Opinion

Buhari’s Parting Gift

Published

4 years ago

January 18, 2023

Finally, what started during the Iranian crises of the 70s as a cushion for Nigerians now has a definitive expiring date – June 2023. It all started in the days when a dollar exchanged for around 80 kobo, and Nigeria produced almost all her needs, including cars. During those years of the windfall, all our refineries were producing, such that the country even exported petroleum products. In those days, brake pads, tires, and windshields were manufactured here, and our refineries were working. But that was some eons ago when patriotic Nigerians were allowed to roam freely, making their marks in every industry. Over the years, the issue of fuel subsidy has turned out to be a controversial public policy. In recent times, the issue of fuel subsidy in the annual budget has transformed into a national headache that only borrowing can assuage. From the outset, fuel subsidy was never meant to be normative, but then, corruption was not a thing in Nigeria at that time. However, since that time, multi-faceted corruption has gradually but surely hemmed Nigeria in on every side: corruption in the NNPC, as well as corruption in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and of course, general corruption in every past administration to date. Due to corruption the country now survives only on the oxygen of debt.

Last year, there was uproar when the NNPC made a request of N3 trillion from the Ministry of Finance to cover fuel subsidy for 2022, but the lack of transparency in terms of how N2.565 trillion was spent for the same policy between January and August 2022 has only been met by an unholy silence. Surprisingly, the projected spending in the 2023 budget from January to June is a whooping N3.36 trillion – clearly, this is not sustainable by any stretch, and experts, politicians, and even ordinary Nigerians agree. Nevertheless, this humongous figure deserves interrogation. For instance, what is our daily petrol consumption? To put this question into its proper context, consider the response of the comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Hammed Ali during an appearance before the House Representative Committee on Finance on the 2023-2025 medium-term expenditure framework and fiscal strategy paper (MTEF/FSP) in September, he said: “The issue is not about the smuggling of petroleum products. I have always argued this with the NNPC. If we are consuming 60 million litres of PMS per day by their own computation, why would you allow the release of 98 million litres per day? If you know this is our consumption, why would you allow that release?”

“So, how did you get to 60 million litres per day? That is my question. The issue of smuggling, if you release 98 million litres in actual and 60 million litres are used; the balance should be 38 million litres. How many trucks will carry 38 million litres every day?” In this response lies the crux of the matter, because this high volume of consumption forms a major plank of the government’s argument. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had put Nigeria’s daily consumption of premium motor spirit (PMS) at 66 million litres as of September 2022, but in May 2022, the NNPC reported a daily consumption of 93 million litres. Is the difference reconcilable? I doubt. In recent memory, the time of Dr. Ibe Kachukwu as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources was the only time, Nigerians saw a semblance of transparency in daily fuel consumption figures.

These ghost figures lend credence to the idea that petroleum industry cabals and the Nigerian rich are the only ones benefitting from the current subsidy regime. Conversely, should the poor suffer because of criminal-minded oil tycoons? This columnist is in full support of the removal of fuel subsidy to forestall a state where Nigeria becomes insolvent. However, out of laziness or outright wickedness, previous governments, and Buhari’s government in particular, have been unable to put structures in place that would seamlessly ease the country into an era of full deregulation. Besides, deregulation should be orchestrated in such a manner that the poor are protected against monopolies and oligopolies. All political parties and the majority of people in decision-making positions in the country agree that the current subsidy regime is untenable. All the Presidential Candidates have voiced their commitment to remove fuel subsidy if elected, to this end, former Vice President, and Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar was saying he would do away with fuel subsidy in 100 days if elected. In light of the 2023 budget, Atiku’s commitment is inconsequential, in that the outgoing president has already done the heaving lifting. But, at what cost?

