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10 Challenges Facing Buhari

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Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s president
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President Muhammdau Buhari faces a tough battle to diversify an economy reliant on oil and hampered by terrorism and endemic corruption. Buhari won the 2015 election as a self-described “converted democrat,”took over from Goodluck Jonathan.

However, it’s not the first time he has led the Nigeria—he ruled as dictator between 1983 and 1985, after taking power in a coup.

But below are some of the top challenges the new leader of Africa’s most populous nation faces:

1. Too much oil, not enough fuel
The crisis caused this week by fuel shortages will make this the topmost item in Gen Buhari’s in-tray, but the problems in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry are more fundamental.
Nigeria is among the top 10 oil producers in the world and Africa’s leader, pumping 2.5 million barrels of oil out of the ground every day.
It is also one of the leading importers of petroleum products because its four refineries have long been run down through corruption and mismanagement, leading to an inefficient and wasteful subsidy system behind the regular fuel shortages.
Gen Buhari must find ways to divert the wasteful fuel-import subsidies into refurbishment of Nigeria’s oil refineries and sell some government stakes to bring in foreign investment and technical know-how.

2. Powered by generators
The fuel shortages this week exposed another chronic energy security problem in Nigeria: the country is powered by generators. A regular soundtrack to the hum and din of Nigeria’s cities is the diesel symphony of millions of generators purring away, powering everything from lights to water pumps to air conditioning units.
A quick solution to more stable power supply is to set up heavy thermal power plants fed by the country’s oil, but the power grid is in need of refurbishment and investment.
Official figures show that Nigeria requires about 40,000 megawatts of electricity for its population of more than 100 million.
It only produces a little more than 3,000 megawatts and this dropped to less than 1,200 megawatts during the recent crisis as 18 out of the 23 power stations were forced to shut down for lack of fuel.

3. Boko Haram Inc.
The high level of insecurity since 2009 had become worrisome, starting with the menace of Niger Delta militant groups, but the Boko Haram insurgents in the north east have turned insecurity into a national crisis with terror attacks across the country.
As a Muslim leader from the north and with a military background, Gen Buhari has the credentials to get the Nigerian military back into fighting shape and seize the initiative against the insurgents, who have killed upwards of 10,000 people in a few years.
Rescuing the 200 girls captured from Chibok will be a psychological victory, but stamping out extremist views will take a lot more firepower and smarter anti-radicalisation policies.

4.Corruption
Many Nigerians complain about being stereotyped over corruption, and with some merit; you are more likely to be hacked by a Bulgarian or Russian gang.
However, Gen Buhari acknowledges that corruption is a big problem in Nigeria, as does Transparency International, which ranks only 39 countries out of 175 as being more corrupt than Nigeria.
Gen Buhari has promised a crackdown, but as a civilian leader, he is unlikely to resort to the executions he ordered against corrupt officials in his 20 months in office as a military dictator from 1983.
A good place to start is the $20 billion that former Nigeria Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido said was stolen from the country’s oil revenue account. The figure is contested; the extent of graft is not.

5. Education’s missing children
As with many African countries, Nigeria’s public education system is wobbling under large numbers, poor policies, poorly paid teachers, and poor facilities. Many move their children to the mushrooming and expensive private schools as soon as they can afford it. Most of the country’s 69 federal and state universities and institutions of higher learning are full.
Of the more than 1.4 million qualified candidates who write the matriculation examination yearly, fewer than 230,000, or less than two in 10, are placed.

6. No jobs
Thanks to the high drop-out rate, an education system that produces graduates ill-suited to the job market, and an economy growing without producing enough jobs, unemployment has been on the rise in Nigeria for many years.
This has been exacerbated by the lack of deliberate job-creation programmes; a high cost of doing business that has forced the relocation of industries, and non-payment of contractors.
The unemployment figure has been put at between 20 million and 24 million – about the entire combined population of Benin, Gambia, Gabon and Togo.

7. National debt
When the previous government took power, it inherited zero national debt. It leaves the country with more than $30 billion debt, according to Finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
This debt is likely to expand further as the government invests in energy and transport infrastructure, but Gen Buhari must make earlier investments work to provide the tax revenue the government needs to repay its creditors.

