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Aruni Shapiro introduces Adam Smith to Sri Lanka’s readers

Aruni Shapiro, sociologist cum advocate for liberty, has published her 10th book introducing Adam Smith to Sri Lanka’s Sinhala readers under the title ‘Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations’.1 Her previous books have been on diverse themes like guide to mental health, translation of fictions, translation of rare but valuable books on economics, and biographies. In 2015, as I have explained in a previous article2, she published the writings of the French economist and statesman in the early 19th century, Frederic Bastiat under the title Libertarian Economics. This was the first attempt to introduce Bastiat to Sri Lankan readers. All the copies numbering about 2000 were distributed freely to interested readers by the publisher, Sri Lanka Frederic Bastiat Society, of which Shapiro was one of the patrons. That shows the extent of her dedication for promoting sound and advanced economic literacy among the fellow Sri Lankans.

Writings by Adam Smith

Two publications by the Scottish economist Adam Smith in the latter half of the 18th century have been responsible for carving out its own subject matter now we know as economics. One is The Theory of Moral Sentiments released in 1759 which critically examined the moral thinking of the time when he lived suggesting that conscience arose from dynamic and interactive social relationships which people sought to develop within themselves as a code of sympathy of sentiments. This was a philosophical work in which Smith explored the sources of the ability of the human beings, called Homo sapiens, to form moral judgments when they are born like blank slates without any moral sentiment at all. Hence, all the moral sentiments are acquired, argued Smith, by people while living as members of human societies through dynamic and interactive relations with each other.

The other book has a long title, namely, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, and, therefore, known in a shortened form as the Wealth of Nations, published in 1776. This book was written at a time when Great Britain was acquiring prosperity through empire building and controlling the economies under its tutelage with the force of an iron hand. But that will not support the country to sustain its prosperity forever and there are many other philosophical behavioural factors that would contribute to it. If one wants to learn of the philosophy and economics of Adam Smith, one should refer to both publications as observed by Shapiro in the introduction to her book.3

Aruni Shapiro has done a yeoman service to Sinhala readers who are interested in expanding their knowledge base in economics. Her simple language and attractive writing style have increased its value to readers

The original book, a tedious reading

Both books by Smith are a tedious reading due to two reasons. One is that the subject matter covered by him in his books are complex, and not easily comprehensible. They are also too long that would exhaust the reader soon. For instance, the reprint of the Wealth of Nations by Bantam Books in 2003, albeit its small print, ran into more than 1000 pages. The other is the 18th century English he had used in his writing which are not understood by many in the modern era. Hence, even a dedicated reader would choose to skip reading the whole texts degenerating Smith to the relics of the thoughts of economic history. What is necessary in these circumstances is for others to read them faithfully, and present to ordinary readers in simple language as abridged versions. These simplified versions with commentaries will help ordinary readers to fully enjoy the works of philosophers cum economists like Adam Smith. This is what Shapiro has done in her present publication.

Risk of writing commentaries

However, writing such guiding commentaries also runs a risk, as was shown by many commentaries written on the most influential book of the 20th century, The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money by the English economist John Maynard Keynes, commonly known as Keynes, published in 1936. Like the Wealth of Nations, the General Theory was also a tedious reading not because of its advanced English but because of the complexity of the subject it covered. This was left to some of his followers in USA like Dudley Dillard and Alvin H Hansen to present Keynes in simple language to ordinary readers. Dillard published in 1948 a commentary explaining the General Theory under the title The Economics of John Maymard Keynes: The Theory of a Monetary Policy. Alvin H Hansen published a similar commentary in 1953 under the title A Guide to Keynes.

Smith who joined Oxford University for higher studies found that it was not a fertile ground for one to improve his intellectuality. As he noted, says Shapiro, more time was spent on religious observances than intellectual discourses. This experience led Smith to make the hard statement in the Wealth of Nations that publicly funded education could not maintain the quality standards because there was no challenge for teachers to upgrade themselves through the fear of the uncertainty of their jobs. This applies not only to teaching but also to all other professions. What it means is that market driven discipline is the most potent driver for improving the quality rather than state patronage as is being demanded by professionals of the modern day

Those two books were responsible for promoting Keynesian economics to ordinary readers in the latter half of the 20th century. However, later economists like Alex Leijonhufvud had found that what was presented as Keynesian economics was different from the true economics of Keynes. In a book published in 1968 under the title On Keynesian Economics and the Economics of Keynes, Leijonhufvud argued that many who wrote on Keynesian economics have misunderstood and misinterpreted Keynes. Therefore, it is risky for any writer to write on a great economist because he may not have properly grasped the true philosophy and intention of that economist. Shapiro also runs this risk and admits that even in books written in foreign languages, there are many instances of omitting important aspects of the original writings of great writers.4

A reader-friendly book by Shapiro

Shapiro’s book on Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations is not confined only to the treatise published by Smith in 1776 under the same title. To Sri Lankan readers, she presents much more than what Smith has covered in his treatise. As background reading that will facilitate the Sri Lankan readers to comprehend Smith’s complex writing, she has presented a detailed introduction, a description of who Adam Smith is, the economic consequences of the industrial revolution that was taking place during his time, the meaning of invisible hand as presented by Smith, the impact of slavery on the contemporary society, the history of astronomy, his lectures on codes of laws, and his treatment of the sentiments of morality. An abridged version of the Wealth of Nations is presented to the reader after he has gone through this initial orientation. Shapiro has concluded her book with a brief account of how Smith’s theories are relevant to modern day economies.