According to the Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed: “The plan is, by June 2023, we must have completely exited subsidy, and it has to be gradual.” So, how gradual has it been since last year? In fact, Nigerians have been witnessing a gradual suffocation thanks to Buhari and his team. The gradual suffocation is intended as a prelude to NNPC’s projection that fuel would sell at around N462/L when subsidy is removed in June 2023. However, with all the comparisons that have been made in the past regarding the price of fuel in neighboring countries, a reasonable estimate might be N700. It is an irony, that a man who, eight years ago as a private citizen commented that fuel subsidy do not exist, is ending the same policy after spending more than N10 trillion during his tenure. So, did he lie in 2015, or, was it a case of finding oneself in the belly of the beast (cabal)? We may never know.

At the minimum, before the Federal Government can remove fuel subsidy importation should have been away with. At least, the Port Harcourt Refinery that is being refurbished, and the newly built $19 billion Dangote refinery must have started production. Secondly, the Gas – to – Fuel policy conceived in 2020 by the Buhari administration ought to have been completed, or accelerated. Thirdly, mass transit systems ought to have been deployed in every major city (Lagos is already light years ahead of most major Nigerian cities in this regard). This was the ‘Change’ we expected when Buhari won in 2015. Then again, has he actually failed, or is he plain wicked? If you follow the news the way I do, you might notice that something does not add up. For example, the 650, 000 bpd Dangote refinery was projected to be completed in the third quarter of 2022, but that date has been moved to mid-2023. Interestingly, at full capacity, the refinery can produce up to 50 million litres of petrol per day. Secondly, Phases 1 and 2 of the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refineries will restore a processing capacity of 189,000 bpd as of December 2023 which will inject more than 14 million litres per day. Thirdly, some modular refineries are already producing. Undoubtedly, this might sound like a conspiracy theory, but numbers don’t lie.

Clearly, the NNPC monopoly is being primed to give way to the oligopoly of Dangote and BUA in the petroleum industry. Ordinarily, there is nothing wrong if these Nigerian giants are the major players in the petroleum downstream, except that since the deregulation of the cement industry, their activities in the industry have not been very favorable to Nigerians in general. For instance, a 50kg bag of cement sold for as low as N2000 in 2014, and then N1500 in 2015. However, since that time, the price of cement has continued on an upward trajectory to its current price of N5000 per 50kg bag even though the product is manufactured in Nigeria with Nigerian raw materials. Another case in point is the unbundling, and deregulation of the power sector; a situation where supply is epileptic and quality of service remains abysmal, yet Nigerians are compelled to bear unmitigated tariff hikes and humongous electricity bills. Sincerely, had President Buhari made good on his promises, subsidy removal would have been a non-issue. Sadly, with half-truths, and ineptitude his administration has thrown the millions who voted for him under the bus.

Indeed, President Buhari has brought change, albeit a retrogressive kind that is virtually hard to imagine considering where the country was in 2015 and the fact Nigerians did not put up a fight in petroleum pricing. His failure reminds me of my good-natured History teacher, Mr. Similalayim Jaja, who was fond of retorting, “If you don’t know it, you don’t know it” during his tests. Apparently, his promises in 2015 were irredeemable promissory notes at best, but removing fuel subsidy after eight years without getting the refineries to work, or improving mass transit systems in the country is the worst parting gift.

By: Raphael Pepple

Opinion

Poor Federal Roads: The Oshiomhole’s Outburst

Published

1 week ago

August 3, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Although the Federal Ministry of Works is responsible for road construction and rehabilitation while the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) oversees maintenance, road maintenance has consistently taken a back seat”

The recent outburst by the lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, over the deplorable condition of federal roads in Edo and Delta states has once again drawn national attention to one of Nigeria’s most persistent infrastructure challenges. During Senate plenary last Wednesday, Oshiomhole criticized the Minister of Works, David Umahi, accusing the Federal Ministry of Works of neglecting major federal highways in Edo and Delta while prioritizing new road projects. According to him, the government should focus on rehabilitating existing roads that have become impassable before embarking on new construction. He identified the Benin-Warri, Benin-Asaba, Benin-Auchi and Auchi-Okene highways as strategic economic corridors that have deteriorated to alarming levels, making travel difficult for commuters and motorists while increasing the cost of transporting goods and services.

