Nigeria: A Look Back At 2024 – OpEd

The year 2024 tested the collective resolve of Nigerians to the elastic limits pushing millions to the brink as the cost of living hit the roof and unleashed unprecedented hunger and misery in the land. This was due to the wholesale economic reforms embarked upon by the Tinubu administration resulting in the devaluation of the naira and the unification of the exchange rate and with the naira hovering between 1650 at the official market and 1750 naira at the parralel market. The naira currency, pegged for years at an artificially high level against the dollar, has since lost about 70 percent of its value.

The reforms envisaged to reset the economy, and attract foreign direct investments, have thrown millions into unprecedented hardships and penury, squeezing the life out of millions of Nigerians. Added to the misery index was the constant adjustment of the petrol pump price which witnessed a rapid price increase from 680 to 1200 naira due to the removal of fuel subsidy. Despite all this, the nation witnessed several fuel shortages resulting in frequent fuel queques at the filling stations. What’s more, for the first time in the nation’s history feeding became an existential crisis as millions struggled to put food on the table for their families. The situation was so bad that yam was priced beyond the reach of many homes as the price of the staple hit 10,000 Naira per piece in May. To get around the depressing situation inventive market men and women devised a means by which tubers of yam were cut into several pieces to make them affordable for willing buyers. The price of other common staples such as rice and beans had soared to stratospheric heights. Bread and eggs became luxuries as their prices doubled and quadrupled respectively. Besides inflation hit the roof rising to 34 percent in the outgoing year.

In short, 2024 was a year of misery and hunger and unprecedented deprivation for millions who endured hardships and pangs of hunger throughout the year. As a result of this far reaching reforms, thousands of youths, the middle aged and even retirees have emigrated voting with their feet to escape the current economic quagmire of the current administration. Even President Bola Tinubu was confronted by the public angst as a crowd chanted “ebin pawa! ebin pawa!” we are hungry, in the streets of Lagos Island during the last Sallah celebrations in Lagos. This has been described as the worst economic crisis in a generation. 

According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in Nigeria is estimated to be 38.9% in 2023, with 87 million Nigerians living in poverty. This makes Nigeria the world’s second-largest poor population, after India. That millions of Nigerians have further sunk into the poverty trap due to severe and pervasive economic challenges, is a testament to the Bretton Woods inspired reforms. 

As a buffer for the severe economic challenges both the federal and state governments introduced various measures of palliatives by distributing assortment of foodstuffs to those on the margins of society. But the palliatives were like a drop of water in the ocean. It did not go far enough to ameliorate the hunger in the land.

As expected things came to a head due to a confluence of pent up anger, frustrations and misery arising from the debilitating economic reforms leading to the End Bad Governance protests, widely known by the hashtag #EndBadGovernance. The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, were a series of coordinated mass protests that mainly occurred from 1 August to 10 August 2024, triggered by the rising cost of living in the country.

Still, the protests which took place in August were meant to demonstrate public anger about economic reforms occasioned by hardships and bad governance. The protesters wanted a total reversal of economic reforms of the Tinubu administration. Top government officials scrambled to douse the tension and even President Tinubu himself attempted to dissaude protesters, with some emergency financial measures dangled before the youths. Despite attempts by the president to pour oil on troubled waters the demonstrations escalated when a once peaceful protest turned violent after security agencies attempted to quell them. In Kano and Kaduna States protesters were seen carrying Russian flags and calling for military intervention and the overthrow of the Tinubu administration.

According to Business Day, over 1,000 arrests were made, and several deaths reported. A number of protesters, some of them underage, were arrested and later arraigned in court but due to public outcry the protesters were later released by the courts. 

Despite protestations by Nigerians, the government still went ahead to take delivery of a newly acquired Airbus A330 presidential jet, which has become the latest addition to the presidential fleet of more than five aircraft. The 15-year-old plane is said to have an elaborate configuration for VIPs and replaces the country’s 19-year-old Boeing BBJ 737-700. This decision by the government to purchase a presidential jet further stoked the anger in the land and it was as though pouring petrol into fire. 

The purchase occured less than two weeks after thousands took to the streets across the country to protest at rising hunger and the cost of living. Rising in defence of the government, the Special Adviser (Information and Strategy) to the President, Bayo Onanuga stated that: “The new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.” 

