National

By Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Abdullahi

In Nigerian landscape today, people need help. Almost everyone needs one form of help of another. This is especially since after Buhari’s brutal leadership which took Nigerians 20 years backward. Baba Tinubu promised that he would continue, not to change and turn things around. And Nigerians are really witnessing a massive and huge form of suffocation, where everyone is gasping for air and therefore, many people don’t care much about what the leaders should do or not do.

A lot of people are hungry as a result of the reckless driving of the nations drivers. You won’t understand the depth of the challenges in Nigeri’as political arena until you engage some politicians, especially those who are genuinely interested in contributing positively to the community. That’s why people like us—who are so much inquisitive—struggle a lot in this field!

I don’t particularly enjoy discussing or praising politicians because whatever they do, they are just doing their jobs. However, there are some reasons that compel me to write on the MB Shehu’s empowerment program, and God willing, I will not do it to flatter; I will only share what I know about that support program, and I know that God is my witness regarding what I write. I also speak from a position of being part of the support committee.

MB Shehu is the current member federal house of representatives, representing the good people of Fagge. During his campaign rallies, he has mentioned and promised many things he intended to do to his people if elected. Today, he is the member, representing Fagge in Abuja. As part of promise fulfillment, he distributes, or rather, he has already distributed a lot of items, to his constituents, to mitigate and cushion the sad and bad effect of the T-pain. While I do not know where he got the idea for this kind of distribution, I believe it stems from the large number of people he has attracted politically, most of whom are needy and in dire need of such support and assistance. He has promised them that he will do good for them if given the opportunity and he is now doing exactly what he said.

Someone might ask, what is more important: meeting the needs of one person or meeting the needs of many people? Many will tell you that meeting the needs of many is more significant. However, how can one meet the needs of the entire community if one doesn’t start from individual people?

Initially, I don’t personally see such “empowerments” as worthy programs, but now, having seen the actions taken and how they have been implemented and also, hard situation which most of the beneficiaries are battling with, I believe that a leader, should, in such kind of situations, do two things:

1) Assist their community in a way that is pleasing to God, through proper channels—those that the people desire (not necessarily highly sophisticated and systematic way), even if a leader sees other ways as more beneficial.

2) A leader should strive to seek and identify certain vital good initiatives that are beneficial, even if many in the community do not see the immediate advantages. This is because most people lack the knowledge or understanding to discern what is more important for them.

Both the above two ways should be integrated! There should be plans for political accountability, and there should be thoughtful and dignified initiatives that can be recognized as good deeds even after one’s life.

During the opening ceremony of the program, the executive Governor of Kano, Abba Kabir Yusuf, aka Abba Gida-gida, inaugurated the program, and it was expected that around 3,000 people will directly benefit from the empowerment, indeed it is serious. Here are some of the items being distributed to the community members:

i) Cars
ii) Motorcycles
iii) Mechanic toolboxes
iv) Car diagnostic gadgets
v) Sewing machines
vi) Deep freezers
vii) Industrial sewing machines
viii) 50,000 Naira to over 1,000 people, with the total number reaching 1,107
ix) Welding machines
x) High-powered cameras, etc

These are just a few of the items I have seen, and some I have heard about.

The Governor of Kano, Abba Gida-gida, who was present during the inauguration of the support program, expressed his happiness and said that he was at a loss for words due to his joy. He added that he had never seen any member who did something like what MB Shehu has done.

This is indeed a significant achievement, and I know that MB Shehu is committed to implementing more initiatives. Anyone interested in knowing about such initiatives can contact Alkanawy, as they are the ones disseminating news and promoting the activities of the legislator.

Before the empowerment, a very strong committee was formed under the leadership of Professor Bashir Yusuf Fagge, and genuinely, there has been a commitment to identifying deserving beneficiaries. I can confidently say that a great effort has been made, day and night, to ensure this work is done perfectly.

In this current political climate under Tinubu, if someone gives you a car, motorcycle, or money, you certainly should appreciate them. Because in Nigeria, especially now, if they don’t give you, there’s nothing you can do. Many elected members do not contribute anything to their constituents and nothing happens.

Finally, some people oppose this empowerment due to their personal reasons or grudges against the one who did it, the committee members or the process. No one can do things that can be accepted by all. Just do your best and move on. No one (especially the politicians) would loved or hated by all. This is why doing things with great foresight and consultation is invaluable. I saw happiness in the faces of the recipients. I hope the money and items given will metamorphose and multiply into bigger fortune.

