Nigeria

By Haruna Chiroma

The tax reform bill is currently stirring controversy. It poses a severe threat to the growth of information and communication technology (ICT) in Nigeria, as it proposes to terminate funding for the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) by 2027. When I first read this shocking news in the newspapers, I was compelled to investigate further. A section of the bill explicitly states, “National Information Technology Development Fund: 20% in 2025 and 2026 years of assessment, and 0% in 2027 and thereafter.” This provision indicates a progressive reduction of NITDA’s funding until complete withdrawal by 2027. At a time when nations worldwide are significantly increasing their investments in technology to drive innovation and economic growth, Nigeria’s decision to defund its premier ICT development agency is deeply concerning.

Globally, governments play a pivotal role in funding and coordinating computing technological advancements through agencies like NITDA. Leading examples include the U.S., where El Capitan, the most powerful supercomputer with over 11 million processors, is hosted at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with government funding. Similarly, Japan’s Fugaku supercomputer, Italy’s Leonardo supercomputer at the Interuniversity Consortium for Automatic Computing of North-East Italy, and China’s Sunway Taihulight supercomputer at the National Supercomputing Center are all funded and maintained in millions of dollars by their respective governments. These centres drive artificial intelligence (AI), climate research, and national security breakthroughs.

Nigeria’s move to stop NITDA’s funding undermines its ability to establish comparable infrastructure, potentially sidelining the nation in the global race for technological leadership, especially in this era of AI boom. NITDA needs a significant increase in government funding, not a reduction or cessation of funding. This support is essential for transitioning from its current focus on providing basic systems with internet connectivity to delivering advanced computing infrastructure. 

The NITDA has been instrumental in providing IT infrastructure to tertiary institutions and centres across Nigeria, aiming to enhance hands-on experience with technology. While this initiative has made IT resources more accessible, its impact has been limited due to the basic nature of the infrastructure provided. NITDA often delivers facilities such as buildings with basic computing devices and internet connectivity.

Although helpful, this approach falls short of addressing the advanced needs of tertiary institutions, which should be hubs for high-impact research, innovation, and technological development. The computers provided in institutions should have at least one server with 4 GPUs, multi-GPU systems, Dual GPU Xeon W-2400, and advanced workstations capable of running 70 billion parameter models. Such limited interventions fail to prepare Nigeria to lead Africa in technological advancements and global IT competitiveness.

Tertiary institutions are critical for pioneering research and fostering innovations that drive national development. However, the resources provided by NITDA rarely go beyond basic systems, leaving institutions ill-equipped to conduct groundbreaking research or develop cutting-edge technologies. High-impact research requires advanced state-of-the-art computing infrastructure, advanced software tools, and specialized facilities, all of which are currently lacking. As the “Giant of Africa,” Nigeria should empower its higher education system with resources to catalyze technological breakthroughs, enabling the country to lead in global innovation. Unfortunately, the limited scope of NITDA’s current offerings restricts this potential.

Rather than addressing these shortcomings, the proposed tax reform bill aims to phase out budget allocations for NITDA by 2027. This move is a significant setback for a developing nation that aspires to secure a place on the global technology map. Eliminating funding for NITDA would exacerbate the already inadequate IT infrastructure in tertiary institutions, undermining efforts to equip students with the skills needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It would also signal a lack of commitment to nurturing a robust ecosystem for research and innovation, essential for long-term economic growth.

Increasing funding for NITDA is crucial to ensure it can provide an infrastructure capable of supporting advanced research and development. By investing in high-performance computing clusters, research laboratories, and innovation hubs, NITDA could transform tertiary institutions into true centres of excellence. Such investments would enhance education quality, foster industry partnerships, and attract global attention to Nigeria’s technological capabilities. These steps are necessary to empower students and researchers to develop solutions that address local and global challenges.

The NITDA should refocus its efforts from constructing buildings to investing solely in advanced IT infrastructure and power solutions. Beneficiary institutions can provide the necessary physical space, allowing NITDA to channel its budget toward cutting-edge computing systems and robust power setups essential for research and development. This shift would maximize resources and provide institutions with tools to foster innovation, invention, and impactful research and development.

NITDA’s approach should prioritize building supercomputers with at least 400,000 processors (mostly accelerators) capable of handling complex computations and simulations required for high-impact research. Additionally, data centre storage units with capacities in petabytes should be established to support the growing demand for data-driven research and AI training models.

