₦airaland Forum

*Let’s Be Fair to Comrade Oshiomhole*


As a former student union activist at the University of Benin until 1997, I closely followed the struggles of labour leaders from the diaspora, and Adams Oshiomhole stood out to me even then.

Long before he entered electoral politics, he was already a symbol of resistance, courage, and advocacy for the Nigerian workers. His voice carried beyond Nigeria’s borders, and many of us abroad were inspired by the consistency and fearlessness of his fight for justice and fairness.

Today, Nigerians are understandably frustrated by the realities of economic hardship. Public officials must always be sensitive to the pain of the people , and that responsibility cannot be overstated. However, one viral clip, taken out of context, should not erase a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and advocacy for the masses.

Accountability is important. But so is fairness, memory, and perspective.

Comrade Oshiomhole’s legacy as a labour leader and public servant deserves balanced judgment, not instant cancellation. Nigeria needs healing, reason, and dialogue ,not just outrage.

Let’s be just. Let’s be human. Let’s be fair.

Timothy Ajehi
The Netherlands

*Let’s Be Fair to Comrade Oshiomhole*


As a former student union activist at the University of Benin until 1997, I closely followed the struggles of labour leaders from the diaspora, and Adams Oshiomhole stood out to me even then.

Long before he entered electoral politics, he was already a symbol of resistance, courage, and advocacy for the Nigerian workers. His voice carried beyond Nigeria’s borders, and many of us abroad were inspired by the consistency and fearlessness of his fight for justice and fairness.

Today, Nigerians are understandably frustrated by the realities of economic hardship. Public officials must always be sensitive to the pain of the people , and that responsibility cannot be overstated. However, one viral clip, taken out of context, should not erase a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and advocacy for the masses.

Accountability is important. But so is fairness, memory, and perspective.

Comrade Oshiomhole’s legacy as a labour leader and public servant deserves balanced judgment, not instant cancellation. Nigeria needs healing, reason, and dialogue ,not just outrage.

Let’s be just. Let’s be human. Let’s be fair.

Timothy Ajehi
The Netherlands

Since Dangote Refinery is a private company, it’s wrong for NUPENG to demand compulsory membership.

In a private enterprise, workers’ freedom of association is protected by law , they can decide whether to join NUPENG, another union, or remain unaffiliated.

NUPENG can campaign to organize workers in the refinery, but cannot impose membership.

Globally, in private sector refineries, union recognition comes only when a majority of workers voluntarily agree and collective bargaining rights are formally established.

I'm of the strong view that Dangote Refinery, union membership must be by workers’ choice, not by NUPENG’s demand.Since Dangote Refinery is a private company, it’s wrong for NUPENG to demand compulsory membership.

In a private enterprise, workers’ freedom of association is protected by law , they can decide whether to join NUPENG, another union, or remain unaffiliated.

NUPENG can campaign to organize workers in the refinery, but cannot impose membership.

Globally, in private sector refineries, union recognition comes only when a majority of workers voluntarily agree and collective bargaining rights are formally established.

I'm of the strong view that Dangote Refinery, union membership must be by workers’ choice, not by NUPENG’s demand.

Senator Ned Nwoko Is the Legitimate Leader of APC in Delta North

As the political landscape in Nigeria evolves, legitimacy in party leadership must align with constitutional authority, electoral mandate, and grassroots engagement,three pillars Senator Ned Nwoko unmistakably embodies as the highest ranking elected APC official in Delta North. In the post 2023 political recalibration, where APC is asserting deeper roots across the South South region, data shows that constituencies prioritize current federal representation over past executive status when aligning with party leadership.

1. Constitutional Legitimacy:

According to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), a serving senator represents the entire senatorial district, unlike a deputy governor whose authority is functionally tied to the governor's office. Senator Nwoko is thus the only current officeholder at the federal legislative level representing Delta North, making him de jure and de facto the face of the APC in the region.

2. Electoral Mandate and Party Hierarchy:

Electoral legitimacy is not symbolic,it is foundational. Senator Ned Nwoko, having contested and won under the PDP banner and defected to APC before others , embodies people driven leadership. Meanwhile, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, though a former governor, holds no current office, nor does he represent any constituency under the APC platform. Leadership cannot be retroactive; party structure favors the present, not the past.

