Feature/OPED
Geopolitical Changes, African Union Reforms and Election of Next AU Commission’s Chairperson
By Professor Maurice Okoli
The African Union, a continental organisation, is heading for a new traditional face within the framework of its guiding principles. That new forthcoming era would open a new chapter and, to a large degree, determine the future of Africa, especially taking cognizance of the current global changes. In less than a year since the expiration of the African Union Chairperson’s position, an advanced search for the next candidate has begun. As stipulated by the organization’s constitution, the candidate for the powerful position is normally elected. It is tentatively planned to choose the fifth Chairperson to succeed incumbent Chairperson Moussa Faki, whose second term of office ends in February 2025.
The majority of African leaders have spoken of unprecedented reforms, carrying out a significant internal shake-up, and new blood to be pumped into the current African Union leadership and its related allied institutions. Arguments for several changes are necessary to make the continental organisation work more effectively and produce tangible results, especially now within the context of global reconfiguration. Africa is too diverse to fit together. But there are many more interests in uniting the continent. But the political, economic, and cultural diversities have to be transformed into continental strength to ensure development and growth, instead of a noticeable display of weaknesses and passive actions. It is often repeatedly claimed that the African Union needs urgent realistic reforms and some kind of rebranding of its structure as an effective instrument for rapid development, new economic architecture, and substantial growth.
In late January, Rwandan President Paul Kagamé was appointed to lead the AU institutional reform process. It was an important step towards implementing its institutional reforms, setting the Pan-African organisation’s objectives under the leadership of the Heads of State, who meet once a year at the Assembly. As Africa faces a multitude of crises, unstoppable debates have also dominated inside Africa and on international platforms over the performance of the 55-member organisation, its existing challenges, and the way forward in the fast-changing world.
A media report released on March 3, 2024, titled “Museveni Endorses Raila Odinga’s AU Chairperson Bid” and circulated in the East African region showed the publicity campaign and erratic steps taken to promote Kenyan Raila Odinga to take over as Chairman of the AU Commission. Interestingly, Raila Odinga, Kenya’s opposition leader, has readily accepted Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s endorsement of his candidature for African Union Commission chairperson.
In a flagship statement posted via his social media platforms, Odinga said Museveni endorsed him during a joint meeting with President William Ruto. The Azimio alliance’s leader stated that the joint meeting with President Museveni and President Ruto was organized at the Ugandan president’s invitation.
“I accepted an invitation from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda for a joint meeting with President William Samoei Ruto. President Museveni strongly endorsed my candidature for Chairperson of the African Union Commission,” said Odinga, showing appreciation for William Ruto for fully supporting his candidature.
The trio also discussed the AU platform for deepening regional integration within the East African Community. Apart from Presidents Ruto and Museveni, other state heads who threw their invaluable weight behind the former Prime Minister are Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), and Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo also endorsed Odinga, saying he is the best candidate to replace the outgoing chair, Moussa Faki.
Raila Odinga has an unmistakable political influence. He was born into a modest political family and grew up in politics. His profound perspectives suggest he operates as a pivotal figure within power dynamics, and his decision-making capacity is perceived as absolutely pragmatic. Odinga, most observers say, possesses an assertive leadership style and always expresses a steadfast interest in the complexity of a development-oriented society. These leadership skills echo his deep-seated affection for a genuine communal, regional, and continental tradition. Odinga as a suitable candidate underscores the perfect choice to embrace and settle for the best administrator for Africa.
Nevertheless, an insight into the choice and nomination of possible candidates is fraught with intrigue and nepotism. But at a glance, Odinga envisions carving out a new, distinctive image for the African Union. His high-value knowledge and experiences, corporate business entrepreneurialism, and pragmatic new economic development thinking would probably save Africa. Narratives too indicated that Odinga would adopt a far-reaching overhauled approach and take unshakable measures towards the most significant issues across Africa. These are essential conditions for re-imaging the AU’s future.
As the history of the stipulated procedures indicates, the elected chairperson becomes the head of the African Union Commission. For instance, on January 30, 2017, after seven rounds of voting, Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat was elected chairperson over Nigeria’s Amina Mohamed. He was re-elected in 2021 for another four-year term, which ends in 2025. Moussa Faki Mahamat, born on June 21, 1960, was first elected as the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson on January 30, 2017, and assumed office in March 2017. He served previously as State Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Chad.