Cybersecurity infrastructure must be provided in the relevant institutions equipped to monitor Nigeria’s cyberspace, conduct advanced forensic investigations, innovate, research, and defend against cyber threats. This holistic approach would create a technological ecosystem capable of addressing the needs of both academia and the nation, bridging the gap between research, innovation, and real-world applications.

Rather than building and distributing basic computing devices across institutions, which provide limited value, NITDA should aim to establish at least one high-performance computing and cybersecurity centre in Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions. Establishing high-performance computing centres in each region is a strategic move that could transform the nation’s technological and research landscape. These centres would serve as centralized hubs for cutting-edge computation, enabling tertiary institutions and regional research bodies to access advanced resources essential for high-impact research, innovation, invention and technology development.

These centres would empower researchers and students to engage in frontier areas such as AI, climate modelling, biotechnology, and space exploration by providing access to supercomputers with thousands of processors, vast petabyte-scale data storage facilities, and state-of-the-art cybersecurity infrastructure.

To ensure sustainability and efficiency, these HPC centres should be supported by reliable power infrastructure, skilled personnel, and strategic funding models. Power-intensive facilities like these require an uninterrupted energy supply, which could be addressed through investments in renewable energy solutions such as solar farms or microgrids.

Haruna Chiroma, a University Professor of Artificial Intelligence, wrote from the University of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, via freedonchi@yahoo.com.

By Uzair Adam

The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) planned retirement of over 1,000 staff, including senior management and directors.

This move followed a motion of urgent public importance presented by Rep.

Kama Nkemkama (LP-Ebonyi) during Tuesday’s plenary session, titled “Need to Investigate the Retirement of Over 1,000 Staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Associated N50 Billion Payoff Scheme.”

A media report on December 2 revealed that the retirement plan is part of an ongoing restructuring initiative under the leadership of the current CBN Governor.

The report further indicated that a N50 billion payoff scheme has been proposed to compensate the affected employees.

While presenting the motion, Nkemkama showed concerns regarding the selection criteria, transparency, and adherence to public service guidelines and labour laws.

He noted that the mass retirement could lead to increased unemployment and heightened public discontent.

The lawmaker also expressed concern over the N50 billion payoff scheme, pointing to potential risks of mismanagement and insufficient oversight of public funds in a sector crucial to Nigeria’s financial stability.

Following the debate, the House resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the retirement plan.

The committee will examine the criteria, legality, and transparency of the process, as well as ensure that the funds are properly utilized.

Additionally, the House urged the CBN to suspend the retirement exercise and its associated payoff scheme pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment was also called upon to protect the rights of the affected employees in line with Nigeria’s labour laws.

The committee is expected to report its findings to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

By Tolulope Showande 

Social media has revolutionized political discourse, transforming how people engage with politics, share information, and influence change. Platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram have broken down barriers between citizens and leaders, offering a more immediate and interactive space for dialogue than ever before. However, this transformation is a double-edged sword, bringing opportunities and challenges to modern political communication.

On the positive side, social media has democratized information. It gives marginalized voices a platform to be heard and enables grassroots movements to gain momentum without the backing of traditional media outlets. 

Hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter and #EndSARS have brought global attention to issues of racial injustice and police brutality, mobilizing millions to take action. Social media also allows citizens to hold politicians accountable. Missteps or controversial statements can go viral within minutes, forcing leaders to address public concerns swiftly.

Yet, the characteristics that make social media powerful also make it dangerous. The speed and reach of these platforms have facilitated the spread of misinformation and fake news, which can polarize societies and undermine democratic processes. 

Algorithms designed to maximize engagement often amplify sensational and divisive content, creating echo chambers where users are exposed only to viewpoints that reinforce their beliefs. This has led to heightened political tribalism, replacing meaningful debate with hostility and extremism.

Furthermore, the lack of regulation around social media use in political campaigns has raised concerns about transparency and manipulation. From targeted ads to the misuse of personal data, these platforms have become tools for influencing elections, often in difficult-to-detect or counteract ways. The 2016 U.S. presidential election and the Brexit referendum are notable examples of how social media can be weaponized to shape public opinion.

