JULY 29, 2024

BY  Adelani Adepegba, Solomon Odeniyi and Ogbonnaya Ikokwu

•Foreign missions foresee violence as FG, Obi differ on protest sponsors

The United States, United Kingdom and Canada have raised the alarm over the likelihood of violence during the planned August 1 #EndBadGovernance protest in the country.

The three countries, in separate travel alerts, cautioned their nationals in Nigeria to avoid getting caught in the confrontation that might occur between the security agencies and protesters, citing past incidences.

The advisories come as apprehensive market leaders in Abuja, Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Ogun, Osun, Zamfara, Gombe and other parts of the country requested strong security around markets during the rallies.

Also in preparation for the demonstration, the police authorities have recalled all personnel on non-essential duties.

A memo dated July 25, 2024 and signed by CSP Okon Moses directed the withdrawal of riot policemen ahead of the protest.

The message titled, ‘Notification of temporary withdrawal of personnel for national assignment,’ read, ‘’In view of the planned nationwide protest, it becomes imperative to temporarily withdraw some of the personnel attached to you in order to muster sufficient officers to dominate the public space.

“This is part of the proactive necessary measures to enhance the operational capacity/capability of the squadron and your understanding in the above regard is highly solicited.’’

Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, told The PUNCH that the personnel withdrawal was in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive.

He added that this was done to bolster the strength of the police, adding that the men would be deployed to fortify banks and other critical national assets.

He said, “The IG ordered the withdrawal of policemen from some beats to augment our strength. Those withdrawn are those on non-essential duties. We’re going to have men to fortify banks and critical assets. That is where we will have our men, we want our men to be back to base.”

The PUNCH reported that the military had cancelled leaves and passes for its personnel.

 In the past weeks, the organisers of the protest, under the #EndBadGovernance tag, have intensified the mobilisation of youths and civil society groups to participate in the rallies against the economic hardship in the country and the alleged failure of the Tinubu administration to address the people’s plight.

On assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu announced an end to fuel subsidy, promising to utilise the savings on infrastructural development, but the policy, compounded by insecurity in farming communities, sparked high transport costs leading to food inflation.

Tinubu also unified the foreign exchange rates to curb currency arbitrage and floated the naira resulting in a slump in the value of the national currency.

However, in the security advisory published on its website on Friday, the US Mission in Abuja advised Americans to avoid getting caught in the rallies.

The advisory counselled them to avoid crowds and demonstrations and monitor local media for updates.

The alert read, “According to media reports, nationwide protests may occur in Nigeria between July 29th and August 5th, 2024. Based on past occurrences, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion and physical confrontations.  No specific times or locations have been identified for potential protests at this time.

“Actions to take: Monitor local media for updates; avoid crowds, avoid demonstrations, be aware of your surroundings, review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency; carry proper identification.

“The consular sections of Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos will remain open during regular business hours and consular services will be provided as scheduled.”

Similarly, the UK High Commission said the protests could occur between July 29 and August 10 in Abuja, Lagos and other large cities.

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It warned of the likelihood of violence during the rallies, noting that past protests turned violent with little warning.

UK warns citizens

It asked British citizens in Nigeria to exercise caution when travelling, avoid large crowds and gatherings and monitor media reports.

The advisory read, “Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can take place with little notice. Get advice on areas to avoid.

“Take care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, do not try to make your way through it. Turn around and move to safety.

“Incidents of inter-communal violence occur frequently and often without warning throughout Nigeria. Although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack. Monitor local government announcements and media reporting.

“Widespread public demonstrations are a possibility across Nigeria between 29 July and 10 August, with a focus on large cities, including Abuja and Lagos. This period could see increased risks of disruption, with possible effects on transport and infrastructure.

“Past protests have turned violent with little warning. Exercise caution when travelling, avoid large crowds and gatherings and monitor local media reporting.”

The Canadian government equally alerted its citizens in Nigeria about the demonstrations, which it said could disrupt traffic and public transportation and “turn violent at any time.”

“Nationwide demonstrations are planned between July 29 to August 5, 2024. They could disrupt traffic and public transportation and could turn violent at any time.

“If you’re in Nigeria, expect a heightened security presence, remain vigilant at all times, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstration.

“Demonstrations occur frequently, especially in central Abuja and other major cities. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation,’’ the Canadian embassy stated in an updated travel advice published on its website on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has challenged Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to lead the protest after he endorsed it on Sunday.

President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman Bayo Onanuga threw the challenge at Obi, who stated during a visit to Abia Governor Alex Otti that there was nothing wrong if Nigerians wished to embark on a protest to drive home their grievances.

He said, “Protest is allowed within the Nigerian Constitution. All I plead for is for those who are protesting to do so within the law and in a civil manner that allows us as a nation to show that we live within the law.

“Everybody knows that things are difficult and I always say that when they talk about the sponsors of protests, the sponsors are very simple, it is hunger, it is hopelessness among the youths. So, we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through and I thank our Governor (Otti) for doing so. It is critical and important,” Obi stated.

He added, “What I have to say to the security agencies is to ensure that they manage the situation within the law. We should not try to be overbearing. It should be something that we do within the law.”

“Protest is allowed globally. And, I also say that people protest in my house and it is for us to listen to those who are protesting and why they are protesting and engage them. That is what governance is all about, you talk with them, and there is nothing wrong in that.

“I was governor for years and people protested and we kept dialoguing and deliberating about it.”

Reacting to the assertion by Obi, Onanuga, who had earlier accused the LP candidate and his supporters of being behind the impending nationwide protest challenged him to copy the example of former President Muhammadu Buhari and his successor, Bola Tinubu, who led protests as opposition leaders, instead of playing ‘the master puppeteer’ behind the scene.

Onanuga said in a short post on his X handle stated, “Now that Peter Obi has come out to endorse the planned protest by his supporters, he should do what President Tinubu and former President Buhari did in the past, by coming out openly to lead the protesters. That is what leadership is about. Not playing the master puppeteer behind the scene. He should be in the forefront.”

Speaking on the looming protest during a meeting with traders and stakeholders on Saturday, the acting Managing Director, Abuja Market Management Limited, Abbas Yakubu, called on the traders in the FCT to support the security agencies in ensuring the markets are not infiltrated by miscreants during the demonstration.

According to a statement on Sunday, the MD warned that hoodlums would stop at nothing to exploit any gathering to attack the market, whether peaceful or not.

Yakubu cited the attack on some shops and offices in Wuse International Market by suspected thugs in March, stressing that the market could not afford a repeat of such an incident.

During the March incident, suspected hoodlums torched about 10 shops and a police station after a Corrections Officer allegedly shot a convicted man, who was trying to escape.