According to official documents researched, the Chairperson of the AUC is the Chief Executive Officer, the legal representative of the AU, and the Commission’s Chief Accounting Officer. The Chairperson of the Commission is elected by the Assembly for a four-year term, renewable once.
In broad terms, the Chairperson’s functions include overall responsibility for the Commission’s administration and finances; promoting and popularising the AU’s objectives and enhancing its performance; consulting and coordinating with key stakeholders like member states, development partners, and Regional Economic Communities (RECs); appointing and managing the Commission’s staff; and acting as a depository for all AU and OAU treaties and legal instruments.
The African Union (AU) under Moussa Faki Mahamat has made several achievements, including raising the continental external relations profile and its ascension into the Group of Twenty (G20). In September 2023, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India chaired the G20 summit, the G20 nations agreed to grant the African Union permanent membership status in an appreciable move aimed at offering the continent a stronger voice on important questions and to uplift its status on a higher stage. In its final declaration in New Delhi, the G20 granted the African Union full membership. The G20 consists of 19 countries and the European Union, making up about 85 percent of the global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population.
New Delhi is also counting on earning high-profile PR points to burnish its reputation as a Global South leader. In an article published in Indian and foreign newspapers ahead of the summit, Modi wrote, “Our presidency has not only seen the largest-ever participation from African countries but has also pushed for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.”
Under Moussa Mahamat’s African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the single continental market has the potential to unite an estimated 1.4 billion people in a $2.5 trillion economic bloc. The AfCFTA opens up tremendous opportunities for both local African and foreign investors from around the world.
January 1, 2021, signaled the commencement of Africa’s journey to market integration after it was postponed by six months in 2020 following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. But its huge potential, which cannot be underestimated, is to generate a range of benefits through supporting trade creation, structural transformation, productive employment, and poverty reduction.
It aims at making Africa the largest common market in the world and accelerating continental integration. It is expected to reinforce the measures taken in terms of the free movement of persons, goods, and services across borders. But much depends on the collective determination and solidarity demonstrated by African leaders to face the challenges in a united and resolute manner. It depends on the strong mobilization of African leaders and the effective coordination provided by the African Union.
For this to be successful, Africa has to engage in modernising agriculture and strengthening agro-food systems by working towards its food security rather than simply accepting food packages as ‘gifts’ from so-called external friends. The next stage is to industrialise, add value to the agricultural products by processing them, and finally distribute them locally and for exports, hence the establishment of the AfCFTA. From this concrete perspective will emerge a new Africa, “the Africa we want,” which has understandably become the resounding guiding slogan.
Despite that, there have also been several critical assessments and careful analyses of developments over the past few years. The AU has made scathing remarks on the negative impacts inflicted by imperialism, neocolonialism, and Western hegemony. And further consistently called for calling for a complete overhaul of the multinational financial system to enable the pursuit of needed development goals across Africa. Paradoxically, Africa has huge resources, both natural and human, but the larger size of its population still lives in abject poverty and desperation.
At least a majority of African leaders on their side recognised the need to reform the continental organisation too. It has allegedly been manipulated by external powers, and to a large extent, internal deficiencies and weaknesses are still persistent on the continent. These include the absence of the fundamentals of democracy, good governance, transparency, and accountability, primarily due to weak institutions and ineffective organs of the state, especially the parliaments. Opposition groups are stifled, putting democracy at risk across Africa.
Rising ethnic conflicts, political-economic instability, and military appearance in politics. These have sparked widespread mass protests. Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Gabon, Mali, and Niger are run by military officers. Then there was instability in Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The biggest vulnerabilities include the proliferation of weapons, weak border control, and unprotected industrial facilities. The inevitable impact on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
Researchers say the African Union should dedicate this year to solving the various issues of instability and restoring credibility in the democratic process. Non-constitutional changes of government have multiplied in total defiance of the entire political and legal system on which the organization was founded. Never since the creation of the African Union has there been such a large number of transitions following unconstitutional changes of government in Africa. (See African Leaders Extraordinary Summit report, February 2024.)