Beyond a biographical sketch

Shapiro’s introduction of Adam Smith to Sinhala readers is not just a biographical sketch of a person from birth to death.5 It is a description of how a man develops his intellectuality by observing what he sees around him and learning through experience. This is one of the key elements of learning because anything that is learnt without adding it to the depository of one’s experiences is just information with no practical use. Smith who joined Oxford University for higher studies found that it was not a fertile ground for one to improve his intellectuality. As he noted, says Shapiro, more time was spent on religious observances than intellectual discourses.

This experience led Smith to make the hard statement in the Wealth of Nations that publicly funded education could not maintain the quality standards because there was no challenge for teachers to upgrade themselves through the fear of the uncertainty of their jobs. This applies not only to teaching but also to all other professions. What it means is that market driven discipline is the most potent driver for improving the quality rather than state patronage as is being demanded by professionals of the modern day.

There is a humane side to Smith’s life, as explained by Shapiro. He had earned sufficiently high income while he had been in employment. However, contrary to the basic tenet which he had presented in the Wealth of Nations that people do everything to ensure their own survival, he had led a very simple life and donated a large part of his income to his poor relatives and friends. Thus, he had died a poor man in the same way had been born a poor man.

The misunderstood invisible hand

The concept of ‘invisible hand’ that describes the operation of a free market economy without the intervention of any person or authority has been viewed as one of the main contributions of Adam Smith to the science of economics. Shapiro’s chapter6 on invisible hand says that though it is being used by anti-free market economists to degrade the contributions of Adam Smith, he has used it only once in the Wealth of Nations. That is when he had argued for free trade as against the popular view at that time (and also, today) that imports should be restricted in the case of goods that could be produced locally to encourage the local producers.

Smith has said that businessmen are driven by an invisible hand to search for profits rather than a government incentive. This should be a learning experience for the present US administration which believes that it could develop a local production base if it restricts the import of goods that can be produced locally through higher tariffs. Shapiro says Smith has explained the fallacy of this belief in his The Theory of Moral Sentiments when he criticised the social planners who believed that they could change the behaviour of people by directing their work like a chess player.

In a chess game, the player moves the chess pieces by deliberate action. However, in a complex human society, moving people within the society is not so simple as in a game of chess. It will become a failure, Smith had argued, when actions of social planners and human dynamism move in two different directions. Thus, the principles underlying the operation of the invisible hand are valid for a complex economy just like they are valid for a complex society. An economic planner will be successful in his enterprise if he directs the economy to facilitate the operation of the invisible hand. Such policy actions, though Smith had not explicitly presented, are known as market-friendly economic policies.

Labour power, the true wealth of a nation

Shapiro has abridged Adam Smith’s long and complex treatise on The Wealth of Nations in six chapters in her book.7 It is a good introduction to Sinhala readers who have no time or interest in reading the original text. In the introductory part of the Wealth of Nations, Smith has qualified that the annual labour of every nation is the fund which originally supplies it with all the necessities and conveniences of life. Shapiro says, in today’s parlance, this is the per capita gross domestic product, which is calculated by dividing the total product by the number of people who had produced the same. As explained by Shapiro, this was a new concept in the time when Smith lived. Thus, the wealth of a nation is the production of its labour and not the stock of gold, gems, or other valuable items.

According to Smith, two factors affect the level of this production. One is the talent base of the labour, its skills, dexterity, and judgment, which is known as productivity of labour today. The other is how many people are employed in the production of that output. Thus, the wealth of a nation will be higher if the productivity of its labour is high and it has more people to work and produce its total output. Such a nation can provide greater welfare and conveniences to its people than a nation with a low productivity and a smaller number of people.

In my view, Aruni Shapiro’s book on Adam Smith and the Wealth of Nations is a worthy reading.

Even a dedicated reader would choose to skip reading the whole texts degenerating Smith to the relics of the thoughts of economic history. What is necessary in these circumstances is for others to read them faithfully, and present to ordinary readers in simple language as abridged versions. These simplified versions with commentaries will help ordinary readers to fully enjoy the works of philosophers cum economists like Adam Smith. This is what Shapiro has done in her present publication

Browns’ Exide and RoadX Tires lead at Rotherham Katukurunda Circuit Meet and Gajaba Supercross 2025

Exide has partnered with two of the country’s much-awaited motorsports events of 2025, the renowned Rotherham Katukurunda Circuit Meet and Gajaba Supercross 2025. Organised by the Sri Lanka Autosport Drivers’ Association (SLADA) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Air Force, the much-awaited event took place at the Katukurunda Air Force Airstrip on 17 August. The meet saw fierce competition, as riders and drivers vied for victory across eight motorbike and fourteen car events.

The action continued with the 24th edition of the Gajaba Supercross, organised by the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army in collaboration with SLADA. This annual event took place on 31 August, at the Gajaba Regimental Gravel Racing Track in Saliyapura, Anuradhapura, with the race drawing over 200 competitors across 24 exhilarating categories.

