Niger Government Faces Backlash Over Pipeline Sabotage Allegations Against Nigeria

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerien government is under fire from its citizens and regional observers following its accusations that Nigeria orchestrated the recent sabotage of an oil pipeline between Lido and Karakara in the Dosso region. Despite claims of possessing “concrete evidence” against Nigeria, the Niger government has yet to present any substantiating proof, leading to widespread skepticism and criticism.

On December 18, 2024, Nigerien authorities summoned Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to account for the alleged involvement of Nigerian officials in the pipeline attack. The Nigerien Minister of Energy accused Nigeria of conspiring with foreign powers implicitly referencing France to destabilize Niger by targeting its critical energy infrastructure. These allegations arise amid heightened tensions following Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The accusations have ignited a wave of criticism among Nigeriens, many of whom view their government as clueless and unfocused. They see these moves as indicative of a government struggling to maintain control and shifting blame to external actors to mask internal security failures.

One critic argued that the leadership is deflecting blame for its failure to secure strategic facilities and prevent attacks, Abdoulaye Boubacar, remarked, “When you are sovereign, you ensure the security of your strategic facilities.” he said.

Some observers interpret the accusations as a misguided attempt to isolate Nigeria due to its close ties with France, a nation that Niger’s junta has frequently accused of interference. “This is not about facts; this is about Nigeria’s relationship with France,” stated Abdou Pagoui, a public commentator.

Amadou Harouna, another resident said Niger’s government is at a critical juncture, and its reliance on external blame is increasingly seen as a dangerous distraction from pressing internal issues. By failing to acknowledge its own security shortcomings, Niger risks exacerbating its vulnerabilities. The economic fallout from leaving ECOWAS, coupled with internal security lapses, has already compounded the challenges facing the nation. “The decision to exit ECOWAS was shortsighted and has brought more harm than good,” remarked a regional analyst. “Blaming Nigeria or anyone else will not solve Niger’s problems.” Said Harouna.

Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst said the ongoing tensions and unfounded accusations against Nigeria threaten to strain relations with Niger’s largest trading partner and significant economic ally. This diplomatic misstep could worsen Niger’s isolation, particularly as it navigates the fallout from its decision to distance itself from West African norms and allies.

Nigeria and Niger share over 1,400 kilometers of porous borders, making collaboration essential for tackling cross border terrorism and other security challenges. As Africa’s largest economy and a regional leader, Nigeria has consistently sought to strengthen ties with Niger, offering support in areas such as counterterrorism and intelligence sharing.

In July 2024, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, led a high level delegation to Niger to discuss regional security and enhance military cooperation. This visit marked a significant step toward rebuilding trust and addressing shared threats. However, Niger’s recent withdrawal from key regional initiatives, such as ECOWAS and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), has undermined these efforts.

Moreover, the continued focus on external blame diverts attention from critical internal issues, including insecurity, poverty, and poor governance. As Niger’s leadership attempts to portray itself as a bulwark against external threats, it is increasingly perceive it as disconnected from reality.

Niger’s withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) poses a significant threat to regional stability. The MNJTF was established to combat terrorism and trans border crimes in the Lake Chad Basin. The absence of military collaboration with Nigeria may lead to a resurgence of terrorist attacks. Without Niger’s participation, the MNJTF faces reduced capacity to patrol border areas, leaving them vulnerable to increased terrorist activity. Already, there are concerns that Boko Haram and ISWAP were already exploiting this gap to escalate attacks on both sides of the border.
Historically, such groups have exploited security vacuums, leading to some of the deadliest attacks in the region. Niger’s security failures are not unique, but its approach to addressing them has been counterproductive. The blame game does little to address the root causes of insecurity and alienates allies that are essential for long term stability.

As extremist groups continue to pose a significant threat, Niger must recognize that its success in combating these challenges lies in unity, not isolation. Cooperation with Nigeria and other regional partners is not just an option it is a necessity for safeguarding the future of the Sahel and West Africa. Cooperation with Nigeria is not merely beneficial; it is essential for addressing the escalating security threats that both nations faces . Only through cooperation and a commitment to addressing internal challenges can Niger hope to achieve lasting stability and security in the region.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region

Niger Government Faces Backlash Over Pipeline Sabotage Allegations Against Nigeria

Over 179 million Nigerians live in unclean environment-Report

By: Michael Mike

Over 179 million people in Nigeria are living in unclean environment, according to the State of the Nigerian Environment (STONE) study.

