Feature/OPED
Senate and Local Government Autonomy
By Jerome-Mario Chijioke Utomi
Among so many bills recently passed or still working on by the nation’s Senate in the ongoing constitution amendment. This piece is particularly struck by the passage of the local government financial, administrative autonomy bill which among other provisions seeks that each local government council to creates and maintain its own special account to be called Local Government Allocation Account into which all the allocations will be paid.
Aside from seeking to grant full financial and administrative autonomy to local governments, the bills seek to amend the Constitution to repeal the state joint local government account and provide for a special account where all allocations due to the local government councils, from the federation account and state government, shall be paid.
While this development is welcomed and applauded, there is a lot that is wrong with the local government system in Nigeria, and unless all those wrongs are examined critically and remedies applied to them, it can only create more problems. Guiding against that, via timely corrective action before it happens is the objective of this piece.
Take as an illustration, apart from the fact that well foresighted Nigerians have in the past argued that to free local councils from the clutches of the state governors and ensure credible elections into local councils, the power to appoint chairpersons and commissioners of the state electoral bodies should be removed from the state governors, the global community, especially development-based groups and elections observers, do not think that what Nigeria is doing is the best way to organize elections be it at federal, states or local government levels as governments actions often fail to meet the four basic conditions necessary to create an enabling environment for holding of free and fair elections.
These conditions they noted include; an honest, competent and non-partisan body to administer the election, the knowledge and willingness of the political community to accept basic rules and regulations governing the contest for power, a developed system of political parties and teams of candidates presented to the electorates as alternative choices. And an independent judiciary to interpret electoral laws and settle election disputes.
Such worries partly explain the inertia and damning/reports that trail every election in the country monitored by international observers. Local governments and elections say a recent report, are two essential features of modern democracies. They help to establish, nurture and sustain democracy and democratic political culture. Elections provide the electorate with the power to freely participate in choosing their leaders and in providing the much-needed support and legitimacy to the state. Yet, its electoral approach/process has become curiously old fashioned and derogates the sanctity of elections as an institutional mechanism for conferring political power on citizens in a democratic dispensation.
This claim is supported by many facts. In the accounts by Massoud Omar, Department of Local Government and Development Studies, Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, credible elections into local government councils have been non-existent since independence in 1960 till date. This is because the local councils are often subjected to controls by the upper levels of government in the federal system of government.
During the First Republic, the native authorities (as local governments were then called) were under the control of the regional governments. The Constitution of the Second Republic (1979-1983) gave state governors the power to dissolve local councils and appoint Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of local councils.
‘The 1999 Constitution currently being operated empowers state governors to appoint chairpersons of State Independent Electoral Commissions, the electoral umpires mandated to conduct local government elections in the 36 states of the federation.
As the situation stands, there is some ambiguity as to whether the state governors can dissolve local councils before elections are conducted at the expiration of their tenure, but often, state governors capitalise on this ambiguity to dissolve local councils at the end of their tenure and appoint Caretaker Committees. Often, these Committees are staffed with cronies and party sympathisers’.
Anambra State is a vivid example of a state where Caretaker Committees took charge of local council affairs for about 10 years under four successive governors – Chris Ngige, Peter Obi, Andy Uba and Virginia Etiaba and again Peter Obi who towards the end of his administration organized election on January 11, 2014.
Those elected have since vacated their positions since 2016. As of the time of filing this report, no local council elections have been held in the state since the dissolution under Governor Willy Obiano’s led administration.
Similarly, in most states where local government elections seem to have been held, there appears no remarkable difference between such a result and that of a one-party affair.
According to a commentator, it amounts to the “selection” and “appointment” of local representatives because state governors use the incumbency factor to rig elections in favour of their preferred candidates.
Situations, where local councils are controlled by opposition parties, are rare, and where this happens, the local councils are dissolved and caretaker committees, often made up of sympathizers of the ruling party, are appointed in their place.
Even though it cannot be characterized as an impossibility that a party at some points swept (wins) all the local council positions in a state, analysts are particularly worried about the frequency and disturbed by the accompanying belief that the main reason for this trend of affairs is that whoever controls the local councils is sure to gain control of the state government during gubernatorial elections.
To change this narrative in ways that will guarantee true autonomy for the local government areas, the following steps need to be taken; first is the need to recognize that three electoral laws govern the process of electing people into political offices. They include The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, The Electoral Act 2010; and The INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2019.
