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Editorial
It has been barely four years since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world and Nigeria, and we are still grappling with its aftereffects. The situation has been further compounded by the emergence of Lassa fever, cholera, and now MPOX, each bringing its own set of challenges and devastations. The question that arises is: why are ...
Editorial
Nigeria's waterways, once seen as a promising avenue for economic development and connectivity, have increasingly become scenes of tragedy and peril. The escalating frequency of accidents on these vital routes underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform in safety practices, infrastructure, and regulatory oversight. Recent years have witnessed a disturbing rise in mishaps involving both ...
Editorial
The alarming increase in the arrest and detention of journalists in Nigeria has become a pressing issue, casting a dark cloud over the country’s commitment to press freedom and democratic values. This recent surge in attacks on media professionals not only threatens the health of Nigeria’s democracy but also undermines the essential role that a ...
Editorial
The latest report on kidnappings in Nigeria makes for grim reading. A staggering 2,140 individuals were abducted across 24 states between January and July, projects the country’s spiralling insecurity. The government’s efforts to combat this epidemic have fallen woefully short, leaving citizens vulnerable to the mercy of kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists. The data paints a ...
Editorial
The recent announcement by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) of 40 confirmed Mpox cases out of 830 suspected cases highlights the country’s vulnerability to this escalating threat. The virus’s spread across 12 states, particularly in the South-South and South-East regions, signals a growing crisis that demands urgent intervention. While the Ministry ...
Editorial
It is becoming increasingly apparent that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) are pursuing divergent paths that may ultimately lead to no meaningful or positive results for the party. This situation mirrors the internal conflicts that previously prevented the APC from participating in the 2019 general ...
Editorial
The ‘kidnapping industry’ in Northern Nigeria has evolved from a localised problem into a nationwide crisis, with its reach extending into the Southern states. What began as a regional issue has transformed into a sophisticated network of bandits that threatens the security and stability of the entire nation. Initially concentrated in the North, particularly in ...
Editorial
Nigeria finds itself grappling with a significant challenge: the economic, political, and social burdens imposed by the proliferation of aide appointments across its government. As the country navigates complex issues such as poverty, infrastructure decay, and educational deficits, the growing number of aides appointed by public officials has become a focal point of concern. This ...
Editorial
The ongoing saga of the Port Harcourt Refinery is a stark reminder of the persistent shortcomings in Nigeria’s oil sector. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited’s inability to adhere to its self-imposed deadlines for the refinery’s revival is more than just a source of frustration; it reflects deeper systemic issues that need urgent attention. ...
Editorial
As Nigeria grapples with the dual challenges of unemployment and poverty, it has become increasingly clear that a significant overhaul of the education system is not just beneficial but necessary. The current system has long prioritised academic qualifications over practical skills, resulting in a disconnect between what is taught in schools and the skills actually ...
Editorial
Since last year, Rivers State has been grappling with a significant political crisis following an aborted impeachment attempt against Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara by 25 former lawmakers. The crisis has severely impacted the political landscape of the state. The root of the conflict appears to be a feud between Governor Fubara and his former political ...
Editorial
The recent withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill 2024 by Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas represents a crucial moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance national security with the fundamental right to free speech. This decision, while necessary, underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and dialogue regarding the protection of civil ...
Editorial
The removal of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu has sparked widespread anxiety and debate. Isa Sanusi, Acting Director for Amnesty International Nigeria, has voiced concerns about the severe impact this policy shift is having on millions of Nigerians. According to Sanusi, the subsidy’s removal has left many grappling with the rising costs of ...
Editorial
The bandit insurgency has been one of the most devastating crisis Nigeria has faced in recent decades. The extremism of their brutal and uncoordinated campaign of violence has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and a deep-seated humanitarian crisis. While military and security efforts have made significant strides in combating bandits, a critical and ...
Editorial
In the year since President Bola Tinubu took office, Nigeria has been engulfed by a confluence of economic turmoil and social unrest. The removal of the fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira have triggered a severe economic shock, driving up the prices of essential goods and services and exacerbating the hardship faced by ...
