Nigeria

By Rabiu Musa

The removal of fuel subsidy has become increasingly problematic for the masses. The declaration was made by Bola Ahmad Tinubu on 29 May 2023, during the inaugural speech as Nigerian president.

On the occasion, the president said, “We commend the decision of the outgoing administration in phasing out the petrol subsidy regime, which has increasingly favoured the rich more than the poor. Subsidy can no longer justify its ever-increasing costs in the wake of drying resources. We shall instead re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions.”

As a result, several filling stations, not less than 24 hours after the president declared an end to fuel subsidy, saw the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, soared to N600 per litre from N195/l in many parts of the country.

This also triggered a 100 per cent hike in transport fares, and queues in filling stations worsened because many stations were shut down. The situation has become unbearable for many citizens due to government policies drastically affectingtheir livelihoods. The surge in hardship has been linked to rising insecurity and widespread hunger, leaving millions in dire circumstances.

Poverty in the country is escalating at an alarming rate, and many people can no longer afford necessities like food, healthcare and education. Civil servants, for instance, are forced to sell their cars or abandon them entirely due to skyrocketing and unstable fuel prices.

The government has introduced various palliative measures to relieve vulnerable citizens and ease their hardship. However, These poverty alleviation schemes are far from sufficient to address the root causes of economic distress many Nigerians face.

The former head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, recently expressed concern over this approach, stating that palliative measures alone are not the answer to the hardship and will continue to urge the government to address the hardship confronting the people. He said this during a visit from a delegation of Campaign for Democracy (CD), a Civil Society Organization (CSO) hosted in Minna, Niger State. He emphasised the need for the government to find more sustainable ways to alleviate the economic struggles of the people.

In an estimation of  216 million Nigerians population, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s palliative distribution efforts are not enough to address the depth of poverty and hunger affecting the masses. The key questions are: Will these palliative measures truly alleviate the hunger people are experiencing? Are the goods and support reaching the most vulnerable citizens? 

Numerous reports of corruption and mismanagement in the distribution of palliatives have been published. For example, a report published by Punch Newspaper on September 5, 2023, highlighted that the Department of State Services arrested some Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency officials for allegedly diverting palliatives meant for vulnerable citizens.

The government should rethink its policy-making process and prioritise the needs of the poor before implementing any new actions. One crucial step would be to create an enabling environment that attracts investment, which can, in turn,positively impact the lives of citizens. Achieving this requires adopting a flexible and inclusive approach to policy-making

—one that genuinely considers the welfare of the masses.

Rabiu Musa wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano. He can be reached via musarabiu913@gmail.com.

By Mohammed Dahiru Aminu

The frustration and anger I feel towards Air Peace is overwhelming. Their constant disregard for their customers and audacity to offer solutions that, in essence, put more financial burden on those they have already wronged, makes me question why they are allowed to operate at all. The situation becomes even more infuriating when one considers the role of Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, who seems oblivious to the glaring issues within the country’s aviation sector. It feels as though both Air Peace and the government are working in tandem, not to improve the system, but to continually frustrate passengers, leaving them with little to no recourse for the mess they create.

A perfect example of this was my recent experience with Air Peace. I had a scheduled flight to Asaba, which they cancelled at the last minute without providing a valid reason. Instead of promptly offering a genuine resolution, they sent me an email offering to reroute or reschedule the flight at no additional cost. It sounded fair at first, but upon requesting a new flight, they had the audacity to ask for more money! It’s almost laughable, but this is the reality Nigerian travelers have to deal with daily. I reminded them of their earlier promise, insisting that I shouldn’t be charged extra for rescheduling, as it was their fault in the first place. In response, they reluctantly offered me a flight on Sunday – a full three days later – provided I refused to pay the extra fee. In what world is it acceptable to offer a flight three days after the scheduled date and expect the customer to be satisfied? I had urgent matters to attend to in Asaba, and they wanted me to wait until Sunday!

When I finally decided that I couldn’t wait for their arbitrary flight offers, I requested a refund, only to be told I would need to wait 21 working days to get my money back. Twenty-one working days! The audacity of this airline to take people’s money, fail to provide the service paid for, and then expect them to wait almost a month to receive a refund is mind-boggling. If I didn’t want to wait that long, they gave me the option to “expedite” the refund within 48 hours – at a cost, of course. In my case, I was told to pay 57,600 naira to expedite the refund for both myself and another passenger. It was clear to me that this entire scenario was not just an unfortunate incident, but a well-rehearsed scam designed to squeeze more money from already frustrated passengers.