Set up more than two decades ago, the 55-member bloc has long been criticized for being ineffectual and for taking little decisive action in the face of numerous power grabs. Some 19 presidential or general elections are scheduled on the continent in 2024, portending more challenges for the AU.
Seemingly, there is a necessity to navigate a new dynamic development paradigm within the context of multipolar relations. The multifaceted nature of obstacles has to be addressed with a spirit of vigour and valuable perspectives. There are three main directions: democracy and good governance, food security and industrialization, and economy and trade. These could lead to social inclusion and broadening employment for the youth and the next generation. They could also lead to economic growth, stability, and better life conditions across Africa. All aspects of Africa’s development are incorporated into the joint report published at the African Economic Conference 2022.
In a nutshell, the African Union and African leaders have to realign their foreign policies and back away from geopolitical insinuations, rather than take advantage of the complexities and confrontations to look for substantive opportunities to support their efforts in pursuit of building better. The beauty of Africa lies not only in its economic potential but also in its vibrant and diverse cultures.
However, it would be remiss to discuss Africa’s economic growth without addressing the challenges that persist. Poverty, inequality, and a lack of infrastructure continue to hinder progress. It is our collective responsibility to work towards addressing these issues, ensuring that the benefits of Africa’s economic growth are inclusive and sustainable.
Notwithstanding the questions raised above, Moussa Faki Mahamat has spoken of “worrying trends” during these past few years at high-level conferences and meetings, characterising the main challenges “as political instability, climate change, poverty, deficits in economic governance, and marginalisation of women and young people in development and leadership.” Another major subject of discussion has been how the AU will transition to relying on African states to fund most of its budget rather than foreign donors. For instance, the UN Security Council in December adopted a resolution to finance AU-led peace missions but capped it at 75 percent of the budget.
The 37th AU Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, at the annual convention in February 2024, stressed the necessity for practical long-term strategies and to strengthen efforts at achieving peace and stability on the continent and to attain the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and AU Agenda 2063. The AU Agenda 2063 is a comprehensive development framework for Africa.
The significant aspect of the retreat was the valuable discussions on the reform agenda. The reform agenda emphasises the need to focus on key priorities with a continental scope, realigning AU institutions to deliver on its objectives, operational efficiency, and sustainable self-financing of the Union. The retreat also reviewed the second ten-year plan of Agenda 2063, which spans from 2024 to 2033.
In the context of a multipolar geopolitical order, African leaders and the African Union should strengthen their positions regarding external partnerships. The African Union has to take up the task of developing collective approaches to the problems of maintaining peace and security, strengthening democratic processes, developing human potential, and ensuring socio-economic growth. If not, the continent risks being left behind and used as a pawn in an increasingly divided global order.
The African Union has, in a parallel direction, spearheaded Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities, and African citizens. The AU’s vision is to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous, and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arenas, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient, and responsive Commission. These are incorporated into a single continental development program referred to as the AU Agenda 2063.
Professor Maurice Okoli is a fellow at the Institute for African Studies and the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences. He is also a fellow at the North-Eastern Federal University of Russia. He is an expert at the Roscongress Foundation and the Valdai Discussion Club.
As an academic researcher and economist with a keen interest in current geopolitical changes and the emerging world order, Maurice Okoli frequently contributes articles for publication in reputable media portals on different aspects of the interconnection between developing and developed countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Europe. With comments and suggestions, he can be reached via email: markolconsult (at) gmail (dot) com.
By Diana Tenebe
Nigeria stands at the cusp of an agricultural revolution with the ambitious plan to significantly transform its food and agriculture sector through the launch of the $510 million Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), financed by the African Development Bank and development partners. Fueled by the integration of cutting-edge technologies aimed at boosting food production and ensuring national food security.
However, as yields increase, a formidable hurdle remains: the efficient and scalable distribution of this bounty across the nation’s diverse landscapes, often hampered by infrastructural limitations and logistical complexities.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, recently called on Nigerian farmers to prepare for digital and technologically advanced farming methods, emphasising their crucial role in boosting food production and security.
Building upon this call for technological integration, and to truly unlock the full potential of Nigerian agriculture and ensure increased harvests translate to accessible and affordable food for all, the sector can draw invaluable lessons from the operational prowess of e-commerce giants like Amazon. Their success in navigating complex logistics and reaching vast customer bases offers a compelling blueprint for transforming Nigeria’s food distribution network.