Exide Racing Co-Brand Ambassador and Champion Driver Ashan Silva delivered an exceptional performance by winning the SLGT-3500 cc main events and earning the coveted Best Driver title on both occasions. His double win reinforced his standing as one of Sri Lanka’s finest motorsport talents.

Adding to the impressive achievements, Exide Co-Brand Ambassador and motocross champion Jacques Gunawardena claimed victory in the Group MX – Bikes, 100cc-125cc (2T) and 175cc – 250cc (4T) categories at Gajaba Supercross 2025, where he was crowned Best Rider of the meet.

RoadX Radial Tires, ranked as the 10th largest tyre manufacturer globally and marketed in Sri Lanka by Browns, powered RoadX Racing Co-Brand Ambassador Anuradha Amarasinghe, a rising competitor in the SL-N 1500cc event. Showcasing precision, grip, and control trusted in over 180 countries worldwide, RoadX Radial Tires drove Anuradha to a first runner-up finish at the Rotherham Katukurunda Circuit Meet 2025, securing a well-deserved podium, while also clinching first place at the Gajaba Supercross 2025.

Brown and Company Cluster Chief Operating Officer – Automotive and Hardware Ajith de Silva said: ‘As one of the most anticipated events in the Sri Lankan racing calendar, we are proud to be associated with these prestigious races. Exide and RoadX are trusted brands synonymous with power, both on the racetrack and the road. These partnerships are not about sponsorship, it’s about advancing motorsports in Sri Lanka. We look forward to building more of these relationships in the years to come.’

Through its continued support of national racing events, Exide reaffirms its commitment to motorsports and its role in elevating Sri Lanka’s racing industry. By backing renowned races such as the Rotherham Katukurunda Circuit Meet and Gajaba Supercross, Exide helps set new standards, inspire young talent and enhance the nation’s motorsport profile. With a proud 150-year legacy of the Browns Group and 101 years of Exide in Sri Lanka, Browns Exide remains dedicated to delivering value to all stakeholders, and looks forward to driving many more exciting initiatives in the future.

HNB’s Sanjay Wijemanne joins Lanka Ventures, LVL Energy Fund Boards

Lanka Ventures PLC and LVL Energy Fund PLC have announced the appointment of Sanjay Wijemanne to their Boards as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director.

Wijemanne is the Chief Operating Officer at Hatton National Bank PLC and manages the areas of Wholesale Banking, SME/Microfinance, Retail Banking, Islamic Banking, Trade, Transaction Banking, Network, Channel Management, Custody, Client Service and Digital Banking.

He holds a BSc in Business and Finance from Mount Saint Mary’s University, USA.

He is also a Director at HNB Stockbrokers Ltd., HNB Investment Bank Ltd, HNB General Insurance and Fintech Forum (Guarantee) Ltd and former Director of Lank Clear Ltd.

He commenced his banking career as a Management Trainee/Executive at HNB in 1996 where he covered areas of Branch Banking and Corporate Banking. Thereafter in 2000 he joined HSBC where he held different positions such as Vice President – Custody and Clearing, Head of Sales, Head of Branches including Premier Banking, Branch Manager – Kollupitiya Branch/Manager Premier Centre.

He then joined Standard Chartered Bank in 2007 and held positions of Head of Retail Banking, General Manager – Premium Banking Branch Sales and Services and General Manager – Wealth Management Value Centre.

He represented Sri Lanka in Tennis. He was a member of the Sri Lanka Davis Cup team from 1989 to 1995 captained the team in 2002. Wijemanne represented Sri Lanka at the SAF games in Colombo and India and won two Bronze medals.

Sokoto APC Hits Back At PDP Over Project Claim

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State has accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of orchestrating a ‘deliberate and mischievous campaign’ aimed at misleading the public and discrediting the achievements of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.

Addressing a press conference in Sokoto on Monday, Bashar Abubakar, the spokesperson of the former Governor of the state now Senator, representing Sokoto North, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, described the PDP’s tactics as ‘desperate antics’ driven by fear of the growing popularity and credibility of the ruling APC government.

Abubakar condemned what he called the PDP’s use of ‘recycled video clips and outdated reports,’ some dating back over eight years, as part of a propaganda effort to present a distorted version of the past.

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He claimed the materials were being repackaged as recent accomplishments under the PDP’s previous administration to undermine the current government’s record.

‘The PDP is clinging to the past, showcasing a self-serving narrative of performance that only existed on paper, while ignoring the present realities under Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s transformative leadership,’ Abubakar said.

He cited specific examples of what he described as false claims by the PDP, including the Asari Water Scheme, which he said was initiated by the Wamakko administration but neglected by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

Abubakar alleged that only one out of 40 wells in the scheme was operational by the end of Tambuwal’s tenure.

‘Governor Wamakko’s administration didn’t just create the Asari Water Scheme – it laid the groundwork for several others in Runjin Sambo, Ruggar Liman, Gagi, Mana, Tamaje, and Old Airport. By 2015, most of them were already 70% completed,’ he explained.

Abubakar further alleged that the Tambuwal administration failed to complete these projects, adding that in schemes like Runjin Sambo and Gagi, the majority of wells had become non-functional by the time the current administration took over.

Other projects, including the Kalambaina and Gidan Salenke housing estates, were also mentioned.