8. Big economy, small base
Gen Buhari needs to find a way to wean Nigeria off oil and gas which account for more than 90 per cent of the total export revenues and 70 per cent of the tax revenues.
The recent slump in world crude oil prices has hit Nigeria’s tax revenues, export earnings and national reserves hard, and contributed to the Naira sliding from N160 to N221 to the dollar since November 2014.
To cure Nigeria’s Dutch disease, Gen Buhari must force through reforms to attract investments in the agricultural, services and manufacturing sector. The new government must use oil as the means to, not the end of, economic growth.

9. Big country, bloated government
Gen Buhari must find ways to cut down the size and cost of public administration. A mismatch between revenues and expenditures has seen 28 out of the 36 states fail or struggle to pay salaries.
Some 70 per cent of the Nigeria’s budget is devoted to recurrent expenditure, most of it wages. Although the country presently has 42 ministers for its 22 ministries, these are swollen by large retinues of aides, assistants and other political appointees.
In a megalomaniac society such as Nigeria, it is hard to think of a lean and efficient government, yet that is precisely what the country needs to work its way out of its difficulties.

10. Sleeping African giant
Finally, the Gen Buhari administration must take Nigeria’s rightful place alongside South Africa at the head of the African table. The country has long punched below its weight on continental issues.
With South Africa showing signs of uncertainty and hamstrung by a xenophobic outlook by some of its people towards the rest of the continent, Nigeria has an opportunity to emerge as the leader among African nations.
With the right diplomatic outreach in Ecowas, SADC and the East African Community, Gen Buhari might find that his election as President of Nigeria gives him a platform to shape continental policy. Africa is watching him and his government.


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MTN Nigeria Takes Go MAD Campaign to The Entrepreneurial Hub of Aba

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MTN Nigeria is set to bring its Go Make A Difference (Go M.A.D) campaign to Aba, Nigeria’s renowned enterprise hub, on Sunday, March 23, at Sugarland, Luxury City Hotel.

This initiative continues MTN’s mission to inspire Nigerians to take deliberate steps toward community development and digital empowerment.

Speaking with the press at the campaign launch, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, shared the inspiration behind the Go M.A.D initiative. “At MTN, we believe in driving progress, giving our customers the power to rise above challenges and create something extraordinary. The Go M.A.D campaign is rooted in the belief that MTN data gives you the power to take on the world, to achieve the extraordinary, and to make a meaningful difference, in your community, your family, and your workplace. It’s our way of saying: we see you, we support you, and we’re here to make your journey better.”

Following exciting stops in Abuja, Enugu, Calabar, Ibadan, and most recently Benin, the campaign now heads to Aba with a promise to spotlight the city’s rich entrepreneurial spirit and creative talent.

In Aba, attendees can expect a thrilling fusion of technology, entertainment, and culture, with augmented and virtual reality zones, a flash mob, interactive games, special guests and inspiring real-life stories. The event will also feature Kahoot trivia games, a Go MAD puzzle, a pledge wall, and giveaways of MTN-branded merchandise and digital devices.

A highlight of this event will be the Talent Showcase, dedicated to spotlighting Aba’s emerging creatives and innovators. This platform provides local talents the opportunity to share their creative skills and connect with a broader audience.

Set against the backdrop of Aba’s reputation as a powerhouse of local industry and innovation, the event will celebrate individuals, known as Go MAD Icons, who are making a difference through MTN Data by driving social impact, growing businesses, or sharing knowledge digitally. These icons will serve as powerful reminders of what’s possible when creativity meets connectivity.

As with the previous activations in Abuja, Enugu, Ibadan, Calabar and Benin, cultural expression will remain central to the experience, with performances and installations that pay homage to the Igbo culture while encouraging young people to take positive action in their communities.

MTN’s Go MAD campaign is not just a series of events; it’s a national call to action. By merging storytelling, digital experiences, and grassroots inspiration, the campaign continues to engage Nigeria’s youth and highlight how technology can be a force for change.


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Dolphin Estate Goes Pro as FXTM Hosts Lagos Monthly Crit

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Cyclists, have the opportunity to gear up for an unforgettable racing experience! On Saturday, April 19th, FXTM proudly sponsors the Lagos State Monthly Crit at Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi – an event that promises speed, endurance, and the thrill of competition.

