Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Urges FG to Revoke MTN, DStv Licences

    Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has called on the Federal Government to revoke the operating licences of MTN Nigeria and MultiChoice over renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

    Oshiomhole made the call during plenary at the Senate on Tuesday, stressing the need for decisive economic and diplomatic measures to safeguard Nigerians living abroad. He said Nigeria must move beyond condemnation and adopt firm retaliatory steps to address recurring attacks.

    According to him, the continued targeting of Nigerians in South Africa demands a strong response, including economic sanctions against businesses linked to the country. He argued that such actions would send a clear signal and deter further hostilities.

    The lawmaker criticised what he described as Nigeria’s historically soft stance on xenophobic incidents, noting that stronger policies were required to protect citizens and uphold national dignity.

    Oshiomhole specifically proposed the nationalisation of MTN and the withdrawal of its operating licence, alleging that the company repatriates significant profits while Nigerians face hostility in South Africa. He also urged similar regulatory action against DStv, operated by MultiChoice.

    He added that enforcing such measures could create opportunities for indigenous firms while strengthening Nigeria’s negotiating position in addressing the crisis.

    Also contributing, Victor Umeh described the situation as alarming, stating that many Nigerians in South Africa now live in fear due to persistent attacks. He called on the African Union to intervene and consider appropriate sanctions.

    Umeh recalled Nigeria’s historical role in the anti-apartheid struggle, expressing concern that Nigerians were now being targeted despite the country’s contributions to South Africa’s liberation.

    The Senate’s position aligns with growing concerns among stakeholders over the safety of Nigerians abroad, particularly in South Africa, where periodic xenophobic violence has been reported.

    Stakeholders have continued to urge the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement while exploring economic and legal options to ensure the protection of its citizens.

  • Canada Strengthens Workforce with 20,000 Permanent Residency Slots in 2026

    The Canadian government has unveiled plans to grant permanent residence to no fewer than 20,000 temporary workers in 2026 as part of measures to strengthen its workforce and address persistent labour shortages.

    The initiative, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is aimed at transitioning eligible workers already living and working in the country into permanent residents under a structured immigration pathway.

    According to IRCC, the programme forms part of a broader plan to convert about 33,000 temporary workers to permanent residents between 2026 and 2027.

    The agency said the policy is designed to support economic growth, particularly in smaller communities experiencing acute workforce gaps, while ensuring that workers who have demonstrated commitment to the Canadian economy are given long-term stability.

    “IRCC is targeting at least 20,000 workers for permanent residence in 2026, with the remaining to be accommodated in 2027,” the department stated.

    It noted that early progress had been recorded, with approximately 3,600 workers already granted permanent residency between January and February 2026.

    The department clarified that beneficiaries would be drawn from individuals who had previously applied through existing immigration pathways, including provincial nominee programmes, caregiver streams, agri-food pilots, and regional immigration initiatives.

    Officials explained that priority would be given to workers who have spent at least two years living and working in designated communities, particularly rural areas facing labour shortages.

    The initiative is also expected to help reduce application backlogs and improve processing efficiency within Canada’s immigration system.

    Experts say the move underscores Canada’s reliance on immigration to sustain economic expansion and maintain a steady supply of skilled and semi-skilled labour across critical sectors.

    They added that the strategy reflects a shift toward retaining in-country talent rather than relying solely on new entrants from abroad.

  • Renewed Xenophobic Violence in South Africa Draws Global Attention

    Fresh outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa have drawn widespread international attention, with governments and organisations expressing concern over the safety of foreign nationals.

    The latest incidents, reported in parts of Johannesburg and Durban, involved attacks on businesses and residences owned by migrants, particularly from other African countries.

    Eyewitnesses said shops were looted and vandalised, while some victims sustained injuries during clashes between local residents and foreign nationals.

    Xenophobia—hostility toward foreigners—has remained a recurring issue in South Africa, often linked to socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

    Data from Statistics South Africa indicate persistently high unemployment rates, especially among young people, a factor analysts say contributes to frustration and scapegoating of migrants.

    Reacting to the development, stakeholders across the continent have called for urgent measures to curb the violence and promote peaceful coexistence.

    The African Union reiterated the need for member states to uphold the principles of unity, integration, and protection of human rights.

    “The safety and dignity of all Africans, regardless of where they reside on the continent, must be guaranteed,” a policy analyst said.

    Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria), condemned the attacks and urged South African authorities to take decisive steps to protect lives and property.

    In response, South African officials have denounced the violence, assuring that security agencies are working to restore order and prevent further escalation.

    Community leaders in affected areas have also appealed for calm, emphasising the need for dialogue and mutual understanding among residents.

