Ekeh, who turned 70 on Sunday, February 22, also extended gratitude to governors; former governors, including Babatunde Raji Fashola, former governor of Lagos state; National Assembly members; captains of industries, members of the global tech community, some of whom sent delegations to his house aside virtual goodwill messages sent from across the globe; royal fathers and the media.

In a post-birthday prayer and thanksgiving meeting with some members of the ICT media in his Ikoyi residence at the weekend, Ekeh said he was overwhelmed by the deluge of good wishes from Nigerians different regions.

Ekeh reflected on his relationship with President Tinubu over the past decades, describing Tinubu as a trustworthy and loyal friend who does not hesitate to make sacrifices for the good of the people he leads.

“President Tinubu has been my supporter long before I launched Zinox. He has always shown brotherly love,” he recalled.

He mentioned Mr. Sam Amuka, publisher of Vanguard newspapers; Lt. General T.Y Danjuma (retd), Founder, South Atlantic Petroleum; and Pa Obafemi Awolowo’s family as some of the many Nigerians with established companies who “experienced me and trusted me in the early days of my business life, and I didn’t disappoint”.

Recounting how Nigerians celebrated him on his birthday, he said: “In all my years, I have never seen such a show of love from Nigerians via different communications channels, from calls to social media. I was deeply touched by the kindred spirit of Nigerians. It tells me one thing: Nigerians are caring and loving people, and they appreciate quality and value-driven impact.

“I want to use this medium to say ‘thank you’ to those who sent me messages of goodwill, prayers through different communication platforms that I could not immediately acknowledge. I appreciate you all,” he said.

It will be recalled that President Tinubu while celebrating Ekeh on his birthday described him as one of “Nigeria’s pioneering innovators in the information technology sector.”

The President also commended Ekeh for his “commitment to promoting the Nigerian brand and creating opportunities for young Nigerians,” amongst his other achievements in the tech sector.

President Obasanjo, accompanied by his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, who visited Ekeh to pray for him, described Ekeh as a “very kind man and an achiever who inspired many youths at a critical point in Nigeria’s information technology history.”

He also prayed for the Zinox Group boss to live for 100 years and beyond.

As a sitting President, Obasanjo honoured Ekeh as an Icon of Hope and a role model for Nigerian youths on October 1st, 2001, and subsequently with the national honour of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

Others who joined Obasanjo in honouring Ekeh were former Lagos state governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola and his wife, former INEC Chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu and his wife, Chairman of MTN, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe and his wife; Mr. Atedo Peterside, Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank and his wife; Chairman of Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu and her husband; Managing Director Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Mr. Udoma Udo-Udoma, Chairman Seplat Energy and his wife; Mr. Sam Amuka; Prof Anya O. Anya; Mr. Chris Uwaje, tech policy expert and his wife; Mr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Media Group and his wife; Mr and Mrs Walter, CEO of Providus bank, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, group CEO of Access bank, Mrs. Victoria Ajayi, CEO of TVC  Communications and her husband; Mrs. Nkeiru Anumudu, CEO of Globe Motors, secondary school mates of Ekeh including Charles Oputa (Charly Boy) who came with his wife; Leo Stan’s elder brother HRM Eze George Ekeh (aka Saint George), the traditional ruler Ishi Ubomiri Autonomous Community in Imo state;  representatives of multinationals with whom  he has partnered all through the years;  among other distinguished Nigerians and foreigners.

The adjustment, authorised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), comes after over a decade of unchanged pricing in the industry, despite high inflation impacting the costs of operations.

The statement from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre revealed that the approval, however, does not mandate an immediate increase in tariffs. “It is equally important to highlight that this approval does not mean automatic increases in tariffs. Operators are still free to maintain their current rates if they find them sustainable.”

The Presidency also noted that the approved tariff hike is well below the over 100% increase originally requested by service providers, pointing to the government’s goal to balance the needs of the telecom sector with the economic realities faced by Nigerian households and businesses.

