Opinion/Feature
If I were Tinubu Part 3: Setting a Tinubunomic agenda 3
By Segun Adeleye
ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
To say poor infrastructure is undermining the nation’s economic and social development quest will be an understatement.
With infrastructure deficit estimated at $100 billion yearly, the World Bank said the level and quality of infrastructure in Nigeria is low despite the Federal Government’s claim of borrowing to finance infrastructure while its physical infrastructure gap would likely reach $3 trillion in the next 30 years.
According to an expert, “In virtually all sectors – power, transportation, communication, aviation, education, health, etc. – the absence of critical and needed infrastructure has affected the deliverables and Nigerians have not enjoyed a robust system that could deliver the best of services to us.”
There is a concept which Segun Adeleye Foundation for Good Leadership in Africa (SAFFGLIA) will privately propose to the new government. It will require an Executive Order for immediate flag off of the constructions of all roads across the country. It will require collaborations from the federal government with the states down to the local community development associations. There will be a central pool of funds while the vast deposit of bitumen in the country will be tapped with only local contractors and labour to be deployed to build roads, thereby create massive jobs and turn around the fortune of the country in a matter of four years.
POWER
Nigeria is said to have the lowest access to electricity globally, with about 92 million persons out of the country’s 200 million population lacking access to power.
In the country which requires 30,000MW electricity generation to meet current demand, there are currently 23 grid-connected generating plants with a total installed capacity of 11,165.4 MW, but an available capacity of 7,139.6 MW.
The Tinubu government should do whatever is possible to get Siemens of Germany deliver in the deal with the outgoing administration to increase Nigeria’s electricity generation to 25,000MW in six years. The $2 billion deal is already behind schedule as it was structured to take the country’s grid operational capacity from less than 5,000 MW to 7000 MW by 2021; increase the capacity to 11,000MW by 2023 and achieve total operational generation and national grid capacity to 25,000MW by 2025.
As the country is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources, the significant ones being solar energy, biomass, wind, and small and large hydropower with potential for hydrogen fuel, geothermal and ocean energies, the exploitation and utilization of renewable energy resources should also be a priority of the new government.
AVIATION
The potential in the aviation sector will continue to be massive as the airline industry is projected to reach $779 billion in total revenues in 2023, owing to the growing passenger demand.
Because of Nigeria’s huge population, it cannot afford to be a fringe payer in the sector. The proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air which the government is pushing to fly before 29 May must be encouraged to start on a strong footing. It should adopt the NLNG structure where irrespective of the percentage of government equities, the operatorship should be by the private sector. The first hurdle will be to institute a very strong corporate governance structure which can stand the test of time.
The same process should be extended to the privatization of all government owned airports with government retaining minority shares. This will attract huge local and foreign investments into the sector and bring about proper maintenance and international standard services to our airports.
*Segun Adeleye is the President/CEO, World Stage Limited; Creator, OELA Music; Author of ‘So Long Too Long Nigeria’ and Founder/Chairman, Segun Adeleye Foundation for Good Leadership in Africa (SAFFGLIA).
Opinion/Feature
Downstream Deregulation: Between Obasanjo’s Half-measures And Tinubu’s Bold Leadership
Opinion/Feature
UNCOMMON SCHOLAR, EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR: MY TRIBUTE TO PROF. OLOYEDE AT 70
By President Bola Tinubu
As Professor Ishaq Oloyede turns 70 tomorrow, October 10, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.
As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.
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His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.
Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.
Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.
I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.
The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.
I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to honour the distinguished professor with health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation for many more years.
Opinion/Feature
Clarification On NNPCL Refinery Operations
By Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD
My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos. I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false. This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.
It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.
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The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.
I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wrote from Abuja, Nigeria