Editorial
Taming Rising Inflation In Nigeria
As the rise in inflation rate further darkens the ominous clouds gathering over Nigeria, raising the fearsome spectre of economic ruin, the World Bank has said the Federal Government did not take any collaborative action towards inhibiting inflation in 2021 regardless of inflation shock pushing an estimated eight million Nigerians below the poverty line.
That was in the latest issue of the Washington-based bank’s 2021 report, ‘Nigeria Development Update’. It said, “Double-digit inflation rates are depressing economic activity and exacerbating poverty. Rising food prices are eroding household purchasing power, and we estimate that during 2020 and 2021, the ‘inflation shock’ alone pushed about eight million more Nigerians below the poverty line.
“We have revised our inflation forecast upwards from our June projection because (i) the inflation rate is declining more slowly than initially expected, and (ii) during 2021, the government did not take concerted action to curb inflation.” The World Bank further warned that without any definitive action, the average inflation rate would not reach the single-digit target of the CBN by the end of 2022.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had recently envisaged that the country’s inflation rate would drop to a single digit in 2022, with the full implementation of its recent policies designed to advance different sectors of the economy. However, a US-based magazine, Global Finance, agreed with the World Bank that the CBN had failed to rein in inflation and prevent the Naira from slipping against the dollar.
According to a World Bank prognosis, Nigeria could have one of the highest inflation rates in the world in 2022, with rising prices driving down the well-being of Nigerian households. The report also indicates that the country is similarly expected to have the seventh highest inflation rate among countries in sub-Saharan Africa this year.
There is a widespread rise in consumer goods prices as the economy has been marked by the COVID-19 recession, insecurity, the foreign exchange market crisis, unemployment and income shortfall. The sudden decline in the value of the currency has led to re-priced imported goods and raw materials. As prices are rising rapidly, the feasibility of hyperinflation and its collateral fallout is substantial.
Recall that the World Bank had warned in June 2020 that the crash in oil prices coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic would hurtle the Nigerian economy into an austere economic recession, the worst since the 1980s. The abandonment of the national rescue effort solely to the inept administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has proved a disaster.
Though key fiscal and monetary policymaking lies primarily with the Federal Government, states need to make profound changes in their spending and revenue generation template and run independent, self-sustaining economic units. They must expand the frontiers of their economies and develop viable economic programmes for job creation.
Nigeria’s annual inflation rate was 15.60 per cent in January, 2022, little changed from 15.63 per cent in the previous month. There was a slight deceleration in prices of major food components (17.13 vs 17.37 per cent in December). Meanwhile, inflation was higher for almost all other categories, primarily clothing and footwear (15.4 vs 15.1 per cent); transport (15.1 vs 15 per cent); furnishings (14.6 vs 14.5 per cent); miscellaneous goods and services (14.4 vs 14.1 per cent) and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (14.1 vs 13.7 per cent).
The annual basic inflation rate, which excludes farm product prices, remained unchanged at 13.87 per cent in January, the highest rate since April, 2017. Each month, consumer prices rose by 1.47 per cent, following a 1.82 per cent increase in the previous month. This is reflected in the report of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
But the cold figures reflect somewhat the misery of ordinary Nigerians or the ferocious headwinds faced by businesses. Nigeria is on the cutting edge of terrorism and cattle politics. The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has rightly ascribed the inflationary pressure to the worsening security situation in many parts of the country, particularly the food-producing areas where farmers face continual incursions by herdsmen and bandits in their farms. It has made food inflation worse.
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, blew the lid open on the Federal Government/CBN template of printing money for sharing among the tiers of government to make up for revenue shortfalls. Emefiele’s argument that it was a normal government loan was not reassuring. Economists believe that unrestrained, printing money consistently faster than the growth of real output could result in hyperinflation, exorcising fearful images of Germany’s experience in the 1920s and Zimbabwe’s more recently.
To save the day, the CBN should review its inflationary tradition of converting dollar revenues into Naira for sharing by the federal, states and 774 local governments as long canvassed by the late economist, Henry Boyo. It should be essential to reshape the business climate to curb currency accumulation and capital flight and to attract foreign direct investment.
Insecurity must be contained; the national siege by murderous herders, bandits, terrorists and kidnappers must be stopped to allow agriculture, mining, transport and trade to fully resume. The government should open the economy to investors by privatisation free of corruption. That way, we can have a more productive economy.