The statement highlighted the role the telecom industry plays in Nigeria’s economy, supporting millions of individuals and businesses that depend on uninterrupted connectivity for daily activities. 

“The telecom sector is a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, supporting millions of users and businesses that rely on uninterrupted connectivity for daily activities. Without a sustainable pricing model, the sector risks stagnation, with operators unable to maintain or upgrade infrastructure to meet increasing demands. By approving this modest adjustment, the NCC has ensured that operators can remain viable while creating room for innovation and improved service delivery.”

The Presidency pointed out that, without a sustainable pricing model, operators would face difficulties in maintaining and upgrading their infrastructure to meet growing demands. This, in turn, could lead to stagnation in the sector, sabotaging the quality of service.

It was also stressed that the NCC has introduced strict regulatory measures alongside the tariff adjustment, aimed at simplifying tariff structures and curbing exploitative billing practices. 

New sanctions for operators who fail to meet service obligations will ensure greater accountability and improved customer service. The Presidency reaffirmed that these changes aim to ensure that both operators and consumers benefit from a more transparent and fair telecommunications environment.

The adjustment comes after the NCC announced the approval on January 20, due to high costs of operations and the need for the sector’s sustainability. 

While the increase is seen as a necessary move to support telecom operators, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has threatened to challenge the decision in court. 

The association argues that the tariff hike was approved without sufficient consultation with key stakeholders, particularly the subscribers who will ultimately bear the cost.

Nonetheless, the Presidency remains firm on its stand, presenting the 50% tariff adjustment as an initiative for the telecom industry to thrive, meeting the demands of digitalisation.

This partnership is aligned with the Renewed Hope Mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and seeks to integrate the National Identification Number (NIN) registration process into the programme.

Revealed in a statement signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the partnership aims to “ensure that every school child is enrolled and assigned a National Identification Number (NIN).”

This move, as noted, is designed to promote inclusive access to the school feeding programme, enhance transparency, and promote accountability.

Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the director-general and CEO of NIMC, will work closely with Princess Aderemi Adebowale, the National Programme Manager of the Renewed Hope NHGSF initiative, to ensure the programme’s seamless implementation. 

The statement reiterated the importance of this partnership, describing it as “a pivotal step toward ensuring the effective implementation of the school feeding initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

Dr. Kayode Adegoke also noted: “By integrating the NIN registration process into the school feeding program, the partnership underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to improving educational and nutritional outcomes for children while advancing the Digital Public Infrastructure in Nigeria.”

The initiative is expected to greatly boost sustainable development and equitable access to essential services for children. It aligns with NIMC’s mission of leveraging its expertise in identity management to support nationwide development efforts.

The statement further emphasised: “The NIMC remains dedicated to leveraging its expertise in identity management to drive sustainable development and equitable access to essential services for all Nigerians.”

This collaboration will ensure the government’s focus on improving education and nutrition, as well as strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure through the implementation of NIN among school-aged children is achieved without limitations.

The surge is an increase of ₦8.02 trillion compared to the ₦134.3 trillion recorded three months earlier. This resulted from exchange rate fluctuations, growing domestic borrowing, and Nigeria’s fiscal policy directions.

The country’s debt stock consists of external and domestic borrowings undertaken by the Federal Government, state governments, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). 

External and Domestic Debt Split

External debt accounts for ₦68.89 trillion ($43.03 billion), 48.4% of the total debt stock. This showed the rate at which Nigeria relies on foreign loans to fund development projects and address budget deficits. 

Meanwhile, domestic debt stands at ₦73.43 trillion ($45.87 billion), contributing 51.6% of the overall figure. The Federal Government alone is responsible for ₦69.22 trillion ($43.23 billion) of the domestic debt, while state governments and the FCT owe ₦4.21 trillion ($2.63 billion).

Debt Growth and Exchange Rate Impact

From June to September 2024, Nigeria’s debt increased by ₦8.02 trillion (5.97%), driven by high domestic borrowing and the depreciation of the naira against the US dollar. 

