Opinion

Non-aligned movement and Nigeria’s quest for equal access to capital

Published

4 months ago

January 30, 2024

NewsDirect

By Tunde Rahman

Is the Non-Aligned Movement still around? Is the organisation still in existence? That was the weighty question Professor Ikechukwu Okoro, a visually impaired Nigerian and Iowa State University don, slammed on me the moment I informed him of my mission in Kampala, Uganda.

Professor Okoro and I had met on our way to Addis-Ababa, me en route Kampala and he, Atlanta, in the United States. It wasn’t as if the issue he raised had not previously crossed my mind, but I did not bother much about it since I was headed for the NAM conference anyway until I encountered the sharp and witty Professor Okoro. He then got me thinking about the question of importance and relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement in today’s global power structure and politics. Indeed, only an unwary observer or naive student of global politics would have missed the seeming emptiness about NAM.

Established in 1961, the group of countries in NAM had espoused non-alignment with either the Eastern bloc or Western bloc, opting for a middle ground and avoiding being part of the cold war. It was during the cold war era. The objectives of NAM then were cooperation, neutrality and self-determination. The cold war was an ideological conflict between the Western and Eastern blocs, which began shortly after the end of World War II in 1945. It was a conflict over which political-economic system, West’s Capitalist system or Communism of the Eastern bloc- was supreme and more beneficial to countries around the world. However, the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the cold war. With the end of the cold war, where is the relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement? Where is the place of NAM, one may ask, echoing Prof. Okoro.

The answer soon emerged as the 19th summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Non-Aligned Movement officially opened on January 19, 2024 when the leaders began delivering their national statements.

NAM offers the biggest gathering of countries, second only to the United Nations. Currently, 120 nations are members of the Non-Aligned Movement with another 18 nations as observers. Most African and Asian countries belong to NAM with others from Americas and Caribbean, Pacific and even Europe.

This organisation with such a strong and extensive membership is a veritable platform to be used to galvanise support for any issue or crusade, against the backdrop of the diverse challenges facing the world, including health pandemics, threats to international peace and security, climate change, terrorism and cyberspace attacks, conflict and wars like those between Russia and Ukraine and the on going wanton killings in Palestine by Israel over Gaza. It is a platform to be engaged for its capacity to galvanise concerted action on major global issues. Such is the significance of NAM that apart from the many heads of state and governments that attended this year’s summit, it had in attendance among other global dignitaries, United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and President of UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis.

Two summits actually held in Kampala about within same week. NAM summit ended on January 20 while the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China was convened from January 21 to 22. It’s a case of two conferences, similar agenda, and one venue – Speke Resort & Convention Center, Munyonyo, Uganda, some 15 minutes drive from capital Kampala. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu was represented at the two summits by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. With Vice President Kashim Shettima in Davos, Switzerland attending the World Economic Summit, Senator Bagudu was tapped to lead the Federal Government delegation. In the delegation, among others, were Dr. Lanre Adekanye, a director in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and this writer. Minister Bagudu is profound, focused and committed to Nigeria’s economic development. He is very strong on issues of global finance and financing mechanisms. This deep understanding of the pressing global economic issues and dynamics of world finance and politics was evident enough in the way and manner he canvassed Nigeria’s position at the two summits, no wonder his presentation at NAM summit was greeted by a thunderous applause.

The highpoint of Nigeria’s presentation at NAM summit is the demand for equitable access to capital for developing countries. President Tinubu said such would provide the much-needed resources for development, adding, however, that the developing world was not seeking sympathy or begging for aid, but fair and equal opportunity.

Quoting President Tinubu, Senator Bagudu said: “The population of the 120 countries that make up the Non-Aligned Movement is 4.63 billion, which is more than half of the world’s population, yet the total financial resources available to all the countries is much less than that of some countries.

“The total budgetary resources for the 120 countries are about $3.4 trillion, which is less than the budget of the United States, and aggregate public debt of $6.6 trillion.”

These startling statistics, according to him, are a clear indication that the Non-Aligned countries suffer from a lack of access to capital and resources for development. “More often than not, public debt available to developing countries is far more expensive and not substantial enough to make an impact.”

In consonance with the theme of the summit, which is “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,” the Nigerian leader called for greater collaboration among member-states of NAM to be able to address the multidimensional challenges facing them including inequality in access to capital.

