Editorial
Combating Food Crisis In Nigeria
Dire economic conditions have been exacerbated by severe shortages in food supply in Nigeria. Therefore, the government should do all it can to ensure that the country is not hit by food depletion by promoting local production rather than resorting to the usual food imports. Immediate steps should also be taken to combat the threat of destructive pests.
Over the years, Nigeria has spent billions of dollars importing basic food items from other countries. Not long ago, former Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbe, revealed that Nigeria spent as much as $20 billion a year on food imports. This is an infamy for a country with 99.9 per cent arable land that has huge potential for agricultural development.
It can be seen that policy and institutional obstacles are the main stumbling block to Nigeria’s agricultural development and agro-related industries. In addition to the lack of commitment, there has been no policy push for agro-processing and value-added tool manufacturing. Furthermore, epileptic power is a major barrier. Nigerians would not be importing food or going hungry if the right policies and structures were in place.
Reports show that more people are falling into extreme poverty daily. Some live on less than a dollar a day and are unable to eat three meals a day. About 7.1 million people in Nigeria are currently in need of humanitarian assistance, and another 1.8 million people are still living in camps for internally displaced persons in conflict-affected areas. Their main need is food. We must identify the problems associated with food production and distribution to overcome the looming hunger and food crisis.
Insecurity is a major concern currently plaguing food production, supply, and distribution. The killing of 43 rice farmers in Borno State by Boko Haram militants is still fresh in farmers’ memories. Similar killings by bandits or herder/farmer conflicts have occurred across the country. Insecurity also hinders the free movement and distribution of agricultural products. These events create great fear among farmers, who are forced to abandon their farms.
Low agricultural product quality and inputs are also identified as one of the threats to food production. At a 2019 national workshop analysing agricultural input supply chains in West Africa and the Sahel sub region, agricultural experts agreed that despite population growth in Nigeria and West Africa, agricultural inputs and productivity were declining. Their position was that most farmers did not understand improved seeds and how to obtain them. Farmers’ awareness in this regard must be improved.
Lack of storage is another issue in the food value chain that contributes to hunger. Sadly, more than 60 per cent of our produce perishes before it reaches the final consumer. This is because the country lacks sufficient storage facilities to keep perishable goods. Tomatoes, peppers, onions, and others are the hardest hit. These products are prone to spoilage soon after harvest.
Consequently, we call for the speedy re-introduction of various marketing boards, especially for cash crops such as cocoa, cashew, rice, and maize. The defunct marketing boards were emplaced to scale agricultural hurdles of poor financing, fluctuating prices and inability to access markets. The agricultural boards were of great help to farmers with relevant information and capacity building towards stabilising production and marketing of farm produce.
Poor transport systems and road networks have also been identified as a factor hindering an effective and efficient food distribution system. Currently, most produce is transported across the country by road on trucks. Food distribution and delivery to their respective destinations are greatly hampered by poor roads and general insecurity.
The current rice revolution policy of the government is applaudable, but not adequate. That is why the price is still on an upward swing. The availability of alternative food to rice must be the priority of governments at all levels. A situation where rice is given so much priority almost to the neglect and exclusion of other food crops the country is equally blessed with is not in the interest of the nation.
Our federal lawmakers should enact a law to compel all tiers of government to regulate prices of food and other items, guarantee food security and lessen the economic hardship on Nigerians. The legislators should meet with critical stakeholders in the country to address the frightening rise in the prices of goods. These should include captains of industry and other promoters in the economic sector on ways for a drastic reduction in prices of goods and services.
From the onset of COVID-19, global food prices have rocketed, putting pressure on the world’s most fragile countries. In Nigeria, especially, soaring prices and growing insecurity are deeply felt and could foment protests and social unrest. The pain is unusually acute because purchasing power and social safety nets are virtually absent in the country, and discontent with underperforming governments is simmering.
Since local production of food is not getting the required boost, the Federal Government should reopen more borders to address the food shortage in the country. This will be a step in the right direction. Food importation could arrest Nigeria’s food inflation to an extent. Making food available and taming hunger that could escalate conflicts should be the focus of our country rather than protectionism. This measure would help reduce the surging cost of food items and other necessities.
Besides the insecurity that daunts farmers, the poor state of infrastructure in rural areas where most of the farming population lives is a major impediment to Nigeria’s efforts to ensure food security. State governments should correct this. The need to provide good rural roads and off-grid electricity using solar energy to improve the lives of rural residents cannot be overemphasised. States need to prioritise rural infrastructure and agriculture with strong private-sector.
