Feature/OPED
NDDC and a Region’s New Trajectory
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
In the words of Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli, a Florentine diplomat, author, philosopher, and historian who lived during the Italian Renaissance and best known for his political treatise, The Prince, written around 1513 but not published until 1532, five years after his death, “the first opinion that is formed of a leader’s intelligence is based on the quality of men he has around him. When they are competent and loyal, he can always be considered wise, because he has recognised their competence and kept them loyal. But when they are otherwise, the ruler is always open to adverse criticism because his first mistake has been in the choice of men around him.”
If the above leadership wisdom is juxtaposed with the recent significant appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of worthy Nigerians as members, governing board and management of a critical agency, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to assist the agency build trust, exhibit character, competence and connection through provision of sustainable development for the Niger Delta region and its people, it amply characterizes Mr President as an intelligent leader with consciousness that the first duty of a leader is to find the right people and assign them rightful positions.
For their part, members of the governing board and management of the commission, right from inception, established through early resolves, the truism in the time-honoured saying that “when we talk about Niger Delta solution to Niger Delta problems, it is because we know that we can permanently silence the gun if we act in solidarity and unity.”
In addition to holding together and defining themselves as a team, the commission’s leadership has in the main time maintained an unbroken bond of unity of which no one seems to understand the leadership culture or ideological thread holding these diverse peoples with different cultures and languages together.
The situation says something more!
Aside from developing steadfast dedication to fostering sustainable development, empowering communities, and catalysing positive transformation across the Niger Delta region, the Commission’s leadership/management has through consistent people-focused actions and regular stakeholders engagements ushered into the consciousness of Niger Deltans, a new concept of one united Niger Delta region, where the leaders speak with one voice, fight a common cause to protect the people’s economic, sociocultural and infrastructural interest of its people within the larger enclave called Nigeria.
In recent months, the commission under the present appointees has not only taken concrete steps and policy thrusts that will assist bolster infrastructure, and advancing social welfare initiatives, but is, to the admiration of its stakeholders, steadfastly committed to creating opportunities and enhancing livelihoods that have set the stage for the emergence of a new Niger Delta region that will morph from backward and degraded environment, occasioned by crude oil exploration, exploitation and production, to a more liveable environment dotted with modern infrastructures necessary for human comfort.
Like the nation’s national anthem, which observes that “though tribe and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” there is presently a compelling change in the outlook of the region. Niger Delta region has in recent days ceased to be a zone of fierce wars between ethnic and social forces.
Through the commission’s deployment of a participatory approach to development and broad-based consultative strategies that give the people of the region a sense of ownership over their issues, the region has morphed from hostility to a peaceful environment.
Separate from ending the long dark shadow which used to climax successive governments’ attempts to improve the well-being and economic development of the region’s individuals, peoples, and communities, also significant on the part of the commission’s leadership is their equitable allocation of benefits of growth which entails but not limited to infrastructural development and timely solution to challenges of job creation through various empowerment and human capital development programmes.
Out of so many examples of democratized infrastructural provisions by the commission under the present leadership, the 132/33kv electricity substation built at Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State and the 27.35km Ogbia-Nembe road in Bayelsa State, a joint project of the NDDC and Shell Nigeria Exploration Company stand tall.
In like manner, the recently unveiled Youth Internship Scheme, a transformative initiative for 10,000 youths from the NDDC’s nine mandate states, aimed at uplifting the region’s youth by offering them hands-on experience, skills development, and financial support of N50,000, per month all throughout the year of the training, is a similar testament of the commission’s human capital development effort.
Today, the ghost of accusation and counter-accusation that used to trail the agency’s affairs has been put to rest. The people of the region and of course the watching world need no marking scheme anymore to know that the commission is working in the interest of the region and its people.
To use the words of the former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, (GEJ), NDDC has seen the light under the present governing board and management. Just as the people of the region now push for a common economic initiative that promotes the development of their region.
This is the unique position of things in the region!
As the people of the region celebrate the current patriotism, passion, professionalism, integrity, creativity and team spirit coming from the commission, analysts are, however, not surprised with the ongoing positive progress emanating from the commission.
Take as another illustration, while many were of the view that Mr Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the NDDC, is not just a lawyer but a seasoned technocrat who represents transformative leadership for the Niger Delta region, and capped with vast experience and innate capabilities that make him well-equipped to combat the enormous challenges, others in similar vein submit that Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, on his part, comes fully equipped to make a difference at the interventionist agency, as he boasts of an impressive profile spanning over twenty years of experience and expertise in crisis management and capacity building, built across diverse fields of excellent human endeavour.
