By Daniel Kanu
Rachel Wuese Tyona is a youth advocate and consultant on youth development.
She is the first female speaker of the Benue State Youth Parliament, former vice chairperson, Confederation of State Youth Parliament Speakers in Nigeria, and the founder and executive director, Ngodoo Development Initiative.
In this encounter with Sunday Sun, she speaks on some of the crucial challenges President Bola Tinubu needs to address, including the drive into one-party state, inequalities in appointments, constant collapse of the national grid, the oil and gas sector, among others. Excerpt:
Would you say that NGOs like yours and philanthropists are doing enough to bring succour to the army of unemployed and poor Nigerians considering the level of suffering in the land?
As a representative of the Ngodoo Development Initiative (NDI), I must acknowledge that while NGOs like ours and philanthropists are making efforts to alleviate poverty and unemployment, there is still much work to be done. The level of suffering in Nigeria is indeed alarming, and it is heartbreaking to see many individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. While NGOs and philanthropists are providing vital support, the scale of the challenges facing Nigeria requires a more comprehensive and sustained response. There are several factors that limit the impact of NGOs and philanthropists. The number of people in need far exceeds the resources and capacity of most NGOs and philanthropists. Many NGOs rely on donations and grants, which can be unpredictable and limited. In some areas, lack of infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, and water, hinders the delivery of aid and services. In some cases, government policies and regulations can create barriers to effective aid delivery. Despite these challenges, NGOs like NDI and philanthropists continue to work tirelessly to provide support to those in need. We recognise that our efforts are just a drop in the ocean, but we believe that every little bit counts. To truly bring succour to the legions of unemployed and poor Nigerians, a more collaborative and sustained effort is required from all stakeholders, including government, private sector, NGOs and philanthropists, and communities. Ultimately, addressing the complex challenges facing Nigeria requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. While NGOs like NDI and philanthropists are doing their part, we recognise that much more needs to be done to bring meaningful change to the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Looking at the effects of the reforms being carried out by the current administration, what areas would you say the government needs to review just so that the poor can breathe?
The current administration’s reforms have had far-reaching impacts on various sectors of the economy and society. To ensure that the poor can breathe, I would recommend that the government reassess and adjust its policies in areas like: economic empowerment: Implementing policies that promote job creation, especially in sectors that benefit low-income individuals, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, strengthening social safety nets, like cash transfer programmes, to provide a financial cushion for vulnerable populations, supporting microfinance initiatives and entrepreneurship programmes that cater for low-income individuals, enabling them to start or expand small businesses. Education and Healthcare: ensuring that education is accessible and affordable for all, particularly for low-income families, strengthening the healthcare system to provide quality, affordable services to all citizens, regardless of income level, implementing nutrition programmes, such as school meal initiatives, to combat malnutrition and support healthy development. Infrastructure and Utilities: developing and implementing policies to provide affordable housing options for low-income families, ensuring that all citizens have access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and proper waste management, investing in renewable energy sources and improving the overall energy infrastructure to provide reliable and affordable electricity. Social Protection: strengthening laws and enforcing mechanisms to protect low-income individuals from exploitation, such as human trafficking and forced labour, developing and implementing effective disaster response and preparedness plans to support vulnerable populations during crises, ensuring that all policies and programmes are inclusive and taking into account the specific needs and challenges faced by low-income individuals and marginalised groups. By reassessing and adjusting policies in these areas, the government can help create a more equitable society where the poor can breathe a sigh of relief.
How do you see the recent cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu? Do you think it has cleared the doubts of Nigerians that the administration can deliver on promise?
The recent cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu has been a highly anticipated move, given the growing calls from Nigerians for change. On one hand, the reshuffle demonstrated Tinubu’s willingness to make tough decisions and adapt to the country’s evolving needs. The changes affected 15 ministers, with five being discharged from their duties, including the Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohanenye. Ten ministers have been reassigned to new portfolios, and seven new ministers have been appointed. While the reshuffle may have addressed some of the concerns surrounding the administration’s performance, it is unclear whether it has fully alleviated the doubts of Nigerians. Eventually, the success of the reshuffle will depend on the performance of the new ministers and the administration’s ability to deliver on its promises. Nigerians will be watching closely to see if the changes will bring about tangible improvements in their lives.
What is your take on the issue of gender parity as it concerns the Tinubu government? Would you say that this government has given women enough positions as they really deserved?
The Tinubu government’s performance on gender parity is a mixed bag. While President Tinubu pledged to promote women’s inclusion in governance, the reality is that only 18.75 per cent of his ministerial appointees are women. This falls short of the 35 per cent Affirmative Action clause for women in appointive positions, and even further from the 50 per cent target outlined in the 2021-2026 National Gender Policy. Furthermore, the administration’s performance on women’s economic empowerment and social inclusion also leaves much to be desired. For instance, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has been criticised for not doing enough to address systemic gender inequality, instead focusing on short-term empowerment programmes. However, it is worthy to note that the Tinubu administration has made some efforts to promote women’s inclusion, such as appointing women to head some government agencies and parastatals. Nevertheless, these efforts are still insufficient to address the deep-seated gender disparities in Nigeria. Overall, while the Tinubu government has made some promises and taken some steps towards promoting gender parity, it still has a long way to go in terms of delivering tangible results and addressing the systemic inequalities faced by women in Nigeria.
