Nigeria

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commenced an expanded investigation into the pricing structures behind what it described as unusually high airfares charged by some airlines on domestic routes.

The Commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, noting that the move followed growing public concerns over possible coordinated manipulation or exploitation in airline ticket pricing.

Ijagwu said complaints had intensified in recent days, particularly as the festive season approached, with passengers raising concerns over sharp fare increases on routes within the South-East and South-South regions of the country.

He added that operators servicing the affected routes are the focus of the ongoing inquiry.

According to him, the investigation aims to determine whether any airline has violated provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, stressing that appropriate enforcement measures would be applied where infractions are established.

He explained that Air Peace has instituted a court action seeking to restrain the Commission from examining its pricing mechanisms, following the FCCPC’s earlier decision to look into its pricing model after widespread public complaints.

However, he clarified that the expanded investigation is proceeding without prejudice to the pending court case.

Ijagwu quoted the Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, as reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition in the aviation sector.

“The Commission will not hesitate to act where evidence shows that consumer welfare or market competitiveness is being undermined,” Bello said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we are not a price control board, but the FCCP Act 2018 empowers us to prevent the exploitation of consumers.”

He added that whenever the Commission receives petitions or uncovers credible evidence of unfair practices, it would take decisive action to safeguard Nigerian consumers.

Bello further stated that, in view of the arbitrary spikes in airfares reported by passengers, the FCCPC is extending its review to examine pricing patterns, the justification for the increases, and any practices capable of distorting fair competition in the market.

He assured that the Commission would continue to keep the public informed as investigations into the aviation industry progress.

By Iranloye Sofiu Taiye

The crackle of gunfire shattered the night’s calm in Patigi Local Government Area last August. For hours, residents hid in terror as militants believed to be linked to the Mahmuda terrorist faction ransacked homes and farms, leaving behind a trail of displacement and despair. This wasn’t in conflict-ridden Zamfara or Borno. This was Kwara State, Nigeria’s so-called “State of Harmony”, now facing the brutal reality of spillover violence from neighbouring conflicts.

For years, Kwara has been regarded as an oasis of peace. While northern states battled insurgencies and northwestern states negotiated with bandits, Kwara’s security strategy primarily relied on these measures. This complacency is now our greatest vulnerability. As armed groups face increasing pressure in Nigeria’s northwest and the Sahel, they are seeking new territories and routes, and Kwara’s under-protected border communities present the perfect opportunity.

The data reveals an alarming trend: while Kwara recorded 70 violent incidents in 2024, representing a sharp increase from previous years, with ACLED data showing 21 fatalities signalling emerging threats. Meanwhile, neighbouring Niger State suffered 179 incidents with 514 deaths, over 2.5 times Kwara’s rate. This disparity highlights both Kwara’s relative peace and its growing exposure. Nigeria’s overall security situation has deteriorated dramatically, with the country dropping to 148th on the 2025 Global Peace Index and suffering over 2,266 deaths from banditry and insurgency in just the first half of 2025, exceeding the entire 2024 total.

The False Comfort of “Relative Peace”

Kwara’s peaceful reputation has created a dangerous paradox: the state appears secure compared to Nigeria’s raging conflicts, yet this very perception has led to critical underinvestment in security preparedness. With a meagre ₦350 million (approximately $230,000) security vote in its 2025 budget, Kwara has insufficient resources for basic border surveillance, let alone comprehensive counterinsurgency measures. This budgetary neglect reflects a fundamental misreading of the evolving threat landscape.

The nature of modern conflict doesn’t respect artificial boundaries. Militant groups operate across porous borders, exploiting governance vacuums and ethnic kinship. The emergence of groups like Mahmuda around the Kainji Lake area demonstrates how terrorist organisations establish footholds in perceived “safe havens” before expanding their operations. As security reports have noted, there have been at least 13 ISIS-Sahel-linked attacks in central Nigeria in 2025 alone, indicating a strategic southward expansion.

