Category: Nigerian Tribune

In a move to further protect consumers, strengthen legitimate trade, and bolster Nigeria’s economy, Unilever Nigeria Plc has formed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The partnership establishes a structured framework for collaboration aimed at combating counterfeit and illicit trade, enhancing supply chain visibility, and ensuring that only authentic, verified products are available to consumers throughout Nigeria. Counterfeit products pose serious risks to public health, undermine consumer confidence, distort competition, and diminish government revenue. Every Nigerian consumer deserves assurance that the products they purchase are safe, genuine, and of the expected quality.

This issue is particularly pressing in the beauty and personal care sectors, where counterfeit products can expose consumers to harmful ingredients and erode trust in legitimate brands committed to operating responsibly in Nigeria.

Beyond the scale of the problem, the long-term trust in brands, products, and the overall market system is at stake. Thus, addressing counterfeiting is essential not only for consumer protection but also for maintaining confidence in legitimate trade and investments.

Through this partnership, Unilever Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service will collaborate on sharing intelligence, capacity building, product authentication, inspections, and other initiatives designed to enhance enforcement and protect legitimate businesses.

At the signing ceremony, Tobi Adeniyi, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, described the partnership as a crucial milestone in the fight against counterfeiting.

‘Counterfeiting poses a significant threat to public health, businesses, and the broader economy. It undermines consumer trust and creates an uneven playing field for legitimate businesses,’ he said.

‘This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting consumers and preserving market integrity.

‘By combining our expertise in product authentication with the enforcement capabilities of the Nigeria Customs Service, we are taking decisive steps to curb counterfeits and ensure consumers have access to genuine, safe, and high-quality products.’

Adeniyi emphasized that this collaboration highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling complex challenges that affect both businesses and society.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, stated, ‘We are committed to implementing this agreement transparently and professionally, in line with our mandate.

The fight against counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade cannot be won by one organisation acting alone.

‘Partnerships like this are crucial, as they combine the strengths of both the public and private sectors in pursuit of a common goal.

‘Beyond protecting businesses, this is about safeguarding Nigerian consumers and enhancing their confidence in the products they purchase daily. ‘We are pleased to partner with Unilever Nigeria and look forward to translating this commitment into tangible results that strengthen legitimate trade, support economic growth, and uphold market integrity.’

This Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant advancement in the fight against counterfeiting and illicit trade in Nigeria. By uniting industry expertise and regulatory enforcement, Unilever Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service are establishing a framework for deeper collaboration, stronger intelligence sharing, sustained capacity building, and more effective protection of intellectual property rights.

The true success of this partnership will be reflected in consistent execution and measurable results across ports, border corridors, and supply chains. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to protect consumers, promote fair competition, and create the conditions necessary for legitimate trade and economic growth to thrive.

Amid the furore over allegations by the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Ireti Kingibe, that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has been obtaining loans without the approval of the National Assembly, the Senate has challenged her to provide evidence to support her claims.

The Red Chamber said no such unapproved facility existed to its knowledge, accusing Kingibe of attempting to heat up the polity with unsubstantiated allegations.

‘No such thing ever happened. It doesn’t exist,’ the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated on Thursday while responding to inquiries by the Nigerian Tribune.

Kingibe, while granting a television interview earlier in the week, had alleged that Wike had sourced loans since assuming office in 2023, specifically mentioning 2023 and 2026.

However, she said the minister did not seek the approval of the National Assembly before obtaining and utilising the facilities he reportedly sourced from creditors.

Kingibe did not provide details of the loans but insisted that Wike had sourced them.

‘I am definitely saying Wike has been taking loans without the approval of the National Assembly.

‘I’m sorry to say, with all due respect to the Senate, of which I’m a member, we’re supposed to oversee him.

‘We’re supposed to approve, and I have brought to the attention of the leadership of the Senate that the FCT is borrowing money,’ the senator alleged.