Air Peace has gained notoriety for such antics. They cancel flights at the last minute, take people’s money, and then offer empty promises of rescheduling or rerouting without any intention of making things right. What’s worse is that even when they claim you can reroute at no additional cost, it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll come up with some excuse to demand more money from you. And if you’re foolish enough to agree to their terms, what’s the guarantee that they won’t cancel the new flight too? Air Peace is, quite frankly, a disgrace. They offer the option to upgrade to business class, but that, too, is a gamble. Why should anyone believe that they won’t cancel a business class flight just like they do with economy class? The sheer disrespect for passengers is alarming.

As if this wasn’t bad enough, when you finally ask for your money back, they will delay the process as much as they can. Twenty-one working days is an absurd amount of time to wait for a refund, especially when they were so quick to take the money. And yet, if you want it faster, they are more than happy to extort you for it. This isn’t just incompetence. This is robbery. Air Peace is nothing more than a predatory company taking advantage of the lax regulatory environment in Nigeria’s aviation sector. They thrive on making the lives of Nigerians more miserable while pocketing our hard-earned money.

I am still waiting to see if they will honor their promise to refund my money in 48 hours after paying the expedited refund fee. But based on the stories I’ve heard from other passengers, I have little hope. Many have told me that Air Peace rarely refunds the full amount they owe, and they always have some excuse ready as to why they can’t pay it all back. I’m beginning to realize that I may be one of their latest victims in a long line of passengers they’ve scammed.

But let’s not forget that the real issue here isn’t just Air Peace. It’s also the Nigerian government’s blatant failure to regulate and monitor the aviation industry. If Air Peace were operating in a properly regulated environment, they would have been shut down a long time ago. Their level of unprofessionalism and blatant disregard for their customers would never be tolerated in any serious country. But in Nigeria, they continue to operate with impunity, because the government is either too incompetent to do anything about it, or worse, they are complicit.

Take our current Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, for example. He was recently captured in a video, arguing that Nigeria cannot allow a foreign airline to operate its national carrier because, in his words, Nigeria is “bigger” and “more ambitious” than Togo. The sheer absurdity of this statement is enough to make anyone’s blood boil. How can you claim that Nigeria is more ambitious than Togo when our aviation sector is in complete shambles? There’s nothing ambitious about having an airline like Air Peace dominate our domestic routes, cancelling flights at will, and treating passengers like garbage. Keyamo’s arrogance and delusions of grandeur are exactly why the Nigerian aviation sector remains so backward. Our leaders refuse to confront the reality of their failures, choosing instead to make foolish comparisons with other African nations in a vain attempt to maintain their egos.

Perhaps if I had been on Air Peace’s London flight, I might have received better treatment. It seems Air Peace and their Aviation Minister patron, Festus Keyamo, are only concerned about flights to more prestigious destinations like London. Domestic passengers? We’re mere afterthoughts. But this is what happens when a country’s leadership is out of touch with the needs of its people. Festus Keyamo and Air Peace are two sides of the same coin, united in their incompetence and arrogance, while ordinary Nigerians suffer in silence. It’s high time we, the people, demand better. Enough is enough.

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu (mohd.aminu@gmail.com) wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.

By Haroon Aremu

Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), two titans in Nigeria’s oil sector, have become unwitting pawns in a high-stakes game of greed, corruption, and control that threatens forever to alter the landscape of the country’s economy. 

The fallout from this secretive manipulation could send shockwaves across Nigeria and the global oil market. But the question remains: how deep does the corruption run, and who pulls the strings?

As Nigerians struggle with fuel scarcity and skyrocketing prices, a disturbing reality emerges—those tasked with managing the nation’s resources deliberately keep refineries inoperative, creating bottlenecks to enrich themselves. At the heart of this heist lies an even more sinister story: a calculated move by a select few to dominate and monopolise Nigeria’s oil industry by manipulating state-owned enterprises and private ventures like Dangote’s Refinery.

Is the NNPC’s Shady $2.76 Billion Stake in Dangote Refinery a marriage of convenience?