    Observers note that while security interventions are necessary, long-term solutions must address underlying economic and social issues fueling resentment.

    They advocate inclusive economic policies, job creation, and public awareness campaigns to tackle stereotypes and misinformation about migrants.

    As the situation continues to unfold, calls for stronger regional cooperation and sustained engagement remain central to efforts aimed at preventing future outbreaks.

  • Galadima Reveals Obi, Kwankwaso’s Imminent Exit from ADC

    A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Alhaji Buba Galadima, has disclosed that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are set to exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the coming days.

    Galadima made the disclosure on Saturday in Abuja, noting that the planned exit is part of ongoing political consultations and coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    He said both leaders had been involved in high-level engagements with key stakeholders across the country, aimed at forging a united opposition platform capable of mounting a credible challenge in the next electoral cycle.

    According to him, arrangements had been concluded for their defection, with an official announcement expected shortly, although he did not disclose the political platform they intend to join.

    Sources close to the development indicated that Obi and Kwankwaso, alongside their loyalists, had finalised documentation and were aligning with a broader coalition movement currently taking shape.

    The development comes amid reported internal disagreements within the ADC, particularly over zoning arrangements, leadership structure and the party’s strategy for the 2027 elections.

    Political analysts say the anticipated exit of the two prominent figures could trigger fresh realignments within the opposition, as political actors intensify efforts to build a formidable alliance.

    They added that the move, if confirmed, may significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and influence the configuration of alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • CPPE Advises FG: Cut Living Costs, Not Just Raise Wages

    The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has advised the Federal Government to prioritise policies aimed at reducing the cost of living, rather than relying solely on wage increases to improve workers’ welfare.

    The Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Muda Yusuf, made the call in a policy statement released in Abuja, noting that while wage adjustments are often necessary, they do not provide lasting relief in an inflationary environment.

    Yusuf explained that rising inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of workers, thereby diminishing the real value of salary increases within a short period.

    “Wage increases, though important, are not sufficient on their own to address the welfare challenges facing Nigerian workers,” he said.

    According to him, the focus of government policy should shift toward reducing the major cost drivers affecting households, including food prices, transportation, housing, and energy.

    He stressed that addressing these structural challenges would have a more sustainable impact on citizens’ welfare than periodic wage reviews.

    The CPPE boss called for increased investment in mass transit systems to reduce commuting costs and ease pressure on urban workers. He also advocated policies to boost agricultural productivity to curb rising food prices.

    Yusuf further recommended measures to address rising rental costs, including incentives for affordable housing development, as well as support for employer-driven welfare initiatives such as subsidised staff meals.

    He added that improving public service delivery in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, power, and transportation would significantly reduce the financial burden on households.

    On social protection, CPPE urged the government to expand health insurance coverage, ensure effective pension administration, and consider unemployment insurance schemes to support vulnerable workers.

    The organisation also raised concerns over job insecurity, highlighting the growing trend of casual and contract employment, and called for stronger labour protections.

    CPPE noted that Nigeria’s current economic realities—characterised by high inflation and rising living costs—require a comprehensive policy response that goes beyond wage increases.

    It maintained that protecting the real incomes of workers through cost-of-living reduction strategies and structural reforms would deliver more meaningful and lasting economic relief.

    Background:

    The call comes amid ongoing national discourse on wage adjustments as workers grapple with rising inflation and declining purchasing power across the country.

  • Experts Demand Stricter Oversight of Nursery Learning Materials in Nigeria

    Education experts, parents and advocacy groups have intensified calls for stricter regulatory oversight of nursery school learning materials in Nigeria, following growing concerns over the quality and appropriateness of content used in early childhood education.

    The calls come amid recent controversies surrounding the use of unapproved and allegedly inappropriate textbooks in some nursery schools, sparking nationwide debate on the need for tighter monitoring of instructional materials.

    Stakeholders argue that early childhood education forms the foundation of a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development, warning that exposure to substandard or harmful content could have long-term consequences on learning outcomes.

    According to education analysts, the proliferation of privately owned nursery schools, coupled with weak enforcement of curriculum standards, has created gaps in quality control across the sector.

    They stressed that many school operators often adopt teaching materials without proper vetting, due largely to the absence of clear regulatory enforcement mechanisms.

    A recent policy push by the Federal Government to eliminate “toxic” and unapproved textbooks nationwide has further highlighted the urgency of the issue, with authorities pledging stricter screening processes for educational materials before approval for classroom use.

    Experts maintain that such measures must be supported by transparent evaluation criteria and consistent monitoring to ensure compliance across both public and private institutions.

