km road at Angwan Rogo, with a bridge to Hawan Idi/Ali Kazaure, and a 12.1km road covering Amma Street to Apata, is another critical project.

Other critical road projects executed are the Sabon Barki-Building road, the Tudun Wada-Mado-Jabong road, among many others across the state, turning Plateau into a construction site.

In the agricultural sector,
the state has distributed N3.6 billion worth of fertilizer to bolster dry-season farming efforts.

The Plateau Agricultural Development Programme (PADP), has also launched coconut and oil palm plantations to further diversify and strengthen the state’s agro-forestry sector, while 500 farmers specializing in maize, rice and wheat value chains, have been given assorted seeds to boost yields.

PADP has also procured 200 tractors, while 300 tractors belonging to ASTC were revamped and put to use.

Piggery farmers in Jos South and Langtang North LGAs, who were hit by the 2022 floods, have been assisted to restart.

Mutfwang has carried women and children along in his vision, beginning with the nomination of Mrs Josephine Piyo as Deputy Governor.

So far, the women affairs ministry has trained 102 widows on various skills at the Mangu Centre and equipped them with starter packs to start their businesses.

In the area of education, the Governor has reduced tuition fees by 50% for Plateau natives enrolled in state-owned tertiary institutions.

Additionally, there has been a 300% increase in scholarship awards for Plateau students pursuing higher education across Nigeria.

Government has also addressed the issue of unpaid salaries for ad hoc staff, some of whom had been on that status for several years.

Worried by the destructive malarial menace, the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), has secured 2,998,650 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) for distribution across households.

The Mutfwang leadership has also boosted the capacity of the Plateau Hospital, Jos, with 22 medical consultants across various specialities, while its long-abandoned laboratory complex had been completed and equipment worth N2 billion fitted into it.

In the area of primary education, the government has renovated and constructed 148 classrooms and dug boreholes in schools to make the learning environment conducive.

A lot has also been sunk into water supply with N1.3 billion spent to procure assorted Water Treatment Chemicals while N700 million went into settling liabilities incurred on similar items by previous administrations.

INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE

In pursuing his dream of a greater Plateau, Mutfwang has shown no discrimination either on the basis of religion, tribe or political leanings.

Two commissioners – Bashir Lawandi in water resources and energy, and Mohammed Nyalum of commerce – for instance, are Muslims.

He also has many Special Advisers, Special Assistants and top aides that are Muslims and is on record as sponsoring the highest number of Muslims to Hajj in 2023.

Areas with Muslims as residents have also enjoyed many development projects, a privilege that has attracted speedy growth to the areas.

SECURITY CONCERNS

But, as Mutfwang speedily moves to build a prosperous Plateau, a recurrent distraction – insecurity – is slowing down the steam and blurring his focus.

Indeed, the challenge of insecurity has, for long, been the lot of Plateau residents.

When Mutfwang came in, he visited camps where Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are kept in Riyom, Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas, to assess the situation.

Few weeks before he was sworn in, his own Mangu Local Government Area came under severe attack on May 15, 2023.

The attacks claimed a lot of lives and appeared to give him a signal that evil was lurking.

The violence subsided in the later part of 2023, 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, but resumed in the last few weeks with Bokkos, Bassa, Mangu, Barkin-Ladi and Riyom as the targets.

A distraught Mutfwang has since been running from pillar to post to secure his people.

He has made it a duty to visit every hit community to commiserate with victims and caution against reprisal attacks.

He has severally met with President Bola Tinubu, Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other top security officials to work out ways to tackle the menace.

At first, it appeared that the efforts had yielded fruits with both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies adopted to restore peace, but the resurgence of hostilities has shown that more needs to be done.

To tackle the violence, the Governor has reactivated the hitherto dormant state-owned security outfit —Operation Rainbow.

The outfit is expected to mobilise 600 personnel, chosen from across the local governments, to secure the state.

Its personnel shall be expected to use the knowledge of their communities to provide effective security, focusing on intelligence gathering and the relay of early warning signals.

The administration has also established the State Security and Information Centre where citizens can report security concerns via a toll-free line. This centre enables the government to receive timely information on pressing security issues in rural communities.

But, as the governor battles to secure the state, analysts fear that the situation would worsen if all stakeholders are not united to end the crisis.

They particularly decried a situation where politicians seek to make political capital out of the bloodshed and feared that desperate politicians could even stock the fire of violence to put the governor on the defence.

Worried by the recurring attacks on the rural communities, President Tinubu has directed security agencies to fully mobilise all resources to end the bloodshed.