In 2021, when the NNPC acquired a 20% stake in Dangote Refinery for a staggering $2.76 billion, many believed it was a monumental step towards bolstering Nigeria’s refining capacity. But beneath the surface, critics questioned the logic of the government investing public funds into a private venture while neglecting its decrepit refineries, which had been left to rot due to years of corruption and mismanagement. 

Was this a genuine attempt to revive the oil sector or a well-disguised ploy to channel public funds into private pockets? The decision becomes even more dubious when you consider that NNPC’s refineries have been operating at less than 20% capacity for years despite repeated promises of rehabilitation. 

These non-functioning facilities force the nation to import most of its fuel, which conveniently benefits the very cabals that control the import contracts. As these refineries remain dormant, Dangote’s refinery, with its projected 650,000 barrels per day capacity, is positioned to monopolise the market once it becomes fully operational. 

Was the NNPC’s investment a masterstroke of collusion to further empower this monopoly? I wonder if Dangote’s unholy alliance with the government is a favouritism or Strategic Investment.

Aliko Dangote’s influence in Nigeria’s political sphere is well-known. His ability to secure favourable policies has long raised eyebrows. Many believe his success is due as much to his business acumen as his close ties with top government officials. Recent import restrictions, for instance, have practically handed the domestic market to Dangote.

Dangote Refinery’s development, delayed since its original 2016 completion date, has ballooned in cost from $9 billion to over $19 billion. Was this financial mismanagement, or were there deeper, darker forces at play—possibly designed to funnel excess funds into the hands of corrupt officials?

As the cabal’s grip tightens, their influence on oil prices becomes increasingly evident. Dangote’s market dominance will give him unprecedented pricing power. But with such control comes the risk of manipulation. 

The refinery’s vast production capacity could easily be used as leverage to influence oil prices, both domestically and internationally. Many fear prices will be artificially inflated, maximising Dangote’s profits while further squeezing Nigerian consumers.

This scenario becomes even more plausible given the NNPC’s deep involvement in the refinery. With its 20% equity stake, NNPC’s role in pricing decisions cannot be overlooked. Will this be another case of public officials prioritising their private interests at the expense of national development?

As domestic pressures mount and whispers of foreign market dominance grow louder, one question looms: will Dangote begin prioritising foreign buyers over Nigeria’s fuel needs? 

With access to international markets offering better returns and more stable pricing, there is growing concern that the refinery may abandon the local market in favour of more lucrative exports. This could leave the country in an ironic situation, producing refined oil but still unable to meet domestic fuel needs, leading to ongoing scarcity and high prices despite local production.

If the cabals continue manipulating the domestic oil market, forcing prices to unsustainable levels, Dangote might have little choice but to look beyond Nigeria’s borders. 

The timing of the refinery’s commencement raises even more questions. As Nigeria grapples with the controversial removal of its long-standing fuel subsidy, many speculate that this policy shift is designed to align with the Dangote Refinery’s launch. With subsidies removed, domestic fuel prices are expected to skyrocket, conveniently paving the way for Dangote to step in as the dominant player, reaping the rewards of higher prices.

While the government frames subsidy removal as a necessary economic reform, many Nigerians view it as another instance of policies being shaped to benefit the few at the expense of the many. The alignment of these policies with the refinery’s launch timeline is too coincidental to be ignored.

The potential for Dangote’s monopoly to distort the Nigerian oil market. With NNPC’s refineries effectively sidelined and the cabals controlling much of the nation’s oil wealth, Dangote stands poised to dominate every facet of the industry—from refining to distribution. However, monopolies rarely benefit consumers, particularly in essential industries like oil.

As Nigeria’s oil sector hangs in the balance, powerful forces are clearly at play. The cabals’ influence, Dangote’s political connections, and NNPC’s complicity have all converged to create a complex web of corruption, exploitation, and control. 

Will Nigeria’s oil wealth finally be harnessed for the benefit of its people, or will the cabals and monopolies continue to enrich themselves at the expense of the masses? 

One thing remains certain: the truth behind the Dangote Refinery’s rise and NNPC’s role in it could be the bombshell that blows the lid off one of Nigeria’s biggest corruption scandals yet.