Yakubu urged the traders to mobilise fellow traders and everyone with legitimate businesses to resist attempts at infiltrating the markets in the FCT.

The statement partly read, “Abuja Markets Management Limited has urged traders and other market users in the Federal Capital Territory to support its effort and that of the security agencies in ensuring that the market is not infiltrated by people of ignoble intentions in the guise of peaceful protest.”

“We have a history of protests and other incidents cascading into wanton destruction of properties in our markets; no responsible management or trader will fold its hand and wait for it to repeat.

“That is why we are urging you all to mobilise your fellow traders, the wheelbarrow pushers, your apprentices and everyone who has legitimate business in the markets to resist any attempt at infiltrating the market by hoodlums in the guise of protest,” Yakubu tasked the traders.

As a business environment designated for buying and selling, the AMML boss said the markets should be guarded by the owners and operators.

“We are just being proactive here to state emphatically that if you must protest, stay away from the markets.”

Traders protect businesses

In an interview with journalists on Sunday, the Chairman of the All Chairmen and Secretaries of FCT Markets and Plazas, Raphael Okorie, expressed worry that the nationwide protests would disrupt their businesses.

He said protesters usually attacked businesses, shops and markets during a mass action, resulting in losses for traders.

He added that arrangements were in top gear to protect their businesses following discussions with various security agencies, ahead of the protest.

Okorie noted, “As an association, we are not leaving anything to chance. We’ve been invited by the various security agencies on how to handle this, and we are openly saying that we don’t want to be part of the protests. We reject it. Instead, we are asking that leaders of the various groups who want to protest should dialogue with the government.

“Violent protests will never solve problems. Only dialogue will work, and I call on our members not to join (the protest). Instead, we call on them to protect their businesses and remain law-abiding. I believe President Tinubu is working hard to address these concerns,” he stated.

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, market leaders in Sokoto State have held meetings with their members to discuss how to protect their investments against attacks or looting by suspected hoodlums posing as protesters.

A market executive, Mallam Abubakar Yusuf, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Sunday.

“We have been having series of meetings with our people on how to ensure the protest doesn’t affect us negatively, especially when we talk of looting or others.

“I’m sure you know for security reasons, I shouldn’t be telling you our plan but be assured that we also have a plan to tackle the issue. We can’t let anyone in the name of protest loot our goods or make us a victim of protests,” he added.

To protect businesses during the demonstration, the Kano business community on Saturday constituted an ad-hoc security operation committee to provide adequate security across markets and business places during the protest.

A Kano business leader, Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, disclosed that they held an emergency meeting with representatives of major markets and supermarkets in Kano on Saturday.

He said the 20-member committee was inaugurated during the meeting attended by the Chairman, National Harmonized Traders Union, Alhaji Bature Abdul-Aziz.

Also speaking on behalf of the market leaders, the Chairman, Kantin Kwari Market Traders Association, Alhaji Balarabe Tatari, urged the youths to desist from engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

According to him, despite the reports that the protest will be peaceful, adequate security measures must be put in place to protect Kano as the centre of commerce.

“In past cases, bad elements have penetrated (the protests), looted and destroyed property. I am appealing to the youths to put it at the back of their minds that Kano is their home and any attempt to make it inhabitable will lead to unforeseen circumstances.

“Kano is our state and we must all work together to ensure that whatever comes up is not aimed at breaking law and order,” he said.

The Managing Director, Kantin Kwari Textile Market Management Board, Alhaji Hamisu Nama, explained that the meeting was organised to share ideas on how to protect the markets.

He called on traders and other business owners at Kantin Kwari to comply with directives and contribute their quota in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Sabon Gari Galadima and Singa Markets, Alhaji Abdullahi, stated, ‘’We have contacted the Nigeria Police Force, local security, and relevant stakeholders regarding the need for security around the markets.

“We have informed our members to come out on the day of the protest to protect our business premises.”

In Katsina, the management of the State Capital Central Market has partnered with the police to beef up security at the market.

The market chairman, Shehu Abubakar, said the state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, promised to protect the facility.

“And our internal security alongside other security operatives were also mobilised to protect the market. This protest will not cause hardship to citizens, hence people are advised to enter the market through the three main gates without fear,” he said.

In Ogun State, anxious market leaders pleaded with the state government to beef up security at the markets.

The Iyaloja of Sagamu International Market, Chief Olasunmbo Bamidele-Nelly, said on Sunday that traders were apprehensive that the protest could turn violent.

“We are not in support of this protest because of its far-reaching effects on our markets and trades. In fact, the committee of market leaders in Sagamu Local Government has met and we have been saddled with the responsibility of enlightening our members and our children not to be part of anything that could affect our businesses.

“We know that markets could be a target for these protesters, so it will be good for the government to help ensure that the security around our markets is strengthened. This is very, very important,” she pleaded.

Similarly, the Iyaloja of Kuto Market, Abeokuta, Alhaja Isiwat Adewuyi, said, “Definitely, we will want the government to help protect our markets from being attacked.

“Already, the police have invited us for a meeting on Tuesday, so, this is part of what we shall be demanding from them because we are not in support of any protest and we would not want anyone to destroy our markets.”

On its part, the Association of Babalojas in Osun State said a meeting would be convened to strategise on market security during the rallies.

“There is no meeting yet, but we won’t allow anything to happen in our markets during the protest. For us to protect our wares, there must be a state meeting of market leaders where we will discuss how to protect our ourselves and our wares.

“We are going to act immediately and convene a meeting. We don’t want a situation where protesters will go into the market and loot our wares,” the association secretary, Chief Akinwande Olajire, stated.

However, some traders in parts of Lagos and Ogun states believe the proposed protest will not disrupt their business activities.

While some traders in the popular Akute market, Ogun State disclosed that they were unaware of the protest, others said it would not affect their businesses and daily routines.

Mariam Fatola, speaking on behalf of the leader of the fish sellers at Akute market, revealed that the association’s executives would meet on Monday (today) to discuss whether they would open for business during the protest.

She said, “I can’t say for certain yet. While our members are already discussing the protest, we need to meet tomorrow (today) to make a group decision. If we decide to stay open, I will be here.”

Despite public apprehension, some traders in Zamfara State said they were not expecting any negative developments during the demonstration.

Speaking to The PUNCH, a trader, Alhaji Buhari, stated, “To be frank with you, the traders in Zamfara are optimistic that nothing will happen to our businesses during the planned nationwide demonstration. The youths have assured us that they will guard our properties during the rallies.”

Another trader, Mohammed Mustafa, said the youths in the state would not participate in the protest.

