Northern Nigeria

By Garba Sidi 

It’s truly disheartening how some parents neglect their responsibilities in shaping their children’s behaviour. This lack of care can leave their biological sons and daughters feeling unloved. Love is crucial for a child’s healthy development.

On my way out of the city this morning, I overheard a conversation between two young men, no older than 24, who were smoking cigarettes. One said, ‘We have no value in people’s eyes because we messed up our lives.’ The other responded, ‘I swear, Nasiru, when I look at my friend Aminu, his life seems so good. Everyone likes him; he studied hard, has a good job, and looks at us, sitting in this dirty place. We ruined our lives, and we’re ashamed of ourselves.’

Nasiru’s friend spoke in a low voice, gathering his thoughts before narrating his story. He explained that his father was a car driver and his mother was from Bauchi State. When his father married his mother and brought her to Jigawa, she told him about his father’s recklessness in providing for their needs (his and his younger sister’s). After some years, his father married another woman, and whatever resources he brought came to her, leaving them with nothing but what their neighbours offered.

His mother sadly passed away, plunging him into deep sorrow. From that point on, their life became a struggle. He started going to the fish market to earn money for food and other necessities, as his stepmother used everything his father brought, even food, leaving them barely enough to eat. His stepmother, who didn’t have children herself, would sometimes even tell him his father wasn’t a man because he couldn’t give her a child.

He had friends who smoked cigarettes, and being around them constantly led him to become a drug addict. He blames two things for his current situation: the love he lost from his father and the death of his mother.

His friend, Nazy, then began his story about joining this group of drug addicts. He attributed the core reason for his situation to his mother’s neglect in shaping him in his youth. He explained that his mother sold food at home, and his father was a mechanic engineer. Many people came to their house to eat, and as the only male child, both parents showered him with love and didn’t punish him when he did wrong.

He started working as a shopboy for one of their regular customers. Things went well initially until he met the daughter of a wealthy businessman. They began a relationship, and she introduced him to a world of excessive entertainment, including smoking cigarettes, drinking syrup, injecting drugs, and inappropriate physical contact. Tragically, her father caught them drinking syrup in his apartment and handed Nazy over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while his daughter continued to enjoy a comfortable life without consequences.

Nazy’s parents tried to get him out of jail but were too late. The wealthy man paid money to have Nazy imprisoned, blaming him for ruining his daughter’s life. Nazy spent five months in prison before being released. He heard the wealthy man’s daughter is now in Uganda. This is how he ended up in this cycle of addiction.

By Salihi Adamu Takai

I was at Zakir Naik’s lecture on “The True Religion on Earth,” which concluded in the last few days, standing with brothers Uzairu and Abul-Khair, medical students at King Ceasor University, Uganda. As I was standing in my full Hausa dress with a match-colour cap, an old man saw me

“Assalamu alaikum”, the man greeted me. He was interested in discussing my dress with me. He asked me, “Are you a Nigerian?” I replied, “Yes, I am.” He said, “You must be from Kano State.” Yes, I am from Kano. “Masha Allah,” he said, excitedly.

As I was fully attentive to him, he told me how he knew Kano and its relevance in Islamic history in Uganda. He told me he knew about Kano in two ways: its impact on Islamic history in Uganda and its being the centre of commerce for decades back then. 

“I have constantly visited Kano for thirty years since the state retained its centre of commerce. I exported textiles from there to Uganda, which we found so cheap. In those days, there were many mills producing cotton fabrics. The Trans-Saharan trade fueled Kano’s textile industry, bringing cotton and other raw materials from North Africa”, the man reminisced. 

This meeting taught me a lot of knowledge, which I could say is of non-fortune because I understood that my state has missed what can’t be recovered quickly. 

Gradually, the things the state was known for started to escape from it — right from when it lacked a well-focused leader who could maintain what it had then — thinking that a title could be helpful in the future. 

The headline is the “Reform Tax Bill,” which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu proposed to the National Assembly. The bill aims to favour a state with many factories. Unfortunately, Kano is no longer such a state. The industries established by colonial masters and maintained by the founding fathers have been neglected and abandoned by northerners. The textile industry has declined, relying on importation. So unfortunate!

