Nigeria

By y Sabiu Abdullahi

The Tinubu Must Go (TMG) movement has appealed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to enter discussions with other opposition figures on the possibility of forming a united platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The appeal was contained in a letter dated September 22, 2026, with the reference number TMG/NAT/2026/001 and addressed to Atiku through the National Chairman of the ADC.

The letter, titled “REQUEST FOR DIALOGUE TOWARDS A UNITED OPPOSITION FRONT FOR THE 2027 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION,” said the group seeks discussions among major opposition figures on a possible consensus presidential candidate.

TMG described itself as a citizen-led movement whose members have put aside individual and partisan preferences in pursuit of what it described as a united opposition capable of presenting an alternative to the current administration.

The movement cited insecurity, economic pressures, inflation, poverty and unemployment among the issues it said have strengthened the case for opposition cooperation.

On insecurity, the group referred to figures from SBM Intelligence’s report, “The Capture of the Kidnap Economy”, which covers the period from July 2025 to June 2026. According to the letter, the report recorded 7,825 abducted persons and 1,142 deaths across 1,411 recorded kidnapping incidents out of 1,713 total kidnapping-related events.

The letter also stated that Northern Nigeria accounted for 93.7 per cent of reported abductions and 96 per cent of civilian fatalities in the period covered by the report, while Southern Nigeria accounted for 6.3 per cent of abducted victims.

On the economy, TMG said high inflation and food prices had reduced household purchasing power and placed essential commodities beyond the reach of many families.

The movement also cited rising energy costs, electricity and fuel tariffs, grid failures, poverty and youth unemployment as issues it said required urgent attention.

TMG said its immediate request was for opposition leaders to meet, engage in good faith and consider possible compromises that could produce a single consensus presidential candidate.

“We do not presume to dictate who should lead, who should concede, or what specific power-sharing arrangement should emerge,” the letter stated.

It added that such matters should be resolved through direct discussions among the opposition leaders.

“Our guiding principle is clear: the broader national interest must be given room to prevail before individual political ambitions become irreconcilable.”

The movement said it plans to hold an internal consultation among its supporters on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to assess their current preferences in the event that the organisation eventually decides to consolidate its grassroots structure behind a single platform.

However, TMG stressed that any internal consultation would remain secondary to whatever voluntary consensus the opposition candidates themselves might reach.

“Every major opposition figure, along with their respective political structures and supporters, remains indispensable to this national rescue project before, during, and after the election,” the letter said.

“Our mission is coalition-building, not exclusion.”

The group further told Atiku that it recognised his presidential ambition as part of a broader desire to serve Nigerians and change the country’s direction.

It argued that opposition cooperation could provide a means for the various political figures to work together, while also allowing their respective political structures and supporters to retain a role in the wider political process.

TMG urged whoever eventually emerges as the consensus candidate to maintain cooperation with other opposition leaders and their supporters.

It also called for an administration that would draw on the capabilities of the various partners if the coalition receives the mandate of Nigerian voters.

The movement specifically asked Atiku to open high-level discussions with other leading opposition candidates in order to identify areas of common ground.

“Political dynamics evolve rapidly as elections approach; consequently, the door to dialogue, compromise, and strategic alliance must remain open to the very end.”

TMG also requested an opportunity for a delegation from the movement to meet Atiku in person to formally present its appeal and discuss practical steps towards further dialogue.

The letter was signed by Abba Hikima, Esq., for Tinubu Must Go (TMG).

In a separate statement contained at the end of the letter, TMG said any formal response from Atiku or his political party could be communicated through verified social media accounts.

The statement reads:

“In the interest of complete transparency and to engage the millions of young, digital-first Nigerians following this initiative, any formal reply or statement regarding this appeal may simply be posted directly on the verified social medial handle (X, Facebook, Instagram) of Your Excellency or your political party under the hashtag #TMG. Any such post shall be deemed as having officially reached us and served upon the TMG leadership and nationwide community”.

By Ishaka Mohammed

The Federal Government of Nigeria has opened applications for a six-month professional teaching qualification programme for non-professional teachers in the country.