He has also promised to fully support measures that could restore normalcy.

Former Plateau governor Jonah Jang has also decried the worsening insecurity in Plateau, urging everyone to support the Governor to bring peace.

Jang said that resolving the crises and restoring peace to the Plateau was not a matter the governor could handle alone.

“The attacks in Plateau are not mere communal disputes; they are perpetrated by a group with a specific agenda

“It is crucial for the President to understand the true nature of these attacks in order to address them effectively,” Jang said.

Jang advised Tinubu to convene an expanded meeting with community leaders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation in Plateau.

He said that such a meeting would provide a platform for stakeholders to share their insights and experiences, enabling the President to develop a more informed approach to tackling the problem.

Jang urged the people of Plateau to remain strong and resist any attempt to destroy their state.

He urged the people to love everyone around them, but admonished them to “always remain alert so as to protect the state from invaders”.

Retired Admiral Bitrus Atukum, former Plateau Military Administrator, has spoken in the same vein and urged President Tinubu to give security agencies “specific instructions” to flush out miscreants invading Plateau rural communities.

Atukum, who ruled Plateau from 1984 to 1985, said that the attacks were constituting a “huge economic sabotage”.

“We are now in the farming season; if the attacks continue, farmers won’t go to the farm. That will lead to hunger and poverty,” he fumed.

On his part, Mutfwang has consistently rehashed what his predecessors had always said – that the violence is targeted at land grabbing – vowing, however, that no Plateau land shall be ceded to anyone.

While lamenting that many communities had been seized by the invaders, the Governor has promised to ensure that all displaced people return to their ancestral lands.

Analysts believe that the governor’s current consultations will bring peace to the state and ward off recurrent distractions obstructing his focus toward building a greater Plateau.(NANFeatures)

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

Africa’s customs chiefs and quest to boost intra-regional trade
Features

Africa’s customs chiefs and quest to boost intra-regional trade

By Martha Agas, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was unveiled in 2021 with the goal of increasing intra-African trade by reducing tariffs and eliminating other trade barriers.

The AfCFTA initiative marks a significant stride in fostering greater economic integration across African nations.

According to the World Bank, AfCFTA has the potential to boost Africa’s exports by 560 billion dollars primarily in the manufacturing sector and raise the continent’s income by 450 billion dollars by 2035.

It also aims to enhance Africa’s global trading position while driving industrialisation by eliminating 97 per cent of tariff lines on goods and services.

Prior to the unveiling of the AfCFTA, analysts argued that intra-African trade was significantly lower than that of other regions due to persistent structural and policy-related challenges.

Between 2015 and 2017, intra-African trade accounted for only 15.2 per cent of the continent’s total trade, compared to 68.1 per cent in Europe, 59.4 per cent in Asia, and 55 per cent in North America.

Trade reports reveal only marginal improvement between 2022 and 2023, with intra-African trade accounting for 14 to 18 per cent of total trade, while in comparison, Europe maintains 60 to 80 per cent, Asia 58 to 60 per cent, and North America around 40 per cent.

Also, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) reported a 7.2 per cent growth in intra-African trade in 2023 with Southern Africa leading with 41.4 per cent, followed by West Africa with 25.7 per cent, East Africa, 14.1 per cent; North Africa, 12.4 per cent; and Central Africa 6.6 per cent.

To some stakeholders, this data shows modest progress, while others argue that the change is not yet substantial.

Experts note that Africa still lags behind its global counterparts due to high trade costs, inefficient border procedures, and inadequate infrastructure factors that hinder the full realisation of AfCFTA’s benefits.

To address these challenges, customs leaders, development partners, and technical experts committed to advancing customs modernisation across the West and Central Africa (WCA) region recently gathered in Nigeria for the fourth World Customs Organisation (WCO) Donors’ Conference for the WCA Region to discuss issues affecting intra-regional trade.

The conference, themed “Partner Mobilisation around the Priority Projects of the WCO’s WCA Region: A Genuine Pledge to Meet the Modernisation Goals and Performance Targets of Member Customs Administrations’’ represents a collective effort to transform customs operations, particularly through trade modernisation.

The theme, according to the Comptroller-General (C-G) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, reflects a shared commitment to transforming customs operations through targeted technical interventions supported by development partners.

Adeniyi said that customs administrations across the WCA region were grappling with several technical challenges that were impeding effective trade facilitation and revenue collection.