Salihi Adamu Takai wrote via salihiadamu8888@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam 

A video depicting Nigerian and French troops unloading supplies in a coordinated manner has garnered significant attention on social media.

The Daily Reality reports that the footage has sparked controversies surrounding France’s alleged intentions in Nigeria.  

The controversy intensified after Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, dismissed claims that the country had ceded any part of its territory to France. 

Idris issued a statement on Thursday addressing allegations that Nigeria was conspiring with France to destabilize the Niger Republic through terrorism.  

Mahdi Shehu, a public affairs commentator, had previously alleged plans to establish a French military base in northeastern Nigeria. 

He claimed the plans gained traction after Femi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), reportedly hosted French soldiers.  

In a video accompanying Shehu’s since-deleted social media post, Nigerian troops were seen offloading supplies, including bags of rice, from trucks while French soldiers unloaded a cargo plane. 

The scene included vehicles, personnel in uniform, and a bus displaying a French flag. In the video, a Nigerian soldier stated that the troops had recently left a counterterrorism training centre.  

However, investigations by TheCable revealed that the video has been online since January 2013. 

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the footage shows ECOWAS troops, including 156 Nigerians, arriving at Senou International Airport in Bamako, Mali. 

The mission was part of a regional peacekeeping effort to stabilize Mali during a crisis.  

Reacting to Idris’ statement, Shehu urged the government to halt its denials. 

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s defence headquarters dismissed the allegations as “baseless.”  

The resurfaced video highlights the challenges of misinformation in public discourse, underscoring the need for careful verification before making conclusions or spreading claims.

By Ibraheem A. Waziri

Lately, I have been reflecting deeply on Islam and its legacies, particularly in light of the growing rhetoric against democracy by some Northern Nigerian Islamists. Among them are both young and experienced clerics, such as the recently banned Muhammad Muhammad of Niger State and Shaykh Dr Idris of Bauchi, who appeared to endorse the same ideals. 

My reflections have led me to conclude that there is little justification for condemning democracy and the freedoms it provides, nor for advocating or mobilising for physical jihad in today’s world.  

When we examine the origins of Islam, we find that during the early days of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) mission in Mecca, his primary focus was the establishment of a peaceful society where his message could be conveyed freely. Allah states in the Qur’an:  

“So remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder. You are not over them a controller.” (Qur’an 88:21-22).  

This underscores that Islam flourishes in environments of peace and freedom, where individuals can practice their faith openly without coercion. Such conditions allow Allah’s promise to manifest naturally:

“Indeed, Allah will fulfil His purpose. Allah has set a measure for all things.” (Qur’an 65:3).  

The first instances of physical jihad in Islamic history were acts of self-defence prompted by aggression against the early Muslim community. Even the campaigns against the Persian and Roman Empires were primarily preemptive, aimed at securing the survival of the nascent Muslim polity against formidable adversaries.  

Closer to home, the renowned 19th-century jihad of Shaykh Uthman Bin Fodio in Hausaland was not launched until his students faced severe threats and persecution from the rulers, who sought to prevent them from freely practising their religion. This historical context highlights that jihad has historically been reactive, not offensive, and born out of necessity rather than choice.  

Similarly, the historical example of the Mongol Empire, which conquered large parts of the Muslim world, demonstrates Islam’s transformative power. Despite the initial devastation, peace was eventually restored. As the Mongols settled and engaged with Islamic teachings, they embraced Islam. This illustrates the enduring strength of Islam’s principles when conveyed in a peaceful and conducive environment.  

In contemporary times, a comparable trend is evident. While the colonial era brought conquest and turbulence, democracy and freedom of choice have facilitated a relatively peaceful global environment. This peace has enabled a surge in the appreciation of Islam’s teachings, as seen in the increasing number of reverts worldwide. Allah reminds us:

“When the victory of Allah has come, and the conquest and you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance.” (Qur’an 110:1-3).  

