Nigerians In the Square Mile (NISM)

Invisible Commuters: The Silent War of Disabled Nigerians in Public Transport. In Nigeria’s frenetic urban landscape, mobility is a privilege, not a right—especially for the disabled. The minibus taxis that serve as the lifeblood of public transport remain glaringly hostile to those with physical impairments. Devoid of wheelchair ramps, priority seating, or any semblance of accessible infrastructure, these vehicles become symbols of exclusion rather than mobility. The daily battle for transportation is not just a logistical inconvenience for disabled Nigerians; it is a systemic denial of dignity, independence, and economic participation. Public transport in Nigeria operates on a ruthless principle: speed and profit over humanity. The infamous danfos—rickety, overcrowded, and often barely roadworthy—are designed to maximize passenger intake, with little concern for those who require special assistance. Conductors, more concerned with efficiency than empathy, dismiss passengers with crutches or visual impairments, leaving them stranded at bus stops. The absence of regulatory enforcement has allowed this culture of neglect to persist, ensuring that people with disabilities remain an afterthought in urban planning and transportation policies. The ramifications of this exclusion are profound. Without reliable transportation, disabled individuals face insurmountable barriers to employment, education, and healthcare. Inaccessibility does not merely restrict movement; it entraps individuals in cycles of poverty and dependence. A society that fails to integrate all its citizens into public life forfeits its potential contributions, weakening both its economic fabric and its moral integrity. The right to mobility is inextricably linked to the right to opportunity—denying one is tantamount to denying both. Yet, disabled Nigerians refuse to suffer in silence. In the age of digital activism, social media has become a powerful equalizer, amplifying voices long ignored by policymakers. Viral videos of individuals being denied access to transport and first-hand accounts of humiliating encounters with drivers have forced these issues into the national conversation. A country’s transport system is an extension of its values—Nigeria, through its indifference, has inadvertently branded itself as a nation that does not prioritize inclusivity. Comparative models from other nations make it painfully clear that an inclusive transport system is not a utopian fantasy but a tangible necessity. Countries with forward-thinking policies have integrated disability-friendly buses and enforced strict anti-discrimination measures. Nigeria need not reinvent the wheel; it simply needs the political will to implement global best practices. Until Nigeria acknowledges and rectifies its transportation apartheid, disabled individuals will remain prisoners of an indifferent system, fighting a war they never chose.

Power, Silence, and Consequence: The Natasha Akpoti Saga That Shook Nigeria’s Senate. The Nigerian political landscape has once again been rocked by controversy, this time centered around Senator natasha akpoti -Uduaghan. The Kogi Central lawmaker made a bold and unsettling revelation, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual assault. But rather than sparking a serious investigation, the Senate responded by suspending her for six months—a move that has ignited outrage and raised questions about power, accountability, and the treatment of women in Nigerian politics. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was based on an alleged violation of Senate procedural rules, a justification that many see as a smokescreen for silencing her. If a sitting senator cannot openly voice such grave allegations without facing retribution, what does this say about Nigeria’s legislative integrity? Critics argue that this sets a dangerous precedent, reinforcing the idea that power protects its own, while victims—especially women—are punished for speaking out. Rather than accepting her suspension quietly, Akpoti-Uduaghan has fought back. She has taken legal action, filing a ?100 billion defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and his aide over statements made on social media. This lawsuit underscores her determination to challenge what she sees as a campaign to smear her credibility. However, in a system where political influence often outweighs justice, the question remains—will the courts uphold her rights, or will she face the same institutional barriers she encountered in the Senate? Beyond the immediate drama, this case exposes a broader issue: the systemic silencing of women in Nigerian politics. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ordeal mirrors the experiences of countless women who dare to challenge authority in male-dominated spaces. The message being sent is clear—speak out, and you will be dealt with. This chilling reality raises concerns not only for gender equality but for democracy itself. For Nigerian professionals in the UK and members of NISM, this case is more than just a political scandal; it is a call to action. The diaspora has a crucial role to play in amplifying voices that challenge injustice. Whether through advocacy, legal support, or international pressure, Nigerian professionals abroad can help ensure that cases like Akpoti-Uduaghan’s are not swept under the rug. The question now is: will this be the moment that Nigeria finally confronts the deep-seated culture of silencing women in power, or will business continue as usual? The outcome of this saga will define more than just Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political future—it will test Nigeria’s commitment to justice, gender equity, and institutional accountability. If the Senate can easily silence a female senator for speaking out, what hope do ordinary Nigerian women have for justice? This is a crucial moment for the nation to choose between truth and tyranny in legislative robes.

