Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Polish government has refuted claims that its nationals, arrested in Kano, Nigeria, displayed the Russian flag during a protest.

The six students and their lecturer were detained on August 6, along with six Spanish nationals, for allegedly participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest. 

Peter Afunanya, spokesperson for the Department of State Services, stated that the Poles were arrested “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags.”

However, the Polish foreign ministry denied this allegation, saying the group “merely took photos” and did not participate in the protest. 

The students, who were on an exchange program at Bayero University, Kano, are being held on unclear charges.

The University of Warsaw has made their release a top priority, with the Rector, Alojzy Nowak, in contact with the detainees. 

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Jakub Wisniewski has pleaded for their safe return, expressing skepticism about the Russian flag claim.

“I personally find this claim hard to believe. We are urging for their safe return home, where their loved ones are anxiously waiting for them.” 

Former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, advised the Polish government to be patient and allow the investigation to be completed.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Poland, Omooba Ayoola, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of the students and their lecturer.

By Uzair Adam

The UK government has disputed the claim made by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) that it has approved approximately 430,000 visa applications from Nigerians in the current year.

This clarification was made by the British High Commission in Nigeria through a post on its X page, as reported by The Daily Reality on Saturday.

Recall that the NIDCOM, in a statement, mentioned a meeting between UK official Dr. Montgomery and NIDCOM Chairperson/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

According to NIDCOM, Montgomery stated that “approximately 430,000 Nigerian visa applications have been successfully processed in 2024.”

However, the UK government corrected this, noting that from April 2023 to March 2024, it issued 255,000 visas to Nigerians, a significant discrepancy from NIDCOM’s reported figures.

The Daily Reality also learned that the discussions also touched on the violent protests occurring in the UK.

The British representative reassured the Nigerian diaspora in the UK of their safety, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to being a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.

Montgomery emphasized, “The UK is home to people from diverse countries and races, and it will continue to welcome qualified individuals to live, study, and work. We will not accept discrimination or attacks against any community.”

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa highlighted that no Nigerians have been reported as casualties of the recent unrest.

She also mentioned that NIDCOM maintains ongoing communication with the Nigerian High Commission in London and various diaspora groups, with none reporting any casualties.

The Nigerian government has issued a travel alert in response to recent violent demonstrations by far-right and other groups in the UK, advising Nigerian citizens to be cautious.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa commended the UK government’s swift actions, including arrests, and urged Nigerians to remain safe and adhere to the travel advisories provided by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Data from the UK Home Office shows a 38% drop in study visas issued to Nigerians from March 2023 to March 2024, attributed to a policy change in January 2024 limiting dependents for international students, except those in research-oriented postgraduate programs.

The total number of visas issued to Nigerians decreased from 50,000 to 45,000, reflecting a broader 6% decline in main applicant visas. The highest issuance rate was in June 2023, followed by a slight decrease.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

Before the hunger protest under the banner of #EndBadGovernance ensued, organisers made their intentions public. Initially, they were considered “faceless groups” plotting under the cover of night. Ironically, once they revealed themselves, they were labelled “unpopular” groups, previously invisible in Nigeria’s politics.

Despite their perceived unpopularity, the call for a nationwide demonstration did not take long to gain momentum. The nation’s youth were enraged by their constant battles with hunger and their struggles to make ends meet. 

Sensing the state of the nation and the high possibility of the demonstration turning into a full-blown riot, the authorities summoned political, traditional, and religious leaders to rally their followers, giving the administration time for its tree of uncommon economic policies to bear fruit.

This move was counterproductive. Political and traditional leaders had lost their influence, and religious clerics had lost their authority. Posters flooded the streets of Nigeria, demanding better living conditions. The protest did not disappoint those who predicted opportunistic hoodlums would hijack it.

Protesters seeking to “End Bad Governance” looted and carted away various materials from both private and government-owned establishments. Tragically, some lives were lost. God rest their souls. It is worth mentioning that the exercise was peaceful in some locations with no hiccups.

