Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns.
1. This Day: Do Not Let Marte Fall, Zulum Begs Federal Government
Marte is under threat from terrorists again, and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State is publicly pleading again for an urgent response from the federal government.
Our Take: Dear National Security Advisor (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, where is Nigeria’s counter-insurgency plan for Borno and other affected states? Where is the joint military-civilian task force update? Where’s the transparency in defence spending?
2. Punch: Federal Government’s electricity debt balloons by N800 Billion – Senate
Punch reports that the Senate Committee on Power has raised concerns over the liquidity crisis bedeviling the power sector, lamenting that the tariff shortfalls in the industry have indicated that the government owes about N200 billion to electricity generating companies every month.
Our Take: Dear Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, why is government defaulting on payments while citizens are being punished with estimated billing? If the sector collapses, we cannot even charge our outrage. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) needs to take necessary action against defaulting public offices.
3. Guardian: BudgIT slams 2025 budget for exceeding N338 Trillion GDP projection by Three trillion Naira
A prominent civic-tech organisation promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public finance (BudgIT) has raised significant concerns over the federal government’s 2025 Budget, describing its formulation as legally questionable and lacking adequate disclosure, particularly regarding its revenue framework.
Our Take: This is a serious matter of transparency and accountability. Dear Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, why did the National Assembly approve ₦54.9 trillion without macroeconomic justification? Where is the fiscal analysis? Where is the debate? We demand a breakdown from the Tanimu Yakubu-led Budget Office of the Federation in Nigeria, Tanimu Yakubu.
4. The Guardian: Lagos to enforce total ban on single-use plastics from 01 July
It is fantastic that Lagos is banning plastics. However, who is educating the suya seller in Ojuelegba? Or providing eco-friendly alternatives to small chop vendors in Mushin?
Our Take: Dear Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, your plastic ban is a good policy, but where is the grassroots communication? Where are the incentives for recyclers? What are the alternatives for small businesses? There should be an implementation plan that includes MSME education, alternative packaging access, and youth waste entrepreneurship schemes.
