Nigeria

By Dr Najeeb Maigatari

Your Excellency, I hope this letter finds you in good health. As I do not have the means through which my message could reach you, I am compelled to write this open letter to draw your attention to a menace threatening our healthcare system. That is the well-known Japa syndrome that has recently plagued our dear State.

I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and the good people of Jigawa State over the tragedy that befell the people of Majia a few weeks ago. This unforeseen event led to the loss of lives of over a hundred people and left several others with varying degrees of injuries. My heart goes out to the bereaving families of all those affected, and I pray that Allah repose the souls of the deceased and heal the injured. Amen.  

Returning to the purpose of writing this letter, Your Excellency, I would like to provide some details about how our dear state used to be. It was undoubtedly one of the states with the best healthcare systems and the highest number of practising medical doctors in Northern Nigeria. At one point, it was akin to a medical hub attracting patients and medical professionals from neighbouring states due to its subsidised healthcare, efficient service delivery, and overall welfare of health workers and patients. 

Since its creation in the early 1990s, the State has made giant strides in providing its citizens with effective and reliable healthcare services. To mention a few, various successive administrations have invested heavily in training Medical doctors and other health professionals, within and outside the country, in varying capacities to ensure effective healthcare delivery to the good people of the state. 

Similarly, Jigawa State has awarded scholarships with bond agreements to local and foreign medical students since time immemorial. It has produced medical graduates from various reputable institutions within and outside the country. In addition, it was one of the pioneer states among its peers to implement the sponsorship of medical doctors through postgraduate medical training programs to further their studies, a policy several other states would later adopt. 

Your Excellency, I can say with immense pride that our healthcare system performance score was impressive overall. It used to be one of the best in the country. The services rendered were affordable and accessible to the masses, and the welfare of patients and healthcare professionals was optimum. For instance, at some point, healthcare workers in Jigawa State were earning more than their federal counterparts. 

Unfortunately, things have now taken a turn for the worse. Our healthcare system is not only ‘underperforming’ below standard by all measures but also one of the worst in the country. We are now a shadow of our past. Jigawa State has a patient-doctor ratio of 1:35,000, far exceeding the WHO recommendation of 1:600, making it one of the states with the worst healthcare systems in Nigeria. This is indeed a troubling situation. 

Over the past few years, Jigawa State has witnessed an unprecedented mass exodus of medical doctors to other neighbouring states owing to poor welfare, overburdening workload, and inadequate health facilities in hospitals, among other factors. Regrettably, this internal Japa syndrome ravaging the state continues to overstretch our already fragile healthcare system. 

To put things into perspective, according to data obtained from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Jigawa State branch from 2013 to 2024, of the 264 doctors who reported back to the state for bonding agreements, only 40 stayed after completing their terms. This is to say that more than 220 medical doctors have left to continue their careers elsewhere because Jigawa is fast becoming a nightmare and a difficult place for medical doctors.

It is worth noting that the state produced over 500 medical doctors (both foreign and locally trained) during the same period. Still, only 214 are on the state payroll, of which only 77 are currently manning the state’s primary and secondary institutions. They are about to round up their bond agreements by the end of the year; 89 are in training as either house officers or doing national service. The state has less than ten consultants and only 12 doctors in residency training. Altogether, fewer than 100 doctors attend to a population of over 7.5 million. 

This data suggests that while the state is doing a good job at producing medical doctors (both local and foreign), its retention capacity is very poor. The State will be left with no Medical doctors in the coming years if things continue at this pace. It has to either employ doctors from neighbouring states or overwork the few that stay to death if at all there would be! Your Excellency, this is only the tip of the iceberg as far as this crisis is concerned. This menace has no end. 

As a citizen concerned about the interests of Jigawa State, I implore you to declare a state of emergency on health in Jigawa State and engage with relevant stakeholders to find a way to end this worsening Japa syndrome, which is wreaking havoc in our dear state.  

