Opinion

Pension Reforms Law: The People’s Views

Published

12 years ago

July 7, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan, last Tuesday,
signed the Pension Reforms Bill 2014 into Law. The new law which prescribes 10-years jail term for anybody that embezzles pensions fund, is also designed to punish offenders with a view to serving as a deterrent to those who may want to mis-manage or divert pension fund assets.
How far can this law go in solving the age long problem of embezzlement of retirees money in the country? Our chief correspondent, Calista Ezeaku, put this question to some Port Harcourt residents. Prince Dele Obinna, captured the respondents.

Chief Jude Nwoka – Lecturer
Over time, our problem in this country has been our legal and regulatory frame work. There had been a lot of reforms like pension bills, corporate affairs commission and many others aimed at regulating, the activities of orgainsations. But the issue is, has there been adequate, sufficient, enabling laws to make the operators in the public service be accountable and transparent in the management of the pension fund? Now the question is, what is ICPC doing? What are all the institutions that are supposed to be guiding the activities of organisations, doing? How many persons have you heard that ICPC has jailed in this country? What of EFCC, SON and others?
What I’m saying in essence is that the Pension Reforms Bill 2014 which was signed into law by the President a couple of days ago is Okey, but implementation of this bill is the problem. We have weak, inadequate, inefficient mechanisms to monitor the compliance to these laws in all spheres of Nigerians economy. Look at what the former governor of Central Bank, Sanusi did. It’s not as if Sanusi is the best person, but he was determined to make sure that all those executive officers of the banks that were involved in that lack of corporate governance were punished and disciplined. Today, Nigeria banking industry has elements of credence and credibility. There is element of transparency.
Talking about 10-year jail term for anybody that embezzles pension fund, I don’t think that is the issue. A dubious person can say let me embezzle N10bn, go to jail and after 10 years I will come out and enjoy the money. One politician may as well be in power tomorrow and say “okay, he has to be released or granted pardon”. So there should be a distinction between politics and governance. It is not the jail term that is the issue, the issue is how morally oriented are we? Late Prof Dora Akunyili was talking about rebranding, changing the moral consciousness of Nigerians. So the issue is what is the level of our moral standard?
So the Reforms Bill is now a law but how many persons are likely to be jailed because of political patronage? Of course you know how corruption cases are being swept under the carpet in Nigeria. So, what we are saying is, how do we get morally re-orientated? How do we make sure that there is full compliance to the law? ICPC, EFCC and other agencies responsible for law enforcement should be up and doing.

Mr. Samuel Owhonda – Retired Civil Servant
The law is good but we need prayers to help us do things properly in this country. The people in positions of authority today need to remember that one day, they will retire as I have retired now. That’s why I like what President Goodluck Jonathan is doing, carrying out reforms that will make life more meaningful for retirees. I have received my retirement benefits. Government never owed me one naira. Retirees need their pension to take care of themselves and it should not be tempered with by anybody. The 10-year jail term for embezzlement of pensions fund is enough. We don’t talk about killing somebody, if not all the people involved in that are supposed to die. You have put in your whole life in service and you retire and somebody is punishing you forgetting he will retire from service one day. All of us will retire. Don’t punish people. Give them what belongs to them. Anybody that retires is on his way to the grave, so make them happy by giving them what is due them. The monthly pensions scheme is just to give them sense of belonging. It is their right which terminates when they die. So retirees in Nigeria should be provided with adequate welfare scheme to enable them enjoy like retirees in other counties.

Hon (Mrs) Chioma Amadi-Oparaeli – Public Servant
I think the law is okey because the pensioners case in Nigeria is becoming very critical. People in the offices who claim to be incharge, will sign off the pensioners money, travel aboard, build houses, buy cars and all sorts of things, forgetting the people that have worked for this money. They worked for it, they are entitled to it, so they should be given their due payment. Some of these retirees are so old, and people embezzle their money without even having pity on them. Sometimes they are owed for six, seven months. So the 10-years jail term is okey but I wish it was even more than that so that when you think of the punishment for whatever evil you want to do, you will have a rethink.
But I think that for this law to achieve its aim, our judiciary needs to be strengthened because if the judiciary is strong enough, they will be able to prosecute offenders without fear or favour. Secondly, this law should not be ridicule by giving the offenders laughable amounts to pay as options. For instance, when someone embezzles billions of naira and he was given a fine of N1m, when you know that person can pay it without blinking his eyes. He pays the fine option and is set free to enjoin his looth. So the judiciary should work seriously on that if not the embezzlement will not stop and we will keep causing the death of so many retirees. These people have contributed to the development of this country for Christ sake and I am saying that they should be given their pension as at when due. Immediately one reitrees he should be paid. Their gratuities and pensions should not be delayed. A situation where someone retirees and for three years he has not received even a kobo is very very unfair.