The exchange rate weakened from ₦1,470.19/$ in June to ₦1,601.03/$ in September, amplifying the naira value of external obligations. While external debt in dollar terms grew marginally by 0.29%, its naira equivalent surged by 9.22%.

Composition of Domestic Debt

Federal Government bonds were the largest domestic debt component, growing by 4.47% to ₦54.65 trillion. Other components include Nigerian Treasury Bills, which declined slightly to ₦11.73 trillion, and promissory notes, which increased to ₦1.77 trillion. 

Retail-focused instruments like Federal Government Savings Bonds also recorded growth, reflecting increased participation from smaller investors.

External Debt Profile

External debt, valued at $43.03 billion, is primarily composed of multilateral loans, which account for 50.6% of the total and increased slightly to $21.77 billion. Obligations to bilateral lenders, including China and France, declined marginally, while commercial loans, such as Eurobonds, remained steady at $15.12 billion. 

The issuance of a $2.2 billion Eurobond in December 2024 further expanded Nigeria’s external debt, aimed at funding the national budget.

The DMO’s report revealed Nigeria’s increased reliance on borrowing to finance budget deficits and support development projects. While domestic borrowing has grown, external loans remain essential to fund infrastructure and social initiatives.

However, the rapid depreciation of the naira, coupled with mounting debt obligations, is limiting debt sustainability. Rising debt servicing costs, declining oil revenues, and high inflation rates further compound the fiscal challenges.

Initiatives to moderate short-term domestic borrowing are evident, with reductions in Treasury bills and Sukuk. Nonetheless, Nigeria’s issuance of its first domestic dollar-denominated bond added ₦1.47 trillion to the debt stock, pointing to the need for innovative funding mechanisms.

The soon-to-be-launched card aims to bring better access to essential services, such as financial inclusion, government interventions, and job applications, providing Nigerians with a simplified, reliable identification system.

One advantage of the new ID card is its potential to drive financial inclusion. With over 100 million Nigerians currently excluded from the formal banking system, the new card will bring a good portion of the population into the fold. 

It will serve as a gateway for Nigerians to open bank accounts, access credit facilities, and request either debit or credit cards, with the added benefit of building a verifiable credit score. This development will make it easier for citizens to secure loans from both government and private financial institutions.

This innovation is backed by a partnership between NIMC and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), which will work together to establish reliable credit scores for all Nigerians who have registered their National Identification Number (NIN). 

The integration of credit scores with the NIN will simplify access to loans and other financial services, greatly easing financial transactions for many Nigerians.

Again, the new National ID card will be a mandatory requirement for applying for jobs in both government and private sectors. This step aims to ensure that employers can confidently verify the identity of job applicants, giving them a clear and accurate view of an individual’s background. 

With the NIN card serving as an official identification, this process will help eliminate fraud and ensure greater transparency in hiring practices.

The ID card will also simplify a range of administrative functions. It will be accepted as a valid form of identification for essential services, such as voter registration and passport applications.

The simplicity of presenting a single card for these services will save time and reduce bureaucracy, ensuring that Nigerians can access services without unnecessary delays.

Added to these, the NIN card will help in the distribution of government interventions, helping to ensure that only eligible citizens receive social benefits. 

As part of the government’s vision to reduce corruption and improve transparency, the card will provide a secure means for accessing various government services across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the National ID card will also be compatible with Nigeria’s digital currency, the eNaira. 

This will allow cardholders to make digital transactions securely, further integrating the ID card into the nation’s growing financial ecosystem.

Dr. Peter Iwegbu, head of Card Management Services at NIMC, confirmed that the distribution of the new cards will begin shortly, with plans in place for decentralised access through banks nationwide. 

Nigerians will be able to request and collect their cards at local bank branches, and the NIMC will ensure that the pricing remains consistent across institutions.

This initiative is expected to increase transparency, reduce fraud, and promote financial inclusion.

Nigeria’s IT ecosystem, under the stewardship of Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Chief Information Technology Officer and Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is emerging as a beacon of digital transformation.