However, Adaramodu expressed surprise at how the FCT, which had not submitted any proposals to the Senate on budget shortfalls, could be accused of taking illegal loans.

‘What is the nature of the loans? Are they local loans or international loans?’ he asked.

The Senate spokesman further stated that the legislature had been performing its constitutional duties of overseeing other arms of government without compromising its position.

‘The National Assembly has been forthcoming in her oversight functions over the other arms of government, as statutorily provided by the Constitution,’ he added.

He noted that where a lawmaker had any information exclusive to them, the normal parliamentary channel was to raise it through a motion on the floor to bring it to the attention of colleagues for proper treatment, ‘which in this case, the senator hasn’t done so to our knowledge.’

Adaramodu went on: ‘If any legislator has any issue with the functions of any organ or department of government, such must be raised through the relevant committee or on the floor of either of the chambers.

‘The National Assembly is not a secretariat of any political party. We owe our legitimacy to the Nigerian people; hence, our oversight assignments are for the welfare of the public, including the Federal Capital Territory, which we exclusively legislate for.’

Boeing and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) will resume contract negotiations on September 8, following the union’s rejection of the company’s proposed four-year agreement.

The development was announced by SPEEA on Monday, after representatives of both sides met. The union represents engineers and technical workers at Boeing in Washington and other states.

SPEEA members rejected Boeing’s contract proposal on August 21, with engineers voting 64 percent against the tentative agreement and technical workers voting about 72 percent against it. The union’s roughly 17,000 members also voted to authorise a strike if an agreement is not reached before the current contract expires on October 6.

An internal survey of nearly 13,000 SPEEA members identified higher guaranteed general wage increases as their top priority for the next offer. Other priorities included improved performance-based raises and better annual cost-of-living adjustments.

The renewed negotiations come amid growing concern over a potential work stoppage that could affect Boeing’s engineering and certification programmes. SPEEA members are involved in work supporting the certification of the delayed 737 MAX 10 and 777-9 aircraft. A strike could therefore put further pressure on Boeing’s already stretched production and certification timelines.

Boeing has also begun contingency planning, including posting contractor positions for engineering and technical roles, although the company has said its objective remains reaching an agreement with SPEEA before the current contract expires.

A Boeing spokesperson said the company was looking forward to considering SPEEA’s feedback and reaching a resolution that would work for its employees while keeping the company and workforce competitive.

The September 8 meeting will therefore be closely watched as both sides seek to bridge differences over pay and other contractual issues and avert another major labour disruption at the aircraft manufacturer.

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has described Vice President Kashim Shettima as a loyal, dependable and reliable partner to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose experience and commitment have continued to strengthen the Renewed Hope Administration.

Governor Otu, in a goodwill message conveyed by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, congratulated the Vice President on his 60th birthday, commending his courage, competence and dedication to public service.

The Governor said the strong working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima has remained critical to the administration’s efforts to tackle the country’s challenges, drive economic growth and improve the welfare of Nigerians.

He noted that Shettima’s experience as a former Governor and Senator, coupled with his understanding of governance and national affairs, has positioned him as a valuable asset to the President and the country.

Governor Otu also acknowledged the support and goodwill of President Tinubu and his Vice President towards Cross River State, particularly their responsiveness to the state’s development aspirations and willingness to engage constructively on issues affecting its people.

He said the positive relationship between Cross River and the Presidency has continued to create opportunities for greater collaboration, adding that the state remains committed to the Renewed Hope vision of President Tinubu.

‘On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, I warmly congratulate Your Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on your 60th birthday.

‘Your years in public service have demonstrated loyalty, courage, competence and an enduring commitment to Nigeria. As Vice President, you have remained a dependable partner to our Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and a strong contributor to the success of the Renewed Hope Administration.

‘Cross River State appreciates your support, encouragement and goodwill. Your readiness to listen to our aspirations and engage with our development priorities is deeply valued.

‘As you mark this important milestone, I pray that Almighty Allah will grant you continued good health, wisdom and strength, and bless you with many more years of impactful service to our nation.