To quell the protest, Mr President addressed Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast. Some accepted it as a speech of “compassion, unity, leadership, and direction.” Others dismissed it as “empty and annoying” because it did not address the pressing issues.

Interestingly, the first day of the ten-day hunger protest (August 1) coincided with World Breastfeeding Week (WBW). The first week of August (1-7) is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and many Ministries of Health, including Nigeria’s and civil society organisations such as WBW. 

This initiative encourages breastfeeding and aims to improve the health of babies around the world. This year’s event, themed “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” is a campaign that celebrates breastfeeding mothers in all their diversity throughout their breastfeeding journeys. 

It showcases how families, societies, communities, and health workers can support every breastfeeding woman. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, this important occasion to celebrate and support our mothers, sisters, and friends in raising healthy babies has been overshadowed by the ongoing protest. 

At the same time, UNICEF has scored Nigeria low in this regard, lamenting that a whopping 76 per cent of babies between 0-6 months are denied exclusive breastfeeding. Although the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria rose to 52 per cent in 2017, it dropped to 38.9 per cent in 2021 due to a decline in the sustenance of the “Hospital Exclusive Breastfeeding Initiative” introduced to fast-track the rate. 

The Federal Government says it is working with development partners to achieve a 50% rate by 2030. The government’s support for breastfeeding initiatives reminds us that breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition. It is safe, clean, and contains immunity-boosting antibodies that shield babies from illnesses. 

Breastfeeding is crucial to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Despite the economic situation, let us all take a moment to appreciate and support all nursing mothers. 

By upholding the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All” of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week, we recognise that nursing mothers are not only giving babies the best possible start in life but also playing a vital role in building a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Remember, breastfeeding is made easier when mothers have our support.

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

By Anas Abbas

Dr Bala Muhammad, a veteran journalist and university lecturer, has called the attention of social media users to be media literate and responsible for enhancing societal cohesion

He made this call in an exclusive interview with the Department of Information and Media Studies at Bayero University, Kano. Muhammad emphasized the importance of media literacy and responsible social media usage to foster societal cohesion.

He further described social media as a “double-edged sword” for citizen journalists, noting that while it provides a platform for self-expression, it also enables individuals to become unregulated broadcasters and editors.

Muhammad urged the government to establish a social media regulatory body to mitigate the risks associated with social media, including hate speech, social disharmony, and potential anarchy. This entity would promote ethical, social media practices and ensure users understand their responsibilities.

Dr Muhammad’s call to action underscores the need for collective effort in harnessing the power of social media to promote harmony and responsible communication.

By Ismail Hashim Abubakar

The coming of the current President, Bola Ahmad Tinubu, on May 29, 2023, was not the beginning of the ongoing hardship that Nigerians have been grappling with. His predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, elected with high hopes, introduced severe and draconian policies such as the closure of northern borders, which Nigerians consistently condoned due to their optimistic sentiments towards the exceedingly and unanimously celebrated integrity of the former army general. 

The masses and different sections of civil society, including religious leaders and respected elites, rejected slight censure of his policies. There were genuine reports of people being corporally attacked and penalised by mobs for openly criticising Buhari, who spent almost two-thirds of his eight-year regime being excused, exculpated and defended until people finally got convinced that the man was no better than other politicians.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu had a tough time becoming President owing to his many dark records and the stigma with which especially northerners viewed him. His eight-year rule as the governor of Lagos state (1999-2007) was a period that witnessed a series of massacres of northerners in Lagos and neighbouring towns within the same Southwestern geopolitical zone. These senseless mayhems were primarily engineered and perpetrated by the OPC militias, who were said to be connected to his alleged political brigandism. This significantly made Tinubu almost infamously unsellable to northern electorates when he showed his ambition to become Nigeria’s president in 2023. 

Perhaps Tinubu was fully aware of this or was at least made to know by his northern political allies and loyalists. That was probably why, as part of image-deodorizing strategies, Tinubu paid serial visits to Ulama, especially those who might have been earlier wary, sceptical and apprehensive of his patriotism, nationalism, vision for unity, morality and religious uprightness. 

