1. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has reportedly quit its role as the sole buyer of Dangote Refinery’s Premium Motor Spirit (petrol). This is according to a Premium Times report on Monday. The implication is that petroleum marketers would have to purchase petrol directly from Dangote Refinery.

2. Yiaga Africa has said most of the recently held local elections in the country are a travesty of democratic elections and fell short of electoral integrity standards. Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, said this in a statement on Monday that State Independent Electoral Commissions need to be liberated from the stronghold of governors.

3. Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has asked Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allow Governor Simi Fubara of River State to work. In a statement on Monday Bode George asked President Tinubu to call his Minister, Nyesom Wike to order and prevail on him to allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara to work.

4. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday directed the police to immediately restore and maintain peace, law, and order in Rivers State, following reports of arson and explosions after last Saturday’s local government council election. In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the violence and urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation.

5. A father of nine children, identified simply as Mr Charles, has reportedly committed suicide in the Jeddo community of Delta State. It was gathered that the gory incident occurred in the early hours of Monday. The man allegedly took his own life after drinking an insecticide.

6. A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday permitted the Inspector-General of Police to arrest a suspect, Olusanya Sunday Okusanya, a fugitive believed to have fled to the United Kingdom, after an alleged N64m fraud. Justice Yellim Bogoro approved the IGP’s motion for Okusanya’s arrest, following an ex parte application filed and moved by the police lawyer, S. O. Ayodele.

7. A suspected serial killer, Philip Ogunnaike, who was arrested in Ogun State, has pleaded that he and his accomplices be sentenced to death. Ogunnaike made the plea in an interrogation video on Monday and shared by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, on her X page.

8. No fewer than five persons were feared dead on Monday, following gunfire at different local government council secretariats in Rivers State by thugs. Newly sworn-in chairmen of some of the LGAs were also chased out of their offices by the marauding thugs.

9. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday pledged to tackle corruption head-on, emphasizing that no Nigerian was immune from the fight. In his address at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission – National Judicial Institute Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja, Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu noted that corruption had become a cancer denying Nigeria the full benefits of its resources. He stressed the need for collective action against corruption.

10. The Naira depreciated to N1,635.15 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM. Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM rose to N1,635.15 per dollar from N1,631.21 per dollar last Friday, indicating N3.94 depreciation for the naira.

When Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIarb (UK) assumed office as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development at the end of August 2023, the aviation sector was in disarray. For many, it seemed as though there was nowhere to go—policy stagnation, crippled infrastructure, and a sense of hopelessness permeated the industry. Yet, against this backdrop of despair, Keyamo took the reins and has since demonstrated that with determination, strategic thinking, and collaboration, even the most entrenched problems can be tackled.

One of the first major actions taken by Keyamo was halting the controversial national carrier project, which had been tied to the Ethiopian government. While the concept of a national carrier resonated with him and many Nigerians, Keyamo recognized that the project, in its proposed form, would do more harm than good. He boldly declared that Nigeria’s aviation sector should not be enslaved by foreign interests. Instead, his vision was clear: empower local operators and push for homegrown solutions. His approach marked the beginning of a new era, where the focus shifted from foreign dependence to national self-sufficiency.

One of the most pressing challenges Keyamo inherited was the stalled construction of the Abuja second runway. Imagine the capital city of Africa’s most populous nation operating on a single runway! This critical project had been caught in a deadlock for months, with no solution in sight. Though, with his counterpart in the Federal Capital Territory office, the Minister approached the issue with his signature blend of pragmatism and diplomacy. He intervened directly, engaging with the Jiwa community in Abuja, whose land disputes had been a primary roadblock. Through open dialogue and strategic negotiations, Keyamo brokered a deal that allowed for the resumption of the runway’s construction. His ability to resolve a long-standing issue in such a short period spoke volumes about his hands-on leadership.

Lagos, the nation’s commercial hub, had also been facing severe aviation setbacks, with Runway 18R being shut down for nearly two years. Keyamo wasted no time in addressing this critical infrastructure failure, rallying his team and mobilizing the necessary resources to tackle the problem head-on. His efforts have since brought hope to an aviation community that had all but given up on a timely resolution to the Lagos runway debacle.

Beyond infrastructure, the most daunting challenge facing Nigerian airline operators was their inability to access dry leasing options. Many airlines had been forced into wet-leasing arrangements, a stop-gap solution that was unsustainable in the long term. Recognizing the need to rectify this issue, Keyamo led a high-level delegation to Airbus headquarters in France, where he engaged directly with top officials, in company of Nigerian airline CEOs. The talks revealed that Nigeria’s exclusion from dry leasing arrangements stemmed from the country’s failure to fully comply with the Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment.

Keyamo, leveraging his legal expertise, immediately set about resolving this. He worked closely with the Attorney General, the Chief Judge of the High Court, and other legal heavyweights to address the legislative and judicial bottlenecks hindering Nigeria’s compliance. His efforts culminated in the signing of the Cape Town Convention, a landmark achievement overseen by Vice President Kashim Shettima. This move not only restored Nigeria’s standing within the global aviation community but also opened the door for Nigerian airlines to secure dry leases, positioning the country for growth and improved service delivery.