Mr. Igwe – Businessman
I think 10 years jail term is not enough. If you embezzle a huge sum of money and goes to jail for 10 years, well by the time you come out from prison and the money is still somewhere in a bank or with a friend, you continue your life, then somebody will follow the suit and do the same. So the penalty should be life in jail. Recall the case of the police pensions boss who embezzled pensions fund of over N20b and he was given two years jail term. Can you imagine that? That is not encouraging. The level of corruption in this country is too high. I don’t know where we are heading to honestly.
Somehow, the law will help in the fight against corruption particularly in the area of embezzlement of the retirees fund. For those who have conscience, if you remember the law, and the punishment therein, you will not want your name to be messed up. The area I’m kicking against is the 10-years jail punishment. If it can be made life jail then they will hands off completely, because you can see the politicians, they will engage the bad boys to win elections and after the election they will dump the boys and those boys will come back to the streets. Look at arms all over the places. Nobody is save in Nigeria. There is corruption everywhere.
And most of the people in government, those retirees are their parents. So we need a special welfare package for these weak ones. They should be given free medical attention and so on, so that they will pray for us. Some of these pensioners curse the younger generation due to the ill treatment meted on them by the society. But if they are happy, all that will come out from them is blessings for the younger ones.

Mr. John Ugwu – Businessman
Actually, the law is fine because in Nigeria today, the problem we have is just embezzlement, stealing of Nigerian fund. If the jail term had been higher than 10 years, it would have been better because somebody can embezzle billions of naira and go to jail for 10 years, after that, he comes out to enjoy the money with his people. So the penalty should be stiffer, according to how much was stolen. If you steal huge amount, they should give you a stiffer punishment.
This should apply not only to the pensions fund, but every aspect of life in Nigeria, schools board, local government etc. Any time a person is caught stealing Nigerian’s money, the person should go in for it. The law enforcement agencies should rise up and do their work. We have good laws in this country, but the enforcement has always been the problem. If we don’t begin the adequate punish offenders to serve as deterrent to others, this country will not move forward.

Opinion

Tackling Nigeria’s Health Sector Challenges

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “A nation’s health system is not measured by promises made, but by the quality of care available to its people when they need it most.” mm

Every year on April 7, Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Health Day, a day dedicated to reflecting on global health challenges and strengthening healthcare systems. The occasion, which marks the anniversary of the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO), is often accompanied by speeches and policy declarations highlighting government efforts in the health sector. This year was no different. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improving healthcare delivery. Across the states, governments showcased their interventions, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara reiterating efforts to position Rivers State as a health tourism hub. While such declarations may inspire hope, they also raise an important question: how much of this commitment is reflected in the daily realities of ordinary Nigerians?

Despite years of promises and reforms, the nation’s health sector remains burdened by structural deficiencies, inadequate funding, and policy inconsistencies. The result is a system struggling to meet the needs of a growing population. One of the most pressing challenges is the continued migration of healthcare professionals. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other skilled personnel are leaving the country in large numbers in search of better remuneration, improved working conditions, and greater career opportunities abroad. This persistent brain drain has widened the gap between available healthcare workers and the population they serve. With too few professionals left to cater for millions of Nigerians, hospitals are overstretched, waiting times are longer, and the quality of care is often compromised. Rural communities suffer the most, as many health facilities lack qualified personnel, forcing residents to travel long distances for basic medical attention.

Closely linked to this challenge is inadequate funding. For decades, budgetary allocations to health have remained below internationally recommended levels. Consequently, many public hospitals operate with obsolete equipment, poor infrastructure, and shortages of essential medicines. In several facilities, healthcare workers are compelled to improvise under difficult conditions, reducing the effectiveness of service delivery. The high cost of healthcare is another major concern. With only a small percentage of Nigerians covered by health insurance, most citizens pay for medical services directly from their pockets. For many households already grappling with economic hardship, healthcare expenses can be overwhelming. As a result, people often delay treatment, resort to self-medication, or seek help from unregulated providers, worsening health outcomes and deepening poverty.