Amazon’s dominance in the e-commerce realm is underpinned by a meticulously crafted logistics and supply chain system. Their significant investments in sprawling fulfillment networks, coupled with the strategic deployment of technology for route optimisation and real-time inventory tracking, have created an unparalleled engine for moving goods swiftly and efficiently.
Furthermore, their optimisation of last-mile delivery, integration of automation within warehouses, and a hybrid approach blending in-house capabilities with shrewd partnerships underscore their commitment to scalability. This intricate ecosystem is designed to handle massive volumes and adapt to fluctuating demands – a crucial capability that Nigeria’s agricultural sector desperately needs.
Translating these principles to the Nigerian context requires a fundamental shift towards building a resilient delivery infrastructure specifically tailored for agricultural produce. This necessitates moving beyond traditional, often inefficient methods and embracing hybrid transportation models that account for varying road conditions and geographical challenges.
Imagine a network that leverages a combination of refrigerated trucks for long-haul transport, smaller vehicles for navigating local terrains, and even innovative solutions like riverine transport where feasible. Integrating technologies like GPS tracking for real-time visibility of produce movement and strategically establishing a network of collection and distribution hubs across key agricultural zones can significantly streamline the flow of goods.
Implementing robust systems for real-time tracking of harvests and produce, mirroring Amazon’s inventory management, will be crucial in minimising spoilage and maximizing freshness as food travels from farm to consumer. Moreover, forging strategic alliances with existing local logistics providers, leveraging their on-the-ground knowledge and infrastructure, can provide a vital springboard for building a comprehensive network without starting entirely from scratch.
Beyond the physical movement of goods, the power of data, a cornerstone of Amazon’s success, holds immense potential for revolutionising Nigerian food distribution. Leveraging data analytics can provide invaluable insights into regional demand patterns, allowing for more accurate forecasting of optimal harvest and distribution times.
This data-driven approach can help match agricultural supply with consumer needs with greater precision, reducing waste and ensuring that the right produce reaches the right markets at the right time – much like Amazon utilizes data for personalized recommendations and understanding customer purchase behavior. Imagine farmers making informed decisions about planting based on predicted market demands or logistics providers optimizing routes based on real-time demand fluctuations.
Furthermore, adopting Amazon’s unwavering focus on customer convenience and trust is paramount, especially when dealing with perishable goods. Establishing reliable delivery schedules, ensuring the quality and freshness of produce upon arrival, and implementing transparent processes throughout the supply chain are crucial for building confidence among both farmers and consumers. This might involve implementing quality control measures at various stages, providing clear communication about delivery timelines, and potentially even exploring traceability systems that allow consumers to understand the journey of their food.
Finally, navigating the complexities and dynamism of the Nigerian market demands a long-term vision and a high degree of adaptability, mirroring Amazon’s sustained focus and agility in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.
The Nigerian agricultural sector must be prepared to iterate, learn from its experiences, and continuously refine its distribution strategies in response to local challenges and opportunities. This requires a collaborative approach involving government agencies, agricultural organisations, technology providers, and logistics companies working together to build a sustainable and efficient food distribution ecosystem.
By strategically adapting these e-commerce-inspired lessons in logistics, technology adoption, data-driven decision-making, and customer focus to the unique context of Nigerian agriculture, the nation can forge a distribution system capable of efficiently handling increased production. This transformative approach is not merely about moving food; it’s about ensuring that the fruits of Nigeria’s agricultural advancements reach every corner of the country, contributing significantly to food security, mitigating the rising cost of food, and ultimately cultivating a thriving and efficient agricultural future for all Nigerians.
Diana Tenebe is the Chief Operating Officer of Foodstuff Store
By Michael Owhoko, PhD
The astronomical rise in banks’ profits as reflected in the 2024 full year financial report has exposed the banking industry as a lucrative enterprise powered by arbitrary charges imposed on unwilling customers. In some cases, these inexplicable fees and other unholy electronic deductions, leave customers to reel on the throes of pains, with impact on their blood.
That the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been penalizing the banks for flouting stipulated guidelines as contained in its Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial, and Non-bank Financial Institutions is a confirmation that these banks deliberately use arbitrary and excessive charges to fleece customers, obviously to boost profitability.
