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Nigeria @65: ActionAid Says So Far, Not So Good

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Nigeria @65: ActionAid Says So Far, Not So Good

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has declared that as Nigeria celebrates her 65th Independence Anniversary it has been a story that beg for answers on why we have not gone beyond the level at which we are currently at.

The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu in a statement on Tuesday, said: “As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2025, ActionAid Nigeria joins citizens to reflect on our country’s journey. Sixty-five years after independence, and 26 years into an unbroken stretch of democratic governance, Nigerians are entitled to ask difficult but necessary questions about the state of the nation.”

Mamedu while commending the resilience of Nigerians and the endurance of the nation’s democratic system for despite flaws, has sustained constitutional rule and peaceful transfers of power since 1999, said: “We also recognise areas of progress, including new railway projects, private sector-led investments such as the Dangote Refinery, the continued role of agriculture as the backbone of the non-oil economy, and modest improvements in the solid minerals sector, which, if properly managed, could diversify revenue and create jobs.

He lamented that: “These gains, however, remain overshadowed by persistent crisis that undermine the well-being of millions.”

He also decried that Nigeria remains highly dependent on crude oil for foreign exchange and government revenue, a structural weakness that has left the economy vulnerable to global price shocks and repeated cycles of instability, adding that: “Growth has not translated into shared prosperity.”

Mamedu said: “According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 63% of Nigerians, or approximately 133 million people, were living in multidimensional poverty in 2022. According to the World Bank, over 87 million Nigerians, nearly 39% of the population, still live below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day. Regardless of the figure we are looking at, inflation, which remains above 20% in 2025, has further eroded household incomes and increased the cost of living. Currency devaluations and subsidy removals have deepened hardship, while expected fiscal relief from subsidy savings has been slow, only partially remitted, and not equitably distributed, raising serious concerns about accountability.”

He further decried that: “The fiscal structure of the country continues to centralise power and resources in the federal government, limiting innovation and accountability at state levels. At the same time, the infrastructure gap remains severe. Unreliable power supply is the single greatest obstacle to industrial growth and small-scale enterprise. Poor road networks, inadequate housing, and inefficient ports continue to frustrate citizens and businesses.

“Governance and institutions remain weak. The rule of law is undermined by the slow pace of justice and political interference. Corruption persists at systemic levels, with public resources diverted through inflated contracts, abandoned projects, and reckless spending. This diverts funds away from critical social services and sustains cycles of poverty and injustice.”

Mamedu added that: “Nigeria’s debt situation is also deeply concerning. With debt service-to-revenue rising above 100% in recent years, the federal government spends nearly all its revenue on debt obligations, leaving very little for capital investment or essential services. This is unsustainable and directly affects development outcomes.”

He noted that: “On human development, the country lags behind. Our Human Development Index stands at about 0.560, reflecting low life expectancy, poor access to education, and limited income opportunities. Education is in crisis with 18.3 million children remain out of school (SitAn), the highest number in the world, and those in school often face dilapidated facilities, poorly trained teachers, and limited access to learning materials. Climate-related disasters, including flooding that recently displaced over 15 million Nigerians, have destroyed schools and worsened an already dire situation.

“Healthcare tells the same story of neglect. Health facilities remain grossly inadequate, particularly in rural areas. Shortages of medical personnel and medicines persist, while poor funding has left the sector unable to meet the needs of citizens. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the fragility of the system, but reforms to build resilience have been minimal.

“Security has deteriorated across all regions. In the North-East, Boko Haram and ISWAP continue their attacks. In the North-West and North-Central, banditry and kidnapping-for-ransom have created fear and instability. Farmer-herder conflicts persist, while violent agitations in the South-East disrupt normal life. These multiple crises have displaced communities, reduced food production, closed schools, and weakened local economies. The recent killing of 12 forest guards in Kwara State is another reminder of the human cost of insecurity and the failure of the state to protect its people.

“Amidst everything, women continue to face exclusion from governance. The slow attention to the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women in the National Assembly demonstrates a lack of political will to prioritise gender equity. With women making up nearly half the population, Nigeria cannot make sustainable progress while denying them a fair voice in decision-making.”