Kole Omotoso: The Literary Luminary Who Shaped a Continent. The passing of Bankole Ajibabi Omotoso, fondly known as Kole Omotoso, on July 19, 2023, marked the end of an era for African literature, scholarship, and storytelling. His son, Akin Omotoso, a renowned filmmaker, announced the sad news, sending waves of grief across the intellectual and artistic communities. Omotoso was not just a writer—he was a beacon of literary excellence, a scholar of immense depth, and an actor who, through his craft, brought Africa’s stories to life. His influence transcended borders, inspiring generations of readers, students, and creatives who saw in him the embodiment of intellectual rigour and artistic brilliance. Omotoso’s literary journey was deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s cultural and political evolution. As a novelist, playwright, and journalist, he wielded words like a sculptor, carving narratives that interrogated colonial legacies, societal contradictions, and the aspirations of a post-independence Africa. His works, including The Combat, Just Before Dawn, and Memories of Our Recent Boom, remain timeless reflections on Nigeria’s struggles and triumphs. His prose was both piercing and poetic, dissecting the nation’s conscience while offering a roadmap for a better future. A product of the illustrious University of Ibadan, Omotoso later became a revered academic at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he rubbed shoulders with literary giants like Wole Soyinka. At a time when Nigerian academia was a melting pot of revolutionary ideas, Omotoso stood as a towering intellectual force. His lectures, critiques, and writings inspired a new wave of thinkers eager to challenge the status quo. He was not just a teacher—he was a mentor, a provocateur, and a guardian of African intellectual heritage. Beyond academia, Omotoso’s influence reached millions through an unexpected medium—advertising. To many Africans, he was the face of the Vodacom commercials, where his dignified presence and warm narration made him a household name. His ability to transition seamlessly between high literature and popular culture was a testament to his versatility. In a world where intellectuals often remained confined to ivory towers, Omotoso bridged the gap, making erudition accessible and engaging. His passing was especially poignant as it coincided with the 89th birthday of Wole Soyinka, his contemporary and Africa’s first Nobel laureate in literature. Together, they symbolized an era when Nigerian intellectualism was at its zenith. For many, including journalists, scholars, and storytellers, Omotoso was more than an inspiration—he was proof that intellect and artistry could coexist. His legacy is not just in the books he wrote or the lectures he gave, but in the countless minds he shaped. Though his voice is now silent, his words and wisdom will continue to guide generations to come.

Mystic Warfare: Should Nigerian Police Counter Criminals with Spiritual Security? Crime in Nigeria has long defied conventional policing. Despite the deployment of sophisticated surveillance, forensic techniques, and intelligence gathering, criminals—especially armed robbers, kidnappers, and cultists—continue to operate with impunity. A significant aspect of this resilience lies in their reliance on mystical fortifications. Many criminals employ charms, amulets, and rituals, believing these items grant them invincibility against bullets, invisibility from security forces, and an uncanny ability to evade capture. If criminals are arming themselves spiritually, should the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) consider integrating spiritual security into their operations? Spiritual security has deep roots in African traditions. Before colonial-era policing, societies relied on mystics, seers, and diviners to track criminals and administer justice. Communities invoked supernatural forces to deter wrongdoers, and certain charms were believed to expose thieves or protect homes from intruders. Some police officers, aware of these traditions, already turn to local herbalists and spiritualists for protection in the line of duty. However, institutionalizing this practice remains a controversial proposition. Critics argue that law enforcement must be grounded in empirical methods and not superstition. The police should focus on forensic science, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement rather than resorting to practices that may lack uniformity or accountability. Moreover, an official embrace of spiritual security could blur the line between law enforcement and superstition, making the police susceptible to manipulation by charlatans. On the other hand, proponents insist that criminals are already using these methods, often with disturbing success. They argue that ignoring spiritual security leaves the police at a disadvantage. Some African countries, including Ghana and the Benin Republic, reportedly integrate spiritual fortifications within their security apparatus. If spiritual security is a form of psychological warfare that strengthens officers' resolve while intimidating criminals, then perhaps it warrants consideration. Ultimately, the debate raises a fundamental question: should policing evolve to reflect the realities of Nigerian society, where belief in the supernatural is widespread? Or should the police resist such influences to maintain credibility? As crime syndicates continue to defy conventional policing, the idea of countering their spiritual tactics with a dose of mysticism may not be as far-fetched as it seems.