The most crucial step to addressing this issue is the urgent need for the improvement of the overall welfare of the few Medical doctors and other healthcare professionals left in the state who are already struggling with chronic fatigue due to overwhelming patient workload. This singular act will not only boost the morale of these weary Medical professionals but relieve them of their burden. Still, it will also attract others from various States to compensate for the acute shortage of Medical doctors in the state. It will also improve the effectiveness of healthcare services delivered to the people. In other words, we can go back to our glory days. 

 Various States have already employed this strategy. Your Excellency, Jigawa State can not afford to lose the doctors it invests heavily in. This could amount to a work in futility! 

In addition, the government should seriously consider domesticating the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which will help train experts in various medical specialities in the state. This would help address the shortage of registrars and consultants in our tertiary facilities and provide an avenue for a healthy and excellent research environment in the State.

Other measures include equipping our already existing hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities and subsidising healthcare services, especially to women, young children and those suffering from such chronic debilitating conditions as sickle cell disease and chronic liver and kidney diseases. Your excellency, I believe these are some ways that could help end this menace threatening our very existence, help revitalise the State’s healthcare and improve its delivery to the citizens of Jigawa State. 

 Najeeb Maigatari is a Medical doctor. He writes from Dutse, Jigawa State, via maigatari313@gmail.com.

By Lydia Usman Maiva

Nigeria’s economic hardship has been a pressing concern for months, which leaves many wondering if the country’s leaders truly grasp the severity of the situation.

Millions of Nigerians struggle to put food on their table, while leaders indulge in luxury. This does nothing except exposing the contrast between the haves and have-nots.

The country’s economic downturn has far-reaching consequences, and it has affected education, healthcare, and overall well-being. 

Citizens are forced to make difficult choices between paying bills or accessing essential services. The soaring cost of living, coupled with dwindling purchasing power, has made everyday life daunting for many.

Families face impossible choices between basic necessities, and leaders’ opulence exacerbates this disconnect. This raises questions about the government’s priorities and commitment to alleviating suffering. 

The impact on citizens is dire, with many resorting to buying half portions of items due to high costs. The struggle to afford three square meals has become a harsh reality for numerous households.

Experts predict that Nigeria’s economy will continue to face pressures, including potential shocks from economic and environmental trends. 

To address these challenges, policymakers must consider key areas for intervention, such as tackling unemployment through targeted interventions focusing on job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy.

Additionally, promoting inclusive economic growth by prioritising social safety nets, access to quality education and healthcare, and empowerment of marginalised communities is crucial. 

Strengthening security through comprehensive approaches integrating law enforcement, intelligence, community engagement, and regional cooperation to address insecurity is also essential.

The World Bank recommends policy options to reduce inflation, protect the poor and vulnerable, and support economic recovery. 

By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can work towards a more sustainable and equitable economic future. Nigerians demand empathy, accountability, and tangible solutions to address the economic downturn.

The future hangs in the balance, and leaders must rise to the challenge, demonstrating genuine concern for citizens’ welfare. Luxury enjoyed by leaders is a slap in the face to those struggling. 

In a nutshell, I urge President Tinubu, all relevant stakeholders, and our various representatives to join forces and take immediate action to alleviate the debilitating problems afflicting Nigerians. It is unacceptable that a simple three-square meal has become a rarity in many households across the country.

The time for rhetoric is over; Nigerians need tangible solutions, empathy, and accountability from their leaders.

We cannot afford to continue down this path of hardship and inequality; the future of Nigeria depends on it. 

Lydia Usman Maiva is a student in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Lydia Usman Maiva

The issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, particularly in the Northeast region, has reached alarming proportions. The numbers are gargantuan, and the consequences of inaction will be dire.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 10 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 not attending school.  

The Northeast region accounts for a significant portion of this number, with states like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa having some of the highest rates of out-of-school children.

This trend is deeply troubling, as it not only affects the future of these children but also threatens the stability and development of the region.

Poverty, conflict, and cultural barriers are some of the factors driving this phenomenon, making it fundamental to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the root causes. 

Poverty and economic hardship are some of the contributors to the problem. Many families in the Northeast struggle to make ends meet, forcing them to prioritise basic needs over education.

