Today’s Nigerian newspapers report pressing challenges, but behind every story is a call for accountability and change. Join us as we respond to some stories with advocacy calls.
1. ‘Underfunding, huge debts, root causes of power sector failure’ – Vanguard
The poor financial capacities of electricity distribution companies (DisCos), their huge indebtedness, and takeover by financial institutions are currently militating against the performance of Nigeria’s power sector.
Our Take: Minister Adebayo Adelabu, we ask that you mandate transparent audits of DisCos, restructure their debts, and invest in alternative energy sources to diversify the national grid.
2. ‘We can’t fight banditry with 20 armoured personnel carriers – Minister’ – Daily Trust
The House of Representatives Committee on Defence on Tuesday said it will increase the N50 billion budgeted for the Ministry of Defence in 2025 to enable it to sustain the success being recorded in the fight against insecurity in the country.
Our Take: If this budget increase does not come with accountability, we will be left with more broken promises than working equipment. The Ministry of Defence should publish a detailed defence spending breakdown to show Nigerians exactly how every naira is used to combat insecurity.
3. ‘Port rehabilitation delayed despite $700 million loan’ – Punch
Despite reeling in a hefty $700 million loan to breathe new life into the Apapa and Tincan Island Ports, the federal government seems content to let those seaports remain as still as the Lagos traffic that leads to them.
Our Take: Ports are the heart of economic activity, but right now, they are looking more like relics of inefficiency. What’s the excuse this time: clogged bureaucratic arteries? Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho, we need you to captain this ship towards real change. Establish and share a detailed timeline for port rehabilitation, appoint independent monitors for transparency, and engage civil society to track progress.