Opinion

Lavishness In A Season Of Want

Published

2 years ago

August 26, 2024

As the generality of Nigerians continue to grill under harsh economic conditions, officials of the federal government appear focused at extracting utmost official entittlements to the point of extravagance. This is notwithstanding Nigeria’s financial constraints and the public out-cries that recently led to nation-wide protests and demands for better governance. Thankfully, the much-feared protests ended without much instability. But in view of the litany of demands submitted to the federal government by various groups of protesters, this should be a time of deep, sober reflections on governance shortfalls in Nigeria. Rather than continue to engage in lavish spendings for its officials while ordinary citizens face daily hunger and insecurity, it is adviseable that government directs national resources towards addressing demanding social issues.
The federal government’s rationale at prioritising in this critical time, the expenditure of $150 million (about N240 billion) on additional presidential aircraft is therefore baffling. This is more so, considering that the Boeing B737-700(BBJ) presidential jet which dutifully served all past administrations, from Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), is still very fit. Since May, 2023, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over the mantle of leadership, this administration has severally appealed to Nigerians to make sacrifices by enduring the hardships caused by the sudden removal of energy subsidies and other disruptive policies, but it appears the officials themselves are excluded from tasting the prescriptions of austerity recommended to ‘fellow Nigerians.’
The first significant provocation came during the 2023 supplementary budget of N2.17 trillion, in which Mr President proposed N5 billion for the procurement of a presidential yacht. Even as the National Assembly later declined the request publicly, following massive uproar, sources reveal that the yacht had already been delivered. For a national budget financed mainly by loans, reports also say the president has discarded the state-of-the-art, exortic presidential car, Mercedes Maybach S Class, that served his predecessors, for an armoured Cadillac Escalade at a cost of N995 million, while as at May, 2024 when the administration marked its one year in office, about N3.7 billion had already been spent on vehicles and tyres alone, out of the N40.62 billion allocated for the state house, a separate $38 million expended to renovate the presidential fleet, and N1.5 billion allocated for vehicles for the unconstitutional office of the First Lady.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is also not left out from the spoil, considering the N21 billion expenditure for his Abuja residence alone. According to reports, members of the National Assembly are also enjoying extravagazas with luxurious vehicles and other largesse being doled out. The 360 members of the House of Representatives in particular, got Sport Utility Vehicles each worth about N160 million, amounting to a whooping total of N57.6 billion, some members reportedly opting for the cash, while a government that came on-board on the mantra of curtailling expensive government subsidies that for years dragged the nation’s growth, turned around to splash N90 billion to subsidise the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Sadly, all these lavish expenditures are taking place in a country where due to paucity of funds many economic roads and other critical national infrastructure are comatose, national universities are starved of research funds, national agro-potentials are under-utilised, struggling industries die under energy starvation, and the average worker is inhumanly under-paid, while critical gadgets and welfare needed by security personnel who are daily overwhelmed by rising insurgency, are scarcely provided. However, of all the profligacies, the expenditure of $150 million on 15-year old, third-hand additional aircraft, is so far the most provocative, and humiliating for Nigeria’s national image, even as the plane became embroiled in embarrassing seizures over national debts, that set a stranded Mr President to oscillate between France and Nigeria.
According to reports, “Nigeria’s newly acquired presidential aircraft, an Airbus A330-200 with registration number 5N-FGA, was manufactured 15 years ago, in November, 2009.” It was initially purchased by Midroc Aviation of Saudi Arabia who operated it for 12 years with a VIP configuration, registered as VP-CAC. In 2021 Midroc sold it to Switzerland-based AMAC Aerospace before Nigeria recently acquired it at a cost of $100 million, and spent additional $50 million for gadget retrofits at Toulouse in France. Nigeria shyly took delivery on Sunday, August 18, 2024, as the aircraft’s third owner. On its first outing however, it got entangled in embarrassing spotlights and publicity, when an aggrieved Chinese company swooped on it alongside two other presidential aircrafts – a Dassault Falcon 7X and a Boeing 737.
Quite hillariously, a spokesperson of the Chinese firm said, Nigeria was later granted use of the seized Airbus 330 because Nigerian officials pleaded that French President, Emmanuel Macron, had earlier been promised a lift alongside Nigeria’s President Tinubu to a scheduled meeting. One wonders if it is not an irony, that a president whose much poorer country, that does not produce even a spring of an aircraft, could afford to offer free rides to one whose country manufactures and maintains aircrafts? Which brings us to reflect on the economic wisdom, or otherwise, of acquiring fleets of aircrafts. Mr Macron, possibly, may have choosed to feed-off Nigeria’s unwise decisions, to save his country the burden of funding his own presidential ride.
It is indeed expensive to run aircrafts. The Airbus A300-200 in particular, consumes a tank capacity of 139,090 litres of aviation fuel for a flight range of 13,450 Km. At £1.05 current price per litre of the Jet A1 fuel, 139,090 litres translates to £146,044.50 per full tank, which at N2,082.09/£, is over N304 million. At about 10.671 Km flight distance between Nigeria and the US for example, a round-trip would require more refuelling. The huge burden of running air fleet is the reason many Nigerians call on the presidency to cut down on the frequency of its foreign trips, as well as the number of persons on presidential entourages.
Between February 19, 2024 and July, 2024 alone, the presidency spent about N2.3 billion on foreign trips. And for Airbus 300-200 whose useful life is 25 – 30 years, the purchase of a 15-year old at $150 million when the brand new is $180.9 million benefits only the vendors who have dumped their liability on Nigeria, while simultaneously extracting a maximum salvage value of $100 million. Prudence should be one of the hallmarks of good stewardship, especially in times of economic challenges as presently faced by Nigeria and Nigerians. In a challenging economy, it is expected that a savvy government should cut down on the cost of governance, even if it means going by commercial flights on some trips, while it works to revive the economy.