Despite these challenges, the role of social media in politics cannot be dismissed. It has become integral to modern governance, activism, and public engagement. To maximize its benefits while mitigating its risks, there must be a collective effort to promote digital literacy, implement stricter regulations on political advertising, and hold tech companies accountable for their role in shaping public discourse.

Social media is a powerful tool, but society must ensure it is used responsibly. If used thoughtfully, these platforms have the potential to foster a more informed, connected, and active citizenry capable of addressing the complex challenges of our time.

Tolulope Showande sent from Bayero University, Kano, via tshowande@gmail.com.

By Idris Mustapha

 The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed in a heart-wrenching report that Nigeria’s inflation rate climbed to an excruciating 33.88% in October 2024. The pain and suffering reflected in these official figures tell a story far more profound than mere economic indicators—they represent countless nights of parents going to bed hungry, having sacrificed their meals to feed their children.

The NBS’s latest report paints a devastating picture, showing a relentless climb from September’s already unbearable rate of 32.70%. “Looking at the movement,” the Bureau notes with clinical precision that contrasts sharply with the human suffering it represents, “the September 2024 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 0.55% compared to the August 2024 headline inflation rate.” Behind these sterile statistics lie the anguished faces of market women watching their businesses crumble.

The Bureau’s year-on-year analysis reveals an even more distressing reality, with October’s rate standing 6.55 percentage points higher than the 27.33% recorded in October 2023. The NBS report states, “This shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in September 2024 when compared to the same month in the preceding year.” Each percentage point represents another burden on the shoulders of ordinary Nigerians, many of whom are already stretched to their breaking point.

The official data traces a cruel journey through 2024, from January’s troubling 29.90% to the current devastating peak. The NBS’s monthly tracking shows how “the rate of increase in the average price level is more than the rate of increase in the average price level” each month. Behind these technical terms lies the reality of young graduates seeing their dreams fade and elderly citizens finding their pensions increasingly worthless.

Perhaps most heartbreaking is the Bureau’s documentation of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) price surge, which the NBS directly links to the inflation crisis. This price hike, implemented in early September and again in October, has dealt a cruel blow to our society’s most vulnerable members. Families are forced to make impossible choices: buying food or medicine, paying school fees, or keeping their small businesses alive.

The statistical evidence presented by the NBS serves as an official testament to the widespread suffering. Markets that once bustled with life now echo the whispered concerns of traders and customers alike, haggling not for profit but for survival. The weight of this economic burden is visible in the tired eyes of parents who must explain to their children why they can no longer afford their favorite meals or school supplies.

As we look to the future, the NBS’s continuous monitoring of this crisis is a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention. While the Bureau diligently records these devastating figures, real families make painful sacrifices to survive another day. The official data serves as a clarion call for immediate action, as each statistical update pushes more Nigerians below the poverty line, leaving deep scars that may take generations to heal.

The National Bureau of Statistics meticulously documents this crisis, which demands policy changes and a fundamental recognition of the human suffering it represents. Behind every percentage point increase lies a story of resilience: families supporting each other through unimaginable hardship, communities coming together to share what little they have. Yet, without significant intervention, these stories of resilience documented in the national statistics may soon turn into tales of despair as more Nigerians find themselves unable to cope with the relentless rise in the prices of basic necessities.

Idris Mustapha wrote via idrismustapha25@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman

Ibrahim Anate, the acting Executive Secretary, Kogi State Agency for the Control of Aids, has declared that no fewer than 50,000 people are currently living with HIV/AIDs in the state.

Anate made this kniwn in an interactive session with journalists during a road Walk in commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day in Lokoja, the state capital, on Monday.

The walk was organised by the Centre for Integrated Health Programmes, in collaboration with the Kogi State Agency for the Control of Aids.

In his speech, Anate said, “About 50,000 people are living with HIV presently out of which 36,066 are presently on treatment in Kogi State.”We are seriously fighting the scourge and we are giving the awareness to all the community and the hard-to-reach areas of the awareness of HIV in Kogi State.”

He further added that the state government, under Alhaji Usman Ododo, is doing its best to see that people who are living with HIV AIDs are on treatment and pregnant women who are HIV positive deliver negative babies.

“The current administration is also striving to ensure that people who are positive in Kogi State will turn to negative. The government is seriously commited to provide support to the Ministry of Health, and KOSACA to see that we take the campaign to the very hard-to-reach community and the community at large in Kogi State,” he added.

