Category: Features

Strike: Negotiation tool or threat to national security, economy?

By Kayode Adebiyi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Quoting Mr Ikpe Nkanang, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Domestic Airports Cargo Agents Association, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that domestic cargo in aviation lost approximately N7 billion to the recent two-day nationwide industrial action.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had, on June 3, called for a complete halt to business activities to protest against the N60,000 minimum wage proposal of the Federal Government.

Nkanang said 30 tonnes of cargo was lifted across the country’s domestic airports daily, and that the volume of cargo left unprocessed during the two-day strike was significant.

“For those two days, the airlines were not working, and once the airlines are not working, cargo cannot move and it is a great loss to all of us.

“You needed to see the volume of cargo that was dumped over those two days; of course, you know we gathered cargoes during the weekend hoping that by Monday and Tuesday, we would be able to send them out,” he said.

Before then, a national daily claimed that Nigeria might have lost around N148.8bn in oil revenue on the first day of the two-day strike.

The newspaper arrived at the figure by calculating Nigeria’s daily oil production against the daily global benchmark for crude oil pricing.

Like their counterparts in the aviation and oil and gas sectors, trade unions in other critical sectors of the economy, such as the banking and energy sectors, complied with the directive.

The involvement of these and other critical service providers has led to some public affairs analysts and commentators suggesting the exemption of those sectors in national strikes.

They argue that the impact of flight disruptions, halted oil production, power outages and the crippling of the financial sector for a few days could last for months.

Some groups have even gone further to refer to the action of Organised Labour as a threat to national security and Nigeria’s collective ability to protect its economy and critical national infrastructure.

One such group, the Centre for Social and Economic Rights (CSER), condemned the shutting down of the national grid by the labour in implementing its declared nationwide strike action.

The group said that to plunge the nation into darkness meant labour had carried out economic sabotage and treason that must be met with the full weight of the law.

Both President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, agree with CSER.

While Akpabio said the strike amounted to economic sabotage, Akume referred to the shutdown of national grid by electricity workers as a treasonable felony.

However, those who support labour and some legal practitioners say workers have the right to strike.

According to TEMPLARS ThoughtLab, a publication of Templars Law, workers’ right to strike was derived from workers’ right to form unions as spelt out in Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Section 40 of the constitution partly reads, “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests…”

However, the publication was quick to point out some situations where a right to strike could be circumscribed.

It said every union in any organisation would usually have a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) signed between the union and the organisation.

“All standard CBAs typically provide for the dispute resolution mechanism for the resolution of any trade dispute between the parties.

“Such dispute resolution mechanism typically involves direct negotiation between the union and the organisation.

“It also involves mediation through a third-party mediator agreed upon by the union and the organisation or referring the dispute to the Minister of Labour and Employment,” it said.

According to TEMPLARS ThoughtLab, another ground for the circumscription of a right to strike is when industrial action is not available to persons rendering essential services by the operative effect of the Trade Disputes (Essential Services).

Additionally, the courts could issue an order against a union and the union has an unqualified obligation to obey that order even where they believe it to be irregular or invalid.

The question on the lips of some is that, through parliamentary legislation, should the government designate some of those sectors of critical national importance as emergency services?

They said if that action is carried out, it will become illegal for workers in those sectors to join national strikes.

Critics of the government’s handling of negotiations with labour unions often refer to these restrictions as highhanded measures to suppress legitimate demands.

The International Labour Organiation (ILO), which Nigeria is a member of, said strike action is one of the fundamental means available to workers and their organisations to promote their economic and social interests.

However, it admitted that it is the most visible and controversial form of collective action in the event of a labour dispute and is often seen as the last resort of workers’ organisations in pursuit of their demands.

It also listed some public servants, essential services and emergencies, minimum services and disputes over rights as some of the possible exclusions from a right to strike.

According to the ILO, unions must meet three conditions to embark on a strike. The first is the exhaustion of conciliation or mediation procedures before calling a strike.

Another requirement to hold a strike ballot is for a majority of the workers concerned to vote in favour of a strike before it can be called.

The last condition is the obligation to give a notice period before calling a strike.

Some stakeholders, therefore, believe that it is important for both the government and organised labour to accept the principle of “two wrongs don’t make a right”.

They say, going forward, industrial relations no matter how frosty, should not be allowed to degenerate into arbitrariness and irresponsibility by either or both parties. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

Enhancing treatment, care and support for persons with albinism

By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Albinism is a rare genetic disorder where the person is not born with the usual amount of melanin pigment.

Melanin is a chemical in the body that determines the colour of the skin, hair and eyes.

Most people with albinism have very pale skin, hair and eyes. They are prone to sunburn and skin cancer.

An estimated one in 20,000 people worldwide are born with oculocutaneous albinism. The condition affects people in many ethnic groups and geographical regions. According to Medlineplus.gov

Albinism is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa with estimates of one in 5,000 to one in 15,000.