According to Abubakar, Kalambaina was virtually completed under Wamakko and only awaiting commissioning which he said was done by late President, Muhammadu Buhari while the Gidan Salenke project was ‘abandoned.’

In education, Abubakar dismissed PDP’s claims of adding to institutions like the Wurno College of Agriculture, School of Nursing in Tambuwal, and College of Legal Studies in Wamakko.

He maintained that no new structures were added beyond those already commissioned under Wamakko.

He also challenged the opposition’s claims regarding boarding schools in the state, saying schools in Shagari, Maruda, and Illela were completed during Wamakko’s tenure, with no additions by the subsequent administration.

He claimed a proposed expansion of the Sanyinna school under Tambuwal was never approved or implemented.

In contrast, Abubakar said, the current APC-led administration has approved and begun the renovation and extension of the Sanyinna boarding school and is complementing these efforts through the World Bank-supported AGILE programme.

‘These facts speak for themselves. The achievements of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and rural development are visible. No amount of repackaged propaganda from the PDP can erase that,’ he said.

The APC, he added, remains focused on delivering the dividends of democracy and will not be distracted by ‘cheap blackmail or recycled lies.’ He called on Sokoto residents to remain vigilant and not fall for what he described as attempts by the PDP to ‘rewrite history and deceive the public.’

All efforts to speak to the state chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, proved abortive as he did not respond to our reporter’s call.

Al-Habibiyyah Calls For Coordinated Charity System, Says Global Funding Shrinking

The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society on Saturday expressed concern over what it called a decline in the global philanthropic funding, and urged faith-based and charitable organizations in Nigeria to develop a coordinated, self-sustaining system of charity to support the poor and vulnerable in society.

The body equally called for a synergy with relevant government agencies in identifying the vulnerable groups through accurate data and support government’s efforts on poverty alleviation.

Speaking at an inter-faith sensitization workshop on philanthropy held in Ibadan, Oyo State, the National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, whose remarks were delivered by the Project Coordinator of the Al-Habibiyyah Interfaith Interaction on Philanthropy, Ibrahim Idris, emphasized the need for synergy between religious bodies and relevant government agencies in identifying and supporting the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

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According to him, with the global donor fund for philanthropy shrinking, there is a growing need for faith-based organizations to look inward, reflect, and share resources to continue their humanitarian and developmental efforts.

‘It well known to those in the development and humanitarian sectors that the global fund for philanthropy is shrinking.

‘This therefore makes us begin to look inward for resources for our activities, humanitarian efforts. It is in this background that this initiative became necessary that we must come together and share ideas and experiences on how faith -based organizations can reflect , review and look inward in raising resources for developmental and humanitarian activities

‘We need deliberate interventions through whatever way that is permissible to raise funds to achieve our objectives,’ he said.

The event, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, brought together Christian and Muslim leaders to deliberate on the teachings of their respective religions on giving and to strategize on building sustainable structures for community support.

Consultant to the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society on Faith and Philanthropy, Dr. Lukman Adefolahan, emphasized the need for structured, impactful, and sustainable giving.

He encouraged partnerships between NGOs and government agencies to accurately identify and reach the most vulnerable.

Adefolahan also called on private organizations to take their corporate social responsibilities seriously in the collective fight against poverty.

In his remarks, Rev. Dr. Elisha Ogundiya, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, urged Christians to give cheerfully and out of love, citing 2 Corinthians 9:7 to stress that giving should be heartfelt, not done under compulsion.

Also speaking at the workshop, Professor Afeez Oladosu, a Professor of Islamic and Arabic Studies at the University of Ibadan, encouraged Nigerians to support one another during these difficult times, reminding attendees that hard times do not last forever.

He warned faith-based leaders against mismanaging funds entrusted to them, noting that tithes, offerings, zakat, and sadaqah collected in religious spaces should be channeled to those in genuine need.

‘ Faith based organizations are usually led by pastors and imams who usually collect tithes and offerings in Christianity and zadakat and zakat in Islam on behalf of God but the poor who are in dire need of these interventions often do not get to see them,’ he said.

Oladosu also advised religious and non-governmental organizations to narrow their focus to specific intervention areas rather than trying to cover too many issues at once.

Another discussant, Bishop Daniel Olujimade urged both adherent of the two religions to engage in fervent prayers observing that the current dwindling global fund for philanthropy is an a device of the devil

He charged parents to train and teach their children on the need to give back to the society if blessed with financial resources by God

A participant, Pastor ( Dr) Ayodeji Olaopa from Christ Apostolic Church Supreme Council, described the program as instructive and educative.

According to him, participants have a better stance on how to run an NGO in assisting the downtrodden in the society.

Similarly, an Islamic scholar, Iman Adnan Raji Adebayo, Founder, Al-Abrar Dawah Forum also lauded the initiative assuring that what was learnt will be made use of in the humanitarian activities of his organization.

When PENGASSAN sneezes

The former President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, while speaking to TVC News last week, on the importance of the quick intervention by the federal government in the trade dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery ironically espoused the grave danger which the recent strike action by PENGASSAN constituted to the national economy.

In the words of the trade unionist: ‘You have seen government running in so quickly to address the issues because when PENGASSAN sneezes, we know what that means. Cutting gas supply, cutting oil supply, that is the live wire of Nigeria’s economy.’ Implicit in that statement is the fact that PEGASSAN has the power to cripple the Nigerian economy if it wishes. Indeed, the union bared its teeth, and the nation shuddered when it ordered that gas and oil supply to even non-combatants in the dispute be shut down.