Haroon Aremu is a passionate writer and Mass Communication graduate, currently serving as an NYSC member. With a focus on national development, he is keen on leveraging his expertise to drive positive change and welcomes opportunities in public policy, media, and development sectors. He wrote in via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

A reality check is not a punishment but a reminder to refocus. – Unknown. 

Monday is the day of the week that people generally dislike. It is usually laden with the stress of getting to work early and getting the job done. I contend I have grown past the assertion that all days of the week are the same to me. Some think Mondays set the tone for the week. 

As I finished up my work for the day, feeling a sense of reprieve, I began browsing through various travel apps in search of a ride home. It is always like this when I finish my 9-to-5 weekday. Only this time, it was different. Rides were scarce, and frustration started to creep in as it also started to rain cat and dog.

The driver arrived, and I hastily exited the building to meet him outside. Upon reaching the vehicle, we exchanged pleasantries as I promptly fastened my seatbelt and leaned against the window, savouring the decidedly cold air while simultaneously trying to make sense of the chaos surrounding me.

My frustration mounted as we remained stuck around the office vicinity, surrounded by a series of sounds. Cars honked incessantly, drivers venting their frustration at the gridlocked roads, and some bumped into each other. It was not difficult to guess that their anger was from waiting in long queues at the filling stations and the urge to make some money before the end. Should this be our reality? 

Meanwhile, commuters on the road struggled to secure a ride home because some who own vehicles have abandoned them. Hawkers shouted and called out to prospective customers to patronise them. The standard of living is expressly high; they are fighting tooth and nail to feed their families. Should this be our reality?

Nigerians have gone from one issue to the other, but the most recent and important is the fuel hike, which most Nigerians rely on. This has affected so many lives, from pedestrians and drivers to heads of households and children. Should this be our reality? 

Many people are suffering, even dying. You can hardly make ends meet even with your money; imagine not having any for basic necessities. The question of “Renewed Hope” still lingers in the hearts of Nigerians as we are forced to adapt to every unfavourable situation. Should this be our reality? 

Citizens have gone from hoping for renewed hope to just wanting to be alive. Things have taken extreme turns, and no one even knows where we are heading. Talk more about the final destination. Should this be our reality? 

As I watched these events unfold in just minutes, road traffic getting worse and rain still drizzling, my mind jolted back to Maiduguri. The people are still struggling with the damage to so many lives and properties. How pathetic, I thought. Should this be their reality? 

How are they coping? How are they coming to terms with this loss? Do they have shelter to take refuge under when it pours like this? I tried to put myself in their shoes, and this exercise only made me even more appreciate all I have now. 

Earlier, I was scrolling through my TikTok app and stumbled upon a shocking sight: suspected bandits doing a ‘giveaway’ on TikTok. My jaw dropped. We have all been forced to familiarise ourselves with the unsettling reality that terrorists have a presence on social media. Still, the audacity of openly carrying out such an act is genuinely alarming. It seems they no longer have any regard for authority. Should this be our reality? 

I went onto ‘X’ to clear my head after what I had just witnessed, and lo and behold, someone had already tweeted about it. They wrote, “Bandits dey do giveaway for TikTok, God which kind country you put me so.” I could not resist tapping into the replies, and while some were humorous, they only pointed out that we were doomed. Should this be our reality? 

Many people find it funny; some even want to participate because the country is tough. But this is highly concerning. Our reality is so concerning. Are we really succumbing to these? Should this be our reality? 

This is the state of the nation—Nigeria. As the quote above suggests, a reality check is not a reprimand but a chance to recalibrate. Therefore, it is time for the government and citizens to work together for a better reality!

Rabi Ummi Umar is an intern at PRNigeria and a student at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. She can be reached at rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has suspended his Special Adviser on Salary and Pensions, Alhaji Bashir Ado, following a premature announcement regarding a proposed N70,000 minimum wage.

The suspension was confirmed in a statement issued by Bala Ibrahim, the Secretary to the State Government, in Dutse on Saturday. 

The statement revealed that a circulating media report claiming the governor had approved the new minimum wage was both inaccurate and premature.

“This is an embarrassing situation, as the committee tasked with advising on the appropriate wage, led by the Head of the State Civil Service, has yet to finalize its report,” Ibrahim explained.

Due to the incident, the governor has approved Ado’s immediate suspension pending the outcome of an investigation. 

A committee, chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Bello Abdulkadir, has been set up to probe the source and intent behind the statement.