Despite public protests lawmakers had recommended the purchase of two new aircraft for the president and his deputy, saying the old ones were not safe. Later lawmakers passed a supplementary budget, which sought to raise the 2024 budget from 28.7 trillion naira ($18bn; £14bn) to 35.06 trillion naira. Since the purchase of the jet was shrouded in secrecy, it is not known if the purchase of the new plane was included in the supplementary budget.

Generally, the Tinubu administration has been long on sacrifices but short on setting good examples. While asking for sacrifices on the part of the people, the administration has continued to splurge on luxury cars, yachts etc. On the other hand, the legislators have continued to live in the lap of luxury.

Still yet, insecurity remained a sore spot throughout year despite the exertions of the security forces who have been stretched to the limits in their bid to curb several security challenges in many parts of the country. The Northeast region has witnessed relative peace but the Northwest especially Sokoto and Zamfara states have witnessed a reappearance of terrorism, with the Lakurawa group posing a fresh threat.

In the midst of rising misery, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) introduced differentials of tarrifs for consumers by unveiling categories of rates for consumers ranging from Band A to Band E as subsidy on electricity was partially removed. Consumers placed on band A had a price increase from 68 naira per kw to 225 naira per kw. After public outcry it was revised to 209 naira per kw. According to the NERC those on band A are expected to enjoy between 20 to 24 hours electricity supply. By this measure, NERC ensured electricity subsidies remain for 85% of electricity customers who do not receive up to 20hrs of electricity daily. Band A category, who represent 17 per cent of the customers also consume 40 per cent of the electricity output. 

The government explained that the decision to implement the tariff increase was to improve liquidity in the downstream power sector, as it had become difficult to sustain the subsidy in the sector. The annual electricity subsidy has risen significantly to N2. 4 trillion in 2024, from a previous N650 billion in 2023.

Despite all this, the nation witnessed persistent collapse of the National Grid plunging the nation into darkness for several days. The frequent collapse of the national grid was attributed to aging and obsolete infrastructure as well as activities of vandals. In all the nation witnessed the 12th collapse of the National Grid in November. 

Despite an installed capacity of about 13,000MW, Nigeria’s power grid transmits only 4000MW due to ageing infrastructure, the Minister of Power, Adelabu, revealed at a briefing on October 28.

The deal between Siemens Energy and Nigeria initially involved increasing the country’s grid capacity from below 5,000 MW to 7,000 MW by 2021, further expanding it to 11,000 MW by 2023, and ultimately achieving 25,000 MW by 2025. Siemens Energy now expects to complete the project in 2030, five years later than originally planned. 

To a large extent, the restive education sector got a fillip with the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to provide loans to students in public tertiary institutions. The Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act of 2024 was a landmark piece of legislation by the Tinubu administration which aims to remove all bottlenecks that pertains to funding of education for indigent students. 

According to the Managing Director, NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyer, students across tertiary institutions have embraced the loan and about 20 billion naira has since been disbursed. He disclosed that 435,000 have actually registered on the site, 330,000 have applied for the loan of that total number. A total of 128 institutions at the tertiary level have actually received funds from NELFUND.

In another development, the Federal Government and Labour finally came to an agreement on the minimum wage in July. Based on this agreement the minimum wage was increased from 30,000 Naira to 70,000 Naira. There was initial resistance from the state governors claiming they lacked the capacity to implement the new minimum wage for workers. However, with a lead by Lagos and Rivers states that announced a new minimum wage of 85,000 Naira respectively the other states have since embraced the new minimum wage. The NLC and TUC had repeatedly proposed N615,500 and N494,000 as the new national minimum wage, citing inflation and the rising cost of living. The agreement was that the minimum wage would now be reviewed every three years. Also the Federal Government approved 300 per cent wage increase for judges.

In the housing sector, the mandate of the Renewed Hope Housing Cities and Estates Scheme is to deliver 100,000 homes, especially for families on low to middle income across Nigeria. The initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government with the ultimate objective of unleashing Nigeria’s full economic potential through strategic investments.

Even so, the health sector remains deplorable. To reverse this ugly trend, the federal government has fashioned a Health Sector Development Plan (HSDP), which is a strategic instrument adopted by the Ministry of Health, whose goal is to accelerate movement towards universal health coverage. The plan aims to improve the health of Nigerians by developing a sustainable health care delivery system. The health care reforms include improving health data collection and monitoring, improving personnel development, and ensuring essential drug availability.

