Welcome to our weekly roundup of top stories from 29–02 February, 2024.
Last week, we continued our advocacy for urgent government response to Nigeria’s ailing economy, transparency and accountability in the country’s governance, and proper enforcement of data protection law. We also reacted to the decision of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the rise in violence against women in Eswatini.
Economic Hardship: Mr President, Nigerians Need Urgent Support
Many Nigerians are still faced with a rising cost of living and consistent difficulties in accessing basic necessities, following policies put in place by the present administration. We reminded President Tinubu of the need to implement a comprehensive and strategic approach to economic development that will contribute to improved living standards and increased opportunities for all Nigerians. Read more
CBN, FAAN Relocation: Citizens’ Distrust and Action Tinubu Must Take
Several reactions to the move by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to relocate some of its offices to Lagos State again confirmed the worrisome level of citizens’ distrust in governance. We called on President Bola Tinubu and other public officials to demonstrate a genuine commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in all their activities and ensure that they continuously engage with the public to build and maintain trust. Read more
Privacy Breach: Nigeria’s Enforcement of Data Protection Act Crucial
The recent report of a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) computer-based test (CBT) manager chatting up a 15-year-old candidate using information accessed during her exam registration led us to reiterate our call on the need for strict enforcement of data privacy laws in Nigeria. Read more
Corruption: Action Sub-Saharan Countries Must Take
The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International showed that many African countries still have a long way to go in addressing corruption. We called on the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (IACC) of Somalia, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Civil Service Commission in South Sudan and other anti-corruption agencies to enhance their investigative and prosecutorial capacities through training programmes and modern technology. Read more
Passport Delivery Promise: Interior Minister Must Not Fail Nigerians
Nigerians are yet to have their passports delivered to their homes, offices, and other locations of their choice, as promised by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. We reminded the minister to ensure that his promise of a smooth and quick passport application process does not just end up as a failed promise. Read more
What is the Update on Nigeria’s Port Harcourt Refinery?
The year 2024 just entered its second month, and Nigerians are yet to get an update from the federal government on the promise of a working Port Harcourt refinery by January 2024. We demanded that President Tinubu, the petroleum minister, Lokpobiri, and also the NNPCL’s boss, Kyari, explain to Nigerians in clear terms when the Port Harcourt refinery would resume oil refining. Read more
Eswatini: Adequate Funding Needed to Address Violence against Women
We called the attention of the government of Eswatini to urgently address violence against women in the country, as the menace remains a pressing and deeply rooted issue. Read more
Ethiopia: President Must Justify Food Award as Millions Struggle to Eat
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recognised Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, with the Agricola Medal amidst the country’s current drought, with hundreds of its citizens dying of hunger. We called on the prime minister to work towards justifying his acceptance of the Agricola Medal by taking immediate actions that will solve the country’s food insecurity challenges. Read more
Liberia: Anti-Corruption Action Boakai Must Take
With Liberia’s corruption rating getting worrisome, we called on President Joseph Boakai to fulfill his inaugural promise and reposition the country on the path of transparency and accountability. Read more
That is the roundup of some stories that made headlines last week. More headlines are available on Development Diaries.
Photo source: Ebrahim Hamid/AFP
