Nigeria

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.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, a renowned paediatrician with a distinguished career in public health and former First Lady of Kebbi State, on her election as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

The President underscores the historic significance of Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s election on October 8 as the first African and the fifth woman to lead the global cancer control organisation.

The President notes that her election attests to her competence and character and affirms the enormous talents that abound in Nigeria.

President Tinubu describes Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ascension in the organisation as a landmark achievement and a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global health leadership.

President Tinubu recalls Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu’s invaluable services to Kebbi state and the country, for which Nigeria is deeply grateful. He lauds her stewardship as Chairperson of the First Ladies Cancer Initiative and her contributions to establishing the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control during her tenure as the First Lady of Kebbi State.

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu founded the Medicaid Cancer Foundation. She is also a Senior Advisor to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and Vice Chair of Nigeria’s National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination.

Through the Federal Ministry of Health and international partnerships, Nigeria has successfully vaccinated 12 million girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer. The administration has allocated N37.4 billion to the Federal Ministry of Health’s Oncology Initiative.

This initiative will facilitate the establishment of six cancer centres across the country within two years, located in teaching hospitals in Benin, Zaria, Katsina, Enugu, Jos, and Lagos.

President Tinubu expresses confidence in Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ability to use her new office and leadership to improve cancer control and global health.

The Geneva-based UICC was founded in 1933 and has more than 1100 member organisations in over 170 countries and territories.

By Zainab Haruna Shittu

The economic downturn in Nigeria has reached alarming proportions, leaving no one unscathed. The youth, particularly university students, face unprecedented hardships. Financial constraints, food insecurity, and limited access to resources have become the norm for many Nigerian university students.

Research has shown that economic hardship profoundly impacts students’ academic performance and mental health. A National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) study reveals that poverty and hunger are major factors contributing to students’ poor academic performance. Similarly, a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlights the devastating effects of food insecurity on students’ mental health.

For many students, the struggle is personal. “Academic pressure mounts, but hunger weighs heavier. I’m constantly worried about where my next meal will come from,” confesses a 21-year-old student who wished to remain anonymous.

Another student echoes this sentiment. “I struggle to focus in class because I’m constantly worried about where my next meal will come from. My parents’ hard work doesn’t pay enough to sustain us, leaving me hungry and stressed. The toll on my mental health is overwhelming,” shares a 20-year-old university student.

To mitigate the effects of economic hardship on university students, policymakers and stakeholders must prioritise education and food security. This requires collaborative efforts, including government support for education and food programs, increased scholarships and financial aid, improved access to mental health resources, and community-based initiatives for food security.

Nigeria’s economic woes have far-reaching consequences, affecting various sectors, including education. University students deserve support and resources to thrive. It is imperative that we prioritise their well-being and future.

Zainab Haruna Shittu wrote from Bayero University, Kano, via harunazainabshittu7567@gmail.com. 

Dear Nigerians,  

1. May God have mercy on you! Your country’s name evokes the abundance of the River Niger, symbolising the endless resources and talents you possess. This nation is blessed with natural wealth and human potential that garners admiration and envy worldwide. 

2. Yet, tears fall when we consider the mismanagement, waste, and looting of this vibrant nation. It’s disheartening to see Nigerian youths unaware of the treasures surrounding them. Who will inherit this great wealth? Where are the competent young leaders to take over when the current generation finally acknowledges its fatigue?

3.  An effective national curriculum should focus on the aspirations and values of the youth. Nigerian youths should be more than seekers of white-collar jobs; they should harness the nation’s real wealth. Ignorance of one’s resources is a grave form of slavery. The curriculum must evolve to cultivate dignity and progress, preparing future nation-builders.

4. Imagine if Nigerians refrained from destructive desires, top to bottom. These desires only ruin their possessors and the entire nation, destabilising not just Nigeria but the region. What would be lost if corruption ceased? Crimes harm the country and ultimately lead to personal ruin.

5. Despite challenges, Nigeria still holds immense potential if its people unite in nation-building. Respect and kindness across ethnic lines won’t harm anyone. Being good neighbours to one another will ensure that no one suffers amid abundance.

6. It’s not easy to forget historical hurts, but healing is necessary to dream big. I dream of a Nigeria that sheds its negative image and becomes a beacon of resilience, talent, and beauty. We can achieve this dream with patience, optimism, and the will to be good.