Meanwhile, the lingering conflict in the region has destroyed infrastructure, displaced communities, and created an environment conducive to radicalization.

The lack of access to quality education further exacerbates the issue, as inadequate facilities and unqualified teachers undermine the value of education. 

Cultural and social barriers also play an active role in keeping children out of school. In some communities, girls are discouraged from pursuing education due to societal norms and expectations.

Similarly, boys are often pressured to engage in economic activities or join extremist groups. These barriers must be addressed through community-based initiatives that promote education and awareness. 

The consequences of taking measures will be far-reaching and devastating. Out-of-school children are more likely to engage in child labour or trafficking, become radicalised or recruited by extremist groups, suffer from poverty and unemployment, lack access to healthcare and social services, and perpetuate cycles of illiteracy and ignorance.  

To curb the menace of out-of-school children, increased investment in education infrastructure and resources is crucial.

This includes building and renovating schools, providing adequate materials and equipment, and training qualified teachers. Implementation of conditional cash transfer programs can also encourage enrolment, particularly among disadvantaged families. 

Community-based initiatives are vital in promoting education and awareness. Collaboration with local leaders, religious institutions, and civil society organisations can help challenge harmful cultural norms and promote the value of education.

Furthermore, policy reforms are necessary to address cultural and social barriers, ensuring that every child has access to quality education. 

The Nigerian government has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children.

The National Education Plan, Safe Schools Initiative, Conditional Cash Transfer Program, and Education for All initiative are steps in the right direction.

However, more needs to be done to address the scale and complexity of the problem. Effective implementation and coordination among stakeholders are critical to the success of these initiatives. State and local governments must work closely with federal agencies, international organisations, and civil society groups to ensure a unified approach.

Additionally, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be put in place to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Ultimately, addressing the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s Northeast requires a collective effort. We must prioritise education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national development.

By working together, we can ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to quality education and a brighter future, securing a more prosperous and stable future for our nation. 

In conclusion, the government must stand on its toes and provide a lasting solution to the problem.

The National Almajiri Commission and out-of-school children must also work round the clock in ensuring that the number has drastically reduced or eliminated.

This will require sustained commitment, coordination, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

Only then can we hope to reverse the alarming trend of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s Northeast and unlock a brighter future for generations to come.  

Lydia Usman Maiva is a student in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Nigeria boasts one of the largest cattle populations in Africa, ranking among the top on the continent. Over 20 million cattle are primarily concentrated in the northern regions, including states such as Adamawa, Borno, Kaduna, and Kano. 

The new Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, faces a complex and tasking job in three key ways.

First, the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development has high expectations from Nigerians. The ministry oversees and develops livestock policies, manages animal health and disease, improves breeds and genetic resources, enhances farming and production systems, supports rural livelihoods, and modernises livestock marketing and trade.

From an informal perspective, expectations will focus on how the minister will transform the lives of nomadic cattle herders from uneducated and nomadic to more settled, everyday lives while also addressing the farmer-herder conflict and the notorious practices of cattle rustling, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom, which are prevalent among some cattle herders.

Mukhtar’s second challenge lies in his background; he has spent most of his career as a technocrat at NNPC. Whether he knows it or not, he will inevitably experience the bittersweet realities of politics. Once appointed as a minister, one automatically assumes a political role. Mukhtar must navigate this transition, deciding whether to embrace full-time politics or attempt to balance his technocratic expertise with his political responsibilities. 

Furthermore, few people in Adamawa know him despite his former role as Managing Director of the Kaduna Refinery, a Petrochemical Company (KPRC). As a result, many may perceive him as elitist and aloof, particularly in an inherently people-centred position.

Mukhtar’s third challenge stems from the performances of his two predecessors from Adamawa, Mohammed Musa Bello and Prof Mamman Tahir, which many Adamawa people view as less than stellar. Their tenures have left a mixed legacy, leading to scepticism about Mukhtar’s ability to bring about something new and different. 

To distinguish himself, Mukhtar must work diligently to establish his identity and a positive track record. This task is particularly crucial, as he shares several traits with both former ministers, which could lead to assumptions about his capabilities and approach. By demonstrating effective leadership and addressing the needs of the people, Mukhtar can overcome this challenge and build a reputation that sets him apart.