Through strategic international and local stakeholder engagements, Inuwa is steering Nigeria’s digital sector toward unprecedented growth, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Recently, Inuwa’s international engagements reflect his commitment to positioning Nigeria as a global digital leader.

During GITEX Global 2024, one of the world’s premier technology events, he delivered a keynote address on “Securing Africa’s Digital Future: Nigeria’s Cybersecurity Roadmap.”

In this address, he meticulously outlined Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework, a cornerstone of the nation’s ambition to foster a secure and resilient digital ecosystem.

Emphasising the critical role of digital innovation in economic diversification, Inuwa mapped out five foundational pillars: digital fluency, cybersecurity skills, robust policy frameworks, technological innovation, and cybersecurity innovation roadmaps.

He left no stone unturned in highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to closing the cybersecurity skills gap, securing data systems, and developing a national cybersecurity architecture aligned with global standards.

In addition to cybersecurity, Inuwa has shown a remarkable capacity to engage with international stakeholders, fostering collaborations that promise to boost Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

His meetings with executives of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) at GITEX 2024 exemplify this.

He engaged (DWTC) towards organising GITEX Nigeria 2025 to chart ways for inclusive stakeholder participation in the event, positioning Nigeria as a prime destination for global investors.

He rightly argued that Africa’s largest economy, brimming with a vibrant youth population and a burgeoning tech startup scene, is ripe for value-driven investments.

In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector through innovation, Inuwa has spearheaded collaborative efforts between NITDA and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

This strategic partnership aims to harness cutting-edge technology to address the myriad challenges plaguing the agricultural sector, from resource optimisation to improving productivity.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities marks a watershed moment in Nigeria’s quest for food security.

The goal is to integrate technology into agriculture, drive innovation, and ultimately enhance national food security efforts of the present administration.

Inuwa’s local engagements are equally impressive. His keynote address at the Nigeria Govtech Conference and Awards touched the role of digital innovation in fostering economic growth and empowering citizens.

He emphasised the importance of a comprehensive agenda focused on human capital development, digital literacy, and skills training, particularly in both formal and informal sectors.

This vision aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s commitment to leveraging technology to build strong institutions that enhance governance and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.

On a broader continental stage, Inuwa’s participation in the 3rd Moonshot Annual Tech Conference in Lagos, alongside tech leaders from across Africa, further solidified his status as a digital economy visionary.

In his panel discussion on “Building Digital Economies for the World,” Inuwa articulated the need for governments to collaborate with the tech ecosystem in developing robust regulations that support cross-border data exchange within the continent.

He advocated for building Digital Public Infrastructures (DPI) to unlock the full potential of Africa’s digital economy, positioning Nigeria as a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Inuwa’s leadership in promoting Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) was also front and center at the 17th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2024) in Pretoria, South Africa.

Representing the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Inuwa reiterated the need for scalable, inclusive, and secure DPI that builds trust between governments and citizens.

Kashifu Inuwa also introduced the African DPI Community, a platform for collaboration aimed at accelerating digital transformation across the continent.

His efforts in advocating for digital identity systems, payment platforms, and data exchange infrastructures have placed Nigeria at the forefront of DPI innovation in Africa.

Additionally, Inuwa’s active role in the global DPI discourse was further demonstrated by his participation in the United Nations General Assembly, where he contributed to the launch of the Universal DPI Safeguards Framework.

This initiative sets new standards for the design and implementation of digital infrastructures, prioritising public interest and promoting safe, inclusive, and interoperable systems.

Inuwa’s insights on Nigeria’s journey toward building a resilient DPI showcased the country’s commitment to harnessing technology for sustainable development, reinforcing the Federal Government’s dedication to supporting research and technological innovation.

In every sphere of his engagement, both local and international, Inuwa’s efforts are emblematic of a leader committed to digital transformation.

His work is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda; and it is shaping the very future of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, ensuring that Nigeria’s digital future is both secure and prosperous, setting the stage for the nation to lead in the global digital economy.