Editorial
New Federal Varsity In Ogoni
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made history by signing into law a bill that establishes the Federal Univer-
sity of Environment and Technology in Ogoni, Rivers State. This significant occasion marks a bold step forward not only for the Ogoni people but also for the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. It signifies a commitment to education, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement.
For the Ogonis, who have long been impacted by environmental challenges, the university represents a beacon of hope. It is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a symbol of empowerment and a pathway to a brighter future. This development is akin to a seed, planted with the promise of a flourishing harvest of skilled professionals.
The university’s emphasis on environmental technology is extremely important, especially given Nigeria’s climate crisis. Education plays a crucial role in developing sustainable solutions. The institution will provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the environmental challenges affecting the Niger Delta region and beyond. This will have a momentous impact.
Signing the bill, the President praised the Ogoni people’s resilience and unity. He stressed that the institution would mark a “significant milestone in our national journey towards environment justice, education and sustainable development”. Tinubu said the university is a reaffirmation of his administration’s “unwavering commitment to the people of Ogoni, the Niger Delta and the nation as a whole. For decades, the Ogoni people have been at the forefront of fight for environmental restoration and sustainable development, shaping both national and global conversation of these critical issues.
“By signing this bill into law, we are taking a decisive step towards addressing historical grievances and creating new opportunities for learning, growth and prosperity. The university will serve as a centre of excellence, equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skill to tackle present environmental challenges, drive clean energy solutions and contribute to our national sustainable economic development.”
We commend President Tinubu for his visionary decision to establish the much-needed institution aimed at fostering development and progress. This initiative is a testament to his commitment to addressing critical social and economic knots and creating opportunities that will benefit the people. The President has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth while demonstrating a genuine desire to empower and advance the nation’s collective interests.
In addition to his commendable action, we applaud Tinubu for initiating peace talks to bring stability and reconciliation to the troubled area. The decision to engage in constructive dialogue demonstrates a deep understanding of the relevance of inclusive governance and the role of peace in fostering meaningful development. For decades, Ogoni has endured turmoil and neglect, impeding its potential and the return of oil exploration activities.
By opening the door to peaceful negotiations, the President has made a bold and necessary move towards healing fractured relationships and fostering trust among stakeholders. This initiative holds the promise of ensuring that the voices and needs of the Ogonis are heard and respected. We urge all parties involved to seize this golden opportunity for lasting peace and progress. It is only through unity and mutual respect that the full potential of Ogoni, and by extension the nation, can be realised.
As steps are taken to acknowledge and remediate the damage caused by years of oil exploration and production, the Ogonis must reciprocate Mr. President’s gesture by fostering a climate of equanimity and stability. This will ultimately pave the way for the resumption of oil exploration and production. This is not a call to forget the past, but a pragmatic recognition that meaningful change and sustainable development require a collaborative approach.
The Federal Government has a responsibility to ensure that all academic disciplines offered by the new university are fully accredited to maintain the integrity and quality of the school. Without proper accreditation, the institution risks producing graduates who are ill-equipped to compete in the global workforce or contribute substantially to national development. Accreditation serves as a benchmark that ensures programmes meet academic standards and adhere to best practices across various fields of study.
Staff recruitment should be conducted carefully, as the individuals brought into a team can greatly influence an organisation’s performance, culture, and long-term success. The primary focus of recruitment efforts at the university should be on attracting the best candidates who possess the necessary skills, qualifications, experience, and values. Merit should be the guiding principle in decision-making throughout the hiring process, rather than favouritism or personal bias.
For a nation to thrive in the 21st century, a strong higher education system is not only desirable, but essential. Universities serve as the catalysts for innovation, the breeding grounds for future leaders, and the foundations of a knowledge-based economy. The Federal Government must acknowledge this vital role and take intentional actions to properly fund the university in Ogoni and develop infrastructure to ensure it meets international standards. Neglecting this responsibility would put its future prosperity and global competitiveness at risk.
This institution must not suffer the same fate as other federally-owned universities that have been left to decay. That will be a disservice to its purpose and potential. Many government-owned universities in the country have struggled with dilapidated infrastructure, underfunding, insufficient staffing, and interruptions caused by industrial actions due to unpaid wages or poor working conditions. These challenges have led to declining standards in education, putting both students and staff at a disadvantage. The Ogoni University must not be another victim of this worrying trend.