With an impressive CV as a technocrat and practical knowledge of livestock management, Mukhtar’s Zaidi Farm stands out as a well-integrated enterprise that applies world-class best practices in animal husbandry. Given this background, we expect him to introduce innovative approaches to livestock management by benchmarking against countries renowned for their success in this field, such as New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, Denmark, Brazil, Ireland, and the United States. These nations have excelled in implementing efficient and sustainable livestock practices, utilising advanced genetic research and technology to enhance productivity. However, Mukhtar’s journey will be sweet and bitter, mainlydepending on his approach to leadership, public relationships and policy implementation. By embracing collaboration and leveraging global best practices, he has the potential to make significant strides in transforming the livestock sector.

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

By Muhammad Ahmad Iliasu.

In May 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a sum of ₦3.76 billion as augmentation for the existing and ongoing expansion and completion of the Ɓagwai Irrigation Project on Watari Dam in the Ɓagwai local government area of Kano state.

The project was awarded to Messrs Ɗantata and Sawoe Construction Company Limited, mobilised in 2006 for an initial period of two years. The scope of work was a special irrigation scheme involving 872 hectares. The contract had been ongoing but ran into many problems and was suspended at some points due to lack of funding. Thus, the audit and seeking ₦3.76 billion augmentation bring the new contract sum to ₦9.2 billion from ₦5.4 billion, inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT, with an additional completion period of 24 months plus another 12 months liability period.

Additionally, the then Minister of Water Resources, Hon. Sulaiman Adamu, told State House correspondents after the virtual FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, “We hope that these projects will be implemented in earnest and hopefully, we will be able to get them completed by 2023 for the overall benefit of the people.’’

Unfortunately, as of today, November 10, 2024, the project has not progressed further and has been declared suspended by those who have close contact with the contractors, despite the open revelations made by the former Minister of Water Resources in 2021.

Revealed in a WhatsApp conversation between a stakeholder in the Ɗantata and Sawoe company and one of the farmers desperately praying for when the project will be revisited and completed, the reason for the suspension of the irrigation project in Ɓagwai is the unprecedented instability in exchange rates.

In a fresh setback encountered by the Ɓagwai irrigation project once again, the augmentation, the stakeholder said, was approved when ₦398 was approximately exchanged for $1. But since then, the rate has astronomically risen to ₦448 for $1 in 2022, ₦638 for $1 in 2023, and ₦1,724 for $1 in 2024, respectively. The worsening of the local currency is the single most determining factor between the project and any identifiable progress. If any activity were to resume, the federal government had to revise the audit and account for the unprecedented change in the project cost.

Meanwhile, as the project hits another roadblock, the hardworking farmers, who might not understand the causes frustrating their industry, have grown severely disturbed by their inability to use their farmlands, which are the construction site of a long-suspended project. Many are subsistence farmers who rely on the place to feed their families. Another massive number of farmers rely on the place to make a living.

The anticipation of the continuation of the project hindered most of the farmers from cultivating the farmlands because they didn’t know when the project would resume, and they feared having their season interrupted. The condition of the farmlands, as caused by the start of the suspended canalisation, has rendered most of it uncultivable.

Most farmers have grown confused and fear that the Watari Dam Renovation project in Ɓagwai by the Kano State Government in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, has taken the spotlight away from the Federal Government’s expansion of the irrigation sectors. The project has also misled stakeholders into thinking it is ongoing,when indeed it is far from being so. And they’re right to be concerned.

The euphoria surrounding the Watari Dam Renovation was overflogged during the 2023 election campaigns and gubernatorial debates. Unintentionally, this distracted the public from the real ghost in the machine: very few people knew that the projects were separate and dissimilar.

The Kano State’s collaboration with Islamic Development Bank targets renovation of the Watari Dam, servicing the canals, and taking water to the farmlands. The Federal Government’s expansion targets increasing the irrigation sectors from six to eight: Sector One has 160 hectares, Sector Two has 168 hectares, Sector Three has 217 hectares, Sector Four has 72 hectares, Sector Five has 273 hectares, and Sector Eight has 73 hectares have all been completed.

