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Governors Alex Otti (Abia State), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) are among the distinguished leaders and organisations set to receive the 2025 Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards.

The Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), has become a landmark event that brings together participants from across Nigeria and the international community.

This year’s edition will be held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on October 9 and 10.

In a statement on the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, emphasised the significance of the theme: ‘Redefining Possibilities: Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Public Service Delivery and Socio-Economic Development.’

He noted that the theme is not just a call to innovation but a strategic response to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at leveraging technology to transform governance, enhance service delivery, and stimulate sustainable socio-economic development.

The conference will bring together senior government officials, technology innovators, development partners, civil society groups, and academia.

Participants will deliberate on how emerging technologies can be applied to strengthen governance, modernise public administration, and expand Nigeria’s socio-economic opportunities.

Giving an overview on the award, the Director-General of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr. Dasuki I. Arabi, explained that the GovTech Public Service Awards recognise individuals and organisations who have championed innovation and transformation in Nigeria’s public sector over the past year.

He said this year’s awardees were carefully selected through nationwide nominations and voting across multiple media platforms.

‘The awards are designed to celebrate excellence and to encourage leaders who have pioneered reforms that strengthen institutions and enhance service delivery to Nigerians,’ Arabi added.

Now in its third edition, the Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards has become the foremost platform for recognising and promoting technology-driven governance in Nigeria.

Lecturers at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), owned by Ondo State Government, have threatened to disrupt the planned resumption of students and the forthcoming convocation, if their outstanding salaries are not paid.

The lecturers, under the umbrella of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), embarked on strike last month over the non-payment of their salaries and arrears, a development that has since paralysed academic and social activities on campus.

The Chairman of AAUA ASUU, Dr Boluwaji Oshodi, said the lecturers had exercised enough patience over the alleged refusal by the government to address their plight.

‘We have been patient and tolerant for long, but this time, we won’t be again. Our people have been pushed to the wall. We are not seeing any effort that can signal that the state government is ready to do the right thing,’ Oshodi said.

He said efforts to meet with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had been unsuccessful.

According to him, lecturers had endured harsh conditions, including conducting examinations ‘on an empty stomach.’

Reacting, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, dismissed claims that the government had abandoned the institution.

He said the state government had been engaging with the striking lecturers to resolve the dispute and assured people that the issues would soon be addressed.

He said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration had continued to release monthly subventions to state-owned tertiary institutions, including AAUA, without delay.

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has said that former President Goodluck Jonathan will not enjoy a ‘free ride’ to the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

Reacting to remarks credited to Professor Jerry Gana suggesting Jonathan’s possible comeback on the PDP platform, the GHSM National Coordinator, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, stressed that the PDP flagbearer would only emerge through an open and transparent process in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

‘With due respect, Professor Jerry Gana is entitled to his enthusiasm about the return of former President Jonathan. However, only PDP delegates to the national convention can pick the party’s flagbearer, and ultimately, God Almighty will determine the outcome, not a few party stalwarts,’ Hamzat said in a statement.

Hamzat argued that Nigerians are yearning for progress, not a return to the past, warning that Jonathan represents an ‘old order’ many citizens are ready to consign to history.

‘The Jonathan era cannot be painted as a perfect time. It was a period when the diversity of our nation began to be deeply mismanaged, rekindling ethnic tensions and religious bigotry, a legacy that has unfortunately worsened under subsequent governments,’ he added.

He also revisited Jonathan’s foreign policy record, faulting Nigeria’s decision in 2011 to break ranks with the African Union and support NATO’s intervention in Libya. He described the move as a ‘strategic blunder’ that destabilized the Sahel and aggravated insecurity across Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other West African countries.

On domestic governance, the GHSM leader insisted that Jonathan still has questions to answer on corruption allegations that trailed his administration, particularly the infamous Dasukigate arms procurement scandal.

Hamzat, however, affirmed that the PDP remains a democratic platform where no aspirant, including former presidents, should expect automatic endorsement.

‘If President Jonathan desires a return to Aso Rock, he must be ready to square up with nationally unifying aspirants such as Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in an open and transparent primary,’ Hamzat declared.

He maintained that Nigerians deserve fresh leadership and a new vision to tackle the nation’s challenges, insisting that ‘the only way forward is forward, not backward.’

