Policy Intel

04/01/2025

Economic leadership comes with obligations—not just to shareholders or political supporters, but to all Nigerians.

The Nigerian economy is poised for a critical juncture in 2025. For policymakers, business leaders, and investors, understanding the landscape involves navigating complexities that go beyond surface-level indicators. Despite optimistic projections for growth, tough decisions await in sectors ranging...

04/01/2025

In the mosaic of global affairs, this edition of Policy Intel emerges as a crucial guide, navigating the intricate relationship between democracy and artificial intelligence.

In the mosaic of global affairs, this edition of Policy Intel emerges as a crucial guide, navigating the intricate relationship between democracy and artificial intelligence. Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, our publication serves as a beacon of insight, illu...

04/01/2025

The question that many are now asking is: Why did these delays occur despite the courts granting bail?

The case of Dele Farotimi, a prominent Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer, has once again drawn attention to the complexities and perceived flaws within the Nigerian legal system. Farotimi, who was arrested on allegations of defamation filed by lawyer Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), has faced a ser...

04/01/2025

When we juxtapose this with public school teachers, whose salaries range between ₦80,000 and ₦100,000, it becomes clear that there is a significant wage disparity that needs immediate attention.

Abia State, one of Nigeria’s southeastern states, has been facing a severe crisis within its education sector. The crux of this crisis lies not just in the physical infrastructure of schools but in the economic realities faced by the backbone of the education system: the teachers. While the state ...

02/01/2025

Indeed, embedding a protected and secure product in a porous portal creates vulnerabilities for your business and your customers.

More fintech startups in Nigeria fail due to “cyberattack & KYC/identity theft” related issues than any other problem. Our data shows that when those attacks happen, most times, the companies die over time, unable to recover from the paralysis. If you google and check recent closures, and ask qu...

02/01/2025

These sectors are the backbone of our economy, and their revitalization is essential for generating the revenue needed to service our debts.

The case of Dele Farotimi, a prominent Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer, has once again drawn attention to the complexities and perceived flaws within the Nigerian legal system. Farotimi, who was arrested on allegations of defamation filed by lawyer Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), has faced a ser...

02/01/2025

These sectors are the backbone of our economy, and their revitalization is essential for generating the revenue needed to service our debts.

Nigeria’s rising debt, now reaching N121.67 trillion (US$91.46 billion) as of Q1 2024, a steep 24.99% increase from just the previous quarter, is a pressing concern that requires our immediate attention and collective action. The sharp rise, with external debt at N56.02 trillion (US$42.12 billion)...

02/01/2025

For a developing country like Nigeria, where there is a heavy dependence on imports for key goods, raw materials, and industrial inputs, exchange rate volatility becomes a significant challenge.

To address the challenges of exchange rate volatility, Nigeria must prioritize gradual exchange rate adjustments, enhance forex management transparency, and drive economic diversification. By fostering a stable policy environment and strengthening fiscal frameworks, the country can build resilience....

02/01/2025

Leaders will need to balance economic reforms, societal expectations, and global uncertainties to ensure Nigeria remains on a path toward sustainable prosperity.

The Nigerian economy is poised for a critical juncture in 2025. For policymakers, business leaders, and investors, understanding the landscape involves navigating complexities that go beyond surface-level indicators. Despite optimistic projections for growth, tough decisions await in sectors ranging...

02/01/2025

Nigeria’s economic landscape is in turmoil. Inflation has surged to over 33%, driven by rising energy prices, currency devaluation, and supply chain disruptions.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is currently grappling with a tax reform initiative that aims to overhaul its fiscal landscape and diversify government revenue away from its over-reliance on oil. However, with inflation exceeding 30%, interest rates over 27%, and an increasing number of Nigeria...

02/01/2025

The surprise victory of populist conservative-nationalist Calin Georgescu in the first round of Romania’s presidential election gives this heterodox outsider the chance to enter into office next month.

The populist conservative-nationalist frontrunner might refuse to allow NATO troops to transit through Romania as part of a conventional intervention in Ukraine if he wins the second round next month. The surprise victory of populist conservative-nationalist Calin Georgescu in the first round of Rom...

02/01/2025

31/12/2024

The difference between Russia/Ukraine and Iran/Israel in this regard accounts for the US’ different approach towards each pair.

Non-nuclear Iran is incapable of existentially threatening the US like nuclear-armed Russia could. Politico cited a senior Senate aid and two sources in the Biden Administration to report on Wednesday that the US is much more afraid of an uncontrollable escalation sequence with Russia than with Ira...

31/12/2024

Abia State is facing a multitude of pressing issues that require urgent attention, particularly in the areas of poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and economic diversification.

Dear Governor Alex Otti, I trust this letter finds you well. As a concerned citizen of Abia State, I write to you today to express my thoughts regarding the proposed airport project in the Nsulu clan of Isialangwa North Local Government Area. While I acknowledge the vision of the state government in...

31/12/2024

Beijing is criticized for using the BRI to pursue its own political and strategic interests, instead of delivering on the promised mutual benefits.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an ambitious global infrastructure and investment project aimed at improving connectivity and trade between its member countries. Launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013, it initially focused on funding infrastructure projects in Asia and Europe. However,...

31/12/2024

Modernizing agriculture through technology and improving market access can boost productivity and create jobs.

Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture in its economic journey, navigating a complex landscape shaped by global volatility, domestic challenges, and regional instability. This moment presents not just daunting hurdles but also unprecedented opportunities to reform, restructure, and reclaim a path towa...

31/12/2024

More money is being spent on debt servicing N3.34 trillion (US$2.5 billion) in the first half of 2024 alone crowding out investments that could stimulate growth.

Nigeria’s rising debt, now reaching N121.67 trillion (US$91.46 billion) as of Q1 2024, a steep 24.99% increase from just the previous quarter, is a pressing concern that requires our immediate attention and collective action. The sharp rise, with external debt at N56.02 trillion (US$42.12 billion)...