Since these painful charges constitute part of the big profits made by banks at the expense of customers, they are likened to blood profits. Like blood money, which is obtained at the expense of another’s man’s life, blood profits are earnings gained by banks at the cost of customers’ blood.
In context, blood here refers to the sweat, sacrifice, pains, frustration and helplessness customers go through when deductions veiled in hidden and arbitrary charges are made on their accounts.In other words, bank earnings are tantamount to blood profits when viewed against the backdrop of resultant pains suffered by helpless customers who bear the brunt of arbitrary charges.
These charges are embedded in crazy debits alerts sent through SMS notifications and emails, and sometimes,they are delivered incoherently, in arrears or at odd hours, perhaps,to shield or distract customers from scrutinizing the alerts. Besides causing general body imbalance, the charges also trigger mood swings and countenance upset among customers, once received.
Some of these crazy charges include, but not limited to commission on turnover, withdrawal fees, transfer charges, electronic money transfer, processing fees, VAT charges, ATM fees, debit or credit cards issuance, replacement or renewal fees, account maintenance fees, NIP transfer charges, SMS alert charges, stamp duty fees, interest charges, SMS VAT charges, hardware token charges, cybersecurity levy, bills payment fees, and other random levies.
Besides, the CBN’s recent introduction of on-site and off-site charges during cash withdrawals at ATM machines,is also unhelpful and inimical to current plight of bank customers, who are now compelled to pay withdrawal fees for use of ATM machines owned by banks other than theirs. But where such transactions are carried out in customers’ own banks, such transactions attract no charges. This introduction is coming on the heels of a fresh increase of SMS alerts charges from N4 to N6 per transaction, further compounding the woes of customers.
Implicitly, these charges constitute huge burden on the average bank customer who contends daily with depletion in his or her account balances. Corporate customers or businesses are also not spared from these questionable charges that have become a drain on the balance-sheet of companies.
With about 312 million active accounts bank-wide as at December 2024, these irrational charges have contributed immensely to the bottom line, occupying a larger space in the profit basket of banks, dislodging loans and foreign exchange sources of profits, which have diminished overtime by high-interest rate regime and prevailing foreign exchange dynamics.
For example, from the 2024 financial year report of just five of the tier 1 banks, the profit growth rose enormously with pre-tax profit hitting N4.56 trillion, approximately 69.5 percent increase compared to N2.69 trillion declared in 2023, while their net profit after tax rose by 66.2 percent in 2024, amounting to N3.78 trillion, as against N2.27 trillion recorded in 2023.
These five tier 1 banks, whose total combined assets in 2024 reached N108.21 trillion, from just N72.80 trillion recorded in 2023, include First Holdco Plc, GTCO Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, UBA Plc,and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc.
Specifically, First Holdco grew its profit before tax to N862.39 billion in 2024 from N356.15 recorded in 2023, just as its profit after tax rose to N736.7 billion in 2024 from N308.4 billion it earned in 2023. GTCO on the other hand, grew its pre-tax profit from N609.3 billion in 2023 to N1.27 trillion in 2024, with its net profit rising to N1.02 trillion in 2024 from N529.66 billion made in 2023.
Also, Zenith Bank grew its profit before tax to N1.33 trillion in 2024 from N795.96 billion recorded in 2023, just as its profit after tax rose from N676.9 billion in 2023 to N1.03 trillion in 2024. Similarly, UBA grew its pre-tax profit to N803.72 billion in 2024 from N757.68 billion it recorded in 2023, with its net profit increased from N607.7 billion in 2023 to N766.6 billion in 2024.
In the same vein, Stanbic IBTC Holdings reported a profit before tax of N303.8 billion in 2024 from N172.91 billion it made in 2023. Its profit after tax rose to N225.3 billion in 2024, compared to N140.62 it recorded in 2023.
With charges as sources of cheap revenue, banks are no longer motivated to embark on constructive and creative efforts in their quest for profit generation. Profits gained from matching of deposit funds against credit lendingin consonant with traditional banking, are now waning. Perhaps, this explains the drop in number of banks’ female employees deployed to chase depositors for cheap funds.