I call upon the respected member to continue working diligently, to fear God more in carrying out his responsibilities, and to keep doing good for the people. Amen.

Muhammad Kano

By Uzair Adam

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has disclosed that none of the 31 proposals submitted for the creation of new states in Nigeria met the constitutional requirements.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day retreat for members of the Constitution Review Committee in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Kalu, who also serves as the chairman of the committee, revealed that over 200 bills seeking amendments to the 1999 Constitution had been received.

He stated that while some of the proposed amendments had reached the second reading stage, others were still at the first reading.

According to him, the retreat aimed to review the bills, incorporate expert input, familiarize members with their contents, and prioritize them based on national interest.

The committee is also preparing for zonal public hearings and a harmonization meeting with the Senate.

“The compilation process has revealed instances of duplication—whether by sponsors or overlapping subject matters. This necessitates meticulous harmonization to streamline efforts and eliminate redundancy,” Kalu said.

He further explained that the bills had been grouped into thematic areas, including federal structure and power devolution, local government autonomy, public revenue, fiscal federation, revenue allocation, electoral reforms, judicial reforms, gender issues, human rights, and state creation.

Regarding state creation, Kalu said the committee received 31 requests but found none of them met the constitutional criteria.

Consequently, the submission deadline has been extended to March 5, 2025, to allow applicants to fulfill the necessary requirements.

In a move to enhance public engagement, Kalu announced the establishment of a situation room in collaboration with Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) to address concerns from Nigerians during the constitution amendment process.

He urged lawmakers to ensure that citizens’ voices are reflected in the ongoing reforms.

The deputy speaker also disclosed plans for zonal public hearings across the six geopolitical zones to gather more input from stakeholders before finalizing the amendments.

By Nura Abdullahi Bagwai Esq.

The recent recognition from the Senate Press Corps has highlighted Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin’s extraordinary legislative achievements, as he leads the 10th National Assembly with an impressive record of 21 private member bills within just 18 months.

This remarkably unprecedented feat has earned him the Highest Development Driven Bills Sponsorship Award, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s advancement through legislative excellence.

Senator Jibrin’s legislative portfolio showcases a comprehensive approach to national development, with bills spanning crucial sectors such as education, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement. As the Senator representing Kano North Senatorial District, his crowning achievement came with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s this year’s assent to the North West Development Commission Bill, establishing a vital institution for regional development.

In a significant development, the Commission has been allocated over 500 billion Naira to facilitate rapid transformation across the entire North West region. The breadth of Senator Jibrin’s legislative initiatives reflects his deep understanding of Nigeria’s contemporary challenges. His sponsorship of two bills, the amendment of the Agricultural Research Council Act and the Renewable Energy Bill of 2024 demonstrate his forward-thinking approach to food security and sustainable energy development.

Meanwhile, the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, 2024, underscores his dedication to protecting Nigerian workers’ welfare, whilst the National Identity Management Commission (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2024, reveals his grasp of digital infrastructure’s importance in modern governance.

Education stands as the bedrock of Senator Jibrin’s transformative agenda, evident not only through his legislative accomplishments but also through his initiatives.

Demonstrating his profound commitment to nurturing future leaders, the Barau I. Jibrin Foundation recently launched an ambitious scholarship programme, sponsoring 70 promising students from Kano State to study postgraduate courses like Forensic and Robotic Sciences, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security at renowned international institutions. These scholars received comprehensive support packages, including laptops and essential study materials, embodying his belief in equipping young Nigerians with the tools they need to excel in global academia.

His parliamentary efforts have significantly expanded educational access across Northern Nigeria, notably through the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Kabo and the historic transformation of Federal College of Education, Kano, into Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.
His dedication to constitutional reform is evident through multiple Constitution Alteration Bills, suggesting a profound understanding of the systemic changes needed to advance Nigeria’s democratic journey. The Government Performance and Accountability Bill, 2024, further demonstrates his commitment to fostering transparency and effective governance.

What distinguishes Senator Jibrin’s approach is not merely the quantity of bills sponsored, but their strategic focus on key developmental challenges. The Development Planning and Project Continuity Bill, 2023, for instance, addresses one of Nigeria’s persistent challenges: the abandonment of projects following governmental changes. Similarly, his attention to cyber security through the Cyber Crimes (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2023, demonstrates foresight in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital future.

As Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin exemplifies that effective leadership in the legislature requires more than holding a position – it demands a proactive approach to addressing national challenges through well-considered legislative actions. His records position him as a pivotal figure in shaping Nigeria’s development agenda, particularly in the northern region.

The impact of Senator Jibrin’s legislative work extends far beyond mere statistics. Each bill represents a carefully considered response to specific national challenges, from environmental protection to economic development, from educational advancement to technological innovation.

As Nigeria continues to navigate complex developmental challenges, leaders like Senator Jibrin demonstrate that dedicated legislative work can serve as a powerful catalyst for national transformation.

Bar. Nura Abdullahi Bagwai is a Legal Practitioner and Politician. He wrote from Kano, Nigeria.

By Muhsin Ibrahim

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has rejected allegations from a viral video suggesting that its fuel products are substandard. NNPC called the claims false and based on unverified amateur research.

The company stressed that its fuel is formulated for optimal performance and that a significant portion of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sold in Lagos is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, which meets strict quality standards.

NNPC described the video’s spreading as a tactic by “economic saboteurs” to misinform the public and harm its reputation.

The company plans to take legal action against those disseminating false information and urges Nigerians to rely on verified sources for accurate updates.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning the continued detention and possible execution of Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu on blasphemy charges. The resolution, adopted on Thursday, urges the Nigerian government to immediately release Sharif-Aminu and abolish blasphemy laws that violate human rights.

Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by an Upper Sharia Court in Kano State on August 10, 2020, for allegedly composing a song with lyrics deemed derogatory to the Prophet Muhammad. His trial was conducted without legal representation, and his family has reportedly faced harassment and persecution since his arrest. 

Although the Kano State High Court ordered a retrial in January 2021 and later upheld by the Court of Appeal in August 2022, the constitutionality of Sharia-based blasphemy laws was affirmed, raising fears that the death sentence might still be enforced. His appeal to the Supreme Court, filed in November 2022, remains pending.

The European Parliament highlighted that Sharif-Aminu’s health is deteriorating due to inadequate access to food, clothing, and medical care while in detention. The resolution calls for his unconditional release, guarantees for his safety, and an expedited and fair appeals process at the Supreme Court.

The Parliament further criticised Nigeria’s blasphemy laws, stating that they contravene international human rights commitments, the African Charter, and Nigeria’s own constitution, which upholds freedom of expression and religion. It also highlighted that blasphemy accusations frequently lead to mob violence and extrajudicial killings, putting religious minorities at risk.

In addition to demanding Sharif-Aminu’s release, the European Parliament urged the Nigerian government to abolish blasphemy laws, impose a nationwide moratorium on executions, and take concrete steps to prevent impunity for those inciting or perpetrating violence over alleged blasphemy cases. It also called on the European Union and its member states to raise human rights concerns with Nigerian authorities and observe future legal proceedings related to blasphemy cases.

The resolution commended the recent acquittal of Rhoda Jatau and the release of Mubarak Bala, both previously detained on blasphemy-related charges. It reaffirmed that blasphemy laws should be abolished to protect fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.

The European Parliament’s President has been instructed to forward the resolution to the European Commission, the European Council, the European External Action Service, and the Nigerian government and parliament for immediate action.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir 

Nigerian photographer Saidu Abdulrahaman has made history by earning a Guinness World Record title for the most headshot photographs taken in one hour. He successfully captured 897 portraits within 60 minutes, showcasing his exceptional skill, speed, and precision behind the camera.

Abdulrahaman, who hails from Yobe State in the Northeast, expressed immense gratitude for the support he received from fellow Nigerians, attributing his success to the encouragement of family, friends, and well-wishers. “This achievement is not just mine; it belongs to every Nigerian who believed in me,” he stated.

He emphasised that breaking a world record is no easy feat, requiring focus, endurance, and a strong support system. His accomplishment is an inspiration, proving that with determination, Nigerians can compete and excel on the global stage.

With this historic milestone, Abdulrahaman joins the ranks of Guinness World Record holders, setting a new standard in photography. He hinted that this is just the beginning, promising to continue pushing boundaries in his field.

By Saifullahi Attahir

If there was ever anything that gave me goosebumps and immense pleasure, it was being surrounded by intellectuals and mature minds absorbing facts and figures about governance, economics, public health, policymaking, national security, and international relations. In such situations I easily lose myself, forgetting almost all other things.