Indeed, as the region and its people celebrate the commission’s offer of a lasting solution to the socio-economic difficulties in the Niger Delta region, this piece is particularly fixated on the support and healthy working relationship the commission enjoys with the members of the 10th National Assembly, particularly the Senate Committee on NDDC and its counterpart at the House of Representatives.
As noted in a recent but similar intervention, I recently had a fortunate opportunity to witness the commissioning by President Bola Tinubu of electricity and road projects executed by the Commission at Okitipupa in Ondo state and Ogbia in Bayelsa state respectively.
At the separate but related events, I listened with rapt attention to the goodwill messages delivered by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC. I also listened with interest to that of Honourable Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC.
Clearly, the content of their messages, going by objective assessment, showcased a Senate and House Committee desirous of seeing the NDDC board and management succeed in their statutory responsibility and the region blossom in infrastructure, healthy environment and human capital development.
At the events, the duo congratulated the NDDC and the people of the region for the breakthroughs and were particularly loud and clear in their promise of willingness to take any positive legislative step that will assist the NDDC governing board and management as presently constituted, succeed in its present statutory responsibility of bringing sustainable infrastructural and human capital development to the region and its people.
Certainly, this present understanding and pragmatic alliance by Barrister Chiedu Ebie led NDDC governing board and management, the Senate and House of Representatives Committees, for Niger Delta region development is not only commendable but timely. If sustained, it will usher in something positively new and different to the ongoing sustainable development in the region and its people.
Utomi, a communicator, writes from Lagos, Nigeria. He can be reached via [email protected]/08032725374
By Luke Kyohere
The global payments landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation. New technologies coupled with the rising demand for seamless, secure, and efficient transactions has spurred on an exciting new era of innovation and growth. With 2025 fast approaching, here are important trends that will shape the future of payments:
1. The rise of real-time payments
Until recently, real-time payments have been used in Africa for cross-border mobile money payments, but less so for traditional payments. We are seeing companies like Mastercard investing in this area, as well as central banks in Africa putting focus on this.
2. Cashless payments will increase
In 2025, we will see the continued acceleration of cashless payments across Africa. B2B payments in particular will also increase. Digital payments began between individuals but are now becoming commonplace for larger corporate transactions.
3. Digital currency will hit mainstream
In the cryptocurrency space, we will see an increase in the use of stablecoins like United States Digital Currency (USDC) and Tether (USDT) which are linked to US dollars. These will come to replace traditional cryptocurrencies as their price point is more stable. This year, many countries will begin preparing for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), government-backed digital currencies which use blockchain.
The increased uptake of digital currencies reflects the maturity of distributed ledger technology and improved API availability.
4. Increased government oversight
As adoption of digital currencies will increase, governments will also put more focus into monitoring these flows. In particular, this will centre on companies and banks rather than individuals. The goal of this will be to control and occasionally curb runaway foreign exchange (FX) rates.
5. Business leaders buy into AI technology
In 2025, we will see many business leaders buying into AI through respected providers relying on well-researched platforms and huge data sets. Most companies don’t have the budget to invest in their own research and development in AI, so many are now opting to ‘buy’ into the technology rather than ‘build’ it themselves. Moreover, many businesses are concerned about the risks associated with data ownership and accuracy so buying software is another way to avoid this risk.
6. Continued AI Adoption in Payments
In payments, the proliferation of AI will continue to improve user experience and increase security. To detect fraud, AI is used to track patterns and payment flows in real-time. If unusual activity is detected, the technology can be used to flag or even block payments which may be fraudulent.
When it comes to user experience, we will also see AI being used to improve the interface design of payment platforms. The technology will also increasingly be used for translation for international payment platforms.
7. Rise of Super Apps
To get more from their platforms, mobile network operators are building comprehensive service platforms, integrating multiple payment experiences into a single app. This reflects the shift of many users moving from text-based services to mobile apps. Rather than offering a single service, super apps are packing many other services into a single app. For example, apps which may have previously been used primarily for lending, now have options for saving and paying bills.
8. Business strategy shift
Recent major technological changes will force business leaders to focus on much shorter prediction and reaction cycles. Because the rate of change has been unprecedented in the past year, this will force decision-makers to adapt quickly, be decisive and nimble.
As the payments space evolves, businesses, banks, and governments must continually embrace innovation, collaboration, and prioritise customer needs. These efforts build a more inclusive, secure, and efficient payment system that supports local to global economic growth – enabling true financial inclusion across borders.