According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the programme, titled Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP), costs ₦200,000, which can be paid in three instalments.

The ATPP offers two qualification routes: the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) for holders of non-education bachelor’s degrees or HNDs, and the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) for holders of ONDs or NDs.

However, only individuals with at least two years of classroom teaching experience are eligible. 

Launched on September 7, 2026, the application portal will remain open until September 25. The application is free.

Interested and eligible individuals can apply at https://applicant.safapply.com/atpp and choose any of the following study centres:

National Teachers’ Institute

Nnamdi Azikiwe University

University of Lagos

University of Port Harcourt

University of Ilorin

Ahmadu Bello University

University of Maiduguri

National Open University of Nigeria

MIVA Open University 

Meadow Hall College of Education

Babcock University

There is more information on https://atpp.education.gov.ng/.

By Anwar Usman

Former Kano State governor and the Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said a government led by the party’s candidate, Peter Obi, would reintroduce fuel subsidy, but through a different approach.

Kwankwaso, made this known during an interview with Arise News while discussing fuel pricing and the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He said the NDC would look for other alternatives to reduce the cost of petrol for Nigerians, including increased investment in domestic refining.

“No, no, no, look. We are bringing subsidy in our own way,” Kwankwaso said when asked whether the party’s position on subsidy would affect its campaign in the North-West.

Explaining how that could be achieved Kwankwaso said government could establish more refineries to boost local production and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

He further stated that, the expansion of domestic refining capacity would help ensure that Nigerians can purchase petrol at what he described as a reasonable price.

“Now, if individuals in this country could build refineries, I see no reason why government, under certain circumstances, will not build a refinery or refineries to the extent that we achieve the minimum requirement,” he said.

Kwankwaso said the NDC would prioritise measures aimed at lowering fuel prices.

“What is the minimum requirement? The minimum requirement is for the people across the country to go to the filling stations and buy fuel at a reasonable price,” he added.

“We, in the NDC, will do whatever it takes, really, to put the price of oil down.”

The NDC chieftain also criticised how Tinubu removed the petrol subsidy shortly after assuming office in 2023.

He noted that the major presidential candidates in the 2023 election had supported subsidy removal as the major way of reviving the country’s economy but accused the current government for implementing the policy withoutproper consultation.

According to him, the decision was taken without adequately addressing the consequences associated with subsidy removal.

“And not only he decided to remove the subsidy, what he did was to remove it immediately — in fact, day one — without looking at all those possible issues that were associated with that,” Kwankwaso said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Bandits in Zamfara State have reportedly demanded N30 million for the release of six Islamic clerics who were abducted after attending a special prayer session organised for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress.

The reported abduction was disclosed by conflict reporter D English Alhaji in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

According to the report, the clerics had attended the prayer session organised by the Director-General of the APC campaign and senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari.

The reporter said the abductors had contacted their victims’ representatives and demanded N30 million for their release.

“These are the six Sheikhs that were abducted by bandits in Zamfara after attending special prayers session for Tinubu and APC, organised by the DG campaign for APC, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari,” he wrote.

“Bandits are now demanding N30 million ransom for their release.”

The reported incident adds to concerns over abductions and ransom demands by armed groups in parts of Zamfara State.

The Daily Reality could not independently verify the identities of the six clerics, the circumstances of their abduction or the reported ransom demand from the information provided.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has disclosed plans by his conglomerate to invest more than $10bn in the power sector over the next few years as part of efforts to address Africa’s electricity deficit and support industrial growth.

Dangote made the disclosure during an interview with Al Jazeera, where he identified unreliable electricity supply and frequent changes in government policies as major obstacles to investment across the continent.

He said the group was considering shifting funds from some planned ventures, including steel, into electricity generation and other power projects.

“And I’m telling you in the next three to four years, there will be a major transformation in Africa, and that’s why we’re looking at power. We are going to invest in power. There are one or two businesses that we might cancel, like steel, and we will put the money in power. We want to invest over $10bn alone in power.”

