Ending Poverty in Nigeria, Others, May Take Over 100 Years – World Bank
The World Bank’s report reveals that eradicating poverty globally could take over a century, with 44% of the world’s population living on less than $6.85 per day.
Read more: https://guardian.ng/business-services/nigeria-others-may-need-100-years-to-end-extreme-poverty-says-world-bank/
Athena Commentary: For countries like Nigeria, where poverty is concentrated, the focus must be on policies that drive sustainable economic growth. Key strategies include investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, alongside fostering job creation and human capital development. Additionally, adopting climate-smart technologies can help balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Global cooperation and financing for development are essential for reducing poverty and promoting inclusive prosperity.
New skill-oriented curriculum for basic schools begins January 2025
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced that a new curriculum for basic schools will be implemented nationwide in January 2025. The curriculum, which requires pupils to acquire at least two skills, aims to improve student employability and encourage formal education. Both public and private schools must adopt it, with secondary schools expected to follow by September 2025.
Read more:
https://punchng.com/new-skill-oriented-curriculum-for-basic-schools-begins-january-2025-minister/
Athena Commentary: While the introduction of a skills-based curriculum is promising, its success depends on proper execution. Can schools, especially in remote areas, acquire the necessary resources in time? The idea of skill acquisition is commendable, but how will the government ensure equitable access for all schools? Additionally, will teachers receive adequate training and support for such a shift?
Three months after, Nigeria’s food security waiver fails to take off
Three months after its launch, the Nigerian government’s import duty waiver scheme aimed at reducing food prices and addressing food insecurity has failed to take off. The scheme, which was intended to lower the cost of essential food imports, has not benefited any importers due to overly stringent guidelines. Industry stakeholders and importers cute conditions as proving the unavailability of food locally and excessive documentation, as the primary reasons for its failure.
Read more: https://leadership.ng/3-months-after-food-import-waiver-policy-fails-to-take-off/
Athena Commentary: Why create a duty waiver scheme if restrictive guidelines prevent businesses from accessing it? The government must reconsider why we grant power to authorities that can’t deliver results. The River Niger’s importance to food security speaks of the need to avoid policies like dam construction that may exacerbate local food shortages. Where does the authority for such schemes come from, and how do we manage relations with countries from which we import food? Finally, what are the cost recovery mechanisms, and are we honouring our agreement.
Benin and Togo Owe Nigeria $5.79 Million in Unpaid Electricity Bills for Q2 2024
In the second quarter of 2024, Nigeria’s international electricity customers in Benin Republic and Togo owe $5.79 million for electricity consumed. Out of the $15.60 million billed, only $9.81 million was remitted. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) revealed that companies like Para-SBEE in Benin and Mainstream-NIGELEC in Togo made partial payments, while Odukpani-CEET in Togo made no payment at all.
Read more:
https://www.thecable.ng/nerc-niger-togo-benin-owe-nigeria-n9-41bn-electricity-bill-for-q2-2024/
Athena Commentary: Why do we continue to grant such power to international partners who consistently default on payments? What is the basis for giving them access to our power grid without enforcing strict payment regulations? Is it wise to continue with agreements that could be affected by new dam constructions or environmental policies? The power we offer is not just electrical but symbolic of regional cooperation, yet we must ask: are we being fair in how we manage this relationship? What is the source of the authority that we grant to these international clients? And more importantly, what mechanisms are in place to ensure cost recovery.
Malnutrition Crisis in Northern Nigeria Escalates: Over 52,000 Children Treated in 2024
The issue of malnutrition in Northern Nigeria has reached critical levels. Between January and August 2024, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) treated up to 52,725 children for severe malnutrition across the northern states, a 51% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The challenge has been compounded by recurring floods, displacing families, damaging farmlands, and exacerbating food insecurity.
Read more:
https://punchng.com/severe-malnutrition-rises-by-51-in-northern-nigeria/
Athena Commentary: Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership convened a high-level policy dialogue to address this growing humanitarian crisis on 27 June 2024 in Abuja. The dialogue, titled “Malnutrition Surge in Northern Nigeria: Addressing a Looming Humanitarian Crisis,” brought together key stakeholders, including state governors and Ministers of Health and Agriculture. The Dialogue highlighted the urgent need for government intervention and the importance of multi-level partnerships to combat the crisis, because this think tank understands that tackling malnutrition requires long-term investments in food security and healthcare. Without swift intervention, the lives and futures of countless children in Northern Nigeria remain at severe risk.
Compiled by Aliyu Jalal