According to a Cleveland Clinic report, people with albinism may experience any of the following complications: skin problems due to their light-coloured skin.

The report further said that people with albinism may be legally blind, but they can learn to use their vision over time.

One major concern about albinism is its genetics.

Cleveland Clinic said albinism is passed down through families. People are born with albinism when they inherit an albinism gene from their parents.

In oculocutaneous albinism, both parents must carry an albinism gene for their child to be born with albinism. The child has a 1 in 4 chance of being born with albinism.

If just one parent has an albinism gene, the child won’t have oculocutaneous albinism. But they will have a 50 per cent chance of being a carrier of the gene themselves.

In Nigeria, persons with albinism face numerous challenges such as discrimination, health issues which many of them complain about among others.

As a group and as individuals persons with albinism have protested against this discrimination.

The Association of Albinism in Kaduna State said that in some instances, the lives of albinos are threatened by some members of the society out of ignorance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an alarming rise in skin cancer has threatened lives of Albinos in Africa. In some instance there were fatalities.

“Two albinos in Kajuru Local Government Area and one in Zaria died. Their deaths were all linked to climate change-related issues, including skin cancer.

“People with albinism lack melanin in their skin, making them more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.

“We are witnessing an increase in skin-related illnesses, adding to the challenges of our already difficult lives,” Mr Abubakar Adam, the Chairman of the Association of Albinism in Kaduna.

The rising weather temperature resulting from climate change has also had impacts of the plight of albinos, with risk of skin cancer becoming higher.

“We often seek refuge under trees or umbrellas to shield our skin from burning,” he further said.

Adam explained that the association also focused on raising awareness about the high cost of living affecting most adults with albinism who struggle to work during the day due to the intense heat.

But part of the solution remains public enlightenment both for general public and couples whose children and wards are albinos.

“The organisation is actively sensitising parents about the importance of ensuring their children wear protective clothing.

“This is to safeguard their skin from the sun. Moreover, we are intensifying efforts to raise awareness about cancer prevention among the albino community,” he added.

The chairman highlighted the need for more proactive measures against the harsh effects of climate change.

Similarly, African Climate Reporters, NGO, says it is committed to scaling up enlightenment on the nexus between climate change and the plight of albinos.

Mr Ibrahima Yakubu, the Head of Communication and Strategies of the NGO said the campaign would be carried out in collaboration with the African Institutes of Waste and Environmental Studies and other scientific institutions.

He said the campaign, among others, would seek to mobilise science, climate and environmental journalists and other stakeholders to raise awareness among the general public.

While public sensitisation is important in the mitigating the plight of persons living the albinism, providing treatment, care and support is equally paramount.

The Vivigold Foundation for Albinism Empowerment, Education and Healthcare, an NGO, has advocated the establishment of special health facilities with dermatologists and other skin care experts to increase access to health facilities for albinos.

Miss Vivian Ezeonwumelu, Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, that albinos had higher risk of developing skin cancer compared to other members of the population.

Ezeonwumelu said that five members of the Anambra State Albinism Association died of skin cancer in a space of four years.

She said such deaths could be avoided if albinos had access to healthcare service and experts in albinism-related conditions.

“It is essential to shed light on the challenges faced by the albinism community in Nigeria and the importance of addressing their plights and promoting inclusion.

“Skin cancer is a significant challenge for individuals with albinism in Nigeria. Due to the lack of melanin, their skin is extremely vulnerable to the damaging effects of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

“Most persons with albinism cannot afford the high cost of preventing skin cancer. Which is why we are calling on the governments, groups and well-meaning citizens to come to our rescue,” she said.

Ezeonwumelu said there was the need to establish specialised health facilities across the country, to provide comprehensive support to address the specific health needs of the albinism community.

She said that healthcare professionals should also receive specialised training on albinism-related skin conditions to improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer.

According to her, such specialised hospital will be a safe space to help combat stigma, provide emotional support, and facilitate access to healthcare services.

“The health facility will offer dermatological care and counselling to address the psycho-social impact of living with albinism, sun protection and skin cancer prevention, “she said.

Ezeonwumelu urged government agencies to collaborate with groups working with albinos to intensify awareness on skin cancer risks in the albinism community.

In the same vein, the Initiative for Advancement of the Albinism Cause (INAAC) has called on government to provide free sunscreen lotions for persons with albinism in the country.

Miss Joy Odigie, Executive Director, INAAC, told NAN that persons with albinism were dying from skin cancer, a disease that could be prevented through the application of sunscreen lotion.

She regretted that the high price of sunscreen lotions with high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was preventing many persons with albinism in the country from using the lotions.

“Individuals with Albinism lack melanin and therefore are susceptible to the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation, including extreme sun sensitivity, photophobia and skin cancer.

“The use of sunscreen lotions and creams, wearing appropriate clothing and spending limited time under the sun can reduce the incidence of skin cancers in persons with albinism.

“Unfortunately, the price of sunscreen lotions and creams ranges from N10, 000 to N18, 000 150ml per tube and are not readily available.