Cannabis: Illegal in Nigeria, Yet a Lifeline for Many—Is It Time to Rethink the Laws? Cannabis remains illegal in Nigeria, yet for thousands of families, it is more than just a prohibited substance—it is a means of survival. A recent study has reignited debates over the country’s rigid drug laws, revealing that cannabis cultivation and trade sustain entire communities, especially in rural areas. With widespread poverty and limited job opportunities, many Nigerians turn to cannabis farming as an economic necessity rather than a criminal endeavour. However, the government’s continued crackdown on the trade raises a crucial question: Is it time for a policy shift? Despite the strict legal stance, Nigeria remains one of the largest cannabis-producing countries in Africa. From Ondo to Edo and Ekiti states, vast farmlands are dedicated to cultivating the plant, with farmers citing the high demand and profitability as key incentives. The irony is that while the law criminalizes these activities, it does little to address the socioeconomic realities pushing people into the trade. Instead, periodic raids by law enforcement agencies destroy livelihoods without providing alternative means of survival. The recent study highlights an uncomfortable truth—current drug laws disproportionately punish the poor while ignoring the root causes of cannabis production. Many of those arrested for cultivation are small-scale farmers trying to feed their families, while the real profiteers of the drug trade operate with impunity. The study argues that a blanket ban on cannabis has failed to curb its use or trade and that a more pragmatic approach, such as decriminalization or regulated farming, could benefit the economy. Countries like Canada, Germany, and parts of the United States have legalized or decriminalized cannabis, reaping significant economic and medicinal benefits. Even in Africa, nations such as South Africa and Rwanda are exploring cannabis reforms. If Nigeria were to reconsider its stance, regulated cultivation could generate substantial revenue. Yet, any policy shift must be approached with caution, balancing economic gains with public health concerns. Opponents argue that legalizing cannabis could worsen substance abuse problems, particularly among Nigerian youth. A well-structured legal framework could introduce controls, ensuring responsible usage. Instead of treating cannabis farmers as criminals, policymakers should explore models that turn them into legitimate stakeholders in an emerging industry. As Nigeria grapples with economic hardship and rising unemployment, revisiting its cannabis laws is not just a legal issue but an economic and social one. The conversation should move beyond moral outrage to practical solutions that consider both economic realities and public health. The answer may lie in progressive reforms that transform an underground economy into a regulated and beneficial sector for all.

A New Dawn in Revenue Collection: Will TMRAS Succeed Where Remita Fell Short? The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance System (TMRAS), a new revenue collection platform designed to replace the widely used Remita. This bold move, announced with much fanfare, is aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in government revenue collection. But as Nigeria transitions to this new system, one crucial question lingers: Will TMRAS deliver on its promises, or is this another case of old wine in a new bottle? For years, Remita has been the backbone of Nigeria’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), facilitating government revenue collection across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). While it significantly reduced leakages and improved financial discipline, concerns over efficiency, transaction costs, and revenue assurance have persisted. The introduction of TMRAS suggests the government is seeking a more robust and cost-effective alternative that aligns with its long-term digital transformation strategy. TMRAS is expected to provide real-time monitoring, better revenue tracking, and enhanced security against financial irregularities. The government has assured Nigerians that the new platform will minimize fraud, improve ease of payment, and maximize revenue collection for national development. However, the success of any system depends not just on its technological sophistication but also on the integrity of its implementation—an area where Nigeria has historically struggled. Critics argue that the government must prove that TMRAS is not just a political gimmick or a conduit for vested interests. Transparency in the procurement process, clear operational guidelines, and stakeholder engagement will be critical in ensuring smooth adoption. More importantly, Nigerians will be watching to see whether TMRAS reduces operational costs and enhances service delivery—or simply replaces one financial gatekeeper with another. As TMRAS rolls out, the government must prioritize seamless migration, user training, and effective oversight to avoid disruptions in public finance management. If properly executed, this new platform could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem. But if mismanaged, it risks becoming another costly experiment in a long list of abandoned reforms. Will TMRAS be the game-changer Nigeria needs or just another bureaucratic hurdle? Only time will tell.