As part of the economic reforms the Tinubu administration instituted the Credit Corporation of Nigeria with a view to moving Nigerians to a credit-based economy via Credicorp. The organisation has since swung into action by extending credits to civil servants and other categories of workers. 

In the same vein, diaspora remittances have skyrocketed and confidence of international investors is returning to Nigeria. The CBN verified the USD7.5bn forex backlog stuck in Nigeria and cleared them off. Despite these vast payments, foreign reserves have grown to over USD40bn.

The Oil sector witnessed relative growth and stability as oil production output hit about 1.5 million barrels per day. At the same time government had mobilised the security forces to fight the scourge of oil thefts in the Niger Delta. Combined efforts of the Navy, Army and a private security outfit Tantita seems to be yielding positive results with the clamp down on oil thefts. Oil thefts in 2023 alone was estimated at 2.3 trillion naira.

The long awaited Dangote Petroleum Company came on stream in September. The 650,000 barrels per day capacity refinery suffered various hiccups due to spat with the NNPC on pricing and supply of crude. At the end of the day, the Federal Government came up with the naira-for-crude programme, which allows Dangote Petroleum to pay for crude in Naira. The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (BPD), is the largest single-train refinery in the world. It is fully capable of meeting 100% of Nigeria’s refined petroleum product requirements, with a surplus available for export. The Dangote Refinery has since begun exports to Europe, South Africa, Cameroon and the West African sub region. At long last the old Port Harcout refinery after several delays began production in November. Work is also at an advanced stage on the 150,000 barrels per day new Port Harcourt refinery. After completion, this will take the total capacity to 210,000 barrels per day from the two Eleme Plants. About 11m liters of PMS will be produced everyday.

Now there has been slight downward review of petrol price. Dangote Refinery has taken the lead by reviewing the price of petrol downwards from 1030 to 899 naira. Petrol price range from 925 to 935 naira across the board. The NNPC has since taken a cue from that and has announced a price review as well. 

Ensuring energy security through new investments in Oil & Gas, President Tinubu signed a few Presidential Executive Orders to complement the PIA, making it more effective, established the Presidential CNG Initiative, gave full support to local refiners and supporting them to purchase crude in Naira, and focused on efficient regulation to make the petroleum industry more efficient, impactful, and globally competitive, etc. 

In a related development, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) announced its final investment decision (FID) on the Bonga North deep-water project, located off Nigeria’s coast. The $5 billion offshore investment, in which Shell has a 55% stake, is expected to yield approximately 350 million barrels of crude oil.

The Bonga North project includes the drilling and completion of 16 wells, modifications to the existing FPSO, and the installation of new subsea infrastructure. This development is expected to maintain oil and gas production at the Bonga facility.

On the Gas sector, the AKK gas pipeline project from Ajaokuta to Kano has reached an advanced stage. The Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, announced that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline is on track to be completed by the first quarter of 2025. It is being built as part of Nigeria’s Gas Master Plan at a cost of $2.8 billion to make use of the nation’s excess gas resources for both domestic consumer use and power generation.

Flagged-off by former President Buhari in June 2020, the 614km pipeline system from Ajaokuta to Kano, comes with associated intermediate and terminal facilities to supply natural gas to off-takers at Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano.

In April, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Nigeria Limited completed the expansion of the 5.4km Abuja-Keffi expressway and the dualisation of the 220km Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road projects. 

Project Manager, Li Qiang Qiang of the construction company said the roads were now under a concessionary phase of maintenance that would last 25 years. The $42,144,047.29 project co-funded by the Federal Government and the China Export and Import (EXIM) Bank Limited was divided into phases to ease implementation.

On national debt, the country’s debt has ballooned by N50 trillion in 19 months signalling an increasing debt dependence to cover the government’s spending. Nigeria’s total debt stood at N87. 3 trillion when Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. By June 2024, the total public debt had hit N134 trillion. Nigeria’s revenue-to-debt service ratio has reduced to 65% from 97%.