How I wish one of the religious leaders present when Tinubu paid homage to respected Shaykhs in Kano soliciting for support and courting for votes had politely but point-blank told him that due to the experiences of northerners in the crises that erupted in Lagos and Southwest, our people would never accept him until he accepted to do some conciliatory moves which might assuage the age-old void and the stigma our people viewed him. One of them was to advise him to institute a committee that would investigate the OPC massacre of northerners in October 2000, present an estimation of the lives and properties lost and pay for their compensation. He should also charge the committee to offer recommendations to forestall future occurrences and forge unity and cohesion among diverse non-Yoruba ethno-religious groups and their host community living in the Southwest. I do not doubt that although this would sound politically awkward, it would have reminded Tinubu that these religious leaders were concerned with the plight of their people. He would eventually accept any other request for nation-building that northern leaders would have tabled before him as a condition and prerequisite for his election. 

Tinubu was able to successfully navigate these hurdles when the Ulama finally accepted him and joined his campaign train, partly due to the apparent reason for promoting a Muslim-Muslim presidency. In one short video clip uploaded on Facebook, one religious leader claimed that it was the Ulama who had insisted that Tinubu must relentlessly contest for presidential post in the 2023 elections, even after he was determined to withdraw from the race (the clip is available herehttps://www.facebook.com/reel/1198771691128341/?mibextid=pX794QQbNUXe42Mf.). All of this combined to prove that the Ulama were instrumental in catapulting Tinubu to the highest political office in the country and would expectedly have weighty words in his government. 

The removal of subsidy on the very day Tinubu was sworn in, followed by similar other thoughtless and capitalist policies, had quadrupled the hardship of the masses, drastically shelving the middle class in Nigerian society and forcing people to live in perpetual agony and unprecedented misery. People now eat leaves and grasses that would otherwise only be suitable for animals. Conversely, people in government were busy allotting themselves hefty allowances and big remunerations to ascertain their luxurious lives at the behest of citizens. The president procured a multibillion Naira jet and stupendously expensive yacht from the country’s treasury, besides other juicy and crazy packages, hastily designed and approved within a year of assuming office.

 All this while, several efforts have been made by various constituencies to admonish leaders, including the Ulama, who, in their pulpits and other public platforms, called on Tinubu’s government to soften its harsh policies and make life bearable for the poor. As this went on deaf ears, about a month or so ago, winds of mass protest started blowing all over the spaces and skies of the country, signifying that Nigerians have been pushed to the extreme of the wall where they could no longer withstand the increasing stroke of hunger. 

Although with barely-known leadership and organisers, the protesters’ demands are obvious and revolve around the reinstatement of fuel subsidy, ending insecurity in all its manifestations, fighting corruption, increasing minimum wage, etc. As soon as plans to hold the protest were laid bare, the northern Nigerian cyberspace became inundated with jurisprudential deliberations on the legality of protest in Islam, with the most popular faces among the Ulama, including those who allegedly endorsed and supported the candidature of Tinubu condemning the move, declaring protest as haram and forewarning the public of its costly consequences. Only a few known clerics have issued statements that support the protest, and their views seem to have been vetoed by their counterparts in the other camp. 

This worsened the situation as youths anxious to demonstrate their grievances through the protest interpreted the anti-protest fatwa as an attempt to thwart the masses from checking on and holding leaders accountable. Fingers of blame were brandished by youths against particularly scholars who openly campaigned for Tinubu and others who are known to have partisan loyalty to the ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC) or have even served in any capacity under the APC-led state or federal government. The youths kept calling on the Ulama to form a united front, meet the president, and advise him to restore the fuel subsidy. 

In the psychology of most of the youths, since it was the Ulama who insisted that Tinubu must run, despite his alleged plan to recant the decision, but he finally bowed to the pressure of clerics, the latter have the power to force the president to make a U-turn on the removal of fuel subsidy. In the same vein, since the clerical establishment has been wielding enormous clout and their words “are” (or ought to be) highly respected in the Muslim north, the Ulama did not hesitate to voice their opinions on the planned protest, with little or no recourse to the psychology of the youths or an in-depth consideration of the precise reality of the majority of the youths. Some youths, in fact, never believe that most Ulama are passing through similar situations or do not have a full sense of their difficulty. And because the youth sometimes see some Ulama dining and rubbing shoulders with politicians, they concluded in the protest that they were helpless, with no one among elders to stand with or speak for them. Thus, they had no option but to come out en masse to protest. 