The committee, which includes Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture Sagir Musa, Commissioner for Health Dr Abdullahi Muhammad, and Muhammad Hahaha, Permanent Secretary of Establishment and Service Matters, is expected to submit its report within two weeks.

By Ibrahim Aliyu Gurin 

Boat accidents in Nigeria are tragically frequent, especially in regions with limited transportation options. In states like Niger, Kebbi, and Adamawa, where rural communities depend on boats for daily travel, the risks are high. Overloading, poor safety measures, and weak enforcement of regulations are the leading causes, leaving many families devastated.

On one fateful day, farmers, eager to beat an approaching storm, crowded into a boat to head home. Among them were women and children, holding on to hope as the sky darkened. But their fears came true. Halfway through the journey, strong winds capsized the overloaded boat, and chaos broke out. Screams echoed as men, women, and children fought to stay afloat. Twenty people went missing, lost to the river’s depths.

In a desperate attempt, a mother tried to save her infant by holding the child above water. She drowned, but a diver managed to rescue the baby—a small miracle amidst the tragedy. Others were less fortunate. Adamu Mai-nama lost his wife, two children, sister, and in-laws. “They’re all gone,” he mourned, his voice heavy with grief.

This heartbreaking scene repeats itself across Nigeria every year. Boats, essential for transport in areas with limited roads, become death traps due to overloading, faulty maintenance, and weak safety enforcement. According to data provided by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), between January 2018 and October 2023, Nigeria recorded 1,204 deaths from boat accidents, averaging about 17 fatalities per month. These incidents occurred in 25 states, with Niger State having the highest number of deaths at 275.

Overloading remains a critical issue as boat operators prioritise profit over safety. Many vessels are dangerously overcrowded, and passengers, lacking alternatives, are forced to risk their lives. In countries like Bangladesh, strict enforcement of passenger limits has reduced boat accidents. Nigeria could benefit from similar regulations, cracking down on operators who ignore safety rules.

Compounding the problem is the poor condition of many boats. They are often old, poorly maintained, and lack essential safety equipment like life jackets. Passengers board these vessels with little choice but to rely on luck. Rising water levels and stronger storms, driven by climate change, further heighten the danger. 

According to the Marine Crafts Builders Association of Nigeria, over the past decade, Nigeria has seen approximately 3,130 boat accidents, leading to over 3,133 deaths. Regular inspections and better boat maintenance are urgently needed.

The dangers of drowning also extend beyond boat accidents. The World Health Organization reported that drowning deaths in Nigeria reached 6,584 in 2020, accounting for 0.44% of total deaths, with a drowning mortality rate of 2.17 per 100,000 people. This staggering number highlights the broader issue of water safety and the need for comprehensive measures to protect lives.

When accidents happen, the country’s rescue efforts are often too slow to be effective—poor funding and inadequate equipment delay response times, costing lives. Investing in better rescue units, equipment, and training responders is essential. However, prevention through stronger safety measures is the most effective solution.

Public awareness campaigns are also crucial. Many passengers don’t realise the dangers of overcrowded boats or the importance of life jackets. Localised safety education, led by community leaders, can make a significant difference.

Countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh have shown that strict regulations and public education can reduce boat mishaps. Nigeria can make its waterways safer by modernising boats, enforcing safety standards, and raising awareness. Unfortunately, the lack of enforcement in remote areas undermines these efforts. While states like Lagos have made progress, others, such as Niger, Kebbi, and Adamawa, need to implement stronger oversight and inspections.

The tragedies we see on Nigeria’s waterways are preventable. They result from neglect of safety regulations, boat maintenance, and human life care. We must act now to prevent more families from suffering: enforce safety rules, improve boat conditions, strengthen rescue operations, and educate the public.

The mishaps on Nigeria’s waterways don’t have to keep happening—they can be stopped. Every life lost shows the price we pay for ignoring safety. We know what needs to be done, but we keep doing nothing. How many more children need to lose their parents? How many more families must suffer before we take action?

The next boat accident could happen anytime. Will we wait for more lives to be lost, or will we make the changes needed to save them? The choice is ours, and lives depend on it.

Ibrahim Aliyu Gurin writes from Bayero University, Kano, via ibrahimaliyu5023@gmail.com.