Editorial
For An Effective Supreme Court
The recent inauguration of 11 additional Justices to the Supreme Court, Nigeria’s highest judicial institution, presents a robust event in the judiciary. This action comes in the wake of a period the court was grappling with high workload pressure because of statutory retirements and unfortunate demise, resulting in the highest court running below its required capacity. However, the induction of the new Justices has brought transformation. The replenishment of the Bench restores the court’s strength to its estimated complement of 21 Justices, in line with the stipulations of the country’s constitution.
During the administration of the Oath of Office to the Justices, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, reiterated the essence of their role and the responsibility they carry. He emphasised the expectation for them to exhibit utmost integrity and fairness, akin to Caesar’s wife, in delivering justice impartially regardless of whose interests were at stake. According to him, they should see themselves as God’s representatives. Unfortunately, the 11 Justices were assuming their positions on the Supreme Court Bench during a period when the Nigerian judiciary, including the apex court, faces severe criticisms, resulting in widespread skepticism towards judges among the people.
Today, there is a lack of consensus regarding CJN Ariwoola’s assertion that Nigerian judges, across different levels, serve as representatives of God on earth and understand his expectations. While the CJN could have provided his guidance without invoking religious beliefs, he accurately pointed out the heightened scrutiny that the apex court will face, particularly from Nigerian politicians seeking to manipulate judicial outcomes. The legal community will also closely observe the newly appointed Justices, assessing how their promotion and the completion of the judicial panel at the apex court will impact the administration of justice and advance legal principles.
The main concern regarding the depletion of the apex court was the high number of cases on the docket, leading to over-congestion in the court and causing the Justices, who were already few in number, to be overworked. Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad highlighted in his emotional farewell speech in October 2023 that the Justices were also underpaid and lacked resources. With the recent addition of 11 judges to the apex court, more cases can now be heard, leading to improved performance and efficiency. However, for this to be successful, the administrative processes at the Supreme Court must also be revamped and modernised.
We congratulate the new Justices on their appointment to a position that carries a sense of authority in their decisions while presiding over cases brought before them for adjudication. However, they must remember that their new role comes with great challenges, responsibilities, and heightened expectations, as the judiciary is often seen as the last resort for the common man.
This has become pertinent in light of the demand for justice by Nigerians, both ordinary citizens and those in positions of power, who feel let down by the decisions coming from the courts on various issues, especially those related to politics. Whether rightly or wrongly, there is a widespread belief that the respected institution of justice has been influenced by corruption; that greed and dishonesty have tarnished what was once a highly esteemed establishment that was respected by all.
Many well-meaning Nigerians have been vocal in their calls for the purification of the corrupt judiciary, especially the Supreme Court. It is widely believed that by ensuring a full complement of judges, a new era of swift justice can be ushered in, ultimately leading to the much-needed purification of the system. The hope is that with a reformed and efficient judiciary, the rule of law will be upheld, and justice will be served timely.
The judiciary in Nigeria is a reflection of the larger society, encompassing both the good and the bad. It must be recognised that Justices are human, with all the inherent flaws that come with being human. However, it is believed that through their training, sense of duty, and the discipline required for their roles, they should be able to rise above any shortcomings and fulfil their responsibilities to the public. It is expected that they will meet the presumptions of the people they serve.
From that perspective, and in view of the burden of duty they must discharge, we feel obligated to further contend that for the Justices to be able to, like the blind-folded lady, dispense justice without fear, favour or ill-will, there is the compelling urgency to make the judiciary a member of the tripod, truly independent, especially from the standpoint of funding. It deserves to get its allocation directly from the federation account devoid of the manipulative influence of any other arm of government. This is required if the nation must do away with the negative perceptions of who pays the piper dictates the tune.
Furthermore, the selection of the Chief Justice of the Federation or Chief Judge of a state should not be at the discretion of a single elected official, whether it be a governor or the President of the country. This tendency for one individual to have complete control over who holds these critical positions, often through manipulation and questionable deals, undermines the idea of a judiciary that is truly independent and able to withstand political pressure. Appointments to these offices should be made based on merit, integrity, and public scrutiny rather than political favouritism.
If judicial officers are diligent in carrying out their duties, they deserve to have comfortable working conditions. This means that they should not have to settle for the meager salaries they currently receive. The nation must ensure that we did not repeat the past where Supreme Court Justices had to protest against the poor working conditions they were subjected to. Corruption can be tempting, but with the right incentives and working environment, we can prevent it from taking hold. Justices need to be provided with better working conditions that do not compromise their rectitude.
Given that the Supreme Court has now been completely constituted, there should be no room for cases to drag on in their dockets. It is anticipated that a fully constituted Supreme Court will have all its courtrooms operational and the newly appointed Justices will enhance our legal system and assist the apex court in realising its maximum potential. Despite these recent appointments, more Justices of the apex court are approaching retirement and any resulting vacancies should be promptly filled without delays. With the court now at full capacity, we are optimistic about the future productivity and efficiency of the Supreme Court.