Even at medical school, my best lectures were those with frequent digressions, whereby the lecturer would discuss the pathogenesis of diseases for 30 minutes and later sidetrack into discussing politics, governance, or other life issues. I always enjoyed classes led by Prof. Sagir Gumel, Dr. Murtala Abubakar, Dr. Rasheed Wemimo, Dr. Aliyu Mai Goro, and co. During such lectures, I often observed some of my colleagues disappointment for such deviation. I rather casually show indifference, for I was eternally grateful for such discussions due to the stimulatory effect they had on my mind.

After such classes, I sometimes followed up with the lecturer, not to ask about a medical concept I did not grasp, but to ask for further explanation on policy making, project execution, budgetary expenditures, why African countries are left behind, and similar pressing issues.

In situations where I can’t catch up with the lecturer, I jotted down the questions for further deliberation.

One of the manifest feature I know about my greediness was at reading books. I can open five different books in a day. I lack such discipline to finish up one before another. I can start reading ‘Mein Kampf’ by Adolf Hitler, and halfway through 300 pages, I would pick up ‘My Life’ by Sir Ahmadu Bello, and would have to concurrently read both until the end.

I often scolded myself for such an attitude, but I can’t help myself. The only way to practice such discipline was to at least read two different books in a day. Such was a triumph in my practice of self-discipline. This was apart from my conventional medical textbooks.

To some of my friends, I was called an accidental medical doctor, but actually it was a perfect fate guided by the merciful Lord that I’m studying medicine. For it was only medicine that makes reading books easier for you. Although time is precious in this profession, but one finds it easier to do anything you are passionate about. The daily interaction we have with people at their most vulnerable state was another psychostimulant. Seeing humans suffering from disease conditions is heartachy. Some of the causes are mere ignorance, poverty, superstitions, and limited resources.

The contribution one can give couldn’t be limited to just prescribing drugs or surgical procedures that end up affecting one person. It’s much better to involve one self in to position that may bring possible change to the whole society even in form of orientation.

What also motivated me more was how I wasn’t the first to traverse this similar path. Bibliophiles were common among medical students and medical professionals.

At international level, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahathir Muhammad, was a physician. Most of the current economic development of Malaysia was attributed to him. The South American revolutionary figure Che Guevara was a physician. Atul Gawande was an endocrinologist, health policy analyst, adviser to former President Obama, campaign volunteer to former President Bill Clinton, and adviser to USAID/WHO on health policies.

Frantz Fanon was another physician, psychiatrist, racial discrimination activist, and political writer. Dr. Zakir Naik was a renowned Islamic scholar, comparative religion expert, and physician.

At the national level, Prof. Usman Yusuf is a haematologist, former NHIS DG, and currently a political activist. Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Taura was a psychiatrist and former SSG to the Jigawa state government. Dr. Nuraddeen Muhammad was a psychiatrist and former cabinet minister to President Goodluck Jonathan.

During ward rounds and clinics, my mind often wanders to enquire not just about the diagnosis but the actual cause of the disease condition; why would a 17-year-old multiparous young lady develop peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)? Why would a 5-year-old child develop severe anaemia from a mosquito bite? Why would a 25-year-old friend of mine develop chronic kidney disease, and his family would have to sell all their belongings for his treatment? Why are our Accident and Emergency units filled with road traffic accident cases? Was it bad road conditions or lack of adherence to traffic laws and orders?

Why are African countries still battling with 19th century diseases like Tuberculosis, filariasis, and malarial infections? Why issues of fighting cervical cancer and vaccination campaigns are treated with contempt in our societies? Why access to basic primary healthcare in Nigeria was still a luxury 50 years after Alma Ata declaration? The questions are never-ending.

Answers to these questions could be found not in the conventional medical textbooks like Robbins/Cotrand, Davidson, or Sabiston. Answers to these questions are there on our faces. Answers to these questions are tied to the very fabric of our social life, our public institutions, our culture, and our life perspectives.

In order to make any significant contribution towards the betterment of this kind of society, it would be quite easier as an insider rather than an outsider. You can’t bring any positive outcome by just talking or commenting. It was rightly stated that a cat in gloves catches no mice.

