Business
NBRP Reviews 2021 Reading Promotion Activities, Plans for 2022
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
The Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP), after a busy year marked by a series of virtual and physical events, has taken a retrospective look into 2021 with respect to reading promotion activities in the country while recounting the milestones achieved and the foundational blocks laid for the group’s activities in 2022.
Commenting on this in a recent event in Lagos, Mr. Richard Mammah, NBRP President, said 2021 has been an eventful year for the Network what with the setbacks of the pandemic outbreak of 2020.
Richard Mammah
“We are happy that major steps were taken this year towards the growth of the group as a pivotal body for galvanising harmony among book clubs and reading promoters in Nigeria,” he said.
NBRP was born in February 2020 after a gathering of a few book lovers sparked the need to create a broad platform for organising reading promotion and advancing the course of reading in Nigeria. Since then, the group has grown into over 50 members who are representatives of reading groups, books clubs, and reading for writing groups, library custodians and enthusiasts, and so on.
Mammah said teething issues have been experienced in getting activities of the group off the ground but there has been an overall success with major annual events adopted by the group such as the Quarterly Business Meetings, the Annual Convention and General Meeting, the Book and Copyright Day to mark the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Book and Copyright Day every April, and the National Reading Week.
An audacious but necessary initiative of the group is the vision of 774 book clubs in Nigeria, in line with having at least one major book club in every local government area in Nigeria.
2021 also saw the group implementing the National Book City Initiative, taking its inspiration from the UNESCO World Book Capital initiative, which adopts one city in the world annually to serve as hub and anchor for reading promotions activities across the given year.
Localised to suit the Nigerian environment, NBRP considered the merits of consolidating book activities in one location for a whole year so as to achieve greater traction and Uyo was chosen as the first National Book Clubs City for 2021. After the group’s first annual general meeting in Uyo in September, Uyo also emerged as the National Book Clubs City for 2022 commencing from 23 April 2022 while Lagos will follow in 2023, commencing from 23 April 2023.
Meanwhile, at the Uyo AGM, the group, in collaboration of other stakeholders in attendance, drawn from the National Library of Nigeria; Nigerian Copyright Commission; Booksellers Association of Nigeria; Nigerian Publishers Association, Librarians of Nigerian Universities; media and information managers; authors; the political class; students and the broader reading public, reviewed the current state of the reading enterprise in Nigeria, the operations of the NBRP and steps to boost the reading culture through greater exploration of public libraries, book clubs, e-books and social reading, and resolved as follows:
To amplify the continued poor appreciation of the place of reading in national development and the inadequate deployment and maintenance of infrastructure in this regard; To call attention to the imperative of an all-out drive to emplace the reading enterprise at the centre of the national development process given its notable multiplier effect across all levels and strata of national growth and achievement;
To emphasise the urgent need for value reorientation, and aggressive readership promotion to entrench the reading culture in all communities within the Nigerian Society; To secure endorsement for NBRP’s campaign towards the establishment of at least one well-kitted library and book club per local government in the country;
To demand that a Library Bill of Rights should be passed by the legislature as an instrument to provide uncompromising support for intellectual freedom and the provision of all types of libraries for all; To request that a libraries’ advocacy group comprising book clubs, stakeholders in the book trade, schools, students, parents, journalists, non-governmental organisations, donor agencies, and so on, should be formed to lobby for the continued prioritizing of libraries on the agenda of government; To reiterate that social reading should continue to be encouraged given its impact on the proper cultivation and enhancement of sound human values, peer review, and the multiplicity of constructive ideas for individual and national development; To require that stakeholders in the book trade should continue to work at improving the book value and supply chain for greater reader impact, reading culture enhancement and national development through taking steps towards the gradual restoration of the structural elements of the holistic book chain; To hold governments at all levels accountable to their social function and proper positioning of the education and culture sector in the national development process; To advocate voluntary citizens and Community initiatives and involvement in book clubs establishment and libraries management; and To urge stakeholders in the book trade to work towards the introduction of an Integrated private sector-driven National Books Distribution Company that would help address bottlenecks in the books supply chain and lead to the lowering of costs.
Hearty commendations were also extended to His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his support for, and participation at the Conference and for accepting and signing up to serve as Grand Patron of Akwa Ibom Book Clubs.
