President Bola Tinubu’s statement about the abolition of the fuel subsidy in May 2023 offers an insight into the government’s position on a policy that has been highly contentious and its economic implications. While he admits that the policies, including the subsidy removal, are difficult, the president emphasizes the necessity of this move for Nigeria’s long-term survival. According to him, the country could not have continued to bear the weight of the subsidy without jeopardizing other important areas of governance and development.

His claim that monthly allocations to state governments have tripled since the subsidy was removed is significant. It suggests that the government has redirected resources into the hands of state governments, possibly to cushion the impact of the fuel price hike and to facilitate other forms of economic support. However, the public response has been one of economic hardship, with many Nigerians struggling to cope with rising living costs, especially in transportation and goods, due to the increase in fuel prices post-subsidy.

The acknowledgment that the removal of the subsidy has placed significant strain on the population also highlights the challenges faced by state governors. If the allocations to states have increased, there is growing scrutiny about how those funds are being managed and whether they are being used effectively to alleviate the suffering of citizens.

This raises an important question: Are state governments doing enough to address the economic challenges that their citizens are facing in light of the increased allocations, or are there gaps in the implementation of support programs? What do you think about the impact of the subsidy removal on ordinary Nigerians?

The meeting between the Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command and the Nigeria Customs Liaison Office from Cotonou, Benin Republic, highlights the growing emphasis on cross-border cooperation in addressing smuggling and improving security. The focus on intelligence sharing and synergy among different agencies is a crucial step toward more effective enforcement, as smuggling operations often span multiple countries and require coordinated efforts to track and disrupt.

Comptroller Joseph Adelaja’s emphasis on collaboration aligns with broader customs and border control strategies aimed at enhancing trade facilitation while simultaneously safeguarding national security. By strengthening relationships between neighboring countries’ customs authorities, like those between Nigeria and Benin, the process of combating illicit trade becomes more seamless.

The mention of reinforcing relationships with traditional rulers and fostering cooperation in areas like the Idiroko border, Kwara, and Oyo State borders reflects a multifaceted approach to improving security. Traditional rulers play a vital role in local communities, and their involvement can significantly aid in curbing illegal activities like smuggling.

The commitment to enhancing intelligence sharing is also critical, as it enables quicker responses to emerging threats and more informed decision-making, ultimately improving the efficiency of border security operations. This type of collaboration between agencies and countries could set a precedent for tackling smuggling and other transnational crimes in a more unified and effective manner.

What do you think about the importance of inter-agency and cross-border collaboration in tackling smuggling? Do you think this approach will yield significant results?

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s clarification about the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) policy is important in easing the concerns that had arisen following reports of its cancellation. His explanation that the policy hasn’t been scrapped but upgraded makes it clear that the government is aiming for efficiency rather than a complete reversal of the VOA initiative.

The upgrade to the VOA process, which will involve pre-arrival clearance from security agencies like Interpol, criminal record systems, and other background checks in real-time, seems like a proactive step toward improving security and ensuring that the process is more effective. By streamlining the process further, the government aims to create a more business-friendly environment, making it easier for foreign investors and travellers to visit Nigeria, while also maintaining higher security standards.

The new system, which allows travellers to receive visa approvals within 24 to 48 hours online and eliminates the need for physical stickers upon arrival, should speed up entry processes and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic delays. This upgrade could definitely make Nigeria more attractive to international businesses and investors, which is important for boosting the economy.

It’s interesting how the shift from a physical visa sticker to an email confirmation reflects a broader trend towards digitalisation and automation. Do you think this move will positively impact Nigeria’s image globally and encourage more foreign investment?

The renewed commitment from Northern governors and key stakeholders to address insecurity and poverty in the region is a significant step in tackling some of the most pressing issues facing Northern Nigeria. With the varying security threats across the region, ranging from banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest to insurgency in the Northeast, it’s clear that a coordinated and collaborative response is necessary to bring lasting solutions.

Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya’s call for a unified regional strategy highlights the importance of a shared vision for the future of the North. By acknowledging the distinct challenges faced by different parts of the region, it becomes evident that the solutions must be tailored to specific needs while also fostering collaboration across states.

Dr. Mansur Mukhtar’s keynote address on harnessing the region’s untapped natural resources is especially compelling. It suggests that while security is a top priority, economic growth and sustainability are just as important. By investing in modern technologies and agricultural practices, the region could potentially unlock its full economic potential, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for many.