It is Sector Six, which has 257 hectares, and Sector Seven, which has 343, whose work has sadly been suspended. These are scattered into meters owned by beleaguered subsistence farmers and small-scale producers. A group of people are so determined and hardworking that they get out of their skin to produce an incredible quantity of agricultural output.

Each hectare is estimated to produce 2.2 tons of maize or 3 tons of rice per farming season, and the irrigation system allows for four farming seasons annually. The monetary value of the agricultural output, assuming each hectare produces maize throughout the year, stands at ₦3.168 billion. And if all the hectares produce rice throughout the year, the estimate stands at ₦4.3 billion — which is a yield that’s far higher than what’s required to complete the project, all of which is being lost because the project hasn’t been completed, and worse yet, suspended.

When completed, the project’s multiplier effect will cut across revenue generation, job creation, stimulation of the rural economy, food production, poultry and cattle herding, stimulation of rural infrastructure, and discouraging the rampant rural-urban migration.

In the end, it certainly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda that is focused on diversification of the economy and revenue generation, among others, through domestic production and self-sufficiency in food production, to revise, revisit, and ensure spinal projects like the suspended Ɓagwai Irrigation Project are completed. Failure to do that will not only leave beleaguered farmers in a desperate state but also mean a project of national importance is left to rot away without remorse for the massive taxpayer resources invested in it already.

I’m very confident that such can never be the wish of the government under the watch of the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Kano State, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Water Resources, Hon. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Atiku Bagudu, and the senator representing Kano North in the Red Chamber, who doubles as the Deputy Senate President, Hon. Barau I. Jibrin CFR, the member representing Ɓagwai and Shanono in the Green Chamber, Hon. Yusuf Badau, and the member representing Ɓagwai and Shanono in State House of Assembly, Hon. Halilu Ibrahim Kundila.

MA Iliasu is an economist writing from Kano. He can be reached via muhada102@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

Police in Adamawa State have detained a 19-year-old man for allegedly killing his newborn son in Mubi North Local Government Area.

SP Suleiman Nguroje, spokesperson for the Police Command, announced the arrest in Yola on Saturday.

The Daily Reality learned that the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken into custody on November 8 after the baby’s mother, who is reportedly his girlfriend, filed a complaint.

She alleged that the suspect came to her residence to see the newborn but later took the baby, under the pretense of an errand, and killed him.

Nguroje reported that the suspect is accused of burying the infant’s body in the Girpata area of Mubi.

Following the arrest, Commissioner of Police Morris Dankombo has ordered the case to be escalated to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

By Uzair Adam

The Jigawa State government has pledged its commitment to preventing sexual harassment in its higher education institutions.

The Daily Reality reports that that the Commissioner for Higher Education, Scince and Technology, Professor Isa Yusuf Chamo, disclosed this during a meeting with officials from the state’s educational institutions.

Prof. Chamo stated that the government’s stance is directed at creating a safer and more supportive learning environment for female students.

“The state will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment in our institutions,” he asserted, adding that while Jigawa has reported relatively few harassment cases, the government is committed to proactive prevention and strict enforcement.

The state has recently adopted the Model Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy developed by the Gender Mobile Initiative, designed to create a secure framework for students across educational settings in Nigeria.

Prof. Chamo noted that the policy will foster an atmosphere in which students can focus on their studies without fear, which in turn will enhance their confidence and academic performance.

He revealed plans to establish a dedicated committee to monitor the policy’s implementation across institutions, ensuring compliance and accountability.

The Commissioner also highlighted that workshops and seminars would be organized to educate students, staff, and faculty about the policy and their roles in supporting its implementation.

The Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Lawan Muhammad Haruna, also expressed gratitude to the Gender Mobile Initiative, noting that the policy positions Jigawa as a model for proactive change in Nigeria’s educational sector.

