This roundup of Nigerian newspaper headlines highlights some pressing issues and the urgent advocacy calls they warrant.
1. ‘Three killed, many injured as explosion rocks Niger mining site’ – Daily Trust
At least three persons have died while others sustained injuries after an explosion at Sabon-Pegi community in Mashegu LGA of Niger State.
Our Take: Yet another explosion, yet more lives lost. How long before safety takes center stage? Niger State authorities must enforce strict regulations on mining activities, ensuring proper handling of explosives and mandatory safety measures. Mining shouldn’t be a game of survival, hence need for proper oversight.
2. ‘Flood displaced over two million pupils in Nigeria last year’ – The Guardian
The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that flooding in 2024 displaced approximately 2.2 million pupils across Nigeria, significantly disrupting academic activities nationwide.
Our Take: With 2.2 million pupils displaced by floods, it’s safe to say our education system isn’t waterproof. State governments, it’s time to draft Education Sector Plans (ESP) that factor in climate-resilient strategies, because learning shouldn’t depend on the weather forecast.
3. ‘Forex spending on foreign education, health, defy naira depreciation’ – Vanguard
Despite the over 30 percent depreciation of the naira, Nigerians increased spending on foreign education and health services by 26 percent, to $2.3 billion in the first nine months of 2024.
This upsurge in spending, according to stakeholders in the education and health sectors, is an indictment on the country’s university system and a reflection of critical gaps in the local health care system.
Our Take: It’s almost ironic, while the naira sinks, our forex spending on foreign education and healthcare skyrockets. If this isn’t a sign to policymakers to fix the system, what is? We call on the federal and state governments to prioritise investing in quality education and healthcare so Nigerians stop using their country as a mere departure lounge for better services abroad.