The day kicks off at 6:30 AM sharp with registration, setting the stage for an adrenaline-fueled main race starting at 7:30 AM. Over the course of four intense hours, cyclists will go head-to-head across three exhilarating categories: Professional, Junior, and Veteran. And for the champions? A cash prize starting at ₦800,000 awaits – a true reward for those who dare to push their limits.

It’s not just about the race – it’s about the experience. Expect a vibrant atmosphere with refreshments, music, and the perfect opportunity to mingle with like-minded cycling enthusiasts. Whether you’re a racer or a spectator, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Kelechi Ehibudu, Country Representative for FXTM, said said: “At FXTM we believe in unlocking potential and empowering individuals with ‘the freedom to succeed.’ Cycling, as a sport, perfectly captures this value – the freedom to ride, to push boundaries, and to achieve greatness. This event is part of FXTM’s global commitment to promoting fitness, well-being, and community engagement.

“We’re thrilled to bring this spirited race to Lagos. Cycling is not just a sport – it’s a celebration of determination, endurance, and the unyielding drive to succeed. It perfectly resonates with our mission to empower people to achieve their goals, both in trading and in life.”

The Lagos Monthly Crit is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of freedom, fitness, and community unity. Whether you’re competing for the prize or simply soaking in the energy of the event, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.


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QNET Denies Fraud Claims, Pledges Cooperation with EFCC Investigation

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QNET
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QNET, a globally recognized lifestyle and wellness direct-selling company, strongly refutes allegations linking it to fraudulent activities following a recent operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Kaduna Zonal Directorate in Minna, Niger State.

The EFCC arrested 28 individuals allegedly involved in Ponzi schemes, claiming they operated from a three-bedroom apartment in Al-Bishiri Estate and were linked to QNET.

We categorically deny any association with these individuals or their illicit activities.

While the EFCC reported recovering QNET application forms and documents during the operation, we assert that these materials are likely forged or fraudulent, as QNET’s business operates exclusively on an e-commerce platform and does not utilize physical application forms.

These items were clearly misused by unauthorized parties exploiting our brand. QNET operates a legitimate and ethical direct-selling business model, empowering independent representatives to promote high-quality wellness and lifestyle products.

As a global leader in the direct-selling industry since 1998, QNET adheres strictly to local and international regulations, maintaining the highest standards of compliance and integrity.

Statement from QNET Leadership

Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, addressed the allegations: “We are deeply concerned by the rising trend of scams falsely linked to QNET, including fake investment schemes and fraudulent job offers.

“These malicious acts not only damage our reputation but also harm unsuspecting individuals by eroding their trust and finances.

“QNET condemns all fraudulent activities and is fully committed to working with authorities to ensure justice is served.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and verify all QNET-related opportunities through official channels to avoid falling victim to such deceptive practices.”

QNET’s Ongoing Commitment to Anti-Fraud Advocacy

Since entering Nigeria in 2022 through our local partner Transblue Nigeria Limited, QNET has prioritized financial literacy and consumer protection.

In November 2023, we launched the Say NO! campaign to educate the public about scams and Ponzi schemes, collaborating with key stakeholders such as the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

This initiative has reached thousands across Nigeria and neighboring countries like Senegal and Burkina Faso through multilingual billboards, radio campaigns, educational pamphlets, and social media outreach.

These efforts underscore our dedication to empowering communities with the knowledge to distinguish legitimate QNET services from fraudulent schemes.

Full Cooperation with Law Enforcement

QNET is committed to supporting the EFCC’s investigation into this matter. We are actively cooperating with authorities to clarify the misuse of our brand and ensure that those responsible for these fraudulent activities are brought to justice. We encourage anyone with information about this case to come forward and assist in the investigation.

Public Advisory: How to Stay Safe

To protect yourself from scams misusing QNET’s name, we advise the following:
● Verify all information about QNET through our official website: www.qnet.net.
● Report suspicious activities to our dedicated team at [email protected] or via our WhatsApp hotline at +233256630005.
● Learn more about identifying and avoiding scams at www.saynocampaign.org

QNET remains steadfast in upholding the highest ethical standards in direct selling.

We call on the media and the public to verify facts before associating QNET with unverified claims, as such misinformation can unfairly damage our reputation and the trust of our stakeholders.

For further details about QNET’s business, products, and anti-fraud initiatives, please visit www.qnet.net.


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