The businessman also expressed concern over the number of Africans without access to electricity, saying the continent could not afford to leave hundreds of millions of people without reliable power.

“We Africans should not really allow over 600 million of our people to remain in darkness.”

Dangote described electricity as a major driver of economic expansion and said effective power supply could also influence how citizens assess the performance of political leaders.

“You know, if some politicians work hard and have a plan, when you deliver power, you don’t need to go for a campaign when you’re going for an election. Power is key; we will never create growth without power. That’s why they say power is growth. When I say power, I mean electricity is growth.”

He said Africa must expand its industrial base if it hopes to create enough jobs and achieve sustained economic development. He also called for a reduction in the continent’s dependence on imported products.

Addressing concerns about investment in Africa, Dangote attributed some of the challenges to inconsistent government policies and inadequate electricity supply.

“The problem really is, it takes two to tango. I think in the past, there’s been a lot of flip-flops in government policies. Government policies were changing every day, and then, the lack of electricity is also there.

“So, these two issues haven’t gone away. They are still there. But for some of us that really mean business, we are here, and we know that yes, without our intervention, Africa will never be able to create jobs. If there’s no industrialisation, how do you create jobs? You can’t,” he said.

Dangote warned that Africa could eventually face difficulties financing the goods it imports if it fails to strengthen local production.

“One day we will not have money to import what we are consuming. So how can we remain an import continent? It has to change. But that change can only happen when Africans believe in Africa, and they invest in Africa,” he stated.

He said more investors were becoming interested in African businesses because of the opportunities on the continent. According to him, his investment philosophy also focuses on wider participation in business and stronger corporate governance.

“We want to make sure it’s about spreading the wealth. It’s about getting more people in the business. It’s also about corporate governance. So that’s the direction.”

On allegations that his expanding business interests were creating a monopoly, Dangote said he remained focused on his objectives.

“Well, you know, if I’m going to listen to that, have you ever seen a footballer looking at the audience? He has to continue looking at the ball. If I’m Messi, for example, I’m kicking the ball, and I’m looking at the audience, do you think I won’t miss the ball? I will miss the ball,” he stated.

He argued that accusations of monopoly would not deter his investment plans, insisting that his businesses had not been given exclusive rights by the government.

“If I’m going to make my continent great and people want to call me a monopoly for no reason, so be it. I mean, it’s not going to reduce the colour of my face or whatever. You can call me whatever you want to call me; I didn’t stop anybody; it is an opportunity given to everybody, every one of us has that opportunity whether Africans, foreigners or whoever,” he stressed.

Dangote said government policies created opportunities for investors across various sectors rather than reserving them exclusively for his companies.

“There’s nothing that the government gave us and say, ‘this is only for Dangote ’. The government will create a policy around a sector, and they will blow a whistle and say, ‘ Yes, this is it,” he noted.

He compared investment to a 100-metre race, saying those who chose not to participate should not blame investors who took the opportunity.

“If there’s a 100-metre race, some people were on the bench while I’m on the track, and I agreed to run that race, and I won that race alone, are you going to blame me or are you going to blame people who just sat on the bench?” he asked.

He also rejected claims that his business expansion resulted from a lack of opportunities for others.

“They’re not ready, they’re not prepared, they don’t even believe in Africa itself. If you don’t invest, you are not going to get fruit of that labour,” he replied to those accusing him of monopoly.

Dangote acknowledged that criticism would continue but said his businesses would remain focused on their long-term objectives.

“The distraction will continue. But we have what you call a very thick skin. No matter what you do, even if you take bullets, you are hitting our body with it; we’re not going to stop. We have a target, and we’re getting to our target.

“And if we don’t do it, believe me honestly, Africa will be in trouble. And I would rather save my continent at the expense of even my life. This continent must get to the promised land,” he declared.

He further advocated greater processing of African raw materials within the continent before export, saying local value addition could strengthen industries and retain more economic benefits.

Dangote said governments could eventually introduce stronger measures to encourage local processing once the economic benefits became more evident.

“Eventually they (foreigners) will stop taking our raw materials. They must produce on our own continent.