Ordinarily, there are parties to every trade dispute, and in the instant case, it was between DANGOTE Refinery and the members of PENGASSAN. Section 1(2) of the Trade Disputes Act, provides: ‘In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires – ‘the dispute’ means the trade dispute in question; and ‘the party’ means a party to the dispute.’ Clearly, the recent dispute was between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery and yet when PENGASSAN wanted to cut gas supply, it did not restrict its action to the parties is dispute as provided by the law.

So, why did PENGASSAN escalate the dispute to affect the supply of gas and crude to other companies and entities not involved in the trade dispute? Of course, PENGASSAN knows that while the right to call a strike is implicit in the Nigerian laws, the legal regime is quite rigorous when followed. Section 4 of the Trade Dispute Act, provides that before a dispute is reported, parties must first attempt settlement, and where they cannot agree, the parties shall within seven days appoint a mediator.

Section 6 of the Act, provides that where the mediator is unable to settle, the parties shall report to the minister in writing, and the minister, according to section 7, shall appoint a conciliator to effect a settlement. Where the conciliator is unable to settle, section 9 provides, that the minister shall within 14 days refer the matter to the Industrial Arbitration Panel. Section 14 of the Trade Disputes Act, provides that where there is objection to an award by the Tribunal, the dispute shall be referred to the National Industrial Court.

Section 17 provides for direct reference to the National Industrial Court in certain special cases, and its subsection ‘a’ provides for direct reference where ‘the dispute is one to which workers employed in any essential service are a party.’ On what constitutes essential services, paragraph 2(a) of the first schedule to the Trade Disputes Act, provides: ‘Any service established, provided or maintained . for, or in connection with, the supply of electricity, power or water, or of fuel of any kind.’

Even when one concedes that the Nigeria’s legal regime may be too difficult for a trade union to follow, which is why in every settlement, a trade union extracts that no member should be punished for participation in a strike, it does not imply that a union should call a strike at the drop of hat, just because if the union sneezes, the nation will catch cold. A trade union which possess such enormous power to cripple a national economy should use it sparingly.

Indeed, while this column is peremptorily sympathetic to trade unions which ordinarily are weaker when in contest with the state, it is extremely dangerous that a trade union could be imbued with such power as exhibited as PENGASSAN. Before a union calls a strike that has the capacity to cripple the nation, it must diligently follow due process. It cannot call out Dangote Refinery for allegedly sacking its members without due process and then rely on an illegal process to bring the alleged offender and even non-offenders to account.

The way forward is for government to insist that trade unions should fully democratise and be accountable to its members. Of course, it won’t come without a fight from the officials, who have been benefiting from the current system. The trade unions must understand that where they are dealing with private companies, they wont have the luxury of eating their cake, and still have it in the fridge. The imbroglio with Dangote should be a lesson that the era of trade unions in the oil industry holding everyone to ransom may be over.

PENGASSAN, must realise that Dangote Refinery is different from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), which the government officials and the workers treat as cash-cow for themselves, rather than a business entity for the general shareholders. Members of PENGASSAN in NNPC, and its several affiliates could afford to wrestle their companies to ground knowing that those who ordinarily should ask questions about the financial health of the government owned companies, are in bed with them, jointly raping the companies.

How on earth would the corrupt ministry officials raise any eyebrow about NNPC and its affiliates, when they are in cahoots in with the unions in taking what does not belong to them? Nigerians know that the NNPC and its affiliates run opaque systems and so when the trade unions use their power to extort their own share of the proverbial national cake, they can get away with it. But the Dangote Refinery is a different ball game and the prime mover, Aliko Dangote is a boardroom shark, whose driving force is the financial bottom line.

As they would have realized, they just goaded their now former members to a cul-de-sac. The pyrrhic victory which they achieved in getting Dangote to agree to send the reabsorbed workers to its sister companies, namely the Sugar and Cement companies, automatically makes the reabsorbed workers, non-members of PENGASSAN. We wait to see how the unions in the oil industries would protect their technically estranged members who no longer belong to their unions, when the dragon turns them to ‘suya’ for lunch.

There is no reason why all oil workers should be members of either PENGASSAN or NUPENG, as that should apply to other trade unions. Section 3(1) provides: ‘An application for the registration of a trade union shall be made to the registrar in the prescribed form and shall be signed by (a) in the case of a trade union of workers, by at least fifty members of the union.’ Also, person with the resources to set up refinery should get similar encouragement as Aliko Dangote got, to open shop. Once monopoly is killed, within the unions and the industries, Nigerians will breath freely.

Tragedies of bigotry

Nigeria is not yet a developing country at least in terms of science and technology. It is an under-developing geo-polity. Most of the numerous modern technologies all over the country are not an index of development. They are rooted firmly in foreignness. Indeed, Nigeria is an uncritical consumer of what other nations are producing, often with its natural resources. Nigeria’s local resources are being regularly, cheaply harnessed by the smarter members of the global community while the political leaders look the other way. This is not unconnected with maximum corruption and a gross lack of unalloyed patriotism. As a matter of fact, the Nigerian local environment is not conducive to productivity.