Some officials across Gombe markets say they would rely on hunters to complement the efforts of the police in securing business centres across the state.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official at Tumfure market said, “We have always not depended on the police alone, we also pay hunters to secure our goods. We trust that they will do better during the protest.”

Another trader at Baban Kasuwa, a major market in Gombe, added, “Security is the business of everyone. We are not leaving the police to do the job alone. We complemented their efforts by recruiting hunters and vigilantes to prevent theft.”

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on the youths not to allow themselves to be used by “a confused movement sponsored by frustrated politicians who do not mean well for the nation.”

Abiodun also said that there was no need for the planned nationwide protest as there was room for youths to engage and dialogue with the government constructively.

The governor, who spoke on Sunday at the 22nd undergraduate and 13th postgraduate convocation ceremony of Babcock University, Ilishan, insisted the country had not gained anything from the past protests.

He said, “Which investor will be attracted to a nation that is under siege by protesters? Please, do not allow yourselves to be used by a so-called leaderless movement, sponsored by frustrated politicians who tried in the past and lost. We do not need protests. We must not gamble with our democracy. Let us dialogue.

“This current wave of inflation is biting everywhere. It is in the UK, US, Ghana and Egypt. So, it is not peculiar to Nigeria alone.

“I seize this opportunity to appeal to our youths to constructively engage with government in finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s problems, rather than engaging in protest that may start peacefully but usually get hijacked and may lead to anarchy.

“What have we ever gained from protests, except losses in productivity, loss of lives, loss of private and government properties, looting and vandalisation of assets?”

Abiodun added that the Tinubu administration had to take bold and decisive steps to put the economy back on track, adding that the government had been in office for just one year.

Speaking in the same vein, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, called on Niger Delta youths to shun the protest.

Momoh described the protest promoters as faceless individuals residing outside the country, asserting that they aimed to destroy Nigeria.

Speaking in Bera Community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State during the inauguration of water projects, he stated, “You saw the #EndSARs in Lagos. You can see the massive destruction that was done to Lagos. If the economy of Lagos is not a very strong one, it will be very difficult for them to recover.

 “And imagine, allowing such a protest to happen in places like this, and even in Port Harcourt and the Niger Delta region; who is going to lose? We are the ones who are going to lose. We are not as strong as Lagos.

 “Let me use this opportunity to appeal to the entire masses, particularly the traditional rulers, the youths and the women not to allow themselves to be deceived by anybody.”

Also, a former Governor of Taraba state, Rev. Jolly Nyame, claimed the protest was a plot to remove the democratically elected government through the back door.

Nyame, while addressing a gathering of Yoro youths and community leaders at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Jalingo, warned the youths against the planned nationwide protest, saying the outcome may be difficult to contain, considering the challenges facing the country.

Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 election, Senator Teslim Folarin, also appealed to Nigerians to shelve the planned protests, saying “it is already hurting economic activities.”

Folarin, in a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Sunday, appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to cut short his annual holiday at this point.

He said there was already panic buying and selling as the planned protest, which he said was likely to turn violent, would send a negative signal about Nigeria’s democratic stability, and further impact investors’ confidence.

No fewer than 500,000 youths from over 50 development associations in Ilorin, Kwara State, under the banner of Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association, vowed not to partake in the proposed nationwide strike.

The national president of the group, Alhaji Babatunde Salau, called for further dialogue and understanding, urging the initiators of the protests to join the government in proffering solutions to the plight of Nigerians.

In a reaction to criticisms of the demand for the details of the protest organisers, Force spokesperson, Adejobi, said it was meant to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent unlawful activities.

The IG, Kayode Egbetokun, had on Friday directed the #EndBadGovernance protest organisers to submit their details, proposed routes, and assembly points to the commissioners of police in their respective states.

However, one of the organisers, Deji Adeyanju, argued there was no provision in the constitution to support the police request.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Adejobi said it was important to know the planners of the protests across the states to prevent a repeat of the 2020 #ENDSARS protests.

“In this wise, requesting the details of protest organisers and their leaders and the schedules of their protests which include location, period, routes etc, is a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities,’’ the statement partly read.

JULY 29, 2024

By Dare Olawin, Oluwakemi Abimbola

Many depots for Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, are currently dry, leading to fuel scarcity and attendant queues in Lagos, Ogun, parts of Abuja, Niger, and some other states across the country.

The PUNCH reports that black marketers have taken advantage of the situation, selling as high as N1,300 per litre and N1,500 per litre in parts of Lagos and Ogun states.

Long queues started building up at fuel stations in Abuja and Lagos on Friday and have persisted.

On Saturday, while reacting to the long queues and scarcity in some parts of the country, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited said the tightness in fuel supply and distribution was caused by a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.

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“The NNPC Ltd wishes to state that the tightness in fuel supply and distribution witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT is as a result of a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels,”  the NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said.

The company added that it was “working round the clock with all stakeholders to resolve the situation and restore normalcy in the operations.”

However, despite the assurance by the NNPC, the situation worsened as checks by our correspondents nationwide on Sunday showed that there were long queues at several filling stations across major cities.

No loading at Apapa

The PUNCH gathered that there was no loading of trucks in the Apapa depots as of Sunday.

A depot operator, who did not want his name in print, told our correspondent that there was no fuel in almost all the depots on Sunday after the little available was supplied on Saturday.

The source confirmed that the depots are dry, saying “supply gets late thereby affecting product load out.”

It was observed on Sunday in Abuja, the capital city that while the few filling stations that dispensed the product sold it at between N660/litre and N800/litre, black marketers took advantage of the scarcity to hike the price to about N1,200/litre, depending on the area of purchase.

This came as oil marketers revealed that they were also queuing up to load petrol, adding that most depots lacked stock to sell.

“We, marketers, too are surprised that we couldn’t get fuel as we used to get at depots. We were worried too; we didn’t know the cause until the NNPC came out with a release on Saturday. Let’s just believe what the NNPC said, that they would arrest the situation,” the National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, told one of our correspondents.

“I believe that within this week, everything will be normalised by the time they push products to the depots for marketers to pick from. Ours is to pick from the depots, take it into our stations, and dispense to the public. But for now, most of the depots are dry. The implication of that is that the stations will be dry too. Most of our members have run out of stock. That is the cause of the queues we are experiencing now,” Fashola added.

He noted that marketers were still buying PMS “at a price that is above N700/litre from the private depots.”

“We are not yet getting direct supply from the NNPC as we are supposed to. What we are getting is so small compared to our population. That is why we are forced to go to the third parties, the private depot owners, and they are not helping matters with the kind of price they are putting out there.