Editorial
HIV, Transiting From Donor Dependence
The initial announcement by United States President, Donald Trump, to cut funding for international
HIV/AIDS initiatives sent shockwaves through the global health community. In Nigeria, a country facing a significant HIV/AIDS burden, the potential consequences were dire. However, the subsequent waiver granted by the administration has provided a lifeline for the millions of Nigerians who rely on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for their treatment and support.
PEPFAR has been an important partner in Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Since its inception in 2003, PEPFAR has committed more than $7.8 billion to the country, catering to approximately 90 per cent of HIV treatment requirements. With this funding, Nigeria has been able to enhance its HIV prevention, treatment and support services and has witnessed a reduction in HIV/AIDS deaths.
The waiver granted by the Trump administration guarantees that PEPFAR’s life-saving medicines and medical services will continue to reach the needy. Antiretrovirals (ARVs) are the most common type of medicine used to treat HIV and reduce the virus’ spread. Through the provision of ARVs, PEPFAR helps prevent the spread of HIV and enhances the quality of life of those with the condition.
Although Nigeria was recently exempted from the requirement, the signs are evident: the country has to graduate from dependence on donor funds for its HIV/AIDS control programmes. Over the years, partners including the U.S. government have been central to the provision of treatment to people living with the virus. However, it is time for Nigeria to own its national response to HIV/AIDS.
Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS burden remains critical, accounting for 10 per cent of the global total. In 2023 alone, there were 75,000 new infections and 45,000 HIV-related deaths. The battle against Mother-to-Child Transmission remains challenging, with only 35 per cent of the target 75 per cent being met. Nearly 1.7 million Nigerian children have been orphaned due to HIV. Vulnerable populations, especially women and children, continue to disproportionately suffer.
To transition away from donor dependence, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, the country must increase its domestic financing for HIV/AIDS programmes. This can be accomplished through innovative funding mechanisms, such as leveraging public-private partnerships and exploring local revenue sources. Secondly, the government needs to strengthen its healthcare system to ensure equitable access to testing, treatment, and care. This involves expanding access to antiretroviral drugs, investing in community-based models, and addressing the stigma associated with HIV.
Thirdly, Nigeria must prioritise prevention efforts. This entails promoting condom use, providing comprehensive sexual education, and increasing awareness about the risks and modes of transmission. By focusing on prevention, the country can decrease the incidence of HIV infections and ultimately lessen the burden on its healthcare system.
Finally, Nigeria should develop a sustainable human resource strategy for its HIV/AIDS response. This involves training and equipping healthcare workers, engaging community volunteers, and empowering people living with HIV to advocate for their rights. A well-trained workforce is essential for delivering high-quality services and ensuring the long-term success of the response.
The transition beyond donor dependence is a complex but necessary journey for the country. By increasing domestic financing, strengthening healthcare systems, prioritising prevention, and investing in its human resources, the country can create a sustainable and effective response to HIV/AIDS. Also, the government should consider alternative funding mechanisms, such as increased domestic funding, public-private partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives. The time to act is now, for the well-being of present and future generations.
Nigeria’s National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has made momentous strides in combating HIV/AIDS, including expanding access to testing, treatment, and education. However, challenges persist, hindering the effectiveness of these efforts.
One major obstacle is limited access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas. This impedes timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the likelihood of optimal outcomes for those living with HIV. Additionally, stigma surrounding the disease remains a formidable barrier, preventing individuals from seeking testing and care. Inadequate awareness campaigns further contribute to low testing rates and delayed diagnosis.
Addressing these challenges requires concerted action by the government and stakeholders. Allocation of adequate funding is crucial to expand healthcare infrastructure and ensure the availability of essential services. Moreover, targeted interventions to reduce stigma and promote awareness are vital for increasing testing and early detection.
Collaboration between civil society organisations and grassroots movements is also essential for advocating for protection of HIV funding. Advocacy campaigns can mobilise public support and pressure lawmakers to prioritise the fight against HIV/AIDS. By addressing these challenges and ensuring sustainable funding, Nigeria can depend less on donor countries, drastically reduce HIV transmission, and provide the necessary care to those affected by the disease.
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