The situation mirrors concerning patterns elsewhere in West Africa, where jihadist insurgency has spread from the Sahel toward coastal states. The southward spillover alarmingly threatens countries like Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, which until recently had been mostly spared jihadist violence. Kwara now faces precisely this dynamic, compounded by the added vulnerability of having dismissed the threat until it arrived at its doorstep.

Recommendation: A Community-Based Solution

Some advocate for a traditional security response: deploying additional military forces along border areas, establishing checkpoints, and implementing drone surveillance. While these measures have short-term deterrent effects, they come with significant tradeoffs: escalating tensions with communities, straining federal-state relations, and diverting scarce resources from development needs.

A more effective approach combines strategic security presence with community empowerment. I recommend that Kwara State immediately establish a Community-Led Early Warning and Resilience Program (CLEWRP) to train and equip more than 5,000 local volunteers in conflict mediation, digital reporting, and response coordination. This approach recognises that security is not merely about repelling attacks but about building resilient communities capable of preventing, withstanding, and recovering from violence.

The evidence supporting community-based security is compelling. When local populations are empowered as first responders, they provide hyperlocal intelligence that external forces cannot access. They understand the terrain, recognise outsiders, and can distinguish between legitimate herders and criminal elements. As the tragic incidents in Kwara’s south communities have shown, top-down security responses often arrive too late after attacks have occurred and perpetrators have vanished into the forest corridors connecting Kwara, Niger, and Kogi states.

The proposed CLEWRP program would unfold in three phases: planning and stakeholder consultations across Kwara’s 16 LGAs; pilot implementation in high-risk areas; and statewide scaling, with continuous evaluation. The Kwara State Ministry of Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs would lead implementation, partnering with the National Emergency Management Agency for federal coordination, local governments for ground implementation, and international organisations for training expertise.

Financing the $3-5 million USD program would require a blended approach: 60% from the state budget and 40% from federal security grants and humanitarian NGO partnerships.

A National Security Imperative

Kwara’s security crisis represents a microcosm of Nigeria’s broader challenges. The federal government’s 2025 budget allocated ₦4.91 trillion to defence and security, about 8.9% of total expenditure, recognising that without security, economic development is impossible.

The national security strategy must therefore prioritise preventing the southward spread of violence in states such as Kwara. This requires both regional cooperation and smarter resource allocation. The Accra Initiative, which promotes intelligence-sharing among coastal West African states, offers a promising model that should be expanded to include central Nigerian states facing spillover threats.

Furthermore, security funding should incentivise preventive approaches rather than merely funding reactive measures. The federal government could establish a matching-grant program for states that develop community-based security initiatives, thereby encouraging locally adapted solutions rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.

The Time for Action Is Now

Kwara stands at a precipice. The state can continue its complacent approach, hoping that violence will spare its territories, or it can acknowledge the changing threat environment and build resilient systems before the crisis becomes a catastrophe. The choice is stark: invest modestly in prevention now, or pay enormously for response later.

The CLEWRP program offers a practical, cost-effective solution that aligns with Kwara’s cultural traditions of community cooperation while incorporating modern technology and coordination methods. It acknowledges that security is not solely the government’s responsibility but a shared undertaking between authorities and citizens.

History shows that complacency amid spreading instability is a recipe for disaster. West Africa’s security landscape has deteriorated dramatically in recent years, with jihadist groups expanding their operations. Kwara cannot assume it will remain immune.

The phrase “State of Harmony” should not be a relic of Kwara’s past but a promise for its future. Preserving this harmony requires honest acknowledgement of emerging threats, courageous investment in preventive measures, and collaborative implementation across government and communities. The time for action is now, before the next attack becomes a full-blown crisis.

Iranloye Sofiu Taiye is a Policy Analyst specialising in Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Digital Governance, and Service Delivery, and can be contacted via iranloye100@gmail.com.

By Saifullahi Attahir

I had the privilege of attending the Africa Youth Health Summit organised by the Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations (FAMSA). It was a 3-day event, a highly engaging program in which over 200 young and passionate healthcare students and professionals gathered at the United Nations House to learn, network, discuss, and chart the future of the healthcare system in Africa.