The theme of the summit, bore relevance with respect to the current trend of wars, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, threat of use of nuclear weapons and the dangerous polarization between developed countries similar to the era of cold war, President Tinubu pointed out.

“In this regard, we must recommit to the foundational principles of Non-Aligned Movement to better assure of global peace and security,” the minister stated on behalf of the Nigerian leader.

In the speech, President Tinubu also lent Nigeria’s voice to NAM’s Member States’ common position, condemning the present wanton destruction of lives and properties in the State of Palestine, which has assumed a critical dimension.

“Nigeria supports and reiterates call for an immediate durable and sustained humanitarian truce in that region. Many lives, including women and children, have been lost since the commencement of the crisis between the States of Israel of Palestine with so many displaced.

“The daily increase of displaced persons and shortage of humanitarian supplies due to impeded access have greatly impacted on the people, exacerbated the humanitarian catastrophe in the region and increased civilian casualties,” he added.

He urged the parties in the conflict to uphold the fundamental values of international humanitarian law, which places premium on ensuring civilians’ safety and wellbeing.

At the Third South Summit of G77 and China, President Tinubu also put the same vital issue of capital on the front burner, advocating a review of global tax system, saying redressing the imbalance in the international tax regime had become imperative.

“The current international tax systems, largely shaped by the interests of more affluent nations, often leave developing countries at a disadvantage, especially in taxing digital economies. This systemic imbalance has led to significant revenue losses, hampering our efforts towards sustainable development and economic self-reliance,” the Minister of Budget posited, quoting the President.

On the sidelines of the two summits, Senator Bagudu had bilateral talks with leaders of delegation of several countries including those of Singapore and Venezuela during which they canvassed issues of mutual interests and the need to scale up relations between these countries and Nigeria.

In all the interactions, Minister Bagudu made a strong case for the countries to come and invest in the country, saying Nigeria is open and ready for business given the business-friendly policies and actions of President Tinubu.

Nigeria employed the NAM global stage to ventilate and garner global support for the matter of equal access to capital, which is dear to President Tinubu’s heart. Indeed, for the Nigerian President, the battle to secure equitable finance for the developing world, the Global South, is gradually emerging a major crusade, a global project if you like. It’s something akin to the struggle for reparations for Africa embarked upon then by the late business mogul and winner of the annulled June 12 presidential election in Nigeria, Chief MKO Abiola. Is the struggle for equitable access to capital for all nations a valuable and laudable project? Yes, I think so!

-Rahman is a Senior Presidential Aide

Opinion

Defining policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office

Published

7 hours ago

May 21, 2024

NewsDirect

By Kenechukwu Aguolu FCA, PMP, CBAP

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approaches the first anniversary of his administration, Nigerians reflect on the impact of his “Renewed Hope” agenda. While some citizens are optimistic about his capacity to bring about significant changes, others maintain a stance of indifference or skepticism. Notably, two major and contentious policies—namely, the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira—have defined his tenure so far.

The rationale behind the removal of fuel subsidy was that Nigeria could no longer sustain the financial burden of subsidising fuel. By ending the subsidy regime, the government aimed to free up funds for investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Fuel Subsidy removal led to an immediate sharp increase in fuel prices, which also led to a rise in the cost of living. Commuting expenses skyrocketed, making it hard for many workers to afford daily transportation. The higher fuel prices have also significantly contributed to food inflation, making necessities increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians

Federal government employees received wage awards as a temporary relief measure. However, the promise of a new national minimum wage remains unfulfilled, adding to the financial stress of many households. State governments also provided wage awards at varying rates, but these have been insufficient to offset the increased cost of living. The delay in the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, expected to alleviate transportation costs, has further compounded the problem.

As part of efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s economy, President Tinubu directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to float the naira, allowing market forces to determine its value. Though anticipated to cause short-term volatility, it is expected to lead to a more stable and realistic exchange rate in the long run. The floating of the naira has led to significant foreign exchange losses for many companies, particularly multinationals, which reported losses running into hundreds of millions of naira. The cost of doing business has increased, with higher prices for diesel, raw materials, machinery, and spare parts, creating a challenging environment for businesses of all sizes.