The real players in a game are always better than the spectators. A player deserves accolades despite his shortcomings, frequent falls, and inability to deliver as planned theoretically. For the player has seen it all, because so many things in public life are not as they appear. It’s only when you are there that the reality becomes visible. This is the reason why many leaders who have goodwill and enjoy public support appear to have lost track or contributed insignificantly when elected or appointed into office.

But despite all these challenges, one can’t decline to do something good just because something bad might happen. The risk is worth it.

Saifullahi Attahir wrote from Federal University Dutse. He can be reached via; saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com

By Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani

The recent directive allegedly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) requiring the 774 local governments to present their budget proposals for the 2025 fiscal year has sparked renewed interest in local government autonomy. This development has been a long time coming, given the prolonged agitation for systemic changes in local government administration.

A 20-year-old university student is surprised that local governments in Nigeria prepared budgets highlight the widespread lack of awareness about local government operations perhaps because of the reality that local governments barely exist on paper in my states.

The student asked, “Do local governments actually create budgets?” I explained that, like every tier of government or organization, they are meant to do so. However, his curiosity clearly illustrates the uncertainty surrounding the local government autonomy in Nigeria.

After the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in favor of the local governments in Nigeria on July 11, 2024, we thought it was over. The seven-justice panel of the apex court in the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, ruled that the 774 local government councils in the country should independently manage their own funds: millions of Nigerians thought the long wait for autonomy was finally over. However, the journey to true autonomy is often complex and winding as the history of the struggle for autonomy for this essential tier of government has shown.

With the recent directive that led to budget presentations across the 774 local governments for the 2025 fiscal year, this brought fresh perspective on the agitation and revitalised interest in local government autonomy. But will this directive translate into tangible action, or will it remain a mere rhetoric as with many critical issues in Nigeria? Nigeria’s history of struggling with local government autonomy, coupled with the stiff resistance from state governments, raise concerns about the feasibility of a true autonomy.

The Nigerian Constitution recognizes local government as a tier of government, but they remain restricted by financial and electoral constraints. Local governments are expected to provide basic services, promote development and ensure democratic participation. However, their lack of autonomy and financial power has hindered their ability to fulfill these responsibilities.

Nigeria’s experiment with various local government administration models despite so many reforms from the local government reforms of 1976, 1988 and the one embarked upon in this current dispensation, had been marked by a decline in autonomy, particularly since 2003. The state governments’ interference in local government affairs has eroded and degraded their powers and functions.

As someone who has advocated for financial and electoral autonomy for local government councils for so many years, I believe that it is crucial for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, socio-economic issues, and building other sectors that require government’s attention at the grassroots level. The lack of autonomy has led to a power vacuum, allowing non-state actors to exert their influence.

Nigerians await the implementation of any meaningful reform that can transform local government administration and bring about positive changes. The question remains: is Nigeria truly ready to empower local governments and bring relief to the millions of rural dwellers who have been neglected for far too long?

For decades, local governments in Nigeria have been suffocated by lack of funds, rendering them ineffective in initiating or implementing meaningful projects. The joint account system, introduced years ago, has been a subject of controversy, with experts arguing that it undermines true federalism and hampers local government autonomy.

The current state of local government administration in Nigeria is a far cry from the intended vision. The 1999 Constitution, as amended, recognises local governments as a tier of government, but sadly this merely exists on paper today.

There is ample evidence to support the agitation for local government autonomy. It is a necessary step towards addressing societal ills and promoting grassroots development. Another question on everyone’s mind is: what is next?

Will the recent directive be a mere rhetoric, or will it translate into concrete action? Is Nigeria truly ready to empower local governments and bring relief to the millions of Nigerians who have been neglected for too long?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the status quo is unsustainable. Nigerians await with bated breath the implementation of meaningful reforms that can revamp local government administration and bring about development.

As someone who has consistently advocated for financial and electoral autonomy for local government councils, I remain hopeful that this latest development will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s journey towards true federalism and grassroots development. For local government autonomy and administration generally in Nigeria, I ask again what next?

Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani wrote from Turaki B, Jalingo, Taraba State.

By Maryam Ahmad

Remita has commenced the sale of ePINs for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry following JAMB’s official announcement.

Sales will run from February 3 to April 7, 2025. Candidates can purchase ePINs via the Remita website, mobile app, and authorised agents nationwide.

Chinedu Alisa, Head of Enterprise Assets at Remita, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to accessible education, ensuring seamless payments for students regardless of location. He warned against unauthorised price hikes, stressing that ePINs must be sold at JAMB’s approved rates.

Remita has also empowered agents and schools to facilitate sales while offering bulk purchase commissions, reinforcing a fair and transparent registration process.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

Why are the Nigerians not having enough food to eat? Why? That is the question we need to answer. Statistics paint a grim picture and the anecdotal evidence is there. We have working farmers but numbers say people are not eating well.

The above was paraphrased from the address of the Chairman, Media Trust Group, at the 22nd Daily Trust Dialogue and Presentation of Unsung Heroes, themed “Food Security: Availability or Affordability?” held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja on 23 January 2025. One does not need an emeritus to explain the reasoning behind the choice of theme.

As an individual with a background in agriculture, I have often had serious discussions with two close friends about the true value of our certificates. If we cannot make a tangible impact on curbing hunger, which continues to plague Nigerians, then what is the point? The alarming statistics of hunger and malnutrition only paint a bleaker picture each year.

We never really take into account other graduates from different subsectors of agriculture, but we somehow always come to the conclusion that we are part of the reason millions of Nigerians go hungry, and we hope to make a difference in the near future, dumping the noise and swinging into real action.

It is this very concern that drives my desire to attend conferences or dialogues like the aforementioned, but circumstances did not permit it. Thankfully, technology has been birthed and it came to the rescue. The organisers provided live coverage across Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom, which I was able to access, allowing me to participate in the programme, albeit not until the very end.

It was a session to examine the current state of affairs and an open floor for discussion on how to make food available and affordable. Pundits brainstormed Nigeria’s vast fertile land, large bodies of water and adequate rainfall in each geopolitical zone, suitable for various crops and rearing animals, explored and seeked to decode how despite these rich agrarian factors hunger perseveres when there should be no correlation at all.

Farmer-herder clashes, a misunderstanding that has escalated from cultivated lands to homes, affecting innocent women and children, were deliberated upon, along with their impact on optimum crop production. In my view, our inability to properly harness pasture and rangeland is a contributory factor.

To put things into perspective, in a class, we studied over ten plants that, when cultivated, can provide sustenance for our livestock. This not only helps resolve clashes, but also reduces competition for valuable food resources between humans and domesticated animals, until we achieve self-sufficiency.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods was another talking point. Exploring and tweaking specific genetic traits for better quality in other plants or animals is not new in agriculture. Before we sort ethical issues surrounding GMOs for long term solution on food availability, attention must be paid on short term remedy for same, and affordability.

Post harvest spoilage or waste was another concern. Even as these food items, especially perishables, are not sufficiently abundant, during harvest, a lot go to waste without arriving markets. What does this tell us? There is the ability to produce sufficiently but, as a nation it becomes imperative to invest in processing and storage infrastructure to arrest the issue of availability and affordability, it is basic economic principle of demand and supply.

Insecurity remains the bane of farmers. Many have abandoned their lands in order to remain alive, frankly, no one blames them. In offering solution, President of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said there is a need to defoliate forests in Nigeria which serves as safe haven for criminal elements – bandits, Boko Haram, ISWAP and Lakurawa alike.

He alluded to the fact that his idea may not sit well with climate change and environmental enthusiasts but stood firmly by this suggestion. This idea may not necessarily be out of place when we zoom our lens to realities of food availability and affordability. What I must add, if this is not welcomed, stakeholders should have a round table talk on other ways to save lives and tackle food insecurity without defoliation.

Present during the dialogue was the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha. Among a lot of things he said Nigerians are tired of saying the country has “potential”, stressing that it is time to ”activate” it. Although we must know the potentials before attempting to activate, his assertion is oncourse, our potentials have since been established.

According to him, policies should address the issue where people produce for only family consumption with little to sell while also highlighting the need to change the way we do things in the agricultural sector, for us to get a different outcome. Rightly captured but do average farmers have at their disposal sophisticated tools to produce for family and market? our practice is still largely primitive you know.

I am a believer that every citizen has a role to play for the betterment of Nigeria but importantly, leadership bears greater responsibility therefore, I was happy the Minister and a representative of the Speaker of House of Representatives – both in positions to “make things happen” – were present or represented among other stakeholders.

Overall, the dialogue was critical, informative, and enlightening, but we hope to see where we go from here in our efforts to make food available and affordable.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached on: dahirulawal90@gmail.com