7. Let the brave ones from every region come forward. Whether in rags or adorned in gold, it’s the mind that matters. Your willingness to embrace reform reflects the people’s hope. Learn about your nation, not just from social media but from its history and potential.

8. There is hope for Nigeria. Nations with more severe problems have risen. Remember, you hold the most powerful office: the Office of the Citizen. Decorate it with action, not despair. If Nigeria isn’t working, it’s because we aren’t working.

9. Weak minds say, “There is no hope.” Strong minds respond, “We have work to do.” Nigeria is the office of every Nigerian. If progress is absent, it’s because we aren’t active. Be inspired and make progress in Nigeria, which is your first concern.

10. Nigeria has served as a beacon of hope for other nations and has the potential to do so again. I have witnessed the kindness, wisdom, and vision of many Nigerians. Goodness is locked within the nation—are you the one to awaken it?

11. If you are, be patient. Don’t let anger or frustration lead to violence. Dedicate yourself to the dream of reform, and one day, you will wipe away the tears of your people.

12. Praise God for making you a Nigerian. Reform begins with you. Even if you only change one person, the impact will be immeasurable. Don’t give up if you find people obsessed with crime and corruption.

13. Your good deeds, endurance, and sacrifices inspire those around you. Continue to educate, alleviate pain, and instil hope. The people are not as bad as they seem; many are ignorant or traumatised.

14. Mass education, not violence or migration, is the answer. Enlightenment will help people learn from the tragedies of war-torn regions.

15.No matter how far you run, home will always call you back. The time to act is now!

Amara Sesay wrote via amarasesay.amir@gmail.com.

By Ismail Hashim Abubakar, PhD

I have had sleepless nights these days reflecting and worrying over the ordeal my fellow Nigerians are passing through that ranges from inflation, hunger, and fuel price hikes to insecurity, not to talk of the usual and condonable suffering of lack of social amenities as essential as electricity, water supply, education and healthcare provision, employment, roads and so on.

Poor Nigerians are now literally dying of starvation, and the government seems to be myopically unprepared to decisively fight famishment by countering the inflation of food items, much less than investigating and gathering the statistics of those who lost their lives due to lack of food. 

The hardship results from years of bad leadership and corruption that bedevil Nigeria. My worries worsen when I look at the right, left, and centre of Nigerian politics. I cannot envisage any tangible attempts to reduce or checkmate these unbearable life burdens and simplify things for my fellow compatriots.  It is so disheartening to see that matters which did not constitute part of our problems a few years ago are now huge issues that citizens have to grapple with for them to make ends meet, with millions of Nigerians now wishing to miraculously return to where they were less than two decades ago.

Nigerians are desperately looking for ways to articulate and reassert their essential human need for survival to hearing the deaf ears of their leaders, who are always mischievously claiming to be good listeners but who are viewed by their subjects as oppressors and draconian rulers. This explains why all the efforts of the government, which manifested in clerical interventions, propaganda and security threats, all to thwart the mass hunger protest organised and held by Nigerians in August, ended in fiasco, albeit, of course, it was later extinguished undemocratically with excessive use of force to disenfranchise Nigerians. 

The government would have mildly aborted the August hunger protest if it sincerely attacked hunger by arresting the increasing rise of prices of commodities and by restoring the fuel subsidy, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced on the day he was sworn in even before stepping into his office. Nigerians are still shocked by how the government found solace in procuring a multimillion-dollar jet and yacht for the President as his subjects still languish in economic misery.

Nigerians are puzzled by the unresponsiveness of their leaders to public concerns. Organisations like the NLC and ASUU have lost their influence, and religious scholars and public speeches no longer hold the same sway over public opinion and elections. Nowadays, prominent clerics defend politicians, posing as their spokespersons. This shift marks a radical change in the relationship between the political class and religious elites. It’s important to remember that Nigerian politicians often have a give-and-take mentality when dealing with religious leaders. Some scholars compromise their truth by accepting gifts from politicians. While some scholars have joined the government and performed well, many have completely changed after doing so.

All these have combined to intensify the pessimism of the Nigerian masses, who are tired and so desperate, looking for solutions to their country, which is on the brink of precipice. The emergence of a movement mobilised by Nigerian youth, meant for all patriotic citizens in an actual sense, is a significant sign that things have reached the peak of their flashpoints.