The Seventh Edition of the public presentation of the State of the Nigerian Environment (STONE) study showed that this was an improvement over last year’s record which stood at 183 million.

The report was made available on Friday at an event tagged: “cleanest state champions in Nigeria tagged “Stone 2024 Unplugged,” by the National Coordinator of a non governmental organisation (NGO), Clean-Up Nigeria (CUN), Mr. Prince Owoh.

According to Owoh the indicators used in the study aimed to promote comprehensive environmental policies targeting governments at all levels and citizens.

He noted that: “The 2024 zonal rating has significant merits, expected to improve Nigeria’s national cleanliness index rating.

“On one hand, the country has seen a slight improvement in reducing open defecation, from 24 per cent in 2023 to 20 per cent in 2024,” he said.

Owoh said that STONE aimed to highlight the importance of environmental cleanliness and sustainability in terms of waste management.

He said: “Nigeria’s sanitation situation is a mixed bag.Unfortunately, waste recycling efforts have declined, dropping from 26 per cent in 2023 to 19 per cent in 2024. This decrease is attributed to the rising poverty levels in the country.

“The Stone Study’s findings further revealed that only seven states demonstrated good personal hygiene and sanitation practices among their citizens.”

He however noted that the annual Cleanliness Performance Index rating ranked Akwa Ibom and Abuja as cleanest states in Nigeria which enabled some states show commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Akwa Ibom state recently launched massive improved waste equipment combined with improving its sanitation of citizens, offering valuable insights for improvement.

“The zonal emphasis rating fosters regional integration, making the competition more relevant to
local environments.

The National Coordinator who is also the Secretary, National Technical Study Group (NTSG), said that the cleanliness index rating would address specific cleanliness challenges in each state and drive positive change in Nigeria’s cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

“The zonal approach will also facilitate interstate collaboration and partnership, promoting another and adopt effective strategies to address their unique environmental challenges towards a cleaner and healthier nation.

Owoh while announcing the six zonal cleanest state champions in Nigeria, said “the yearly Cleanliness Performance Index Rating, chaired by Prof. Solomon Balogun, Chairman, STONE NTSG showed that Akwa Ibom is the cleanest state in the South-South.

“Enugu State in the South East, Lagos State in the South-West, Plateau in the North-Central, Borno in the North-East, and Kaduna State in the North-West.

“By highlighting successes and challenges in each zone, the zonal approach will inspire positive and responsibility among citizens for their local environment,” he stated.

He said this in turn will enhance six consecutive years effective data collection and analysis from 2018 to 2023.

These six zonal cleanliness champions were awarded the prestigious STONE Green Crystal Award in 2024, he said.

He said the zonal ratings will provide a more accurate assessment of strengths and weaknesses on a zonal basis, enabling states within each zone to benchmark themselves against one another.

He assured that the zonal rating would equally promote healthy competition, drive self-improvement and targeted interventions to change and showcase best practices.

Over 179 million Nigerians live in unclean environment-Report

Tinubu has sagacity in finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problems. We need more patience, says Umar Abubakar

By: Michael Mike

A Nigerian citizen, Engineer Umar Abubakar, whose heart is drawn towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s capability to proffer needed solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, currently joins his voice to numerous lovers and die-hard believers of the All Progressives Congress political leader and declares support for the President’s sagacity in finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problems.

In his words, Eng. Abubakar stated that the government has achieved significant milestones in improving the transmission network under the able leadership of Engineer Abdulazeez, a member of the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

Mr. Umar Abubakar, who started his primary school education in Kebbi State and proceeded to secondary school and polytechnic, where he was a distinction student, later completed his postgraduate studies and earned a Master’s degree at Ambrose Alli University in Edo State. He subsequently obtained a PhD in Accounting from Nasarawa State University.

To complement the competence of the present government, Eng. Abubakar also declared his vision and mission to work towards achieving the milestones and objectives set by this administration.