However, Anate, appealed to Ododo to sign the Anti Stigma HIV Law, which was recently passed by the state House of Assembly.

“When the governor ascents to this law, people that are HIV positive can have the confidence to declare their status. Many can’t do this because of the stigmatization in the society”, he added.

On his part, the Kogi State Technical Lead, Centre for Integrated Health Programmes, Inyama Lawrencia, lamented the transmission of HIV AIDs from mother to child in the state.

“We have been advocating for every mother to go for anti-natal services so that they can know their HIV status. With the record on the ground about mother-to-child HIV transmission, CIHP has been working in the communities to sensitise women to ensure that they come out to the masses to know their HIV status.

He noted that “one of the challenges is that due to the economic constraints of the country, Some Women who are supposed to go out to know their status don’t even go because of financial constraints”.

By Ibrahim Abdullahi

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, commemorates the 32nd International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration worldwide.

On this very special day, several celebrations of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities will take place in different parts of the world, making it a worldwide event. 

However, for others, it is a historic occasion. This may be the first time they celebrate the day; this could be because they have recently joined the community of people with disabilities due to illness, accident, or other reasons.

 Many thanks to former Nigerian President Muhammad Buhari and the individuals involved in the tireless and backbreaking efforts to pass and implement the Disability Bill into Law 2018, which has never been in Nigeria’s history since its independence.

I want to remind us that DISABILITY is not a curse or disease. It is a condition that can be rehabilitated depending on the type of disability one is struggling with. There is always ability in disability. We should not be discouraged!

Thanks to those who, in some way, took time to celebrate with us and the good people of Nigeria and Africa in general for witnessing this special day with us. 

The world stands still for us to salute our courage and fortitude to triumph over challenges we overcame and the ones coming our way. The world celebrates our abilities despite our disabilities.

We live in a world where change has become a constant basis of our individual and collective societies. In this advanced technological modern period, technological wonders appear at regular intervals, and our lives as members of particular societies regarding persons with disabilities are clearly different from those of those without disabilities. This requires inclusion to reshape our community. 

Ending discrimination, injustice, and humiliation against people with disabilities is essential. We should embrace diversity in all its forms. Tolerance and accepting our differences are important; we must be recognized as humans. Let us unite to improve our society, Nigeria. Some scholars say that everyone is disabled in one way or another, and I agree. 

Happy International Day of Persons with Disability, everyone. 

Ibrahim Abdullahi can be contacted via ibrahimbsw23@gmail.com.

By Haroon Aremu

After fierce contention between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump for the next occupant of the White House, with the latter emerging victorious, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s congratulatory message to the President-elect reignited intense discussion about the relationship between both nations. 

The president’s eagerness to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the United States raises questions. Has the partnership between both countries truly benefited Nigeria? Or was Mr. President’s call merely another political courtesy? These questions prompt us to examine the nature of Nigeria’s relationship with the U.S., its economic implications, and the broader political dynamics at play.

Nigeria and the U.S. have maintained a long-standing economic relationship. Nigeria is one of America’s top trading partners in Africa. In 2019, bilateral trade between the two nations exceeded $10 billion, and the U.S. remains Nigeria’s largest foreign investor, particularly in the oil and gas sector. 

However, Nigeria’s economy continues to struggle, primarily due to its overreliance on oil. With global shifts toward renewable energy, including in the U.S., Nigeria must diversify its economy to remain competitive and avoid being left behind.

Critics argue that while the U.S.-Nigeria partnership has brought some benefits, these advantages are not felt equally across the population. The wealth generated from trade and investment remains largely concentrated in the oil sector, leaving many Nigerians excluded from broader economic gains. The promise of diversification remains largely unfulfilled, and the average citizen continues to bear the brunt of the country’s dependence on oil.

The political dynamics of the U.S. and Nigeria share striking similarities, particularly in their recent elections. Both the 2020 U.S. election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden and Nigeria’s 2023 election, where Bola Tinubu contested mainly against Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, were “reportedly” marred by allegations of fraud, electoral manipulation, and identity politics. Just as many Americans questioned the integrity of their electoral process, Nigerians also faced concerns over corruption and electoral malpractice.

However, Nigeria can learn from the U.S. by adopting reforms that promote a certain level of transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness in its electoral system, as witnessed in 2024. While the U.S. system has its challenges, its efforts to ensure a fair and free election through checks and balances offer valuable lessons for Nigeria, which must work to eliminate corruption and build public trust in the electoral process. 