“That is why independent marketers sell around N800 or so. Until we address this issue of direct supply, there will be issues. We keep shouting to the NNPC to look at that area properly because something is fundamentally wrong with our distribution channel and until they correct that, we will continue to have this issue of fuel scarcity.”

On his part, the Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, also confirmed that there had been low stock but could not tell when the situation would improve.

“The problem is that the stock is low because there have been some challenges in bringing the product into the country from the vessels. We are all queuing up for products, everybody is looking for the product from the NNPC. Only the NNPC knows when normalcy will be restored. It is the sole supplier,” he stated.

The spokesperson for the NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, did not respond to inquiries on Sunday on when the fuel supply situation would improve up till when this report was filed.

The PUNCH observed that there was a long queue at the NNPC station along the Cele Expressway, where the pump price was set at N568 per litre.

One of our correspondents gathered on Sunday that a litre of PMS was sold at N1,200 in Ipokia, a border community in Ogun State.

Similar scenarios also played out in some residential areas in Abuja where black marketers sold their fuel at between N1,000/litre and N1,200/litre.

Residents of Idiroko, Ajegunle, Maun, Ijofin, Agosasa, Madoga and other areas in the Ipokia Local Government in Ogun State said they now patronise black marketers, following the ban on fuel supply in border areas.

“You know we have about four filling stations servicing the entire local government area because we are in the border areas. They sell at N870/litre now while black marketers sell at N1,200/litre. That is our punishment for living at the border,” a resident, Sam Adegoke, stated.

Many of the filling stations in the Ogun State capital didn’t sell the product, and some who did, exploited desperate buyers, who paid as much as N1,000 before they had the product sold to them.

Similar case in South-South

In Benin City, the Edo State capital, motorists queued for long hours to purchase fuel at the NNPC mega station on Sapele Road and  NIPCO in the Jattu area in Auchi.

The long queues at the NNPC station are a common occurrence as the product is sold for N591 per litre, the cheapest in the state.

In other stations in Benin, a litre of PMS was sold for between N750 and N800.

Northern black marketers  

In Gombe, fuel sold between N850 and N1,000 across major stations, while black marketers made brisk business, selling for N1,250 per litre as frustrated motorists resorted to buying the product from them following the scarcity.

“You may think that the amount sold by the roadside people (black marketers) is expensive until you are in a fix and you can’t access a filling station with petrol, then you will be left with no option but to patronise them despite the ridiculous amount,” a motorcyclist, Usman Abubakar, told The PUNCH.

Motorists in Jos, the Plateau State capital, expressed concern over the persistent scarcity and high cost of the commodity, saying that the situation had worsened the economic hardship.

Black marketers in parts of Jos sold for N1,300/litre.

A motorist, Philip Gyang, said he had been in the long queue at the NNPC filling station along Dogon Karfi Road for over four hours but couldn’t get the product to buy.

“At the black market I paid N1,300 per litre before joining the queue at the NNPC outlet, where I eventually couldn’t get to buy,” Gyang lamented.

A Jos resident, Margaret John, said the scarcity had further increased the cost of living in the state.

“Can you imagine that I paid N500 from Polo Roundabout to Anguldi, when I was going to the church today (Sunday). When I was returning home, the driver insisted that I paid N700, it’s not funny. People are already complaining about the harsh economic conditions, now the fuel scarcity and high cost are worsening the situation.”

A car owner in Minna, the Niger State capital, said he had abandoned his car at home over fuel scarcity and skyrocketing prices.

“Yes, I have a car but I am not using it now. How many litres of fuel will I buy to be able to come to work? But with two or three litres of fuel, I can come to work on my motorcycle. It is not easy but it is cheaper. This government must act fast, Nigerians are suffering,” a state civil servant, who identified himself simply as Mutum, said.

Also, queues resurfaced in Katsina and Taraba states.

Our correspondents report that Katsina and Jalingo, the capital of Taraba, witnessed long queues in various parts of both cities on Sunday.

A motorist, Mallam Abdulrazakk, said he spent over five hours at the Abukur NNPC mega station, located on the outskirts of Katsina metropolis, without success.

“I was here before 8 am and now it is 1:40 pm and still in the queue, only Allah knows when I will be given fuel today (Sunday). I’m waiting.”

In parts of Yola, the Adamawa State capital, black marketers sold PMS for between N1,000 and N1,200.

“At the black market we buy between N1,000 and N1,200 per litre, so, we need to jack up the fare to enable us to stay in business,” a commercial bus driver said.

N1,500/litre in Ogun, Lagos

Our correspondents who visited parts of Lagos and Ogun states on Sunday reported that many fuel stations did not open for business while the handful that opened had long queues of vehicles and people buying in jerrycans. Black marketers had a field day selling to impatient motorists at between N1,200 and N1,500 per litre, depending on the location.

A bus driver, Elijah Sunday, who spoke to one of our correspondents at the Ketu motor garage in Lagos, lamented the struggle to get PMS.

“We have been finding it hard to get fuel for the past couple of days and it’s expensive, so, we had to increase the rates,” he said.

A minibus driver plying the Eko Hotel-CMS route in Lagos insisted on N300 instead of N200, citing the fuel scarcity.

Fuel queues were observed at PM Petroleum at Cele Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. At the North West filling station close to CharlyBoy Bus Stop at Gbagada, Lagos and the NNPC station at Ogudu, there was a long line of vehicles.

At Petrocam, a filling station in Ajao Estate, Lagos fuel sold for N780 per litre.

JULY 29, 2024

*Africa tops list of EU visa rejections 

*Singapore re-crowned world’s most respected travel document

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria has emerged as the country with the world’s 92nd most powerful passport, falling from 62nd position in 2006, but rising from 97th position in 2023, according to the Henley Passport Index, 2024. The Henley Passport Index ranks all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The Henley Passport Index compares the visa-free access of 199 different passports to 227 travel destinations. If no visa is required, then a score with value = 1 is created for that passport. The same applies if one can obtain a Visa On Arrival (VOA), a visitor’s permit, or an electronic travel authority (ETA) when entering the destination.

According to the latest report by the organisation, Nigeria was 62nd in 2006; 64th in 2007; 67th in 2008 and 2009 and 76th in 2010. Falling to an all-time low of 103rd position in 2021, Nigeria’s ranking on the Henley index picked up steam in 2022, rising to 98th position and then 97th in 2023, before the current 2024 ranking of 92nd most powerful travel document.

Africa also topped the list of the European Union (EU) visa rejections, according to a new research conducted for Henley & Partners, Prof. Mehari Taddele Maru, Adjunct Professor at the School of Transnational Governance at the European University Institute, and Johns Hopkins University in Italy. The survey compared Schengen visa rejection rates for African applicants to those from other regions. The results showed that around 3 in 10 or 30 per cent of African Schengen visa applicants were rejected, compared to 1 in 10 applicants worldwide, despite the continent having the lowest number of visa applications per capita.