Economy: There’s Light at the End of the Tunnel – Tinubu Reassures Nigerians Amid Hardship. Nigeria’s economic landscape has been turbulent since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, implementing sweeping reforms that sent shockwaves through the nation. His bold decision to scrap the fuel subsidy—a policy that had long drained government coffers—coupled with the liberalization of the naira, ushered in unprecedented economic realities. The result? Spiralling inflation, skyrocketing costs of living, and a population grappling with the weight of financial uncertainty. Yet, despite these challenges, the President remains resolute, urging Nigerians to hold on, as he assures them that relief is on the horizon. The removal of the fuel subsidy was a necessity long debated in economic circles. For decades, the government spent billions propping up artificially low fuel prices, a system riddled with corruption and inefficiencies. Tinubu’s administration made the tough call to end this financial black hole, arguing that the funds saved could be redirected to critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. However, the immediate effect was brutal: transportation costs surged, businesses struggled to stay afloat, and households found themselves recalibrating their spending habits overnight. In parallel, the naira’s liberalization was another high-stakes gamble. By allowing market forces to dictate the currency’s value, Tinubu sought to attract foreign investment and stabilize the economy in the long run. But the immediate consequences were dire—foreign exchange volatility led to an inflationary spiral, with basic goods becoming exorbitantly expensive. Many questioned whether the administration had properly anticipated the short-term shocks, as purchasing power dwindled and economic hardship deepened. Despite these difficulties, Tinubu remains unwavering in his belief that Nigeria is on the right trajectory. His government has rolled out palliative measures, including wage adjustments and intervention funds to cushion the impact of these reforms. He insists that these changes, though painful, are necessary growing pains that will ultimately lead to a more self-sustaining and resilient economy. Yet, Nigerians remain skeptical. The hardship is palpable, and many wonder how much longer they can endure before that promised relief materializes. Citizens want to see tangible improvements—lower food prices, a stabilized currency, and better living conditions. Ultimately, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The President has charted a course toward economic self-reliance, but the success of his vision hinges on execution, transparency, and strategic intervention. Whether Tinubu's economic gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Nigerians are watching, waiting, and hoping that his words are more than just political rhetoric.

The Eco Currency: Nigeria’s Path to Regional Financial Hegemony. After decades of deliberation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to launching a single regional currency, the Eco, by 2027. This long-anticipated monetary integration holds profound implications for economic stability and trade facilitation within West Africa. For Nigeria, the region’s economic colossus, the Eco currency is not merely a transactional convenience—it is a strategic lever for asserting dominance in regional commerce, financial diplomacy, and macroeconomic governance. At the heart of Nigeria’s prospective gains lies the elimination of currency fragmentation, which has long impeded seamless trade across ECOWAS member states. The adoption of a unified currency will eradicate exchange rate volatility, transaction costs, and the inefficiencies associated with multiple legal tenders. As the largest exporter in the region, Nigeria stands to benefit from an expanded market where goods and services can move unhindered, fortifying its position as West Africa’s commercial epicenter. Beyond trade, the Eco currency confers Nigeria with unparalleled monetary influence. Given its outsized economic footprint—accounting for over 60% of ECOWAS GDP—Nigeria is poised to dictate the macroeconomic policies governing the new currency. This ascendancy will enable Nigeria to shape inflationary controls and fiscal harmonization strategies, aligning regional financial policies with its strategic interests. Furthermore, the Eco currency is expected to be a catalyst for enhanced foreign direct investment (FDI). Currency instability has historically deterred global investors from engaging meaningfully with West African markets. A unified, stable currency will provide a more predictable economic environment, encouraging long-term investments in infrastructure, energy, and technology. Given its vast consumer base and industrial capacity, Nigeria could emerge as the primary destination for global enterprises seeking to establish a foothold in West Africa’s burgeoning economic landscape. The financial sector, too, stands to reap substantial rewards. Nigerian banks, already possessing a formidable presence across ECOWAS, will benefit from a seamless monetary framework that facilitates cross-border banking operations. The dissolution of multi-currency complexities will enhance liquidity and reinforce Nigeria’s dominance in regional financial intermediation. Nevertheless, the realization of these advantages hinges on the successful execution of stringent economic convergence criteria and political cohesion among ECOWAS member states. Nigeria must wield its influence to ensure that the Eco currency is not undermined by weak monetary policies. If prudently implemented, the Eco will not only revolutionize regional trade but also cement Nigeria’s ascendancy as West Africa’s indisputable financial powerhouse.