Today, Islam is the fastest-growing religion worldwide, a testament to its universal appeal and the truth of Allah’s promise. In light of these realities, is there any justification for militant jihadist movements in the modern era? Especially now, with social media and other platforms offering unparalleled opportunities to spread knowledge, values, and Islamic teachings globally?  

I firmly believe that the focus of our time should be on intellectual and spiritual jihad — investing in research, education, and content creation that addresses the challenges and opportunities of our era. Allah emphasises the power of wisdom and thoughtful persuasion in spreading His message:  

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.” (Qur’an 16:125).  

This is the jihad of our age: to understand and teach Islam in ways that resonate with the modern world, using peaceful means to inspire hearts and minds toward the truth. 

May Allah guide us on the best paths and strengthen our resolve in this noble endeavour, amin.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu

Genotype incompatibility continues to disrupt lives and relationships across northern Nigeria, where premarital medical testing is not yet mandatory. The emotional and financial toll it takes on couples, families, and communities cannot be overstated. 

I recently encountered two striking reminders of its devastating impact. First, I came across a trending wedding invitation card on Facebook. What stood out wasn’t the design or details but the heartbreaking update: the wedding had been cancelled due to genotype incompatibility. 

Shortly after, while scrolling through WhatsApp statuses, I saw my sister and classmate, Ummu Kulsum, express her frustration in just a few words: “Ya Allah, why does all this genotype matter?” Her lament instantly reminded me of my brother’s ordeal, where his marriage was called off barely two days before the wedding for the same reason.

These instances are not isolated. They represent a growing crisis fueled by a lack of awareness and delayed action. Many couples only undergo genotype testing at the final stages of their wedding preparations, often when financial and emotional investments are at their peak. 

Discovering genetic incompatibility at such a late stage forces painful decisions: risk the health of future children or cancel the union altogether. In northern Nigeria, where premarital testing is not yet compulsory, such stories are alarmingly common. 

While no religion or culture explicitly prioritises marriage over health, societal practices and insufficient awareness often lead to preventable heartbreaks. Religious and cultural leaders uniquely advocate for early genotype testing as an essential part of marriage preparations.

Sickle cell disease (SCD), prevalent in Nigeria, is one of the most severe outcomes of incompatible genotypes. Couples with AS-AS or AS-SS combinations risk passing this life-altering condition to their children. Living with SCD involves chronic pain, frequent hospital visits, and significant financial strain—all of which could be avoided through proper testing and awareness.

The time has come for a societal shift. Policymakers must work towards making premarital genotype testing compulsory in all northern states. Religious and traditional leaders should advocate for such measures and integrate genotype counselling into premarital counselling sessions.

Healthcare providers and educational institutions must also increase efforts to educate the public on genetic compatibility. Awareness campaigns can normalise discussions about genotype testing, emphasising its role in building healthy families and preventing avoidable heartbreaks.

For families like mine, the trauma of cancelled weddings due to genotype incompatibility is a painful memory. The financial losses and emotional distress are entirely avoidable with early testing and informed decisions. My brother’s experience and countless others highlight the urgent need for collective action.

Love is an essential foundation for marriage, but so is the responsibility to ensure a healthy future for one’s family. By prioritising early genotype testing and raising awareness, we can prevent the heartbreak of cancelled weddings and the lifelong struggles associated with genetic disorders.

The solution is in our hands. We must act now—for love, health, and future generations.

Usman Muhammad Salihu is a PRNigeria Fellow and wrote in from Jos, Nigeria. He can be reached at muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Adamkolo Mohammed Ibrahim

The Truth Behind Nigeria’s Controversial Tax Reform Bill

Professor Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, recently claimed that 90% of Nigerians support the contentious tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly. This claim is not only misleading but also contradicts the palpable opposition across various sectors of the country. As a university lecturer, researcher, public policy critic, and advocate of public accountability, I find it imperative to refute these unfounded assertions with facts and context.

