Nigeria’s cooking gas crisis
For many households, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) promised a cleaner, safer alternative to firewood, charcoal and kerosene. That promise is fraying. A steep rise in the cost of refilling cylinders—reaching about N2,000 per kilogramme in some markets—has put LPG beyond the reach of millions already squeezed by inflation and falling real wages. Cooking fuel is […]
Combating insecurity: Beyond bullets and promises
Insecurity has become Nigeria’s most persistent national emergency. From the North-West to the North-East, the Middle Belt to the South-East, fear has crept into everyday life with terrorists of different descriptions going on rampage almost everyday. Markets close early, schools are attacked, farms are abandoned and families travel only when absolutely necessary. A nation cannot […]
On Nigeria’s plan to supply electricity to more neighbouring countries
Following a recent proposal by the Federal to expand the exportation of electricity to neighbouring countries, a familiar national debate may be in the offing. Should Nigeria sell power to neighbouring countries when millions of its citizens live in darkness? While the policy may appear like an economic opportunity and regional leadership benefit, underneath lies […]
National Service in an age of insecurity
IN the January 9 edition of this column, I discussed taxation, the new tax laws and the well-being of our country and our people in so far as taxation is concerned. Writing under the headline Government, Nigerians and Taxation, I surmised that a huge chunk of our people will remain outside the tax net and that tax […]
FG’s ban on admission into SS3: Orderly reform or punitive policy?
The recent reaffirmation of the blanket ban on admission of students directly into Senior Secondary School Three, SSS3, the final class before the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WAEC, and National Examination Council, NECO, by the Federal Government, has ignited concern across Nigeria’s education sector. Authorities insist the policy is designed to protect academic […]
Freedom for bandits: Whither justice for victims?
Thousands of families have been traumatised. Children have been orphaned, farmers chased off their land, schools shut down, and local economies crippled in the North-West zone of the country in recent times. But the reported decision of the Katsina State government to release 70 suspected bandits has unsettled Nigerians who have been calling for justice […]