However, the Federal Government must be commended for clearing its foreign currency backlogs, which has boosted confidence among foreign investors, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s appeal as a global investment hub. Consequently, there has been an increase in both foreign direct investment and foreign portfolio investment. Also commendable are the palliative measures implemented by the government. Conditional cash transfers have provided some relief, and the distribution of grains and foodstuffs has aimed to support vulnerable populations struggling with food inflation. However, some people doubt the actual impact of these initiatives, questioning their effectiveness and the potential for corruption. Additionally, intervention programs such as a student loan scheme and a consumer credit scheme for workers are about to commence, aiming to provide further support and economic opportunities.

Furthermore, the commencement of operations at the Dangote Refinery has sparked optimism, as its production has already resulted in lower diesel prices. Anticipation runs high for a similar decrease in petrol (PMS) prices once the refinery commences PMS production. This development is a potential catalyst for transformation in Nigeria’s energy sector and the broader economy. Moreover, it is expected to contribute to stabilising the naira by enhancing the country’s balance of trade.

Nevertheless, as Nigerians persevere through the immediate challenges posed by these economic adjustments, urgent measures must be taken to rebuild public confidence and enhance living standards. Establishing a fair and sustainable minimum wage is paramount. Additionally, fulfilling the promise of introducing CNG buses would greatly alleviate the transportation expenses of citizens.

In his inaugural year, President Tinubu has made bold, albeit controversial, choices geared toward securing Nigeria’s economic future. The removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira applauded by international bodies like the IMF, has led to significant hardship for ordinary Nigerians. Nigerians are eager to see tangible improvements in their daily lives, hoping that the long-term benefits promised by President Tinubu will soon outweigh the short-term difficulties. As his administration progresses, striking a balance between providing immediate relief and implementing sustainable economic reforms will be crucial in realizing the renewed hope envisioned for Nigeria

Kenechukwu based in Abuja can be reached via [email protected]

Opinion

Mr Olabode Gabriel Omowayeola: A cut above the rest

Published

1 day ago

May 20, 2024

NewsDirect

Mr Olabode is a cut above the rest, and so is the University of Ibadan where our path first crossed.

He was doing a Master’s degree programme at the time. His focus level while reading a huge book in the library reminded me of a scientist investigating a piece of matter under a microscope. That was the first point of attraction.

Mr Olabode is a different breed of Philomath who loves cross-border education even more than a monkey loves banana. From the University of Ibadan, he proceeded to Uskudar University Turkey where he studied Turkish language and Literature.

I relied on the far-reaching, long arm of coincidence to cross our paths for the second stint, and Oh Sweet Goodness, we crossed paths again at Uskudar University Turkey – sumptuous camaraderie! We spoke Turkish language; ‘Merhaba, seninle tekrar tanýþtýðýma memnun oldum’ meaning ‘Hello, nice to meet you again.’

Again, at Istanbul Kultur University Turkey, it was a ray of sunshine as we crossed our paths for the third stinct. This time, it was for a Master’s degree programme in International Relations and Government.

Like a piece of iron on a magnet, we not only went in the same direction, but shared the spoils as the overall best students.

As yearning as the deer for running streams, Mr Olabode’s yearning for knowledge and career advancement is in the zone – he proceeded to Memorial University of Newfoundland Canada as a research student of Political Science.

He stands tall amidst the massive collection of researchers of International Relations and Political Science in terms of contribution to new knowledge.

On the humanitarian side, Mr Olabode is as satisfying as a glass of chill water after a marathon.

He reminds me of the biblical seed that fell on a rich soil. Blind people who encounter him are able to climb the Iroko tree with their hands in pocket – a practically inspirational genius of the 21st century.

Cheers on your annibirthsary!

Jamesleo Oche, Researcher, Cranfield University, British Defence Academy, England, United Kingdom

Opinion

Dapo Abiodun: After five phenomenal years, three glorious years beckon

Published

1 day ago

May 20, 2024

NewsDirect

By Kayode Akinmade

He came into office amid ceaseless assaults by a violent Establishment. He had no handover notes. But he had an agenda, a steely resolve, and a burning passion to transform the Ogun environment. Today, five years on, even the most cynical observer would admit that the Iperu-born prince and boardroom genius has turned the Gateway State around, infused a climate of excitement into governance and state management, building joy and hope for the future in the populace. This is remarkable in a country long hobbled by politicians’ failed promises.