From the eve of independence to-date, this country could hardly craft appropriate legal frameworks to elect first class political leaders. That is to say, elections based on meritocracy and justice. Selfless service to humanity only minimally exists in the leaders’ vocabularies of popular essence. However, there are a few Nigerian leaders with golden hearts. Such spiritually buoyant citizens have what it takes to engineer a vibrant society, where a raw material economy has no place to stand in the 21st century.

But it is a pity, that the few disciplined Nigerians who manage to occupy major political positions are eventually polluted or choked to death by the demonic majority. Terrible lies and deception have become an acceptable tradition. Nigeria is in dire need of change. Even the issue of security is being politicised by some leaders as if human lives do not matter.

Although bigotry is a global social disease, the Nigerian case is too extra-ordinary to be glossed over. It seems that Nigeria has become the headquarters of bigotry. However, bigotry goes beyond the spheres of religion and ethnicity. It embraces racism including a wide range of other discriminatory tendencies. In many cases, people are appointed to sensitive positions on the basis of religious sentiments, ethnic considerations and/or political affiliations. This is at variance with good governance and by extension, national development.

Once upon a time, the Minister for Information and Culture openly confessed that he had no knowledge of culture and cultural heritage management until his appointment.

It is a weak thesis in my opinion, to say that directors-general and directors are the ones to do the job in the ministries. The overall head (minister) has to know his onions, otherwise there would be huge gaps. For optimum results, round pegs should be put in round holes. Some powerful Nigerians or elder statesmen, bombarding the offices of governors and president with long lists of their godchildren often for unmerited appointments, are also a part of the country’s problems. They cannot have their cake and eat it. Ideal history is unforgiving!

Nigerians need to begin to devise new hypotheses. These hypotheses must be rigorously tested in order to craft a new Nigeria. In this connection, some of the old assumptions have to be creatively challenged to pave the way for new possibilities. Let our leaders stop being too self-satisfied with near-complete imaginary past glories, in order to successfully capture the challenges of tomorrow. The current philosophy needs to be replaced with greater meritocracy.

Anybody who thinks that bigotry is not boundary-less, is a day dreamer. Both the learned and the ordinary people (with a few exceptions) are in bondage of bigotry. The political class members are fooling the ordinary people. These leaders do not bother about religion and ethnicity whenever they want to allocate to themselves abnormally huge allowances while the masses continue to groan. This is hedonism at its peak! Nigerians, same as other members of the Homo sapiens group are endowed with sophisticated minds. This is to enable us to be thinking healthily as a precondition for setting ourselves free from the shackles of spiritual and material poverty.

Part of this, is the capacity to hold the leaders accountable at all times through the lens of strong institutions. But painfully, the Nigerian masses fold their arms and allow the governors and even local government chairmen to continue to take them for a ride. Instead of challenging our political authorities in a critical fashion, we have shifted that responsibility to God. We naively assume that Nigerians are the only children of Providence, by asking Him to do everything for us, despite our superb brains. Praying to God is good and indeed, necessary for spiritual upliftment. However, leaving our own assignment to Olodumare (the supreme God) is irresponsible in a variety of senses. God abhors laziness. Therefore, the Nigerian masses must allow Him to rest.

Our democracy is caricatured in the face of weak institutions. The ordinary people have no confidence in the National Assembly (legislature) and the Judiciary. This started from 1999. It is not a new development. There is a trust deficit. This paves the way for a near-complete dictatorship, and by the same token, poor governance. Part of this ugliness is traceable to unfettered, primitive greed of the political class members with their inflated sense of self-importance. Nigerians are not brainless at all. But unfortunately, they have been consistently failing to engage in critical thinking. This is most disturbing. Nigerians have forgotten that creative thinking is the cornerstone of robust spiritual and material abundance. That is the reason why critical thinking and healthy physical world must dance together. Bigotry has to be kept on the refuse dump of human affairs. Indeed, bigotry is a dreadful monster.

Therefore, any leader who is not performing optimally should be told to wake up or get the wrath of the people. There should be no room for uncontrolled sentiments in this regard. No good reason to begin to worry about the religion or ethnic background of a leader. Such an attitude can easily engender inter-personal as well as group misunderstanding, suspicions and even conflicts. This behavioural trait (bigotry) is at variance with sustainable peace and progress in Nigeria. After 65 years of political independence from Britain, Nigeria still has the challenge of stunted growth to grapple with.

Again, those who are singing praises of our abusers through the lens of vanity biographies need spiritual deliverance. They (the spiritless biographers with their insatiable longing after miserable wealth) are almost worse than the leadership class.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is certainly working hard on some areas of our national life. But according to a popular Yoruba proverb, ‘not all clothes can be dried off in the sun’. This is for strategic reasons! But due to the hugeness of the mess before this administration started, not much is appreciated by the ordinary people (with the exception of a few citizens, having an extra-ordinarily deep sense of judgement).

As a matter of fact, the president is keeping his nose to the grindstone. However, like Oliver Twist, we (especially the federal university staff and retirees) want some more. This is not out of greed but obvious necessity. It is time for the Nigerian citizens to begin to rise above primordial political partisanship including other related reactionary ideologies so that Nigeria can get to the promised land.

Pensioners’ Day: NUP hails Tinubu, seeks N60,000 minimum pension for retirees

THE Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees across the country while appealing for the approval of a new National Minimum Pension of N60,000 for pensioners.