Though, lacking ingenuity and industry,use of charges as sources ofcheap profits, can make the ordinary businessman to be envious of bank owners. Even Aliko Dangote, as the richest man in Africa, perhaps, may be regretting for allowing his bank, Liberty Merchant Bank, to go under, just like previous bank owners whose banks have closed shop. Their banks might have been sources of value addition to their wealth.
Regrettably, rather than portray the banks in positive light, these colossal profits shunned out by Nigerian banks, are stirring negative public perception about their operational methods, believed generally to be unhelpful to individual and business ventures, particularly, small and medium business enterprises.
The Federal Government and CBN are complicit in this unjustifiable charges and levies. Reason: the Federal Government recently received approximately N84.05 billion from Electronic Money Transfer Levy alone in the first quarter of this year, 2025. This is unhealthy, and a nightmare for the average Nigerian bank customer, who sees it as sheer extortion.
Since the government is a direct beneficiary of these charges, CBN may have been reluctant to exercise strict and regular oversight over the banks on compliance with its guidelines. And this may have unwittingly,encouraged the banks to thrive in unbridled manner, particularly, in “under the table transactions.” These boom and windfall profits would have been near impossible under a sane financial environment typified by global best banking practices.
So, while the banks jubilate for a job well done for full year 2024 financial reports, the real sector and individual customers for which the banks were established to support, groan and suffocate in pains due to business decline and losses suffered, including, in some cases, complete closure of operations and insolvency.
Put differently, the banking system has become a pain in the neck of customers. While customers are experiencing frustrations from incessant debit alerts attributable to subjective and jumbled charges, corporate customers, in addition,also suffer from inability to access simple credits to run businesses,including foreign exchange to settle Letters of Credit.
It is therefore imperative to compel the banks to function appropriately without putting the customers through pains. Gaps created by CBN’s unimpressive efforts at enforcing compliance with rules guiding bank charges, should be filled by various consumer protection agencies for the good of customers.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) established to protect the interest of consumers should rise to the challenge of banks’growing quest for abnormal profit through use of arbitrary charges,devoid of empathy for emotional state of customers.
Some of the policies that necessitated the bank charges should be reviewed,so as not to discourage Nigerians from optimizing the services of the banking industry. Failure to do this, could undermine government’s cashless policy, with implication on banks’ total clientele base. Moreso, as the country is still underbanked.
The banks must therefore, wake up,smell the coffee,feel the impulse of customers, and shore up the dwindling integrity and reputation of the banking industry.
Dr. Mike Owhoko, Lagos-based public policy analyst, author, and journalist, can be reached at www.mikeowhoko.com, and followed on X {formerly Twitter} @michaelowhoko.
By Abba Dukawa
Despite political scepticism from opposition politicians, Governor Mai Mala Buni has proven his commitment to serving Yobe State’s people, prioritizing their needs over personal interests since taking office. His political vision aligns with the masses’, focusing on their welfare and well-being.
Notwithstanding the challenges, Governor Mai Mala Buni remains committed to Yobe State’s, focusing on state and citizens’ needs despite obstacles
Since taking office, Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration has made significant strides in various sectors, including infrastructure development, healthcare, education, road construction, agriculture, and women and youth empowerment. Notably, the administration has offered local and foreign scholarships, boosting citizens’ confidence in the state.”
Despite insurgency and insecurity challenges in the state, Governor Mai Mala Buni has made concerted efforts to combat insecurity. Notably, he has engaged with Service Chiefs and Heads of Security Agencies to find lasting solutions, ensuring peace and security across the state. Over the past six years, the Yobe State government has provided over 400 vehicles to support the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, and other security agencies, enhancing their operational capabilities.
Under Governor Mai Mala Buni’s leadership, Yobe State has made significant strides in transforming education. To address the pressing issue of out-of-school children, he convened the state’s inaugural education summit, seeking solutions. With approximately 4.4 million out-of-school children residing in Yobe (about a third of Nigeria’s 13.2 million), the summit marked a crucial milestone in the administration’s efforts to revamp the education sector.
To expand access to education, the administration established model primary and junior secondary schools in each of the state’s three senatorial districts, with plans for further expansion to all 17 local government areas. This initiative has yielded significant results, including increased school enrollment and the rehabilitation of structures damaged by Boko Haram insurgents.