3. Grassroots and Stakeholder Engagement:

Data from voter behavior trends in the South South reveals that political consolidation succeeds when meetings are decentralized and constituency based. The rotation model initiated by Senator Nwoko aligns with APC’s bottom up restructuring strategy as outlined in the party’s 2023 post election national reform document. By rotating meetings through Aniocha Oshimili, Ika, Ndokwa, and Ukwuani federal constituencies, Senator Nwoko is executing a textbook stakeholder engagement model, recommended by democratic consolidation experts globally.

4. Unity, Not Sentiment:

The presence of recognized leaders like Hon. Victor Ochei, SSG Chiedu Ebie, and State APC Chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie at the Aniocha Oshimili meeting affirms the strategic consensus around Senator Nwoko’s leadership. It signals that party unity is anchored on functionality, not former titles or personal loyalties. Sentiment is not a valid currency in leadership legitimacy; structure, mandate, and vision are.

5. Geopolitical Integrity:

Interference from individuals outside Delta North undercuts the principle of federal constituency autonomy, a key element in Nigeria’s political fabric. The call by Maria Udofia of NIRA to respect local dynamics and internal party democracy echoes global best practices in decentralized political systems, from the U.S. congressional districts to German Landtag party leadership.


Finally,I would like to state that Senator Ned Nwoko’s leadership is not just justified, it is statutorily sound, electorally backed, and strategically necessary for APC’s stability and growth in Delta North. To expect a serving senator to defer to individuals without a current mandate is not only illogical, it is a dangerous precedent. APC must be guided by data, structure, and constitutional authority,not nostalgia or political maneuvering.

Let it be clear: Delta North APC is on a forward trajectory,and that trajectory is being led by Senator Ned Nwoko.

@naijapeoplesprosperitypact

RE:Senator Ned Nwoko Is the Legitimate Leader of APC in Delta North

As the political landscape in Nigeria evolves, legitimacy in party leadership must align with constitutional authority, electoral mandate, and grassroots engagement,three pillars Senator Ned Nwoko unmistakably embodies as the highest ranking elected APC official in Delta North. In the post 2023 political recalibration, where APC is asserting deeper roots across the South South region, data shows that constituencies prioritize current federal representation over past executive status when aligning with party leadership.

1. Constitutional Legitimacy:

According to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), a serving senator represents the entire senatorial district, unlike a deputy governor whose authority is functionally tied to the governor's office. Senator Nwoko is thus the only current officeholder at the federal legislative level representing Delta North, making him de jure and de facto the face of the APC in the region.

2. Electoral Mandate and Party Hierarchy:

Electoral legitimacy is not symbolic,it is foundational. Senator Ned Nwoko, having contested and won under the PDP banner and defected to APC before others , embodies people driven leadership. Meanwhile, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, though a former governor, holds no current office, nor does he represent any constituency under the APC platform. Leadership cannot be retroactive; party structure favors the present, not the past.

3. Grassroots and Stakeholder Engagement:

Data from voter behavior trends in the South South reveals that political consolidation succeeds when meetings are decentralized and constituency based. The rotation model initiated by Senator Nwoko aligns with APC’s bottom up restructuring strategy as outlined in the party’s 2023 post election national reform document. By rotating meetings through Aniocha Oshimili, Ika, Ndokwa, and Ukwuani federal constituencies, Senator Nwoko is executing a textbook stakeholder engagement model, recommended by democratic consolidation experts globally.

4. Unity, Not Sentiment:

The presence of recognized leaders like Hon. Victor Ochei, SSG Chiedu Ebie, and State APC Chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie at the Aniocha Oshimili meeting affirms the strategic consensus around Senator Nwoko’s leadership. It signals that party unity is anchored on functionality, not former titles or personal loyalties. Sentiment is not a valid currency in leadership legitimacy; structure, mandate, and vision are.