From the above, supervision of Election- Section 78 of the Constitution provides that the registration of voters and the conduct of elections shall be subject to the direction and supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Secondly, Part One of the Electoral Act also provides that each State of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory, must establish an INEC office which shall perform functions that will be assigned to it from time to time by the commission, and any person appointed to the office shall be answerable to the commission and will hold office for five years. This provision is made under Section 6 of the Act.
The Act also provides under Section 9 that the Commission (INEC) shall compile, maintain and update continuously a National Register of Voters for each State and the Federal Capital Territory and Local Government, which will include the names of all persons entitled to vote in any Federal, State, Local Government or Area Council elections in Nigeria.
In the face of all these provisions/responsibilities performed by INEC at both state and local government levels, won’t it be considered as wisdom if the Electoral Act is again amended to allow/empower INEC to handle local council elections in the country since they already exist in, and capped with the information/data of all the electorates in the 36 states/FCT and in all the 774 Local Government Areas in the country? The reason is predicated on the argument that in the past two decades of its existence; INEC may not have performed perfectly well.
However, if its performance is juxtaposed with experiences Nigerians have suffered in the hands of the States Independent Electoral Commission that of INEC will be judged a Child’s play.
Utomi Jerome-Mario is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), a Lagos-based non-governmental organization (NGO). He can be reached via [email protected]/08032725374
Ever wondered where to find trendy fashion, cutting-edge tech, or stylish home decor at unbeatable prices? Look no further than Temu.
What is Temu?
Temu, an online marketplace sensation, has taken the world by storm with its vast array of products, competitive prices, and user-friendly platform.
Since its 2022 launch, it has quickly become a global sensation, boasting hundreds of millions of downloads and catering to over 80 markets. Now, Nigerian shoppers can experience the Temu magic firsthand.
This guide will walk you through the Temu shopping experience, ensuring a smooth journey from product discovery to delivery.
Step 1: CREATE AN ACCOUNT TO UNLOCK SMART SHOPPING
The registration process
Joining Temu is super easy! Whether you prefer the traditional approach or the convenience of social media, Temu has you covered. For the classic signup, simply visit temu.com or download the mobile app, enter your email or phone number, create a strong password, and confirm your details. It’s as easy as that!
For social media savvy, link your Google, Apple, or Facebook account and skip the hassle of creating a new login. With Temu’s streamlined process, you can spend less time logging in and more time exploring the incredible deals awaiting you.
Mobile app vs. desktop: Which platform offers the best shopping experience?
Both the mobile app and desktop website offer a seamless shopping experience. However, for a truly dynamic and interactive shopping journey, we recommend the mobile app. You will enjoy real-time price alerts, exclusive mobile deals, and easy order tracking.
For a more deliberate shopping experience, the desktop website is the perfect choice. With larger screens and easy-to-use comparison features, you can take your time and make informed decisions.
Step 2: BROWSING AND SHOPPING LIKE A PRO
Navigating Temu’s vast selection
Temu offers a vast selection of over 200 product categories, from fashion and tech to home goods and beauty.
To get started, simply use the search bar function to find specific items or explore categories, and refine your search with filters for price, colour, size, and more. Sort items by relevance, price, or newest arrivals to find the perfect products.
Temu’s ranking system highlights popular and trusted products, often based on customer reviews and sales trends. To make informed choices, compare prices, features, and reviews before purchasing.
Best-selling products
Temu’s best-selling products are constantly updated based on real-time sales data.
Other metrics beyond rankings
Temu goes beyond traditional product rankings, focusing on the performance and quality of its providers. By considering factors like historic ratings, repurchase records, follower numbers, and new product releases, consumers can make informed decisions. This approach not only empowers buyers but also incentivises providers to deliver high-quality, diverse products and build strong customer relationships.
Providers can earn recognition directly on their product pages by ranking highly in categories like Top Sales, Top Rated, Top Repurchased, Top Followed, or New Arrival. These rankings are based on the provider’s performance over the past 30 days and are updated daily to ensure the most current information is displayed to consumers.
Finding your perfect fit
Temu provides detailed size guides to help shoppers find the perfect fit, particularly for clothing and accessories. These guides often include measurements, comparison charts, and sometimes even virtual fitting tools to make your online shopping experience seamless.
Save more, shop smart
Simplify your shopping and maximise your savings with Temu. All discounts are displayed directly on product pages. For the best deals, explore the platform’s Lightning Deals. To ensure satisfaction, pay attention to details, read descriptions, verify measurements, understand features, and consult seller ratings and reviews.
Step 3: PLACING AN ORDER
Shopping safely and securely
Temu offers a variety of payment methods, including popular credit cards and digital wallets like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, Discover, JCB and Diners Club. To prioritise your security, the platform employs advanced security measures, adhering to strict industry standards to protect your information.