‘May you continue to contribute to the peace, unity, prosperity and development of Nigeria.’

Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Tinubu-Shettima administration and supporting initiatives that advance the development of Cross River State and Nigeria.

He wished the Vice President many more years of good health, wisdom and distinguished service to the nation.

INDICATIONS emerged on Wednesday that the fresh push for a single opposition presidential candidate to face the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, may not see the light of day. Investigations by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) appear lukewarm in the push for the single presidential candidate being spearheaded by the G100.

It was gathered that though six political parties met on Monday, August 31, to reaffirm their commitment to the G100 agenda aimed at producing a single opposition against President Bola Tinubu, the thinking among the supporters of the ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and that of the NDC, Mr Peter Obi, is that the move is like ‘medicine after death’.

According to sources close to the opposition coalition, the idea of a united opposition was first mooted by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was instrumental to the formation of the ADC.

‘The push by G100, to the best of my knowledge, may not see the light of day. This is because it is more of a medicine after death. Recall that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was sold on the idea of a united opposition going into the 2027 election, and he supported the formation of the ADC, which was meant to be a vehicle for opposition politics against the All Progressives Congress (APC). But after much ado and the late entry of Mr Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, the duo eventually bailed, and right now they are contesting on another platform. I don’t see how those who divided the opposition can get

a united front at the end of the day,’ a source stated. According to another source, the idea behind the formation of the ADC was to warehouse all opposition candidates under one umbrella such that it would be easy to face the APC, but with the split in the ranks, the idea of G100 was coming a bit behind schedule.

Another source was quoted as saying that when some opposition politicians interacted with foreign diplomats ahead of the formation of the ADC, it was resolved that only a united front could unseat President Tinubu in 2027 and that the man who stood the best chance of facing the incumbent was Atiku Abubakar.

It looks like the G100 trip is a journey to nowhere, said another source, who stated that the feud between former President OlusegunObasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar was a major stumbling block to getting headway in the G100agenda. According to the source, the former president was instrumental to the emergence of Mr Peter Obi as candidate of the NDC, and he also played key roles in the emergence of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso as his running mate.

‘Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was said to have vowed to disown Peter Obi if he ever accepted the vice-presidential ticket of the ADC with Atiku as the candidate. He also did all he could to ensure that the vice-presidential ticket for vice president of the NDC was given to Senator Rabiu

Musa Kwankwaso. Remember that Kwankwaso was one of the beloved governors when Obasanjo was president, and when he lost the bid for a second term in 2003, OBJ made him

Minister of Defence,’ another source stated, adding that with the threat from Obasanjo, Peter Obi will

be unable to step down for any other presidential candidate, let alone accede to the G100 agenda, unless he emerges as the sole candidate.

A source, however, stated that the ADC and the NDC have continued to participate in the G100’s push for a single presidential candidate so that they would not be accused of being the cog in the wheel of the opposition.

‘In any case, the two key parties, the NDC and the ADC, are just patching up with the opposition alliance, despite the realities in their camps. The ADC has said it has a pathway to victory against Tinubu with or without the alliance, and the NDC is pitching a similar sentiment in its campaigns,’ a source said, adding that none of the parties want to carry the blame or stand accused of being responsible for the failure of the G100 agenda.

The President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, has attributed the naira’s recent performance against the U.S. dollar to reduced pressure to import petroleum products.

Othman said the availability of petroleum products locally and the fact that they can be purchased in naira have helped reduce demand for foreign exchange in the sector.

He made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

According to him, the situation has, however, affected road transport owners involved in the distribution of petroleum products, with many of NARTO’s members currently having little or no work.

He linked the development to the activities of one of the refineries, which he said was distributing petroleum products free of charge, thereby reducing the need for the services provided by transporters.

Othman also said the rates paid to transport companies are generally fixed and applicable to all operators, making the charges relatively small compared with the pump price.

On the recent increase in the pump price, the NARTO president attributed the development to issues in the Middle East, noting that several other countries had also been affected by the situation.