A further collaborative effort was also manifested at the 23rd Lagos Book and Arts Festival (LABAF) on 18 November 2021, when a session of the publishers’ forum held. With the theme, “Getting Books to Readers across the Country and the role of Library and Resource Centres in getting Books to Readers,” stakeholders in the book sphere including writers came together for deliberations on the way forward. At the end of the session, the following resolutions were made and, signed by Jahman Anikulapo of Committee for Relevant Art, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo of Nigerian Book Fair Trust, Chief (Hon) Uchenna Cyril Anioke of Nigerian Publishers Association, Dare Oluwatuyi of Booksellers Association of Nigeria, Dr. Nkem Osuigwu of African Libraries and Information Associations and Institutions, and Richard Mammah of NBRP:
To encourage greater collaboration and networking among players in the books ecosystem as part of a drive for a more seamless books sector and to better facilitate joint advocacy in the overall interest of all players, book industry stakeholders must be fully ready to raise their voices and make their activities more visible for all to see through enhanced public awareness and sensitization; To remind government of its role in the continued nurturing and development of the book sector, beginning with the coming into effect of a National Book Policy within the shortest possible time; To encourage the attachment of functional and viable book clubs to all libraries in the country; To encourage governments across board, and particularly at the local government area level, to establish, maintain, staff and furnish at least one community library per LGA whose book stock must be renewed and updated annually; That going forward, libraries should be seen and regarded as more than ‘houses of books,’ but even more appropriately as ‘living community houses and centres of ideas and culture’ where unfettered dissemination and transmission of information is maximally encouraged and takes place; That government, as well as stakeholders in the book trade, should pay even greater regard to factors of ease of availability and affordability of books as a way of engendering improved readership patronage, and that in a practical sense, stakeholders should do more to facilitate the coming into being of at least one ‘National Books Distribution Company’ as a practical vehicle for lowering distribution and marketing costs within the next three years; That Publishers must take advantage of the Information Technology tools prevalent amongst the youths nowadays, to package their contents for readers across various formats (audio books, e-book, v-book, braille etc.) to encourage and promote reading amongst the youths; and That the respective associations in the book trade should continue with their ongoing engagements in respect of the restoration of the traditional book chain and invest more resources in order that we may be able to better guarantee the immediate and long-term sustainability of the books ecosystem in Nigeria.
NBRP also played a collaborative role in the United Nations SDG’s Book Clubs Reading list, which was announced on the occasion of the 2021 World Book and Copyright Day, by way of encouraging its members to sign up as ambassadors for the UN SDG’s Book Clubs African Chapter with a view to creating a reading atmosphere for the selected books in the list to get to the target audience.
“Majority of these activities are not one-off,” Mammah said, adding that “the numerous emergent initiatives, assignments and projects, most of which are collaborative with relevant stakeholders, will continue in 2022 as NBRP progresses to deepen its roots towards the overall objectives of getting books and reading into the daily culture of Nigerians.”
Dangote Cement Plc, a leading cement manufacturer, has donated multi-million Naira educational support projects to secondary schools in Lagos as part of its social investment initiatives.
The company in a statement explained that the move is aimed at complementing the government’s efforts in providing quality and sustainable education in the state.
It was gathered that the projects were commissioned and handed over to various schools in the Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on education. These goals focus on ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education, as well as promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
The projects, warmly received by both teachers and students, include 100 dual school desks for Ilado Community Junior High School and Wahab Folawiyo Senior High School, alongside a refurbished and fully equipped Chemistry Laboratory at the Government Senior Secondary School, Ikoyi.
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Also donated were reading tables, chairs, and bookshelves for the library at Government Junior Secondary School, Ikoyi.
A celebration also took place at Falomo Junior High School and Ireti Senior Grammar School, both in Ikoyi, where the company donated 20 brand-new desktop computers to the ICT departments of the schools.
At the event at Government Junior College, Ikoyi, the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak, explained that social investment is a key part of Dangote Cement’s operations.
He said the company is dedicated to giving back to society and supporting the sustainable development of local communities, especially in areas where it operates.
Pathak’s address was delivered by Wakeel Olayiwola, the Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc.
