Nigeria

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the recent 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs by major service providers, demanding an immediate reversal to the previous rates.

Earlier, the NLC and the Federal Government had established a 10-member committee tasked with reviewing the tariff hike and providing recommendations within two weeks.

However, despite this agreement, telecom companies proceeded with the price adjustments, leading the NLC to issue a March 1 deadline for a total shutdown of their operations if the tariffs are not reversed.

In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja following a Central Working Committee meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, the union accused telecom firms of breaching trust and failing to follow due process by implementing the increase before the committee concluded its review.

The Congress also criticized the government for not taking adequate steps to protect Nigerians from corporate exploitation.

As part of its resistance to the tariff hike, the NLC has directed Nigerian workers and citizens willing to support the cause to boycott the services of MTN, Airtel, and Glo every day between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. from February 13 until the end of the month.

“All workers and citizens are urged to suspend the purchase of data from these companies, which has also become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens.

“We also demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies.If the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from March 1, 2025,” the statement read.

The NLC also instructed all its state councils to begin immediate awareness campaigns and mobilization efforts among their members and the general public.

Additionally, the Congress called on its affiliate unions to encourage their members nationwide to observe an “electronic silence” during the specified hours.

During the meeting, the union also reviewed the government’s ongoing discussions on Tax Reform Bills.

While acknowledging the necessity of fiscal policy adjustments, the NLC maintained that any new tax policies should ease the financial burden on Nigerian workers rather than worsen their economic challenges.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir 

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

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

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

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

By Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Maryam Ahmad

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

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

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

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

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Justice Binta Nyako made the ruling on Monday after Kanu insisted that she could not preside over his case, citing her previous decision to recuse herself.

The court’s decision effectively suspends proceedings until further notice.

More details to follow…

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commended its officers for their dedication and professionalism after recording a total revenue of ₦32.46 billion in the 2024 fiscal year.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Abeokuta on Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Olusola Alade, attributed the milestone to the hard work and efficiency of the command’s personnel.

“This remarkable growth is a testament to our officers’ commitment to duty and our unwavering dedication to strengthening the national economy,” he stated.

Alade also praised the Customs Intelligence Unit, Monitoring Unit, and Customs Police Unit for their contributions to compliance and enforcement, which played a significant role in boosting revenue.

In addition, he expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his leadership and policy direction, which he said had enhanced excise duty collection and industrial monitoring.

Acknowledging the role of businesses in compliance, Alade applauded traders and manufacturers who have adhered to customs regulations and encouraged more businesses to follow suit to support economic growth.

Providing further insights into the command’s achievements, he disclosed that revenue for January 2025 alone stood at ₦4.34 billion, representing a 104% increase compared to the ₦2.14 billion collected in the same period last year.

He also highlighted that improved monitoring of Free Trade Zones, particularly the Ogun Guangdong, Ceplast, and Flourmill Free Trade Zone, had significantly contributed to the revenue increase.

Additionally, the command identified four unlicensed factories—Evita Moore, Lekan Industries, Scarlet Eagle Ltd, and IBK Ventures—which were operating without proper authorisation.

These factories have now been placed under excise control and are undergoing registration.

Affirming the command’s commitment to enhancing revenue generation, facilitating trade, and enforcing national security, Alade assured that Ogun II Customs would continue striving for operational excellence to support Nigeria’s economic development.

By Anwar Usman

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, over his alleged failure to prosecute contractors who received over N167bn from 31 ministries, departments, and agencies for projects that were never executed.

The lawsuit, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos (suit number FHC/L/MISC/121/2025), also listed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as a respondent.

This was contained in a press release on Sunday titled, “SERAP Sues Tinubu Over Failure to Prosecute Contractors in N167bn Project Fraud in MDAs.”

The release, signed by Deputy Director, SERAP Kolawole Oluwadare, urges the court to compel Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to publicly name the contractors involved and ensure their prosecution.

The organisation is also seeking a court order that’ll force Edun to publish details of the projects, together with their locations, the amounts received by each contractor, and the identities of the shareholders.

SERAP further argued that “The allegations of corruption involving these contractors have continued to impair, obstruct, and undermine the access of poor Nigerians to essential public goods and services”.

According to SERAP, the 2021 Audited Report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on November 13, 2024, revealed that 31 MDAs collectively paid over N167 billion for projects that were never carried out.

SERAP further reiterated that allowing companies and contractors to go away with public funds unpunished amounts to a grave violation of the Nigerian Constitution, anti-corruption laws, and international obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

“Holding these contractors accountable would help prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in public spending,” SERAP stated.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Suleiman Ahmed 

In today’s communication landscape, mass communication and journalism are often used interchangeably, particularly by those with little or no knowledge of both fields. This misconception leads to questions about their definitions, similarities and distinctions. While both are components of the media, they represent distinct concepts. 

Mass communication involves reaching diverse audiences through various media channels, such as radio, television, newspapers, websites, and social media. Journalism is a specific practice within mass communication that focuses on gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information.

According to Little John and Foss, mass communication is a “process whereby media organisations produce and transmit messages to a large public and the process by which those messages are sought, used, understood and influence the audience.”

McQuail states that mass communication is “only one of the processes of communication operating at the society-wide level, readily identified by its institutional characteristics.” It involves creating, transmitting, receiving, and analysing messages through mass media.

Mass communication aims to share information with a broader audience and influence societal norms, behaviour, and attitudes. It has a wider audience and covers various topics like entertainment, education, advertising, public relations, etc. Mass communication content is informative, educative, persuasive, or entertaining. It is mostly designed to capture attention, encourage specific actions, or elicit emotional responses. 

A professional in mass communication can work in various industries, including entertainment, business, politics, health, and agriculture, by creating content that will encourage the audience and serve a specific objective. Mass communication has a broad spectrum of mediums, including television, radio, newspapers, and magazines.

In contrast, journalism is a subset of mass communication. It focuses mainly on gathering and reporting news about events, issues, and topics that are of interest to the public. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) defines journalism as the “work of journalists, media workers, and social media producers who gather, process, and distribute news and related content.” 

Meanwhile, journalist Robert Niles sees journalism as a “form of writing that tells people about things that happened, but that they might not have known about already.” Journalism seeks to report the truth and provide accurate, fair, and thorough information. It includes analysis, uncovered facts, and insights into relevant stories.

Unlike mass communication, journalism encourages critical thinking and discussion among readers, listeners, and viewers. It is guided by strong ethical guidelines to ensure credibility, objectivity, and accountability. Journalism is mostly involved in reporting, editing, and producing news content for media organisations such as radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and other news platforms.

In conclusion, while mass communication and journalism are interconnected, they belong to distinct fields and have different objectives. Mass communication serves a broader purpose by Engaging a heterogeneous audience through various media to convey messages. On the other hand, journalism is a discipline dedicated to accurately reporting facts and information. Journalism plays a crucial role in informing the public and fostering democratic participation.

Suleiman Ahmed wrote from Bayero University, Kano, and can be contacted via suleson94@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Aisha Maikudi as Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now renamed Yakubu Gowon University.  

Her dismissal was announced just hours after she presided over the institution’s matriculation ceremony. 

Maikudi’s tenure had been marred by controversy, with some lecturers alleging she held the position illegally.  

In her place, Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor for a six-month term, with a directive that she would not be eligible to apply for the substantive position when it becomes available.  

Details later…