“You see, once we show people how to do all these, even the governments themselves will start saying, no, you can’t take our cocoa, process it here and add value, then you take it out,” he stated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that the opposition of some All Progressives Congress governors to the proposed Rainbow Coalition is linked to their political calculations over the leadership of the National Assembly after the 2027 elections.

Wike made the allegation on Monday during an appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, where he defended the coalition and rejected concerns that it could weaken the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The FCT minister said the coalition was primarily intended to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election. He argued that politicians could support Tinubu for president while backing candidates of their preferred parties in governorship and legislative elections.

He cited the 2023 elections as an example, recalling that members of the G5 group supported Tinubu’s presidential bid while their parties contested other positions.

“In 2023, core leadership G5, we said we are going to support Mr President. But we never said that all our candidates in other elections will fail. We never said so,” Wike said.

He added, “Particularly in Rivers State, we supported Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; he won the presidential election. But in National Assembly election and the state election, PDP won.”

Wike dismissed the argument that such a voting pattern would confuse Nigerians. He said voters had already demonstrated that they could support different parties in different elections.

“Who will be more confused? Is it not my own candidates that will even be more confused when I’ve told them to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and then again, they now go back to support other candidates?”

According to Wike, some APC governors are concerned that politicians who fail to secure tickets under the ruling party could contest on other platforms and win their elections. He alleged that such lawmakers might then refuse to support candidates favoured by the governors for leadership positions in the National Assembly.

“APC in their ongoing party primaries, the governors, in their own wisdom, believe that they should be able now to put senators or House of Reps members who they will dictate to who will become the next Senate President or the Speaker,” he alleged.

He continued, “The fear now is that, if they run and they win, it means that they’re not going to support him to be the Senate President,” he said.

Wike specifically linked the issue to Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma. He alleged that Uzodimma was interested in becoming Senate President after leaving office.

“Mr. President will be inaugurated by May 29. This man’s office will expire by January, February 2028.

“Now, he wants to leave his office to run for Senate. Now, what does that mean? He wants to run for Senate President. Now, what he does is to say to his colleagues, ‘Look, let us, the governors, be the ones that will produce the senators that will produce members of the House of Representatives.

“And of course, some of the governors are not experienced. They buy in, thinking it’s going to make them powerful, not knowing that he has his own interests, his own agenda, to become Senate President,” Wike said.

The FCT minister also made his position on Uzodimma’s alleged ambition clear.

“Life or death, I will never support a character of Hope Uzodimma to be the Senate President of Nigeria. Everybody knows that,” the minister stated.

Wike said his position should not be interpreted as a personal dispute. He maintained that the political interests behind the disagreement should be considered within the wider contest ahead of 2027.

The disagreement comes after the APC Governors Forum declared that it would not support any alliance or political arrangement capable of undermining Tinubu’s re-election, weakening the APC or affecting the party’s candidates. Uzodimma announced the position after a meeting of the governors in Abuja.

Wike also rejected reports that President Tinubu had agreed to concede nine states to the PDP or the Rainbow Coalition as part of a political arrangement.

“The nine states, did they tell you the nine states?”

He added, “Let us help Nigerians. Let’s get the facts. Who are… which are those states? Tell us. That they said the President agreed with me that he has conceded nine states.”

The minister said his political focus remained on supporting Tinubu’s re-election and promoting what he described as the achievements of the administration.

“Mr. President is showing his postcard. We are selling Mr. President what he’s been doing, why he should be re-elected,” he said.

Wike also said Tinubu was aware of the Rainbow Coalition and his activities around the proposed arrangement.

“As I speak to you here, Mr. President knows about my concept, of the rainbow coalition…. Mr. President understands me very well,” Wike said.

He maintained that the coalition was not intended to take over the APC or prevent other parties from presenting candidates for governorship and legislative contests.

The FCT minister has previously said the coalition has no formal connection with the APC and that his stated objective is to support Tinubu’s second-term bid.

The disagreement has continued to generate reactions within the APC. The party’s South-East caucus previously called on Wike to apologise to APC governors over his comments about their opposition to the coalition.