How do you see the fears being raised in some quarters that the nation is fast sliding towards a one-party state? Would you say the fear is real?
The fear of Nigeria sliding into a one-party state is a concern that has been raised by many. While the Presidency has denied allegations of President Tinubu pushing for a one-party agenda, the recent happenings in the political landscape have indeed raised some eyebrows. The ruling party’s dominance in various elections and perceived weakening of opposition parties have fuelled fears of a one-party state. However, it is essential to note that a one-party state is characterised by the absence of viable opposition parties and the concentration of power in one party. While Nigeria’s current situation may not fit this definition entirely, the concerns about the country’s democratic health are valid. At NDI, we believe that a strong, vibrant democracy requires a robust opposition and a level playing field for all political parties. We urge the government to ensure that the electoral process is transparent, free, and fair, and that opposition parties are allowed to operate without hindrance. Ultimately, the fear of a one-party state is real, and it is up to all stakeholders, including the government, opposition parties, civil society organisations, and citizens, to work together to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and ensure that the country remains a beacon of hope for democratic governance in Africa.
What is your view on the outcome of the recently held local government elections in some parts of the country?
The recently held local government elections in some parts of Nigeria have been a subject of interest, and at Ngodoo Development Initiative (NDI), we have been following the developments closely. The recent local government elections in Benue State have been a subject of interest, with the All Progressive Congress (APC) winning all 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship elections held in the state. While the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has announced the results, some may view the APC’s sweep as a sign of dominance, while others might raise concerns about the lack of opposition. The outcome of the elections has also raised questions about the state of opposition parties in Benue State. With the APC winning all available seats, some may wonder if the opposition parties were given a fair chance to compete. However, the broader picture of local government elections in Nigeria is more complex. Challenges such as institutional weaknesses, lack of transparency, and electoral violence have been reported in various parts of the country. These issues undermine the integrity of the electoral process and can erode trust in local governance.
What is your take on the frequent National Grid collapse within the year? What do you think should be done to stop this disturbing trend?
The frequent national grid collapse in Nigeria is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. At NDI, we are deeply worried about the impact of these collapses on the country’s economy, businesses, and citizens. The root causes of these collapses are complex and multifaceted. Nigeria’s power grid is outdated and in need of upgrade and expansion, regular maintenance is essential to prevent breakdowns, but this has not been consistently done. Insufficient investment in the power sector has hindered the development of a reliable and efficient grid. In some cases, the grid collapse has been attributed to sabotage and vandalism. To address this alarming trend, we recommend the following: Regular maintenance schedules should be put in place to prevent breakdowns and ensure the grid operates efficiently; the government and private sector should invest in the power sector to improve the reliability and efficiency of the grid. Measures should be put in place to prevent sabotage and vandalism, such as increased surveillance and community engagement. Nigeria should explore alternative energy sources, such as renewable energy, to reduce dependence on the national grid and mitigate the impact of grid collapses. Regulatory bodies should be strengthened to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
What do you think the government, NNPCL and other stakeholders should do to make petroleum products better affordable to ordinary Nigerians?
Making petroleum products affordable to ordinary Nigerians is a pressing concern that requires a multifaceted approach. Government should implement a targeted subsidy regime that benefits the most vulnerable populations, rather than a blanket subsidy that disproportionately favours the wealthy. The government should review and adjust taxes, levies, and pricing mechanisms to ensure they are fair, transparent, and do not disproportionately burden low-income households. It should invest in the rehabilitation and expansion of Nigeria’s refineries to increase domestic production and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products. The government should encourage the development and use of alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power, to reduce dependence on petroleum products. The NNPC Limited should ensure transparency in the pricing, allocation, and distribution of petroleum products to prevent corruption and ensure fairness. It should enhance logistics and distribution networks to reduce transportation costs, prevent product diversion, and ensure timely delivery of products to all parts of the country. It should also provide incentives and support to local refineries to increase domestic production and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products. It should invest in the development of critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, storage facilities, and jetties, to improve the efficiency and safety of petroleum products distribution. Other stakeholders can encourage private sector investment in the petroleum industry, particularly in refining, logistics, and distribution. They should engage with civil society organisations to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the petroleum sector. They should collaborate with international organisations and countries to access best practices, technology, and funding to support the development of Nigeria’s petroleum sector. They should also educate the public about the challenges and opportunities in the petroleum sector, as well as the importance of conservation, efficient use of petroleum products, and the adoption of alternative energy sources.