Nigeria Roundup: $10bn power investment, college students suspended for bullying, flood-induced hunger
$10bn power investment
Nigeria is embarking on a robust initiative to attract an ambitious $10 billion in private sector investment within a timeframe of five to ten years, primarily aimed at revamping its power sector. This strategic move addresses a notable funding gap identified in the infrastructural framework of the nation. Notably, discussions led by the Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) alongside the Minister of Power underline the critical role Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) will play in ensuring a reliable 24-hour power supply. According to Pulse Nigeria, the ICRC is dedicating efforts to streamline processes conducive to private investments while concurrently implementing stringent regulatory measures to guarantee accountability and effective project delivery.
Payment of pension backlog
The Nigerian government is taking significant steps to address the long-standing issues surrounding pension payments. Finance Minister Wale Edun unveiled plans to commence payment of pension arrears next week during an event orchestrated by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS) in Abuja. Minister Edun assured that the complications leading to payment delays have been thoroughly resolved, and a special committee has been formed to ensure that payments are fully completed by the end of this year. Reflecting on the challenges faced by pensioners, NUPCPS National Chairman Sylva Nwaiwu emphasized the pressing need for immediate government intervention, notably pointing out the lack of adjustments in benefits in the face of rising living costs, as reported by Pulse Nigeria.
Millions go hungry due to floods
An alarming hunger crisis is unfolding in Nigeria, severely accentuated by catastrophic flooding in northeastern Borno State. The recent dam collapse in September has had devastating repercussions, displacing numerous individuals and obliterating agricultural land. In addition to ongoing economic hardships and price surges attributable to a pervasive insurgency and poor infrastructure, millions in Nigeria are now reliant on aid, all while facing violent risks when seeking to work on local farms. As reported by DH, the World Bank’s alarming statistics reveal that around 40% of Nigeria's populace lives below the international poverty line, with a staggering 25 million individuals currently grappling with acute food insecurity—a figure projected to escalate to 33 million by mid-2024. Unfortunately, international aid efforts remain inadequate as attention is diverted to other pressing global crises.
13 college students suspended for bullying
Addressing incidents of violence and bullying in educational institutions, the Nigerian federal government has taken decisive action by suspending 13 students from the Federal Government College in Enugu State for six weeks. This suspension, decreed by Education Minister Tunji Alausa, comes in the wake of a disturbing viral video showcasing the bullying of a fellow SS1 student on November 7. A disciplinary committee has been constituted to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Concurrently, Premium Times adds that the Ministry is bolstering security measures at the school premises and providing counselling services for impacted students. Minister Alausa reiterated the commitment to fostering a secure learning environment within federal schools across Nigeria.
US insists no records on President Tinubu
In a concerning legal development, the U.S. government has asserted in a recent court filing that Nigerians possess "no right" to access President Bola Tinubu's historical records, alleging that he remains an active CIA asset. Sahara Reporters says agencies such as the CIA, FBI, and DEA have expressed that the confirmation or denial of records relating to Tinubu could jeopardise U.S. national security interests. The DEA has further stated that while it is important for Nigerians to be informed regarding their government, they inherently lack the entitlement to knowledge about the activities of their president. This stance comes on the heels of a prior court ruling which denied an emergency application for the disclosure of Tinubu's drug trafficking investigation records.