Civil society organisation, Save the Republic, has expressed concern over reports that more than 800 Nigerian engineers and workers were dismissed by Dangote Refinery for attempting to join a trade union.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the group yesterday, Rights Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, said the matter raises serious questions about labour rights, fair employment, and Nigeria’s regulatory environment.

The group noted that Nigerian Constitution and the Trade Unions Act recognise the right of workers to freely associate and join unions, and any attempt to restrict such rights is inconsistent with the law.

‘The right to organise is a constitutional guarantee under Section 40 of 1999 Constitution, as amended,’ Adeyanju said. ‘It is important Nigerian workers are able to exercise this right without fear of dismissal or intimidation.’

Save the Republic also noted the broader implications of the refinery’s reported actions, noting the Dangote Group has benefited from government interventions and licences. Adeyanju stressed given the scale of public support, transparency and fairness in employment practice were essential.

He said Nigeria’s competition and consumer protection laws discourage any practice that could entrench monopoly or undermine rights of stakeholders, including employees.

‘This is a matter of public accountability,’ he noted. ‘When a project of this scale receives state support, Nigerians have a right to demand fair treatment and full transparency in employment practice.’

It appealed for calm and dialogue, urging parties to dialogue, stressing rights of workers must be respected while ensuring the refinery thrives.

‘The way forward is dialogue. Nobody wants to kill Dangote Refinery. We want it to work, but we also want the rights of workers respected,’ he said.

Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris has urged Nigerians to have faith in their country.

He said the gains of the last two and a half years should be consolidated.

Idris said the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to balanced and inclusive development since assuming office.

He said: ‘This administration is working for you, listening to you, and committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind. Let us continue to believe in Nigeria, because together, we can make our country greater than ever before.

‘As we celebrate 65 years of independence, let us steadfastly hold on to hope, unity, and patriotism. Let us never lose sight of the fact that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan – it is a reality that is already touching lives and will continue to do so in the years ahead.

‘Once again, this is our message to you: we need all hands on deck to consolidate on the gains of the last two and a half years, even as we march boldly towards the Nigeria of our dreams.’

He added: ‘Contrary to the perception being pushed in some quarters, this administration has demonstrated uncommon commitment to balanced and inclusive development since assuming office. The distribution of capital projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is equitable. No region is taking a back seat.’

The minister said the government was fully aware of the sacrifices the people had been making in the last two years.

Idris said: ‘We fully acknowledge your sacrifices and your understanding in the last 28 months, as President Tinubu has worked tirelessly to steady the ship. It is now time for the entire country to reap the fruit of the seeds of reform that have been painstakingly planted.’

He added: ‘Local Government Areas are being fiscally reintegrated as catalysts for growth and development, with the financial autonomy that the President is determined to fully operationalise.

‘Today, all state governments now receive, from the Federation Account, multiples of the revenue they used to get, thanks to the increased headroom from the oil subsidy removal. Subnational governments are now able to do a lot more, and with less debt.’

The minister pointed out that with the reforms in place, no state should be owing workers salaries, stressing that any state that does ‘is doing so by choice’.

He added: ‘This is the more reason why the ‘All Hands-on Deck’ message is apt and timely-henceforth no tier of government has any excuse not to fully pull its weight in this collective task of comprehensive economic growth and development.’

He also unveiled plans by the Federal Government to support state and local government infrastructural development.

Idris said: ‘Beyond these, the Federal Government is actively going further to support various subnational infrastructure projects, like the light rail projects in Kano and Kaduna States, for which funding to the tune of ?150 billion and ?100 billion has been secured.’

Highlighting other achievements of the administration, Idris said: ‘The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is meant to harness our underutilised potential and transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a sustainable and globally competitive industry.

‘In addition, to spur agricultural production, the Bank of Agriculture has been recapitalised to the tune of N1.5 trillion and is regarded as the most significant boost to agricultural financing in Nigeria.

‘Under President Tinubu, our nation is gradually recapturing the spirit of people-centred, grassroots development, through the establishment of five new regional development commissions and a supervising federal ministry for regional development.

‘We are in the middle of a road and transport infrastructure revolution, of which the flagship initiative is the one comprising the Presidential legacy highways, designed to connect Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, enhance national integration and unlock new economic corridors.