He said inadequate digital infrastructure was one of the challenges which was affecting seamless processing of declarations and risk management, while limited interconnectivity between national customs systems was obstructing effective information exchange.

He further explained that insufficient technical capacity to implement advanced customs procedures, such as post-clearance audits and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes, also remained a significant hurdle for the region.

“We (WCA) have challenges in effectively implementing technical aspects of the AfCFTA Rules of Origin and other trade facilitation instruments,’’ he said.

According to him, fragile borders, technical barriers to coordinated border management, and the rapid growth of e-commerce are further complicating customs operations which can be addressed with the right technical support and partnerships.

Based on the Nigeria Customs Service’s experience and a regional needs assessment conducted by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), Adeniyi outlined five key priority areas requiring donor support in the WCA.

The first is regional interconnectivity, which involves establishing infrastructure for real-time information exchange between customs administrations, using the Nigeria–Benin Republic model as a pilot.

The second priority is the development of a competency-based human resources system, by implementing the WCO framework to build technical capacity among customs officers.

Third, Adeniyi emphasised the need for technology-driven illicit trade detection, specifically through the deployment of AI-powered scanners and forensic tools to combat smuggling and other illicit activities.

The fourth priority focuses on supporting the implementation of the AfCFTA by building technical capacity to enforce preferential rules of origin and verification procedures.

Lastly, he highlighted the importance of regional single window integration, aiming to create interoperable national single window systems for seamless customs operations across the region.

Speaking at the event, Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said that the WCA region represented a market of more than 450 million people, with a combined GDP exceeding 900 billion dollars.

Edun said that in spite of the aforementioned, intra-regional trade accounted for just about 12 per cent of the region’s total trade volume, compared to 60 per cent in Europe and 40 per cent in East Asia.

Highlighting the region’s potential, Edun said it housed eight of the world’s 32 landlocked developing countries, which faced average import costs nearly twice those of coastal nations.

“Customs processing times across our borders average 12 days, significantly above the global best practice of less than 24 hours; these statistics highlight both our challenges and our enormous untapped potential.

“Suffice it is to say that modernising and harmonising our customs procedures, we could boost intra-regional trade by an estimated 50 billion dollars annually, create millions of jobs, and significantly reduce poverty across our communities,’’ he said.

However, the minister noted that emerging external challenges such as the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the U.S. and the significant reduction in foreign assistance through USAID had direct implications for the region.

According to him, eight countries across West and Central Africa including Nigeria, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire have been affected by these measures, with an average tariff of approximately 13.83 per cent now imposed on exports to the U.S.

Such actions, he observed, not only increased the cost of exports but also undermined efforts to boost trade competitiveness and diversify economies across the region.

Edun said that the abrupt withdrawal of development aid in health and education further compounded economic difficulties and underscored the urgency of accelerating AfCFTA implementation, boosting domestic revenue, and investing in resilient trade systems.

Echoing this sentiment, in a recent news conference, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Gabriel Idahosa, said intra-African trade under AfCFTA should be aggressively promoted in response to the Trump-era tariff policies.

Analysts say this development highlights the need for Africa to deepen intra-African trade through AfCFTA and leverage frameworks such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to reduce trade costs and foster regional integration.

Experts and global institutions emphasise that for intra-African trade to thrive, trade policies must be harmonised and barriers significantly reduced.

For example, the World Bank underscores the importance of streamlined customs and lower tariffs, noting that digitised customs procedures can reduce border clearance times by up to 20 per cent.

Also, a customs expert, Dr Eugene Nweke, also called for the harmonisation and simplification of customs procedures in West and Central Africa (WCA) to boost regional trade, emphasising that it could be achieved through digitalisation, greater transparency, and consistent enforcement of regulations.

Nweke, who is also the Secretary of the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), said customs administrations played a critical role in enhancing regional trade by reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and promoting economic integration.

He called for cross-border collaboration among customs administrations, the enforcement of anti-corruption measures, and targeted support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which often struggled with complex customs procedures and trade agreements such as the AfCFTA.

The expert urged the customs administrations to collaborate in sharing best practices, coordinating policies, and addressing common challenges.

“Customs administrations should also develop and implement regional strategic plans that align with continental frameworks like the AfCFTA to promote intra-African trade,” he suggested.

Ultimately, customs administrators and stakeholders agreed that boosting intra-regional trade in West and Central Africa requires comprehensive policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, financial support, and a robust private sector.