“Persons with albinism are advised to apply sunscreen lotions with high SPF at least three times a day and this will amount to an individual with albinism using more than one tube every month’’, she said.

She called for continued public education about albinos and albinism as well as advocacy for the rights of albinos.

“Although they may look different from the rest of us, people with albinism have the same rights and deserved to be shown love, treated with respect and dignity’’, she said.

The executive director also urged the government to come up with policies and laws that protect the rights of people with albinism.

“The government should also ensure that those who perpetrate violence against people with albinism are brought to justice,’’ she said.

In the same vein, Mr Jake Epele, Founder/CEO of TAFAfrica, formally known as Albino Foundation, urged President Bola Tinubu to reinstate free cancer treatment for persons with albinism at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The scheme was introduced by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“As a skin cancer survivor, I know how expensive it is to treat persons with albinism who are suffering with skin cancer.

“I think the time has come for the current administration to revisit this free treatment that has been applauded by the international communities as best practice.

“So, let me use this opportunity to ask the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to instruct for this laudable programme to be revisited and reactivated.

“So that there will be hope in the Renewed Hope Agenda for persons with albinism in Nigeria, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ he said. (NANFeatures)

 **If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

ANALYSIS: Assessing Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democracy

By Busayo Onijala, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In 1999, Nigeria embarked on a journey, saying goodbye to years of military rule and establishing the Fourth Republic.

For Africa’s most populous nation, the past 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance were characterised by achievements, challenges and lessons that continue to shape its political landscape.

Analysts believe that challenges such as corruption, electoral malpractice, economic instability, security threats, ethnic and religious bigotry continue to test national unity but in spite of these, democracy remains consolidated.

Prof. Femi Otubanjo, a Research Professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), says Nigeria having democratic governance for the past 25 years is commendable.

“We can congratulate ourselves that we are moving along democratic development,” he says.

He, however, remarks that the country’s democracy is imperfect.

According to him, the quality of Nigeria’s elections over the years has been low, with the exception of the 2023 elections during which a bit of technology was introduced.

Otubanjo notes that election is an aspect of democracy that enables people to make choices.

“If we don’t get this element of democracy right, the democratic process is undermined. The more technological our elections become, the more credible they will be,” he argues.

He identifies ethnic and religious intolerance as a hinderance to effective democratic choices.

“We have an imperfect democratic system but democracy is not a finished product; that is why it is called democratisation.

“If it is nurtured well, it will grow,” he adds.

Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa, a Senior Research Fellow and Head, Security and Strategic Studies Division at NIIA, also lauds Nigeria for sustaining democratic rule for 25 years.

He is convinced that Nigeria has curtailed some challenges associated with democracy.

“Democracy is not easy all over the world. It has challenges, and there is a new discourse about the democracy being practised in Africa.

“This means liberal democracy is not working in Africa now because it does not fit into our way of life. Democracy in this part of the world has been too expensive.

“We have enjoyed a long run of democracy. We have identified that it is expensive, and Africa needs to rethink its own democracy,” Bolarinwa argues.

For Mr Chude Achike, a public affairs analyst and Deputy Chairman of Joint Action Front, the essence of democracy is better life for the people.

He strongly believes that Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democtractic governance is a great achievement because of the tendency of the military to interrupt, which he describes as aberration to democracy.

According to him, coups are unconstitutional and have a way of setting countries backwards.

He, however, argues that when other indices of democracy are checked, Nigeria has not fared too well.

“When you look at the engagement of the political elite, you see a level of high handedness, a level of military tendency.

“They have not imbibed the ethos of democracy because its essence is better life for the people.

“Much needs to be done to address electoral issues in the country, basic infrastructure and intolerance.

“The population of the country has grown much but we have not put enough economic resources, we have not expanded the economy enough to be able to absorb the realities of a growing population,” he says.

He notes that other democratic nations also have their peculiarities and challenges.

Achike says Nigeria has diverse ethnic groups which may not be fully comparable to other nations.

“India, a multi-cultural country with different ethnic groups, has its own challenges even in terms of religious intolerance.”

He lauded India’s electoral process, describing it as an example.

“India has over 1.4 billion people and yet it conducts elections much more peacefully.

“India’s democracy has been able to bring about a lot of economic successes leading to it being a well-developed industrial country with a much stronger industrial base,” he says.

According to him, Nigeria should be playing at that stage, using its population strength and other resources.

Achike urges the political class to have a greater sense of patriotism and responsibility.

Analyst are convinced that sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy will require addressing structural issues, promoting inclusive economic growth, and ensuring electoral integrity.

They believe that resilience of the country’s democratic institutions and active participation of its citizenry will be crucial in navigating the paths ahead. (NANFeatures)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

** If used, please, credit the writer and the agency**

Democracy Day: X-raying President Tinubu’s 4-D foreign policy strategy

Breaking barriers to stardom amid challenges in music industry

By Folasade Adeniran, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Debutante musicians believe that although many aspiring musicians are putting a lot of effort to make a name in the music scene, there are challenges ranging from payola, copyright infringement and privacy.