He said, “education holds a pivotal role in the development and empowerment of the youths in the country. As a cornerstone for societal advancement, it serves as a critical tool for personal growth, economic development, and national progress. An educated youth population not only fosters individual success but also contributes significantly to the nation’s overall wellbeing.
“At Dangote Cement, we believe that providing quality education to our youth is vital and should not be left solely as the government’s responsibility. Thus, we aim to partner with the government to enhance educational development in this regard.
“The projects we are handing over today are part of our 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for selected schools within the neighbourhood of Dangote Cement Plc’s Head Office in Ikoyi, Lagos. These projects were selected based on need assessments in collaboration with the schools.”
As a responsible corporate entity, Pathak noted that Dangote Cement’s commitment to societal wellbeing, with investments in four key areas: Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Economic Empowerment programmes.
“This year, our plants in Ibese, Ogun State; Obajana, Kogi State; Gboko, Benue State; Okpella, Edo State; and our Pan-African operations have launched several social investment projects. These efforts contribute to the quality of life in our host communities and support sustainable national development,” he added.
Pathak thanked the Lagos State Government, the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, and the school management teams for their collaboration in identifying the schools’ needs and ensuring the timely completion of the projects.
Dr. Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, Tutor General and Permanent Secretary of Education District 3, Lagos State Ministry of Education, who was represented by Bolaji Rotimi Ajayi, Director of School Administration, praised the long-standing partnership with Dangote Cement, noting that the schools selected for the donations were fortunate beneficiaries. “We hope for more collaborations that will positively impact education,” she added.
The principals of the recipient schools expressed their gratitude after the formal handover of the projects.
Odunlami Olubunmi, Principal of Ilado Community Junior High School, Ikoyi, thanked Dangote Cement for the new desks, stating that the donation would significantly improve the learning environment for the students, helping to prepare them for a brighter future.
Bamidele Ayotunde, Principal of the school with the refurbished laboratory, urged other businesses to follow Dangote Cement’s example in supporting local schools, pointing out the positive impact of the laboratory’s renovation on the school’s learning environment.
The Principal of Ireti Senior Grammar School, Ikoyi, whose school received the new desktop computers, described the donation as a positive development and expressed hope for more support in the future.
Pupils also shared their appreciation for the contributions. Abiola Jamaudeen, a lab prefect at Government Senior College, Ikoyi, promised that the laboratory would be used to its fullest potential and well-maintained.
Lawal Rumayzo Abdulsalam, a student at the school, said the new library equipment would foster better reading habits and create a more conducive environment for learning, ultimately preparing them for success. Some students even performed special songs to welcome the Dangote team to their schools.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has celebrated the local content achievements of his administration, claiming it has transformed the state’s economy and strengthened local businesses.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, made this declaration at the 2024 Trade Fair of the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry held at the Trade Fair Complex, Osogbo.
This year’s fair is themed “Developing Osun Local Content Value Chain for Shared Prosperity”.
Gov Adeleke, reviewing his records on local content in the last two years, expressed pride to announce that his administration had set an unrivaled record in the promotion and commitment to local content development.
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According to Gov Adeleke, “our major infrastructural projects are being handled by local contractors. We are building up our indigenous companies to handle major jobs outside the state. Our local engineers are fully engaged in all facets of the construction processes. Our supply chain feeding the construction processes is also locally focussed and sourced.
“As local content is a tool for economic development, our multi billion naira infra plan has a focus beyond Osun money revolving within the Osun economy. We seek to stop capital flights, thereby ensuring a financially vibrant local economy that contributes to the fight against poverty and underdevelopment.
“Beyond a solvent grassroots economy, our policy ensures skill transfer. Local workers are empowered with requisite skills which they subsequently deploy as skilled service providers. We are building a pool of skilled citizens across all sectors.
“Additionally, our local content agenda is a strategy for employment creation. By adopting direct labour in many project executions, we provide jobs for the artisans and the unemployed. Osun is indeed a huge construction site with increasing job opportunities for the unemployed.
“Local content as a state strategy also drives our focus on infra growth and development. We are eager to bridge the infrastructure deficit to enhance trade and investment. We have recorded huge progress in that respect.
“Our administration is also removing possible bottlenecks in business operations in Osun state. The processing of Certificates of Occupancy is now within a 45-day window. This is billed to enhance business capacity to attract financial transactions and support within the business ecosystem.
