Feature/OPED
NDDC’s Internship Scheme As A Stitch in Time That Will Save Nigeria’s ‘Unemployment Nine’
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
In Nigeria, like in other parts of the world, it is believed that the viability of democracy depends upon the openness, reliability, appropriateness, responsiveness, and two-way nature of the communication environment. Democracy depends upon the regular sending and receiving of signals – not only between the people and their elected representatives but also among the people themselves.
Supporting the above assertion was the torrent of inter, intra and crossed commentaries by Niger Deltans at the launch by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of a Youth Internship Scheme initiated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for 10,000 youths from the Niger Delta region in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
For a better understanding of why this piece specifically appreciates NDDC’s decision to empower youths of the region, it is important to first, underline that Nigeria is a vast country with vast problems that disrupt its progress. But one need not pause to know that the most pernicious of all these problems is youth unemployment.
Tragically unique is the awareness that the unemployment challenge in the country has not only defiled nearly every known solution but remained on a steady rise in recent decades.
As the challenge remained on the increase, even so, were the efforts by successive administrations to have the monster arrested. While some of these efforts were genuine, others were mere declarations of intent brazenly characterized by no clear definition of the problem, the goal to achieve, the means chosen to address the challenge or well-codified means of giving interim support to the unemployed with basic good means of livelihood such as food and security.
Take as an illustration, a story was told of how many years ago, Nigerian youths received with open mind the promise of empowerment initiatives under the then government’s Social Investment Programme for the creation of employment and empowerment of Nigerians. Unfortunately, those excitements were short-lived as many youths who indicated interest could neither register nor secure the training due to the clumsy nature of the arrangements.
Out of the few that eventually registered, some could not complete the programme largely because of distance exuberated by the fact that the initiators failed to factor in (logistics/transportation/daily sustenance allowance) for the trainees. For obvious reasons, even those who completed the programme were more of non-learners as being in school does not always lead to learning.
At that time, this sorry story understandably raised a lot of worries among Nigerians.
With the above highlighted, this piece will comparatively spread out particulars that differentiate the old experience from the present initiative by NDDC’s governing board and management.
Detailing the present Youth Internship Scheme, the Senate President said, “The 10,000 youths would be engaged in the programme designed to improve their skills. The beneficiaries in the first phase would be paid N50,000 monthly. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the development of the Niger Delta region’’.
What a visionary and sustainable way of empowering the youth!
Again, aside from the awareness that participants slated for this programme need not travel far to access the training as training locations are tragically brought to their doorsteps, unlike previous initiatives, also commendable on the part of NDDC’s governing board and management is their recognition that it Is in the interest of the government and the nation at large to create jobs/empower the youth as a formidable way of curbing crime and reducing threatening insecurity in the country. Most estimable is the Commission’s affirmation that it should be done not merely for political considerations but from the point of view of regional/national development and sustenance of our democracy.
Away from the internship Scheme and FG’s N50,000 monthly Stipend to 10,000 Niger Delta Youths which when implemented, promises to empower the youths from the region, and create self-reliance, there are other hidden but genuine reasons why the people of the region, particularly youths are happy with the Commission.
First, in addition to addressing the region’s underdevelopment (infrastructures and capital), the youths of the region, according to commentaries are particularly happy that the current governing board and management operate in total compliance with the global prerequisite which says that any developmental effort without youth empowerment and job creation at its centre will take such society, region or nation nowhere.
Closely related to the above is the revelation by the Senate President, who, while commending the NDDC for restoring some damaged sections of the East-West Road, hinted that following a presidential directive, the NDDC recently inaugurated five flagship projects covering roads, bridges, and electricity across the region. This is in addition to the assurance that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project would not only commence from Lagos but would also start simultaneously from the Niger Delta.
Even as the people of the region celebrate, there are hopeful signs of more silver lining on the horizon for the region and its people.
Take, as an illustration, in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr Chiedu Ebie, assured that the Commission would continue to focus on completing capital projects that would add value to the Niger Delta region.
Ebie said, “Our commitment is to work towards transforming the region, in line with the 8-Point Presidential Priorities, as well as in accordance with the demands of the NDDC Act of 2000.” He thanked members of the National Assembly for expeditiously passing the 2024 budget of the Commission, which would set the tone for the implementation of projects and programmes benefiting the people of the Niger Delta region.
For his part, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, in a similar vein stated that the people of the Niger Delta region had transitioned from militant agitation to intellectual struggle, noting that the region was now reaping the benefits of these struggles.
He said, “We have provided more opportunities and hope to Niger Delta youths through our Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement, designed to identify youth interests for skills training.” The NDDC boss said that Project HOPE had helped the Commission develop a comprehensive digital repository, containing important information about the youths of the Niger Delta region, including their qualifications, skills, interests, needs, and current employment status.
From Project Hope to building partnership, Ogbuku remarked that the NDDC was working with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce to train youths and young entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region, stating that the Commission would collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce to support Small and Medium Enterprises in the region and ensure the sustainability of youth development programmes. “We will also partner with the Bank of Industry to fund projects, support businesses, and facilitate the success of our empowerment programmes. We will provide all necessary support for youth entrepreneurship schemes,” he concluded.
To completely come out of the throws of unemployment, this piece holds the opinion that youths from the region must, on their part, recognise that ‘the future is full of promises as it is fraught with uncertainties. That the industrial society is giving way to one based on knowledge’. They must, therefore, learn to be part of the knowledge-based world. The youths must shun instant gratification mentalities and other negative influences emanating from social media that have conspired to render them morally bankrupt.
In like manner, the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency replicate NDDC’s youth empowerment model in other regions of the country. This, no doubt, will go a long way in throwing Nigeria’s monster youth unemployment which breeds all manner of restiveness into extinction. If implemented, it will become a stitch in time that will save Nigeria’s “unemployment nine”.
But for me, NDDC’s Internship Scheme has marked the beginning of something new and different for the youths from the region.
Utomi writes from Lagos, Nigeria
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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