In the area of public transportation, the Kaduna-Kano-Maradi rail line is progressing apiece. The rail line will link Kano with Jibiya in Katsina State and Maradi in Niger Republic. The Port Harcourt-Aba rail line commenced operations in October. At the same time, Lagos State government rolled out the Red Rail Line linking Oyingbo to Alagbado, Ogun State which is a complement to the Blue Rail Line which runs between Marina to Mile 2. Work is progressing on the Blue Rail Line extension to Okokomaiko. At the same time, the Green Line that will traverse Marina to Lekki Free Trade zone is on the cards. Also Governor Babajide Sanwoolu announced that his administration had sourced financing for the Purple Rail Line which will link Mowe to Ojo. Ogun State plans to connect the Blue Rail Line extension to Agbara/Lusada and Agbado to Kajola.

Also Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has initiated the construction of an intra-city rail network to connect Maiduguri and its environs, marking the first project of its kind by any government in Nigeria’s 19 northern states.

In the course of the year, precisely May, President Tinubu signed into law the bill to revert to the old national anthem “Nigeria, we hail thee.” Lawmakers in supporting the bill argued that it would promote better symbol of unity, peace and prosperity, compared to the current “Arise, o Compatriots.”

As part of efforts to revitalise local government administration, the Local Government Financial Autonomy bill was signed into law which allows direct allocations to the 774 Local Government Councils. The Local Government Financial Autonomy bill was another piece of landmark legislation initiated by President Tinubu. Local Government autonomy is a significant milestone in grassroots administration. This bill gives local government full autonomy and permanent freedom from the grips of state governors in compliance with the Supreme Court verdict.

Now the Tinubu administration’s record on human rights is anything but flattering. Government’s high-handed approach has raised serious concerns about its commitment to human rights and the state of democracy. Recent measures taken by the government have not only eroded public trust but have also created an atmosphere of fear and repression.

A coalition of 67 civil society organisations had criticised the Tinubu administration’s habitual crackdown on dissents and undermining of Nigeria’s civic environment, amid increasing public discontent fuelled by corruption and policies with negative impacts on ordinary Nigerians. The coalition maintained that the administration’s style of governance and policies have intensified socio-economic challenges and created an atmosphere of fear, where legitimate grievances are met with violence rather than constructive dialogue, Premium Times reports.

Furthermore, Media Rights Agenda says that over 60% of the 45 recorded attacks against journalists between May 2023 and April 2024 were orchestrated by Nigeria’s security operatives, infamous for human rights abuses.

Moreover the Cybercrime Act has quickly become the State’s favoured instrument for targeting journalists. Enacted into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, it has been used to prosecute at least 25 media practitioners, African Arguments magazine reports. 

Next, the year also witnessed the passage of renowned personages. The Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu died in July. The nation also lost popular muscian Onyeka Onwenu. Owa-Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, 86 joined his ancestors in September. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja died after a “period of illness” aged 56, President Bola Tinubu announced on November 6.

President Tinubu wished Lt General Lagbaja eternal peace and honors his significant contributions to the nation. Gen Lagbaja was appointed to the position in June 2023, not long after President Tinubu took office.

Earlier Major General Olufemi Oluyede was appointed as the Acting Chief of Army Staff. Oluyede has since been confirmed by the Senate as the new Chief of Army Staff and promoted to the rank of Lt General. Until his appointment as Chief of Army Staff, General Oluyede was the Commander of the Infantry Corps, Jaji, Kaduna. 

Again President Tinubu embarked on a cabinet reshuffle and the disengament of five ministers. Seven new ministers were appointed as replacements for the ministers who were dropped in a minor cabinet reshuffle. The president also created the ministry of Livestock Development headed by Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha.

The judiciary witnessed the elevation of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of the federation following the retirement of the incumbent, Justice Kayode Ariwoola. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is the second female justice to head the apex court after the appointment of the pioneer female Chief Justice Alooma Muktar by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012. Aloma Muktar was Chief Justice of Nigeria from July 2012 to November 2014. 

The anti-corruption war which seems to have lost steam has suddenly regained its mojo as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC disclosed to the nation that it had obtained a court order to seize 753 blocks of duplexes in Abuja which was traced to the former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. This mind boggling corruption shook the nation to its foundation. 

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie gave a ruling on a final forfeiture of an estate in Abuja measuring 150,500 square metres and containing 753 Units of duplexes and other apartments. This is the single largest asset recovery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, since its inception in 2023. The Estate rests on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

Again the EFCC disclosed that in a landmark raid, the agency arrested 792 suspects for their alleged involvement in cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scam.

The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in a surprise operation at their hideout, in Victoria Island, Lagos. The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the EFCC stated that 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, two Kharzartans, one Pakistani, one Indonesian were arrested during the operation.