Perhaps the most salient aspect of Abioduns’ leadership is the climate of peace actively fostered in the state. Peace pervades the length and breadth of the land because the Sheriff in charge is determined to leave a lasting legacy of life-changing projects behind, and would not be drawn into political brawls even when a predecessor, taking advantage of the calm in the land, tours the senatorial districts, staging hate campaigns. That is not by accident. Abiodun is a transformational leader, and transformational leaders, as the leadership expert and presidential biographer James MacGregor Burns tells us, are those who, in company with their followers, advance to a higher level of morals and motivation. The fact cannot be disputed that through the strength of their vision and personality, transformational leaders inspire their followers to a higher level of intellectual stimulation, and hence social change.

Against this backdrop, Ogun being rated as Nigeria’s most peaceful state comes as no surprise. People tend to copy what they see their leaders doing. Ogun people have not forgotten the highly instructive incident that took place shortly after their Governor assumed office. Some pastors of the RCCG had been kidnapped while he was away in Abuja on official business. Given the viciousness of the outlaws, hope was low regarding their rescue. But the Governor simply requested for and obtained helicopters for aerial surveillance of the target area, and all the clergymen were rescued unhurt. Jubilations erupted in many places…

The Abiodun administration initiated the Security Trust Fund, rallying stakeholders to contribute to the fight against crime. It procured over 100 patrol vans, motorcycles, walkie-talkies, and other security equipment to enhance the operational efficiency of security agencies. Then came an additional 25 patrol vans and surveillance drones in collaboration with Lagos and Oyo States to monitor activities along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. And then came Amotekun, deployed at flashpoints…

Because Ogun is calm, the strides in agriculture, the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, have been simply phenomenal. Through the Anchor Borrowers Programme, the Abiodun administration has revolutionized youth involvement in agriculture. It created the Ogun State Investment Promotion Agency (OGUNIPA) and the Ogun State Business Executive Council (OGUNBEC) to make the Gateway State the destination of choice for investors. The administration empowered thousands of farmers through training, capacity building and provision of farming inputs, and Ogun is now a leading producer of rice, maize, and cassava in Nigeria. The story cannot be different with Abiodun’s heavy investment in the development of agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, farm roads, and storage facilities.

When a government fosters partnerships with private sector players, attracting investments and driving growth; implements initiatives to improve livestock production, including the distribution of breeding stock, veterinary support, and establishment of grazing reserves, the result is bound to be refreshing.

The Abiodun administration has strengthened extension services, providing farmers with access to expert advice, technology, and best practices to improve their productivity and efficiency. It has supported farmers to produce high-quality products and linked them to markets and processors. It has created thousands of jobs in the agricultural sector, having developed and implemented policies like the Ogun State Agricultural Policy and the Ogun State Livestock Development Policy. There is no space to detail the government’s empowerment of farmers with solar pump machines; the N50 million Ijebu Development Initiative for Poverty Reduction (Eriwe) meant to develop the fish subsector in the state; the empowerment of over 40,000 agripreneurs in cassava cultivation, or the distribution of motorcycles to extension agents to reach farmers in remote areas across the state.

In education, the abolition of all levies spiked enrolment in primary schools, even as the government adopted a school per ward for development as a model school. The promotion of teachers and equipment of schools and higher institutions and revolution of the transcript processing system has restored dignity to Ogun schools. And among the giant strides of the Abiodun administration, the Gateway International Airport, an agro-cargo facility situated in Remo North, has garnered global attention, with dignitaries and investors expressing interest in its immense socio-economic benefits. It will generate approximately 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. Fittingly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the Special Agro-Cargo Processing Zone as a Free Trade Zone. Actually, what is on the ground is an airport city, with an agricultural processing zone located close by. Exporters of farming produce are about to experience an absolute windfall.