From the speeches of the founders of the youth movement, one can infer that it is a mass struggle born out of tiredness with the current leadership system and which aims at displacing the despotism of the ruling and political class by way of justifiably hijacking the loyalty of citizens to partisan politics and redirecting them towards supporting selfless, sincere, committed, development-oriented, transparent, accountable and law-abiding governance which the nascent movement aspires to help produce. 

The movement seeks to prosecute a mild political revolution that will end regimes of impunity, lawlessness, corruption, bribery, lack of integrity, massive looting, thievery, embezzlement, sabotage, cruelty and all forms of vices that characterise the attitudes of the minority of people who run the affairs of Nigeria. The ambitious movement hopes to halt the situation in which a few people, just by being at the helm of affairs, monopolise the country’s wealth to service their selfish ends, greedily devouring public resources, treating the national assets as their estate, too hell-bent to exploit and feast on the local treasures while simultaneously refusing to improve public infrastructure and avoiding local healthcare, leaving the education system in dilapidated conditions. They race for medical care in foreign hospitals and send their children to study abroad. 

It is alleged that Nigerian leaders have already mortgaged millions of barrels of crude oil that the country is expected to produce within the next 30 years to foreign business institutions. Even if this allegation has not yet been proven, the kind of treatment the newly established Dangote Refinery receives from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) speaks volumes to the weight of such an allegation.

The youth movement is a herculean task that some may dismiss as practically impossible and utopian. For someone familiar with Nigeria and how it operates, the tip of the iceberg of which is only known by ordinary citizens, one may not accuse pessimistic sentiments towards reform of nurturing despair in this direction. At the same time, however, for someone who hears about or reads how some countries passed through similar tribulations and after some extraordinary efforts of some patriotic men they scaled through and overcame challenges, one cannot help but accept that the salvation struggle can as well succeed. There has to be a serious, sustainable and resilient plan, genuine will and invincible determination for all those who believe in the struggle to make strong dedications and major sacrifices.

Ismail is a Research Fellow at Advancing Education and Research Center (Rabat) and is reachable via ismailiiit18@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The workers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have announced plans to initiate an indefinite nationwide strike starting at midnight on October 7, 2024.

This decision follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to NAFDAC’s management after it failed to address concerns raised by the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) branch within the agency.

According to a statement signed by Comrade Salih Ahmed Aledeh, Secretary of MHWUN, the strike directive was given by the union’s Federal Area Council leadership.

The workers are protesting NAFDAC management’s lack of response to issues raised during a congress meeting held on September 20, 2024.

The union has instructed all Zonal Coordinators and State Representatives to ensure full compliance with the strike order and to keep providing updates on their efforts.

The industrial action is expected to disrupt NAFDAC’s operations, which could have significant implications for the regulation of food and drugs across the country.

The strike’s duration remains uncertain, depending on how quickly the management addresses the union’s demands.

Tensions between the union and NAFDAC management had been building, especially after two workers’ unions—the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporation and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) and MHWUN—rejected the 2024 promotional examination results, citing a mass failure.

They raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the process, where 65% of staff failed the examination.

This rejection followed earlier discontent over the management’s handling of staff promotions and job vacancies.

The unions issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding a review of the 2024 Promotion Examination Results, the appointment of directors to key vacant positions, and reforms to the promotion process, among other demands.

Failure to meet these conditions, they warned, could lead to further unrest.

By Salisu Uba, PhD, FCIPS

Nigeria has embarked on a significant fiscal reform with the introduction of the Deduction of Tax at Source (Withholding) Regulations 2024, effective from 1 July 2024. Signed into law by the Minister of Finance, these regulations dismantle a nearly five-decade-old withholding tax (WHT) regime, signalling a pivotal shift in the nation’s economic structure. For supply chain and business stakeholders, understanding and capitalising on these changes is crucial for fostering sustainable, value-added growth in an evolving market.

Streamlining Taxation to Boost Supply Chain Efficiency

The new WHT regulations offer significant rate reductions that directly benefit the supply chain ecosystem. Notably, the WHT rate for payments to Nigerian companies for professional, management, technical, and consultancy services has been halved from 10% to 5%. This reduction eases financial pressures and improves liquidity, enabling businesses to reinvest savings into key areas such as logistics, technology, and workforce development. With enhanced cash flow, supply chains become more agile, swiftly responding to market demands while reducing operational bottlenecks.