He, however, said the impact had not been as severe in some of those countries because they maintained strategic reserves.

Othman said Nigeria has several government depots across the country and previously maintained strategic reserves, but added that, to the best of his knowledge, most of the reserves are currently empty.

He said the depletion of the reserves means Nigeria has to depend on petroleum products coming into the country, a supply chain that is influenced by several factors.

The NARTO president said there had been discussions with the current government on measures to put the necessary structures in place and prevent future fluctuations in petroleum product prices.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday, declined to grant an application for bail filed by the Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi.

In a ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by Adeyemi’s lawyer, M.B. Abdulazeez, Justice Obiora Egwuatu held that, there was the need to hear from the police and other respondents in the suit in the interest of fair hearing.

The judge, however, granted a relief for the respondents to give Adeyemi, who is currently in police custody, an unhindered access to his lawyers.

Adeyemi, through his lawyer, had, in the suit, sued the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Assistant-Inspector General of Police as 1st to 4th respondents respectively.

Adeyemi had, in the suit, urged the court to admit him to bail, release him from detention and allow him to seek medical attention from health practitioners of his own choice over his alleged ill health.

He also sought an order retsraining the police or any other officers or agents from interrogating him or directing him to make, adopt or sign any statement, save in the presence of a legal practitioner of his own choice.

Adeyemi equally sought, ‘an order that, for so long as the applicant remains in custody, the respondents do permit the applicant unimpeded access to legal practitioners of his own choosing at all reasonable hours.’

In his affidavit, Adeyemi’s elder brother, Adeniyi Adebola, said the detainee was unable to attend to the commissioner for oaths by reason of his detention.

The police, in a criminal charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, is presently prosecuting Adeyemi over allegations bordering on forgery, impersonation, among others, before another brother judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, who had, in July, issued an arrest warrant against Adeyemi following his absence from scheduled proceedings.

The judge then fixed September 30 for his arraignment.

After the issuance of arrest warrant, Adeyemi was later apprehended by the police and had been in custody, pending his arraignment.

Meanwhile, when the civil case before Justice Egwuatu was called on Thursday, Abdulazeez, who appeared for Adeyemi, moved the motion ex-parte.

After moving the application, Justice Egwatu held that the requests for bail, medical attention and other reliefs could not be granted without hearing from the respondents.

The judge, however, granted Relief 6, which mandated the AGF and the police to give Adeniyi unfettered access to his lawyers.

The judge also gave the respondents a 72-hour ultimatum to show cause why the other reliefs sought by Adeniyi should not be granted.

The court consequently fixed September 9 for the respondents to show cause.

The police, in the criminal charge, named Adeyemi, ‘Femi Surname Unknown,’ and ‘Anu Surname Unknown’ as the first to third defendants, respectively, over alleged forgery and impersonation.

In the police processes before Justice Umar, the prosecution lined up several witnesses, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside officials from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, etc, to give evidence in the case.

Investigators alleged that Adeyemi operated the purported agency from the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja before his arrest.

Kano State Government has constituted a 20-member Advisory Committee on Almajiri Education and Welfare Reform as part of efforts to comprehensively reform and reposition the traditional Tsangaya education system.

The initiative, approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is aimed at developing a sustainable framework for regulating and integrating the Tsangaya system while protecting the welfare, dignity, and future of children enrolled in it.

The committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Abdulkarim Kabir Maude, SAN, while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Barrister Amina Yusuf Yargaya, serves as Secretary.

Salisu Musa Aliyu, PAS/REPA, and Hafsat Tijjani Shehu, AS II/REPA, will serve as Co-Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively.

The state government said the broad composition of the committee reflects the multi-sectoral nature of the reform, with members drawn from government, traditional institutions, Islamic and religious bodies, the legal profession, education sector, and child-rights advocacy groups.

The committee is mandated to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the existing Tsangaya system and engage stakeholders in developing appropriate regulatory, integration and enforcement frameworks.