In a related development, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu fell on a banana peel and she became the first minister suspended by the Tinubu administration over allegations of corruption. So far the EFCC has recovered 30bn naira ($24m; £19m) as part of a probe into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the financial watchdog says. The funds were traced to more than 50 bank accounts, it said. The minister who was initially suspended in January has since been dismissed. 

Two off season elections were held in Edo and Ondo States. The incumbent governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer emerged victorious in what turned out to be a two horse race between Governor Aiyedatiwa and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Mr Agboola Ajayi, a former deputy governor in the state. In Edo State the APC candidate Senator Monday Okphebolo defeated the PDP candidate Asuen Ighodalo in what observers describe as controversial circumstances. 

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu flagged off the 700 kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway in May. The construction of the highway began in March. The first phase of the project, made up of 47.47 kilometres of dual carriageway, was awarded to Hitech Construction Company Ltd.

The project has generated a lot of controversies from the demolitions of structures in the beach and the allegations of lack of transparency in the award and project cost.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will traverse eight states terminating in Calabar, Cross River State. The Coastal Highway will link Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. The Lagos-Lekki Free Zone segment of the highway is being handled by Hitech Construction Company. 

In a similar vein, the 1068 km Sokoto-Badagry highway was launched in September by the Minister of Works, David Umahi. The Sokoto Badagry highway traverses seven states namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states. 

President Tinubu presented the 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 18. The 2025 proposed budget of N47.9 trillion is to be funded by a revenue of N34.82 trillion, leaving a deficit of N13.08 trillion. Also, the government plans to spend N15.81tn on debt service, which is 45.4% of its projected revenue. The proposed budget is anchored on an oil production rate of 2.06 million barrels per day, and predicated on crude oil price of 75 dollars per barrel and an exchange rate of N1500/$, and a projected inflation rate of 15%.

Simply put, borrowing continues, with debt servicing to gulp N15.8 trillion, exactly 1/3rd of the total budgeted spending or 45% of planned revenue. Non-oil tax revenue (N5.7 trillion) constitute the largest share of non-oil revenue of N15.22 trillion and is likely to be achieved.

In the same vein, the Nigerian economy grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter of 2024, up from 2.54 percent in the third quarter of 2023. Foreign reserves now stand at nearly 42 billion US dollars, providing a robust buffer against external shocks.

So far, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s approach to monetary policy management has ensured stability and predictability in the foreign exchange market. CBN raised its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to a new record high of 27.50% on November 26, marking the sixth consecutive hike this year. The decision was intended to tackle inflation and protect the battered naira in anticipation of a surge in dollar demand in December. However, manufacturers and SMEs have deplored the hike in interest rates. 

Meantime, Access Bank Plc, has cemented its reputation as a foremost banking institution being the first Nigerian bank to exceed the CBN’s N500 billion minimum capital requirement for international banks, ahead of the March 2026 deadline.

Also rising exports are reflected in the current trade surplus, which now stands at 5.8 trillion naira, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The budget targets 4.6 GDP growth and inflation tamed at 15 per cent from 34 per cent. 

China’s central bank last Friday said that it has renewed a bilateral currency swap agreement with the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

The total value of the agreement is 15 billion yuan (about 2.09 billion U.S. dollars), or 3.28 trillion Nigerian naira, the People’s Bank of China said in a statement on its website. The agreement is valid for three years and can be renewed upon mutual consent, according to the statement.

While the government jubilates over recent multi-million dollar investments in the country, several multinationals have also left Nigeria by either divesting their operations in the country or selling their stakes to new investors.

A notable exodus of multinationals recorded this year can be attributed to the country’s economic challenges particularly the declining value of the naira, runaway inflation and high interest rates, and shrinking consumer purchasing power.

Last year, about 767 manufacturing companies shut down, according to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). The association also reported that up to 365 companies experienced distress in 2023 due to rising inflation and interest rates, as well as the volatility of the exchange rate.

According to NBS and the Budget Office, Nigeria’s 2024 Inflation Rate was projected at 21.40%. As of Nov 2024, inflation rate hit 34.60%. 2025 inflation rate has been projected at 15.75%. This means Nigeria’s inflation rate must fall by at least 100% in 2025.