They say WCO-WCA donors’ conference is a significant step towards mobilising resources and partnerships to bridge the gaps and realise Africa’s trade potential.(NANFeatures)

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

Swipe to survive: How digital payments tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria
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Swipe to survive: How digital payments tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria

By Usman Aliyu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Every morning, as the sun begins to rise in Benin City, Nigeria, 28-year-old Tonia Osakwe rolls up the tarpaulin covering her small kiosk at the Dawson/Akpakpava roads intersection, dusts off her Point of Sale (POS) machines, and prepares for a long day ahead.

Dressed in a neat yellow blouse and jeans on this day, Osakwe greets early customers, mostly traders, commuters and passersby, who are looking to withdraw or transfer cash.

For many, Osakwe has become the face of accessible banking in the neighbourhood.

Just a few years ago, she was battling anxiety and hopelessness after graduating with a degree from the University of Benin.

In spite of several attempts to secure employment, she was repeatedly turned down.

“I kept going to interviews, submitting curriculum vitae, hoping someone would take a chance on me; however, nothing came through.”

In 2021, Osakwe heard about a mobile money training session organised by a financial technology (fintech) company in the city.

With a N50,000 loan from a family friend, she started a POS business under a wooden shed; today, she has two kiosks and employs another young woman.

“It is not just a job; it is a second chance; I did not find work; I created one,” she said, beaming with pride.

Similarly, in a bustling corner at the Oba of Benin Market, 32-year-old Joshua Uche’s kiosk hums with activity.

Beneath the umbrella shading his stand, he punches numbers into a POS terminal, handing naira notes to a customer who just transferred money from her phone.

“This small machine saved me from roaming the streets; before this, I had no job for almost two years.”

As a POS operator and mobile agent, he caters to personal and family needs.

“My father wanted me to become a civil servant like him, but after three years of no job, I couldn’t wait anymore.”

Uche raised capital from personal savings and family donations to purchase a second-hand terminal and set up a roadside POS stand.

“Now, I make around N7,000 daily,” he said.

Uche noted that he supported his younger siblings’ school fees through the business.

At the edge of a busy junction in Ganmo, on the outskirts of Ilorin, Kwara capital, sits a neatly dressed young man, Muhammed Ayinde, greeting customers with a calm smile as he punches digits into a POS device.

For many passersby, Ayinde is just another agent offering quick cash services; but for him, this humble wooden booth represents something far greater, a stepping stone to academic achievement and personal transformation.

“In 2020, I had almost given up; I had a degree, dreamt of further studies, but no job to fund them; then my uncle introduced me to the POS business; that was how everything started,” Ayinde also recounted.

Like thousands of Nigerian youth caught in the choke-hold of unemployment, he found a lifeline in the country’s expanding digital payment system.

Setting up his first kiosk in 2021, he learnt the ropes quickly – how to manage customers, resolve failed transactions, and stay afloat in an increasingly competitive market.

Four years later, not only has the POS business become a reliable source of income, it has helped him fund a Master of Science degree in Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin.

He now operates with two terminals and employs two other young men who also rely on the business to make ends meet.

“This business gave me back my dignity; while others waited for white-collar jobs, I built something sustainable; I am not just earning; I am learning, growing, and giving back,” he said.

Muhammed’s story is a testament to how digital payments are not only helping young Nigerians survive but also achieve upward mobility in a fragile economy.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), youth unemployment in Nigeria stood at over 6.5 per cent as of the second quarter of 2024, dropping from the all time high of 53.4 per cent at the end of 2020, when POS business was less common.

Across the country, young Nigerians like Osakwe, Uche and Ayinde are rewriting their economic stories through the growing digital payment ecosystem.

With youth unemployment hovering at high levels, many have turned to POS services and mobile money operations to survive and thrive in a harsh job market.

From the busy alleys of Lagos and Abuja to remote towns in Kwara, Edo and Kano, Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem is becoming more than just a convenience; it is turning into a survival strategy.

The rise of digital payments has changed daily life, sparing countless residents the exhausting, hours-long journeys once required just to complete a simple banking transaction.

Today, financial services are no longer a distant dream, they are just a few steps away, at a neighbourhood agent’s kiosk.

“I used to travel far to the nearest bank just to collect small money; now, with these POS terminals on our street, I can withdraw or send money easily without stress.

“They have changed our lives,” Mrs Morufat Eniola, a petty trader in Ilorin, said.

For Mr Joe Egbon, a farmer in Benin, the services go beyond withdrawals.

“I pay for my fertiliser and seeds through these agents. Without them, it would take me a whole day to reach a bank. They make business faster for us,” he said.