Lack of funding and infrastructure, talent development and grooming, limited royalty and distribution systems are their major headache, according to them.

In spite of lack of funding, payola — the illegal practice of paying a commercial radio station to play a song without the station disclosing the payment – has had a serious drag on many talents.

Music enthusiasts observe that Nigeria is home to a thriving and diverse music industry that has given birth to some of the most significant musicians in Africa.

They note that Nigerian music has a rich cultural legacy that has enthralled both domestic and foreign listeners, ranging from Afrobeat to highlife.

“Music industry possesses both the capacity to support millions of budding artistes and generate considerable revenue for the economy, but the industry is doing less,’’ they observe.

However, some artistes state some other challenges they face in music industry, apart from these.

For instance, Ebuka Hillary, a gospel minister popularly known as EbukaSongs, with international record label, Spotlite Nation, says that one of the things to be worked on in the industry, particularly the gospel industry, is the availability of genuine love for upcoming artistes.

“When they see an artiste rising, it is time for everybody to put themselves together, put force together, and help that one to stand, instead of criticising and saying all sorts of things about the young ones who are still coming up,’’ he notes.

Another music artiste, Lillian Iheonunekwu, by the stage name, Lilcassie, highlights some of the challenges she faced while advancing her musical career.

“Not having to know someone who knows someone; not having the right contact is a problem. Promotion as an independent artiste is draining,’’ she observes.

Other up-and-coming artistes also express their challenges in trying to bloom in the music industry.

Omotola Omodanisi says: “The challenge of finance is sometimes overwhelming and the inconsistent availability of excellent team players is daunting.

“There’s no well-defined support structure for the average upcoming artiste and excellent promotion process can’t be executed by minimal budget which makes the upcoming artiste unable to cater for these needs,’’

A budding hip-hop artiste, Sola Chinedu, says it is difficult to get brands and label executives to discover artistes that are good at music creation.

“I currently use streaming platforms to promote my music hoping for the best. Even the record labels that might finally get an upcoming artiste turn them into slaves,’’ she alleges.

Chinedu said he has been tempted to give up so many times due to the strain, fear and disappointments but the love of music continues to push him.

Arinze Nnamdi says his journey hasn’t been easy and that as an independent artiste, “you have to do basically everything by yourself.

“We do not have a support system; you are the only one carrying out your dreams yourself. It hasn’t been easy but definitely I keep on pushing, till I definitely get there.

“One of the basic challenges is funds, you don’t have a record label, you are doing everything yourself, nobody is supporting you.

“So, if you do not have sponsors, it’s not going to be easy for you because you have to bring out money for this and that. It’s challenging and also getting people to listen to you.

“Most people do not want to listen to your track, they underestimate upcoming artistes, they prefer to listen when you finally blow.

“You are lucky, if you are from a rich background and you are able to fund yourself, but what of those from poor background?

“If there are people that could help fund musical artistes, that will be helpful because right now, I don’t think the music industry is favourable to upcoming artistes,’’ he observes.

Sharing similar sentiments, Ifechukwu Raymond also known as Raymid, an up-and-coming singer and rapper, says nobody is ready to support or even listen to budding artistes.

“That’s why young artistes tend to give up when their efforts are in vain. It’s only grace and connection that work sometimes for a person,’’ he says.

The artiste says that apart from support from music professionals and experts, people do not listen to up-and-coming artistes.

“It’s just families and friends that listen to you and that cannot be your audience for a long time. So, the struggle to get people to listen to you is tasking.

“That is why some upcoming artistes think that hiring video vixens and displaying ostentatious lifestyles will draw audiences but does it work all the time?”

Raymond also pleaded with talent hunts and organisers of music competitions to be fair in their judgment.

“Give it to those who deserve it. There’s no need to play politics. Support true talent and throw them into the limelight,’’ he pleaded.

Esther Okechukwu has had an unfortunate share in trying to survive in the musical industry as she claims that: “My friend introduced me to a producer and I showed him my musical composition, hoping that he could bring it to life. After seven days of working with him, I was unable to reach the producer.

“I later found out that another artiste had used my song, only that some alterations were made. It was painful.’’

Okechukwu also said that lack of knowledge and guidance for budding artistes have been eliminating talents from the industry.

But the Chairman of Santabella Group and the parent company of Santabella Music Empire Ltd., Oladipupo Lawal, says international companies have a role to play in the gradual obscurity of artistes on the national and international scene.

He says concerns over the future of local artistes have been raised by the aggressiveness and dominance of international enterprises.

“One e-mail address serving the whole continent of Africa overloads the system, giving international companies an unfair advantage, and only artistes with connections to these corporations receive the much-needed editorial support, leaving others in obscurity.

“This is the reality of the role of streaming platforms such as Apple Music, which purport to provide editorial support to artistes.