By: Joseph Nwankwor

Opinion

Monthly Environmental Sanitation Imperative

Published

2 days 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

Opinion

God’s Intentionality in Ecological System

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Every component of creation is interdependent, demonstrating that God designed nature as a balanced system in which each part contributes to the wellbeing of the whole”.

From the very first chapter of Scripture, the Bible presents a profound truth: creation was not accidental, random, or without meaning. The universe emerged from the deliberate counsel of an all-wise God who fashioned every aspect of life with purpose and precision. The heavens were stretched out by His command, the earth was carefully positioned, the seas were bounded, and every living creature was assigned a distinct role within a perfectly coordinated ecological system. When God surveyed His completed work, He pronounced it “very good,” affirming that creation was whole, harmonious, and exactly as He intended. The natural world remains a visible testimony to God’s intentionality. The sun provides warmth and energy at the right intensity to sustain life. The moon governs tides and seasons. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

Rivers irrigate the land and quench thirst. Bees and butterflies pollinate crops. Birds disperse seeds. Animals maintain biodiversity. Every component of creation is interdependent, demonstrating that God designed nature as a balanced system in which each part contributes to the wellbeing of the whole. Nothing was made without significance, and nothing was left to chance. Among all created beings, humanity occupies a unique and privileged position. Unlike plants and animals, man was created in the image and likeness of God. This divine imprint endowed human beings with intelligence, moral consciousness, creativity, and the capacity for relationship with their maker. It also established mankind as the steward of creation. God granted humanity dominion over the earth, not as a license for reckless exploitation, but as a sacred trust to cultivate, protect, and preserve the world He had declared good.

Dominion, in God’s original intention, was to be exercised with wisdom, compassion, and responsibility. Human beings were meant to care for the land, use natural resources judiciously, and ensure that all forms of life flourished in accordance with divine order. The earth was to be managed as a trust from God, not plundered for selfish gain. Unfortunately, this divine mandate has been grossly misunderstood and widely abused. It is deeply regrettable that man has deviated so drastically from God’s original intention. Instead of stewardship, humanity has too often embraced greed. Instead of preservation, there has been exploitation. Instead of gratitude to the Creator, there has been reckless consumption and abuse of the environment. Across the world, forests are felled indiscriminately, rivers are contaminated, and fertile lands are stripped of their productivity.

Species disappear as habitats are destroyed. Air pollution threatens public health, and climate change disrupts weather patterns and livelihoods. What God created as a life-supporting ecosystem is increasingly treated as a disposable commodity. In Nigeria, the consequences are especially painful. Oil spills in the Niger Delta have devastated farmlands, poisoned rivers, and destroyed fishing communities. Poor waste management clogs drains and contributes to flooding. Erosion eats away homes and roads. Illegal mining and logging scar the landscape. In many cases, communities suffer while those responsible evade justice. At the root of much of this destruction is corruption. Funds earmarked for environmental protection, sanitation, and erosion control are often diverted for personal enrichment. Regulatory agencies are compromised through bribery.

Powerful individuals and corporations place profit above human welfare. Corruption thus becomes not only a moral failure but an assault on God’s creation. This environmental abuse is also a tragic expression of man’s inhumanity to man. When water is polluted, children fall sick. When farmlands are destroyed, farmers lose their means of survival. When rivers are contaminated, fishermen are plunged into poverty. When floods and erosion displace families, communities are torn apart. The burden of environmental degradation falls most heavily on the poor and vulnerable, while future generations inherit a diminished world. Yet, despite humanity’s failures, there remains hope for restoration. God’s purpose for creation has not changed. He still calls His people to responsible stewardship and righteous living. When individuals and nations return to God’s principles, they begin to view the earth not as an object to exploit, but as a sacred trust to preserve.