In addition, while the youths could recall a leading voice among the Ulama participating in prior protests without any condemnation similar to what was ringing in their ears, they considered the fatwa a clandestine cover given to President Tinubu. This was even conflated when the utterances of some Shaykhs sounded to be encouraging and emboldening the planned crackdown of the protest by Nigeria’s law enforcement agents, without in most cases, warning the security to protect human rights and be cautious of the sanctity of life. The protest has turned chaotic, with dozens of lives and properties worth millions of Naira lost. Still, the articulations of some Ulama reveal a disconnect with the plight of the masses. 

In my opinion, instead of the blanket condemnation of the protest, which was planned to be peaceful, albeit operationally difficult, the Ulama should have, in the first place, infiltrated the youths and hijacked the movement and, even if momentarily, emphasised to the government that they recognised peaceful protest as a constitutionally-sanctioned right and means of channelling grievances to authority. Had the youths seen religious leaders in this picture showering their blessings on the movement, they would have behaved more orderly, regained their confidence in the clerics and listened to any order that the Ulama might have issued to them, including possibly postponing the protest for some reasons. 

Scholars would have cashed in on the exuberance of the youths as a weapon to force the government to do the needful instead of appearing to have disowned the youths and cursed their movement. Since the reverse is true, the youths still feel that the federal government might have already felt encouraged and correspondingly justified not to listen to them but to also even embark on a mission to stop the protest with excessive force since the youths would be operating under an anathematised umbrella which lacked the blessings of men of God. To restore immediate sanity and stability in the strained relationship between the Ulama and the youths, the latter forming the large chunk of their following and being the backbone of any society, I below offer a few recommendations:

• The Ulama, particularly those whose anti-protest fatwas are circulating, should convene an emergency public lecture to, in vehement and uncompromising language, condemn the crackdown of protesters, warn security agencies to desist from the ongoing brutality against protesters and innocent citizens, remind them of the right of the protesters to demonstrate, call on the government to institute an investigative panel and pay compensation for families of the people killed by Nigerian security, including both among the protesters and the innocent people shot ruthlessly inside their homes.
• The Ulama should advise the government to recant its position and work towards simplifying life for Nigerians. It should immediately start by restoring fuel subsidy and reversing all financial policies that raise the price of the US dollar against the Naira. They should warn the government of possible degeneration that may escalate to anarchy if the government remains dogged and recalcitrant in responding to this request.
• The Ulama should avoid making public comments that may sound like they are absolving politicians of their commissions and omissions while discharging their duties. In line with this, the Ulama should be meticulous and extra-cautious in their dealings with politicians and political leaders. As the latter have gone far in dislodging the influence of traditional leaders, they may go to any length to destroy the career of a cleric who is not careful and gives in to their devilish desires and selfish political interests.
• The Ulama should further take the lead or accordingly guide the next measures, steps, and remedy processes that the youths are planning to resort to in place of the protest, which is fizzling out. These include the organisation of mass prayers, orientation on the need to resort to recall lawmakers and sensitising the public to strategise the public for future elections.
• Youths and protesters should avoid issuing generalised, unverifiable allegations against the Ulama and desist from making scathing comments about their persons. They should wholeheartedly accept their views or honourably reject them in favour of contrary opinions. All this should be done in good faith.
• The protesters should be careful not to allow mischievous elements within and outside the country to hijack the protest to promote perpetual conspiratorial ambitions in the land. In line with this, they should outright stop calling for a military coup and desist from waving the flag of any country.
• Muslim scholars and intellectuals need to create a forum to deliberate Nigeria’s political climate vis-à-vis Islamic leadership provisions and formulate a political vision and working formula that will take into account Islamic political values and the existing realities of Nigeria’s political setting.
• Last but not least, the federal government headed by Bola Tinubu should be cautious of its move to use force to quell dissent and remember that it is a democratically elected institution and not a military junta. Therefore, it must listen to its citizens and work towards ameliorating their conditions. It should focus on discharging its mandate and avoid meddling in the affairs of the state in a way that jeopardises its security. It should allow state governors to manage their affairs and intervene positively without the littlest detrimental political motives.

