Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines with our advocacy calls for Friday, 14 March, 2025.
1. ‘Tinubu Defends Reforms, Cardoso Upbeat on Economy, Says Time for Fear is Over’ – ThisDay
President Bola Tinubu has graciously informed us that his economic reforms are not just policies but divine acts of salvation.
Never mind that those very generations may inherit potholes instead of roads, debt instead of wealth, and promises instead of prosperity.
Our Take: Future generations are important, but what about the present ones who can’t afford bread? President Tinubu should focus on people-centered reforms that alleviate suffering now, not just in some distant utopia.
2. ‘Tax reform bills: Reps adopt 7.5 percent VAT, reject increase to 15 percent’ – Vanguard
Fellow Nigerians, pop the cheapest bottle of soda you can find, our dear lawmakers have graciously decided to keep VAT at 7.5 percent instead of doubling it to 15 percent by 2030.
They have rejected the proposal to squeeze even more out of our already overtaxed pockets for now. But before we start sending ‘thank you’ notes to the National Assembly, let’s ask ourselves: why was this even a debate in the first place?
Our Take: Where exactly is our current tax money going? Because it is certainly not into better roads, stable electricity, or quality healthcare.
Instead of raising VAT, why not cut wasteful government spending and improve tax collection efficiency? The National Assembly should be pushing for reforms that actually ease the financial burden on citizens.
3. ‘The timely free caesarean sections initiative for pregnant women’ – The Guardian
The federal government has awakened from its deep slumber to realise that Nigerian women should not have to choose between life and death just because they can’t afford a C-section.
What a groundbreaking revelation. After decades of avoidable maternal deaths, botched deliveries by roadside ‘doctors’ with certificates in guesswork, and the constant failure to invest in quality healthcare, we are now being handed a free solution.
Our Take: Where is the budget breakdown? Who is monitoring this initiative to ensure it does not become another ghost project swallowed by corruption?
The announcement of free caesarean sections is a commendable step, but a policy without proper implementation is just an empty promise. The Ministry of Health must take immediate and practical steps to ensure this initiative truly benefits the women who need it most.