    They also emphasised the need for collaboration between regulatory bodies, school proprietors and curriculum developers to ensure that all learning materials align with national education standards and cultural values.

    “Early learning content must be age-appropriate, culturally relevant and pedagogically sound. Anything short of that undermines the child’s developmental process,” an education consultant said.

    In addition, child development specialists have warned that poorly designed or inappropriate materials could negatively influence children’s behaviour, language acquisition and moral development at a formative stage.

    The situation is further compounded by the rapid expansion of early childhood education in Nigeria, driven largely by private sector participation. Analysts note that while this growth has improved access, it has also increased the risk of inconsistent standards and unregulated content.

    Research indicates that early childhood education in Nigeria has evolved significantly over the years, with increasing demand from parents and a growing number of institutions offering nursery-level instruction. However, gaps remain in policy implementation and oversight, particularly in curriculum content and instructional materials.

    Education stakeholders are therefore calling for the establishment of a centralised approval system for nursery learning resources, alongside routine inspections and sanctions for non-compliance.

    They also urged government agencies to strengthen teacher training and awareness programmes to ensure educators can identify and utilise appropriate materials for early learners.

    BACKGROUND:

    Early childhood education, also known as pre-primary education, caters to children aged three to five and serves as a critical preparatory stage for primary schooling. Experts agree that the quality of instruction and learning materials at this level significantly influences a child’s overall academic trajectory.

  • NCAA Decries Poor Handling of Passengers by Airlines

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed concern over the poor treatment of passengers by some domestic airlines, warning that such practices undermine consumer confidence and violate established aviation regulations.

    The Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, made the position known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, where he criticised recurring cases of flight delays, cancellations, and inadequate communication to passengers.

    Najomo noted that the authority had received a surge in complaints from air travellers regarding issues such as lack of timely information, refusal to provide care during extended delays, and poor customer service at airport terminals.

    He emphasised that airlines operating within Nigeria are bound by the NCAA Consumer Protection Regulations, which mandate proper handling of passengers, including prompt notification of disruptions, provision of refreshments, accommodation where necessary, and compensation in applicable cases.

    “The Authority will not tolerate any breach of passengers’ rights. Airlines must adhere strictly to the provisions of the regulations or face sanctions,” he said.

    According to him, the NCAA has intensified monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure compliance, adding that erring airlines would be penalised in line with extant laws.

    The NCAA boss further urged passengers to be aware of their rights and report any infractions through the Authority’s official complaint channels, assuring that all reports would be treated with urgency.

    He also called on airline operators to improve operational efficiency and customer relations, stressing that the aviation sector’s growth depends largely on public trust and service reliability.

    Industry stakeholders have, however, attributed some of the operational challenges to external factors, including fluctuating aviation fuel prices, airport congestion, and weather-related disruptions.

    Despite these challenges, Najomo insisted that airlines must not use such constraints as justification for neglecting passenger welfare.

    The NCAA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of air travellers while promoting a safe, secure, and efficient aviation industry in Nigeria.

  • Nigerian Doctors Shortage Deepens Amid Rising Brain Drain

    Nigeria’s healthcare system is grappling with a worsening shortage of medical doctors, driven largely by mass emigration, poor working conditions, and inadequate investment in the sector.

    Available data indicate that the number of practising doctors in the country dropped sharply from about 66,000 in 2024 to approximately 55,000 in 2025, representing a decline of nearly 17 per cent within one year.

    This decline comes despite Nigeria’s growing population, now estimated at over 200 million, further widening the gap between available healthcare professionals and the needs of citizens.

    Experts say the situation has led to an alarming doctor-to-patient ratio, estimated at between 1:2,700 and as high as 1:9,000 in some areas, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:600.

    Brain Drain Worsens Crisis

    Findings show that the persistent migration of doctors—popularly referred to as the “Japa” phenomenon—remains the leading cause of the shortage.

    In 2024 alone, no fewer than 4,193 doctors and dentists left Nigeria for better opportunities abroad, with about 66 per cent relocating to the United Kingdom.

    Similarly, government data indicate that over 16,000 Nigerian doctors have emigrated in the past five to seven years, while nearly 19,000 have left the country over the last two decades.

    Health analysts warn that the trend is accelerating, with migration of healthcare workers rising by as much as 200 per cent between 2023 and 2024.

    Underlying Factors

    Stakeholders attribute the mass exodus to poor remuneration, inadequate medical infrastructure, insecurity, and heavy workloads.

    Reports show that Nigerian doctors often earn significantly less than their counterparts in developed countries, while also working under challenging conditions with limited equipment and support.

    Additionally, frequent industrial actions by medical workers over welfare concerns have highlighted systemic weaknesses in the sector.