While the President attempted to convey empathy and address the pressing issues facing the nation, many Nigerians felt his words fell short of addressing their genuine concerns.

President Tinubu’s Speech: A Disconnect?

In his speech, President Tinubu highlighted various initiatives, including oil production, foreign direct investments, and the compressed natural gas (CNG) initiative. However, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Labour Party gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State, described the address as a “flaccid attempt at empathy,” stating that the administration is trapped in its propaganda. Speaking to Arise TV, Rhodes-Vivour mentioned the lack of concrete action plans and tangible solutions.

Dr Folaseye said: “I listened 3 times to see if I missed anything and I realised your president Tinubu did not address a single demand of the protesters.”

Despite the government’s mention of progress, the issue of inflation surge makes lots say otherwise. Reaching 34.19% in June 2024, high costs are driven by high food prices and energy costs. 

In President Tinubu’s speech, he addressed employment initiatives through several programs aimed at supporting youth and stimulating job creation. These included the establishment of the Consumer Credit Corporation with over N200 billion to help Nigerians acquire essential products without immediate cash payments, which he said would reduce corruption and create ease for millions of households. 

He also mentioned the 3 Million Technical Talents scheme under the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) program, aimed at creating IT and technical jobs. The Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP) were introduced as part of his administration’s initiatives to enable young people and create employment opportunities.

As seen in the disruption of Kano ICT Park, however, the effectiveness of these initiatives in addressing Nigeria’s high unemployment rate depends on resolving the root problems such as insecurity, lack of food and education, inadequate infrastructure, and economic instability that continue to hinder job creation efforts. 

As of the latest data, Nigeria’s unemployment rate is counting in mllions​, with more than 40% of the population living below the poverty line. While these programs look good at addressing employment, their capacity to greatly reduce unemployment depends on successful implementation, scalability, and the ability to match the skills provided with the needs of the job market.

Social media platforms have been hot on this topic, with citizens feeling the President’s address did not adequately address the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests demands. 

Anonymous NG said the speech failed to address key demands such as the arrest of officers responsible for killing protesters, reducing government costs, and reversing education and fuel subsidy cuts. Instead, it highlighted unverifiable achievements, leading to further outrage among the people.

Responses that followed pointed out the absence of discussion on issues such as refineries and the transmission of election votes, while another noted the lack of mention of insecurity affecting farmers. 

“Nothing about refineries or IREV transmission of election votes. Only paragraph 30 which is on agriculture makes sense. But it’s just a promise. Imagine talking about housing in Abuja where about 60% of the estates are empty. Mtchew”

“Neither did he mention insecurity which is preventing our farmers from going to their farm”

Inibehe Effiong described the speech as “a pack of empty words” and “a time-wasting load of irrelevancies.” He pointed out the political class for being “intentionally deaf and willfully blind” to the sufferings of Nigerians. He stated that President Tinubu is disconnected from the realities of everyday Nigerians, living in an “imaginary Nigeria.”

Effiong further noted that the President failed to address specific demands, such as electoral reform and reversing economic policies. The speech was seen as ignoring the needs of the masses and offering no concessions or credible dialogue mechanisms.

Inibehe Effiong described the address as a collection of empty words, highlighting the disconnect between the administration and the lived realities of Nigerians. 

The responses that followed included accusations of the President of obfuscating real issues and failing to understand the seriousness of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. There were calls for renewed mobilisation and demands for a more direct engagement with the President, including suggestions for a press conference titled “One on One with Tinubu.”

“Very adeptly ignored the specific demands of the people and generalised it in a way that obfuscated the real issue,” a user wrote.

“President Tinubu doesn’t think that we are serious. He is obviously looking down on us the masses.

From Monday, we shall mobilise massively and speak in the loudest voices.”

“This speech is very embarrassing, insensitive to the plight of suffering & hungry Nigerians.

If the Nigerian people demanding End to Bad Governance in Nigeria withdraws because of this speech, then all the good efforts made in the past 3 days & the fallen heroes amount to nothing.”