5. Geopolitical Integrity:
Interference from individuals outside Delta North undercuts the principle of federal constituency autonomy, a key element in Nigeria’s political fabric. The call by Maria Udofia of NIRA to respect local dynamics and internal party democracy echoes global best practices in decentralized political systems, from the U.S. congressional districts to German Landtag party leadership.

Finally,I would like to state that Senator Ned Nwoko’s leadership is not just justified, it is statutorily sound, electorally backed, and strategically necessary for APC’s stability and growth in Delta North. To expect a serving senator to defer to individuals without a current mandate is not only illogical, it is a dangerous precedent. APC must be guided by data, structure, and constitutional authority,not nostalgia or political maneuvering.

Let it be clear: Delta North APC is on a forward trajectory,and that trajectory is being led by Senator Ned Nwoko.

@naijapeoplesprosperitypact

Phased Progress is Not a Mirage, The Strategic Logic Behind Tinubu's Infrastructure Approach

Contrary to Bobloco's emotionally charged narrative, the commissioning of infrastructure in phases, such as the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway and the East West Road, is a globally recognized strategy in megaproject delivery. Phasing is not deception; it is how real, robust, and resilient infrastructure is delivered in both developing and developed economies.

1. Phased Implementation Is Global Best Practice

From the Interstate Highway System in the U.S. to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, megaprojects are executed in phases over multiple administrations. The Lagos to Calabar Coastal Highway spans 750km, and it is economically and logistically responsible to start with priority economic corridors, such as the 17.4km Phase 1.

Why Phase 1 Matters:

• It connects Victoria Island to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, a trade and logistics game changer.

• The port alone is projected to increase Nigeria’s GDP by $361 billion over 45 years (Nigerian Ports Authority).

• This section has opened up 25,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to the Ministry of Works data.

2. East West Road, Breaking a 15 Year Deadlock

While critics cite the Eleme Junction section, they ignore that previous administrations failed to deliver even this. The Tinubu administration is not just commissioning it , it has committed to fast tracking the entire 188km stretch.

Data Shows:

• Between 2006 and 2023, only 35% of the East-West Road was completed (NBS + Ministry of Niger Delta data).

• In the past 12 months, over 40% of delayed sections have been re awarded or revived, with funding secured under the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria (InfraCorp).

3. Performance Metrics vs Political Optics

Rather than focusing on optics, consider this:

Project Pre Tinubu Status Current Status Socioeconomic Impact

Lagos-Calabar Highway Stalled (2014–2022) 17.4km constructed Enhances port connectivity, boosts trade

East West Road 35% completed in 17 years 45%+ completed as of May 2025 Revives Niger Delta economy

Abuja to Kano Expressway <40% complete in 2023 Over 70% complete Improves North to South mobility

These are not illusions ,they are documented infrastructure realities.

4. Transparent Phasing = Accountability

Phasing allows real time auditing, stakeholder engagement, and funding control. Unlike past “launch now abandon later” tactics, this method ensures:

• Each phase has tangible utility

• Funding is released in accountable tranches

• Citizens experience early benefits, not just future promises
Move From Scepticism to Support

Yes, Nigerians deserve transparency and genuine progress, and that's what this administration is offering:

• Strategic execution.

• Fiscal responsibility.

• Phased delivery of legacy infrastructure.

Let's hold government accountable, yes, but let’s also recognize measurable progress and embrace global best practice, not dismiss it as deception.

@naijapeoplesprosperitypact

TINUBU IS NOT JUST A LEADER, HE’S A VISIONARY FATHER TO LAGOS AND NIGERIA. SANWO OLU IS WALKING THAT SAME PATH OF TRANSFORMATION.


Let the noise end and the facts speak.

The recent reaffirmation by Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu that “Tinubu is my father and leader” is not just a political statement, it is a bold declaration of loyalty to the legacy of progressive leadership that has transformed Lagos from a struggling state into West Africa’s economic powerhouse.

For those fanning the flames of imagined conflict,pause and consider:

• Under President Tinubu's foundational reforms in Lagos, IGR grew from ₦600 million in 1999 to over ₦45 billion monthly today.

• Lagos is now Africa's 5th largest economy, bigger than the GDP of many countries,thanks to policies Tinubu championed and Sanwo-Olu is consolidating.

• While many states struggle to pay ₦30,000, Sanwo Olu is paying ₦70,000 minimum wage,a data backed signal of a working economy.
Let’s be clear: there is no rift, only continuity.

Sanwo Olu represents the new generation of Nigerian leadership that blends innovation with stability. His calm, calculated governance style reflects a maturing political structure were service delivery trumps political drama. Those who question his loyalty ignore the deeper truth: Tinubu doesn't just demand loyalty, he inspires it through results.

Look at the data:

• Over 400 roads rehabilitated in Lagos in the past 4 years.

• Blue Line rail operational, the first intra state rail since independence.

• Healthcare infrastructure expanded with 10+ new maternal and child centres.

• Youth tech hubs springing up under the 'Lagos Innovation Masterplan'.

• Over 1 million micro enterprises empowered through the LSETF and other schemes.

The rumoured “snub” is political gossip. The ₦70,000 minimum wage is economic reality.

Nigeria needs less drama and more delivery. And President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo Olu are offering exactly that, a partnership for performance, not a contest for the spotlight.

As global shifts and digital economies reshape the future, Nigeria must embrace leaders rooted in results, not rumours. Sanwo Olu is standing where he should, beside a political father whose vision he shares, whose legacy he advances, and whose leadership he respects.

Let’s focus on the future, not petty narratives.

Sanwo Olu is not just Tinubu's political son; he is proof that the Tinubu model works.

@naijapeoplesprosperitypact

RE: Fayemi Says Nigeria Has Civilian Rule, Not Full Democracy, But Let’s Talk Facts, Not Selective Memory

I read Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s comments on Nigeria being under “civilian rule, not full democracy” with interest. It’s a powerful quote, but it also demands critical reflection, not just applause. Especially coming from someone who governed Ekiti State twice, chaired the Nigerian Governors' Forum, and held a federal ministerial post under Buhari.

Let’s unpack this with global democratic data, institutional facts, and accountability logic.

What Is Full Democracy?

Let’s Use Global Standards

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) 2024 Democracy Index, Nigeria ranks as a “hybrid regime” , not a full democracy, but also not an authoritarian state. This classification is based on:

• Electoral process & pluralism
• Functioning of government
• Political participation
• Political culture
• Civil liberties

So Fayemi is technically right, but incompletely honest.

Why?

Because many of the gaps in our democracy, weak institutions, low voter turnout, poor state level transparency, are not just a federal problem. They are also state problems.


If Democracy Is Weak, What Did Fayemi Do Differently?

Fayemi had the opportunity to:

• Strengthen local government autonomy in Ekiti. He didn’t.

• Promote open budgeting and transparency, yet Ekiti was not in the top five states on BudgIT’s State of States report.

• Reduce political godfatherism and state level thuggery. Yet under his tenure, internal APC conflicts and vote-buying allegations still flourished.

• He chaired the Nigerian Governors’ Forum ,did he push for governors’ accountability, or did he protect the club?
If democracy means empowering citizens, then what concrete legacy of participatory democracy did he leave in Ekiti?

Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport, It’s Policy + Courage

Let’s talk about real democracies globally:

• In Taiwan and Chile, former activists became presidents who radically reformed the judiciary, opened up procurement processes, and devolved power.

• In South Africa, post apartheid reforms included Truth Commissions and deep electoral transparency beyond slogans.

• In Estonia, democracy was driven by digital governance, giving citizens power over public spending via online tools.
What stops Nigeria from doing the same is not “civilian rule.” It’s the refusal of leaders including former governors, to build institutions that outlast them.

Tinubu’s Gesture Is More Than Symbolism

Fayemi praised Tinubu for honoring pro democracy activists. That’s fair. But unlike some past leaders, Tinubu has also started reforms that will strengthen democracy , such as:

• Signing the Constitutional Review for State Power over Electricity and Infrastructure

• Working with the National Assembly on Electoral Act strengthening

• Digitalizing government procurement and pension payments

• Allowing states to establish state police under controlled frameworks
No democracy becomes “full” in 26 years. Even the U.S. took 200 years to secure voting rights for minorities. Democracy is a journey ,not a checkbox.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Match Words with Action

Fayemi has earned respect for his activist past. But the real question is:

“What did you do with power when you had it?”