Ismail Hashim Abubakar wrote from Nouakchott, Mauritania and could be reached via ismailiiit18@gmail.com.    

By Uzair Adam

As poor Nigerians protest against hunger and biting economic hardship, another hardship has emerged, with foodstuff prices skyrocketing in markets following the relaxation of curfew by some state governments.

In Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, through an announcement by the Kano Police Commissioner, Dogo Salman, relaxed the curfew from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., contrary to the previous 24-hour directive and the subsequent 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. order.

The Daily Reality learned that some local shops had begun to run out of foodstuffs due to the market closures during the hunger protests, fearing attacks from the aggrieved demonstrators who often targeted anything in their path.

As jubilation turns to grief

People were ecstatic following the return to normalcy in the state and the relaxation of the curfew. This led the leadership of the Singa market to reopen for business.

However, the initial joy quickly turned to disappointment as buyers encountered increased foodstuff prices, sparking outrage and accusations of profiteering.

A householder, Malam Ibrahim Umar, condemned the price hikes as unreasonable and merciless.

Not only government is our problem

Umar stated that it is high time that people understand that the trouble with Nigeria is not always from the government side but also us as individuals.

He said, “We must understand that we must change ourselves first. Looking at how the government is treating people, how protesters steal and vandalize properties worth millions of naira, and how our businessmen increase prices so unreasonably, it is enough for us to understand that we are the problem of our country.”

Another household member, Abubakar Umar, also shared Umar’s belief, “We need to change first as these people we are always complaining about are from among us.”

A mother of ten, Hafsat S. Shu’aibu, decried the price increase, calling on market leaders to address the root of the problem, saying, “This is too much for the poor to bear.”

As hope dies

Shu’aibu added that she has begun to lose hope that Nigeria will improve, as the problems stem from multiple sources.

She added, “People should repent to Allah and strive to change themselves because marketers and the government are not from a different world – they come from within us.”

Another household, Nuhu Adamu, lamented that despite the youth protests, he thought things would improve and the government would take steps to alleviate the suffering of the masses, but to no avail.

He stated, “After the protest against hardship, now comes another hardship that only God can save us from, as prices rise and rarely decrease in Nigeria.”

Snacks, bakery business at risk

Another person, Abdulmajid Abubakar, said bakery and snacks businesses are at risk as the price of flour, sold at 63,000 before, increased to 80,000.

He said that with the increase in the price of flour and other ingredients, they have no option but to either decrease the size of the snacks or increase the cost.

He said, “I was so disappointed to know about the increment. It is so ridiculous and unreasonable. We are pleading for government intervention.”

Game of blame

When contacted, the Chairman of the Singa market, Alhaji Junaidu Zakari, denied the increase in foodstuff prices, claiming the problem originated with dealers.

He said, “We have received numerous complaints from people and are working hard to address the issue. However, the increase is not from us but from the dealers.”

“As of now, we have started collecting remittances from our traders and dealers to determine the source of the problem,” he added.

However, a local trader who visited the market yesterday to purchase goods refuted the Chairman’s claims.

The person who wished to remain anonymous said, “They have been doing this to us and ultimately make us quarrel with people. They increase the prices first, which justifies our price increases, as business is about profit.”

We can’t fold our hands over artificial inflation

The increment in the price of foodstuffs and the recent alleged artificial inflation have prompted people to register complaints with the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission to intervene.

The Daily Reality recalled that just a few days before the nationwide protest, the commission’s Chairman, Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said the commission would not stand idly by over the alleged artificial inflation in the state.

Rimin Gado spoke when people bitterly complained about the hike in the price of bread and alleged artificial inflation in the price of foodstuffs in the state, vowing not to remain idle in the face of the alleged inflation by some traders in the market.