‘Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and its Eight (8) Priority Areas, President Tinubu is laying the building blocks for a national renewal anchored on prosperity, peace and unity. At this point, our collective participation in nation-building is critical to the sustenance of the progress being made.

‘That is why the theme of this 65th Anniversary is ‘All Hands On Deck’ – a direct and heartfelt call to all Nigerians and our friends and partners around the world to show understanding and to commit to supporting these landmark reforms.

‘Our trade surplus continues to grow, with an increasing share of contributions from the non-oil sector. Declining inflation, a strengthening currency, falling food prices, growing external reserves-all of these are more eloquent testament that we are on the right track.

‘From January 2026, we will commence implementation of the Tax Acts quartet, which will expand our nation’s revenue base while simultaneously simplifying tax collection and lessening the burden on our people. These new tax laws represent a huge leap forward for the Nigerian economy and for business, entrepreneurship and investment.

‘With more revenue at its disposal, on account of the reforms, the Tinubu administration is investing heavily in the key components that will catalyse our collective growth and development: health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, energy security, regional and grassroot development, small business, youth, and national security.

‘As we speak, more than 500,000 students of tertiary institutions – universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, are already benefitting from the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), in which tuition and upkeep fees are paid for by the Federal Government. This is unprecedented in our history.

‘Under President Tinubu, our nation is gradually recapturing the spirit of people-centered, grassroots development, through the establishment of five new regional development commissions and a supervising federal ministry for regional development.

‘We are in the middle of a road and transport infrastructure revolution, of which the flagship initiative is the one comprising the Presidential legacy highways, designed to connect Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, enhance national integration and unlock new economic corridors.

‘These landmark road projects are the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway; the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway; the 477-kilometre Trans-Saharan Highway traversing Cross River, Ebonyi, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa states, and the FCT; and the 422-kilometre Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Expressway.’

Also, there will be no anniversary parade to mark the 65th Independence celebration tomorrow in Abuja, the Federal Government said yesterday.

However, other programmes already slated for the anniversary will take place, according to a statement by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Senator George Akume .

The Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, who signed the statement, explained that the decision does not in any way diminish the significance of the milestone celebration, stressing that other programmes lined up for the anniversary will proceed as planned.

He said: ‘The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary, and the government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm’.

He said government regrets any inconvenience caused by the cancellation and assured that activities marking the anniversary would reflect the spirit of national pride.

Imohiosen added that the Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support, and cooperation of Nigerians, the diplomatic community, and invited guests.

He urged Nigerians to always support the reform initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as essential to the collective goal of building a greater Nigeria.

Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA in Lagos, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, has reaffirmed the council’s commitment to positioning Onigbongbo as the gateway of tourism and hospitality in Lagos.

Speaking at the Tourism and Hospitality Symposium, the Chairman highlighted Onigbongbo’s unique role as the first point of contact for many visitors arriving in Lagos, with its thriving hospitality sector along Allen, Opebi, Toyin, Kudirat Abiola, and Ikeja GRA.

He emphasised that tourism is not just leisure but a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, aligning with his administration’s F.I.N.E Agenda – Foster economic growth, Invest in people, Nurture enterprise, and Ensure wellbeing.

Adebanjo announced the upcoming Onigbongbo Spark Fest 2025, a landmark yuletide festival designed to light up our cityscape, attract visitors, and transform Onigbongbo into a yuletide destination to rival Victoria Island and Lekki.

He also unveiled plans for a digital hospitality directory powered by QR codes, which will be placed at airports and strategic locations across Lagos, offering visitors access to local hotels, restaurants, and nightlife operators with a 10% discount incentive.

The Chairman assured tourism and hospitality stakeholders of the government’s readiness to collaborate with the private sector in driving visibility, investment, and growth, stating: ‘Together, we will make tourism the heartbeat of development in Onigbongbo LCDA.’

LeBron James said Monday he had not decided when to retire from basketball as he prepares to become the first player in NBA history to play a 23rd season in the league.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar told reporters at a media day that he is ‘excited’ by the prospect of another season in the league alongside Luka Doncic and a bolstered roster.

James will turn 41 in December and plans to savour every minute of the tail-end of a glittering career that has straddled three different decades.

But the four-time NBA champion and all-time points scorer says he has no idea of when he will retire.