In a bid to reengineer and streamline the nation’s meedly of taxes, President Tinubu set up the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee headed by a Tax expert, Mr Taiwo Oyedele. The government proposed the most audacious tax cuts and tax reforms for individuals and small businesses ever seen or experienced in Nigeria which will see those earning below one million naira granted tax waivers.

Tax Reform bills are a monumental shift in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape. The Tax Reform bill has generated a lot of controversy. The bill was welcome in the South but the North has expressed grave reservations about the bill, urging its representatives in the National Assembly to reject the bill. Despite spirited efforts by the Chairman of Tax Reform initiatives Mr Taiwo Oyedele to allay fears of stakeholders it has been a hardsell in the north with some governors saying the bill will shortchange the north. Still, the president has remained adamant insisting that the planned Tax Reforms are the path to progress and prosperity. Though he said he’s prepared to grant some concessions. 

Again President Tinubu held the maiden Presidential Media Chat on December 23, where he reiterated his commitment to the Tax Review reforms and was emphatic about the decision to remove fuel subsidy, saying he had no regrets whatsoever removing the subsidy. 

On politics, Rivers State remained a flash point as the cold war between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike went on unabated with both sides digging into their trenches ready to inflict maximum damage to each other. Things got to a head when a Federal High Court ordered the Federal Government to withold all allocations to the state government. However, the Court of Appeal has already overuled the lower court and directed the Federal Government to release all due funds to the Rivers State government. 

At moment the ruling APC is having a jolly good ride as the opposition has become sclerotic and attenuated. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party has been riven by leadership crisis and has been further weakened by both fifth columnists and external forces. On its part, the Labour Party has been split into factions. However, the Federal High Court has affirmed the leadership position of Julius Abure led faction of the party.

Borno State faced severe flooding after the collapse of the Alau Dam on 10 September. The Maiduguri and Jere local government areas were particularly affected: according to the National Emergency Management Agency, over 70% of the residents in Maiduguri were displaced. At least 150 people died. The United Nations refugee agency in Nigeria described it as the worst to hit the city in thirty years, affecting over one million people.

With barely a few days to the end of 2024, the devastating news of 35 children reportedly trampled to death during a Christmas celebration held at Islamic High School, Ibadan on December 18 threw the nation into deep sorrow and mourning. 

According to news reports, the stampede occurred when participants rushed to gain access to the venue of the event reportedly organised by the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, and an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat. Both Naomi Silekunola, Hamzat and Abdullahi Fasasi, the school’s principal are cooling their heels in Agodi Prison pending further guidance by the state prosecutor. 

Barely had the nation recovered from the shock of the Ibadan mishap, than another tragedy struck at Okija, Anambra State where 22 persons were trampled to death in a stampede while struggling for palliatives organised by a philanthropist. On top of that, the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Abuja also witnessed another tragedy when ten persons were also trampled to death at an event to distribute food items to the vulnerable in society. In all 72 persons were lost to stampede in their struggle to collect palliatives in December. 

On Christmas day Nigeria Air Force launched devastating airstrike against terrorists that claimed the lives of nearly a dozen innocent civilians and left many others wounded in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa in Sokoto State. 

The locals said the fighter jet was targeting Lakurawa terrorists in the areas, but in the process, dropped explosives on some innocent people.

However, in a statement, the joint media coordinator for the operation, Lt Colonel, Abubakar Abdullahi, said the airstrikes targeted locations confirmed to be associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group.

Right now the frosty relations between the Federal Government and the ruling military junta in the Niger Republic has taken a new twist with the military leader of the Niger Republic accusing the Federal Government along with France of plots to destabilise the Sahelian country. 

However, the Federal Government has strongly rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani. The government dismissed President Tchiani’s allegations as not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings.

In conclusion, for millions of Nigerians the year 2024 has been a sea of troubles but according to President Tinubu the worst is over and has therefore enjoined Nigerians to maintain a strong belief and hope that things will get better, while also acknowledging reality.

Without a doubt, the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms have had a debilitating effect on the general populace, leaving Nigerians poorer and discontented, whether the reforms will bear positive outcomes and have a salutary effect in 2025 remains to be seen. Though, the president has urged Nigerians to stay the course and assured that there’s a hopeful future ahead. Finally, having endured the pain and hardships engedered by the reform agenda of the Tinubu administration, the people can only hold onto the slender thread of hope and don’t let go.