The senator also alleged that road projects affecting Edo and Delta states were repeatedly omitted from budgetary provisions and that some interventions were only undertaken following directives from President Bola Tinubu. Ironically, the Federal Government has consistently reiterated its commitment to reconstructing and rehabilitating federal roads across the country. The Minister of Works has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the government is deploying reinforced concrete technology to build more durable highways capable of withstanding the country’s climatic conditions. Despite these assurances, vast sections of federal road across the country remain in deplorable condition. The consequences are enormous. Federal highways serve as the backbone of the nation’s economy, carrying more than 90 per cent of passengers and freight.

They connect ports, airports, industrial centres, state capitals and agricultural belts, facilitating the movement of food, fuel, cement and manufactured goods. When these roads fail, the entire economy suffers. Although the Federal Ministry of Works is responsible for road construction and rehabilitation while the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) oversees maintenance, road maintenance has consistently taken a back seat. The result is a recurring cycle in which newly completed roads quickly deteriorate while existing ones are left to collapse. The economic consequences are severe. Bad roads increase transportation costs, contribute to food inflation, delay the movement of goods from ports to markets, increase vehicle maintenance expenses and lead to avoidable road crashes that claim countless lives every year.

To address these challenges, the Federal Government has introduced initiatives such as the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), which seeks to attract private investment into road maintenance through concessions and tolling. While the initiative holds promise, public acceptance will depend largely on visible improvements in road quality and transparent management of toll revenues. Similarly, the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme is designed to encourage companies to finance the reconstruction of strategic highways in exchange for tax credits. While the scheme has shown promise, its ability to address road infrastructure challenges equitably across the country remains to be seen. Other countries facing similar infrastructure challenges have demonstrated that sustainable road management requires a different approach.

Rwanda and Morocco, for instance, have prioritized dedicated road maintenance funds, performance-based contracts that reward quality rather than kilometers constructed, and policies that allocate a significant proportion of road budgets to maintenance instead of new construction. Nigeria can draw useful lessons from these experiences. Maintenance funding should be increased and protected because preventive maintenance is far cheaper than complete reconstruction. Public-private partnerships should be expanded with adequate safeguards, transparent tolling policies and independent monitoring. Development finance institutions should support contractors with affordable financing to minimize disruptions caused by delayed government payments. Road designs should withstand heavier rainfall and flooding, while compensation and right-of-way issues must be resolved before projects begin to avoid unnecessary delays.

FERMA should also prioritize durable, high-quality road maintenance over the shoddy repairs that have become all too common. Ultimately, Nigerians are not asking for perfect roads; they simply want roads that are safe, durable and properly maintained. While new highways are desirable, a well-maintained five-kilometer stretch is often far more valuable to road users than a much longer road that quickly falls into disrepair. The media, civil society, the National Assembly and Nigerians must continue to hold the government accountable by monitoring road projects and demanding better results. Good roads are not a privilege but a right of every citizen. With tax credit schemes, concessions and other funding mechanisms already in place, what is now required is political will, transparency and consistent implementation. However, Senator Oshiomhole’s criticism also invites legitimate public reflection.

Many Nigerians have asked what the condition of these same federal roads was during his eight-year tenure as Governor of Edo State. Several governors, including those of Rivers State at different times, undertook repairs on critical federal roads within their states and subsequently sought reimbursement from the Federal Government. It is therefore fair to ask whether similar interventions were pursued during Oshiomhole’s administration. Public officials, whether serving or former, should be judged by the same standard. Constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, but it carries greater weight when matched by a demonstrable record of action. Nigerians expect those entrusted with public office to address pressing challenges while they have the authority to do so, rather than becoming vocal critics only after leaving office

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Sacrificing Humanity for Politics?

Published

1 week ago

August 3, 2026

The Tide

“Politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent. No politician is worth sacrificing genuine friendships, family bonds, or peaceful coexistence.””Politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent”.