We’re tired of post-office prophets. Nigeria needs active reformers , not retired critics. Democracy is not only measured by what you fought against, but also by what you built when you had the chance.

Let’s move from poetic reflections to data-backed accountability. That’s what full democracy looks like.

@naijapeoplesprosperitypact

RE: Why Tinubu CAN Deliver Economic Reform , With Facts, Not Feelings

I respect Dr. Agbakoba a lot, but let’s not ignore the facts. Saying Tinubu cannot deliver meaningful economic reform because of the current political structure is half the story, and honestly, it downplays some major steps already taken that many countries are still struggling to get right.

Let’s break it down with intelligent analysis, global data, and real results. 

 Tinubu Is Laying the Foundation , Real Change Takes Root Before It Shows

Yes, GDP is growing at 3.3%, and no, we may not all feel it yet. But go check how it started in places like India or Indonesia , reforms always start with pain, then progress.If you remove fuel subsidy, unify the Forex market, and clean up corruption,you’ll feel the heat first before the benefits come.

But guess what?

Those changes are exactly what Tinubu is doing: 

Key Reforms Already in Motion

1. Fuel Subsidy Gone·        

* Saved ₦7 trillion+ yearly, now going into infrastructure, health, and transport.

2. Forex Unification·    

* No more multiple exchange rates. Investors now see a fairer system.·      
* FDI is already rising, and the black market is shrinking.

3. Roads, Rails, Ports·       

*  1,000+ km of roads and major logistics corridors under construction.·      
*  Inland dry ports = more trade and jobs.

4. Power Reforms·        

* Siemens partnership is rolling out.·      
* States now allowed to generate and distribute power.·       
* Lagos and Edo already jumping on it. 


5. Agricultural Push·       

* Over 3 million farmers already getting inputs, credit, and buyers.·       
*  Food inflation is slowing down, still high, but better than before. 

 Global Experts Agree: Reform First, Then Restructure

* World Bank, IMF, and OECD all say: focus on stabilizing the economy before major power devolution.
* You don’t hand over more power to states when many can’t even pay salaries. First, build capacity. Then restructure. 

 Tinubu Is Already Working on Restructuring

* A constitutional committee is already reviewing how to give states more power over mining, power, and infrastructure.

* Local government reform is also on the table , just not the loud, dramatic type people expect.


 My  final words on this:

The truth is, reform stake time. If Nigeria had kept jumping from plan to plan, we’d still be importing toothpicks and wasting oil money on fake subsidies.

So instead of saying“he can’t,” let’s track what’s already working and demand consistency and speed , not throw away the only real reform train we’ve had in decades.

The hardship is real ,but so is the direction. Let’s not throw away progress because it hasn’t yet matured. 

@naijapeoplesprosperitypact

RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT TINUBU’S DEMOCRACY DAY REMARKS ON FREE SPEECH AND TOLERANCE

President Bola Tinubu’s affirmation that “no one should suffer injustice for calling me names” is a commendable and necessary public commitment to democratic resilience and it places Nigeria in alignment with the core values of mature democracies across the world.

In a global environment where freedom of expression is increasingly under threat , even in long-standing democracies, this statement, if followed through with institutional integrity, sets a vital tone for responsible governance and civic tolerance.

1. Global Democratic Benchmarks Support Tinubu’s Position

According to Freedom House (2024), only 20% of the world’s population lives in countries where free speech is truly protected. In many democracies , from India to Hungary to parts of Eastern Europe, governments have increasingly criminalized dissent.

• In India, journalists face arrest under anti terror laws for criticizing the state.
• In Russia and China, political dissent is outright criminalized.
• Even in Western democracies, such as the U.S., “cancel culture” and algorithmic suppression have created new forms of repression.

Tinubu’s message runs counter to these trends , instead supporting a vision of pluralism, open discourse, and democratic maturity.