Professor Oyedele and his team have lauded the proposed tax reform bill as a transformative framework, but it has sparked nationwide outrage, including on social media platforms. Far from the purported overwhelming support, the bill faces staunch opposition from key stakeholders across Nigeria, particularly in the 19 states in northern Nigeria. Among those voicing their discontent are the 19 northern governors, traditional rulers such as emirs, religious organisations, youth groups, business associations, and a myriad of concerned citizens, both in real life and on social media platforms.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who also chairs the National Economic Council (NEC), offered a particularly significant perspective. In alignment with the collective stance of northern governors (drawing from his deep understanding of the region as a proud son of the northeast of Nigeria) and other national stakeholders, he emphasised the importance of ensuring inclusivity and fairness in the proposed tax reform process. 

The Vice President firmly advised against submitting the bill to the National Assembly without wider consultations. During one of NEC’s monthly sessions, a unanimous decision was reached: the bill should be halted to ensure no region or demographic is marginalised in our democratic process. Despite this well-articulated stance, the President disregarded this advice and pushed ahead with the submission of the bill. This move has understandably deepened mistrust and resentment.

Critics argue that the tax reform bill is structured to disproportionately benefit Lagos State to the detriment of 35 other states and the Federal Capital Territory. For northern governors, this directly threatens their ability to sustain basic governance functions, including the payment of salaries and provision of essential services. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State is one of the most vocal opponents, warning that the bill if passed, would cripple northern states economically.

Such criticisms are not baseless. Deep inequalities mark Nigeria’s economic landscape, and any policy perceived to exacerbate these disparities inevitably meets with resistance. The tax reform bill appears to reinforce these fears, offering no clear mechanisms to balance its purported benefits with the realities of Nigeria’s diverse socio-economic terrain.

Questionable Survey Claims

Professor Oyedele’s assertion of a 90% approval rating for the bill demands rigorous scrutiny. According to his statement, the survey involved over 3,000 participants, a mix of online and offline respondents, with approval rates ranging from 76% among passive readers to 100% among in-person attendees. These figures raise more questions than they answer.

Who exactly were the survey respondents? What methodology was employed? How representative was the sample of Nigeria’s diverse population? What strategies were used for data collection and analysis? These critical details remain conspicuously absent, leaving the legitimacy of the survey in serious doubt.

Nigerians deserve transparency in policymaking. If this survey indeed reflects national sentiment, Professor Oyedele and his committee should publish the raw data, methodology, and results for independent verification. If they have not done so, this can only be interpreted as an attempt to mislead the public using propagandistic executive intimidation and push through an agenda that lacks popular support.

The Case for Wider Consultation

The NEC’s earlier recommendation to halt the bill and engage in broader consultations was wise and democratic. Policymaking in a pluralistic society like Nigeria requires inclusivity, transparency, and sensitivity to regional and socio-economic disparities. By bypassing these principles, the federal government risks deepening the divisions that have long plagued the nation.

Wider consultation is not just a procedural formality but a necessity. It allows for the incorporation of diverse perspectives, ensuring that no part of the country feels short-changed. Given the widespread criticism of the bill, particularly from regions like the North that stand to lose the most, the government’s failure to heed this advice represents a glaring lapse in leadership.

Furthermore, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy direction, particularly concerning the contentious tax reform bill, raises critical questions about his government’s approach to governance and inclusivity, especially regarding the northern region of Nigeria. It is a region that not only demonstrated overwhelming support for his candidacy in the 2023 general election but also provided the majority of the votes that secured his presidency.

In the 2023 presidential election, President Tinubu garnered a significant 8,794,726 votes, with the northern region contributing the bulk of this figure. Northern voters cast over 4.9 million votes — approximately 55.7% of his total votes — in his favour. These numbers highlight the region’s decisive role in his electoral victory. Yet, it is disheartening to observe the implementation of policies that appear inimical to the socio-economic interests of this same region.

The adage “do not bite the finger that feeds you” is not only a moral maxim but a practical guide for leadership in a diverse democracy like Nigeria. Unfortunately, recent government actions, particularly the insistence on the controversial tax reform bill, seem to disregard this wisdom. The northern region, often referred to as the agricultural and cultural heartland of the nation, stands to bear the brunt of these policies. Stakeholders, including northern governors, traditional rulers, and socio-political groups, have consistently voiced their opposition, warning that the bill could exacerbate regional inequities and economic hardships.