Step 4: FAST AND RELIABLE DELIVERY
Hassle-free delivery, every time
Temu prioritises customer satisfaction by providing real-time order tracking and reliable shipping options, including free standard shipping and express delivery. The platform guarantees on-time delivery and offers full refunds for damaged or undelivered orders.
At the moment, Temu is in partnership with local logistics firms, such as Flyt Express, SKYNET, and Speedaf to make delivery to Nigerian shoppers on time.
Step 5: AFTER-SALES SERVICE – BEYOND THE PURCHASE
Returns and exchanges made easy
Temu provides a seamless return process with its Purchase Protection Program. If you’re unsatisfied with a purchase, log into your account, select the item, provide a reason, and submit a return request. Temu will provide a prepaid shipping label.
You have a 90-day return window for most items. Once processed, you can choose a refund to Temu credit or original payment. For exchanges, return the item and place a new order. Temu also offers refund policies for no updates and no deliveries. Check Temu’s specific return policy for the latest information.
Beyond shopping: A greener future
Temu is committed to sustainability. By shopping on Temu, you contribute to a greener future. The platform’s Tree Planting Program and combined shipping initiatives help reduce environmental impact.
Smart shopping simplified
Temu has transformed online shopping, offering a wide range of affordable products and a user-friendly experience.
Follow these simple steps to easily navigate the platform and discover your next favourite find. If you need assistance, Temu’s customer support team is available 24/7.
So, shop with confidence on Temu!
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
Some persons are born as a special breed of humans. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is one of such persons.
In fact, at 55, Ebie encapsulates Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s postulation about people born as a special breed. Schneerson: “Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again.”.
When you look at Ebie’s career trajectory, his exhilarating performances in all the public offices he has held, his contributions to making Delta State a dream state for Deltans, and his current efforts to saturate the Niger Delta region with socio-economic, infrastructural, and human capital development as NDDC chairman, you won’t but agree that he indeed, as submitted by Menachem Mendel Schneerson, belongs to a rare breed of humans. Born January 2, 1970, Ebie’s birthday is a huge celebration of excellence.
Though he wears no airs and does not sound his own trumpet, anyone who encounters him will readily see in him a personality whose life is characterised by remarkable, legendary, and exemplary feats.
A thoroughbred attorney and oil and gas exploration executive, before his appointment as NDDC Board Chairman in November 2023, Ebie had served as Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education and later, Secretary to the State Government.
Private and public sector stakeholders share common, refreshing commentaries about Ebie’s eventful and impactful 55 years on earth and his salutary accomplishments.
The common denominator, however, is that this “birthday boy,” this illustrious son of the Ika ancient kingdom who had contributed immensely to the realisation of the Smart and Stronger Delta agenda of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration”, is worthy of commendation, emulation, and celebration as he turns 55 today.
Late American President John Quincy Adams was probably talking about Ebie when he argued that “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” Indeed, in Ebie, you see a man whose knack for hard work, honesty, integrity, purposefulness, and excellence has been a source of inspiration to his subordinates and admirers.
His amiable and genial attributes, his traits of transparency and rock-solid integrity, as well as his goal-orientated nature, are arguably traceable to his grandfather, who was the first ordained reverend of the Anglican Church in the Ika nation, and whose two sons later became ordained reverend gentlemen themselves.
As Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education from 2015-2019, for instance, Ebie achieved unprecedented set goals, which included the massive renovation and rehabilitation of schools and the revamping of grassroots sports through the Zenith Bank Delta Principal’s and Headmaster’s Cup.
In 2019, he achieved a record-breaking and, of course, the transparent recruitment of 1,000 teachers, posted across secondary schools in the state. This merit-based and high-level transparency recruitment exercise made it possible for most of the beneficiaries to scale through without knowing anyone in the ministry or government.
In recognition of his rare attributes, then Governor Okowa made the following elegant statement about Ebie during his inauguration as SSG: “Mr Ebie is a fine gentleman who served meritoriously as Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the first tenure of his administration. His civility, analytical intelligence, communication skills, and diligence are essential qualities needed for the office of the SSG.
In addition to these, modern statecraft, with all its complexities and challenges, requires team players, proactive leaders, and men with a large appetite for work. Mr Ebie meets these criteria, and I am convinced that he is well equipped to enrich the social, political, and economic narrative of our dear state.”
In just one year as NDDC Board Chairman, the Board under his leadership has turned not just the Commission round for the better but also the entire Niger Delta region through purposeful and result-orientated superintendence.