Although the state of federal roads—and they are so many—in the state presented challenges during Abiodun’s first term, the story is fast changing. Go to Ota and see things for yourself. In any case, listing the roads constructed by the Abiodun administration is a daunting exercise. Infrastructure is the first pillar of the ISEYA mantra but accorded it a top priority attention in the scheme of programmes being executed. Notable among these roads already completed are the 3.41km Olomore Sanni Road,0.9km Elega Mokola Bridge Entrance, 2km Idi -Aba Elite, Oke Lantoro Road, 1.62km Ijaiye-Oke Ejigbo-Iporo Ake Road,7.8km Obantoko Road (Fajol America junction-Unity Estate Gbonagun, 5.7km Somorin-Kemta Idi -Aba Road, 42km Abeokuta Sagamu Expressway, 3km Panseke Adigbe Road, 6.6km Siun Owode Road, 2.35km Arepo Road,8km Revised s Scope Mowe Ofada Road, 1.5km Kuforiji Olubi Quarry Road Adigbe and 1.85km Iyana Oloke junction to Mapoly School Gate. Then we have the 3.1km Ikoritameje Adenrele/Olose Titun Vespa Road,2.4km Olusegun Osoba Toyin Agbado Road,1.5km construction of Sango Ota -Oke -Aro-Ojodu Abiodun Road Lagos End(Yakoyo to Mr Bigg),2.0km Inner Roads,Itori Junction Road, 4km Oba Erinwole Road,Sagamu,13km Sagamu -Ode Lemo Road,3km Idarika Street Road,8km Orile Oko Road,3km Awujale Road,Stadium and Oke Aje,1.2km Ogbagba Street, Ijebu Ode, etc. The Atan-Lusada-Agbara roads are a marvel. Housing estates covering different strata of society complement the good roads.

Enter the health sector, a sector for which even the Federal Government acknowledged Ogun’s exemplary status during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are talking of an administration that inaugurated State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee to enhance the Ambulance and Emergency Service delivery, conducted training for health workers on comprehensive screening for newborns to tackle sickle cell disease and secured, for the first time in 45 years, full accreditation and upgrade of the Ogun State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery to collegiate status. We are talking about an administration that targeted 1.4m school-age children as change agents, promoted partnerships across the three tiers of the health sector, introduced free Covid-19 rapid testing of residents in health facilities, inaugurated Sexual Therapy and Assaults Referral Center in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), the Family Planning Center at the State Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, and distributed over 25 Tricycle Ambulances to rural areas.

The administration upgraded and increased the fleet of Ogun State Ambulance and Emergency Services from four vehicles inherited to 26 in two years, introduced 24-hours Ambulance and Emergency Services across the 20 LGAs, carried out free eye surgeries, contained cholera outbreaks, distributed 3.7m insecticide treated nets, commissioned two molecular laboratories to boost the State’s testing capacity for COVID-19 and other epidemiological diseases, and contained COVID-19 with less low fatalities. Have you been to the Clinical Skills Development Laboratory at the School of Midwifery, Abeokuta? It is the work of the same government that increased the ambulance fleet from 6 to 30 to cater for emergencies, distributed ultrasound machines to facilities across the state, commenced 24-hour ambulance service, inoculated students against cervical cancer and established Ambulance Points in all the nine federal constituencies.

With Abiodun’s strategic foresight, Ogun can look towards the future with hope. Long before the FG removed subsidy on fuel, Abiodun initiated CNG-run vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in the state. Long before the economic downturn that attended subsidy removal came, he floated the Ogun-Kebbi Joint Commission on rice production. Ogun, as attested to by multiple awards, including:

Best State in ICT Penetration and Adoption by the National Council on Communication and Digital Economy
Best State in ICT Infrastructure Development also by the National Council on Communication and Digital Economy
Best State Governor with the Most Improved State in Security Infrastructure by Business Day Newspaper
Best Governor in Education by the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria
Best Governor in Agriculture by the Nigerian Agriculture Awards
Best Governor in Housing Delivery by the Nigerian Housing Awards
Best State Governor with the Most Improved State in Agriculture and Economic Empowerment by Business Day Newspaper

Outstanding Political Brand Personality of the Year by Marketing Edge Summit and Awards

Best Governor in Infrastructure in the South West by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) B zone.

Best Governor in Industrial Revolution at the Award of Excellence in Public Service by President Muhammadu Buhari

2023 “Governor of the Year” Award by Sun Newspapers

2023 “Man of the Year” Award by Silverbird Television and the Daily Independent Governor of the Year award 2023 in Nigeria’s ICT hub. The technology-driven state is poised for greater heights. That is the story of the state under Dapo Abiodun.

Akinmade is Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Governor of Ogun State.