Rather than recognising and addressing these legitimate concerns, the administration appears determined to forge ahead. This approach not only undermines the trust of a region that played a pivotal role in President Tinubu’s electoral success but also risks alienating key stakeholders whose support is crucial for national stability. It is worth noting that governance is a reciprocal relationship; the trust and support of the people should be met with policies that prioritise their welfare and reflect their collective aspirations.

Every action or inaction in politics has consequences, and the grievances of the northern region should not be underestimated. Leaders must remember that political capital is not an endless resource; it must be replenished through equitable and inclusive governance. President Tinubu’s administration must demonstrate its commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress by re-evaluating policies that could harm the very citizens whose votes propelled him to power.

The northern region’s contribution to President Tinubu’s mandate was not a token gesture but a profound expression of trust and hope in his leadership. To erode that trust through policies perceived as neglectful or exploitative is to undermine the very foundation of the democratic pact. As the government moves forward, it must prioritise consultation, transparency, and equity to ensure that all regions of the country, especially the North, feel represented and valued. Anything less would not only be a betrayal of the region’s support but a potential threat to the unity and stability of the nation.

The Way Forward

To restore public trust and ensure equitable governance, the Federal Government must take the following steps:

1. Publish the Survey Data: Nigerians have the right to scrutinise the data underpinning claims of popular support for the bill. Transparency is non-negotiable.
2. Engage Stakeholders: Governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, business associations, students, and other demographics must be actively involved in refining the bill. Their insights are crucial for crafting a policy that benefits all Nigerians.
3. Reassess the Bill: The tax reform must be revisited to address its perceived regional biases. Mechanisms should be introduced to ensure that no state or region is disproportionately disadvantaged.
4. Strengthen Regional Equity: Any reform should prioritise clear, open, transparent, unambiguous, and sincere equitable distribution of resources and revenue, balancing the needs of economically vibrant states like Lagos with those of less developed regions.
5. Promote Public Dialogue: The government should organise town hall meetings and public forums across all geopolitical zones to educate citizens about the bill and solicit their input. Relying solely on the National Assembly’s public hearings will not be sufficient to ensure broad-based participation and understanding.

Therefore, the claim that 90% of Nigerians support the tax reform bill distorts reality. The widespread opposition from across Nigeria, including key voices in northern governance, traditional institutions, and civil society, underscores the contentious nature of this legislation. Rather than pushing ahead with a deeply flawed policy, the Federal Government must prioritise inclusivity, transparency, and equity in its approach to fiscal reform.

Cherry-picked survey results, lofty rhetoric, or political propaganda will not silence Nigerians. Democracy thrives on accountability, and the people deserve nothing less than policies that genuinely reflect their collective will and serve their common good. Professor Oyedele and his committee must heed this call, for the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and the future of its fiscal stability depends on it.

Adamkolo Mohammed Ibrahim, a Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, wrote in from Pompommari Sabon-Fegi, Damaturu, Yobe State, and can be reached via adamkolo@unimaid.edu.ng.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has established a Tax Reform Committee to tackle the challenges of taxation in Nigeria, especially the four proposed tax bills currently undergoing legislation. 

The committee, chaired by Senator Ahmed Muhammad Makarfi, former Governor of Kaduna State, comprises members with diverse expertise in finance, law, taxation and economics.

Other members of the committee include:

Dr. Mansur Mukhtar former Minister of Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, former Minister of State Finance, Joe-Kyari Gadzama SAN, Prof. Kabir Isa Dandago, Gambo Hamza, Kabiru M Ahmed, Mouftah Baba-Ahmed, Tajuddeen A Dantata, Chris Umar SAN and Abdullahi Ali Gombe, mni

The establishment of the Tax Reform Committee is a significant step towards addressing the tax challenges facing the region and Nigeria as a whole. 

The committee’s recommendations are expected to contribute to developing a more effective tax system in the country.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu,

Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, grapples with a troubling paradox: soaring fuel prices and a meagre minimum wage. This contradiction underscores the harsh realities confronting millions living in a resource-rich nation.

