Feature/OPED

Socioeconomic Challenges and Options Before the Federal Government

Published

4 years ago

27/08/2021

By Jerome-Mario Utomi

Aside from the time-honoured belief that the poverty of any country is felt by the quality and quantity of food to its citizens, it is important to state abinitio that this piece was principally inspired by two separate but related promptings.

First is the study report which among other observations states that over the past century in the United States of America (USA), there exists a shift in the locations and occupations of urban consumers.

It explained that in 1900, about 40% of the total population was employed on the farm, and 60% lived in rural areas. Today, the respective figures are only about 1% and 20%. Over the past half-century, the number of farms has fallen by a factor of three.

As a result, the ratio of urban eaters to rural farmers has markedly risen, giving the food consumer a more prominent role in shaping the food and farming system. The changing dynamic has also played a role in public calls to reform federal policy to focus more on the consumer implications of the food supply chain.

The second is the argument by Frances Stewart that the development-security nexus has become central to the development and peace-building enterprises.

He considers three types of connections between security and development, both nationally and globally: (a) security as an objective, (b) security as an instrument and (c) development as an instrument.

Given these connections, he argued that security policies may become part of development policy because in so far as they enhance security, they will contribute to development.

Conversely, development policies may become part of security policy because enhanced development increases security. Stewart finds that ‘societal progress requires reduced insecurity’ and that more inclusive and egalitarian development is likely to enhance security.’

From this spiralling awareness, the question may be asked; as a nation, what do make out of the above given heightened insecurity in the country which has resulted in incessant killings of farmers majorly in the North central part of the country and Nigeria as a whole and pathetically rendered us a country in dire need of peace and social cohesion among her various socio-political groups?

How do we arrest the situation given the fact that all its signs portend grave danger to the nation and are laced with the capacity to ‘engineer food insecurity in the country?

How do we as a nation tackle the fact that the number of farms has fallen caused by a factor attributable to insecurity? What plan is in place to manage the nagging reality that the ratio of urban eaters to rural farmers has markedly risen as a result of farmers that fled their farms/villages in order to secure their lives? Is the federal government mindful of the worrying awareness that by 2050, global consumption of food and energy is expected to double as the world’s population and incomes grow, while climate change is expected to have an adverse effect on both crop yields and the number of arable acres? What are our security and development objectives? What are the instruments targeted at achieving these objectives?

Exacerbating the situation is the belief in some quarters that since independence, the country has demonstrated that “there is no development plan (Fiscal policies, socioeconomic plans and poverty alleviations programmes) which has achieved its core objectives. There is always a disturbing laxity in marching plan targets with practical and unfailing consistency. The result is that the country remains one of the most politically and economically disarticulated countries in the world”.

Accordingly, as we prod over these concerns, it will be relevant to the present discourse to add that for any programme/action to be typified as development-based/focused, development practitioners believe that such programme progress should entail an all-encompassing improvement, a process that builds on itself and involve both individuals and social change.

Requires growth and structural change, with some measures of distributive equity, modernization in social and cultural attitudes, a degree of political transformation and stability, an improvement in health and education so that population growth stabilizes, and an increase in urban living and employment.

In the same vein, it is public knowledge that throughout the early decades, Nigeria paid little attention to what constitutes sustainable development.

Such conversation, however, gained global prominence via the United Nations introduction, adoption and pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, which lasted between the years 2000 and 2015. And was among other intentions aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and hunger as well as achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health among others.

Without going into specific concepts or approaches contained in the performance index of the programme, it is evident that Nigeria and the majority of the countries performed below average. And, it was this reality and other related concerns that conjoined to bring about 2030 sustainable agenda- a United Nation initiative and successor programme to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)- with a collection of 17 global goals formulated among other aims to promote and cater for people, peace, planet, and poverty.

And has at its centre; partnership and collaboration, ecosystem thinking, co-creation and alignment of various intervention efforts by the public and private sectors and civil society.

Certainly, Nigeria is plagued with development challenges such as widespread poverty, insecurity, corruption, the gross injustice and ethnic politics-and in dire need of attention from interventionist organizations (private and civil society organizations) as demanded by the agenda.

But, instead of the government’s passionate plea for sustainable partnership and productive collaboration receiving targeted positive responses from private organizations and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), such request often always elicits from critical minds and corporate organizations nothing but jigsaw:

If it has been said that government has no business in business, what business does the private sector have in helping the government to do its business of providing quality governance to the populace which is the instrumentality of participatory democracy and the election of leaders conferred on them? The reason for this state of affairs is not to be unconnected with transparency challenges on the part of the government.

To the private and civil society organizations, such a response option offers a more considerably reduced risk as no organization may be disposed to investing in an environment that is devoid of transparency and accountability.

Aside from the transparency and accountability challenge, with the constant killing, wanton destruction of property and palpable insecurity in the states, farmers have abandoned their farms to save their lives.

The effect is that food production and supplies in the country are openly threatened and may totally cut off months ahead.

The implication of this scenario if allowed is that the country is exposed to a harsher food crisis. It also sends a gory signal/message that what is to come in terms of escalation in the prices of food and agricultural produce and supplies promises to be scary.

Bearing this in mind, the question again, may be asked; what is the way forward? What are the best ways that the President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government can save Nigeria and Nigerians from this impending food crisis? What proactive steps and options are available before the federal government?

If the federal government wants to progress and development for the nation, there is no reason why everything that will lead to success must not be done. And such effort must first and fundamentally focus on developing socioeconomic policies that are not only people-focused but equipped with a clear definition of our problem as a nation, the goals to be achieved, and the means chosen to address the problems/and to achieve the goals.

As an incentive, such policies/programmes must focus on protecting the lives and property of Nigerians, job creation, development of strong institutions as well as infrastructural development.

By Jerome-Mario Utomi is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He could be reached via jeromeutomi@yahoo.com/08032725374.

Feature/OPED

Sunusi Bature: Time to Take the Podium

Published

22 hours ago

14/03/2025

Business Post Contributor

By Ahmad Dambazau

The National Assembly is a constitutional locomotive for any purposeful democratic government, it provides checks to the government of the day and a legal basis for the system in general .This basically accounts for the high respect usually accorded and, of course, the attendant high expectation placed on it. The legislative arm of government like any other is saddled with the responsibility enshrined in the constitution and among such major functions includes representation, oversight and law making in addition to many other numerous functions.

Be that as it may, it has been a genuine cause for worry for Nigerians that, despite our series of experimentation with democracy, our legislators have performed below expectation. Their handling of national issues has especially remained without constitutional decorum and political experience required of people of their exalted status. Part 2, Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, vests the legislative powers of the federation on the National Assembly which comprises the Senate and House of Representatives.

Dawakin Tofa ,Tofa and Rimin Gado Federal constituency is one of the few constituencies in Nigeria represented by the same legislator for 18 years(2007-2005) despite poor representation .

As the federal constituency searches for the best man to represent them for this serious legislative task. One name keeping ringing bell is Hon Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa ,Media and Communication Expert and Director General of Media and Publicity to Kano State Governor.Sunusi has earlier served as the Chief Press Seceretary to the Governor in the early days of the administration .

Mallam Sunusi is a seasoned PR guru, development communication and stakeholder engagement expert with 21 years working experience in both international development, private sector and the Media in Nigeria.

He is a winner of the Cambridge education award on investigative journalism in 2008, Bature has worked at different capacities in various national, International and Bilateral organizations such as the British Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the United State Agency for Internal Development (USAID), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Save the Children International, Discovery Learning Alliance and the Rockefeller Foundation.

He held several positions which include General Manager Corporate Services at Dantata Foods and Allied Products Limited (DFAP), Director Stakeholder Engagement at YieldWise Project, Country Program Manager at Girl Rising (ENGAGE) Project funded by the US Government, State Project Coordinator for MNCH Campaign Project of the BMGF, Deputy Director Operations at Discovery Learning Alliance, State Program Officer, Policy Advocacy and Media Development, Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist among other positions.

Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree (B.A. Hons.) in Mass Communication from University of Maiduguri, Sanusi holds a National Diploma in Mass communication from Kaduna Polytechnic, a Higher National Diploma (HND) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Education and Promotion.He also bagged MSc. in Social Work with specialization in Community Development from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH) Ogbomosho, Oyo State and another master’s degree in Public Relations (MPR) from the prestigious Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. He participated in the MSc program on Project Management at Robert Kennedy College, Zurich, Switzerland.Until his appointment, Sunusi Bature served as the Vice President, Nigeria operations for a UK based firm, Kingston Organic PLC.

Hon Dawakin Tofa has opened yet another vista of debate among electorates on the value of quality representation with vigour,expertise and experience of having a wider constituency responsibility and coverage .He has vindicated his mettle among his constituents that even as an appointee of the Governor his eloquent consistent and fearless voice always seeking the improvement of lives of his constituents accountability among representatives of the people.