By Aminat Adebesin Adebisi 

Nigeria, known for its vibrant culture and resilient people, is grappling with a pressing concern: mental health issues. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse affect millions, particularly the youth. Despite alarming statistics, the topic remains shrouded in stigma and silence.

Personal Experience

I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of mental health stigma. A close friend struggled with depression for months, hiding her pain behind a mask of smiles. For her, seeking help felt like a sign of weakness, and she wasn’t ready to open up. As I watched the twinkle in her eye fade, I wondered how I could have helped her escape the darkness.

Alarming Statistics

According to a 2019 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with 1 in 5 Nigerians suffering from mental health disorders. The National Mental Health Survey (2018) reveals that 22% of Nigerians experience depression, while 30% struggle with anxiety.

Barriers to Seeking Help

Limited awareness, stigma, and entrenched cultural beliefs hinder individuals from seeking help. In Nigeria, voicing mental health concerns can lead to gossip, judgment, or even rejection. This silence forces many to suffer in isolation.

Breaking the Silence

To combat the rising rates of depression, we must take the following steps:

• Establish Support Groups: Create social support networks with trusted, informed individuals to encourage open conversations.
• Raise Awareness: Leverage organisations like the Nigerian Mental Health Association, the Federal Ministry of Health, and media outlets to promote understanding of mental health issues.
• Integrate Education: Incorporate mental health education into school curricula to empower students and reduce stigma from a young age.
• Engage Community Leaders: Collaborate with community leaders and influencers to promote discussions around mental health.
• Improve Accessibility: Develop affordable and accessible mental health services to ensure that help is within reach for everyone.

Together, we can create a Nigeria where mental health discussions are embraced with empathy rather than met with stigma. By breaking the silence, we can offer support and hope to those affected, fostering a healthier, more understanding society.

Aminat Adebesin wrote via adebesinaminat2018@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja heard testimony from Abubakar Kweido, the first prosecution witness (PW1), in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman.

Kweido testified that Mamman allegedly used funds from the Mambilla Hydro project account to purchase properties in Abuja.

According to Solacebase, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Mamman with 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Kweido, an EFCC operative, stated that funds released to the former minister were traced to properties in Kado Estate and Wuse 2, Abuja.

Kweido also revealed that the investigation findings were presented to Mamman, who denied any connection to the properties.

Mamman claimed that his personal assistant, Maisbahu Idris, was responsible for receiving funds from the Mambilla project accountant and distributing them among ministry staff.

Further investigation led to a search of Mamman’s residence, where foreign currency and corporate documents belonging to Abangus Nig. Ltd, a company allegedly used to facilitate the diversion of funds, were discovered.

Payment vouchers and cash recovered at the former minister’s residence were admitted as evidence.

The trial will resume on October 23, 2024, before Justice James Omotosho.

By Fatimat Ibrahim Abedoh,

In 2022, Crystal Asige, a visually impaired woman, was nominated to the 4th Senate in Kenya’s 13th Parliament to represent people with disabilities and special interest groups. Picked by the Orange Democratic Party (ODM), she was sworn in alongside 66 other Senators on September 8, 2022. 

Despite her disability, Asige was seen for her potential and allowed to thrive, becoming a role model for many in similar circumstances. She has been excelling ever since. In contrast, Nigeria has a significant population of about 35 million people with disabilities, yet they are still mistreated, shunned, and disregarded. 

No public space, transit system, or infrastructure in Nigeria is designed with PWDs in mind, reflecting the height of their struggles. It is no secret that life in Nigeria is challenging, but for PWDs, it is twice as difficult.

PWDs in Nigeria face numerous challenges and barriers to full inclusion and participation in society, issues that are not discussed enough. Individuals, private organisations, and public institutions are often unwelcoming, making it difficult for PWDs to thrive in all aspects of life. 

This lack of accessibility constrains their potential and strips them of the platform to live and contribute meaningfully to society—whether in education, politics, employment, or social activities.

Their fundamental human rights are severely violated, as being disabled often equates to being treated as less than human. This is why many PWDs resort to begging for survival. But they need more than a pity party; they deserve respect and inclusion.

Recently, a PWD faced discrimination at an eatery. Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, recounted his humiliating experience at the KFC outlet in the Murtala Muhammed Airport via his X handle (@DebolaDaniel). A wheelchair user, Daniel described the incident as the worst public humiliation he had ever faced. 