The delegates come from many African countries and represent diverse cultures, languages, backgrounds, religions, and colours. We had the privilege of hearing from representatives of leading agencies, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), the United Nations, the Nigerian Minister for Youth, Information Technology experts, and several other non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Several hands-on workshops were organised on public health advocacy, cutting-edge cancer management, transformational leadership, reproductive health issues, and policy formulation. I was fortunate to sit next to the Nigerian Minister for Youth, Mr Ayodele, and even took a memorable photo.  

As a side trip, we visited memorable places like the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence Hospital (AMCE), the NIKE ART AND GALLERIES, and Abuja Magic Land.

AMCE is a state-of-the-art facility built by AFREXIM Bank to curb health tourism by Africans to Europe. The facility is a replica of King’s College Hospital in London, featuring the latest technologies and expertise.

My visit to NIKE GALLERY left a lasting impression on me about the human ability to turn waste into wealth through talent. The gallery contains thousands of beautiful paintings, some made from trash (bola/shara). Indeed, Nigeria is full of untapped potential!

As a President, National Association of Jigawa State Medical Students (NAJIMS) National Body, I make the best use of the opportunity in this summit to network with a lot of like-minded individuals, to voice out my opinion, and to shine Jigawa State on the radar of African maps.

I am aware of the challenges of the healthcare system in Jigawa State, ranging from maternal mortality, under-5 infants mortality, vaccination misconceptions, mental health, adolescent challenges, infrastructural and manpower shortages. I’m fully equipped with the knowledge to help my dear state and medical students back home.

Panels were organised around essential topics such as the efficient use of Artificial Intelligence in medical practice, data-driven research, Japa syndrome, and youth inclusion in healthcare system leadership.

The trip was worth attending, the investment priceless, and the experience handy. I love travelling to important places like these, as it broadens my horizons, pushes me out of my comfort zone, lets me interact with like-minded individuals, and teaches me things books or classrooms could never teach me.

Saifullahi Attahir is the President of the National Association of Jigawa State Medical Students, NAJIMS National Body. He can be reached via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the death sentence earlier handed to Maryam Sanda, daughter-in-law of a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after finding her guilty of culpable homicide.

Sanda was sentenced to death by hanging by an Abuja High Court on January 27, 2020, for fatally stabbing her husband, Bilyamin Bello, at their Abuja home in 2017.

Despite spending about six years and eight months in Suleja prison, her sentence was reduced to 12 years after President Bola Tinubu granted her clemency under his executive powers.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had stated that the presidential pardon was based on “compassionate grounds and the best interest of the children,” noting her “good conduct, new lifestyle, role-modelling to other inmates, and remorse.”

However, in a split judgement of four to one, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court on Friday reaffirmed the original death sentence. The apex court dismissed Sanda’s appeal, holding that all issues she raised failed to challenge the earlier conviction.

Justice Moore Adumein, who delivered the lead judgement, ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The court further described the earlier ruling of the Court of Appeal—which upheld her conviction—as sound and without error.

The Supreme Court also faulted President Tinubu’s decision to grant a pardon in a case of culpable homicide while an appeal was still pending, noting that such an action was inappropriate for an ongoing judicial matter.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State passed away suddenly on Thursday after collapsing at a private event. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre but was pronounced dead by doctors upon arrival.

The cause of death has not been officially disclosed. State officials are expected to release a formal statement shortly.

The unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the state, creating an immediate vacancy in the executive branch and prompting widespread mourning from colleagues and the public.

By Anwar Usman

The Police Service Commission, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has announced the commencement of the recruitment of 50,000 police constables, as approved by President Bola Tinubu.

The recruitment process, according to the PSC, is in line with the President’s order to strengthen community policing, improve internal security and boost manpower within the police.

Recall that, on November 26, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency, ordering the Nigerian Police and Armed Forces to recruit additional personnel to tackle rising insecurity across the country.

The Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu, in a statement on Thursday, said the Commission’s recruitment portal would open to eligible Nigerians from December 15, 2025, to January 25, 2026.