He stressed that: “Equally important is the independence and credibility of our democratic institutions. The upcoming appointment of the next INEC Chairman, as well as national and state commissioners, provides an opportunity for government to demonstrate its commitment to democracy. Only the appointment of independent, credible people can guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections. The judiciary, too, must rise to its constitutional responsibility as the last hope of the common person by upholding justice without fear or favour, especially in electoral and corruption-related matters. Accountability in governance will remain elusive unless the judiciary and INEC are strengthened to play their roles without compromise.”

He said: “As we commemorate 65 years of independence, ActionAid Nigeria emphasises that celebration without accountability is empty. Nigerians deserve more than promises. They deserve safety, dignity, justice, and equal opportunities.”

ActionAid Nigeria demanded for full and timely remittance of all fuel subsidy savings to the Federation Account and transparent use of these funds for social investment; A comprehensive overhaul of the education sector, with investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and access to quality learning for all children, especially girls; A healthcare reform agenda that prioritises quality and affordable services for all, with particular attention to underserved rural areas; Urgent, coordinated, and people-centered responses to the multiple insecurity crises across the country.

It also demanded for stronger anti-corruption measures and governance reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in public spending; Passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women and a commitment to gender-inclusive governance; Reforms to fiscal federalism that give states greater control of their resources, promote competition, and accelerate development; Full and timely remittance of all fuel subsidy savings to the Federation Account and transparent use of these funds for social investment; Transparent, credible appointments in INEC and the judiciary to guarantee independence, fairness, and accountability in electoral and governance processes.

It called on the government to act decisively, insisting that Nigerians cannot afford more cycles of unfulfilled promises and that the time for real reform is now.

Nigeria @65: ActionAid Says So Far, Not So Good

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Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

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Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

By: Michael Mike

Allegations of institutional cover-up have again put the Nigeria Police under scrutiny following claims by Mrs. Nnenna John-Anozie that senior police authorities are deliberately protecting officers linked to the abduction and disappearance of her husband, Mr. John Chukwuemeka Anozie.

Mrs. John-Anozie, at the weekend in Abuja accused the police of ignoring valid court orders and the outcomes of formal investigations, insisting that the actions of the Nigeria Police point to an internal network operating above the law.

According to her, the continued protection of the officers involved has not only obstructed justice but has also eroded public confidence in the institution constitutionally empowered to protect lives and liberties.

She described the police response to her case as a consistent and deliberate failure rather than an administrative lapse. “This is not just negligence; it is a betrayal of public trust,” she said, adding that the law is being openly disregarded by those sworn to uphold it. She maintained that the police authorities are fully aware of the circumstances surrounding her husband’s disappearance but have chosen not to act.

Mrs. John-Anozie further stated that contrary to public perception, the judiciary has not hindered her quest for justice. She explained that the court had ruled in her favour, but enforcement of the judgment has been frustrated by the police’s refusal to comply with binding orders. She warned that such disobedience undermines the authority of the courts and weakens the rule of law.

Her legal counsel, Mr. Vincent Adodo, has since approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, filing a contempt application against the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. The application seeks an order compelling the police to produce for prosecution officers allegedly connected to the case — identified as Sunday Okpe, Anthony Obiozor Ikechukwu, Emeana Uzochukwu, John Eze, and an officer known as Oriole (also called Tboy) — as well as to release investigation records relating to the matter.

The contempt proceedings are scheduled to be heard on February 9, a date Mrs. John-Anozie describes as crucial not only for her family but also for accountability within law enforcement. She argues that the absence of effective mechanisms to enforce compliance with court orders has prolonged her ordeal and cast doubt on the integrity of the justice system.

Mrs. John-Anozie lamented that efforts to seek justice through the National Human Rights Commission and the EndSARS Judicial Panel seems to have failed as police officers ignored several summons and orders.

She said despite the lengthy process, she is determined to pursue justice through lawful means, stressing that only strict adherence to the rule of law can guarantee accountability, protect citizens’ rights, and restore confidence in public institutions.

Woman Accuses Police of Shielding Officers in Husband’s Disappearance, Seeks Justice Through Courts

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Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

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Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

By: Michael Mike

A pro-government group, the Legacy Support Group for President Bola Tinubu, has pushed back against criticisms of the Federal Government’s policies, accusing opposition figures and “disgruntled political actors” of spreading misinformation to undermine the administration’s reform agenda.

Speaking at the inauguration of the group in Abuja at the weekend, its National Coordinator, Ezinna Chima Duru, said the attacks on President Tinubu were not based on constructive criticism but on “campaigns of calumny” driven by political frustration and personal interests.