The report  also found evidence that the poorer the African country of origin, the higher the rejection rate for its nationals. According to Maru’s research published in the Henley Global Mobility Report 2024 July edition, Africa accounted for seven of the top 10 countries globally with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates in 2022. Algeria was (45.8 per cent), Guinea-Bissau (45.2 per cent), Nigeria (45.1 per cent), Ghana (43.6 per cent), Senegal (41.6 per cent), Guinea (40.6 per cent), and Mali (39.9 per cent).

Nigerians faced almost three times the rejection rate of Turkish applicants (15.5 per cent) and twice that of Iranians (23.7 per cent). The report said that despite justifications based on apparent security or economic concerns, the European visa system clearly demonstrated a pre-determined bias against African applicants.  “While factors such as per capita income, the incidence of illegal overstays, and the low rate of return and readmission of Africans illegally present in Europe partially explain these higher rejection rates, they do not fully account for the significantly greater restrictions against African Schengen visa applicants, and, for that matter, the passport strength itself.

“It is highly likely that European migration policies, shaped by national identity politics, play a more significant role in these discriminatory restrictions than is officially acknowledged,” Maru stressed. He added: “Africans face a triple whammy: Lower passport power, higher visa rejection rates, and consequently, limited economic mobility. In short, the poorest individuals face the greatest difficulties when seeking to travel or move to more prosperous countries.

“I would argue that weak economies and discriminatory policies based on identity and culture explain the high rate of rejection for African Schengen visa applicants.”

But overall, Singapore broke away from the group of six countries that shared the top spot on the Henley Passport Index before now, reclaiming its title as the world’s most powerful passport in the latest ranking.

The city-state also set a new record score, with its citizens now enjoying access to 195 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free.

France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain dropped to joint-2nd place, each with visa-free access to 192 destinations, and an unprecedented seven-nation cohort, each with access to 191 destinations without a prior visa — Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden — now sit in 3rd place on the ranking, which is based on exclusive and official data from IATA.

The UK hung onto 4th place along with Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland, despite its visa-free destination score falling to 190.

The US on the other hand, continued its now decade-long slide down the index, dropping down to 8th spot, with access to just 186 destinations visa-free.

Former passport powerhouses, the UK and the US jointly held 1st place on the index 10 years ago in 2014.

 Afghanistan remained firmly entrenched as the world’s weakest passport, losing access to yet another destination over the past six months, leaving its citizens with access to only 26 countries visa-free — the lowest score ever recorded in history of the 19-year-old index.

JULY 29, 2024

By Daniel Adaji

Many residents in the Federal Capital Territory struggle to afford decent housing as rents continue to rise. This report by DANIEL ADAJI examines the causes of homelessness in the FCT, its consequences, and potential solutions

The Federal Capital Territory Abuja is Nigeria’s capital city and a symbol of national pride. However, beneath the city’s gleaming infrastructure and sprawling estates lies a stark reality: many residents are struggling to afford decent housing.

The FCT is notorious for its exorbitant rents, which have skyrocketed in recent years. “A two-bedroom apartment in a decent neighbourhood can cost upwards of N5m per annum,” a real estate agent, Udochukwu Unoh, noted.  A sum out of reach for many Nigerians.

The high demand for housing, fuelled by the city’s growing population and limited supply, has created fertile ground for exploitative landlords and property developers.

In a recent meeting at the State House in Abuja, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, called on the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers to checkmate the activities of real estate agents whose stock in trade was to take advantage of tenants in the city and the country at large.

Homelessness

As rents continue to soar, many residents are forced to seek alternative accommodation, often in informal settlements or on the streets.

Homelessness is a growing concern in the FCT, with many individuals and families struggling to access necessities like shelter, sanitation, and healthcare.

A street view of some parts of the FCT showed how many youths and children loiter around abandoned buildings and under the bridges. Many of them have either been evicted by their landlords or cannot afford to secure decent accommodations.

For instance, the Mabuchi, Banex, and Berger bridges in the FCT have become shelters for many homeless residents.

Our correspondent observed the legs of one Abdul Yunusa, whose legs festered as a result of the untreated injury he sustained during an attack on him on one of the days he was sleeping under the Banex Bridge.

Apart from lacking a secure accommodation, he was also unable to afford to treat himself.

In Galadimawa, Abuja Municipal Area Council, our correspondent observed several families taking shelter in some uncompleted buildings without doors, or windows, and having just sacks to keep the rooms enclosed.

Speaking with one of the residents, a father of three, who preferred anonymity, said, “This is where I live with my family. The condition is no good, but this is the best we can get for now.”

While some were fortunate enough to afford accommodations, the services are inadequate, from improper placement of the buildings on drainage systems to the lack of water and electricity.

From interactions with stakeholders and residents, our correspondent gathered that the high rents and homelessness in the FCT were complex issues that could be attributed to several factors. Some of the key contributors to this problem include:

Rapid urbanisation and population growth

The FCT has experienced rapid urbanisation and population growth in recent years, leading to an increased demand for housing. This growth has put pressure on the existing housing stock, leading to higher rents and a shortage of affordable housing options.

Limited housing supply and inadequate planning

According to experts, the housing supply in the FCT has not kept pace with the growing population, leading to a shortage of affordable housing options. This shortage has driven up rents, making it difficult for low- and middle-income households to access decent housing.

The influx of people from other parts of the country

The FCT has become a magnet for people from other parts of the country seeking better opportunities. While this influx has contributed to the economic growth of the territory, it has also put pressure on the housing market, leading to higher rents and a shortage of affordable housing options.

Corruption and exploitation in the housing sector

As the Senate President noted, corruption and exploitation in the housing sector have also contributed to the high rents and homelessness in the FCT. Unscrupulous landlords and property developers have taken advantage of the housing shortage to charge exorbitant rents and engage in other exploitative practices.

Consequences

The consequences of high rents and homelessness in the Federal Capital Territory are far-reaching and devastating, affecting not only individuals but also broader society.

Many residents are forced to live in squalid conditions, exposed to health risks, and vulnerable to crime and exploitation.

Living in squalid conditions can have severe health implications, including the spread of diseases, mental health issues, and a higher risk of accidents and injuries. The lack of access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities further exacerbates the situation.

Moreover, the situation perpetuates poverty and inequality, as those who cannot afford decent housing are often relegated to the margins of society. This can lead to a cycle of poverty, where individuals are unable to access better job opportunities, education, and healthcare due to their housing situation.