Speaking during the 2025 Pensioners’ Day Celebration held at the union’s national headquarters in Abuja, NUP National President, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, said the union remains deeply appreciative of the President’s ‘numerous interventions and approvals’ which have brought relief to many pensioners. He said Tinubu’s administration has shown ‘unprecedented political will’ in addressing lingering arrears and implementing pension reforms that had been neglected by previous governments.

Comrade Abumisi highlighted several achievements of the present administration, including the payment of 20% and 28% pension arrears, the implementation of the N32,000 consequential adjustment following the approval of the new N70,000 National Minimum Wage, and the recent release of N20.188 billion for the commencement of the new pension increase under the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD). He also cited the approval of a N758 billion bond for the payment of arrears owed to pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and the commencement of a free National Health Insurance Scheme for pensioners as ‘bold and commendable steps that reflect a humane and responsive government.’

However, while applauding these measures, the NUP President called on the Federal Government to do more to alleviate the economic hardship confronting elderly citizens. ‘In the spirit of our celebration and on behalf of Nigeria’s pensioners, I humbly make a passionate appeal to our amiable and indefatigable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to consider his gracious approval for a new National Minimum Pension of N60,000 instead of N32,000,’ Abumisi said. He stressed that the current pension value has been rendered almost meaningless by the high cost of living, adding that: ‘the hyperinflation which has for long bedevilled Nigeria has eroded the current value of our currency and has, by so doing, rubbished our monthly pensions which can only purchase little or insignificant quantum of food and other welfare items, not to talk of our medical needs.’

Abumisi also appealed to the Federal Government to release the remaining N37 billion out of the N58 billion earlier approved for the implementation and payment of arrears arising from the N32,000 pension increase. He urged the President to ensure the inclusion of pensioners from seven defunct parastatals: PHCN, NITEL/MTEL, Peoples Bank, Assurance Bank, Petroleum Institutes, NICON Insurance, and Nigeria Insurance who were inadvertently excluded from benefitting from the new pension increase. ‘We appeal to Your Excellency to please direct the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission to issue a fresh circular to accommodate the affected parastatals,’ he said.

The NUP President further reminded the government of the need to pay the backlog of pay-off entitlements to defunct Nigeria Airways pensioners, estimated at about N36 billion, and to release the three months’ N25,000 palliative earlier approved for pensioners to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

Turning to state governments, Abumisi expressed concern that only 13 out of Nigeria’s 36 states currently prioritise the regular payment of pensions and gratuities. He, however, commended governors who have demonstrated responsibility toward retirees’ welfare, singling out Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State for paying N27 billion of inherited pension arrears with a promise to clear the balance before the end of his tenure. He also applauded Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Lucky Ayedatiwa (Ondo), Umar Bago (Niger), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Alex Otti (Abia), Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Charles Soludo (Anambra) for maintaining prompt pension and gratuity payments in their respective states.

‘To these pensioner-friendly governors, I say bravo!’ Abumisi declared. He urged other governors ‘with humongous arrears of pensions and gratuities hanging on their necks’ to emulate their peers by beginning payment immediately, warning that failure to do so continues to impoverish retirees who have already given their best years to public service.

The NUP leader also reminded state governors and local government chairmen of their constitutional obligation to implement all pension increases approved by the Federal Government over the years, including the 6.5%, 15%, 33%, 20/28%, ?30,000 consequential adjustment, and the N32,000 pension increase, in line with Section 173 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates pension reviews every five years.

The event, which marked the third consecutive celebration of Pensioners’ Day since its official declaration by the Federal Government in 2021, was a mix of celebration and sober reflection. Abumisi described the day as ‘a proud moment for all Nigerian pensioners to rejoice, reflect, and renew hope,’ while expressing optimism that ‘by the next celebration in 2026, all state councils, branches, and sectoral units will have fully aligned with the October 5 declaration for a nationwide observance.’

Concluding his address, the NUP President reaffirmed his gratitude for being re-elected unopposed for a second term during the union’s National Delegates’ Conference held earlier in April in Kano. He pledged to ‘serve pensioners much better than ever before,’ while assuring that efforts are ongoing to resolve internal crises in some state councils and address outstanding pension arrears still owed by various governments.

He prayed for continued good health and longevity for all pensioners, declaring that ‘the goodness and mercy of God shall never depart from us as we pray to celebrate more of this day in the years ahead.’

FG, ILO, Oxfam, others re-validate National World of Work Gender Policy

THE Federal Government in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), OXFAM and social partners, have revalidated the National World Of Work Gender Policy, as part of efforts to promote inclusivity and gender equity in Nigeria’s labour sector.

At the stakeholders re-validation workshop on Thursday in Abuja, representatives from the ILO, OXFAM, government ministries, trade unions, employers’ associations, and civil society organisations, endorsed the reviewed policy, which seeks to address gender-based discrimination, enhance workplace protections, and create equal opportunities for men and women across all sectors.

Director Inspectorate Department, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs Olaolu Olaitan who noted that the policy had been validated before, said the revalidation exercise underscores Nigeria’s commitment to aligning its labour practices with international standards that guarantee fairness, decent work, and the protection of vulnerable groups

According to her, it was the continuation of a collective journey towards ensuring workplaces in Nigeria were inclusive, equitable, and free from all forms of violence, harassment, and discrimination.