Editorial
IWD: Moving Towards Gender Equality
Today, March 8, marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a global observance devoted to recognising
and honouring the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women and girls. It is a moment to highlight the improvement made towards gender parity and to accentuate the ongoing work that still needs to be done.
The universal theme for 2024, “Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress,” highlights the relevance of investing in women’s education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and leadership development. By bolstering women through investment, we are not merely enhancing their individual opportunities and well-being but likewise fostering positive social and economic outcomes for communities and countries.
IWD, observed every year on March 8, is a worldwide celebration to honour women for their attainment, acknowledge their contributions to society, and promote gender equality. The day serves to coalesce people around the world and contemplate the growths made towards obtaining gender uniformity, while further recognising the challenges that still prevail.
The origins of IWD can be traced to the early 20th century, when women groups battled for reformed working conditions and social justice. The inaugural National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. In 1910, at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen, Denmark, Clara Zetkin proposed establishing an annual Women’s Day to advocate for women’s rights and suffrage. The proposal garnered unanimous support, leading to the first IWD being celebrated in 1911 by over a million people in Austria, Denmark and Switzerland.
Additionally, IWD sheds light on the ongoing challenges and barriers that women around the world continue to face. These include gender-based discrimination, violence, unequal access to education, denial of employment opportunities, injustice, limited economic prospects, gender-based violence, and inadequate healthcare and education. We have to assess our achievements and renew the search for solutions to promote gender equality and empower women and girls.
Collaborating across different sectors and advocating for systemic change, can build a fairer and more inclusive world where every woman and girl can achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society. As we celebrate the day, we have to recommit ourselves to creating a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for everyone. We have to embrace this theme and join forces to construct a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world.
To achieve gender equality, men must support this cause. They can do so by dismantling patriarchal systems and creating a society that promotes inclusivity, enabling women to thrive. Men should listen to women’s experiences, amplify their voices, and actively work towards building a more equitable world. Both men and women can work towards a future where discrimination is eliminated and everyone, regardless of gender, can have access to equal opportunities.
Every March 8, Nigerian women join the rest of the world to celebrate IWD. It is an ample opportunity for political leaders to make grand promises to improve the lives of women and help them evade poverty. From the lowest-ranking officials to those in the highest positions, women are promised equal representation, active involvement, and policies that give priority to gender balance. However, by the next day, these same politicians revert to their usual ways, conveniently forgetting the promises they made until the next IWD comes around, and the cycle continues indefinitely.
Women play vital roles in both private and public spheres, and should be granted complete support and respect from society for their contributions. They should be encouraged to engage in governance and public affairs without facing discrimination or obstacles. Consequently, public policies should be intentionally designed to harness their abilities for the betterment and advancement of our nation. Nigerian women have impacted the country’s growth and development, thus investing in them would drive transformation and promote a seamless transition to a more secure and equitable society.
Rwanda, recognised as one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, boasts one of the highest rate of female representation globally. In a strategic move to rebuild the nation following the post-genocide era, a new constitution was drafted and approved in 2003, allowing for the implementation of proactive measures, including a gender quota ensuring that women occupy a minimum of 30 per cent of political positions. Consequently, Rwanda stands out for having established one of the most effective systems due to the inclusion of women in decision-making processes.
Unfortunately, Nigeria ranks 133rd, globally for female political representation, with only 20 per cent of formal sector enterprises owned by women. Women have less than 6 per cent representation in the National Assembly, with merely 19 out of 469 members serving in the Senate and House of Representatives. This low representation is indicative of discrimination, as only three women serve in the Senate and 16 in the House of Representatives.
Gender equality needs to be at the top of the federal, state, and local governments’ agenda, and acknowledged as a major priority by all people, organisations, and communities, if our country is to achieve inclusive and sustainable development. Restrictive clauses, norms, and traditions that support prejudice and discrimination against women and girls must be addressed and eradicated. Every legislation currently in place that impedes the advancement of women should be examined and reviewed by the state and federal legislature. This would be the most potent way to observe this year’s International Women’s Day.
Editorial
Tackling Weapons Proliferation In Nigeria
On September 26, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly hosted a special event to observe the yearly
International Day for the Complete Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. That year marked the eleventh anniversary of the approval of Resolution 68/32, which was made in December 2013, creating this observance to raise awareness about the dangers nuclear weapons pose to humanity and the need for their total eradication.