Wike, however, has maintained his position that support for Tinubu in the presidential election can coexist with support for candidates from other parties in governorship and legislative elections.

The minister’s latest comments further highlight the growing disagreement between his Rainbow Coalition initiative and APC governors over how political support should be organised ahead of the 2027 elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Abia State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged theft and sale of a four-day-old baby whose mother is mentally challenged.

The suspects were taken into custody on September 16, 2026, after operatives of the Violent Crimes Response Unit and Rapid Response Unit, Obehie, received what the police described as “credible and actionable intelligence.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Chinaka named the suspects as Gladys Nathaniel, 48; Victor Udochukwu, 47; Chijioke Obunwa, 59; and Onyeonoro Chinwe, 43.

She said police investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly conspired to take the newborn from its mother and later sold the child to another person.

“The suspects allegedly conspired to steal a four-day-old baby from her mentally unstable mother and subsequently sold the infant to another person,” the statement read.

According to the PPRO, the police rescued both the baby and its mother after the suspects were apprehended.

She said the mother was released into the care of her family, while the baby was placed under the protection of the Ministry of Women Affairs.

“The baby and mother were rescued. The mother has been released to her family for proper care and medical attention, while the infant has been handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs for protective custody,” she stated.

The four suspects remain in police custody as the investigation continues at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Chinaka said the suspects would be charged before a court after investigators conclude their inquiry.

The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, said the command would continue to protect vulnerable persons and ensure that suspects responsible for such offences are brought to justice.

The development comes against the backdrop of other recent cases involving alleged child trafficking and illegal maternity facilities.

In August, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons sealed a residential apartment in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, after it was suspected to have been converted into an illegal maternity facility by a suspected child-trafficking syndicate.

NAPTIP also arrested the facility’s owner, whom it identified as a facilitator in the alleged sale of babies, alongside another staff member.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President and presidential candidate under the platform of the ADC in 2027, Atiku Abubakar has questioned who is constitutionally exercising the powers of the Nigerian presidency following the expiration of the 21-day period since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu left the country on an official three-week vacation.

Atiku raised the issue in a statement posted on Facebook on Monday, September 21, 2026, citing Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which sets out the procedure for the transfer of presidential functions during the President’s temporary absence.

The Presidency announced on August 30 that Tinubu had departed Nigeria for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave. According to the announcement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President was expected to return after the working vacation.

Section 145(1) of the Constitution states that whenever the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he shall transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The provision further states that the Vice President shall perform the functions of the President as Acting President under the prescribed arrangement.

The same section provides that where the President is unable or fails to transmit the declaration within 21 days, the National Assembly shall, through a resolution supported by a simple majority in each chamber, mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President.

Atiku said Nigerians had not been shown any such constitutional communication transferring presidential authority to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“President Tinubu left Nigeria on 30 August. The Presidency publicly announced a three-week vacation. Yet, to date, Nigerians have not been shown any constitutional letter transmitting presidential authority to Vice President Kashim Shettima,” he wrote.

He called on the Presidency to publish the letter if it exists and argued that, in the absence of such a declaration after 21 days, the National Assembly should explain why the constitutional procedure had not been activated.

“This is not a matter of political convenience. It is a matter of constitutional order,” Atiku said.

His comments come as Shettima is in New York representing Tinubu at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Presidency said Tinubu mandated his deputy to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA, which begins its general debate on September 22.

Atiku also questioned the situation against the backdrop of recent domestic challenges, including the deaths of 37 Nigerians in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna and rising petrol prices in parts of the country.

He argued that the circumstances required Nigerians to know clearly who was exercising presidential authority and under what constitutional provision.

“Nigeria cannot be governed by assumptions. It cannot be governed by presidential social-media posts from Europe,” Atiku wrote.

“It cannot be governed by photographs from private dinners at the Élysée Palace.

“It cannot be governed on autopilot.”

The former Vice President further urged the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to clarify whether they had received any communication from Tinubu under Section 145(1).

He also called on the National Assembly to explain its position if no declaration had been transmitted within the constitutionally stipulated period.