He explained that due to the out-of-service lift to the airport lounge, he decided to wait at the KFC outlet with his wife and three brothers. However, this simple choice turned into a “colossal mistake,” as he put it.

His tweets partly read: “Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity. Nowhere more so than in Nigeria. To be disabled in Nigeria is to be undesirable, unwelcome, and unaccepted… Today, I faced the worst sort of public humiliation that I have ever experienced. To think that this happened at an international brand, KFC, at an international airport – Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos – is unthinkable.”

Daniel’s case gained public attention, mainly because of his family background, prompting the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to shut down the outlet and demand an apology. But what about the millions of other PWDs who have faced similar or worse situations? Who listens to them, and who takes action on their behalf?

Since Asige entered the Senate in Kenya, she has been able to sponsor three bills that the Kenyan government has enforced, all tailored to the interests and welfare of persons with disabilities. These are the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2023, the Kenyan Sign Language Bill 2023, and the Startup Bill 2022. 

She continues to work in the interest of Kenyan youths and those across Africa. In Nigeria, former President Muhammadu Buhari passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act into law in 2018. Yet, six years later, it has not been fully implemented.

Adequate funding for education, assistive technology, and other essential resources for PWDs is urgently needed. Nigeria practices representative democracy, and PWDs deserve to be heard, seen and listened to. They need representation in the Senate or the House of Representatives to amplify their voices. 

PWDs are capable of much more than their disabilities, and no one can represent them better than one of their own.

Fatimat Ibrahim Abedoh is a fellow at PR Nigeria’s Young Communication Fellowship.

By Habibu Bawa 

Banditry is fast becoming a household name in Nigeria. The  Northwest and parts of north-central Nigeria have been the worst hit since 2012.

Fast forward, bandits have attacked numerous communities across Nigeria, destroying a lot of homes, farms, and markets, killing and kidnapping in schools and highways, which made life unbearable for rural and semi-urban communities. 

According to Ibrahim Dosara, former Commissioner of Information in Zamfara State, between 2011 and 2019, bandits killed at least 2,619 people, kidnapped 1,190, and maimed and displaced hundreds of thousands in Zamfara State alone.

Many describe these attacks as an escalation of farmer-herder conflicts, ethno-religious crises, or a result of population pressure and climate change, which made former President Muhammadu Buhari propose 10,000 hectares per state for rural grazing areas, although unsuccessful, and President Tinubu’s Ministry for Livestock Development.

While past and current governments have made efforts to address banditry, little has been done to support the victims or tackle the root causes of the issue. For successful disease control, the pathogens, vectors, and symptoms have to be addressed while measures are taken to boost the immune system.

For example, the government often mobilises troops, which is usually announced and broadcasted after media reports of bandit attacks. Meanwhile, victims are left to languish in IDP camps. This situation is akin to guarding stables after the horses have escaped.

After each attack, the once agrarian victims battle scanty food, inadequate water supply, and diseases, while some state governments grant amnesty to bandits, leaving victims with only empty promises to rebuild their lives.

Nigeria has helped several other African countries in peacebuilding and peacekeeping, which proves Nigeria’s ability to curtail whatever crisis may arise internally. Thus, banditry is not beyond its control, but success requires sincerity of purpose and decisive actions.

First, the government should use every available means to block arms and ransoms from bandits, as ransom fuels banditry while firearms drive it. A 2019 research by Beacon Consults found over 6 million firearms in circulation in Nigeria, with only one-tenth in the hands of federal security agents. Communities should be educated on the effects of ransom, and severe punishments should be imposed on those who pay ransom.

Secondly, victims should be allowed to exercise their natural right to self-defence, and any funds earmarked for negotiating with bandits should be redirected toward rebuilding the lives and communities of the victims.

Lastly, the government should identify and eliminate bandit sponsors, sympathisers, negotiators, informants, trainers, and advisers. This will hinder the bandits’ ability to recruit, escape, re-strategize, or ethnicise their atrocities.

To end banditry, bandits must be treated as terrorists. Banditry is the greatest threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty today. The military should be well-equipped and deployed to take decisive action. A repentant bandit is one who has joined his ancestors.

Habibu Bawa is a fellow of the PR Nigeria Young Communication Fellowship.