2. Data Correlates Free Expression with Stronger Governance

Global development indicators show that countries with stronger protections for free speech tend to outperform those without in:

• Innovation & entrepreneurship
(World Bank data links robust public discourse to stronger startup ecosystems.)

• Corruption control
(Transparency International finds that countries with vibrant press freedom have lower corruption indices.)

• Policy effectiveness
(The OECD links civic feedback loops with better long term policy resilience.)

In other words, democracies that allow space for criticism are better at course correction, governance innovation, and societal trust-building. Tinubu’s statement shows an understanding of this connection.

3. Democratic Tolerance Is a Sign of Strength, Not Weakness:
In public leadership, the ability to absorb criticism without using state machinery to retaliate is a mark of maturity and moral authority.
As Nelson Mandela once said, “A critical, independent, and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy.”
By encouraging Nigerians to speak freely, Tinubu is not giving away power , he is investing in the political capital of legitimacy, which cannot be legislated or forced. It must be earned through dialogue, transparency, and self-restraint.

4. How to Translate This Commitment into Action (Robust Decision-Making)
Words must lead to systems. To ensure this spirit of tolerance becomes embedded in Nigeria’s democratic infrastructure, three institutional steps can follow:

• 1. Legal protections for whistleblowers, journalists, and critics

Expand existing laws to protect those who challenge public officials, ensuring that libel laws are not weaponized politically.

• 2. Civic education programs

Build public awareness on the difference between criticism (which builds democracy) and defamation (which damages individuals). Promote media literacy in schools and public forums.

• 3. Independent media regulation

Strengthen truly independent oversight bodies that can fairly adjudicate between harmful misinformation and legitimate dissent , following models from South Africa, Ghana, and Scandinavian countries.

FINALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO POSIT THAT THE PRESIDENT’S WORDS ARE A STRONG SIGNAL , LET’S TURN THEM INTO A CULTURE

In an age where many leaders personalize power and criminalize opposition, President Tinubu’s acknowledgment of the importance of criticism, even when harsh or unfair, is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s democratic future.

This commitment will only bear fruit if followed by robust policy protections, legal reform, and civic openness.
We look forward to seeing this principle embedded not only in presidential speeches — but in the everyday realities of courtrooms, classrooms, newsrooms, and town halls across Nigeria.

In democracy, free voices are not a threat , they are the oxygen of progress.

@naijapeoplesprosperitypack

THE RECORD STRAIGHT, A FACTUAL AND CONSTRUCTIVE RESPONSE TO MR. PETER OBI’S DEMOCRACY DAY REMARKS
Mr. Peter Obi’s address on Democracy Day touches on legitimate concerns that every responsible government and citizen should take seriously. The truth, however, is deeper and more complex. Nigeria’s current condition is not the product of a single administration, but rather the cumulative outcome of decades of policy failures, structural weaknesses, and missed opportunities, across various governments, both military and civilian.
Yet, while we must never silence dissent, we must also speak with accuracy, balance, and context, particularly when national morale is fragile and the global stage is rapidly shifting.

1. ECONOMIC REALITY NOT JUST A NIGERIAN PHENOMENON
Yes, inflation and poverty are rising in Nigeria, but so are they in many developing and even advanced economies. According to the World Bank’s 2024 Global Economic Prospects, over 60 countries have experienced significant food and energy shocks since COVID 19, and inflation has reached multi decade highs in 80+ nations since 2022.
• Ghana recorded a peak inflation of over 50% in 2023.
• Argentina’s inflation crossed 280% recently.
• Turkey is also battling over 70% inflation.
• Even the UK faced its worst cost of living crisis in over four decades.
In Nigeria, while painful, fuel subsidy removal was necessary. The World Bank has consistently warned that Nigeria was spending over ₦11 trillion annually subsidizing fuel, more than on health, education, and infrastructure combined. That is not sustainable for a country where oil revenues make up 80% of FX earnings.
Subsidy reform was a bitter, but essential pill to redirect funds toward targeted social investment. It is being matched with direct cash transfers, school feeding programs, and food distribution plans, supported by the World Bank’s $800 million social investment loan.