Rimin Gado said the commission was working tirelessly to understand the root cause of the inflation and would take even “extraordinary measures to combat the menace if necessary.”

The Daily Reality learned that Rimin Gado’s assertion gave people hope at that time, and they are now looking forward to the commission’s interventions.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance and enforcement measures to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country. 

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a meeting with a delegation from the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), led by National Coordinator, DIG Babatunde Kokumo (rtd), at the Service’s Headquarters in Abuja. 

Adeniyi described Kokumo’s appointment as “placing a round peg in a round hole” and expressed readiness to strengthen their collaboration to promote public safety and security. 

“I want to believe that you’ve brought a wealth of experience to this assignment, and I have no doubt that you will have a successful tour of duty. Let me also say that Nigeria Customs Service is delighted to collaborate with the centre to create your mandate,” Adeniyi said. 

The CGC states the Service’s modest contributions to ensuring proficient scrutiny of merchandise coming into the country, citing recent seizures of arms and military wares at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, and other ports. 

Kokumo appreciated the collaboration between NCS and NCCSALW, saying, “Let me thank you for the opportunity accorded us to meet you, and I wish to let you know that we have been monitoring your activities.” 

He commended Adeniyi for his recent achievements in seizing arms and ammunition, which he said would help control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.

By Isah Kamisu Madachi

One afternoon, while scrolling through my Facebook page, I came across a devastating post from my former lecturer announcing his departure abroad for a new lecturing job. I was shaken and gobsmacked because he helped inculcate the spirit of patriotism in many of us fortunate enough to have been taught by him.

My former lecturer told us how he turned down an offer of employment in a foreign country with better remuneration immediately after completing his PhD just because he wanted to serve his country. He had had enough of Nigeria’s hostile working environment; hence, he did what he considered best for himself. That lecturer is irreplaceable, serving as a mentor and role model to many.

That is one story akin to hundreds, if not thousands, of similar stories of skilled students, lecturers, and professionals leaving Nigeria for greener pastures. As a result of this phenomenon, Nigeria is facing a severe shortage of medical doctors. 

With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria needs 363,000 doctors, but only 24,000 are readily available. This pressing issue is deeply embedded in the fabric of the Nigerian labour environment, to the extent that more than half of the country’s professionals (52%) are considering leaving their current jobs as of 2022.

Analysts and keen observers of the situation often relate the root cause of the problem to administrative inefficiency, institutional incapacity, poor working conditions, a high rate of unemployment, a crippling economy, social insecurity, and poor infrastructure. Among the variables mentioned above, administrative inefficiency, which is associated with wanton corruption, stands out. Unfortunately, the departure of skilled and talented individuals cannot help but only exacerbate the situation. 

Brain drain is associated with numerous deleterious effects on nation-building. Even though it is not limited to Nigeria, the Nigerian case is quite different. I remember our lecturer telling us that when he was studying in the USA, he observed that most of the renowned professional healthcare workers in the area where he lived were Nigerians—not only in healthcare but also in other sectors. What if they were given the needed support to thrive in their home country? Would anyone desert his country and contribute to the development of others?

Key indicators like the exchange rate, gross domestic product, unemployment rate, inflation rate, etc., indicate the sorry state of the Nigerian economy. Ideally, many people imply more brains, which translates to more markets, productivity, and development. Still, it’s unfortunate that despite our resources, Nigeria continues to face serious human capital crises due to brain drain. 

Intellectuals and professionals are domestically groomed but leave to contribute to other countries’ development. Therefore, to end this detrimental bourgeoning phenomenon, the Nigerian government has to prioritise the developmental agenda and appreciate talents in whatever field or wherever they come from.

Isah Kamisu Madachi, a fresh sociology graduate, writes from Katagum L.G.A, Bauchi State, and can be reached via isahkamisumadachi@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Mikail

The World Bank Group’s Identification for Development (ID4D) initiative estimated that 1 billion people were without an officially recognised means of identification (ID), and the majority are women. This problem is particularly acute in Low—and Medium-Income Countries (LMICs), where the 2017 Global Findex survey estimates that 44 per cent of women do not have an ID compared to 28 per cent of men (World Bank Gender Gap Report 2021).