By Fatima Dauda Salihu 

Health is a fundamental priority that any government should address. When citizens are healthy, the entire state benefits. However, it is disheartening when the government neglects its health sector. 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has increased its expenditure on public health over the years to enhance public health outcomes, but much still needs to be done. Public health requires ongoing efforts, and continuous improvement remains a crucial goal. The numerous and serious healthcare challenges in the country arise from poor health infrastructure, inadequate education, hygiene and sanitation issues, and extreme poverty and hunger.

The Health department plays a critical role in educating people about unforeseen infectious diseases and interventions for alleviation. 

Public health infrastructure provides communities, states and the nation as a whole with the ability to prevent diseases, promote health and respond to both ongoing and emerging challenges to health. 

Since its independence, Nigeria’s health sector has been named one of the worst in Africa. Issues include lack of coordination, fragmentation of services, scarcity of medical resources, including drugs and supplies, inadequate and decaying infrastructure, inequity in resource distribution, and access to care. 

According to the National Institute of Health, the Nigerian healthcare system is poorly developed and has suffered several setbacks, especially at the local government level. No adequate and functional surveillance systems have been created;hence, there is no tracking system to monitor the outbreak of infectious diseases, bioterrorism, chemical poisoning, etc. 

Nigeria’s hospitals and emergency services do not meet world standards. The availability of healthcare institutions and professionals is limited, while long distances travelling for healthcare are not affordable. The healthcare costs and expenditures related to the prevention and treatment of diseases are rising. 

Many primary healthcare centres across Nigeria are dilapidated, have low staff, have poor electricity, and have unclean water, and they cannot efficiently serve people in rural areas. Many pregnant women still seek the services of traditional birth attendants for delivery, and even many children in rural areas miss out on routine immunisations, which are meant to be one of the responsibilities of effective primary healthcare centres. 

Due to the poor state of the health sector, there has been a constant mass migration of doctors and health professionals out of the country. This relates to ongoing strikes and poor working conditions in healthcare delivery centres. The challenges faced by Nigeria’s healthcare system include inadequate hygiene and sanitation, insufficient financial investments, and alimited workforce and facilities. 

Establishing healthcare institutions and insurance schemes, increasing the workforce, and improving hygiene and treatment conditions can help address these challenges. Implementing policies for maternal health and healthcare reforms can lead to better health outcomes. 

Fatima Dauda Salihu wrote from Bayero University, Kano.

By Kabir Fagge Ali

As the country mourns the unfortunate and catastrophic tanker explosion that claimed over a hundred lives in Majia town, Taura local government, Jigawa State. The circumstances leading to this devastating event, and its unfolding discourse on digital space leave a bitter taste.

If past events of such nature didn’t serve as a pointer, one would have been forced to argue that the deleterious economic hardship Nigerians are currently undergoing played a significant factor in the circumstance warranting people to desperately attempt to scoop up fuel from a fallen tanker that is highly flammable. However, one cannot, in all honesty, overlook the impact of economic hardship instigated by the “so-called reform” of this administration.

While the explosion was a profound tragedy, what followed on social media turned a devastating accident into a platform for spreading hate. Netizens took to various platforms to condole, analyze, obfuscate, sympathize, and attack the dead in a typical Nigerian fashion of ethnicizing, religionizing, politicizing and regionalizing events. What should have been a space for empathy, turned into a hub for anger, with users blaming specific ethnic groups for what they called “ignorance” and “greed.” 

The horrific event became weaponized by those seeking to stoke division and deepen the fractures within Nigerian society. One @AdemolaSola38048 on X wrote, “E no go better for their dead body”, another, @Peterojueromi posted “Well, I no pity them sha, na their stupidity kill dem”.  How does a tragedy of this magnitude turn into an avenue for deriding others?

Instead of offering sympathy or proposing solutions, many used the incident as an opportunity to fuel long-standing ethnic, regional, and religious tensions. Blame was cast on entire communities for the reckless actions of a few, with harsh, derogatory terms being used to describe those who were simply trying to survive in an environment where economic opportunities are scarce.