Over a decade after the resolution was adopted, the goal of a world, free of nuclear weapons remains unachieved. Even countries such as Costa Rica have repeatedly warned of a new arms race with advanced and dangerous weapons, while states like Kazakhstan, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Holy See have cautioned of unpredictable global consequences. The number of nuclear warheads is increasing, and many delegates condemn the resurgence of nuclear rhetoric and threats. Only recently, Sri Lanka and Mexico noted that 2023 was the closest the world has ever been to nuclear war. And the threats continue to loom, even today.
Indeed, weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear ones, pose a serious threat to humanity due to their destructive power. The excessive accumulation of conventional weapons and illicit trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) threaten international peace, security, and sustainable development. Explosive weapons in populated areas endanger civilians. And emerging weapon technologies pose a challenge to global security.
On March 5, yesterday the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness was observed to help increase the global public’s understanding of how disarmament efforts can contribute to promoting peace and security, preventing and resolving armed conflicts, and reducing human suffering caused by weapons. The day serves as a reminder of the need for working towards, a world free of weapons and violence.
This second International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness was taking place during a critical time, with increasing military expenditures, escalating geopolitical rivalries, and a rise in violent conflicts worldwide. It is worrisome to see some leaders resorting to apocalyptic language when discussing the potential use of nuclear weapons. It is essential, more than ever, to promote peace, dialogue, and cooperation to prevent the catastrophic consequences of nuclear proliferation.
Yesterday’s event served as a reminder that disarmament and non-proliferation are imperative not just for a peaceful future, but for our very survival. Global leaders must prioritise peace by enhancing the mechanisms and strategies that deter the spread and utilisation of destructive weapons, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and by formulating disarmament resolutions.
There is a pressing need for a renewed effort to combat the mushrooming and trafficking of small arms in Africa. The spread of small arms in West Africa, in particular, is rapidly transforming the region into a key hub for illegal drug trafficking, which in turn is fueling the rise of criminal organisations that possess enough weaponry to pose a threat to national security forces.
It is necessary to increase efforts to fulfil the objective of preventing, fighting against, and eliminating the illegal trade of SALW, as well as regulating the transfer of conventional weapons. The UN should completely execute the 2001 United Nations Programme of Action on Small and Light Weapons, which encourages international cooperation to enhance the capability of states in identifying and tracking illicit arms and light weapons.
Studies indicate that there are over a billion small arms circulating worldwide, with 87.5 per cent of these weapons owned by civilians. The Small Arms Survey of 2018 revealed that there were more than 40,009,000 small arms in the possession of civilians in different African countries. In Nigeria, the widespread availability of small arms and ammunition in various regions has led to increased levels of violence, kidnappings, robberies, mass killings, and socio-economic disruptions in society.
Nigeria is encountering a dangerous issue with the illegal possession of military-grade arsenals by criminals and non-state actors. This build-up of arms has reached an epidemic level, posing national security risks. Efforts by the executive, legislature, and security agencies have made some gains, but they have not been enough to reduce or eradicate the multiplication of SALW in the country.
Illicit SALW are a global concern, especially in Nigeria. These are weapons that are not controlled by a state or non-state entity and are often used in criminal activities or conflicts. The escalation of SALW has led to violence, crime, and insecurity in various parts of the country. SALW circulation has been reported in regions impacted by conflicts, such as the Niger Delta, North East affected by Boko Haram insurgency, and North-West which is presently terrorised by bandits, just as the North-Central has been made a theatre of the absurd by killer-herdsmen.
It is no longer debatable that illegal weapons often end up in the hands of criminal groups and non-state actors, causing instability and posing a threat to national and regional security. With access to these armament, rogue elements become more aggressive and less receptive to peace negotiations. The situation where these swindler elements have more sophisticated weapons than security agents exposes them to harm, weakening their ability to protect the populace, and help government realise one of its cardinal objectives: protection of lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
Unfortunately, Nigeria has the highest number of civilian SALW in any African country, according to the Small Arms Survey. In 2020, the nation had an estimated 6.2 million arms, with 3.21 per 100 persons possessing firearms. The survey also found that Nigeria has more Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) than any country in Sub-Saharan Africa. This alarming situation highlights the need for increased security measures in the country.
Therefore, government at all levels should collaborate with civil societies and other interested local and international agencies to effectively decrease the risk of amplification of SALW by confiscating and destroying these weapons. It is mandatory to raise awareness, particularly among children and youths, about the hazards of illicit SALW through a strong and well-coordinated campaign, education, outreach, engagement and representation.
This troubling discovery is not a good sign for Nigeria, particularly in this critical era when the country is facing serious economic and security issues in nearly all regions. The authorities must act to address the illicit intensification of SALW and work towards resolving the nation’s security challenges. The government needs to assert its authority in the use of coercive measures and encourage non-state actors to refrain from attempting to control any part of the Nigerian state. It is time to step up and tackle these issues head-on.
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