Today is not just Ebie’s birthday but also the dawn of a new year for him, the beginning of another cycle of 365 days of rendering quality, humane, deliberate, intentional, and transformational service to Nigeria and the people of the Niger Delta in particular.
Happy birthday, sir!
Utomi, a media specialist, writes from Lagos, Nigeria. He can be reached via [email protected]/08032725374.
Feature/OPED
Kaolin Mining in Nigeria and Processing into Pharmaceutical Grade Kaolin with Export Potential
By Anaekwe Everistus Nnamdi
Kaolin, a versatile and valuable industrial mineral, holds significant promise for Nigeria’s mining and industrial sectors. Its wide-ranging applications, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, present an untapped potential for mining and processing into pharmaceutical-grade material for both local use and export.
Kaolin, or china clay, is a soft, white clay primarily composed of kaolinite. It finds applications in ceramics, paper, paint, rubber, and plastics. In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as an excipient, binder, and coating agent for tablets, underscoring its economic significance. Pharmaceutical-grade kaolin is a premium product, requiring high purity levels and strict processing standards.
Nigeria boasts substantial kaolin deposits in states like Adamawa, Katsina, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti, with reserves exceeding two billion metric tons. Despite this abundance, the potential of kaolin mining and processing remains underutilized due to limited investment, inadequate infrastructure, and technological challenges.
The local demand for kaolin, particularly in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, is on the rise. As Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector grows, fueled by an increasing population and higher prevalence of chronic diseases, the need for high-quality pharmaceutical excipients like kaolin is set to surge. Beyond pharmaceuticals, kaolin is essential in toothpaste, cosmetics, and agrochemicals, further diversifying its domestic applications.
Globally, the kaolin market was valued at USD 3.09 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 4.90 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.59% from 2023 to 2030. The rising demand across industries such as paper, ceramics, paints, and rubber drives this growth. Construction activities worldwide also contribute to the expanding market, aligning with the growing global population’s needs.
Pharmaceutical-grade kaolin represents a niche yet high-value segment of this market. Major importers include the United States, Germany, Japan, and South Korea, where stringent regulations require high-quality raw materials.
Nigeria’s strategic location and trade agreements with African and international partners position it as a potential supplier. Investments in mining and processing infrastructure could enable Nigeria to compete globally, leveraging its vast reserves and cost advantages.
Trends in the Kaolin Market
Increased Demand for High-Purity Kaolin: The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are driving the need for ultra-fine, high-purity kaolin that meets regulatory standards.
Sustainability in Mining: Emphasis is growing on sustainable practices, minimizing environmental impact, and benefiting local communities.
Technological Advancements: Innovations in processing technology improve beneficiation efficiency, meeting stringent global standards.
Local Value Addition: Many governments encourage local processing industries to reduce reliance on raw material exports.
Processing pharmaceutical-grade kaolin involves a series of meticulously controlled stages. The first step is mining and beneficiation, which includes extracting kaolin and removing impurities through processes such as washing, sieving, and magnetic separation.
Next, calcination is employed to heat the kaolin, removing moisture and enhancing its chemical and physical properties.
This is followed by grinding and micronizing, a critical phase where the kaolin is refined to achieve the ultra-fine particle size required for pharmaceutical applications.
Finally, quality testing is conducted to ensure the product meets stringent international pharmacopoeia standards, guaranteeing its suitability for high-value uses.
Modern processing plants in Nigeria could significantly boost the local value chain, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imported pharmaceutical-grade kaolin.
The Nigerian mining sector operates under the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007, which provides the legal framework for activities. Key provisions include:
Licensing: Companies require licenses, such as Exploration Licenses, Mining Leases, and Small-Scale Mining Leases.
Environmental Compliance: Operations must adhere to environmental regulations, including conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
Community Engagement: Companies must engage host communities and deliver socio-economic benefits.
Additionally, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) oversees pharmaceutical product quality, including raw materials like kaolin. Compliance with NAFDAC standards is crucial for local producers targeting the pharmaceutical market.
Kaolin mining and processing offer Nigeria an opportunity to diversify its economy, reduce import dependency, and boost foreign exchange earnings. Investments in infrastructure, technology, and regulatory compliance can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s kaolin reserves.
As global demand for high-purity kaolin rises, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, Nigeria’s strategic position and abundant resources make it a key player in the industry’s future.
Anaekwe Everistus Nnamdi is the founder and Market Research Analyst of Foraminifera Market Research Limited, Lagos and can be reached via [email protected] or +234 8033782777
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