Speaking on this incident, the former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Skyline University, Nigeria, and an expert on hate speech and digital media, Mr. Abdulhameed Olaitan Ridwanullah noted that “social media is like a two-edged sword. It can draw the attention of relevant rescue teams and government agencies to the event and at the same time serves as an accelerant for the societal divide”.    

He warns:

“From the Nigerian experience, one shouldn’t be surprised that even in tragedy, some Nigerians cannot conceal the hate in their hearts. With social media in the hands of some of the worst among us, and the anonymity and herd mentality that comes with it, it is not surprising to read comments on social media space that shouldn’t have made it out of the thought process of whoever posted them.”

Mr. Ridwanullah added that “in the wake of national disasters like this, it is not surprising that some elements of division will weaponize such a tragedy”. He emphasized that it is important for Nigeria to look into legislation on digital media that will not only guarantee freedoms provided by digital platforms but ensure the sanity of the digital space.

“At this critical time in our digital journey, scholars should start looking beyond the usability of these platforms but understanding how their affordance reflects on our society. This kind of event and the rhetoric we saw on X underscores the importance of my research on nexus between online hate speech and offline hate crime” he surmised.

It is time for social media platforms to step up and recognize their role in monitoring and curbing the spread of hate speech. At the same time, it is also up to users to approach these platforms with responsibility and empathy. While frustrations with governance, inequality, and resource scarcity are real, targeting those who suffer the most with hateful rhetoric is not the solution.

The Jigawa tanker explosion should serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the dangers of living in a world where safety nets are often nonexistent. But more importantly, it should remind us that in moments of tragedy, we should seek to uplift each other rather than tear each other down.

As Nigeria continues to navigate complex social, ethnic, and economic challenges, we must remember that unity, empathy, and constructive dialogue are far more powerful than any message of hate.

Kabir Fagge Ali, is a Writer with PRNigeria center and write via faggekabir29@gmail.com.

By Onumoh Abdulwaheed 

Northern Nigeria is facing an increasingly severe malnutrition crisis, with recent data revealing a stark escalation in cases. UNICEF reports that Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children globally, with a 32% prevalence rate among children under five. An estimated 2 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), yet only 20% receive treatment.

According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the situation has worsened dramatically in 2024. Dr. Sanjana Tirima reports alarming increases across northern Nigeria. In Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, MSF’s inpatient therapeutic feeding centre admitted 1,250 severely malnourished children with complications in April 2024, double the figure from April 2023. The centre has had to expand to 350 beds, far exceeding its initial 200-bed capacity.

Similar trends are seen elsewhere. In Bauchi state, MSF’s facility at Kafin Madaki Hospital saw a 188% increase in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 in the admissions of severely malnourished children. Northwestern states like Zamfara, Kano, and Sokoto have reported increases in admissions to inpatient centres ranging from 20% to 100%.

Dr Christos Christou, MSF’s International President, previously highlighted the multiple challenges facing northern Nigeria, including “overwhelming levels of malnutrition, frequent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, lack of medical facilities and personnel, and continuous insecurity.” The crisis is further exacerbated by widespread flooding, which has devastated farmlands and displaced millions.

Despite the escalating crisis, the humanitarian response remains inadequate. In May, the United Nations and Nigerian authorities issued an urgent appeal for US$306.4 million to address nutrition needs in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. However, MSF notes this is insufficient as it doesn’t cover other affected parts of northern Nigeria.

Dr Tirima emphasises the situation’s urgency: “Everyone needs to step in to save lives and allow the children of northern Nigeria to grow free from malnutrition and its disastrous long-term, if not fatal, consequences.” She calls for immediate action to diagnose and treat malnourished children and engage in sustained, long-term initiatives to address the root causes of the crisis.

MSF and other organisations stress the need for a comprehensive and urgent response as the situation worsens. “We can’t keep repeating these catastrophic scenarios year after year,” Dr. Tirima warns. “What will it take to make everyone take notice and act?” The crisis in northern Nigeria remains a critical humanitarian concern requiring immediate and sustained attention from national and international stakeholders.

Onumoh Abdulwaheed wrote via onumohabdulwaheed@gmail.com.