“Significant negative effects result from this global invasion, including the decline in popularity of many local music icons and the general public lack of exposure to their works.

“Marketing and promotion are among the areas of the sector that are affected by this change,’’ he observes.

Lawal further states that songs that are trending on digital platforms are given priority over local content on radio stations, which used to be the main places to find new music.

`Consequently, radio commercials are no longer as effective as they once were; this gives multinational corporations even more clout and denies many artistes a just opportunity to be heard,’’ he notes.

Also, the General Manager of Megaelectrics, Deji Awokoya, says for artistes to advance, they must endure and remain true to their trade.

“I wonder why young performers are chasing fame and fortune rather than honing their skill and establishing themselves in their local communities first,’’ he asks.

“Having good music is what will stand them out of the crowd; the second is creating a community, which can be accomplished by consistently putting oneself out there.

“Before leaving, they have to be well known on their streets. They ought to learn from Portable’s portrayal of the concept of being well known,’’ he suggests.

Alextino Sunday, also known as, DJ Lextino, says the music industry is very wide and continuously growing every day with a lot of challenges and a few people trying to feed on new artistes claiming to help them.

“The country alone is a huge challenge because nothing helps upcoming and independent Djs  like us in the industry and this highlights the reason why lot of talents are wasted’’ he says.

Afropop singer, Ifeanyi Ifegwu, also known as Siino, says artistes and professionals in the music industry face major hurdles.

He says many gifted people have financial difficulties when it comes to recording, producing, and promoting their work.

“The general development of the industry is hampered by the lack of well-equipped recording studios, concert venues, and trustworthy distribution methods.

“Opportunities for development and professionalisation can be obtained by promoting public and private investment, creating funds specifically for music, and enhancing infrastructure,’’ he notices.

The afropop singer adds that talent development and nurturing are essential to the music industry’s long-term viability.

“Artistes can enhance their abilities, broaden their creative vision, and negotiate the intricacies of the industry by having access to top-notch music education, mentorship programmes and talent development initiatives.

“Working together, government agencies, business leaders, and academic institutions can build a nurturing environment that develops the next wave of Nigerian musicians,’’ he says.

All in all, veteran artiste, Dare Art Alade, says it takes a community to raise a musician, insisting that: “Everybody coming together to support, give their time and helping that young artiste grow goes a long way in growing the creative industry.(NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)

**If used, please, credit the writer as well as News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Climate change the unseen fuel for malaria transmission

By Abujah Racheal, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

As the sweltering sun dips below the horizon Gajiri village on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger transforms into a battleground against an invisible foe.

Mosquitoes, the silent carriers of malaria, emerge in droves, marking the onset of another perilous night.

But amid this ominous setting, 27-year old Mrs Amina Jubril, a petty trader and mother of three, stands at the forefront of her community’s struggle.

Every evening, she gathers her children around a flickering kerosene lamp, recounting stories of her own battles with the disease.

Her youngest son, Ibrahim, had succumbed to malaria at the tender age of two, a loss that still haunted her every moment.

Yet, it was not just her personal tragedy that gripped the village; it was the stark reality that her story mirrored countless others across the country.

Unveiling the nexus between climate change and malaria transmission in Nigeria is not just about statistics and scientific jargon; it is about the toll it exacts on individuals like her, and on communities like Gajiri.

Mr Stephen Adamu, a 43-year old farmer, lives in his modest home in the Ushafa community in the Bwari Area of Abuja.

Each dawn, Adamu rises before the sun to tend to tend to his crops, his weathered hands a testament to years of toiling under the scorching sun.

For him and his community, climate change is not just a distant threat; it is a harsh reality that has reshaped their lives in profound ways.

He vividly recalled the days when malaria was merely a seasonal inconvenience, easily managed with herbal remedies passed down through generations.

However, as temperatures have soared and rainfall patterns become increasingly erratic, the once-predictable cycle of malaria outbreaks has spiraled into a relentless onslaught.

“Mosquitoes used to come with the rains, but now they are here year-round. We cannot escape them, no matter how hard we try,” he said, swatting at persistent insect buzzing around him.

Adamu’s story exemplifies the resilience of countless individuals and communities grappling with the intersecting challenges of climate change and malaria transmission in Nigeria.

Though their struggles may be invisible, their spirit and determination serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of environmental degradation.

In spite of the increase in malaria control and elimination efforts, weather patterns and ecological factors continue to serve as major drivers of malaria transmission dynamics.

In Nigeria, where malaria remains a significant public health concern, a new threat looms large: climate change

A 2020 study on the effects of weather factors on malaria occurrence in Abuja, Nigeria, by a team of scholars led by Oguntade Emmanuel Segun revealed the link between malaria incidence and climatic predictors.

The study identified relative humidity as the primary driver of the malaria epidemic at lag 0, while the most substantial influence of temperature was observed at a 4-month lag.

Additionally, the influence of rainfall and humidity on malaria epidemics decreased with increasing lag months.