These reforms will help create an electoral system that reflects the people’s will and ensures fair participation. 

Transparency, accountability, and the active participation of civil society will be vital to improving Nigeria’s elections and ensuring the people’s will is genuinely reflected in government.

Nigeria’s economy faces pressing challenges, including over 30% inflation and a soaring unemployment rate. The country’s dependence on oil exports makes it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. 

The need for diversification has never been more urgent. Nigeria must expand into agriculture, technology, and manufacturing sectors to create a more sustainable and resilient economy.

While U.S.-Nigeria partnerships in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure development have created some jobs, the benefits are often limited. Without proper policies and management, the economic gains from these partnerships fail to reach those who need them most. Corruption hinders inclusive growth, with the wealth generated by foreign investments rarely benefiting the broader population.

The U.S. has provided substantial aid to Nigeria over the years, including over $125 million in COVID-19 assistance and various health initiatives, such as PEPFAR, which has improved healthcare access. 

Educational programs have also significantly impacted Nigerian schools, providing millions of books and teaching resources. However, critics argue that much of this aid addresses immediate needs without addressing the deeper, systemic issues that hinder long—term development, such as corruption, poor governance, and institutional inefficiency.

Though aid has brought short-term relief, Nigeria must push for real, lasting change. Relying on external assistance alone is not enough without addressing the root causes of poverty, unemployment, and economic instability. 

Development cannot be achieved through aid alone—it requires internal reforms and institutional strengthening.

To President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is at a critical juncture. It faces significant economic challenges, including the risk of recession, but the partnership with the United States offers an opportunity to stimulate growth, attract investment, and create jobs. 

While the World Bank acknowledges Nigeria’s efforts through macro-fiscal reforms like unifying exchange rates and phasing out gasoline subsidies, these changes must be carefully managed to minimize short-term negative impacts on vulnerable groups. 

Scaling up social protection programs, investing in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and promoting economic diversification into areas like agriculture, technology, and manufacturing are essential to reducing reliance on oil and ensuring long-term stability. 

The World Bank’s $2.25 billion funding through the RESET program can enhance revenue mobilization, improve governance, and foster private sector growth.

Nigeria must strengthen its dialogue with the U.S., showcase investment opportunities, and deepen cooperation on security. Moving forward, Nigeria must prioritize real, actionable partnerships that deliver sustainable benefits to its people, avoid actions akin to political fraternization, and focus on inclusive development. 

The world is watching, and now is the time for decisive action to secure Nigeria’s future.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun, author of Youth Service for National Stability: A Corpers’ Chronicle, advocates for national development, has received an award from PRNigeria Center, and is an investigative research journalist. He can be reached at exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD

Passing bills in Nigeria (and apparently everywhere else) has a tradition of generating controversies. For instance, the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) endured decades of rejection before finally passing into law. When the Electoral Act 2022 was signed into law, the opposition went agog, crying to high heaven. Similarly, when the Social Media Bill was passed, it was seen as proof of a government obsession with suppressing dissent.

The reform that is now raising the dust is the Tax Reform Bills. Days after sending the bills to the national assembly, the nineteen governors of the northern states convened in Kaduna to oppose them, describing them as anti-North. The Federal Executive Council (FAC) also backed the northern governors. However, like the vigour with which subsidy removal was pursued, the president insisted on proceeding with the reform.

Northern governors fear amending VAT to a derivation-based model will diminish their states’ revenue contributions. Governor Yahya, the NGF chairperson, notes that companies remit VAT based on their headquarters, not where goods and services are consumed. Consequently, while MTN services consumed in Kano generate VAT for Lagos, Kano’s allocation decreases despite the consumption.

This reform is a dream come true for the state where the plants and industries are sited; unfortunately, for the state’s bottom rock in terms of industries, it is a crying face to them.

 While seeking redress to the proposed bill, it is also better to take charge; no more time is needed for the North to dust off all the moribund infrastructure, pass and implement industrial policies, continue with the uncompleted, and maintain the few industries in the region than now. 

There are plenty of them in Kano; notwithstanding Karota revenue, Abba Kabir Yusuf needs to rise to industrious revenues. Dangote’s Tomato processing industry is said not to be meeting expectations and optimism.