He said: “It is evident that the government started amidst turbulence, but by the grace of God, we are gradually achieving stability”. Initially, some people did not understand the government’s direction, but we are now witnessing improvements in the economy. For example, in the past two days, we have seen positive changes in the foreign exchange market and an improvement in balances daily. It has been a wonderful journey with significant foreign investments being realized.

Though we can say that Nigerians are always impatient, it is getting noticed now that the little patience we have extended to the government is yielding results. We have observed the naira appreciating, something we thought would not happen. Fuel is now readily available everywhere, and prices are gradually stabilizing.

The introduction of the CNG project has become one of the cornerstones of this administration. For instance, I recently visited a place where people were queuing to be part of the CNG arrangements. The government is doing well, and I believe 2025 will be a remarkable year with significant economic improvement. Every project encounters challenges at the beginning, but we are overcoming them gradually.

I appeal to my fellow Nigerians to remain patient and dedicated to their jobs to make these milestones achievable. I am confident that, with proper public support, this government will accomplish great things.

The President has good intentions. While the reforms he introduces are commendable, they should be discussed thoroughly to ensure proper understanding and inclusivity. I wish this government success, and I enjoy serving in this glorious administration.”

Working in the Federal Ministry of Power, Eng. Abubakar shared the numerous challenges encountered in the system, noting that these challenges have been identified and steps are being taken to address them.

He further highlighted his experience in finance administration under the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and other financially inclined agencies, adding that he is also a Chartered Accountant.

“Our administration has significant debts that need to be addressed, and we have introduced schemes to ensure these debts are paid off,” he stated.

According to Eng. Abubakar, the Honourable Minister of Power has taken the grid issue seriously. The solution lies in transitioning from a centralized grid to a mini-grid system, ensuring consistent electricity availability across states.

“The management is working hard to implement these solutions. With the current government initiatives, I believe power supply will be stable by 2025,” he said.

“It is impractical for everyone to have the same electricity band. The bands are designed to ensure fairness. For instance, Band A is for people with more consistent power supply, and naturally, they pay higher tariffs than those with less supply.

The introduction of these bands ensures payment fairness while incentivizing increased light hours. Each state now has the authority to manage its power supply, which aligns with government policies.”

Eng. Abubakar also addressed concerns about power distribution across states. “The Power Ministry is not rocket science; it requires effective administration. Whether the minister is an accountant or an engineer, the focus is on managerial capability. As an accountant, I can develop projections that ensure efficient power distribution.

Nigeria’s challenge is insufficient power generation—5,000 MW cannot meet the needs of over 200 million people. This shortfall must be addressed.”

He emphasized: “If given higher responsibility in the Ministry, with wisdom from the President and collaborative meetings, the power sector challenges can be resolved. Non-performing individuals should be replaced.

It should be noted that some believe Nigeria focuses excessively on hydropower. We need to diversify into other power sources like solar. No country survives solely on one power source. While hydro is cheaper, the government recognizes the need for diversification and is working on integrating other energy sources.

In terms of megawatts, distribution has been privatized, but some companies are not fully prepared for the task. The distribution companies must expand their capacity. It is the responsibility of the President and Minister of Power to ensure distribution is effective.

Until customers experience consistent electricity, the distribution reforms will have limited impact.”

Talking about an assessment of the President’s progress since May 29, 2023, especially in economic reforms, Eng. Abubakar said: “President Tinubu has been exceptional. Though misunderstood initially, he has made tough but necessary decisions. If asked to score him, I would give an 8/10. By the end of 2025, I believe Nigerians will have cause for celebration. The economic and tax reforms, particularly the consolidation of multiple taxes into one, are commendable.

I believe in President Tinubu’s capability to deliver results. With time, I saw the wisdom in his decisions. As an accountant, I recognize that progress requires patience. Prosperous nations have endured similar phases, and we must be willing to persevere.

While Mr. President continues to flourish in directing the affairs of the Nigerian economy, I wish President Tinubu prosperity and appreciate his vision and leadership. I wish him good health, wisdom, and continued success in making transformative decisions for Nigeria.”

Tinubu has sagacity in finding a lasting solution to Nigeria’s power problems. We need more patience, says Umar Abubakar