It will also develop a roadmap for pilot implementation, monitoring and long-term sustainability of the proposed reforms, while examining best practices and models that could strengthen the system.

A major focus of the reform is the integration of Qur’anic education with literacy, numeracy and vocational skills to expand educational opportunities for children while preserving the religious and cultural foundations of traditional Qur’anic education.

The committee is further expected to recommend measures to eliminate exploitative practices, strengthen child-protection mechanisms and develop a legal framework for the registration and licensing of Tsangaya schools.

It will also examine mechanisms for effective oversight, appropriate sanctions for violations, sustainable funding and support, as well as constructive engagement with Qur’anic teachers, parents, religious scholars, traditional rulers and communities.

According to the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk Ibrahim, the calibre and experience of members of the committee demonstrate the seriousness attached to the reform of the Tsangaya system.

He expressed confidence that the committee would produce practical and implementable recommendations capable of improving educational opportunities and the welfare of Almajiri children across the state.

Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Maude, thanked the state government for entrusting members with the responsibility.

He assured that the committee would discharge its mandate diligently and within the provisions of the laws of Nigeria and Kano State.

Maude also urged members of the committee and the general public to contribute towards the success of the initiative.

The state government stressed that the reform is not intended to undermine traditional Qur’anic education, but to strengthen and reposition it through a balanced framework that preserves its Islamic and cultural foundations while equipping children with essential literacy, numeracy, vocational and life skills.

It added that the success of the initiative would depend on broad-based collaboration with traditional institutions, religious scholars, Qur’anic teachers, parents, communities and other stakeholders.

The government said the ultimate objective is to ensure that children within the Tsangaya system are protected from abuse and exploitation, provided with quality and relevant education, and adequately prepared to contribute positively to the future development of Kano.

The Federal Government has dismissed reports alleging that Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported or endorsed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, described the claims circulating on social media as false, mischievous and deliberately designed to mislead the public and damage Nigeria’s reputation.

Enikanolaiye, in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, stressed that Nigeria remained firmly opposed to military coups and all forms of unconstitutional changes of government.

According to him, Nigeria is a peace-loving country committed to constitutional order, democracy and stability in West Africa, the Sahel and across Africa.

He said Nigeria’s position on the situation in Niger had already been made clear in an earlier statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 30, 2026.

The minister said the Federal Government had expressed deep concern over developments in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory process leading to stability and the restoration of constitutional order.

‘Any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy,’ he said.

Enikanolaiye stressed that Nigeria’s close historical, cultural and fraternal ties with Niger made peace, security, democracy and development in the neighbouring country a priority for Abuja.

He also rejected suggestions that Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS meant it endorsed the military takeover or any attempt to change the government through unconstitutional means.

The minister urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online which, he said, were intended to sow discord and misrepresent the country’s foreign policy position.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes of government.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria would continue to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community to defend democratic governance, uphold the rule of law, and promote peace and stability across West Africa and the wider region.

WHERE are the materials Honourable Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad donated to General Hospital, Umaisha, in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State? Unfortunately, in Nigeria, questions about the whereabouts of things provided for the public are becoming common. Sa’ad, who represents Umaisha/Ugya Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, recently visited the hospital and was disturbed when he could not find the mattresses and fans he had donated for patients. In a video that went viral, he demanded explanations from hospital officials. Reports quoted him as saying he had provided about 50 orthopaedic mattresses, more than 50 ceiling fans and about 40 standing fans. Sa’ad later clarified that the materials had been donated more than two years ago and acknowledged a disparity between the quantities he mentioned in the viral video and what was supplied. He said he was informed that some materials had been kept in the hospital store while others were being used in staff quarters.

If the materials were donated to improve conditions in hospital wards, why were they not identifiable more than two years later? Which items were received and how many? Which remained in the store? Which were transferred to staff quarters, by whose authority, and for what purpose? Reports quoted a hospital official as saying some mattresses had been allowed to leave the facility temporarily with discharged patients. Where is the register documenting such movements? Every public hospital should maintain an asset register showing what it receives, where each item is deployed, and when it is transferred or disposed of.