Healthcare inequality between urban and rural areas further compounds the crisis. While major cities generally have better-equipped hospitals and a higher concentration of medical professionals, many rural communities are served by underfunded or non-functional primary healthcare centres. This imbalance leaves millions of Nigerians without access to quality healthcare and reinforces existing social and economic disparities. Industrial disputes have also become a recurring challenge. Strikes by healthcare workers, often triggered by unpaid salaries, inadequate welfare packages, and poor working conditions, continue to disrupt services and put lives at risk. The recent suspension of a nationwide strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors over salary arrears, hazard allowances, and residency training funding once again highlighted unresolved issues within the sector.

Another serious concern is the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard drugs. Weak regulatory enforcement allows fake medicines to find their way into the market, undermining treatment outcomes and endangering lives. Tackling this menace requires stronger oversight, stricter sanctions, and improved coordination among relevant agencies. Addressing these challenges demands more than ceremonial speeches or periodic interventions. Healthcare is not a luxury; it is a fundamental component of national development. A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social stability, and sustainable growth. The theme of this year’s World Health Day, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking and investment in innovation. Advances in medical science, digital health technology, vaccines, and diagnostics have transformed healthcare globally.

Nigeria must position itself to benefit from these innovations through increased investment in research, technology, and partnerships involving government, academia, and the private sector. More importantly, there must be sustained political will to implement reforms. The Federal Government should increase budgetary allocations to health, strengthen institutions, and ensure effective implementation of healthcare policies. State governments must also recognize their responsibility in delivering quality healthcare and invest accordingly. Retaining healthcare professionals should be a top priority. Better remuneration, improved working conditions, opportunities for career advancement, and incentives for service in rural communities would help reduce the exodus of skilled personnel. Expanding health insurance coverage is equally critical to reducing out-of-pocket expenses and making healthcare more accessible to vulnerable populations.

Strengthening primary healthcare is another urgent necessity. As the first point of contact for most Nigerians, primary healthcare centres must be adequately equipped, properly staffed, and effectively managed. Investments at this level would improve health outcomes, reduce pressure on tertiary hospitals, and bring healthcare closer to the people. Ultimately, the condition of a nation’s health sector reflects its priorities. A government genuinely committed to the welfare of its citizens cannot afford to treat healthcare as an afterthought. As Nigerians mark World Health Day, attention must shift from rhetoric to action. The challenges facing the sector are well known, and the solutions are within reach. What is needed now is bold, sustained, and sincere commitment to reform. The health and wellbeing of millions of Nigerians depend on it.

2): At 59, Rivers’ Agropotential Lost?

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Quote: “No society can sustainably prosper when it neglects the sector that feeds its people, creates jobs, powers industries, and secures its future.”

As Rivers State marks 59 years of its creation, there is every reason to celebrate its achievements in politics, infrastructure, commerce, education, and human capital development. Yet, amid the celebrations, one critical question demands attention: what has become of agriculture, once a major pillar of the state’s economy? Before crude oil became dominant, farming, fishing, and livestock production sustained livelihoods across communities such as Etche, Ikwerre, Ahoada, Ogba, Abua, Kalabari, Andoni, Opobo, Khana, Gokana, and Tai. Families depended on proceeds from cassava, yam, cocoyam, maize, vegetables, oil palm, fish, and other agricultural products to fund education, support households, and drive local commerce. Recognising agriculture’s importance, successive governments introduced programmes aimed at increasing food production and modernising farming.

Investments were made in extension services, fish farming schemes, livestock development, youth empowerment initiatives, and farm settlements. One notable intervention was the Songhai Farms project in Bunu-Tai, established to train young people in modern integrated farming and agribusiness. Governments also distributed improved seedlings, fertilisers, fishing equipment, and supported cooperative societies to encourage productivity and value addition. Despite these efforts, the outcomes have largely fallen short of expectations. Many projects suffered from inadequate funding, poor implementation, or policy discontinuity. Programmes launched by one administration were often abandoned by another, resulting in wasted resources and unrealised goals. At the same time, the dominance of oil revenue reduced interest in agriculture.