Nigeria’s Lithium Boom: Will Africa’s Giant Avoid the Resource Curse? As the global transition to renewable energy accelerates, lithium has emerged as the cornerstone of the 21st-century energy revolution. With its vast untapped reserves, Nigeria is poised to become a key player in the global supply chain of this critical mineral. However, history shows that resource wealth in Africa can be a double-edged sword, often leading to environmental damage, labor exploitation, and economic mismanagement. The key question is whether Nigeria can leverage its lithium reserves for sustainable growth. In recent years, the discovery of high-grade lithium deposits in Nasarawa and other regions has triggered a surge in artisanal and commercial mining activities. The global demand for lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles and energy storage systems, has intensified competition for raw materials, drawing foreign investors—particularly from China—into Nigeria’s nascent lithium sector. Yet, much of the current extraction remains informal, operating outside government oversight, raising concerns over lost revenue and illicit trade. Nigeria’s mining sector has long suffered from weak regulatory enforcement, and lithium mining appears to be following a similar trajectory. Without clear governance structures, unregulated extraction risks draining national wealth while leaving host communities impoverished. The absence of value-added processing means that raw lithium is largely exported without refinement. Countries like Australia and Chile, which dominate the lithium supply chain, have leveraged their resources to establish processing hubs—an approach Nigeria must urgently adopt. Environmental sustainability presents another formidable challenge. Unchecked lithium mining has the potential to degrade arable land and contaminate water sources. In nations where regulatory oversight is weak, mining often leads to irreversible ecological damage, exacerbating food insecurity. If Nigeria is to capitalize on its lithium reserves without falling into the trap of resource-induced degradation, stringent environmental policies must be prioritized. The federal government has acknowledged these risks, unveiling policy frameworks aimed at formalizing the sector and attracting responsible investment. Yet, policy without enforcement remains a hollow promise. Transparency and local beneficiation are essential for ensuring that resource extraction translates into national prosperity rather than economic dependency. Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Lithium represents an unprecedented opportunity to diversify the economy, reduce reliance on oil, and position the country as a key player in the global energy transition. However, without decisive action to regulate the industry and enforce labour protections, the country risks repeating the familiar narrative of squandered potential.

Nigeria’s Silent Epidemic: The Alarming Surge of Gender-Based Violence. A sinister crisis festers within Nigeria’s social fabric—one that is systematically eroding the dignity, safety, and fundamental rights of women. Gender-based violence (GBV) has spiralled into an unrelenting epidemic, with recent reports exposing a harrowing increase in femicide and domestic abuse. The Femicide Observatory documented 17 cases in January 2025 alone, marking a staggering 240% increase from the previous year. By mid-February, the grim tally had risen further, painting a disturbing portrait of unchecked brutality. If this trajectory persists, Nigeria may soon be entrenched in an irreversible cycle of gendered terror. The grotesque realities of this crisis are personified in cases like Emrich Effanga, whose life was allegedly snuffed out by her partner, and Mutiat Sholola, who succumbed to wounds inflicted by her husband. These are not isolated aberrations but rather symptomatic of a society where misogyny is tacitly enabled by weak enforcement mechanisms and deeply entrenched patriarchal norms. The psychological and social toll on victims and their families is immeasurable, yet the silence surrounding these atrocities remains deafening. Activists have sounded the alarm, decrying Nigeria’s lethargic response to GBV. They argue that misogynistic digital spaces, the glorification of toxic masculinity, and a judicial system riddled with inertia have created fertile ground for gendered violence to thrive. While the government introduced a national dashboard in 2020 to track GBV cases, its efficacy has been stymied by bureaucratic inefficiencies, poor inter-agency coordination, and widespread distrust in the justice system. Consequently, countless cases remain unreported, and perpetrators continue to act with impunity. Compounding this institutional neglect, legislative action remains dismally inadequate. The DOHS Cares Foundation, a staunch advocate for victims, submitted a draft bill to criminalize femicide explicitly. Yet, it languishes in legislative limbo. In response, women’s rights organizations have taken to the streets, demanding comprehensive legal reforms. Their clarion call is clear: justice delayed is justice denied. Beyond the immediate horror, the ramifications of this crisis extend into Nigeria’s economic and developmental landscape. Gender-based violence exacerbates poverty and dissuades female workforce participation. If Nigeria is to realize its full potential, it must dismantle the systemic barriers that enable violence against women, forging a society where justice is swift and unequivocal. A country that neglects half its population cannot achieve true development or social cohesion. To stem the tide of this crisis, Nigeria must embrace a paradigm shift. This entails the rigorous enforcement of protective legislation. The time for rhetorical condemnations has passed—what is required is decisive action.