“It’s uncalled for I think there is need for a press conference tagged 

One on one with Tinubu!!!!!!!!”

The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests demands, such as reducing fuel prices, improving security, and implementing electoral reforms, contrast with the government’s speech on economic recovery. 

The emphasis on long-term economic policies does not align with the immediate needs of Nigerians struggling with inflation, unemployment, and insecurity. This disconnect makes more visible the challenge for the government in bridging the gap between policy pronouncements and tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

Same Old Stories!!! But for How Long Shall We Continue

Nigeria’s economy reportedly suffered a loss of over ₦500 billion in just one day. This massive economic blow is attributed to the widespread disruption of business activities, the imposition of curfews in several states, and the general atmosphere of instability that has gripped the nation.

Again, in the last 72 hours or so, goods worth no less than ₦6 million were affected. The Nigeria Police Force also noted that it arrested at least 681 protesters, excluding journalists.

According to NPF records, 44 people were arrested in Abuja, 17 in Gombe, 75 in Jigawa, 24 in Kaduna, 326 in Kano, 7 in Katsina, 50 in Nasarawa, and 81 in Sokoto.

People seem to be tired of old fables that do not bring practical, measurable, and clear-cut results. The leadership has spoken, and all we can do for now is expect action-oriented results.

There have been various ideas regarding the presidential speech. The overall summation is that President Tinubu’s address neither takes into account the demands of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests nor provides a clear path to the future the nation or her citizens envision.

But what are the demands of the protesters, and by extension, the masses? A cut in the size of government, a return of the petrol subsidy regime, food security, fiscal discipline, government intervention in the skyrocketing price of goods and services, and an end to insecurity, among others.

A close look at the Presidential address seems not to touch on these critical issues specifically, nor does it appear that the masses are pleased with the government’s response.

For us, what led to the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests is a set of interconnected issues the government seems to be neglecting, such as the insecurity challenge and its effects on agriculture and the economy at large.

According to a report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), prices of food and basic items have skyrocketed, hitting over 250% in one year. Data from the latest Food Price Watch from the NBS showed that the price of beans soared by 252% between June 2023 and June 2024.

The prices of major staple foods in Nigeria, such as beans, yam, potato, plantain, and tomato, rose by over 250% in the last year. A year-on-year comparative analysis indicates the average price of 1 kg of brown beans stood at ₦2,292.76, representing a 252.13% increase from ₦651.12 in June 2023 and a 14.11% increase month-on-month from ₦2,009.23 in May 2024.

Tomatoes also saw significant price increases, rising by 320.67% year-on-year from ₦547.28 in June 2023 to ₦2,302.26 in June 2024. On a month-on-month basis, the average price of tomatoes increased by 55.59% from ₦1,479.69 in May 2024. There are more alarming data and figures depicting how our naira is becoming useless, thereby reducing the purchasing power of the masses.

Furthermore, Nigeria’s insecurity challenge has grown beyond the activities of Boko Haram into a hydra-headed monster that is chronic in many areas, exacerbated by rising inflation and worsening unemployment.

Nigeria is currently dealing with a variety of security issues, including banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, livestock rustling, separatist agitations, and the continuous insurgency of Boko Haram. The situation has deteriorated substantially, with most incidents occurring in the middle belt and northern Nigeria, which represent the country’s farming belt.

But what has been the response to this challenge? We leave you to provide suitable answers, but what is evident is that if appropriate, not cosmetic, action had been taken, we would have breathed a sigh of relief by now. Instead, we are grateful and count as an achievement the reception of 25,000 tonnes of wheat from war-torn Ukraine and the removal of stamp duty on food for some months.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s wheat production has been so dismal that for a decade, the country only managed to produce about two percent of all the wheat it consumed.

At approximately 2.5 million metric tons, Nigerian wheat production is not great for a country that prides itself as Africa’s giant. For comparison, Pakistan is the eighth largest wheat-producing country in the world, with an annual production of around 24 million metric tons. Nigeria doesn’t even make it into the first 20 largest wheat-producing countries in the world.