Strain on public resources

Homelessness places a significant burden on public resources, including healthcare, law enforcement, and social services. Homeless individuals often rely on emergency services, such as emergency rooms and shelters, which can be costly and inefficient. Additionally, law enforcement agencies spend a significant amount of time and resources addressing homelessness-related issues, such as loitering and vagrancy.

Economic impacts

High rents and homelessness can lead to reduced economic activity, as individuals and families are forced to allocate a larger portion of their income towards housing. This can lead to reduced consumer spending, decreased economic growth, and increased poverty. Furthermore, homelessness can also lead to a loss of productivity, as individuals struggling with housing insecurity may be less likely to be employed or engaged in education and training.

Social cohesion

The lack of affordable housing can lead to social segregation, as those who cannot afford decent housing are often forced to live on the periphery of society. This can lead to increased social isolation, reduced social mobility, and decreased community engagement. Moreover, homelessness can also perpetuate systemic inequalities, as marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis.

Political instability

The failure to address the housing crisis can lead to social unrest, political instability, and a loss of faith in government. As the housing crisis persists, frustration and anger among the affected population can grow, leading to increased protests, activism, and political polarization. Moreover, the government’s inability to address the crisis can erode trust in institutions and undermine democracy.

Solutions

Experts have suggested a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of the problem. Some potential solutions include:.

Akpabio called on the NIESV to take the lead in curbing the exploitation of tenants by real estate agents.

Speaking at the inauguration lecture and ceremony of the 26th President and Chairman of the Council of NIESV in Abuja recently, the Senate president emphasised the need for the institution to establish integrity and discipline in the industry.

“I implore you to lead the charge in curbing the exploitation of tenants by real estate agents and establishing integrity and discipline in the industry,” he said.

Increasing the supply of affordable housing

The government and private sector can work together to increase the supply of affordable housing in the FCT. This can be achieved through initiatives such as subsidized housing programmes, public-private partnerships, and community land trusts.

The Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, Dr Samson Opaluwah, called on the government to provide free land to Nigerians to address the issue of affordable housing in the country.

The chairman of CORBON in an exclusive chat with The PUNCH stated, “We would call for the government to take the issue of access to land of citizens as a critical component of affordable housing. Let people have direct access to land.”

Opaluwah emphasised that the cost of building construction was largely affected by the cost of land and imported building materials and that addressing those two issues would significantly reduce the cost of building.

He also highlighted the need for a national programme to address the housing deficit in the country, stating, “Housing is a very basic requirement of man. Next to feeding is housing, food and shelter.”

“CORBON has been working to promote the adoption of smart technologies in Nigeria’s building industry, including training and capacity building programs, and has established a training centre to conduct capacity building for builders across the country,” he said.

Improving planning and coordination

Better planning and coordination are essential to addressing the housing shortage in the FCT. The government-established housing authorities should ensure the development of more housing policies and programmes.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, restated the ministry’s commitment to sustainable communities, social cohesion, and economic growth.

In a recent interview with journalists in Abuja, Ogunbiyi highlighted the ministry’s efforts, saying, “We are laying the foundations for sustainable communities, fostering social cohesion, and stimulating economic activities.”

He remarked that that those initiatives were not just about building structures, but about improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.

“All of us in Nigeria are contributing in one way or another towards achieving these goals,” he added.

“These initiatives represent a commitment to ensuring access to affordable housing and essential amenities for every Nigerian.”

Addressing corruption and exploitation

The government must take decisive action to address corruption and exploitation in the housing sector. This can be achieved through measures such as rent control, stricter regulation of property developers, and increased transparency in the housing market.

It is essential to provide support services to those affected by high rents and homelessness. This can include emergency housing assistance, counselling, and job training programs.

The Renewed Hope Housing Programme, aimed at delivering 50,000 housing units across Nigeria, has raised concerns about affordability and its impact on citizens’ living conditions.

Despite the programme’s ambitious goals, including the development of seven Renewed Hope Cities and 250-unit Renewed Hope Estates, Nigerians worry about the rising inflation and poor purchasing power that may render the housing units unaffordable.

Commenting on the project, a resident in the FCT, Nathaniel Adole, noted, “It is great to know that the government is working to put these housing units together but my concern is, how we can afford it as citizens? The government should develop a scheme that puts the poor and middle class into consideration so that, we can also fully benefit from this initiative.”

The high rents and homelessness in the FCT are complex issues that require a multifaceted approach to address. By increasing the supply of affordable housing, improving planning and coordination, addressing corruption and exploitation, and providing support services, the government can make progress in addressing this challenge and ensuring that everyone has access to decent and affordable housing.

JULY 29, 2024

BY  Isaac Anyaogu

LAGOS, July 29 (Reuters) – Fuel queues lengthened across major Nigerian cities on Monday after state-oil company Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. faced problems supplying gasoline to local traders and depots.

Last year President Bola Tinubu’s government opened up gasoline imports to private companies but foreign currency shortages and a cap on the price of petrol has mean that NNPC remains the only importer. Nigeria’s new Dangote Refinery is yet to start processing gasoline.

“The NNPC Ltd wishes to state that the tightness in fuel supply and distribution witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the Federal Capital is as a result of a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels,” Olufemi Soneye, NNPC spokesperson said in a statement over the weekend when queues began forming.

Gasoline prices at retail stations have risen to over 800 naira ($0.5063) from around 617 naira per litre in May 2023 when the government announced it was ending gasoline subsidies. The price surge has added to already high inflation in Nigeria and a cost of living crisis.

The NNPC Ltd owes gasoline suppliers over $6 billion, thus affecting supplies, and is seeking to raise financing to settle the debts.

($1 = 1,580.0000 naira)

(Reporting by Isaac Anyaogu; Editing by Susan Fenton)

JULY 30, 2024

BY  CHINEDU OKAFOR

Namibia is on the verge of implementing a new visa policy, some have described as fair. Namibians looking to travel to some countries have to go through very lengthy, pricey and stressful processes. In response, citizens from those countries would now have to go through a comparable procedure should they choose to visit Namibia.

Namibia is implementing a new visa policy, requiring citizens from 33 countries to attain a visa.

The policy is in response to lengthy, pricey, and stressful visa processes for Namibians traveling to certain countries.

This new policy applies to countries such as the US, UK, Germany, and Canada.

Starting April, 2025, citizens from 33 countries, which currently do not need a visa to travel to Namibia, would have to attain one should they choose to visit the Southern African tourist nation.

According to a report by the BBC, these countries, described as “non-reciprocating countries,” (countries that require Namibian passport holders to have a visa), include the US, UK, Germany, Canada and 29 others.