“The Presidency should therefore tell Nigerians immediately whether President Tinubu transmitted the declaration contemplated by Section 145(1) before leaving the country,” Atiku said.

“The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House should equally tell Nigerians whether such a communication was received.

“And if no declaration was transmitted within the constitutionally stipulated period, the National Assembly must explain why the procedure provided by Section 145(2) has not been activated.”

Atiku concluded by asking: “Who, constitutionally, is in charge of Nigeria?”

By Jessica Jummai Ayuba

The consumption of traditional medicine has become a widespread phenomenon in Nigeria, with many people resorting to it as an alternative to orthodox medicine. However, the unregulated nature of the traditional medicine industry has raised serious concerns about the safety and efficacy of these medicines. It is high time for the government to take decisive action to regulate the consumption of traditional medicine in Nigeria.

The traditional medicine industry in Nigeria is a multi-billion naira market, with thousands of practitioners and sellers operating across the country. However, the majority of these practitioners and sellers are operating unlawfully, without obtaining the necessary licenses and permits from the government. This lack of regulation has created an environment in which quacks and charlatans can thrive, putting the lives of millions of Nigerians at risk.

One of the major concerns about the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria is the lack of standardization and quality control. Many traditional medicine practitioners and sellers are using untested and unproven remedies, which can have serious side effects or even be fatal. Furthermore, many of these remedies are being prepared in unsanitary conditions, which can lead to contamination and infection.

The government has a critical role to play in regulating the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is the primary agency responsible for regulating the industry, but it has been struggling to keep up with the sheer number of practitioners and sellers operating in the country. The government needs to provide NAFDAC with more resources and support to enable it to effectively regulate the industry.

Another major concern about the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria is the lack of transparency and accountability. Many traditional medicine practitioners and sellers are making exaggerated claims about the efficacy of their remedies, and some are even using fake or forged certificates to convince their customers. The government needs to take action to protect consumers from these unscrupulous practitioners and sellers.

The regulation of the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria is not just about protecting consumers; it is also about promoting public health. Many traditional medicine remedies are being used to treat serious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, but these remedies are often ineffective or even counterproductive. The government needs to take action to ensure that traditional medicine practitioners and sellers are providing safe and effective remedies.

To effectively regulate the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria, the government needs to establish clear guidelines and standards for the production, sale, and use of traditional medicine remedies. The government also needs to establish a system for monitoring and enforcing compliance with these guidelines and standards.

Furthermore, the government needs to provide support and resources for traditional medicine practitioners and sellers who are willing to operate within the law. This could include training programs, loans, and other forms of assistance. By providing support and resources, the government can encourage traditional medicine practitioners and sellers to operate safely and effectively.

In addition to regulating the traditional medicine industry, the government also needs to educate the public about the risks and benefits of traditional medicine. Many Nigerians are unaware of the potential risks associated with traditional medicine remedies, and they need to be educated about how to use these remedies safely and effectively.

The government also needs to work with traditional medicine practitioners and sellers to develop new and innovative remedies that are safe and effective. This could include supporting research and development programs, as well as providing funding and resources for the commercialization of new remedies.

In conclusion, the regulation of the traditional medicine industry in Nigeria is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. The government needs to take decisive action to regulate the industry, protect consumers, and promote public health. By working together with traditional medicine practitioners and sellers, the government can develop a safe and effective traditional medicine industry that benefits all Nigerians.

Jessica Jummai Ayuba, Department of Masss Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Jessica Jummai Ayuba

Road crashes have become one of the deadliest yet most overlooked public health challenges in Nigeria. Every week, headlines carry grim reports of accidents that claim the lives of students, professionals, traders, and breadwinners, leaving countless families devastated. These accidents disproportionately affect people in their most productive years, robbing the nation of valuable human capital and entrenching poverty in households suddenly stripped of their providers.

The scale of the crisis is staggering. According to estimates, thousands die annually on Nigerian roads, with many more injured or permanently disabled. Yet, the recurring nature of these accidents has made the tragedies seem normal, almost inevitable. This complacency is dangerous because road accidents are not acts of fate—they are largely preventable with the right policies, infrastructure, and enforcement.