Editorial
In the late 70s and early 80s in Nigeria, especially in the South West and Northern states, Lagos and Kano in particular, over 60 percent of our working population were engaged in the textile industry. At one point in Lagos State, the number of workers going to work at night was approximately equal to those ...
Editorial
Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture as citizens across the nation voice their demands for accountable governance through the #EndBadGovernance protests. While the anti-hunger movement reflects legitimate concerns and aspirations for a better future, it is not strange for the Federal Government, in light of Russian flags appearing at the protests, to feel apprehensive. It ...
Editorial
The recent suicide of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officer in Abuja is a clear projection of the mounting mental health crisis in Nigeria. The officer, a diligent member of Course 5 of the EFCC Academy, was discovered lifeless in his residence. Described as hardworking and well-organised, the deceased had reportedly struggled with ...
Editorial
To historians and literature students or even scholars, the “Ides of March” is not strange to them, especially in the ancient Roman Empire,where in 44BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated by the conspirators even after a soothsayer warned him to be aware of the Ides of March. In Nigeria restarting the Port Harcourt Refinery and indeed ...
Editorial
In Nigeria, the relationship between security forces and peaceful protests is a critical aspect of maintaining democratic integrity and public order. As the country faces various socio-economic challenges, the manner in which security forces engage with demonstrators can significantly impact both the effectiveness of protests and the broader public perception of law enforcement. Peaceful protests ...
Editorial
In response to escalating economic hardships exacerbated by surging inflation and a series of government policy changes, Nigeria is bracing for widespread protests scheduled for August. It is up to the government to determine a response that will not make matters worse. The Carnegie Endowment’s Global Protest Tracker has highlighted a significant increase in economic ...
Editorial
In a democratic society, the right to protest holds significant importance, and this is particularly evident in Nigeria. Recent discussions regarding the planned August 1 #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests have sparked varied opinions. Protests serve as a means of democratic expression, allowing citizens to collectively voice opinions, grievances, and demands. In Nigeria, where political and social issues ...
Editorial
Nigeria is confronted not just by terrorism or economic instability, but by a fundamental and urgent need: food security. The country’s food inflation has surged to 40.8 percent, sounding a dire alarm that hunger looms large on the horizon. Shockingly, 32 million people, including 15.6 million children, are projected to face hunger this year, marking ...
Editorial
Nigerians are gearing up for a significant peaceful protest in response to the country’s worsening economic conditions. Scheduled to occur soon, this demonstration reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation, driven primarily by escalating hardship and perceived leadership failures. The protest is spearheaded by a coalition of frustrated youths who are disillusioned ...
Editorial
We stand at a critical juncture in our history. As we navigate the complexities of governance, inflation, and would-be protests, the vision of an ideal Nigerian nation becomes ever more poignant. What does this ideal entail, and how can we realistically achieve it in our current context? One of Nigeria’s greatest strengths lies in its ...
Editorial
In the realm of oil production and utilisation, Texas and Nigeria stand as contrasting case studies in how nations with abundant natural resources can navigate their paths to economic prosperity and societal well-being. Texas, within the United States, and Nigeria, a major player in Africa’s oil industry, showcase distinct approaches and outcomes in managing their ...
Editorial
Nigeria faces the threat of massive malnutrition, and experts warn that a crisis of this nature can have far-reaching consequences for national security. History has shown us that food insecurity can be a catalyst for ‘revolution’ and even the downfall of nations. The French Revolution, for instance, was triggered by a food crisis, while the ...
Editorial
The recent revelations from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) are a projection of the daunting challenges facing our basic education sector. The alarming shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate classrooms, and neglect of teachers’ professional development are issues that demand immediate attention from stakeholders. The statistics are staggering - a deficit of 194,876 qualified teachers, ...
Editorial
The current economic challenges facing Nigeria have exacerbated the cost of living, particularly impacting food prices, which have soared to unprecedented levels. Families across the country are grappling with the harsh reality of having to reduce their daily meals from three square meals to “one over three or two over three,” a dire adaptation to ...
Editorial
Rather than face the business of fixing a flailing economy, in recent political discourse, there has been a push to amend the constitution and extend the tenure of elected officials from four years to six years. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives approved the initial reading of a bill aimed at revising the 1999 constitution ...