The statement in part read, “The PSC, in collaboration with the NPF is pleased to announce the commencement of recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables into the Nigeria Police Force, as directed by President Bola Tinubu. Following this Presidential directive aimed at strengthening community policing, enhancing internal security and expanding the manpower base of the Nigeria Police Force, the Commission has approved the opening of the recruitment portal for applications from eligible Nigerians.

“For the General Duty cadre, applicants are required to possess GCE Ordinary Level, SSCE/NECO or equivalent qualifications with at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in no more than two sittings.

“Applicants for the Specialists cadre must possess a minimum of four credits, including English and Mathematics, also in no more than two sittings, and must have at least three years of experience and relevant trade test certifications.”

He added that “Candidates for General Duty must be between 18 and 25 years old, while those applying as Specialists must be between 18 and 28 years old. General Duty applicants must also meet minimum height requirements of 1.67m for men and 1.64m for women. All applications are to be submitted online via the portal.”

By Usman M. Shehu

Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.— Alan Cohen

It is unfortunate that Nigerian youths are preoccupied with PR and brown-nosing politicians on social media, mistaking sycophancy for loyalty or mentorship. Not only that, but we are comfortable scrolling TikTok, posting pictures on Instagram, and debating at what age we should start paying attention to the state of the nation, let alone running for office. Why are the youths indifferent to our sick polity that is rotten from the core? Why are they comfortable staying on the fence and serving as spectators instead of actors? Why do our youths somehow believe that they are the leaders of tomorrow and not of today?

Though it is the norm that young people, while growing up, usually learn from the older generation, what is there to learn from our current crop of terrible politicians who hold our nation by the jugular? They hide under the guise of “politics is a dirty game.” The old guard have the money, the influence, and the networks; what is lacking or in decline are vision, energy, and perhaps conscience and discipline—attributes that are essential for good leadership. Unfortunately, what they have will not be willingly given, and what the youths need often seems lacking or absent.

The joy of the youths when the Not Too Young to Run Act was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law on 31 May 2018 by President Buhari quickly dissipated when they realised that reality is different from what is written on paper or in Senate resolutions. It does not surmount all the barriers. Money continues to dominate our polity. Only a few youths can afford party nomination forms; the cost of contesting is so enormous that even the smallest elective office is far beyond the reach of most young people. Political parties prefer candidates who can fund them. These challenges are reinforced by the illusion that youths are inexperienced, impatient, and unprepared for leadership.

But then I often ask myself: do we have what it takes to lead, especially now that we are bedevilled with so many crises? It is like a person afflicted with multiple diseases—these include an identity crisis, the collapse of leadership from top to bottom, and a sick civil society. Fixing these issues is daunting even for experienced and seasoned leaders, let alone those still learning the ropes. It will only be possible through self-education, mentorship, and massive orientation and mobilisation. As Usman Sarki, Daily Trust columnist, rightly put it: “A new generation of rational leaders must arise from the ranks of men and women unafraid to confront entrenched interests, guided by data, driven by conscience and inspired by service.” A corrupt youth cannot be good for the health of our Federal Republic. Only youths of integrity can enhance the good health of our community.

Youths must acquire relevant skills such as adaptability and emotional intelligence, educate themselves, and build strong networks. For youths to be taken seriously, they must be sober, visionary, disciplined, and driven. Before we hold others accountable, we must start with ourselves. With the desire for change and disillusionment with the status quo, youths can become actors, seize power, and replace some of the politicians who treat power as if it has no expiry date—which is why they often disappear from the spotlight without warning.

In a nation where political power is seen as conquest and humility as weakness rather than virtue, the youths must be brave and courageous in asking for power or running for office. We must sketch a realistic roadmap and hold a vision of rescuing our polity that is being dragged down the drain. With the election season only inches away, the time to act is now.

Usman M. Shehu wrote in from Bauchi State and he can be reached via usmanmujtabashehu@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has stated that corruption in Nigeria is so widespread that fully applying the law would imprison a vast majority of the population.