In Nigeria, different studies and surveys have identified many challenges and barriers as the cause of the low National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment by women, children, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and other marginalised groups. These groups experience challenges in obtaining ID due to the distance to travel for registration, transport costs, long wait times, and multiple visits. 

Some of the identified barriers to enrolling for the NIN for women, children, and PWDs have emanated from social norms about gender roles that allocate certain household work, responsibilities, and childcare to women, exacerbating their time constraints. Most often, women needing permission from husbands and fathers can be a huge barrier for many, especially in environments where knowledge and awareness about IDs are limited. 

Also, poor facilities combined with long wait times are particularly hard for elderly people, pregnant and nursing mothers, and persons with disabilities. These barriers to registration are even greater for pastoralists and IDPs who are less aware of pertinent registration information such as location, time, and necessary supporting documentation.

Many IDPs have low trust in the government, while people living in camps are further away from service access points. Pastoralists and migrant fisherfolk and farmers also typically have less engagement with the government and are less likely to have IDs, though this varies significantly by region. Women from these communities are likely doubly disadvantaged by their gender and their pastoral identity. Women with disabilities and internally displaced women are also likely to face additional barriers and greater exclusion from society than women without disabilities or women who have not been displaced (World Bank Gender Gap Report 2021)

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in July 2023 revealed that Nigeria has over 3 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), about 2 million returnees, and 100 thousand refugees/asylum seekers from 41 countries, with the majority from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, Central Africa Republic, Cameroon, Syria, Turkey, Mali, and 34 other countries. Also documented by UNHCR are over 300,000 Nigerian refugees registered in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. 

These individuals may have difficulty accessing basic rights such as banking, telephone, education, healthcare, employment, and freedom of movement and may face a lifetime of obstacles and exclusion without access to the National Identification Number (NIN). Aside from creating a huge gap in the database in terms of inclusivity and spread, this leaves behind a very huge number of unidentified underserved persons with the risk of being excluded from government services, restriction in movements, and lack of access to healthcare. It also creates a clog in the federal government’s attempt to commit to the sustainable development goals of providing identities for everyone and “leaving no one behind.”  When you have millions of unidentified persons outside of your country’s identity database, it means your economic planning will fall short and by extension, Nigeria’s socio-economic development will suffer.

In recognition of these challenges and in commitment to achieving universal access to ID and closing the gaps, the Government of Nigeria commissioned a strategic roadmap in 2018 as part of the country’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) as its overall strategy to drive the country’s economic development. Several reforms were contained in the roadmap. Principally, the country was to adopt the ecosystem approach to NIN enrolment that involved Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), ministries, departments and agencies of government, licensed enrolment partners, international Non-Governmental Organisations, and all relevant stakeholders in the ID space.  

Also, the National Identity Management Commission is working with the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project (NDID4D) with support from the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB) in implementing a series of sustainable and innovative reforms. The goal is to remove all current challenges and difficulties that people face in enrolling for IDs, fostering a robust, seamless, and more inclusive enrolment system where ID is provided for everyone, and no one is left behind.  

As a result, the NDID4D Project established collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and their international counterpart, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). This is aimed at addressing these challenges and removing barriers these vulnerable individuals may face to obtaining the NIN needed to facilitate their rehabilitation, reintegration, and resettlement into society. 

As part of the collaboration, the NCFRMI has agreed to activate its enrolment licence previously issued by NIMC to participate as an enrolment partner targeting refugees, migrants and IDPs in 5 states where there are large clusters of these vulnerable groups. The states are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Cross-River, and Akwa-Ibom. Although refugees also live in cities including Lagos, Ijebu, Abuja, Kano, and urban areas in other States, the selected 5 states host the majority of these vulnerable populations and will, therefore, serve as a starting point for this enrolment. 