‘I’m excited about today, I’m excited about the opportunity to be able to play the game that I love for another season,’ James told reporters. ‘Whatever the journey lays out this year, I’m super-invested because I don’t know when the end is. It’s a lot sooner than later.

‘I’m just super-appreciative of the fact that I come up here to do another media day and talk to you guys.’

James, who averaged 24.4 points per game last season, said his love for basketball – and hunger to keep improving – remained undimmed.

‘The thing still pushing me is the fact that my love for the game is still high, and the love of the process is even higher,’ he said.

‘It’s that simple – me training and working my body and trying to get my body as close to 100% as possible every year, it’s a beautiful thing for me.The NBA season is a roller coaster. But no matter the good, the bad, ugly, I still love that process.

‘For me personally, I love to play the game, I love to play at a high level. Age is kind of just a number. Not many guys at my age, especially going to year 23, is able to play a level like that. I try not to take it for granted.’

Last season, the Lakers sent shockwaves around the NBA after signing Luka Doncic in a stunning trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

James said the prospect of playing with the Slovenian star after a full training camp – instead of learning on the fly last year – was another motivating force for his 23rd season.

‘The motivation to play alongside him every night, that’s super motivating,’ James said. ‘That’s gonna train my body for every night I go out there and try to be the best player I can for him. We gonna bounce that off one another.’

In addition to a full training camp alongside Doncic, James is also relishing the prospect of starting the new season with a squad that has been bolstered by the arrival of veteran guard Marcus Smart and centre Deandre Ayton.

‘I’m excited about getting to work, and I’m excited to see what we can do,’ James said.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining Prof. Pat Utomi and his associates from proceeding with their plan to establish a shadow government/cabinet in the country.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order yesterday in a judgment on a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) with Utomi as the sole defendant.

Justice Omotosho declared the idea of a shadow government/cabinet is unconstitutional and a concept alien to the nation’s presidential system of government.

The judge held that Utomi and his associates cannot hide under the rights to freedom of association and expression to engage in unlawful activities.

He hailed the plaintiff for filing the suit and held, among others, that it was within the powers of the DSS, being a premier national security agency, to take steps to prevent acts capable of threatening the nation’s internal security.

Justice Omotosho upheld the argument by the lawyer to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), that the move by Utomi and his associates to form a shadow government/cabinet was intended to create chaos and destabilise the country.

The judge also agreed with the plaintiff that not only was the planned shadow government an aberration but that it also constituted a grave attack on the Constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government currently in place.

He held that such a structure, styled as a shadow government/cabinet, if left unchecked, may incite political unrest, cause intergroup tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which pose a grave threat to national security.

Justice Omotosho held that although the defendant is entitled to enjoy the rights to freedom of expression and to associate, such rights are not absolute.

He further held that the two rights being claimed by the defendant can legally be violated in some instances, particularly where there is a need to protect society from anarchy and the breakdown of law and order.

The judge held that, in the interest of the security of the country, such rights (freedom of expression and association) do not exist for the defendant, warning that the court would not sit idly by and allow the defendant to cause confusion in the country.

According to him, the planned shadow government/cabinet by Utomi and others portends a danger to the stability and safety of the country.

He said that although Utmi claimed to be running a civil society organisation, his decision to form a shadow government was a nullity.

The judge averred that there are existing avenues through which people could criticise the government, which the defendant could explore, but not to take unconstitutional steps, like forming a shadow government/cabinet.

Justice Omotosho also faulted the forum adopted by Utomi and his associates, noting that Big Tent Limited, a limited liability company under which the defendant claimed to be operating, cannot be used as a vehicle for political purposes, as was done in this case.

The judge said should Utomi and his associates wish to set up a platform to criticise and monitor the government, they should either form a political party or join an existing one, not use a limited liability company for political purposes.

He issued an order declaring the purported shadow government/cabinet being planned by Utomi and his associates as unconstitutional and amounting to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognized by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

Justice Omotosho also declared that under Sections 1(1), 1(2) and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the establishment or operation of any governmental authority or structure outside the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). is unconstitutional, null, and void.

The judge issued an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Utomi, his agents and associates ‘from further taking any steps towards the establishment or operation of a shadow government, shadow cabinet or any similar entity not recognized by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun its congress in Ibadan, the capital city, with Governor Seyi Makinde casting the first vote to kick off the electoral process.