Luke Kyohere is the Group Chief Product and Innovation Officer at Onafriq
In a heartfelt statement released today, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has extended its warmest congratulations to Ghana’s President-Elect, emphasizing the importance of learning from Ghana’s recent electoral success as Nigeria gears up for its 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP highlighted the need for Nigeria to reclaim its status as a leader in democratic governance in Africa.
“The recent victory of Ghana’s President-Elect is a testament to the maturity and resilience of Ghana’s democracy,” the CNPP stated. “As we celebrate this achievement, we must reflect on the lessons that Nigeria can learn from our West African neighbour.”
The CNPP’s message underscored the significance of free, fair, and credible elections, a standard that Ghana has set and one that Nigeria has previously achieved under former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. “It is high time for Nigeria to reclaim its position as a beacon of democracy in Africa,” the CNPP asserted, calling for a renewed commitment to the electoral process.
Central to CNPP’s message is the insistence that “the will of the people must be supreme in Nigeria’s electoral processes.” The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria CNPP emphasized the necessity of an electoral system that genuinely reflects the wishes of the Nigerian populace. “We must strive to create an environment where elections are free from manipulation, violence, and intimidation,” the CNPP urged, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take decisive action to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
The CNPP also expressed concern over premature declarations regarding the 2027 elections, stating, “It is disheartening to note that some individuals are already announcing that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027. This kind of statement not only undermines the democratic principles that our nation holds dear but also distracts from the pressing need for the current administration to earn the trust of the electorate.”
The CNPP viewed the upcoming elections as a pivotal moment for Nigeria. “The 2027 general elections present a unique opportunity for Nigeria to reclaim its position as a leader in democratic governance in Africa,” it remarked. The body called on all stakeholders — including the executive, legislature, judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civil society organisations — to collaborate in ensuring that elections are transparent, credible, and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.
As the most populous African country prepares for the 2027 elections, the CNPP urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to democratic principles. “We must work together to ensure that our elections are free from violence, intimidation, and manipulation,” the statement stated, reaffirming the CNPP’s commitment to promoting a peaceful and credible electoral process.
In conclusion, the CNPP congratulated the President-Elect of Ghana and the Ghanaian people on their remarkable achievements.
“We look forward to learning from their experience and working together to strengthen democracy in our region,” the CNPP concluded.
By Kenechukwu Aguolu
The proposed tax reform, involving four tax bills introduced by the Federal Government, has received significant criticism. Notably, it was rejected by the Governors’ Forum but was still forwarded to the National Assembly. Unlike the various bold economic decisions made by this government, concessions will likely need to be made on these tax reforms, which involve legislative amendments and therefore cannot be imposed by the executive. This article highlights the purposes of taxation, the qualities of a good tax system, and some of the implications of the proposed tax reforms.
One of the major purposes of taxation is to generate revenue for the government to finance its activities. A good tax system should raise sufficient revenue for the government to fund its operations, and support economic and infrastructural development. For any country to achieve meaningful progress, its tax-to-GDP ratio should be at least 15%. Currently, Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio is less than 11%. The proposed tax reforms aim to increase this ratio to 18% within the next three years.
A good tax system should also promote income redistribution and equality by implementing progressive tax policies. In line with this, the proposed tax reforms favour low-income earners. For example, individuals earning less than one million naira annually are exempted from personal income tax. Additionally, essential goods and services such as food, accommodation, and transportation, which constitute a significant portion of household consumption for low- and middle-income groups, are to be exempted from VAT.
In addition to equality, a good tax system should ensure equity and fairness, a key area of contention surrounding the proposed reforms. If implemented, the amendments to the Value Added Tax could lead to a significant reduction in the federal allocation for some states; impairing their ability to finance government operations and development projects. The VAT amendments should be holistically revisited to promote fairness and national unity.
The establishment of a single agency to collect government taxes, the Nigeria Revenue Service, could reduce loopholes that have previously resulted in revenue losses, provided proper controls are put in place. It is logically easier to monitor revenue collection by one agency than by multiple agencies. However, this is not a magical solution. With automation, revenue collection can be seamless whether it is managed by one agency or several, as long as monitoring and accountability measures are implemented effectively.
The proposed tax reforms by the Federal Government are well-intentioned. However, all concerns raised by Nigerians should be looked into, and concessions should be made where necessary. Policies are more effective when they are adapted to suit the unique characteristics of a nation, rather than adopted wholesale. A good tax system should aim to raise sufficient revenue, ensure equitable income distribution, and promote equality, equity, and fairness.
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