The causes of road accidents in Nigeria are painfully familiar. Poorly maintained roads riddled with potholes turn every journey into a gamble. Reckless driving habits, including overspeeding, drunk driving, and blatant disregard for traffic laws, continue to fuel crashes. Added to this are poorly serviced vehicles, particularly commercial buses and trucks that should not be on the highways. The danger is compounded by the menace of heavy-duty vehicles and petroleum tankers, whose accidents often lead to catastrophic explosions.

Unfortunately, government response has been inconsistent and insufficient. While aviation safety receives enormous resources and strict oversight—despite being used by a fraction of the population—road safety, which affects millions daily, is treated with neglect. This imbalance underscores a lack of political will to confront the issue of road carnage with the seriousness it demands.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the primary agency tasked with promoting road safety, remains overstretched and underpowered. For years, it has operated with inadequate manpower, limited funding, and logistical constraints. Its absence in many Local Government Areas means that enforcement of traffic rules and rapid response to emergencies remain weak in vast parts of the country. Without a comprehensive presence across all 774 LGAs, the FRSC cannot effectively fulfil its mandate.

To reverse the trend, strengthening the FRSC must become a national priority. This requires increased budgetary allocation, recruitment of more personnel, and provision of modern tools to aid monitoring and enforcement. Beyond resources, the agency must also be given stronger legal authority to prosecute offenders swiftly and decisively. Reckless drivers must no longer escape accountability because of political influence or weak enforcement structures.

At the same time, state governments cannot remain passive. States without road traffic management agencies must establish them immediately. Those already in existence must work hand-in-hand with the FRSC, creating a coordinated framework for road safety enforcement. The collaboration between federal and state agencies should be backed by data-sharing, technology, and joint patrols to make the roads safer.

Public enlightenment is another critical tool in reducing accidents. Campaigns to educate drivers about safe road practices, dangers of overspeeding, and the importance of vehicle maintenance must be sustained and intensified. The culture of reckless driving thrives partly because many drivers are either unaware of the risks or dismissive of them. Changing attitudes will require persistent education and visible enforcement of penalties.

Equally, Nigeria’s dilapidated road infrastructure demands urgent attention. The poor state of highways and rural roads is a major contributor to road crashes. Massive investment in road rehabilitation, construction of safer highways, and proper signage is essential. Roads must be built with standard safety features such as barriers, lighting, and pedestrian crossings. Without safe infrastructure, even the best enforcement efforts will yield limited results.

Technology should also be embraced as a game-changer. Surveillance cameras, speed detectors, and digital monitoring systems should be deployed on major highways to track offenders and improve accountability. In addition, the creation of a centralised database for drivers and vehicles would help identify repeat offenders and ensure that penalties are enforced consistently.

The private sector can contribute significantly to tackling this menace. Insurance companies, transport unions, and vehicle manufacturers all have a stake in safer roads. By partnering with government in awareness campaigns, driver training, and vehicle inspection initiatives, the burden of road safety can be shared more effectively.

It is equally important to empower first responders and medical facilities. Many accident victims die not from the crash itself but from delays in accessing medical care. Equipping local health centres near highways and training paramedics can drastically reduce fatalities. Quick intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

The economic toll of road accidents is often overlooked. Beyond the human tragedy, crashes cost billions annually in healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and property damage. Nigeria cannot afford to keep losing lives and resources to problems that are largely preventable. Safer roads are not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity.

Nonetheless, the solution lies in political will. Government at all levels must stop paying lip service to road safety and treat it as the national emergency that it is. Every life lost on the highways is one too many, and the time has come to act with urgency and commitment.

Road crashes are not natural disasters; they are preventable tragedies. With the right policies, better infrastructure, strict enforcement, and collective responsibility, Nigeria can drastically reduce the number of lives lost on its roads. The message is simple but powerful: enough of preventable deaths. The government must act now—firmly and decisively.

Jessica Jummai Ayuba, Department of Masss Communication, University of Maiduguri.