With support from UNHCR, the refugee commission is planning to procure 6 enrolment devices and nominate 20 of its staff as enrolment agents to support this endeavour. On its part, the NIMC, with support from the NDID4D Project, will onboard these enrolment devices and train all licensed enrolment partners to be deployed to the various states and locations to carry out the enrolment. The NIMC, in collaboration with the NDID4D Project, is fashioning ways to clear the backlog of enrolment fees owed to enrolment partners and has also developed a robust business model to incentivise all partners, particularly those who will be conducting enrolment in remote and hard-to-reach communities and locations.  

In ensuring that the fundamental right of every Nigerian to a verifiable identity is secured, the National Identity Management Commission needs to work overtime in introducing innovative reforms in line with global best practices. Engagements and consultations with critical stakeholders on the amendment of the NIMC Act to ensure it is in consonance with the current digital realities and ease integration with other foundational ID agencies like the NPC should be sustained. Efforts need to be geared to working tirelessly on upgrading the enrolment software and ensuring training and retraining of all licensed enrolment partners on interacting effectively with the people, global best practices in customer service and grievance handling. 

In the same vein, national awareness and information campaigns that use multiple channels inclusive of both conventional and new media to reach diverse groups in raising awareness about NIN enrolment, including information on where and how to enrol, what is required to enrol, and—especially—why enrolling is important for everyone, not just women, children and PWDs should be commissioned. This should be done while equally engaging traditional, community and local leaders especially male leaders, to proactively promote women’s and girl’s registration.

The recent collaboration between the NIMC and the National Social Safety Net Project to extend to streamline enrolment of the poorest of the poor in the national social register while ensuring those on the register are both issued a valid NIN and are captured into the National ID database is a strategic move that deserves commendation.

Enrolment centres and registration points should be located close to communities to reduce travel costs and time, enhance access to ID and adopt culturally appropriate policies to encourage and prioritise enrolment for women and girls and marginalised groups. This may involve Mobile registration centres to bring the enrolment process closer to the people in the rural/hard-reach areas.

The recent workshop held in Abuja to validate the NIMC’s disability inclusion policy represents a critical step forward in ensuring that the National Identity Management System is inclusive and accessible to all citizens, particularly persons with disabilities. Collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disability should be sustained.

In the same vein, digital identity can also enhance security and privacy. With robust authentication mechanisms in place and monitored by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, individuals can rest assured that their personal information is protected from unauthorised access. This is particularly germane in an era and country like ours where data breaches, phishing and identity theft are on a steady rise. This can help bridge the digital divide by enabling greater secured access to services for all citizens and empowering marginalised communities to fully participate in the digital economy

Conclusively, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) faces an arduous task of showing Nigerians the value of having a NIN and its relevance in accessing critical services used by both women and men while ensuring non-possession of the ID does not exclude people from services. These will not only help in allaying the fears and resolving the complaints of aggrieved Nigerians and potential enrollees, but they will also help the NIMC win back the trust of the Nation. 

Muhammad Mikail writes from Abuja and can be reached via muhammadnmikail.mm@gmail.com.

By Anwar Usman 

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has placed sponsors of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest on its watchlist. 

The Comptroller-General of NIS, Kemi Nandap, who disclosed this at Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, said these persons abroad would be arrested immediately they step their legs in Nigeria. 

She spoke after a strategic meeting organised by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa. 

The Defence Chief and other heads of intelligence agencies as well as heads of paramilitary agencies were in a closed-door with a view to implementing the crackdown order given by the President, Bola Tinubu. 

While speaking to journalists, a Nandap said, “We have diaspora sponsors, they are on our watchlist.

Any attempt they make to come into the country, we’ll be notified and they will be apprehend and handed to appropriate authority.” 

The immigration boss said the service has, in response to the protest, deployed more officers to borders, both land and airports, to ensure effective manning of those entry and exit points. 

She added that the service has also stepped up surveillance to prevent foreign intervention in the country. 

On the other hand, the Director-General Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, said the agency had uncovered some sponsors but declined to give further information. 

The secret police boss, represented at the meeting by the DSS’ spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, said some bank accounts have already been blocked. 

Afunanya said some of the persons operating such accounts are staying abroad, adding that they are being monitored.