She said: ‘The National World of Work Gender Policy represents a milestone in our national efforts to mainstream gender into labour administration, inspection, and workplace practices. It is not just a policy document; it is a tool that will help shape a more just and productive world of work for both men and women.

‘This re-validation exercise provides us with a unique opportunity to carefully review the draft policy, strengthen its provisions, and ensure that it reflects both our national context and international best practices.

‘Gender equality in the world of work is not the responsibility of government alone but a shared commitment that requires the active participation of all stakeholders’, employers, workers, and civil societies.’

Director, ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Liaison office for ECOWAS,.Dr. Vanessa Phala, noted that the revalidated policy would strengthen mechanisms for addressing workplace inequalities, close the gender pay gap, help dismantle systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in the workforce and improve Nigeria’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8.

Represented by Dr. Runo Onosode, she noted that Nigeria’s adoption of the policy was a testament to ILO’s vision of workplaces that respect human rights, guarantee equal opportunity, eradicate discrimination and violence, and harness the full potential of all individuals.

‘It sends a clear message that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of national productivity, social justice, and sustainable development

‘Importantly, the policy acknowledges the intersecting vulnerabilities faced by specific groups; workers in the informal economy. persons with disabilities, those with family responsibilities, and migrant workers. By doing so, it reaffirms the principle that no worker should be left behind, regardless of gender, status, or circumstance.

‘This policy’s strategic focus on pay equity, prevention of workplace violence and harassment, affirmative action for women’s leadership representation, and gender-responsive workplace environments aligns with Nigeria’s national development goals as well as global standards such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

‘As custodians of decent work and international labour standards, the ILO stands ready to continue providing technical expertise and support, working in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and other partners to facilitate the policy’s effective implementation. Together, we will promote inclusive workplaces, empower women and vulnerable groups, and strengthen institutional capacities for monitoring and enforcement.’

She commended Nigeria for showing true leadership in advancing gender equality through the ratification of key ILO Conventions over the years, such as; Convention 100 on Equal Remuneration, Convention 111 on Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) and most most recently, Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.

The Country Director, Oxfam in Nigeria, John Makina described the policy as a guiding document towards fostering an inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive workplace environment across Nigeria.

Represented by OXFAM’s Acting Manager Economies, Peggy Maimagi, he urged employers to integrate the policy into their organisational structures, stressing that sustainable growth could only be achieved when workplaces were inclusive, safe, and equitable for all workers.

‘As advocates and influencers, we carry a profound responsibility to shape policies and practices that not only recognize but actively promote equality, dignity, and opportunity for all workers-regardless of gender or social status.

‘The policy we are validating today has the potential to transform Nigeria’s workplaces into spaces that close the gender pay gap, embrace diversity, promote inclusion, and safeguard decent work for all. It is a tool for creating safe, equitable, and enabling environments where both women and men can thrive, individually and collectively. We are not just validating a document; we are shaping the future of work in Nigeria.’

Lawmaker again cites need for new building code

The September 30 earthquake that hit Cebu and neighboring provinces should prompt Congress to immediately tackle his proposal for a new building code, a lawmaker said.

In a statement on Sunday, Surigao del Sur Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. said the magnitude 6.9 quake ‘is a wake-up call again. It shows the cracks not only in our buildings but in our outdated building regulations.’

‘We need a building code that reflects the current and updated engineering standards, hazard maps, and climate realities – not one that was written decades ago,’ Momo said of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1096 issued in 1977.

PD 1096 continues to serve as the National Building Code of the Philippines, revising an earlier building code (Republic Act No. 6541) enacted in 1972.

Momo’s proposed Philippine Building Act (House Bill No. 8500) seeks to update the country’s standards regarding the ‘planning, design, construction, occupancy, maintenance, and demolition of buildings’ and to streamline the building permit process.

The measure also proposes a new system of classification of buildings and new requirements for zoning, fire prevention, environment protection and building design.

The bill recommends further a structural review of buildings every 15 years.

‘Playing catch-up’

‘I have been pushing for the bill since the last two Congresses. This is long delayed and our kababayans are paying the price for our failure to act,’ said Momo, a former undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

‘We cannot keep playing catch-up every time disaster strikes. We owe it to the people of Cebu – and every Filipino – to make sure that the buildings they live, work, and study in are safe,’ he added.

Momo’s measure was approved by the House in August 2023. But the 19th Congress, the legislature at the start of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration in 2022, ended its three years without forwarding the bill to the President – which would have replaced the country’s over four-decades-old National Building Code if Marcos had signed it into law.

Lesson from Myanmar

Momo said the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that hit Myanmar in March should remind the Philippines to prepare for similar calamities – including a possible quake from the West Valley Fault, a segment of the Marikina Valley Fault System that cuts through Bulacan down to Metro Manila then Laguna.

Several experts fear that as many as 52,000 people may die and 500,000 others may be injured by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake from that fault.

A special report in 2019 by consultancy group PSA Philippines Consultancy Inc. showed that at least two earlier quakes recorded as originating from the West Valley Fault showed the possibility of a major quake called the ‘Big One.’

Other experts, however, believe that the Big One has already happened in earlier instances yet could still recur.