The Northern Governors’ commitment to addressing inadequate infrastructure, high unemployment, and poverty is a step in the right direction. However, successful implementation of these ideas will require not just political will, but also long-term investment, careful planning, and an inclusive approach that engages local communities.

What do you think about the strategies being proposed by the Northern governors? Do you feel they are on the right track to overcoming these challenges?

It sounds like the situation in Sokoto State is quite tense due to the actions of Turji Bello, a notorious bandit kingpin. The military’s response, however, seems firm and focused, with assurances to local residents that they will be protected. Maj. Gen. Emeka Onumajuru’s statement to the public is a clear message of reassurance, urging villagers not to give in to the extortion demands of bandits like Turji. His emphasis on the military’s presence and commitment to safeguarding the communities highlights the effort to restore peace in the region.

The fact that Turji had been in hiding but reportedly resurfaced in Sokoto adds to the complexity of the security operations. His actions, including imposing levies on villagers, continue to stir unrest, but the military’s efforts to track him down are ongoing. The challenge, as Onumajuru mentions, is that eliminating such high-profile criminals takes time due to their constantly shifting hideouts.

It’s an intense situation, but it’s encouraging that there is a clear military strategy in place to counter these threats. Hopefully, with continued vigilance, the military will be able to bring an end to Turji’s activities.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance recently explained why former President Donald Trump is widely disliked. Vance stated that Trump is hated because he is deliberate with his words and, more importantly, focuses on “doing” rather than just speaking or performing, as he believes much of American diplomacy has become about appearances and rhetoric.

This comes in the context of Trump’s ongoing involvement in international matters, such as his attempts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. Trump also recently commented that the war between Russia and Ukraine might not have started had he still been president. He expressed this during a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, where they discussed U.S. involvement in resolving the conflict, as well as border security.

Trump has also been critical of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of misleading the U.S. into spending significant sums—about $350 billion—on the war with Russia, which Trump claims cannot be won.

Iran has firmly stated that it will not bow to pressure or sanctions imposed by the United States regarding nuclear negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi made this declaration on Tuesday following a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The visit by Lavrov came a day after the U.S. imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran’s oil industry, which is the country’s primary source of income.

Araqchi emphasized that Iran’s stance on nuclear talks remains unchanged, asserting that the country will not engage in negotiations under pressure or sanctions. He also ruled out direct negotiations with the U.S. as long as the maximum pressure campaign continues. This comes after former President Donald Trump revived his maximum pressure strategy, which includes efforts to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero.

Despite Trump’s willingness to engage in talks, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, recently stated that discussions with the U.S. are neither wise nor honorable, reinforcing Iran’s resolve not to negotiate under such conditions.

Transcorp Power Plc has reported a significant financial performance for 2024, with a revenue growth of 115%, reaching N305.9 billion. The company also recorded an operating profit after tax of N80.01 billion. This marks a major improvement from the previous year, 2023, when it generated N141 billion in revenue and a profit after tax of N30.2 billion.

The Chairman of Transcorp Power, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, attributed the impressive results to the company’s dedication to value creation and robust returns for its investors. He highlighted the company’s ability to navigate a challenging market and macroeconomic environment, noting that the future remains bright.

In addition to the financial growth, Transcorp Power successfully repaid a 2014 foreign exchange acquisition loan of $215 million, which helped reduce its gearing ratio from 64.48% in 2023 to 29.70% in 2024, reflecting enhanced financial stability.

Transcorp Power also achieved a significant milestone by being listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s main board at a market capitalization of N1.08 trillion, which grew to N2.70 trillion by the end of 2024. Moreover, the company added 125 megawatts to its generation capacity, increasing it from 500 megawatts to 625 megawatts.

The Managing Director, Mr. Peter Ikenga, described 2024 as a year of record revenue generation for the sixth consecutive year. He also emphasized the company’s resilience in the face of economic uncertainty, noting that it ensured the availability of gas for its operations through multiple secure sources and redundant pipeline networks, further enhancing its ability to stabilize the national grid.

Transcorp Power Plc is a subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc.