“Namibia has extended gestures of goodwill and favorable treatment to nationals of various countries. However, despite these efforts, certain nations have not reciprocated,” Namibia’s immigration ministry said.

“In light of this disparity, the government has deemed it necessary to implement a visa requirement to ensure parity and fairness in diplomatic interactions,” the ministry continued.

However, unlike African passport holders who need to obtain their visas in advance, these visitors will be able to purchase their $90 90-day visa upon arrival.

Charles Moore, the British High Commissioner to Namibia, remarked that he respects Namibia's authority to enact new laws.

DON’T MISS THIS: Namibian authorities deny visa extension for Ugandan king

“[The UK] unfortunately imposed a visa regime on Namibia last year due to the number of asylum seekers we were receiving. That was impacting our relationship with Namibia,” the commissioner stated.

While many have lauded this decision, the tourism industry is a little skeptical. The Hospitality Association of Namibia said it was concerned about how the decision would be received by tourists.

This industry accounts for around 7% of the country’s GDP, it is the third largest contributor to the economy. The countries which are now required to apply for visas, make up most of its revenue.

“It will not change much; you can still get on a plane without a visa. It’s just when you get to the airport you will fill a form, pay the fees and enter,” tourism expert, Soni Nrupesh, stated.

JULY 31, 2024

BY  Olasunkanmi Akinlotan and Princess Etuk

Many air passengers of Arik Air were left stranded at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja on Tuesday.

The trips were abruptly stalled after the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency grounded an aircraft owned by the airline over a court order instituted by the airline’s creditor and billionaire businessman, Arthur Eze.

PUNCH learned that Eze went to court in protest against his unpaid $2.5m by the founder of Arik Air, Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide.

In a statement by the spokesperson of NAMA, Abdullahi Musa, on Tuesday, the agency said this development stems from an enforcement action by the FCT High Court on July 19, 2024, which involved attaching Arik’s planes to secure the debt.

“Arik was further given a notice of public auction of the planes by the court which was slated to hold on July 26, 2024 if they fail to pay the judgment debt,” the statement partly read.

While Arik has since obtained an ex-parte order stopping it from further execution, NAMA has yet to be formally served. In response, NAMA decided to ground the aircraft to preserve the subject matter of the dispute.

“We have decided to comply with the effect of the Supreme Court order, by grounding the aircraft (subject of dispute) so that they are not taken out of the jurisdiction of the court or tampered with in a way as to frustrate the courts,” the statement stated.

 “The minister, being a member of the inner bar himself understands the implication of the Supreme Court order dismissing the motion for leave to appeal and will not risk his license as a legal practitioner or his privilege as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria by engaging in acts that will frustrate an order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” NAMA affirmed.

This development dashed the hope of many travellers who had planned their movements to other destinations on Tuesday through the airline.

A passenger who simply identified himself as Mr Adeniran, said he had planned to attend a business meeting in Abuja on Wednesday morning but had to return home after the news got to him at the airport around 4:02pm.

“I am very disappointed, I will not only lose money for not making the appointment in Abuja, my company will also be surcharged for suddenly pulling out of a meeting we planned together in the last three weeks. What kind of a disappointment is this?

“Please as a journalist if there is a way you can appeal to them for us, let them fix us on another plane today. I am so frustrated now, I am not happy at all. As I speak with you I am on my way home. “

Also, a father of three, Aina Oluwaseun, whose children had gone on a holiday to Abuja, had bought tickets for the trio’s return on Tuesday afternoon but that did not happen.

Expressing his frustration, Aina said he had gone to the airport to speak with the officials of Arik Air in Lagos if his children could be put on another flight but met disappointment as the officials said there was nothing they could do to salvage the situation at the moment.

“I really do not know what to do. They are yet to refund our money, or are they expecting me to pay another airline to bring my children home? I am using this medium to appeal to them to either put my children on another aircraft or refund my money in 72 hours.”

 The Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air, Capt Roy Ilegbodu (in receivership) expressed shock over the grounding of the airlines.

According to him, the decision was made without warning or consultation, saying it would affect its operations.

Ilegbodu who spoke through a statement he personally signed, said, “Our priority has always been to connect people and facilitate commerce, especially on critical domestic routes. The grounding of our fleet disrupts these vital services, leaving passengers stranded and inflating already high travel costs.

“This decision hurts everyday Nigerians who rely on our flights for business, family, and essential activities.”

He added that the decision also disregards ongoing judicial processes.

He said on February 26, 2016, a judgement was made in favour of Atlas Petroleum International Limited and Arthur Eze. However, there is an ongoing case in the Federal High Court, where the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria is asserting its secured interest in Arik’s assets.

 “Despite this, a writ of attachment was issued on July 18, 2024, targeting its aircraft, after which, further to an originating motion filed by AMCON, the High Court of the FCT on July 25, 2024, clearly instructed all parties to maintain the status quo.

“We therefore are perplexed as to the grounding of our fleet, which is an overreach of the ongoing judicial processes and directives of court.

“We believe this action undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent, prioritising unsecured private interests over the public good and the rights of secured creditors. We are committed to following the legal process and have full faith in the judiciary to resolve these matters fairly.”

He disclosed that Arik has always been a proud partner in Nigeria’s growth, providing reliable and safe air travel.

“We urge the authorities to reconsider this decision, lift the grounding order, and allow us to continue serving the public and supporting the economy. We stand with our passengers and employees during this challenging time and are working tirelessly to resolve this situation. Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated.”

However, a source hinted the PUNCH that on July 19, 2024, the enforcement department of the FCT High Court enforced an order made by the court regarding a debt of $2.5m owed by Arik Air to Atlas Petroleum International Limited by attaching their aircraft.

JULY 31, 2024

BY Bethel Olujobi 

More Nigerian-trained nurses are passing their professional exams in Nigeria but submitting the results abroad.

A recent report from the Nurses and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK reveals that up to 13,656 Nigerian-trained nurses were registered in the 12 months ending March 2024, a 28 percent rise from the same period in 2023 when 10,639 Nigerians were recorded.

The figure reflects the UK’s highest pull of Nigerian-trained nurses in almost a decade and positions Nigeria as the third largest international population intake after India and the Philippines which recorded 62,413 (+28.9 percent) and 49,092 (+7.9 percent) respectively.

There are more nurses, midwives and nursing associates on the NMC register this year than ever totalling 826,418, 4.8 percent more registered professionals than 12 months ago, and 18.4 percent more than five years ago.

“These record numbers are welcome given the challenges of increasing demand for health and social care services, changing needs and workforce pressures,” the NMC reported.