The Nasarawa State Hospitals Management Board constituted a committee to investigate the matter. Governor Abdullahi Sule also directed the Commissioner for Health to investigate and said anyone found responsible for diversion should be dismissed and prosecuted. That response is commendable. But the findings should be made public as soon as possible. What happened in Umaisha touches a deeper Nigerian problem: our increasingly destructive relationship with anything regarded as belonging to everybody. Nigerians complain, justifiably, that governments do not provide enough. Hospitals lack beds, medicines and equipment. Schools lack books and furniture. Roads and bridges deteriorate. Electricity infrastructure is vandalised. Yet, when government, philanthropists, legislators, communities or private citizens provide what they can, somebody within the same society removes, diverts, damages or appropriates it. How do you demand more public goods while destroying the few you already have?

Only in May, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, confirmed a case of diesel theft. UCH spokesperson, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the theft depicted in a viral video. Imagine the contradiction: somebody earning a living from a public hospital can steal the fuel needed to support its operations. There is an even more frightening example. The Federal Government recently ordered CCTV cameras to be installed on the First Niger Bridge after vandals removed bolts, iron bars, expansion-joint components and other parts. What kind of reasoning makes someone steal bolts from a bridge that he, his relatives and fellow citizens may travel on tomorrow?

The same mentality appears in different forms. In 2023, Kano authorities uncovered a warehouse containing palliative food allegedly diverted from intended beneficiaries, leading to arrests and an investigation. The ICPC has also investigated allegations involving diversion of COVID-19 funds and palliatives. The health sector presents particularly painful examples because lives are involved. A published study of physician self-referral in Nigerian public hospitals found instances in which patients were redirected towards private facilities associated with public-sector doctors. The researchers found both direct and indirect forms of patient diversion. There are also cases of public hospital workers diverting hospital materials.

Nigeria certainly has a political-leadership problem. Politicians mismanage resources, public institutions frequently fail and corruption at the highest levels deserves relentless scrutiny. But national failure cannot be explained entirely by politicians. We cannot build an accountable country by demanding accountability only from people above us. There is also an important institutional lesson in the Umaisha episode. Donations to public institutions should never depend on memory. Every donated asset should be formally received, numbered, tagged and entered into an auditable inventory. Transfers between wards, stores, offices or staff accommodation should be recorded. Periodic verification should reconcile the register with what exists. Technology makes this inexpensive. A QR code or asset number on every item, linked to a digital inventory, would allow management, auditors and donors to establish where an asset is supposed to be. Hospital boards should publish annual summaries of major donations and their deployment. Such accountability is important for another reason: Nigeria must not discourage generosity.

Why should a legislator, community association, diaspora group, company or private citizen donate beds, computers, books, medicines, fans or medical equipment to public institutions if there is no assurance that the donations will still serve the public a few years later? Every unexplained disappearance destroys trust and discourages the next donor. Sa’ad deserves commendation for returning to see how his intervention was being utilised. Too often, politicians commission projects, distribute materials, take photographs and never look back. But follow-up is part of stewardship. His clarification is equally important: hospital officials must properly account for donated materials, but accusations must also correspond to verified facts. The Nasarawa investigation should settle the matter transparently. Let the public know what was donated, what remains, where it is, and whether anything was improperly removed. Wrongdoing must have consequences. If poor records, communication or inappropriate deployment caused the controversy, that too should be stated and corrected.

The question is larger than Umaisha General Hospital. How do you build a country when some steal from the country they say has failed them? Nigeria cannot be repaired only in Aso Rock, state government houses or the National Assembly. It must also be repaired in hospitals, schools, ministries, warehouses, and communities, where citizens decide whether something belonging to everybody belongs to nobody or to all of us and must be protected.

The public property stolen today becomes the public service Nigerians complain is missing tomorrow.