2. POVERTY AND HUNGER A SYSTEMIC, NOT SINGULAR, FAILURE
Mr. Obi cited poverty rising from 38.9% to 54% , a critical figure. But here’s a broader truth:
• In 1980, the poverty rate was 27%. By 2000, it had risen to 65.6%, according to the NBS and World Bank.
• The growth of poverty has been consistent for 40+ years, across regimes.
• Nigeria has added 100 million people to its population since 1999, without matching growth in infrastructure or productivity.
Food insecurity is indeed at an alarming level, but again, this is worsened by climate change, insecurity, and global supply disruptions. The FAO’s 2024 Global Report on Food Crises states that over 70 million people across Africa face acute hunger, with Nigeria being among them, but also highlights West African rainfall anomalies, displacement, and conflict as major factors, not only domestic policy.
The solution isn’t just political change, it’s deep reform of land use, agro processing, storage, and trade logistics. These are long haul fixes, not overnight slogans.

3. DEBT CONTEXT AND CLARITY
Mr. Obi cited Nigeria’s debt at ₦188 trillion. Here’s global perspective:
• Nigeria’s debt to GDP ratio remains around 46%, far lower than:
o USA (129%)
o UK (101%)
o South Africa (71%)
o Brazil (89%)
What Nigeria suffers from is low revenue, not just high borrowing. According to the IMF, Nigeria has one of the lowest tax to GDP ratios in the world, around 6-7%, compared to 20%+ in peer economies.
The government’s ongoing tax reforms, digital VAT collection, and Customs modernization are targeted at increasing domestic revenue, not just borrowing. Without this, even a debt-free country would still be cash-poor.

4. POWER SECTOR CHALLENGING, BUT NOT STATIC
It is true that many Nigerians still experience darkness. But there are significant strides worth noting:
• The Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) with Siemens is upgrading transmission infrastructure.
• Over 100 mini grids have been deployed across Nigeria’s rural communities through REA (Rural Electrification Agency) since 2021.
• Nigeria now has over 13,000 MW installed, with plans to scale to 20,000 MW by 2027, according to the Ministry of Power and AfDB energy programs.
Tariff increases are part of cost reflective pricing, necessary to attract private investment. Over 70% of DISCO losses come from free or underpriced power, which no investor can sustain.

5. SECURITY AND AGRICULTURE: THE HEART OF IT ALL
Mr. Obi rightly linked insecurity to food production. But this is a multi front war:
• Over 12,000 terrorists and bandits have been neutralized or surrendered since 2023, according to Defence HQ reports.
• The National Agricultural Growth Scheme Aggregation (NAGS AP) targets 250,000 farmers with subsidized input support in 2024.
• Mechanization, irrigation, and storage infrastructure are receiving foreign funding through partnerships with the IFAD, IsDB, and AfDB.
We cannot rebuild agriculture without peace, but we cannot get peace without development. This is a symbiotic challenge, not a binary one.

6. GOVERNANCE AND ENGAGEMENT: PRESENCE VS PERFORMANCE
President Tinubu’s travels abroad are not leisure. In a globalized economy, capital, credibility, and diplomacy are built face-to-face:
• The India Africa investment deal secured over $14 billion in pledges.
• His presence at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh directly led to Saudi plans to invest in Nigeria’s solid minerals.
• The UAE travel ban was resolved through bilateral engagements, something no press release could achieve.
Yes, internal visits matter. But diplomatic engagements drive foreign direct investment, loan restructuring, tech transfers, and bilateral trade. This isn’t absenteeism , it’s economic statecraft.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR FACTS, NOT JUST FEELINGS
Nigeria is in crisis, yes. But crisis is not the same as collapse. We are in a critical transition, not an irreversible decline.
Mr. Obi has every right to critique. But let us also be honest: this is not the failure of a 1 year old administration, but a 40 year old system that demands reform across the board politically, economically, institutionally.
No single leader, opposition figure, or party has a monopoly on patriotism. What Nigeria needs now is not just more passion , but more precision. Not just rhetoric , but robust reform.
Let’s move from diagnosis to prescription. From complaints to collaboration. From blame to bold solutions.
Nigeria can rise, but only if we all rise above politics.

@naijapeoplesprosperitypact