During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the UK experienced a surge in demand for more healthcare workers resulting in an elaborate plan to increase the number of nurses in the country by 50,000 by 2025. The government offered additional cost of living support of £5,000 for registered professionals and it was in the same period that the Health and Care skilled worker visa was introduced to encourage international applications.

These attractive packages have continued to draw many nurses away from Nigeria where health professionals battle poor working conditions, as medical institutions in the country struggle to meet the healthcare demands of a saturating population.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 218 million citizens, is one of the countries deemed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to have a critical shortage of health workers.

According to the Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigeria’s nurse-to-patient ratio is 88 nurses per 100,000 Nigerians or 1:1,135,  which falls short of the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of 83:10,000 or one nurse to about 120 patients.

On registered midwives, NANNM revealed the ratio to be 60 midwives per 100,000 patients or 1:1,666, a far throw from the WHO’s recommendation of 2.5 midwives for 1000 people.

Despite a code of practice outlined by the Department of Health and Social Care, which states that employers in the sector should not actively recruit from “red list” countries including Nigeria with a shortage of healthcare staff, the UK continues to experience an influx of Nigerians to make up for its own shortages.

“We continue to see proportional rises in first time joiners from several ‘red list’ countries from which active recruitment is not permitted,” reported the NMC. The year-on-year growth shows an increase of more than 18 percent in international takers compared to the previous year.

The organisation says the continued rise in internationally educated midwives joining this year following initiatives by the National Health Service (NHS) including the NHS England’s Maternity International Recruitment Programme, part of the NHS Maternity Workforce Programme.

To keep its talent for longer, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) now insists that applicants seeking the verification of certificates to foreign nursing boards like the NMC and councils complete two years of practising in Nigeria after receiving their licenses. A move that has since been a topic of debate among nurses and healthcare professionals in the country.

JULY 31, 2024

The UK is at risk of having to fight for highly skilled workers in industries such as technology and banking, according to new research.

It is among the top five countries to face a prevalent shortage of talent, recruitment firm Hays said in a report.

Alongside New Zealand, Portugal, Canada and Switzerland, the UK could face major challenges in finding people to fill in-demand and emerging roles in the future.

On the other hand, the US, China, India, Germany and Brazil rank in the top five talent networks across all the sectors it analysed.

Hays said it collected a large global dataset using job adverts and candidate profiles from 31 countries.

To ensure the UK can continue to compete on the global stage, it needs a steady supply of talent with the right skills

Nigel Kirkham, Hays

It then examined five sectors it viewed as the strongest in terms of how they are adapting to rapid digital transformation. These were technology, engineering, manufacturing, life sciences and financial services.

The analysis found that the UK has a “pressing need” to address its skills shortages or it risks falling behind international peers.

“To ensure the UK can continue to compete on the global stage, it needs a steady supply of talent with the right skills,” said Nigel Kirkham, the chief executive of enterprise solutions at Hays.

The competitiveness of the UK as a place for growth and innovation has been a focal issue for both the current and former government.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said delivering economic growth is “our national mission” and identified the financial services sector as being “at the heart” of its growth agenda.

Meanwhile, recruitment firms including Hays have flagged a slowdown in hiring over the past year.

They say many employers have been cautious to take on new staff as a result of economic and political uncertainty, and wider cost pressures squeezing their finances.

JULY 31, 2024

BY Lewis Jackson and Lisa Barrington

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian airline Regional Express Holdings will cut hundreds of job after it entered voluntary administration, the second small airline to do so this year, in a move that will further concentrate the country's aviation market.

Traditionally focused on servicing Australia's vast regional areas with small planes, Rex in 2021 began larger jet flights in the lucrative "golden triangle" between Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, which is dominated by Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia.

However the airline failed to meaningfully dent their control of the overall market, which was over 90% in March, according to the competition regulator. On Tuesday, Rex called in administrators Ernst & Young.

The administrators will shutter the subsidiary which operates Rex's Boeing 737 flights between major cities and make 360 workers redundant, according to the Transport Workers Union (TWU). A further 250 jobs will be cut elsewhere, it said.

Regional flights on its fleet of Saab 340 aircraft will continue.

Rex investor and private equity group PAG Asia Capital has provided bridging finance to help keep regional flights running, according to a source not authorised to speak with media.

PAG, which has one board seat, helped bankroll Rex's expansion into major cities in 2021 with a A$150 million convertible bond.

PAG declined to comment.

Transport Minister Catherine King said the government had provided Rex some support to keep its regional flights in the air but stopped short of guaranteeing a rescue package.

"I think it is fair to say that we would be reluctant to just throw money at the problem," she said. "What we would want to do is ensure that there is a long term solution to the security of regional aviation."

AVIATION REFORM

The collapse, which comes only three months after budget airline Bonza closed down, is likely to put a spotlight on the barriers smaller airlines face breaking into the vast, sparsely populated market dominated by Qantas and Virgin.

In March 62% of domestic passengers were carried by Qantas and subsidiary Jetstar, 31% by Virgin Australia, 5% by Rex and 2% by Bonza, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The regulator has previously said Bonza and Rex presented opportunities for a more competitive domestic industry.

Adrian Schofield, an analyst at CAPA Centre for Aviation, said both Bonza and Rex's jet operations were too small to be really competitive.

"They weren't able to grow their fleets quickly enough to generate efficiencies of scale required to produce the kind of revenues and profit needed for their parent companies to continue to support them," Schofield said.

The ACCC has called on the government to reform how airlines are allocated flight slots, especially on busy state capital journeys, where critics have argued that Qantas and Virgin's control of profitable routes keeps out new entrants.

The company which administers flight slots is majority owned by the two airlines, which reject the accusation.

The regulator said in May that Rex needed a larger fleet and more slots at Sydney airport to grow to the point where it could meaningfully compete with Qantas and Virgin.

In February the government announced reforms to slot management at Sydney airport, including greater reporting requirements. A government review into the aviation sector is due later this year.

AVIATION DEMAND

While slot availability at Sydney airport was an issue, Rex's failure also comes down to a general slowdown in aviation as leisure travellers cut back, according to Morningstar analyst Angus Hewitt.

Aviation saw high demand and fares as aviation bounced back from the pandemic, but airlines globally are seeing a weaker-than-expected quarter due to costs and falling revenue per passenger because of pressure on ticket prices.

Virgin, which had flight slots at Sydney, had not reported an underlying profit since 2012 when it filed for bankruptcy in 2020, Hewitt added.

(Reporting Lewis Jackson and Renju Jose in Sydney; Additional reporting by Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru and Lisa Barrington in Seoul; Editing by Sonali Paul and Christopher Cushing)