In Zamfara, a once peaceful and serene area, Dauda Lawal needs to recall all the companies aground and those existing only in paper, e.g., fertiliser plants by his predecessor Mutawalle. Apart from raising revenue, industrialisation benefits in Zamfara are numerous, combating even the insecurities that bedevil the state (through job opportunities in the long run).

In Kaduna, Uba Sani needs to continue with the Malam El-rufai’s exploit, maintaining and upgrading Olam Nigeria and a host of economic initiatives.

In Kebbi state, the comrade Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu needs to extend his widely recommended administration to continue the ongoing legacies of  Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, like the bioethanol mega plant, maintaining and promoting already established ones ( e.g., GB Food tomato processing plant and WACOT). 

Ironically, the southern states (especially the west), where the proposed bill is set to favour, are upping the ante. Lagos, for instance, is making unprecedented investments in energy generation.

The interest in remodelling the proposed Tax Reform Bills is not enough; it is a wake-up call for the North to raise the bar regarding regional industrialisation.

Bilyamin Abdulmumin, PhD, wrote via bilal4riid13@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has expressed strong opposition to the tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, cautioning that their implementation could significantly harm the northern region.

The controversial bills, which propose shifting the basis for Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution to the location of consumption, have sparked widespread resistance, particularly in the north. 

Key stakeholders, including northern governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders Forum, have called for the withdrawal of the proposed legislation.

Speaking with BBC Hausa, Zulum criticized the rapid progress of the bills through the National Assembly, contrasting it with the protracted passage of other critical legislation, such as the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took nearly two decades to become law.

“We condemn these bills. They will set the north back and affect other regions, including some states in the South West like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo,” Zulum said. 

“This is not mere opposition; it is about safeguarding our future. We urge President Tinubu to reconsider. 

“He received substantial support from the north during the election, and our interests must be protected.”

Zulum warned that the financial strain imposed by the reforms could make it difficult for many northern states to pay salaries, adding, “Even if we manage to pay, it won’t be sustainable in the following year.”

When asked if the bills would exacerbate poverty and insecurity in the north, the governor affirmed, “Yes, it will. This isn’t just about the north; even Lagos is concerned. If so many regions are against these bills, why push forward without careful consideration?”

Zulum also addressed speculation about lawmakers being influenced by lobbying or kickbacks. 

“There are rumours, but we cannot be sure. What we need is patriotism. We have children, grandchildren, and relatives in rural areas. We must avoid endorsing policies that would hinder their progress.”

While emphasizing that his stance is not an act of defiance against the federal government, Zulum maintained that it calls for a more thoughtful approach. 

“We supported and voted for President Tinubu, but these bills are not in our best interest. We are simply asking for a reconsideration to protect the future of our people and the nation at large.”

Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. 

I commend you, Your Excellency, for the bold reforms implemented under your leadership, including removing fuel subsidies and unifying the exchange rate. 

As you continue to lead Nigeria through a critical period in our history marked by your far-reaching reforms, I feel compelled to address a critical issue that could significantly impact our nation’s progress and economic stability. 

In recent weeks, there have been reports that certain high-ranking presidential advisers are allegedly manipulating and forcing various regulatory agencies to intimidate and harass companies in the media, oil and gas, telecommunications, financial services, banking, fintech, and FMCG sectors. 

This behaviour undermines your administration’s efforts to create a conducive business environment and threatens Nigeria’s economic recovery.

Sir, if it is true that high-ranking officials within the government who should be doing all they can to deliver on your mandate are the same people who undermine it by continuing to exploit regulatory agencies for personal gain, we risk the exit of multinational corporations, the shutdown of local businesses that struggle to comply with arbitrary regulations aimed at stifling competition, and the erosion of investor confidence, etc. 

Mr. President, your commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s economy through your different policies and initiatives is commendable. However, these efforts must be supported by a transparent regulatory framework that protects businesses from undue harassment. 

I urge you to investigate these allegations and take decisive action against any misuse of power by government officials who seek to manipulate regulatory bodies for personal gain.

Reinforcing the independence of these agencies will not only protect businesses but also restore trust among stakeholders in the Nigerian economy. Your actions in response to these challenges will significantly influence our country’s direction in the coming years. 

I trust that you will consider this matter with the urgency it deserves.

Thank you for your service, Mr President.

Sincerely,

Adeola Adepoju

Jabi, Abuja