Every election season leaves behind more than ballot papers and campaign posters. It often leaves broken friendships, divided families, fractured communities, and hearts filled with resentment. In the heat of political competition, many people forget a simple but profound truth: politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent. Across our communities, it has become increasingly common to see people sever lifelong relationships simply because they support different political parties or candidates. Individuals who once shared meals, celebrated milestones, and stood by each other during difficult times suddenly become strangers not because they committed any personal offence, but because they exercised their democratic right to think differently. This growing trend should concern every citizen. Politics is designed to provide leadership, shape public policy, and improve society.

It was never intended to become a weapon for destroying relationships or creating permanent enemies. When politics begins to erode our humanity, it ceases to serve its true purpose. A democratic society thrives on diversity of thought. Every citizen possesses the constitutional right to support any political party, candidate, or ideology without fear of intimidation or hatred. Political disagreement is not a crime; rather, it is evidence that democracy is alive and functioning. The true measure of political maturity is not our ability to silence opposing voices but our willingness to respect them. Unfortunately, many people have mistaken political loyalty for personal hostility. Instead of debating ideas, they attack personalities. Instead of discussing policies, they spread insults and misinformation. Instead of building bridges, they construct walls of bitterness.

Such behaviour weakens not only our relationships but also the democratic values we claim to defend. The reality is simple: elections are temporary. Political offices have fixed tenures. Governments change. Political alliances shift. Today’s political rivals may become tomorrow’s allies, while today’s allies may become tomorrow’s opponents. History has repeatedly demonstrated that politicians who once exchanged harsh words eventually sit together at negotiation tables in pursuit of shared interests. Yet ordinary citizens often remain trapped in unnecessary hatred long after political leaders have reconciled.This reality offers an important lesson. No politician should be worth sacrificing genuine friendships, family bonds, or peaceful coexistence. Political support should never require personal hatred. We can campaign passionately for our preferred candidates while still respecting those who choose differently.

Democracy flourishes when disagreement remains civil. One of the most dangerous habits in politics is inheriting other people’s enemies. Far too often, supporters adopt the personal conflicts of political leaders as though they were their own. People who have never met begin insulting one another on social media, damaging relationships, and sometimes engaging in violence simply because influential figures disagree.Such misplaced loyalty serves no meaningful purpose. Political leaders often possess the opportunity to reconcile, negotiate, and move forward after elections. Their supporters, however, are frequently left with damaged relationships, regret, and lasting divisions within their communities. Wisdom demands that citizens distinguish between political competition and personal relationships. Rather than inheriting hostility, we should cultivate independent judgment.

Judge individuals by their character, integrity, honesty, and personal conduct not merely by the colour of the political party they support. A person’s political affiliation does not automatically define their values, competence, or humanity. Equally important is the need to elevate the quality of our political conversations. Instead of engaging in personal attacks, we should focus on issues that genuinely affect people’s lives. Discussions should revolve around education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, economic growth, employment, agriculture, and accountable governance. These are the matters that determine the future of our nation not endless exchanges of insults. Social media has further amplified political intolerance. Behind anonymous profiles and smartphone screens, many people say things they would never express in person.

Every post, comment, and shared message has the potential either to promote understanding or to deepen division. Responsible citizenship requires restraint, accuracy, and respect, especially during politically sensitive periods. Politics should inspire service, not hostility. Leadership should unite rather than divide. Citizens should be free to disagree without becoming enemies. After all, beyond our political preferences, we remain neighbours, colleagues, business partners, classmates, worshippers, and fellow citizens who share the same hopes for peace, prosperity, justice, and national development. As another political season approaches, let us remember what truly matters. Campaigns will end. Elections will pass. Winners will celebrate, and losers will regroup. But the relationships we preserve, the respect we extend, and the humanity we uphold will remain long after the campaign slogans have faded.

The greatest victory in politics is not defeating an opponent at the polls; it is preserving our values while participating in democracy. Let us choose dialogue over division, understanding over intolerance, and respect over hatred. Above all, let us never forget this timeless principle: Politics should never be more important than humanity. And perhaps the wisest political advice anyone can embrace is this: Never inherit people’s enemies. In doing so, we preserve not only our relationships but also the very spirit of democracy itself.

