National

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Ali Nuhu, director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, has stressed the importance of prioritising quality in Nigerian filmmaking, citing its potential to elevate the country’s reputation on the global stage. 

In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa, Nuhu showed the need for a significant improvement in the quality of Nigerian films, revealing that only a fraction, approximately 30–35%, currently meet the desired standard.

He stated that the target should be much higher, aiming for at least 70–75% of films to attain the desired quality level. 

Addressing this concern, Nuhu pledged to spearhead efforts to enhance education within the industry and provide filmmakers with access to quality equipment.

He remarked, “We have an ambition of transforming Nigeria’s film industry into one of the best in the world because we don’t need quantity; what we need most is quality over quantity.” 

Acknowledging the negative perceptions of Nigeria perpetuated by some individuals, Nuhu expressed confidence in the transformative power of films to counteract such portrayals and restore the country’s integrity.

“Through these films, we will restore our integrity,” he affirmed, highlighting the positive impact of quality filmmaking on national image-building efforts. 

In a message of unity to both Kannywood and Nollywood, the two major film industries in Nigeria, Nuhu stated the importance of collective support in achieving shared objectives.

“I am a member of both; what I need most is support from all sides to achieve all our desired goals,” he concluded. 

As Ali Nuhu advocates for a paradigm shift towards quality-driven filmmaking, his vision resonates with industry stakeholders, paving the way for a renewed focus on excellence and innovation in Nigerian cinema.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of the Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, presented the service’s 2024 budget on February 5, 2024, to the Nigeria Senate Committee on Customs at the National Assembly. 

The CG, while defending the 2024 budget of 706.43 billion naira, focused attention on consolidating carried-over projects, increasing staff welfare by improving and motivating officers’ performance, and integrating technologies into Customs processes. 

Regarding Officers’ welfare, CG Adeniyi mentioned that Officers will be encouraged in various ways to increase efficiency and improve their well-being.

He stated that this would be done through awards, promotions, and payment of allowances. 

Additionally, the Comptroller General pledges to surpass the revenue target of 5.079 trillion naira in 2024. According to him, the revenue target for 2024 is 27.75 percent higher than the target of 2023. 

Furthermore, the Comptroller-General outlined strategies to achieve the 2024 target, including implementing the National Single Window championed by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

He also harps on strategies to agonize and standardize Customs processes, port decongestion, collaboration with other agencies for efficiency and competitiveness, anti-smuggling operations, integrating ICT into operations, investing in capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, among others. 

The CG also noted supporting local production and taking food security seriously.

He stated, “We intend to grant waivers to vehicle owners to pay duties within a specific time to avoid sanctions and to regularize the importation of vehicles through payment of duties.” 

He added, “The service plans to recruit 1,600 personnel in 2024. The low figure is due to the small vacancies we have available. These vacancies are primarily for junior staff who will carry out Customs operations and guard duties. In subsequent years, more recruitment exercises will be carried out.” 

CG Bashir, however, noted that the service had a shortfall of 12.62 percent in its 2023 revenue target, citing concessions in Section 99 of the Common External Tariff (CET), import duty exemption certificates, cash crunch, general elections, and other factors affecting revenue generation negatively.

He assured a positive outcome in 2024.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

In northern Nigeria, discussions on leadership succession and selection processes usually arise prominently only when the region is not in power at the center. Attention to these issues appears to be less pronounced when the North holds central power.

In four to eight years, the dynamics of politics in Northern Nigeria will witness a major shift because the current ‘Class 1’ political leaders will retire due to old age. For instance, in eight years, the former President Muhammadu Buhari will be 90, the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will be 86, the former President, Ibrahim Babangida, will be 91, Mamman Daura will be 93, Murtala Nyako will be 90, former Head of State Abdulsalam Abubakar will be 90, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon will be 98, and General Aliyu Gusau will be 89. Also, General TY Danjuma will be 94, Sani Zangon Daura will be 94, Ango Abdullahi will be 84, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje will be 83, etc. Their age will eventually phase them out of active politics.

For ‘Class 2’ political leaders, some will also grapple with old age, and their faces are too familiar to the public. In 8 years, Nasir El-Rufai will be 72, Ali Modu Sharif will be 76, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will be 76, Ahmed Lawan will be 73, Aliyu Wamako will be 79, and Nuhu Ribadu will be 72. Bala Mohammed will be 74, Governor Inuwa Yahaya will be 71, George Akume will be 79, and Governor Abdullahi Sule will be 73, while the current Vice President, Kashim Shettima will clock 66, which is fairly good for him. However, globally, in recent times, people in their 80s have clinched the presidency of their countries, indicating that age is gradually becoming inconsequential in political contests.

However, the individuals poised to play a prominent and vital role, naturally succeeding the ‘Class 1’ political leaders, include some state governors completing their second terms in the 4 years and other political figures who are relatively young and have excelled in their positions. Notable among them are Governors Babagana Zulum (63), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (64), who is performing wonders in Adamawa despite its meager resources, Simon Lalong (69), Yahaya Bello (57), Mai Mala Buni (65), Senator Aminu Tambuwal (58), Speaker Tajuddeen Abbas (60) and many more in both the public and private sectors. While the dynamics remain uncertain over the next 4–8 years, it promises to be an intriguing new chapter in the political leadership of Northern Nigeria.

Furthermore, the next leadership of the North may emerge in contrast to our existing selection process, a process that was always haphazard and mostly shrouded by the vestiges of personal interests. It has often been devoid of the sub-national’s or country’s interests. This time around, someone’s performance in public office may play a vital role in his or her emergence as the leader of the North. The Northern masses are now more concerned about development-oriented personalities than just political names. Performance is key.

And the dynamics of the Nigerian political landscape are changing overtime as well. The country needs a well-planned leadership succession arrangement. This is even more crucial because the nation is a developing country. A structured political succession plan will free the current age-old leadership from the burden of ‘carrying the camel and its loads’.

Though our succession planning, especially in the North, has been happening within the spheres of political leadership in Nigeria, it was based on some old systems and outdated processes, so to speak, for example, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo was tackled on his choice of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua while being fully aware of the latter’s health condition, Obasanjo said his decision was based on the information available to him and Yar’Adua’s honesty. This has brought to the fore the need for the North and the Nigerian political leadership at large to cultivate the culture of having succession advisors and employ the science of succession. It will help them make sound decisions for the transition of leadership between the current generation of leaders and potential younger successors while still maintaining some sort of political relevance and influence.

Unfortunately, the current political leadership has a poor mentorship system, especially in terms of teaching the art of politics and participation in national politics. The most hit are often their offspring and lieutenants; they are mostly engaged in power play and wealth accumulation, forgetting the importance of leadership and governance . Thus,  when they find themselves in power, they become confused with power.

Let us also not forget that picking a successor in Nigeria is a painstaking job because of the complex nature of Nigeria’s politics. Our fault lines, apparent influence of geography, tongue and faith in our polity are some of the factors responsible for this. For instance, the political geography of the North has a large number of these political leaders, and the region has some of the oldest people in the national and state assemblies, including commissioners and council chairs.

The north’s “Class 1” political leadership must establish a well-organized yet practical succession plan – a crucial step for them, their politics and the region. Notably, some governors who will conclude their final terms in 2027, having excelled in their roles, should naturally be the future political leaders in the North and at the center.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja, 08036070980, zaymohd@yahoo.com

By Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf

Super Eagles’ Zaidu Sanusi isn’t a bad player. You can’t be a starting player for FC Porto if you are bad. His struggles stem from the position he’s asked to play in these knockout games.

Sanusi is a quintessential left back in a four-man defense, where his primary duty is to stay at the back and make sporadic forays into attack based on the circumstances of the game.

Since the game against Guinea-Bissau, the Super Eagles’ coach, Peseiro, has changed his defensive structure from a four-man to a three-man central defense (Ajayi, Ekong, Bassey) sandwiched by two wing backs in Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi.

This means that Sanusi is now expected to strike a balance between defense and attack. When Nigeria is out of possession, he will stay on his flank to provide extra cover for Calvin Bassey from the left. This is what Sanusi excels at.

But when we are in possession, he’s effectively our left-sided midfielder who must make runs behind the opposition defense to join attack. This is Sanusi’s biggest weakness. He’s a square peg in a round hole.

The problem is, when you remove Sanusi from the starting lineup, who are you going to play? One option is to bring Omeruo to the center of the defense and push Bassey to the left wing-back position. But this won’t solve Sanusi’s problem because Bassey isn’t that good going forward either.

Another alternative is to shift Aina to the left wing-back and bring Oseyi to the right wing-back. In my opinion, this is better than the first option. However, when you do that, you strip the team of one of its biggest assets: Aina’s tireless work rate from the right, which Oseyi can never replicate.

Whatever the case may be, the best solution is to stick with Sanusi. After all, tell me a coach who changes a tried and tested watertight defense in the middle of the knockout rounds of a major international tournament.

Aliyu wrote from Kano. He can be reached via aliyuyy@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

In the Utako District of Abuja, a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Hilux Van was involved in a collision with a car on Tuesday as officials pursued an erring driver.

The car, driven by Bashir Bashir, was carrying his pregnant wife, Olabisi, to her office at the time of the incident.

Bashir recounted, “We were coming from Lugbe to work when the road safety officials attempted to stop a vehicle ahead of us.

“The driver didn’t comply, prompting the officials to chase after it. Unfortunately, our car was caught in between the FRSC van and the fleeing vehicle, resulting in a collision from behind.

“My pregnant wife, seven months along, was in the car and has been taken to the hospital,” he added.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), in response to the current economic challenges facing Nigeria, has reevaluated its stance on the proposed N200,000 minimum wage. 

The National Vice President of the NLC, Tommy Etim, clarified that the earlier proposed amount is no longer realistic, given the prevailing economic conditions in the country. 

Etim’s statement comes in the wake of the inauguration of the Minimum Wage Committee by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday.

The NLC had initially proposed the N200,000 minimum wage when economic challenges were less severe. 

According to Etim, the socio-economic landscape has significantly worsened since the N200,000 proposal, with the exchange rate and the devaluation of the naira playing crucial roles in the reconsideration.

He highlighted that the original proposal is no longer tenable, noting the need for a flexible approach in determining the new minimum wage. 

Etim stated, “We are not going there with a fixed amount, but definitely not N200,000. By the time we get there, we will decide based on the socio-economic situation. That’s what we are going to base our national minimum wage discussion and negotiation on.” 

The NLC’s acknowledgment of the evolving economic realities signals a pragmatic approach to the forthcoming discussions and negotiations regarding the national minimum wage.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, pledged collaboration with the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) during an appearance on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, in Abuja. 

Addressing the committee, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) longstanding use of integrated technology for revenue collection, involving over 20 commercial banks in a process spanning more than two decades. 

He noted the contractual agreements with these banks, granting access to a technology platform facilitating seamless payments, directly remitted to the federation accounts. 

Promising a commitment to transparency, CGC Adeniyi expressed readiness to collaborate closely with the Committee, stating, “Compliance is something we take seriously, and we will ensure that if there are any grey areas that need our service to foster efficiency, I am happy to mention that my team and I are prepared and will, in the most transparent manner, present statements to the committee.” 

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Bamidele Salami, offered advice to NCS, urging the consistent provision of audited statements of accounts and adherence to all legal requirements.

The collaborative effort between the Customs and the Public Accounts Committee signifies a dedication to transparency and accountability in financial matters within the Nigeria Customs Service.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, in a bid to fortify customs processes and mitigate risks, inaugurated a World Customs Organisation (WCO)-led Post Clearance Audit (PCA) and Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) Diagnostic Mission on Monday, January 29, 2024. 

This is contained in a statement released and made available to journalists Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwadah.

According to Maiwadah, during a two-week retreat at the Wells Carlton Hotel Conference Room in Abuja, CGC Adeniyi outlined the NCS’s commitment to efficient supply chains and meticulous post-clearance audits.

The focus is on enabling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to qualify for AEO status through tailored training, support, and incentives. 

The initiative aligns with broader goals of inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation, ensuring societal segments benefit from trade facilitation and economic development opportunities.

The mission specifically addresses entry barriers for SMEs, considering Nigeria’s strategic position in the global trade framework and its role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

CGC Adeniyi stressed the significance of PCA and AEO in the successful implementation of AfCFTA, citing their role in refining customs procedures, strengthening compliance mechanisms, and promoting transparency for regional integration and economic progress in Africa. 

Expressing gratitude to the World Customs Organisation and acknowledging the collaboration with stakeholders, including the WCO-led PCA, IMF, World Bank, and AEO Diagnostic Mission, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the dedication and expertise driving the initiative. 

The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG), Abdullahi Musa, welcomed participants, noting Nigeria’s standing as a hub for trade and investment. DCG Musa underscored the mission’s aim to enhance compliance mechanisms, facilitate trade, and contribute to broader WCO objectives for global border security and sustainable economic development. 

DCG Musa extended appreciation to the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund for their support, displaying the dedication and expertise of all stakeholders involved in the two-week programme aimed at accelerating trade facilitation within the Nigeria Customs Service.

By Ismail Namadi 

In 2014, $1 was equivalent to ₦200. At that time, one bag of 50kg rice was around ₦8,000 ($40), and the minimum wage was N18,000 ($90). 

