Hello everyone!
Here is another roundup of some top stories from last week.
Nigerian government’s continued silence over alleged corruption in customs, the country’s launch of performance tracker app for citizens, the move to demolish Landmark Beach, and waterway safety concerns made our roundup cut.
Performance Tracker: Engaging Public Officers for Accountability
With the launch of a performance tracker by the Nigerian government, citizens have another opportunity to hold their leaders accountable. All Nigerians should actively use this tracker as a tool to demand accountability and transparency in governance. Read more
Alleged Corruption in Customs: Government’s Silence Condemnable
It has been almost two months since the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) released a report revealing deep-rooted corruption in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and no action has been taken by the Nigerian government till date. Addressing corruption in the NCS requires more than just rhetoric; it demands concrete actions, such as thorough investigations, prosecution of those involved, reforms to enhance transparency and accountability, and a commitment to uphold the rule of law. Read more
Landmark Beach Demolition: Move by Lagos Threatens Jobs
The Lagos government’s plan to demolish a private beach resort to make way for a planned road project is deeply troubling. The Lagos government has to explore alternative solutions that prioritise both infrastructure development and the preservation of existing businesses and employment opportunities. Read more
World Health Day: Upholding Citizens’ Rights in Nigeria
Nigeria, despite being Africa’s most populous nation and boasting substantial oil reserves, has struggled to uphold the right of its citizens to good health. In commemoration of World Health Day with the theme ‘My Health, My Right’, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, must uphold the progress towards fulfilling the right to health for its citizens by ensuring sustained investment in health care infrastructure, effective governance, and policies. Read more
Junior Pope: NIWA Must Enforce Strict Waterway Laws
The recent boat mishap that claimed the lives of actor Junior Pope Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, and four others in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, further confirms the reports that many waterways in the country lack adequate navigational aids. The Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has to step up its game in enforcing strict waterway laws. Read more
Sumpe Community: FCT Residents in Need of Water Intervention
The Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) needs to come to the aid of residents of Sumpe community who are lamenting the lack of potable water. The Chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, should work towards improving investment in water infrastructure and management systems for the people of Sumpe. Read more
Chad: Electoral Code Violators Should Face Penalty
As election preparations are underway in Chad, the national electoral commission and relevant authorities need to enforce strict consequences when political candidates fail to adhere to the country’s electoral code. Chad’s electoral commission should take urgent action to ensure that all candidates adhere to the electoral code for fairness and transparency. Read more
Sudan: Dengue Fever Reports Demand Urgent Action
Sudan is on the verge of a health crisis if immediate actions are not taken to address the growing number of dengue fever cases in the Khartoum North region of the country. The warring forces in Sudan, the state and local organisations, and state institutions must intervene urgently and deal with the situation to prevent the already critical humanitarian state of the country from deteriorating further. Read more
That is the roundup of some stories that made headlines last week. More headlines are available on Development Diaries or dev_diaries on IG and X, and development diaries on Facebook.