Another central issue akin to the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests demands is the removal of the fuel subsidy and its unquantifiable effect on the masses. While the government has proven to the masses that the years of “Father Christmas” are gone, Nigerians have yet to see in practical terms the benefits of these reforms, which seem like waiting in vain.

While the debate over the subsidy has been laid to rest, it is public knowledge with evidence that it has found its way back into the economy. So, “who is fooling who?”

We must also mention the fact that the masses seem unclear about why they must bear the brunt of the challenges and reforms bedevilling the economy at all times. Leadership is supposed to be by example, in practical terms.

If this is so, the extremely expensive democracy we operate as a country needs to be interrogated. The undefined personal assistants with unspecified job descriptions and advisers to advisers must go. These, among others, may convince the masses that we are on the path to success as a nation.

Our “Kobo” Advice

We appeal to the government to return to the fundamentals of policymaking, emphasising immediate and remote measures. All that has been seen thus far seems futuristic and looks good, but with many gaps in reality and sometimes skewness towards policy somersault.

The masses deserve to see the price of garri, rice, beans, nkwobi, ekpang nkukwo, tuwo shinkafa, vegetable soup, and ogbono soup reduced drastically. We also demand an end to long queues in our respective filling stations and a more practical approach to addressing insecurity, inflation, and other teething problems staring us in the face.

Nigeria Shall Succeed!

The funding, part of the N5 billion Creative Fund established in collaboration with Providus Bank in December 2023, aims to enhance the growth and development of the creative sector.

The initial disbursement of the Creative Fund began in May 2024, with N1.5 billion allocated to four actors and producers. Fegho Umunubo, the Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy, shared this development on social media. He urged creatives seeking financial support to contact Providus Bank via email.

This initiative is designed to bolster Nigeria’s creative industry, which is rapidly expanding. The government is currently reviewing applications for the second round of funding to ensure more projects receive the necessary support.

In addition to this fund, the federal government is set to collaborate with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on a $617 million IDICE Fund. This fund targets the digital technology and creative sectors, aiming to drive socio-economic progress and position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. The iDICE programme, supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Bank of Industry (BOI), and AfDB, will span five years.

The government has also extended financial assistance to fashion startups, providing between N2-5 million per business in Enugu and Jigawa states. Initiated in May 2024, this support is targeted towards helping fashion trainees who have completed their programs to scale their businesses.

Again, a $3 million international investment has been secured for creative industry training in partnership with French companies, aimed at training Nigerian creatives with globally competitive skills. The NaijabrandChick Trade Fair has received N1 million per business for three enterprises showcasing Nigerian culture and creativity online.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) categorizes Nigeria’s creative sector into five sub-sectors: Media and Entertainment, Beauty and Lifestyle, Visual Arts, and Tourism and Hospitality. 

Currently, this sector employs around 4.2 million people. Projections suggest that the creative industry could create an additional 2.7 million jobs within the next four to five years. 

According to Mustard Insights, the Nigerian creative economy is expected to reach a valuation of $15 billion by 2025, with the movie industry alone valued at $6.4 billion.

The NCC directive is in response to the increasing number of complaints from consumers who have voiced their dissatisfaction over what they perceive as unfair data consumption rates.

The NCC has mandated an independent audit of the MNOs’ billing systems to ensure transparency and fairness in data usage charges. This audit is expected to shed light on the technicalities behind data consumption and provide insights into how consumers can get the most value out of their data plans.

Again, the commission is launching an educational campaign to provide consumers with knowledge about data management. This initiative will provide valuable tips on how to prevent unwanted data depletion through smartphone settings and data usage monitoring.

Under the guidance of Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the NCC reaffirms its goal to enhance Nigeria’s digital modification. The commission’s actions align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes the importance of a sustainable digital economy as a cornerstone for national development.

The NCC’s directive is a collaboration with MNOs to enhance the quality of service and ensure that the benefits of digitalization are accessible to all Nigerians.