Crude oil has long anchored Nigeria’s economy, generating substantial revenue and foreign exchange. Yet, the wealth rarely trickles down to ordinary citizens. Fuel, a key derivative of crude oil, remains prohibitively expensive due to deregulated markets, subsidy removal, and limited domestic refining capacity. 

Instead of refining its crude oil, Nigeria imports refined petroleum products, driving costs and straining an already fragile economy. The ripple effects are profound. Transportation costs have skyrocketed, inflating the prices of goods and services. Farmers transporting produce to markets, artisans powering tools, and businesses reliant on generators to offset erratic electricity endure immense burdens. 

Small-scale businesses are teetering on the brink of collapse, and consumers face relentless price hikes for basic necessities. These challenges are insurmountable for an average Nigerian earning ₦30,000–₦70,000, one of the world’s lowest minimum wages. 

Despite rising inflation and a depreciating naira, wages have remained stagnant, forcing workers into painful trade-offs: skipping meals, forgoing healthcare, or withdrawing children from school to survive. Experts widely view Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports as a colossal policy failure. 

The nation’s four state-owned refineries, once symbols of industrial pride, have devolved into monuments of inefficiency. Operating at less than 20% capacity for decades, these facilities consume billions in rehabilitation efforts with no meaningful outcomes, leaving the country reliant on costly imports.

Successive administrations have promised reforms to the oil and gas sector, but the results have disappointed. Corruption and a lack of political will perpetuate a cycle of waste and economic hardship.

Recent reforms, such as subsidy removal, aim to redirect funds to infrastructure and social welfare. However, these measures have worsened the immediate plight of citizens. Fuel prices have soared, deepening poverty and sparking protests. While the affluent and corporations may weather the storm, low-income earners face a relentless battle for survival.

Addressing these challenges demands transparent and decisive leadership. Revitalising local refineries is essential to reducing dependence on imports, creating jobs, and stimulating the economy. Exploring alternative energy sources like renewables can diversify the sector and alleviate pressure on oil dependency.

Revising the minimum wage to reflect inflation and the cost of living is equally critical. This adjustment would offer workers some reprieve and restore their purchasing power.

Nigeria must also prioritise institutional reforms to ensure accountability in managing its oil wealth. A transparent, well-regulated oil and gas sector could unlock enormous potential, transforming the nation from a land of paradoxes into shared prosperity.

For Nigeria to truly harness its vast resources, it must close the gap between its wealth and the welfare of its people. Affordable fuel and a living wage remain aspirations for millions—a dream that can only be realised through bold action, sustained commitment, and genuine prioritisation of the masses over vested interests.

Usman Muhammad Salihu is a PRNigeria Communication Fellow. He wrote from Jos via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Taxation is not merely a tool for generating revenue; it is a cornerstone for fostering national balance and ensuring the collective survival of all citizens. Recognizing this, with wisdom, Nigeria has exempted many essential goods and services such as agricultural produce, fertilizers, certain baby products, and healthcare items from taxation or VAT. This policy ensures that food items like rice, maize, sorghum, millet, beans, and meat—produced in states like Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, etc —can reach markets in Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, where they are accessible to Nigerians at reasonable prices.

Conversely, products such as fertilizers, agricultural machinery, baby items, and healthcare essentials manufactured in industrial hubs like Aba, Ibadan, Warri, and Lagos, etc., remain affordable across the country, including the northern states, because they are VAT-exempt. This interconnected economic framework fosters interdependence among states and promotes equitable access to essential goods, irrespective of geographic location.

However, the current discourse surrounding the proposed tax reform bill, particularly its provisions on VAT, has raised concerns about fairness and equity. Rather than serving as a unifying mechanism, the proposed VAT contributions and their sharing formula have become a source of tension, with some Nigerians—especially from the North—perceiving the system as skewed in favour of economically dominant states like Lagos. This perception has fueled suspicions, leading to terms like “Lagos colonialism” being used to describe the perceived imbalance in resource allocation and benefit distribution in the new VAT bill if passed into law by two chambers of the National Assembly 

To address these concerns, the tax reform bill must be designed to generate revenue and reflect the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and Nigeria’s complex politics.