Governor Makinde, who serves as the number one delegate from Ibadan North East Local Government, was among the early voters in the peaceful and well-organised exercise.

Delegates from 33 local governments are participating in the congress.

It marks the culmination of the party’s internal electoral process, following successful ward and local government congresses held across the state.

The exercise is aimed at electing new state executive officers, who will steer the party’s affairs over the next four years.

The election is being monitored by former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, officials of the party from the national headquarters, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security operatives, among others.

The Electoral Panel Chairman from the party’s national secretariat, Senator Austin Akobundu, is leading other officials to conduct and coordinate the congress.

Governor Makinde said the task before the would-be elected executive members of the party would be to deliver the party from the presidency to the councillorship positions in 2027.

Sen. Akobundu lauded the organised arrangement he met on ground, especially among the delegates, noting that the congress held great significance to the party.

He said: ‘There’s no report that anything untoward happened to our delegates. We are all here in large numbers. Thank you and welcome.

‘I want to point to the fact that today’s event has great significance to our party. Your state has been one of the strong corners of our party in the country. I have had to undertake many assignments here over the years and I’m glad to note that under the famed leadership, able leadership of the leader of the party, Engineer Seyi Makinde, this party has grown from strength to strength.

‘The testimonial is the recent by-election conducted, off-season election, where PDP took the seats and returned all our candidates to National Assembly and other seats. I want to thank you, your excellency, for the strong leadership you have provided and for the growth our party has witnessed. Today we expect nothing different from what we have done before.

‘Most congresses here have been very, very seamless and I can see that today we are well organised. The crowd that we have here is a reflection of the acceptance of PDP as a solid platform and I want to advise that we remain orderly as we walk through this process.

‘Be reminded also that we are working towards 2027 election where PDP will return all our candidates.

‘Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank God for giving us a governor like Seyi Makinde in Oyo State today. One of the best governors, performing governor who has transformed Oyo State. I was telling him that when I got into Ibadan, because I used to visit Ibadan a lot in the past, that I couldn’t find my way around the city.

‘The city is so well transformed as well as our rural areas and I pray that God will continue to grant him grace to complete the job and as he prepares to go for higher assignment by the special grace of God, I pray that God Almighty will also give us a successor with steady hands that will also be handsome and passionate about the development and growth of Oyo State. I believe God will do so for us.

‘I will continue to pray that the rest of this administration that will lead to next one will be progressive, will be rewarding, will see more development. So, for our party to come back we have to work very hard. This exercise is going to be very fast because I can see that you are well organised.’

The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of the state, the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; federal lawmakers like Abass Adigun Agboworin (Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency), Stanley Adedeji Olajide (Ibadan North-West/South-West), and Shina Peller, a former member of the House of Representatives.

Also in attendance are local government council chairmen across the state, party stakeholders and supporters, who are witnessing the congress proceedings.

The outcome of the congress is expected to shape the direction of PDP in Oyo State, as it prepares for future electoral contests.

As at press time, voting was still ongoing by delegates across the three senatorial district of the state.

At 65 years of Independence, Nigerians, surely have a tough decision to make. Will the majority go on with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s (PBAT) administration’s far-reaching reforms or will they turn to those making a swansong of the challenges associated with the reforms? Historically, reformers like Mikhail Gorbachev of Soviet Union paid a huge price for his Perestroika and Glasnost. Will PBAT pay the price for being a reformer or will he survive?

Nigeria’s economic challenges have been systemic, ranging from inflation, import dependency, foreign exchange crisis, erosion of the value of the local currency, food insecurity, hunger, to abject poverty of the majority of the citizens. Amidst these economic headwinds, Nigerians were literally subsidizing the fuel imports of her neighbours. To compound the situation, her rapacious elites were trading on her currency to the detriment of businesses and other genuine economic activities.

The implication was that while the few elites connected to the seat of power, were making millions by getting direct foreign currency allocations from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and trading on it, those engaged in genuine economic activities were substantially at the mercy of the ravenous economic saboteurs. The most impactful on the country was sourcing foreign exchange for the importation of fuel, as the three major refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna were comatose.

The way out for the immediate past regime, was printing more money by the CBN, euphemistically referred by government officials, as ‘ways and means’. The challenge of sourcing foreign exchange to import fuel was further compounded by the opacity and massive corruption of the process. Nigeria experienced all manner of racketeering, as many so-called fuel importers presented fake documents for non-existent imports, and with the connivance of corrupt state officials got paid humongous sums to the detriment of the already bleeding foreign exchange reserves.