Furthermore, Governor Buni’s administration has established six new Model Schools, seven Mega Schools, nine Government Girls’ Day Senior Secondary Schools, eight co-educational Government Day Senior Secondary Schools, one additional boys’ school, and an IDP School in Buni-Yadi.” These initiatives were complemented by the construction of new classrooms, laboratories, ICT centers, hostels, and other essential facilities, as well as the provision of teaching and learning materials to primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, fostering a conducive learning environment for students and pupils. These new schools are strategically located in affected areas, aligning with the administration’s State of Emergency Declaration on Education initiative.” The administration has also awarded scholarships to hundreds of high-achieving students, both male and female, to pursue various fields, including Petro-Engineering, Medicine, Anesthesia, and Pharmacy, locally and internationally.
Yobe State’s health sector has seen significant achievements, the state government has constructed, refurbished, and equipped over 138 Primary Health Care centers, increasing access to essential services. Free Dialysis Program*: hundreds patients receive free dialysis treatment every month at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital.
Yobe State was recognized as a leader in primary healthcare, winning $500,000 in the North-East sub-region leadership challenge.The state allocated 15% of its 2025 budget to the health sector, to promote healthcare delivery services. The state has upgraded four general hospitals to specialist facilities and eight Primary Health Care centers to general hospitals, enhancing healthcare infrastructure.
The Buni Expanded Free Healthcare Scheme provides free basic healthcare to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children under five, and people living with disabilities. More than hundred thousands residents have been enrolled in the scheme, with 222 primary healthcare providers and 24 secondary healthcare facilities supported through capitation and fee-for-service arrangements. Yobe State University Teaching Hospital has secured full accreditation to train 25 resident doctors, a monumental achievement for the state’s healthcare sector.
Since 2019, the state has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development under the current administration. Yobe State’s infrastructure development under Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration has seen significant progress in various sectors. Construction and rehabilitation of over 500 kilometers of roads, connecting communities and fostering economic growth complete road projects. Township roads and drainages in five local government areas. Damaturu flyover construction.
Commissioning of new electricity infrastructure for the Nguru Mass Housing Estate, Expansion of the National Grid to more communities. Installation of solar streetlights in 11 local government areas. Mass Housing Policy delivering 2,350 housing units with basic amenities at a 50% discount on an owner-occupier basis. Improved water supply with new solar-powered boreholes and reticulations in Damaturu, Buni-Yadi, Nguru, Geidam, and Potiskum. Construction of modern markets in Potiskum, Geidam, Yunusari, and Ngalda, Damaturu Mega Shopping Mall construction and Potiskum Truck Transit Park development. These infrastructure developments aim to drive economic growth, enhance the quality of life for residents, and support the state’s overall progress
Despite financial constraints, Governor Buni’s administration has successfully implemented developmental projects that enhance human capital development. To achieve its socioeconomic objectives, the administration is proactively seeking local and international investments to leverage the state’s natural mineral resources. Notably, Governor Buni has engaged with Qatari investors to explore opportunities for establishing a cement company and meat processing factory in Yobe State.
The administration has revitalized and upgraded government-owned industries, including the Gujba Fertiliser Blending Plant, Polythene, Woven Sacks Factory, Yobe Flour and Feed Mills, and Sahel Aluminium Companies, to enhance production capacity. This initiative seeks to boost internal revenue generation and create jobs.
To realize its vision for Yobe State, the administration has introduced transformative policies and programs designed to unlock the state’s vast potential and propel it towards greatness. Building on the substantial progress achieved over the past six years, Governor Mai Mala Buni has consistently prioritized the welfare of the people, eschewing political expediency and personal interests for the greater good.
As Chairman of the APC’s Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni spearheaded the party’s transformation, bridging internal rifts and rebranding it to appeal to a wider demographic. Under his leadership, the APC has attracted notable defections, including governors from Zamfara, Ebonyi, and Cross River states, as well as prominent figures such as Gbenga Daniel, Lt. Gen. Ihejirika, Yakubu Dogara, Dimeji Bankole, and Barnabas Gemade. Governor Buni’s people-centric approach has earned him recognition as a diligent and empathetic leader. His administration’s commitment to enhancing citizens’ lives reflects his sense of duty and selflessness.
Dukawa writes in from Kano and can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com
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