“The era of multiple taxation is coming to an end as Osun state has now introduced a harmonized tax system. Our tax agency has become truly business friendly.
“To facilitate investment, we revive and strengthen the Osun State Investment Promotion Agency (OSIPA). The agency puts under one roof all regulatory and certification agencies of the Government.
“To accelerate the pace of industrialization, we revive the Free Trade Zone to provide over one million direct and indirect jobs for the people. We establish Markets with modern facilities, set up farm produce aggregation centres, and put life into moribund industries among others.
“The State Government recently hosted an Industrial Investment Summit. The event attracted local and international investors. While the current industrial policy is being vigorously implemented, we plan to review the policy to accommodate new realities occasioned by modern innovations and Artificial Intelligence.”
While restating his administration’s readiness to partner with the organized private sector, Gov Adeleke urged the business chamber to expand its scope, calling on the business leaders to reach out within and outside Nigeria for the development of businesses in Osun state.
“As the voice of Osun business, you are not a government agency. You represent the private sector. Your task is to expand your scope and mobilize businesses to grow as an umbrella body. I task you to interact with all sectors of the state economy. You have a duty to shake off bureaucratic burden and truly act like a private sector body”, the Governor charged the chamber.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev Bunmi Jenyo listed out several programmes and policies of the state government designed to support growth and development of businesses in Osun state, declaring that Osun is open for business.
According to the Commissioner, the recent industrial investment summit showcased the huge potentials of the state and expressed delight at the huge number of investors who showed up and expressed interest to tap into the investment potentials of Osun State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approached the National Assembly for approval of a fresh external borrowing plan totaling ₦1.767 trillion.
The loan, if approved, will help finance the ₦9.7 trillion deficit in the 2024 budget.
The request was presented during Tuesday’s plenary by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
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Alongside the loan request, the president also submitted the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) for 2025–2027.
Additionally, Tinubu proposed amendments to the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) establishment bill, aiming to make the national social register the central tool for delivering federal welfare programs.
Debt Servicing Costs Skyrocket in 2024
Nigeria’s rising debt obligations have been brought into sharp focus with new data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The country spent $3.58 billion servicing foreign debt in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 39.77% increase from the $2.56 billion recorded during the same period in 2023.
May 2024 saw the highest monthly debt servicing payment at $854.37 million, a staggering 286.52% increase compared to May 2023.
The surge in debt servicing costs reflects a sharp depreciation of the naira, which weakened from ₦899.39/$1 in December 2023 to ₦1,470.19/$1 by June 2024.
Experts warn that the rising exchange rate and escalating international debt obligations place significant pressure on Nigeria’s fiscal sustainability.
State Debts Climb to ₦11.47tn by Mid-2024
The debt profiles of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have continued to rise, reaching ₦11.47 trillion as of June 30, 2024.
This marks a 14.57% increase from ₦10.01 trillion in December 2023, according to data from the Debt Management Office (DMO).
External debt for states and the FCT climbed from $4.61 billion to $4.89 billion during this period.
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However, domestic debt decreased from ₦5.86 trillion to ₦4.27 trillion. Lagos State remained the most indebted in foreign currency terms, holding 26.9% of the total external debt, valued at $1.24 billion.
In naira terms, state debts rose by 73.46%, reflecting the impact of the naira’s devaluation on repayment obligations.
States Overly Dependent on Federal Allocations
A BudgIT report on fiscal sustainability has revealed that 32 out of 36 states relied on Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) transfers for at least 55% of their revenue in 2023.
Fourteen states were even more dependent, deriving over 70% of their revenue from FAAC allocations.
FAAC disbursements increased by 33.19% in 2023, reaching ₦5.4 trillion, contributing significantly to the total combined state revenue of ₦8.66 trillion for the year.
However, analysts have raised concerns over this heavy dependence on oil-driven federal allocations, warning of the financial risks posed by crude oil price shocks.
Lagos and Ogun States were exceptions, generating significant revenue internally and relying less on federal transfers.
Economic Implications
The federal and state governments’ growing reliance on borrowing and federal allocations signals deep fiscal challenges.
Analysts caution that President Tinubu’s proposed borrowing plan, combined with rising debt servicing costs and exchange rate pressures, may exacerbate Nigeria’s economic vulnerability.
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