It sheds light on the intricate relationship between rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and the proliferation of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, particularly the female Anopheles species.

As global temperatures continue to rise, the implications for Nigeria’s battle against malaria are profound.

In 2023, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reported an estimated 55 million cases of malaria and nearly 90,000 malaria deaths each year in the country.

The economic burden of malaria in Nigeria was estimated at N687 billion in 2022 and may increase to about N2 trillion in 2030.

According to experts; the link between climate change and malaria transmission is undeniable.

Changes in temperature, humidity, and rainfall create favourable e conditions for the survival and reproduction of Anopheles mosquitoes, extending their range and increasing their numbers.

These vectors, they say, thrive in warmer, wetter environments, leading to an expansion of malaria transmission zones across Nigeria.

Ms Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (AlMA), said that one of the most significant impacts of climate change on malaria transmission is the alteration of mosquito behaviour.

Phumaphi said that as temperatures rise, mosquitoes become more active, with longer breeding seasons and increased biting rates.

“This heightened activity not only escalates the risk of malaria transmission but also challenges existing control measures.

“Furthermore, changes in rainfall patterns disrupt the ecological balance, creating stagnant water pools ideal for mosquito breeding.

“Floodings, exacerbated by climate change, provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to sudden spikes in malaria cases in affected regions.

“Conversely, droughts can also fuel transmission as stagnant water sources become scarce, forcing humans and mosquitoes into closer proximity,” she said.

The implications of climate change on malaria go beyond public health.

The economic burden of the disease, already substantial in Nigeria as explained above, is expected to escalate as transmission rates increase.

Losses in productivity, healthcare costs, and decreased tourism revenue all contribute to the socioeconomic impact of malaria, exacerbating existing inequalities and hindering development efforts.

Dr Gbenga Jokodola, the 2024 World Malaria Day planning committee chairman, said that addressing the nexus between climate change and malaria in Nigeria required a multifaceted approach.

“Strengthening mosquito control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, remains crucial,” he said.

Jokodola emphasised that adaptation strategies must also be prioritised

He suggested the development of early warning systems for malaria outbreaks and the implementation of climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure.

He noted that mitigating climate change itself was paramount in reducing the long-term risk of malaria transmission.

“Nigeria, as a signatory to international climate agreements, must take proactive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in sustainable development practices,” he said.

In the face of this threat, collaboration between government agencies, research institutions and local communities is essential.

In Nigeria, the intertwined challenges of climate change and malaria transmission have prompted a robust response from local communities and a diverse array of stakeholders.

This multifaceted approach highlights the critical role of community-led initiatives, grassroots organisations, and government interventions in mitigating the dual threats.

Some local communities have taken proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change on malaria transmission.

One notable initiative is the establishment of community health committees in several rural areas.

These committees, comprised local volunteers and health workers, focus on educating residents about the correlation between climate change and malaria.

The Malaria Prevention and Climate Action Network (MPCAN) engages communities in advocacy, education, and hands-on projects aimed at reducing malaria incidence.

Its programmes include training community health workers in climate-resilient practices and advocating for the integration of climate change adaptation into local health policies.

The Federal Government has acknowledged the need for a coordinated response to the challenges posed by climate change and malaria.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with its environment counterpart established the Climate and Health Initiative, aimed at developing and implementing climate-resilient health systems.

Key components include enhancing the capacity of health facilities to manage climate-related health risks, improving surveillance systems to track malaria trends in the context of changing weather patterns, and promoting research on innovative solutions.

Collaboration and solidarity are central to the success of these efforts.

Partnerships between local communities, NGOs, government agencies, and international organisations have fostered a comprehensive response.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria has provided substantial funding and technical support for community-led malaria prevention projects in Nigeria, strengthening local capacities to adapt to climate change.

Donor partners have also collaborated with academic institutions to conduct research on climate change and malaria transmission dynamics.

This researches have informed policy-making and led to the development of targeted interventions.

Community solidarity is also evident in the way residents mobilise during outbreaks, with people coming together to support affected families and share resources.

Several success stories illustrate the effectiveness of these collaborative efforts as experienced at Chika-Aleita community in the Federal Capital Territory.

A pilot project implemented by Roll Back Malaria and the government successfully reduced malaria incidence by 30 per cent over two years.

The project combined traditional malaria control measures with climate adaptation strategies, such as planting trees to reduce heat islands and improve local climate resilience.

The intersection of climate change and malaria transmission presents a significant challenge for Nigeria. However, there are actionable steps that individuals can take to contribute to positive change.

Knowledge is power, and sharing information can spur collective action. Adopting energy-efficient practices and reducing waste can help mitigate climate change with ripple effects on the fight against malaria. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

NCS’ bold steps to ease trade operations in Nigeria

By Martha Agas, News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)

With its poverty rate hitting 38.9 per cent in 2023, Nigeria has continued to battle several social and economic problems, throwing up an avalanche of concerns for both the leaders and the populace.