Flight delays and passenger complaints have long been the bane of Nigerian air travelers. Keyamo tackled this issue by presiding over the launch of the Consumer Protection Portal, an initiative spearheaded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This new platform aims to simplify the process for passengers to lodge complaints, while also monitoring airline performance and ensuring greater accountability. Keyamo’s push for this reform is indicative of his broader commitment to improving the overall passenger experience and ensuring that airlines prioritize consumer welfare.

Keyamo’s impact on Nigeria’s aviation sector extends beyond quick fixes. His broader vision includes policy reforms and infrastructural development that will take time to fully bear fruit but are already laying the groundwork for sustainable progress. With a meticulous approach to governance and an unwavering dedication to improving Nigeria’s global aviation standing, Keyamo has demonstrated that even the most complex challenges can be overcome with the right strategy and leadership.

Though his appointment initially drew criticism from certain ‘aviation experts’, who questioned the suitability of a legal professional in a field dominated by technical expertise, Keyamo has consistently proven his detractors wrong. His career, which has been defined by a string of successes across multiple fields, is once again on course to leave a lasting legacy in aviation.

By the time Keyamo’s tenure as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development concludes, Nigeria’s aviation sector is poised to emerge stronger, more resilient, and more competitive on the global stage. The industry will bear the imprint of a man who, when the chips were down, had the courage and vision to turn the tide. His journey is far from over, but one thing is certain: the Nigerian aviation industry will never be the same again.

Onajite Usman Writes from Ubiaja, Edo State

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has been grappling with significant socioeconomic challenges that affect a broad spectrum of its citizens. The hardships stem from multiple factors, including economic instability, high unemployment rates, inflation, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure. These issues have created a cycle of poverty and frustration among the populace.

Key Issues Contributing to Hardship

Economic Instability:

Inflation: Nigeria has been experiencing persistent inflation, leading to a sharp increase in the cost of living. Essentials like food, fuel, and healthcare have become more expensive, straining household budgets.

Currency Devaluation: The Nigerian Naira has weakened against major foreign currencies, making imports more costly and increasing the burden on consumers.

High Unemployment Rates: With a large youth population, the lack of job opportunities is a critical issue. Many young Nigerians are either unemployed or underemployed, leading to widespread frustration and a sense of hopelessness.

Insecurity:

Terrorism and Insurgency: Regions like the Northeast have been plagued by Boko Haram insurgency, leading to loss of lives, displacement, and economic disruption.

Banditry and Kidnappings: Other parts of the country, particularly in the Northwest and Southeast, face challenges from bandits and kidnappers, which has further destabilized communities and discouraged investment.

Corruption:

Mismanagement of Resources: Corruption at various levels of government has led to the misallocation and embezzlement of public funds, hindering development projects and essential services.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability: The absence of effective checks and balances has allowed corrupt practices to flourish, exacerbating economic inequalities.

Infrastructure Deficit:

Poor Roads and Transportation: Inadequate road networks and poor transportation infrastructure have hampered economic activities and increased the cost of doing business.

Electricity Shortages: Persistent power outages and an unreliable electricity supply have stifled industrial growth and increased operational costs for businesses.

Health and Education: The healthcare system is underfunded and overwhelmed, while the education sector suffers from poor funding, inadequate facilities, and low-quality teaching.

Social Inequality:

Wealth Disparity: A significant gap exists between the wealthy and the poor, with a small elite controlling much of the country’s resources while a large portion of the population lives in poverty.

Gender Inequality: Women in Nigeria often face systemic barriers in accessing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, contributing to broader social inequalities.

Way Out: Potential Solutions

Economic Reforms:

Diversification: Nigeria’s economy is heavily reliant on oil. Diversifying into agriculture, manufacturing, and technology can create jobs and reduce vulnerability to global oil price fluctuations.

Support for SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any economy. Providing access to finance, reducing regulatory burdens, and offering technical support can help these businesses thrive.

Monetary Policies: Implementing policies that stabilize the currency and control inflation is crucial to restoring purchasing power and economic stability.

Improving Security

Strengthening Security Forces: Investing in training, equipment, and intelligence for the police and military can help combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings more effectively.

Community Policing: Engaging local communities in security efforts can improve trust and cooperation, leading to better crime prevention and resolution.

Fighting Corruption:

Institutional Reforms: Strengthening institutions like the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and law enforcement can enhance transparency and accountability.

Public Awareness and Engagement: Educating the public about the impact of corruption and encouraging citizen participation in governance can help hold leaders accountable.

Infrastructure Development

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaborating with the private sector to fund and manage infrastructure projects can accelerate development in areas like transportation, energy, and telecommunications.

Renewable Energy Investment: Investing in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can help address the electricity deficit and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Social Welfare Programs

Education and Skill Development: Expanding access to quality education and vocational training can empower the youth and reduce unemployment.

Healthcare Access: Improving healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and implementing universal health coverage can enhance the quality of life.

Poverty Alleviation Programs: Direct cash transfers, food security programs, and affordable housing initiatives can provide immediate relief to those most affected by poverty.

Promoting Social Equity

Gender Equality Initiatives: Ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women can foster a more inclusive society.

Reducing Wealth Disparity: Progressive taxation, social safety nets, and fair wage policies can help bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

Conclusion
Addressing the hardships in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach that involves economic reform, infrastructure development, security enhancement, anti-corruption measures, and social welfare programs. While these challenges are significant, with concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society, Nigeria can create a more stable and prosperous future for its citizens.

FALEYE OLUWATOSIN SIMON

JOURNALIST FROM LAGOS