Taxation policies should be a tool for strengthening national unity, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of region or state, feels an equitable share of the nation’s prosperity. There is no need to rush to nowhere- the government must patiently engage in transparent dialogue and adopt a balanced approach that considers the diverse economic contributions and needs of all states. 

One key reason the North rejected the bills is that President Tinubu’s administration is facing growing suspicion among many Northerners due to certain policies, programs, and appointments. This is a troubling development for a government that, before coming to power, proudly counted the North as its political stronghold and key support base.

Such distrust is damaging not only to the administration’s credibility but also to national unity. To maintain the confidence of all Nigerians, it is crucial for the government to address these concerns transparently, ensuring that its actions reflect inclusivity and fairness. Economics and politics often intertwine. When political backlash outweighs economic benefits, retreat and consultation are essential.

The Tinubu government must strive to deliver on its promises while fostering trust across all states and demographics, particularly among those who believe in its leadership.

In essence, taxation should not be seen as a divisive tool but as a bridge that connects the unique strengths of each state and region, fostering a truly united and prosperous Nigeria.

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

By Usman Abdullahi Koli 

The Nigerian healthcare system has long faced challenges that make accessing quality care difficult, especially for the average citizen. Many patients have endured unnecessary struggles during critical moments, from long queues at registration units to delays in retrieving medical records. Tragically, these inefficiencies have, in some cases, led to preventable losses—not just because of late arrivals at hospitals but also due to prolonged registration and file retrieval processes.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi has boldly changed this narrative. Staying true to its vision and mission, the hospital has introduced an innovative e-health system to alleviate these issues. This transformation goes beyond addressing immediate challenges—it sets ATBUTH on a path to becoming a leader in modern, patient-focused healthcare in Nigeria.

ATBUTH has been a symbol of hope for years, offering quality healthcare to countless patients while continuously striving to improve its services. Recognizing the growing needs of modern healthcare, the hospital has embraced advanced digital solutions to revolutionize how it delivers care.

Adopting an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, seamlessly integrated with the eCMDS platform, reflects ATBUTH’s commitment to progress and patient well-being. This transformative step simplifies operations, improves administrative processes, and creates a more compassionate, patient-centred experience for everyone who walks through its doors.

The introduction of e-health at ATBUTH also aligns with a Federal Government policy to digitize public services. This initiative aligns with global trends, ensuring healthcare services are faster, safer, and easier to access. Digitizing patient records, registration, billing, and laboratory results drastically reduces waiting times and makes every interaction smoother.

The EMR system protects patient data from being lost or tampered with, while automated processes close gaps that could lead to fraud or revenue loss. Furthermore, the centralized database enables researchers to access accurate, real-time information, fostering medical advancements. This leap into digitization firmly establishes ATBUTH as a forward-thinking institution ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with leading hospitals in Nigeria and beyond.

Although the implementation of the e-health system has been highly successful, challenges still exist. One of the most pressing issues is network reliability, which can sometimes be unpredictable. However, the hospital’s management is actively working to resolve these issues permanently to ensure uninterrupted services. Unfortunately, specific individuals have also attempted to undermine this initiative by spreading misinformation and discouraging public trust. Such actions disrupt progress and risk undoing the remarkable strides ATBUTH has made in improving healthcare delivery.

Everyone must understand that progress is a journey that moves forward, not backwards. For ATBUTH to maintain its momentum as a leader in healthcare innovation, it needs the collective support of patients, staff, and the public. Adopting the e-health system is not just about modernizing healthcare—it’s about making services more accessible, efficient, and humane.

Despite being a relatively young institution, ATBUTH has achieved remarkable feats rivalling even the country’s most established hospitals. This e-health initiative is a testament to the hospital’s determination to excel and better serve its community.

ATBUTH’s e-health system is more than just a technological upgrade—it is a lifeline for thousands of patients who rely on the hospital for their care. As this digital transformation continues to evolve, the public must embrace and support it wholeheartedly. Together, we can ensure ATBUTH remains a trusted name in healthcare and a symbol of progress in Nigeria’s health sector.

Usman Abdullahi Koli writes from Bauchi.