Additionally, the WHT rate for payments related to other services and the supply of goods or materials to Nigerian residents has decreased from 5% to 2%. In the supply chain sector, where margins are often tight, this reduction helps lower overheads. It allows companies to reallocate resources to optimise inventory management, strengthen supplier relationships, and invest in advanced supply chain capabilities. These savings can translate into more competitive consumer pricing, strengthening market positioning and driving business growth.

Fostering Sustainable Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure is vital to the smooth functioning of supply chains, and the new regulations demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting this critical area. The WHT rate on payments to Nigerian residents for constructing roads, bridges, buildings, and power plants has been slightly reduced from 2.5% to 2%. While modest, this adjustment reflects a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s infrastructure. Improved infrastructure facilitates more reliable and efficient logistics, reducing transit times and minimising disruptions, which bolsters supply chains’ overall resilience.

Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Nigeria’s supply chain, serving as key suppliers and service providers. The new regulations offer exemptions for companies and unincorporated bodies with a turnover of 25 million Naira or less on transactions up to 2 million Naira, provided the supplier has a Tax Identification Number (TIN). This exemption reduces the administrative burden on SMEs, encouraging formalisation and integration into the broader supply chain framework and tax system. These reforms promote diversity and resilience by supporting SMEs, ensuring smaller players thrive alongside more giant corporations and contributing to a more robust, dynamic supply chain ecosystem.

Enhancing Compliance and Transparency

The extension of WHT liability to payment agents and the requirement to issue receipts for withholding tax deductions are vital steps towards greater transparency and accountability within the supply chain. These measures ensure tax obligations are met promptly and accurately, reducing the risk of disputes and fostering trust among business partners. For procurement professionals, enhanced compliance simplifies auditing and mitigates the risk of financial discrepancies, enabling more efficient and reliable supply chain management. Transparent tax practices also enhance Nigeria’s business ethics and foreign investment.

Strategic Adaptation: Navigating the Transition

Adapting to the new WHT regime requires careful planning and proactive engagement. Supply chain experts should thoroughly reassess existing contracts to ensure they align with the revised tax obligations. This may involve renegotiating terms with suppliers and partners to accommodate the new WHT rates and compliance requirements. Working closely with tax advisors and leveraging expert guidance can help businesses navigate the reforms’ legal, tax, and financial implications, minimising disruptions and capitalising on the benefits of the new regulations. Proactive adaptation will turn potential challenges into greater efficiency and competitive advantage opportunities.

Sustainable Value Creation in the Supply Chain

The overarching objective of Nigeria’s WHT reforms is to create a fairer and more efficient tax environment that supports sustainable business growth. For the supply chain sector, reduced tax burdens enhance operational efficiency, while support for SMEs and infrastructure development lays the foundation for long-term resilience and innovation. Businesses can invest in sustainable practices such as green logistics solutions and supply chain transparency initiatives by lowering costs and improving cash flow. These investments contribute to environmental sustainability, build competitive advantage, and create added value for stakeholders. I also encourage the government to look into its supply chain to increase transparency, promote equal opportunities, prioritise local procurement of all goods and services, and digitally transform the function across MDAs.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s Deduction of Tax at Source (Withholding) Regulations 2024 represents a transformative step in modernising the country’s tax framework. The implications for supply chains are profound, offering opportunities to enhance efficiency, support small businesses, and invest in sustainable growth. By strategically adapting to these changes, companies can transition smoothly, leveraging the new tax environment to build more resilient, value-driven supply chains. 

As Nigeria continues to refine its economic policies, the supply chain sector stands to benefit from a more equitable and supportive fiscal landscape, driving sustainable growth and long-term prosperity. The Federal Government and the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, led by Taiwo Oyedele, deserve commendation for their forward-thinking approach. These reforms alleviate immediate financial pressures on businesses and pave the way for a more dynamic, resilient, and value-added supply chain ecosystem in Nigeria.

Salisu Uba, PhD, FCIPS, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Chain UK and Founder of NatQuest – a supply chain technology company based in the UK.