By: Michael T. Abraham

Opinion

Making the Out-of-School Children Survey Count

Published

2 weeks ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Reliable data may reveal the scale of Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, but only sustained political will and practical action can ensure that every child is given the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute to national development.”

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, recently announced that the Federal Government, in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), will conduct a nationwide household survey to determine the actual number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. The exercise is intended to provide reliable data for evidence-based education policies and targeted interventions. Current estimates put the number of out-of-school children at between 15 million and 20 million, placing Nigeria among the countries with the highest number of children excluded from formal education. At first glance, this is a commendable initiative. One of Nigeria’s greatest developmental challenges has been the absence of accurate and reliable data. Without dependable statistics, planning becomes difficult, implementation inefficient, and evaluation of government programmes almost impossible.

The nation’s actual population also remains uncertain because of the absence of an up-to-date national census. Estimates range from below 200 million to over 250 million, making effective planning a daunting task. Sound policies on education, healthcare, housing, employment and infrastructure all depend on credible population statistics. Against this backdrop, the proposed survey deserves commendation. If government succeeds in generating reliable figures, it will be better positioned to allocate resources equitably, identify areas of greatest need and design interventions based on facts rather than assumptions. Accurate data will also make it easier to monitor progress and assess whether efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children are achieving the desired results.

However, beyond the good intentions lie important questions. Will state governments provide the enabling environment for an objective and transparent survey? Since education is on the concurrent legislative list, the cooperation of state governments will largely determine the credibility of the exercise. Politics could easily influence the process. States with higher numbers of out-of-school children may qualify for greater intervention funds from the Federal Government and development partners. Would this tempt some states to inflate their figures? On the other hand, high numbers could portray a state government as performing poorly in the education sector. Would some governors therefore seek to understate the figures to protect their image? These concerns are legitimate because whenever statistics are tied to political interests or financial benefits, the temptation to manipulate them cannot be ignored.

Equally important are questions about the survey itself. When will it begin? How long will it last? What methodology will be adopted? Will every household be covered, including those in remote rural communities and areas plagued by insecurity? Does the government have the manpower, funding, technology and security arrangements needed for such a nationwide exercise? Nigeria has witnessed several well-intentioned national programmes that fell short because of poor planning and inadequate logistics. Many Nigerians will remember that the proposed national population census scheduled a few years ago was postponed despite extensive preparations. Funding constraints and logistical challenges contributed to its suspension. What guarantees are there that this survey will not suffer a similar fate? More importantly, what becomes of the findings after the exercise? Nigeria is not short of reports or data collection initiatives.

The recurring challenge has been the lack of political will to translate findings into concrete policies and sustained action. The survey must not become another document gathering dust on government shelves. Instead, it should serve as the basis for measurable interventions, continuous monitoring and improved educational outcomes. Beyond producing accurate figures, the survey must also uncover the reasons children remain outside the classroom. Addressing the crisis requires more than counting affected children. It demands an understanding of the social, economic and cultural factors responsible for the problem. Issues such as the Almajiri system and other practices that discourage formal education should be carefully examined while respecting cultural values and protecting every child’s right to quality education. Poverty remains a major barrier, as many parents cannot afford school-related expenses, forcing children into street trading or child labour

Insecurity has also led to the closure of schools in several communities, depriving thousands of children of learning opportunities.Government must therefore complement the survey with practical measures. Strengthening social protection for vulnerable families, improving school infrastructure, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, enhancing security around schools and enforcing compulsory basic education are all essential. Equally important is sustained collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to address the root causes of school exclusion. The proposed survey presents an opportunity to replace guesswork with credible evidence. However, its true value will not be measured by the number of households visited or questionnaires completed. Its success will depend on whether the findings inspire bold policies, adequate funding and sustained action that ensure every Nigerian child, regardless of location or background, has access to quality education. Only then will the exercise move beyond statistics to become a genuine instrument for national development.