He is truly a representative of the people though unelected going by the amount of work he was able to do for the overall benefit of his people. In fact, it is worth elucidating that this PR guru was able to touch the lives of the people in his stewardship in the private and public sectors. So far he has proved to be one of the few politicians that attracts government presence to his community. No matter what anyone would say, the amount of dividends of democracy that this community leader was able to bring to the door step of the people is unmatched.

Sunusi Bature’s development credentials and landmarks speaks volumes. The highlights of which were stellar achievements of re-positioning the educational sector in the more definitive ,radically ,progressive and futuristic manner , not to mention the capacity building, empowerment and educational scholarship for his people ,all shone brightly for both his admirers and detractors to access.

The Director General of Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kano State, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has been honoured with the prestigious Most Outstanding Spokesperson Award by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information. Dawakin Tofa was selected for this esteemed award in recognition of his instrumental role in promoting not only the positive image of the Kano State Governor and his giant strides also for effectively showcasing the only NNPP ruling state in Nigeria.

In the award citation, Mallam Sunusi was hailed as an unwavering proponent of non-violent communication, renowned for his extensive network and adept delivery of practices with clarity in objectives, and strategic framing of engagements with his audience.His profound impact and effectiveness in perception and reputation management are highly commendable.

In whatever one indulges in there are always people to observe and give their verdict .It is a well- known fact that there is nothing stronger than the people’s verdict.it shows a collective desire which inevitably is the voice of reason. The momentum of Hon Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa legislative bid is gathering amongst all strata of the constituency is enough testimony that experienced count in the race for the parliamentary seat.

Dambazau wrote in from Kano

Feature/OPED

Nigeria’s Mining Reforms: Unlocking Investment and Growth

Published

2 days ago

13/03/2025

Business Post Contributor

Over the past two years, Nigeria has implemented key policies and reforms to revitalize its mining industry, attract investment and strengthen the sector’s contribution to GDP.

Recent government-led initiatives have streamlined licensing processes, removed bottlenecks and simplified market entry for international investors, enhancing production across the country’s 44 solid mineral types.

As Africa’s premier mining investment event, African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 will convene Nigerian and African stakeholders with global investors and industry leaders to drive deal-making and accelerate sector growth.

Launch of Mineral Resources Decision Support System

In May 2024, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency unveiled the Mineral Resources Decision Support System to provide global investors with easy access to geological and policy data.

The platform markets Nigeria’s vast mineral resources and critical infrastructure, assisting investors in making informed decisions about the country’s mining sector. By enhancing data transparency and accessibility, the system aims to streamline investment processes and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining industry.

Restructuring of Ministry

To improve efficiency, Nigeria restructured the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in August 2023, creating two separate entities. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development focuses on upstream activities and investment facilitation, while the Ministry of Steel Development oversees the development of steel and metallic resources to drive industrial growth. This restructuring aims to enhance sector-specific governance, attract targeted investments and accelerate the country’s mineral and steel value chain development.

Approval of Nigerian Minerals & Mining Bill

Approved in April 2023 and currently under public review, the Nigerian Minerals & Mining Bill aims to introduce incentives for foreign investors while strengthening local content requirements. Once enacted, it will become the sector’s primary legal framework, enhancing transparency and investor confidence.

The bill is also expected to modernize regulatory oversight, ensuring sustainable resource management and aligning Nigeria’s mining sector with global best practices.

Implementation of Nigeria Mineral Value Chain Regulations

Implemented in July 2021, the Nigeria Mineral Value Chain Regulations mandates local processing of raw minerals such as gold and lithium, encouraging downstream investment.

Following this policy, China’s Avatar Energy Materials Company launched a 4,000-ton-per-annum lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State in May 2024, while Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nig Ltd. is developing a lithium processing plant in Kaduna State to support EV e battery production.

These investments mark a significant step toward positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global critical minerals supply chain. Against this backdrop, AMW 2025 will provide a platform for industry leaders to explore Nigeria’s evolving mining landscape and engage with global investors.

Feature/OPED

Natashagate: Suspension in the Eyes of Court Ruling

Published

2 days ago

13/03/2025

Business Post Contributor

Abba Dukawa

Despite the position of the Court of Appeal in the case of the Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly Vs Hon Rifkatu Samson Danna (2017) 49 W.R.N that a lawmaker is a representative of his people whose membership of the House is guaranteed by the Constitution and not by any other person or persons, the Senate and its leadership have continued to use suspension as an instrument to oppress, intimidate and whip lawmakers into line.

Sadly, the National Assembly has continued to ignore the position of the courts on suspension of lawmakers as the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions recommended a six-month suspension for the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over her dispute with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, following her alleged violation of the Senate’s rules.

