Editorial
Ending Fire Disasters At Rivers Waterfronts, Jetties

Last Monday’s multiple explosions at the Bonny/Bille/Nembe jetty in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capi-
tal, have left many still counting their losses. The disaster caused far-reaching damage to goods and property worth millions of naira. Several people were feared dead with many bodies still missing in the depths of the river. The explosions and subsequent fire further engulfed six market boats, leaving passengers trapped.
The Bonny/Bille/Nembe jetty serves as a prominent transit point for riverine people travelling beyond Port Harcourt and the state. While the exact cause of the fire remains uncertain, some eyewitnesses have attributed it to the haphazard storage and transportation of unlawfully refined petroleum products in the vicinity.
An observer’s account of the incident stated that the fire allegedly originated from an explosion. It is believed that certain houseboats were transporting liquid substances, possibly refined petroleum products, at the time of the incident. The initial explosion triggered two ensuing detonations within the boats. Adjoining makeshift buildings and structures near the site were also impacted by the fire, said the source.
The State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed profound concern and sympathy for the unfortunate victims, and pledged to collaborate with jetty operators to prevent annual infernos in the area. The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, confirmed the governor’s assurance during a visit to the scene of the inferno.
Recall that in November 2021, a wooden passenger boat caught fire at the jetty, killing five people, including three children. In April 2022, a pregnant woman, a two-month-old baby, and two others died in an early morning fire caused by individuals loading illegally refined substances called ‘kpofire’ at the same location. The fire destroyed over 40 boats.
Port Harcourt residents have suffered prodigious losses following illegal petroleum activities, resulting in the destruction of valuable property worth millions of naira. The increase in illicit petroleum product pursuits had previously worsened the presence of airborne particulate matter known as ‘soot’, causing residents to feel marginalised and neglected in rural Niger Delta communities.
Unfortunately, criminal activities at the jetties and waterfronts are widespread and deeply rooted, with felons illegally ferrying refined products with the help of security agents. The corruption extends beyond the military and police force, with alleged weekly financial payoffs to heads of security agency. This endemic decadence hinders progress and greatly undermines the state.
There is a need for the Rivers State Government to work with citizens and security operatives to combat illegal crude oil refiners, who have caused severe environmental pollution and fire outbreaks at the various waterfronts and jetties in the state. Media and civil society organisations should also launch public awareness campaigns to eradicate these villainous activities.
Governor Fubara’s commitment to addressing the constant fires at the Bonny/Bille/Nembe jetty is remarkable. His concern for the victims and determination to find a long-term solution to the intractable problem characterise him as a particularly true leader. However, desperate and decisive actions, realisation of strategic mitigative measures, and the effective establishment of necessary machinery to contain the menace are essential to back up this resolve.
The state government must invest in modern firefighting technology and equipment, train personnel, and strategically build state-of-the-art firefighting stations across jetties and waterfronts prone to frequent fire outbreaks. Collaborating with firefighting agencies and humanitarian relief organisations is essential for garnering the requisite knowledge and support.
The Bonny/Bille/Nembe jetty and others need strict regulations enforcement mechanism, including regular inspections, heavy fines, and penalties for non-compliant operators. Monitoring material loading and unloading protocols and safety procedures is critical. The government should adopt a zero-tolerance stance on wharf stakeholders’ negligence, as their dereliction has contributed to recurring fires.
The authorities can collaborate with private oil and gas firms in the Bonny/Bille/Nembe region to promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, focusing on safety measures, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and fire disaster management. This collective approach will reduce the burden on the government and ensure an inclusive approach to addressing the matter.
Encouraging research into the root causes of the fires at the wharfs would be a proactive step. The Rivers State Government can partner with academic institutions to delve deeper into other possible causes and effects of the fires and propose plausible solutions. This step would be especially pertinent as it will deploy a knowledge-based approach towards dealing with the awful predicament, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.
Incessant fires at our wharfs remain a ticking time bomb that calls for prompt neutralisation. While inadvertent fire surges might not be preventable, the frequency and impact can be decimated. Preventive measures should be integrated into the operating ethos of jetties to save lives, properties, and the environment. As a state perforated by multiple waterfronts and jetties because of its littoral and deltaic characteristics, it is incumbent on all residents to imbibe best practices in marine safety, good health, security and environmental sustainability to guarantee the future of the people who live and do business around those vulnerable communities.
Also, the state authorities must muster the political will to address this issue. Investing in safe marine transport system, through quality infrastructure and manpower development would be key in remedying this challenge. Further standardising the business environment in such a way that fire resistant structures are built several meters away from the jetties would savd lives and property of jetty users.
We believe that if these steps are taken, Rivers State would become a model of efficient, people-centric governance. It would also reassure the people living in the riverine communities that the government seriously cares about their lives, and appreciates their contributions to the prosperity of the state. We think that this is the right way to go!
Editorial
No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike
Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.
What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.
According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.
The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?
In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.
We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.
The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.
Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.
Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.
Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.
This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.
Editorial
No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike
Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.
What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.
According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.
The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?
In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.
We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.
The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.
Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.
Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.
Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.
This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.
Editorial
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