As opportunities expanded in the oil and gas sector, many young people abandoned farming, which gradually became associated with hardship and poverty rather than prosperity. Environmental challenges further weakened the sector. Oil spills, gas flaring, flooding, erosion, and pollution have damaged farmlands, rivers, and creeks across the state. Communities that once relied heavily on farming and fishing have seen productivity decline due to ecological degradation. These challenges continue to discourage investment and limit agricultural growth. Today, Rivers State faces a troubling paradox. Despite its vast arable land, abundant water resources, favourable climate, and large consumer market, it relies heavily on food supplies from other parts of Nigeria. Tomatoes, rice, vegetables, fish, and poultry products consumed in local markets are often transported from distant states. This dependence exposes the state to rising transportation costs, inflation, supply disruptions, and food insecurity.

Whenever insecurity, flooding, or fuel price increases affect transportation networks, food prices in Rivers State rise sharply, placing additional pressure on households. These realities highlight the urgent need for an agricultural renaissance. At 59, Rivers State must relaunch agriculture not as a political slogan but as a strategic economic priority. Such a relaunch should begin with a comprehensive agricultural master plan that transcends political administrations. Agriculture requires consistency and long-term commitment, since farmers invest over seasons rather than election cycles. Youth participation must be central to this new vision. Modern agriculture is increasingly driven by technology, mechanisation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Greenhouse farming, aquaculture, poultry production, food processing, hydroponics, and agritech solutions have transformed agriculture into a profitable business globally.

Rivers State can establish agricultural incubation centres where young people receive training, access to land, start-up support, and mentorship, thereby creating a new generation of agripreneurs while tackling unemployment. Access to affordable finance is equally important. Many farmers struggle to secure credit because of stringent lending conditions. Government can partner with financial institutions to create specialised agricultural financing schemes offering low-interest loans and flexible repayment options. Strengthening cooperatives would also improve farmers’ access to resources, markets, and modern inputs. Infrastructure development remains critical. Good road networks linking rural communities to urban markets would reduce transportation costs and post-harvest losses. Investments in storage facilities, cold rooms, processing centres, and rural electrification would improve productivity and profitability.

Particular attention should be given to aquaculture. With its extensive rivers, creeks, wetlands, and coastline, Rivers State has enormous potential to become a major fish-producing hub, creating jobs and reducing dependence on imports. The oil palm subsector also presents significant opportunities. Before the oil boom, the Niger Delta was renowned for palm oil production. Revitalising plantations and supporting smallholder farmers can stimulate agro-industrial development, increase export earnings, and strengthen rural economies. Beyond economic gains, agricultural revitalisation offers important social benefits. Increased food production can lower food prices and improve nutrition. Job creation can reduce poverty, youth restiveness, and rural-urban migration. Agriculture also supports a wide range of value-chain activities, including transportation, processing, packaging, marketing, and equipment maintenance, creating multiplier effects throughout the economy.

Communities where young people are productively engaged are generally more stable and secure. Food security has become an increasingly urgent national concern. Recent economic challenges and inflationary pressures have exposed the risks of relying heavily on food supplies from distant locations. A state that can feed itself is better positioned to withstand economic shocks and uncertainties. As Rivers State celebrates its 59th anniversary, the occasion should inspire renewed commitment to agricultural development. The state possesses the land, water, climate, manpower, and market needed for success. What remains is the political will, strategic planning, and sustained investment required to unlock these potentials. The future prosperity of Rivers State cannot depend solely on oil revenues whose fortunes fluctuate with global market forces. Diversification is no longer optional; it is an economic necessity.

Fifty-nine years after creation, the message is clear: Rivers State must return to the land—not as a retreat to the past, but as a bold investment in a more secure, prosperous, and sustainable future. Agriculture remains one of the surest pathways to food security, employment generation, inclusive growth, and economic resilience. The seeds of that future already exist in our soil. What is needed now is the collective determination to cultivate them.

Opinion

At 59, Rivers’ Agropotential Lost?

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “No society can sustainably prosper when it neglects the sector that feeds its people, creates jobs, powers industries, and secures its future.”

Opinion

Monthly Environmental Sanitation Imperative

Published

1 week ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “A clean environment is not a government gift; it is a civic duty that protects our health, preserves our cities, and reflects our national character.”

For many Nigerians who grew up in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, the last Saturday of every month followed a familiar pattern. Roads were deserted, markets closed, and residents swept compounds, cleared gutters, cut overgrown weeds, and disposed off refuse. The monthly environmental sanitation exercise became a national ritual that promoted cleanliness, discipline, and civic responsibility. As an environment correspondent about two decades ago, I joined officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment on sanitation monitoring tours across Port Harcourt and surrounding communities. Although enforcement officers were sometimes accused of excesses, the exercise succeeded in creating public awareness about the importance of keeping our surroundings clean. Over time, however, the practice faded away in many states.