ICPC’s Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Kaduna State, Mr. Sakaba Ishaku, issued the stark warning at a workshop on local government accountability in Kaduna on Wednesday.

“If the laws were to be applied to the letter, about 80 percent of the people you see walking the street freely will be in jail,” Ishaku declared.

He described corruption as “endemic and deeply entrenched,” driven by weak institutions and a lack of accountability, which diverts public resources and stalls development.

The commissioner challenged local government chairmen who leave office without visible achievements, questioning their legitimacy.

He also called for harsher penalties for graft, stating that current punishments are merely “a slap on the wrist.”

Echoing the concerns, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government, Sadiq Mamman Legas, highlighted how public attitude compounds the problem.

He revealed that communities vandalized and stole from transformers after the state spent billions repairing rural electrification projects.

Both officials called for stronger public enlightenment and community ownership of assets to combat the deep-seated crisis.

By Uzair Adam

The Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chair of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), HRH Abubakar Sa’ad III, on Wednesday warned that the Council risks losing relevance unless religious leaders embrace sincerity, accountability and genuine engagement.

His remarks came as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) renewed calls for stronger government action on insecurity, while the Federal Government dismissed global claims of religious persecution in the country.

These exchanges took place at NIREC’s Second Tri-Annual Meeting in Abuja, where the Sultan, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, delivered some of their most direct assessments of Nigeria’s security challenges and interfaith relations.

Speaking candidly, the Sultan said NIREC had drifted from its founding vision, stressing the need to confront internal contradictions that undermine its credibility.

He lamented that some religious leaders preach unity during meetings but make divisive statements outside, a pattern he said weakens interfaith harmony.

“We sit down and say good things to one another, knowing God owns everything. Yet when we leave this room, we begin to say negative things. Are we really honest with ourselves?” he asked.

He urged the Council to decide whether to continue with its current approach, undergo reforms, or return fully to its founding principles. He also commended Cardinal John Onaiyekan for his consistency and sincerity since NIREC’s early days.

The Sultan noted that many members fail to communicate NIREC’s resolutions to their communities, leaving the public unaware of decisions that could reduce tension.

He emphasised that dialogue—rather than force—remains the surest path to peace.

Turning to security, CAN President Archbishop Okoh warned that Nigeria faces a dangerous phase of violence marked by mass abductions, banditry and extremist attacks.

“The daily loss of innocent lives is alarming and heartbreaking. Communities are being deserted and citizens are fearful,” he said.

While acknowledging existing government efforts, he urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen responses proportionate to the scale of the crisis. He also stressed that faith institutions remain vital to peacebuilding due to their grassroots influence.

He insisted that justice must underpin peace: “Those who perpetrate or finance violence must be held accountable, and victims must be supported.”

In his remarks, SGF Senator George Akume rejected global claims that Nigeria is experiencing religious genocide, arguing that such narratives misrepresent the country’s complex security issues. He noted that both Christian and Muslim communities have suffered devastating attacks.

He announced plans for a US–Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, where religious leaders will contribute to policy discussions.Akume urged delegates to speak frankly and work in unity, saying: “Let us collectively silence the merchants of hatred and disunity.”

The meeting ended with a consensus that Nigeria’s fragile peace requires renewed honesty, deeper collaboration and a united moral front between religious leaders and the government.

By Anwar Usman

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said the directive to redeploy police officers working with VIPs, VVIPs and ministers was not negotiable urging all ministers to ensure immediate compliance.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.The president while speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive in Abuja warned all relevant stakeholders against non-compliance.

He noted that, “Police officers were trained to protect the lives and properties of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society not the protection of VIPs” adding that, the NCDC are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too.

He also ordered the minister of interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for the immediate replacement of police officers by the civil defense corps.

“We face security challenges of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilized. I know some people are exposed; we will make exceptions. The Civil defense is very much around,” the president stated.

Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam and the Inspector General of Police to follow up on the implementation of the order.

The President also urged the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is the chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) to further sensitise governors and other stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms on ranching.