The populous African nation has continued to battle food shortages, poor infrastructure, unemployment, while striving to make quality health care and education affordable.

It is also confronted with security challenges ranging from banditry, militancy, separatist agitations, among others.

With these challenges getting more serious by the day, experts say that the prospects of overcoming them may not be so bright with the nation’s monolithic economy that depends substantially on oil.

They say that short and long term measures must be initiated if the nation is to be salvaged from its many woes.

One recurrent suggestion has been the need to diversify the economy, especially with the global upsurge in energy transition, which is expected to reduce the demand for oil.

Relying on the oil sector, in spite of the transition, will diminish the nation’s revenue base, the experts have always pointed out, while emphasising the need to build resilience to navigate the situation by leveraging opportunities in other sectors.

Sectors that provide such revenue options include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, among others.

In line with this, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has continued to focus on reforming the economy to deliver sustained growth that would have multiplier effects on all aspects of life.

To this effect, government has continued to develop and implement policies and initiatives designed to generate revenue from the non-oil sector.

One of such policies focuses on trade reforms.

The idea is encapsulated in the Trade Policy Of Nigeria(TPN) 2023 to 2027, designed to promote trade as a tool for economic growth and development. It aims at using trade as a catalyst to develop a diversified and competitive economy.

While it hinges on government’s commitment to an open and transparent trade policy, one of its key objectives is to address constraints limiting Nigeria’s potential to participate effectively in international trade.

As part of efforts to address these constraints, the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), in 2022 embarked on a journey to reposition and ease trade operations in the country through its Trade Modernisation Project(TMP), which has three phases.

The project is a 20-year concession agreement signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the NCS Board, and the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.

The TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS. It seeks to simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

It is aimed at making it easy to obtain export and import clearances. It will also ease the payment of duties and the release of goods.

Shortly put, it is a long term rescue plan aimed at ensuring predictable and transparent processes and procedures for imports, exports and transit trade.

According to the General Manager of the Concessionaire, Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, the project creates the basis for improving NCS’ services which include improving revenue generation, facilitating trade development and minimising corruption in trade facilitation.

The project is aimed at automating trade operation processes using a software described as the Unified Customs Management System(UCMS), to be deployed by NCS, which would soon be inaugurated by the Federal Government.

The UCMS is the core of the operational activities and underpins the decision chain and command of goods clearance for release, in line with the requisite taxes and waivers of the Federal Government.

The automation aims to address leakages in the revenue collection of customs duties and includes Electronic Cargo Tracking System.

This system gives traders access through the UCM to comprehensively monitor their transactions from the beginning of the process until the delivery of their goods, and act appropriate where they experience hiccups.

The system also facilitates Electronic Port System, Logistics Monitoring System, Mobile Enforcement System and Intelligent Gate System.

In addition to providing further ease of cross border trading, its major advantage is the significant long-term impact it would have on the social and economic development of the country.

At the end of the 20 year period, the project is expected to generate in excess, 250 billion dollars as revenue for Nigeria.

This is because automating the process helps to increase revenue collection due to improved trading experiences, which would increase trading frequency and, therefore, revenue from chargeable duties.

While Nigeria gets to use the revenue to fund its infrastructure development, create jobs, address its security challenges, it would also develop other non-oil sectors to ensure sustainable development.

On the current stage of the development of software to be deployed to drive the modernisation process, the Head of the  Business Section of the Project, Usman Abba, a Chief Supritendent of Customs, said that all internal sytems had been completed, and final touches were being made on stakeholders’ integration.

While this is the first phase of the process spanning year one to six, with two more phases to go, it is expected that at a stage, all systems must be deployed to hardware, software and technology services.

The reform, through the project, is expected to streamline customs processes, reduce delays and cut down on corruption. As a result, businesses can operate more efficiently, and government can collect more accurate and timely revenues from trade activities.

Additionally, aligning trade policies with international standards can attract more global partners and increase Nigeria’s share of global trade.

As the implementation of this project gets to its peak, excited analysts say that Nigeria can look forward to a more dynamic, efficient and profitable trade sector, driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity.(NANFeatures)

**If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)

Has Renewed Hope brought lifeline to Niger Delta region?

By Jacinta Nwachukwu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Niger Delta region of Nigeria comprises nine states – Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers with about 31 million people.

Over the years, militancy has been synonymous with the region known for its vast oil and gas reserves with several militant groups and ethnic nationals agitating for the restoration of the environment degraded by exploration and seeking more developments in the region.

President Bola Tinubu, on assumption of office, has shown significant commitment to the region by pledging unwavering support and assistance to ensure successful execution of projects that would bring sustainable growth and improvement in Niger Delta.

While acknowledging the critical role Niger Delta plays in the nation’s economy, the president during a crucial meeting with the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, reassured the people of his administration’s commitment to a holistic plan for the overall development of the region.

