Nigerian Newspapers: Key Advocacy Calls | Monday 13th January, 2025

Nigerian Newspapers

Stay informed and engaged! Here are some top headlines from Nigerian newspapers along with our advocacy calls to action.

1. ‘Serial outages: Dangote, NNPCL, Total, 247 firms dump discos, generate 6,500MW’ –  Punch

It seems Nigeria’s new motto is ‘Do it yourself’ (DIY) – even when it comes to electricity. With 250 manufacturers and institutions generating their own power, one might wonder if the next step is for citizens to DIY their national grid.

Our take: Minister Adebayo Adelabu, let’s prioritise boosting Nigeria’s power generation capacity. A resilient, reliable grid isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. Consider fast-tracking policies that incentivise investment in renewable energy, upgrading the grid infrastructure, and holding discos accountable for their failures. The grid doesn’t need more collapses; it needs a revival.


2. ‘SERAP drags FG, govs to ECOWAS court over ‘misuse’ of Cybercrimes Act’ Vanguard 

Ah, the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024, a law meant to protect citizens from online threats, has become a tool to silence journalists, activists, and even that one uncle or aunt who loves fiery Facebook rants. Kudos to SERAP for stepping in and reminding the government that ‘free speech’ is not a cybercrime.

Our Take: President Bola Tinubu and the 36 governors, it’s time to review and reform the Cybercrimes Act to ensure it protects, not suppresses, Nigerians. We need clearer guidelines to distinguish legitimate expression from genuine threats and independent oversight to prevent abuse. Democracy thrives when voices are heard, not stifled.


3. ‘Airstrike kills 15 in Zamfara’ – Daily Trust 

Another airstrike, another tragic mistake. Perhaps it’s time for the Nigerian Air Force to release a new training manual titled How Not to Bomb Civilians: A Beginner’s Guide.

Our take: The Chief of Air Staff must prioritise stringent protocols to prevent these errors. This includes better intelligence sharing, precision strike technology, and independent reviews of military operations. Civilians need protection, not fear of accidental bombing. A public investigation into this incident would also go a long way in restoring trust.

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