Responsible stewardship means protecting natural resources, planting trees, reducing pollution, disposing of waste properly, enforcing environmental laws, rejecting corruption, and treating others with justice and compassion. It requires governments to act with integrity, businesses to operate ethically, faith communities to teach creation care, and citizens to take personal responsibility for the environment. Creation care is therefore more than an environmental concern; it is a spiritual obligation. Our treatment of the earth and of one another reflects the sincerity of our reverence for God. To exploit nature, oppress the vulnerable, and enrich ourselves through corruption is to rebel against His purpose. To protect creation and uphold justice is to honor the Creator and participate in His original design. The world God made was declared “very good.” It is our solemn duty to ensure that our actions preserve rather than destroy that goodness.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Confronting National Development In Chinese Style

Published

7 days ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “China’s rise was not a miracle. It was the result of deliberate planning, disciplined execution, and a national determination to make poverty reduction the foundation of national development.”

A short TikTok video by @ancientchinaforever recently offered a compelling summary of China’s remarkable transformation from one of the world’s poorest nations to a global economic powerhouse. In just a few minutes, it captured a lesson that developing countries like Nigeria cannot afford to ignore: meaningful development does not happen by chance. It is the product of vision, consistency, and a deliberate commitment to confronting poverty. In 1981, according to the World Bank, nearly 88 percent of China’s population lived in extreme poverty. The country was overwhelmingly rural, industrially weak, and lacking in modern infrastructure. Millions of people had limited access to quality healthcare, education, and basic social services. Yet China refused to accept poverty as its destiny. Its leaders made a strategic decision to treat poverty reduction as the starting point of national development.

Rather than relying on slogans or isolated welfare programmes, they created a coordinated system that mobilised government institutions at every level toward one overriding goal: improving the living conditions of ordinary citizens.

This was the turning point in China’s history. Poverty alleviation became a national mission. Clear targets were established, responsibilities were assigned to provincial and local governments, and officials were evaluated based on measurable results. Data was used to identify poor households, monitor progress, and adjust strategies where necessary.In effect, China built what may be described as a national development machine.The first major reforms focused on agriculture. Through the household responsibility system, farmers were given greater control over their land and allowed to sell surplus produce after meeting government quotas.

This policy created incentives for productivity and innovation. The results were dramatic. Agricultural output rose significantly, rural incomes increased, and millions were lifted out of poverty.With food security improving, China turned to industrialisation. The government established Special Economic Zones, most notably in Shenzhen, to attract foreign investment and promote export-driven manufacturing. What was once a small fishing community quickly transformed into one of the world’s leading industrial and technology hubs. Factories created millions of jobs, drawing workers from rural areas into expanding urban centres. China soon became the manufacturing capital of the world, producing electronics, textiles, machinery, and consumer goods for global markets.The revenue generated from industrial growth was reinvested in infrastructure and human development.

China understood that development requires more than factories. It demands modern infrastructure that connects people, goods, and markets. Massive investments were made in roads, railways, airports, seaports, electricity, and telecommunications.

Today, China’s high-speed rail system, modern cities, and efficient logistics networks stand as visible proof of decades of purposeful investment. Equally important was China’s commitment to education and healthcare.Schools were expanded, literacy improved, and vocational training equipped workers with the skills needed in a modern economy. Healthcare reforms reduced preventable diseases and protected families from being pushed deeper into poverty by medical costs.These investments ensured that economic growth translated into tangible improvements in living standards.

Another defining feature of China’s development model was policy continuity. Through successive Five-Year Plans, national priorities were clearly outlined and pursued over decades. While leaders changed, the core development agenda remained consistent. This stability encouraged investment, strengthened institutions, and allowed long-term projects to be completed. Unlike countries where each administration abandons the policies of its predecessor, China sustained a clear sense of direction.The results have been extraordinary. According to the World Bank, China has lifted more than 800 million people out of extreme poverty—the largest poverty reduction effort in human history. A broad middle class has emerged, and the country has become the world’s second-largest economy. Chinese companies such as Huawei Technologies and Alibaba Group now compete at the forefront of global innovation.

China’s journey has not been without challenges. Rapid industrialisation has contributed to environmental degradation, regional disparities, and demographic pressures. However, these challenges do not diminish the scale of its achievement. They underscore the complexity of transforming a nation of over one billion people. For Nigeria, China’s experience offers valuable lessons. First, poverty reduction must be treated as a strategic national priority rather than a campaign promise. Second, development requires long-term planning and policy continuity. Third, sustained investment in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare is essential. Fourth, institutions must be strengthened to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes. Finally, leadership must combine vision with disciplined execution. Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources, entrepreneurial talent, and a youthful population.

What remains missing is a coherent and consistent development strategy that places national interest above politics. China’s transformation demonstrates that development is not a matter of luck. It is the outcome of clear priorities, effective institutions, and unwavering commitment. For countries still grappling with poverty and underdevelopment, China stands as compelling proof that when a nation confronts its challenges with strategic intent and collective discipline, extraordinary progress is possible.

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi