Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines with our advocacy calls.
1. ‘Drop in food prices a relief to Nigerians – federal government’ – DailyTrust
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has graciously informed Nigerians that food prices are magically dropping, even if their wallets disagree.
While citizens struggle to afford a bag of rice without selling a kidney, the government assures them that relief is here. Who needs actual market prices when we have official optimism?
Our Take: The government should release verified and up-to-date market price reports across different states, sourced from independent agencies and traders, not just government officials.
If prices are truly falling, what policies are responsible for this? The government must outline concrete steps taken to reduce food inflation, not just make vague promises.
2. ‘Federal government loses N120 billion to illegal private jet charters – Report – Punch
Nigeria’s aviation sector has turned into an open buffet for illegal charter operators, and guess who’s footing the bill? Taxpayers.
According to a report by the Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Private Charter Operations, the federal government has lost over ₦120 billion in the past decade. That’s not just loose change, it’s enough to fix airports, boost safety, and maybe even afford decent in-flight snacks.
Our Take: The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the supposed watchdog, has been napping while shady operators run circles around the system, evading taxes and safety regulations.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, should take urgent action by holding the NCAA more accountable. If regulators can not regulate, then they should be shown the departure gate.
3. ‘Afreximbank: Nigeria ranks third among Africa’s top 10 external debtors’ – TheCable
According to Afreximbank, Nigeria is among the ten nations holding a whopping 69 percent of the continent’s total external debt.
While some nations are investing borrowed funds in infrastructure, education, and industrialisation, Nigeria seems to be running a marathon on a treadmill, moving but going nowhere. Roads remain cratered, hospitals look like film sets for horror movies, and power supply is still playing hide and seek.
Our Take: The President Bola Tinubu administration must stop borrowing just to pay salaries and service old debts. It should invest in industrialisation, power, and critical infrastructure that can generate revenue and create jobs.
The administraton should also cut down on excessive government expenditure. The people should not be tightening their belts while politicians loosen theirs.
