Feature/OPED
Youth Employment and Oborevwori’s N2bn Agricultural Intervention Fund
By Jerome-Mario Utomi
In recent weeks, the Governor of Delta State, Mr Sheriff Oborevwori, took some leadership decisions that amply qualify as people-focused.
Some of these actions by the Governor, in no particular order include but not limited to the inspection of the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS) at Mbiri Farm Settlement with 30 greenhouses for the cultivation of tomatoes and other vegetables, the Agro-Industrial Park in Aboh-Ogwashi for rice milling and others, in Ika North-East and Aniocha South local government areas, respectively, with a promise that his administration will continue to improve on the agricultural value chain to ensure food security and job creation in the state.
The second is the signing of a Shareholders Agreement by the state with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and UTM Offshore Limited, for the development of the first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) in Nigeria.
The third is the allocation of a take-off site for the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Kwale, situated within the Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the State.
The fourth and very key was the Governor’s declaration that the state would disburse N2 billion in the Special Agricultural Intervention Fund to farmers this month, among others.
Indeed, while these initiatives share a common denominator as they are envisioned to create job opportunities for our youths and advance the socio-economic development of the state, the state governor’s decision to invest N2 billion in agriculture, in the opinion of this piece, stands out and the reason for this assertion is not farfetched.
First, instead of investing massively in agricultural development in the state, particularly as the sector is globally recognized as not only the backbone but the oxygen for human survival, successive administrations in the state, on the contrary, dissipated the state’s resources on cosmetic empowerment programmes understood within the context of shabbily executed youth skill training, unfortunately, characterized by neither substance nor concrete plan for sustainability. The presentation of starter packs was the only Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for measuring the success of such slanted visions and misdirected programmes.
Within this period, agriculture was brazenly relegated to the background while these past leaders on their part failed to remember that behind every failure lies a failed decision, and behind every failed decision, lies a government that failed its people.
Secondly, Oborevwori’s investment in agriculture is coming at a time when policymakers across the globe are actively integrating policy frameworks that both protect the rights and opportunities of coming generations and contribute to compatible approaches and in a season when there exists a veiled agreement across the world that agriculture sector holds the key for resolving youth unemployment challenge.
For a better understanding of where this piece is headed, youth in every society, says a study report, has the potential to stimulate economic growth, social progress, and all national development through active involvement in the agricultural sector.
The strategic role of youths in the development of different societies of the world such as Cuba, Libya, China, Russia and Israel is obvious. Youth unemployment is potentially dangerous as it sends signals to all segments of the Society. Here in Nigeria, the rate of youth unemployment is high, even at the period of economic normalcy i.e. the oil boom of the 1970s (6.2%); 1980s (9.8%), and the 1990s (11.5%).
Youth unemployment, therefore, is not a recent phenomenon. But if what happened in the 1980s/90s was a challenge of the sort, what is happening presently, going by the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is a challenge. This and many other concerns have unexpectedly caused divided opinion and a proliferation of solutions.
This piece is not alone in this line of argument.
In fact, many Nigerians of goodwill have lately expressed concern that it is not right for state and federal governments to create agencies that dole money to Nigerian youths to eradicate poverty. Such huge resources, they argued do not have economic value. Instead, such an amount should be invested in the agricultural sector.
They underlined that considering the slow-growing economy but scary unemployment levels in the country, the nation will continue to find itself faced with difficulty accelerating the economic life cycle of the nation until its handlers contemplate commercial farming in such specialized areas. And a long-term goal of exporting such goods to West/African markets should be brought into focus.
Others canvassed less emphasis on university education. Agricultural colleges, they insisted should be established and funded to produce graduates that will champion such crusade.
Still on the relevance of the Governor’s decision to invest in agriculture, aside from the worrying reports 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 hurt both crop yields and the number of arable acres, we are in dire need of solution to this problem because unemployment has diverse implications.
Security-wise, a large unemployed youth population is a threat to the security of the few that are employed. Any transformation that does not have job creation as its main objective will not take us anywhere and the agricultural sector can absorb the teeming unemployed youth in the country.
The above trend has brought about dramatic shifts from agriculture in preference for white-collar jobs- a trend that urgently needs to be reversed.
Take, as an illustration, over the past century in the United States of America (USA), a study has it that there exists a shift in the locations and occupations of urban consumers.
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.
Separate from job creation, averting malnutrition which constitutes a serious setback to the socio-economic development of any nation is another reason why the Delta state government’s decision to embrace agriculture should be celebrated. As we know, agriculture remains a vehicle for food security and a sustainable socio-economic sector.
In fact, it was noted recently that in Nigeria, governments over the years have come to realize that sustainable growth is achievable only under an environment in which the generality of the people is exposed to a balanced diet, not just food. This explains why agricultural production should receive heightened attention. Again, it was reported that in Nigeria, an estimated 2.5 million children under five suffer from severe acute malnutrition (sam) annually, exposing nearly 420,000 children within that age bracket to early death from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea, pneumonia and malaria.
This is unacceptable!
For us to, therefore, achieve this objective in agriculture that will guarantee food security as well as bring about sustainable development, the state government must provide the needed support, technical know-how and other specialized training.
To catalyse the process, this piece holds the opinion that the state government must start thinking of developing for these farmers good transportation system and other infrastructure that offers low fares and connection of major economic towns and landlocked cities to aid the distribution of food products and other economic products from advantaged to less advantaged areas.
Other state governments and of course the Federal government must on their path draw a lesson from the ongoing initiative in Delta State.
Jerome-Mario Utomi is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Public Policy) for Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. 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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