Other businesses, like foreign airline operators, who after collecting the cost of tickets in local currency could not buy foreign exchange at the official foreign exchange rate to repatriate their earnings, either departed the country, or took matters into their own hands. Those that stayed, charged much higher for tickets sold in Nigeria, when compared to prices for similar tickets in neighbouring countries. Travels for students, businessmen and holiday makers became so excruciating that Nigerians went to neighbouring countries to connect Europe and America at huge costs.

Many multi-national manufacturing companies, finding it difficult to access foreign exchange to import needed raw materials, closed shop, and moved to more economically stable countries. As unemployment skyrocketed, and more valueless money chased fewer goods, inflation soared into triple digits, and the national economy was on a tailspin. The impact on food inflation was so devastating that basic essential commodities, some of which were import dependent, were priced out of the reach of the ordinary Nigerians and the country was almost imploding.

The insecurity in parts of the country further drove food prices to a dangerous level. With the north-central states of Benue and Plateau, major food baskets of the country overrun by murderous herdsmen, Nigeria was on the throes of asphyxiation. While the north-central was on the boil, farmlands further north were the grains come from, were in the grips of internecine war, waged by Boko Haram and the so-called bandits. While Boko Haram elements were fighting for their lives in northeast, the bandits were claiming territories in northwest.

On assumption of office in May, 2023, the PBAT administration decided to confront the twin challenge of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange racketeering. The immediate impact was a runaway inflation and further depreciation of the official rate of the Naira, which had been artificially buoyed over the years by the CBN. Many commentators viewed the twin steps as bold, while some considered it reckless. Those who supported the twin policy of the administration argued that it was the only way to bring sanity to the national economy.

Initially, the side effects of the twin policy were so devastating, as the nation witnessed galloping inflation, especially food inflation that even the core supporters of the administration doubted the wisdom of the policies. But the administration stayed course, and presently while Naira is gaining value by the day, inflation is tending downwards. The removal of the subsidy also made the nation buoyant enough to increase the minimum wage and for sub-nationals to have money to engage in infrastructural projects.

The implicit deregulation of the price of fuel has seen the price of that national economic driver now determined by marketers. Recently, the price of fuel has been moving up and down without Nigerians and especially labour unions pointing fingers and threatening the industrial peace of the country. Luckily for the Tinubu administration and indeed for Nigerians, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals came on stream to fill the huge gap left by the bumbling and incompetent Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL).

But at the cusp of Nigeria’s 65th anniversary, the apparent redundancy that private sector-led Dangote has made of the two major industrial unions hegemons in the oil sector, NUPENG and PENGASSAN, rears its ugly or beautiful head, depending on which side, the commentator belongs. The two industrial unions were made nationally popular during the war for democracy in Nigeria, after the annulment of June 12 general election, which Chief M.K.O Abiola won, particularly under the leadership of late Chief Frank Kokori of NUPENG.

But like NNPCL, the two unions appear to have fallen into disuse with the private sector dominating the downstream oil sector. Considering the alleged underhand tactics of the leaders of the union to make themselves wealthy at a huge price to ordinary Nigerians, the two unions have a herculean task to convince Nigerians that their ongoing tango with Dangote Refinery is not for private gain. Unfortunately for them, their relatively recent antecedent with respect to the federal government’s sale and repurchase of the three earlier named refineries makes them complicit in the economic sabotage of the oil industry in recent decades.

While it would be unfair for Dangote Refinery to deny workers their rights under section 40 of the 1999 constitution (as amended), to belong to Trade Unions; the arbitrary, unconscionable and buccaneer trade practices of NUPENG and PENGASSAN, cannot cohabit with private capital, without their internal reforms. Of note, most of their officials live like oil Sheiks, from illegal dues, and the fallout of those practices, is on the ordinary Nigerians. As the country celebrate her anniversary, this column wonders which way Nigerians will go?

Will Nigerians follow through with the Tinubu reforms, or will they fall for the antics of the rapacious elites mocking the ordinary citizens with their new swan song of ‘I am hungry’, when the humongous wealth the cheerleaders display, are far beyond what they could have gotten from their honest labour?