In its absence, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blocked drainages and environmental neglect became increasingly common. Today, heaps of waste line roads, markets and motor parks, while gutters clogged with plastics contribute to perennial flooding. Given the mounting environmental challenges facing Nigerian cities, there is no better time to revive environmental sanitation. Its return is no longer a matter of nostalgia; it is a practical necessity for public health, environmental safety, and sustainable development. Poor sanitation remains a major cause of disease. Stagnant water and uncollected waste create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, flies and rodents, increasing the risk of malaria, cholera, typhoid and other infections. Floodwaters contaminated by refuse also expose communities to serious health hazards.

Rapid urbanisation has worsened the situation. Cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja are expanding faster than their waste management systems can cope. As populations grow, so does the volume of waste generated daily. Monthly sanitation exercises can help rebuild environmental consciousness. Beyond cleaning streets, they remind citizens that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility. They also offer an opportunity to educate children and young people about hygiene, public health and community participation. Critics argue that the old sanitation policy restricted movement and was sometimes abused by security personnel. Those concerns were valid, but they do not invalidate the concept itself. Rather than abandon it, governments should reform the programme to make it more humane, participatory and transparent.

That is why the recent decision by the Lagos State Government to reintroduce monthly sanitation deserves commendation. Even if participation is largely voluntary, the move sends a strong signal that environmental responsibility must be taken seriously. Other states should emulate this initiative. In Rivers State, the Rivers State Waste Management Agency has intensified efforts to improve waste collection and restore Port Harcourt’s reputation as the Garden City. Reintroducing monthly sanitation would complement these efforts and deepen public involvement. At the federal level, policies such as the Digital Waste Marketplace, the Plastic Waste Policy and the National Waste Management Network are commendable. However, environmental sanitation remains one of the most direct and visible ways to mobilise citizens toward cleaner communities.

The exercise, however, must be supported by efficient waste management infrastructure. Citizens cannot be expected to maintain clean surroundings if there are inadequate waste bins, irregular refuse collection, and limited recycling facilities. Governments at all levels should invest in modern waste management systems, properly fund sanitation agencies, and promote recycling programmes. Waste sorting should become standard practice to reduce the volume of refuse ending up in landfills and drainage channels. Countries such as Singapore, Sweden and South Korea have demonstrated that waste can become a valuable economic resource. Recycling industries in these countries create jobs while protecting the environment. Nigeria can adopt similar strategies and turn waste into wealth.

Environmental laws must also be enforced consistently. Regulations against illegal dumping exist in many states but are rarely implemented. Offenders should face penalties, but enforcement must be fair and free from extortion. Urban planning is another critical factor. Poor drainage systems, overcrowding and inadequate sewage infrastructure worsen sanitation problems. Governments must prioritise road construction, drainage maintenance and orderly urban development. Markets deserve particular attention. They generate enormous quantities of waste every day, yet many lack organised disposal systems. Local councils and market associations should work together to establish effective waste collection arrangements in commercial centres. Religious institutions, schools, traditional rulers and civil society groups also have important roles to play.

Environmental responsibility should be taught and reinforced as a social value. Community leaders can help change attitudes by consistently promoting cleaner habits. This issue is even more urgent in an era of climate change. Flooding, erosion and extreme weather events are already threatening many Nigerian communities. Poor waste disposal worsens these challenges by blocking waterways and reducing urban resilience. A clean environment also offers economic benefits. Well-maintained cities attract investors, tourists and businesses. Reduced disease outbreaks lower healthcare costs and improve productivity among workers and students. More importantly, cleanliness reflects national values. A nation that allows public spaces to deteriorate projects an image of disorder and neglect. Nigerians deserve cleaner streets, healthier neighbourhoods and safer communities.

Reviving environmental sanitation will not solve all environmental problems overnight, but it can serve as a powerful starting point. Combined with effective waste management, public education and stronger infrastructure, it can restore environmental consciousness across the country. Ultimately, environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility. Government must provide leadership, infrastructure and enforcement, while citizens must demonstrate discipline and civic commitment. From disposing of household waste properly to keeping drains free of obstruction, every Nigerian has a role to play. If Nigeria is serious about protecting public health, reducing flooding and building livable cities, the return of monthly environmental sanitation is a step whose time has come.

By: Calista Ezeaku