    Impact on Healthcare Delivery

    The shortage has placed immense pressure on the remaining workforce, leading to longer waiting times, burnout among doctors, and reduced quality of care.

    In some states, authorities report difficulty recruiting doctors, with vacancies remaining unfilled for years due to lack of applicants.

    Healthcare experts warn that the crisis could worsen health outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to medical services is already limited.

    Government Response

    In response, the Federal Government has increased admissions into medical schools by about 160 per cent between 2023 and 2025 to boost the number of trained professionals.

    However, analysts argue that expanding training alone may not solve the problem unless retention strategies—such as improved welfare packages, better infrastructure, and enhanced security—are implemented.

    Outlook

    Public health experts emphasise that addressing Nigeria’s doctor shortage requires a comprehensive approach, including increased funding, policy reforms, and incentives to retain skilled professionals.

    They warn that without urgent intervention, the country’s healthcare system may face deeper strain, with significant implications for national development and population health.

  • Payroll Reforms to Enhance Transparency, Efficiency in Public Sector — FG

    The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening payroll administration across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of ongoing public financial management reforms.

    The move, according to officials, is aimed at improving transparency, eliminating ghost workers and ensuring timely payment of salaries to public servants.
    The Office of the

    Accountant-General of the Federation disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, noting that the government had intensified efforts to fully integrate MDAs into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

    A senior official in the office said the initiative had continued to yield positive results, including significant savings for the government through the detection and removal of irregular entries on the payroll.

    “The IPPIS platform has enhanced accountability and blocked leakages in the system. We are working to ensure that all MDAs are fully captured to promote efficiency and credibility in salary administration,” the official said.

    The official added that the government was also leveraging digital tools to streamline payroll processes, reduce human interference and improve service delivery.

    According to him, the reforms are in line with broader fiscal policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s public finance system and ensuring prudent management of resources.

    Some civil servants who spoke to the Source commended the government’s efforts, noting that regular salary payments had improved morale and productivity in the workplace.

    However, labour representatives called for continuous engagement with stakeholders to address challenges related to payroll discrepancies and delayed payments in some agencies.

    A labour leader said that while the reforms were commendable, there was a need for improved communication channels to resolve complaints promptly.

    “We support any initiative that promotes transparency, but workers’ concerns must be addressed quickly to avoid unnecessary hardship,” the labour representative said.

    Economic analysts have also noted that efficient payroll management is critical to national development, as it ensures that public servants remain motivated and productive.

    They emphasised that eliminating payroll fraud could free up resources for infrastructure, healthcare and education.

    The Federal Government had introduced IPPIS as part of its public sector reforms to centralise payroll operations and curb financial leakages.

    The system, which captures employees’ data electronically, is also designed to ensure compliance with financial regulations and improve budgeting processes.

  • Saudi Arabia Hosts Dangote, Seeks Stronger Investment Ties with Nigeria

    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has hosted Nigerian business magnate, Aliko Dangote, in a move aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and expanding investment opportunities between both countries.

    Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, was received by top Saudi officials in Riyadh, where discussions centred on strategic partnerships in key sectors including energy, petrochemicals, agriculture, and infrastructure.

    A statement from Saudi authorities indicated that the engagement aligns with the Kingdom’s economic diversification agenda under Vision 2030 Saudi Arabia, which seeks to attract global investors and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

    During the meeting, Dangote highlighted Nigeria’s vast investment potential, particularly in industrialisation and manufacturing, noting that collaboration with Saudi investors could accelerate economic growth in both nations.

    “Nigeria offers significant opportunities across multiple sectors, and partnerships such as this will further unlock value for both economies,” Dangote said.

    He also expressed interest in exploring joint ventures in refining and petrochemical development, leveraging his experience in large-scale industrial projects.

    Analysts say the visit underscores growing economic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, especially as both countries seek to deepen bilateral trade and investment flows.

    A Saudi official noted that the Kingdom is keen on expanding its footprint in Africa, with Nigeria seen as a key gateway due to its large market size and strategic position on the continent.

    Economic experts have described the engagement as a positive step toward boosting foreign direct investment (FDI) into Nigeria, particularly at a time when the country is seeking to diversify its revenue base.

    The development is also expected to open new opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy, food security, and logistics.

    Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have maintained longstanding diplomatic relations, with increasing focus in recent years on economic cooperation and private-sector-driven partnerships.

    Observers believe that sustained high-level engagements between business leaders and government officials will be crucial in translating discussions into tangible investments.

    The meeting concluded with both parties expressing commitment to continued dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships aimed at driving sustainable development.

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