Former Abia State Governor and current Senator for Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has called for President Bola Tinubu to officially recognize the late Chief MKO Abiola as one of Nigeria’s past presidents, suggesting that Abiola’s portrait be placed alongside those of other former leaders at the Presidential Villa. Kalu made the call after the release of General Ibrahim Babangida’s memoir, where he confirmed that Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

While praising former President Muhammadu Buhari for awarding Abiola a posthumous national honor, Kalu emphasized that more should be done, including recognizing Abiola’s rightful place in Nigerian history. He also urged Babangida to provide further details in a second memoir about the annulment of the election and those responsible for halting its declaration.

Kalu expressed strong support for Abiola as the rightful winner of the 1993 election and voiced confidence in President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. He called for patience with Tinubu’s reform process, predicting the president’s success in securing a second term.

The accelerated handover of hostages, including the bodies of four individuals, is a part of broader negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at achieving a temporary ceasefire. The deal, facilitated by international mediation, is intended to maintain a fragile pause in hostilities and enable the return of hostages. There are ongoing negotiations to expand this phase with further exchanges. The identities of the four hostages have not been disclosed publicly at this point.

It’s a positive step that former leaders like Uhuru Kenyatta, Hailemariam Desalegn, and Olusegun Obasanjo have been brought in to lead the peace process for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their experience in leadership and diplomacy will be crucial in navigating the complex political and military situation in the region.

The collaboration between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is an important move to unite efforts and streamline peace initiatives. Given the role of the M23 group and the humanitarian crisis it’s caused, a ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid are critical first steps.

It will be interesting to see how these former leaders balance the various interests of the DRC’s government, local militias, and international powers in order to de-escalate the situation. Hopefully, their collective efforts will lead to lasting peace and stability in the region.

Do you think this peace process will succeed in bringing about the needed change in DRC?

Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s call for the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) to prioritize the construction of a regional railway connecting the five states of the South-East is a strategic move aimed at boosting economic integration within the region. The railway project, as highlighted by Soludo, has the potential to significantly enhance trade, mobility, and overall economic activity across the region. Given the growing demand for improved infrastructure, especially in the transportation sector, a regional railway could play a crucial role in unlocking economic opportunities and fostering greater cooperation between the South-East states.

Additionally, Soludo’s emphasis on supporting the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in combating counterfeit and expired drugs is another important step toward improving public health. By backing the Anambra Pharmaceutical Hub and tackling the circulation of fake drugs, the state is taking proactive measures to safeguard its citizens and promote the pharmaceutical industry.

With the council’s focus on tackling insecurity and addressing fraudulent practices, such as the sale of fake native doctor products, Soludo appears to be committed to not just physical infrastructure development but also to improving social order and economic stability.

The approved contracts, including the reinforcement of the Commissioners’ Quarters and flood control measures, demonstrate the state’s commitment to infrastructural growth, while the investments in health and security show a balanced approach to governance.

Overall, these initiatives seem to be setting a foundation for long-term development in Anambra, aiming for sustainable growth in various sectors. What do you think about the emphasis on a regional railway as a catalyst for economic development in the South-East?

The controversy surrounding Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s outburst and Murtala Ajaka’s subsequent call for Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s removal has sparked significant debate. Ajaka’s criticism of Akpabio for allegedly bullying Natasha and his call for his removal has drawn sharp condemnation from civil society groups like the Citizens Network For Peace and Development (CNPD), who argue that Akpabio was simply enforcing the rules of the Senate and maintaining parliamentary decorum.

The CNPD’s response highlights the perceived recklessness of Ajaka’s statement, particularly given his aspiration to become governor of Kogi State. They argue that a candidate for such a position should demonstrate respect for the rule of law and objectivity, rather than endorsing what they view as disrespectful behavior from a fellow lawmaker. Their call for Ajaka to better understand parliamentary decorum is a challenge to his leadership readiness.

Meanwhile, the CNPD also urges Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to refocus on her legislative responsibilities and stop allowing distractions from the Senate’s core duties. They believe her actions could be detrimental to both the Senate’s image and the country’s progress.

It seems that this issue is more than just a personal dispute; it has broader implications for the leadership and governance dynamics within the Senate. The question now is whether these exchanges will lead to a meaningful reflection on the state of affairs within the Senate and the political landscape in Kogi State. Do you think Ajaka’s criticism was justified, or do you feel the CNPD’s call for him to reconsider his stance holds more weight?