Electronic transactions form crucial components of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI); others include digital identity and data exchange systems, which unarguably, have transformed how people access essential national services.

Nigeria has a long way to go to deepen these elements. However, the progress being made in digital payments gives hope to some.

For instance, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) reports that more than 5.5 million POS terminals have been deployed across the country as of December 2024, doubling the 2.4 million recorded at the end of 2023.

In 2024 alone, over N18 trillion worth of POS transactions were recorded.

The vast majority of those behind these transactions are young Nigerians like Ayinde, Osakwe and others, many of whom are unemployed or underemployed graduates or school leavers, who have found in digital payments what the formal economy denied them.

The rise of mobile money and POS services is not only reducing youth unemployment; it is also contributing to financial inclusion.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), more than 38 million adults in Nigeria remain unbanked, with a significant number living in rural areas.

By setting up POS stands in marketplaces and underserved communities, young agents are bridging the financial gap for millions; they facilitate cash withdrawals, bill payments, airtime purchases, transfers, and even micro-savings, often becoming the only bank their communities can access.

For Ali Bello, who engages in POS operations in Benin, a city far away from his hometown, Kano, building a personal house was possible courtesy of the digital financial service business.

“I did not really go to school; I am just a secondary school leaver, who came to Benin from Kano alongside other friends, in search of greener pastures.

“While others are engaged in cloth selling and bureau de change business amongst others, I opted for POS services.

“I thank God, I am making it here, catering for daily needs as well as family obligations.”

However, the journey is not without its thorns; many agents report daily struggles with poor internet connectivity, frequent transaction failures, and high service charges that eat into profits.

Many operators express confusion over shifting regulations and multiple transaction charges imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“We need clear policies that do not change overnight; for instance, besides the transaction charges incurred from cash transfer to another account, any cash inflow more than N10,000 attracts N50 electronic money transfer levy,” Bello said.

To him, the levy amounts to double charge as both the sender and the receiver are charged for a single transaction.

He called on the government to review the charges so as to encourage more people to embrace the digital payment system.

Nonetheless, the digital finance industry continues to grow; fintech companies like OPay, Moniepoint, and PalmPay have rapidly expanded agent networks, offering flexible account setups and low-cost terminals.

In 2024 alone, Nigerian fintech startups attracted over $2 billion in venture capital funding – making the sector the most funded in Africa that year.

Experts believe the sector’s true potential lies in its ability to create micro-economies across communities; one of such experts is Hussein Olarewaju, founder of HAQ Technology Management Services.

Olanrewaju, who is among the first 30 aggregators (agent managers) in Nigeria, says the digital financial solutions address the gap in traditional banking systems.

More so, fintech innovations like Moniepoint, which the founder helped develop, have multiplied job opportunities by creating layered structures where agents recruit, manage, and mentor others across states and regions.

“Seizing this opportunity, HAQ Technology built a network that used local agents – familiar faces within communities – to deliver banking services.

“This strategy not only increased financial inclusion but also created employment opportunities for young people tasked with managing the agent locations.

“Today, more than 500,000 to 1 million POS and mobile money agent points exist across Nigeria; many built on this very structure pioneered by HAQ Technology.

“Each agent point typically employs at least one to two staff, translating into hundreds of thousands of youth gaining reliable incomes in a country where youth unemployment stood at over 50% in 2023,” the fintech expert said.

Besides the high cost of transactions, which Olanrewaju also buttresses as being one of the constraints in digital financial services, the expert also identified financial illiteracy, particularly among the rural dwellers as another issue in deepening the payment system.

He emphasises that real financial literacy requires face-to-face interaction at the grassroots level, not just radio jingles or TV ads.

According to him, agents such as trusted community members, should be empowered to provide direct education to customers.

To ensure that digital financial services continue to empower youth and grow the economy, he advocates field-informed regulation, in which regular feedback from agents and aggregators inform Central Bank policies to make them practical and impactful at the grassroots.

Notably, as Nigeria leans further into a cashless future, it is young men and women like Osakwe, Uche, Ayinde, Bello and Olanrewaju, who are quietly building the infrastructure – one swipe at a time.

In the absence of formal jobs, some young people are creating their own; and in doing so, they are not just surviving, they are reshaping the very meaning of work and opportunity in Nigeria’s economy.

To sustain this momentum, stakeholders are calling for targeted government policies that support young operators, including improved access to credit, investment in network infrastructure, and training on cybersecurity.(NANFeatures)

 

This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop

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

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