This underscored the reason for the recent meeting of the National Council of Niger Delta (NCND), held in Asaba, to deliberate and proffer solutions to the social, economic, environmental and infrastructural decay bedeviling the people and the region.

Speaking at the meeting, Momoh highlighted the vital projects and initiatives of the Federal Government to uplift the socio economic landscape of the region.

He said the Ministry was working assiduously with other stakeholders to improve on infrastructure and human capital development in the region in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The Ministry is poised to leverage this commitment from president Tinubu to further advance its mission of fostering holistic development, infrastructure enhancement, and community empowerment in the Niger Delta region.

“It will work with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to complete all ongoing and abandoned projects across the region,” the minister stated.

He also presented a detailed overview of ongoing infrastructure projects, community development programmes, among other initiatives to address environmental concerns in the Niger Delta.

Affirming the Minister’s assertions, the Managing Director, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that one of the cardinal policies of the Tinubu administration was stakeholders’ engagement.

Ogbuku said the Commission would soon be inaugurating 92 infrastructure projects executed at a cost of N84 billion across the nine states in the region.

He also said that the Commission carried out massive electrification of rural communities through the “Light up the Niger Delta’’ project.

He said this “Light up the Niger Delta” project had reduced criminality in the various communities and enhanced commercial activities in the areas.

He explained that the Commission decided to adopt the clean energy approach which not only provided light but helped in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment.

Ogbuku further said that the Commission was making progress with its youth development and empowerment scheme, known as Holistic Opportunities, Projects and Engagement (HOPE), aimed at building a comprehensive database of the youth population of the Niger Delta.

He, then, called on the youths of Niger Delta region to ensure that they were registered on the website of Project HOPE, saying that the project would benefit all Niger Delta youths.

“We have also inaugurated the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, (NDCCITMA), which along with the Bank of Industry will serve as a platform for supporting young entrepreneurs in the region on a sustainable basis,’’ he said.

Speaking further on other programmes of the Commission, Ogbuku said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had agreed to partner with NDDC to implement a Health Insurance Project, as well as other health programmes that would benefit the people of the region.

He also stated that the Commission and the Industrial Training Fund, (ITF), had commenced collaboration to actualise the Skill-Up Artisans, (SUPA), a transformative initiative of the Federal Government for the youths of the Niger Delta region.

He said the Commission was eager to serve as an enabler in achieving the goals of the federal government in this regard.

He said that sequel to the SUPA initiative to send 14,000 work-forces of skilled artisans to the United Arab Emirates on manpower/skill labour export arrangement through the ITF, the Commission would partner with the Fund to ensure that Niger Delta artisans would benefit from the scheme.

According to him, the Skill up Artisan programme being part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President is aimed at creating availability of skilled workforce for domestic and international export; boosting the economy through gainful employment and increasing diaspora remittances as a result of international manpower and skilled labour exports.

“Engaging the youths meaningfully will help to reduce crime in the Niger Delta region. We are going to use the ITF platform to up the skills of the artisans and youths of the Niger Delta region.

“We have set up a committee to work out the details of the collaboration with ITF. We are also in partnership with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, which has been registered and inaugurated.

‘’Any issue on oil theft the government will be able to know who to hold accountable.

“As we speak, the last report I got from the NNPC is that oil output is about 1.7million barrels per day, this is something that we had over 2million barrels previously.

On the issue of security, former Special Assistant/Head of Media, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr Murphy Ganagana, noted that significant factors that led to agitations in the region must be appropriately addressed to sustain lasting peace.

“If you looked at the Niger Delta, what gave birth to the Amnesty Programme was a situation of violence, protest of dissatisfaction by the people, who felt they have been marginalized.

“Again one of the major plans of the Amnesty programme was infrastructure development; unfortunately that key aspect of the programme has not been looked into by any administration.

“For instance when you talk about infrastructure development, there is nowhere you will see any infrastructure apart from the cities in the Niger Delta states capitals, many areas are still deprived, no quality healthcare, education among others.

“We need industries to take those armed youths away from the streets; we need good educational institutions for their development to make them functional and self-reliant in the society,’’ Ganagana reiterated.

He said for the government to succeed in these areas of concern, the oil host communities should be involved in any of the government projects in the region.

Similarly, to sustain peace in the region, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), the Ministry of Niger Delta Development (MNDD) and other stakeholders in the region had validated the Niger Delta Regional Peace building Strategy (NDRPS).

The Executive Director, PIND, Tunji Idowu, said at the validation workshop, recently, that the document, co-designed by PIND and the MNDD, would provide the framework for the implementation of a regional peace building apparatus in the Niger Delta.

According to him, this apparatus will apply a multi stakeholder approach, where all stakeholders focusing on peace building, conflict management and resolution in the Niger Delta will join resources to ensure the effective prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts in the region.

“The development of the NDRPS was based on a presidential directive to the MNDD in 2021 to guarantee an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in the Niger Delta, Idowu explained.

He also noted that the validated NDRPS document had passed through due process and was very participatory.(NANfeatures)

**If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).