Duru said while democratic governance allows for criticism, such engagements must be grounded in facts and aimed at strengthening the system, not destabilising it. He described recent narratives around fuel subsidy removal, economic hardship and insecurity as “deliberately exaggerated” to mislead the public.

Addressing the removal of fuel subsidy, the group argued that the policy was necessary to end what it described as years of large-scale corruption in the petroleum sector. According to Duru, previous administrations failed to dismantle subsidy-related cartels due to their influence, leaving the economy burdened by debt and fiscal pressure.

He said President Tinubu took a “difficult but courageous” decision to eliminate the subsidy, adding that the administration was conscious of the short-term impact on citizens and therefore introduced measures to cushion the effects. Among these, he highlighted the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation as a strategy to reduce fuel costs and support cleaner energy use.

The group also claimed that increased revenue from subsidy savings has improved allocations to states and local governments, enabling them to fund infrastructure projects, pay salaries and support local councils more effectively.

On security, the Legacy Support Group said the current administration inherited complex challenges linked to cross-border terrorism and insurgency, stressing that recent strategic adjustments within the security architecture were beginning to yield positive results.

Commenting on the economy, the group credited the Tinubu administration with assembling what it described as a competent economic team, asserting that economic indicators were showing signs of recovery. It also cited reductions in food prices and improvements in power generation capacity as evidence of progress under the Renewed Hope agenda.

The group further praised government initiatives in youth empowerment and education, including student loan schemes and programmes aimed at supporting National Youth Service Corps members and young entrepreneurs.

In its resolution, the Legacy Support Group urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political lines to support the Tinubu administration, saying continuity beyond 2027 would help consolidate ongoing reforms.

“The achievements recorded so far show a clear commitment to national development,” Duru said. “We call on Nigerians to remain united and support policies that secure a better future for the country.”

The group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope vision for Nigeria’s long-term growth.

Legacy Support Group Defends Tinubu’s Reforms, Faults Opposition Over “Misinformation”

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West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

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West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

By: Michael Mike

Leaders from several West African countries have agreed to pursue a new, structured approach to regional cooperation aimed at tackling terrorism, cross-border crime, and deepening insecurity across the sub-region.

The commitment was reached at the end of a two-day High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security held in Accra from January 29 to 30, 2026.

The meeting was chaired by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, with Presidents Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Joseph Boakai of Liberia leading their respective delegations.

Representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo also participated.

Discussions at the conference focused on the worsening security situation in West Africa, which leaders described as facing an alarming rise in terrorism and violent extremism. Participants noted that the frequency of attacks and loss of civilian lives now pose a serious threat to regional stability, economic activity, and social cohesion, making coordinated action unavoidable.

The conference followed earlier technical sessions involving Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Security, as well as intelligence chiefs from participating states. Development partners, including the African Union Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), alongside civil society organisations, contributed to the deliberations.

Leaders agreed that existing responses to insecurity have been too fragmented and largely reactive. As a result, the conference resolved to work toward a permanent framework for cooperation that would strengthen collective responses, improve information sharing, and address the structural drivers of insecurity across borders.

A key outcome of the meeting was a renewed emphasis on a human security approach, recognising that military measures alone cannot deliver lasting peace.

The leaders pledged to prioritise governance reforms, job creation, access to education and healthcare, and community-based peacebuilding as part of national and regional security strategies.

On counterterrorism, the conference agreed to enhance intelligence and information sharing, harmonise legal frameworks to support cross-border prosecution of terrorism-related crimes, and expand deradicalisation programmes while upholding human rights standards. Measures to combat trafficking in arms, narcotics, and persons were also highlighted.

To strengthen border security, participants committed to exploring joint operational measures, including possible “hot-pursuit” arrangements through bilateral or multilateral agreements. They further agreed to develop a foundational Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and security within six months, with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs tasked with leading the drafting process.

The conference also addressed humanitarian and climate-related challenges, recognising climate change as a factor that intensifies conflict and displacement. Leaders agreed to integrate climate and food security into regional peace planning and to work toward a shared disaster preparedness and humanitarian response framework.

At the close of the meeting, participants agreed to institutionalise the consultative conference as a bi-annual platform and to establish a mechanism for tracking and monitoring the implementation of agreed decisions.

The conference ended with a renewed pledge by regional leaders to translate commitments into concrete actions that safeguard lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen stability across West Africa.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu led the country’s delegation to the meeting.

West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference

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