Comparably, in January 2024 (10 years apart), $1 is around ₦1,500. The Minimum wage is ₦30,000. A simple calculation is 18000/200 = $90; 30,000/1,500 = $20.

What does this simple calculation mean? In real terms, over the past ten years, despite the increase in the minimum wage from ₦18,000 to ₦30,000 per month, purchasing power has decreased by over 75%.

However, in 2014, the PMS pump price per litre was 87 Naira, while the current price in 2024 is ₦700 per litre. 

The Nigerian budget in 2014 was ₦4.962 trillion, while in 2024, the budget is ₦28.77 trillion. These variables are paramount when considering minimum wage simply because they directly affect the lives of people in the country. 

For example, the federal government removed the subsidy on petroleum products, which led to a skyrocketing price of general goods and services, making the lives of citizens, especially low-income earners, difficult to manage.

In addition, the dollar plays a significant role in our economy because we depend on foreign importation for consumable goods. The dollar is the only legal tender that we use to patronize foreign goods.

My advice to the federal government is that when it decides to review the minimum wage, it should consider the purchasing power of the naira so that the standard of living of Nigerian workers is improved.

Ismail Namadi wrote from Paderborn, Germany, via Ismailnamadi2006@gmail.com. 

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

It’s a new down in the history of the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who took over barely six months from May 29, 2023, till date. However, his administration has been awash with many debacles, ranging from bruises in the economic turbulence and pervasive insecurity to dividing citizens along religious and cultural differences. However, the latest is the alleged misappropriation of N585 million in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, led by the former National Woman Leader of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).

It is in the public domain that the ministry and the NSIP have been mired in a controversy as the President recently suspended Halima Shehu as National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency over an alleged financial misappropriation to the tune of N44 billion.

However, concerned Nigerians with an ear to the ground alleged a rivalry between the former minister’s camp and the suspended minister’s camp, who vows that “I won’t go alone; you exposed me; I will expose your conspiracy too”. However, in my perspective, if that’s the case, then it’s, after all, a welcome development for the general populace and for the system to be, of course, cleaned up.

In light of the recent events, the President’s and his administration’s integrity have been tested to see what action or inaction the President would take to send a strong message to his cabinet members and all other appointees that it is not business as usual. Would his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of the Commonwealth of Nigerians be protected?

On the other hand, would every appointee be treated equally, no matter how close that person is to the corridors of power? Of course, the President, who has the mandate of all Nigerians, has not yet disappointed the general populace by suspending those involved in the allegations and ordering a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions of the ministry.

The President’s directives have raised hope in Nigerians that it won’t be business as usual, where looters’ cases are swept under the rug. We can boldly say that the last administration’s anti-corruption campaign was ineffective. For instance, in the case of the suspended CBN governor, whose committee was constituted by the former President, its findings fell on deaf ears as if nothing had happened; however, revelations afterwards shocked everyone interested in the well-being of the country’s socio-economic development.

If you look at governance in general, we need to change our approach. The simple fact is that corruption has stagnated the well-being and progress of this country. I feel the only viable way to address these corruption issues is to have a revolutionary transformation of society and improve the context of governance within the framework in which our governance system is predicated. We have to call a spade by its name. Until communities stop celebrating looters and negate the notion that our tribesmen or kinsmen are being witch-hunted, then we wholeheartedly support the government in its bid to eradicate corruption in the system, to which, of course, we will be the major beneficiaries.

Nigerians have a keen interest in every decision the President takes or intends to make regarding the overall interest of the lives of the general population. Certainly, the success of the fight against corruption is intricately tied to the actions of the key actors, not solely reliant on the outpouring of condemnation. The public is the major stockholder in holding the government accountable.

Suppose Tinubu turns over a new leaf in his efforts to stamp out corruption. In that case, Nigerians will stand tall to support his action and term him a foremost man fighting the menace confronting humanity, which retards Nigeria’s development. Despite his stand on the issue, Nigerians must never relent until the fight goes off to a spectacular success.

Honestly, anything short of that can’t be tolerated or accepted, even though it’s early in the day of the new government; there is no excuse. Since they swore to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians, turn our misfortune into fortune, transform our dilapidated infrastructure, and revive our economy, we can put them on the radar to see how they disengage us from all logjam.

I invite all Nigerians to join the challenge of fighting corruption in all its ramifications. After all, the war against corruption can only be decisively won if we all come on board to shun away and expose all corruption within our worldview. I commend his efforts in the recent events, and it’s indeed a patriotic call to support his move for the benefit and betterment of our country.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmoud Street, Kasuwar Kaji Azare, Bauchi State.