A few hours after the committee submitted its report, the Senate quickly adopted the recommendations and slammed a six-month suspension on the lawmaker, depriving her senatorial zone representation in the Red Chamber, in violation of the Constitution, which guarantees that each of the 109 senatorial districts in the country shall be represented in the upper legislative chamber.

Her suspension for six months has raised legal issues as it is also in breach of various court judgments in the previous cases involving Senators Ali Ndume and Ovie Omo-Agege, as well as Dino Melaye and 10 other members of the House of Representatives, as well as Bauchi and Ondo states’ lawmakers.

When the Senate on March 30, 2017, suspended Senator Ndume for 90 legislative days for not “conducting due diligence” before filing a petition against the then Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Justice Babatunde Quadri of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified his suspension, declaring the action illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional. Delivering judgment in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/551/2017, which Ndume filed, the judge said the suspension was in violation of Sections 68 and 69 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP A9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The judge consequently ordered the Senate to pay the plaintiff his outstanding salaries and allowances. Again, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the suspension, saying that while the National Assembly has the power to discipline its erring members, a legislator could not be suspended for more than 14 days.

A recent scandal involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has raised questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s National Assembly. The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during an interview with Arise Television, alleging that he made inappropriate advances towards her at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December.

Between February 28 and March 5, several senators publicly defended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, dismissing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment. Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, was among those who defended Akpabio.

Undeterred, Akpoti-Uduaghan formalized her accusations by submitting a petition to the Senate on March 5, urging her colleagues to investigate her claims. However, the Senate swiftly dismissed the petition, citing a rule that prohibits senators from submitting petitions signed by them. Chairman Imasuen declared the petition “dead on arrival,” referencing Order 40, Subsection 4 of the Senate Standing Orders. The next day, the Senate voted to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, citing misconduct and actions that allegedly brought the institution into disrepute. Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected the Senate’s decision, vowing to continue representing her constituents.

In a statement, she condemned the move, saying: “Against the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming, my unjust suspension invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness, and equity.” Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that her suspension does not withdraw her legitimacy as a senator and that she will continue to serve her constituents and the country until 2027 and beyond.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has called for a transparent investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need to safeguard the Senate’s integrity. However, the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months without investigating her allegations has sparked widespread criticism.

The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) Chairperson, Barrister Huwaila Ibrahim, has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, to undergo a transparent and open investigation into allegations of misconduct involving both parties.

According to Ibrahim, an investigation would allow Senator Akpabio to clear his name and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to substantiate her claims.

Additionally, Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, spokesperson for the Coalition of Women in Governance (CWIG), has called for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall following her six-month suspension, citing concerns that the suspension constitutes an assault on democracy and a betrayal of collective values

After she dropped the bomb, a flurry of activities ensued. Senator Ireti Kingibe, a serving female senator, and two former female senators, Senator Abiodun Olujimi and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, were invited to share their views. However, their submissions were met with widespread disappointment. While arguing for adherence to rules is valid, it’s essential to recognize that rules should be applied fairly and without bias, especially in institutions of great importance.

It was clear that Senator Natasha felt beleaguered, believing the Senate President had a score to settle with her. If this was the case, I expected the three senators to support a process that would allow Senator Natasha to shed light on her serious allegations of sexual harassment, beyond national television, and for the Senate President to defend himself transparently.

To people’s horror, none of the female senators stood up for another woman. Even if they thought Senator Natasha was misguided, she was still entitled to have her fears and concerns heard. It’s painful that they missed the opportunity to address the constant intimidation, gas-lighting, and belittling women in leadership positions face.

To women who have publicly opposed Senator Natasha, there is news for you: you’re not fighting the same battle as most male senators or men who have aired their views. You’re not on the same page; you’re not even reading the same book.

If this was just about Senator Natasha following rules and not disrupting the space for women in politics, the problem could be easily fixed. Familiarizing herself with Senate rules and proceedings would make her work more productive.

However, this is not what’s at play. What’s happening is a full-scale war on women in public life, with clear lines drawn. Women need to wake up! We need to battle powerful forces that want women to remain silent in the face of provocation and abuse.

People don’t have to like Senator Natasha Uduaghan, but she deserves respect, to be heard, and allowed justice. The silence of feminist organizations and women’s rights advocates is deafening. The controversy has ignited a national debate, with many Nigerians demanding a thorough investigation into the allegations and an end to the culture of silence and intimidation.

Abba Dukawa writes from Kano can be reached via abbahydukawa@gmail.com