TMC Portal - Muslim Congress

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS SERIES 28 By the TMC Committee on Social Mobility, the Economy & Politics Presented by the Chair of the Committee, Alhaji Abdul Wasi’i Bangbala on Saturday, 26th October 2024 NIGERIA AT 64: TIME TO RECOMMIT TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE As we mark Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, we reflect on our nation’s remarkable journey, shaped by resilience and hope in the face of adversity. We have faced immense challenges, from a devastating civil war to the uncertainties of military rule, yet we have emerged stronger, united, and democratic. Our diversity is our strength, a blend woven with vibrant threads of culture and heritage. Let us not allow this strength to be fractured by the drums of tribalism. Instead, let us embrace our shared hopes and aspirations, working together to build a Nigeria where every citizen can thrive. In this context, it is crucial for the government to communicate effectively with its citizens about the reasons behind its decisions and its efforts to improve the lives of all Nigerians. The use of local dialects through avenues such as radio, television, town halls, and markets is essential, as the majority of our people do not fully understand the workings of government and how various issues affect governance and the economy. The current administration cannot afford to fail like previous governments in addressing the critical issue of proper communication with the citizenry. Moreover, the government must prioritize four key areas: security, education, energy, and healthcare. These sectors are foundational to the progress and stability of our nation. The current economic challenges we face demand responsible leadership. Our government must lead by example, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and prioritizing the welfare of its people. Resources must be channelled towards programs that benefit the citizens. Now, it is time for selfless, integrity-driven governance that puts citizens first. Our greatest asset remains our people; therefore, we call on all Nigerians to rally together with increased hard work, dedication, and unity. This anniversary calls for a renewed commitment to building a greater Nigeria, a nation where justice prevails, where peace and prosperity flourish, and where every citizen has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. As we celebrate this milestone, let’s reaffirm our commitment to our shared future and Nigeria’s continued growth. nation where justice prevails, where peace and prosperity flourish, and where every citizen has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. As we celebrate this milestone, let’s reaffirm our commitment to our shared future and Nigeria’s continued growth. PETROLEUM PRICING CRISIS: PRIORITIZING CITIZENS’ WELFARE The Muslim Congress (TMC) is deeply concerned about the ongoing controversy surrounding petroleum pricing in Nigeria, particularly in light of the recent entry of the Dangote refinery into the market. While welcoming the refinery's potential to alleviate unaffordable petroleum products, the lack of transparency in pricing and distribution erodes public trust and confidence. Furthermore, the government's interference in the market undermines the objectives of deregulation and invites monopolistic behaviour. This is particularly concerning given the continued inability of the Port Harcourt Refinery to come online and operate effectively, further jeopardizing a stable supply of petroleum products. This jeopardizes stable petroleum product supply. To address this with utmost urgency, we recommend that the Federal Government declare a state of emergency on Nigeria's four refineries. Protracted turnaround maintenance efforts have proven ineffective; immediate action is, therefore, necessary for domestic refining capacity. Beyond the immediate concerns surrounding the Dangote refinery, we urge the government to conduct a comprehensive review of all existing issues within the petroleum sector, including the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). A transparent and fair pricing mechanism must be established to ensure affordable and readily available petroleum products for all Nigerians; the process for licensing fuel importers should be streamlined and transparent, preventing unnecessary delays and bureaucratic hurdles; the government should review and address any undue taxes or levies, ensuring they do not disproportionately burden consumers. We strongly advise that the government prioritizes the welfare of the Nigerian people in all decisions regarding the petroleum sector. The increased revenue generated from deregulation should directly benefit citizens through improved infrastructure, social services, and economic development. We believe that a transparent and stable petroleum sector is crucial for the economic prosperity and well-being of all Nigerians. We encourage a united approach among stakeholders to maximize the benefits of deregulation and drive national growth. FRSC: A CALL TO RETHINK THE FIREARMS PROPOSAL The proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act 2007, seeking to create a special armed squad, is a deeply concerning development. This proposal, despite its seemingly harmless facade, carries significant risks and undermines the core principles of civilian security and good governance. The FRSC's mandate is clearly defined by law, focusing on road traffic administration, safety management, and public education. Equipping the FRSC with firearms to carry out these functions is not only unnecessary but also potentially dangerous. We firmly believe that the police, with their existing presence on federal highways and at checkpoints, are more than capable of providing security assistance to FRSC officials when needed. Furthermore, arming the FRSC would create a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to the proliferation of armed squads within government agencies. We urge the National Assembly to reconsider this proposal and rather prioritize effective delivery of the FRSC's mandate. We believe investing in training, technology, and education on the proper use of public roads by the corps will ultimately contribute to a safer and more secure road network, without the need for firearms. Let us focus on building a safer society through responsible governance, not through the unnecessary militarization of civilian agencies. GAZA, ONE YEAR LATER: DEMANDING JUSTICE AND AN END TO THE BLOODSHED IN PALESTINE As the world marks the sombre anniversary of Israel’s devastating offensive against Palestine, we bring to mind one year of disproportionate aggression against the hapless people of Gaza. This has resulted in the tragic loss of nearly 50,000 Palestinian lives, including a staggering 17,000 innocent children. Schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure lie in ruins, testaments to the blatant disregard for human life and international law. The recent assassination of Yahya Sinwar, a leader of the Palestinian resistance, further illustrates the brutality faced by the Palestinian people. This act, along with the relentless air strikes, ground operations, and escalating violence in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, has rightfully drawn international condemnation and fuelled fears of a wider conflict. At the heart of this crisis lies a systemic issue within the United Nations framework, particularly regarding the disproportionate sharing of veto power among a select few countries. The United States, wielding its veto as a tool, has repeatedly shielded Israel from accountability, effectively rendering the UN a toothless dog in the face of blatant violations of human rights and international law. This abuse of prerogative not only undermines the credibility of the UN but also threatens its very existence as a viable platform for conflict resolution and global governance. If this status quo persists, we risk witnessing a UN that becomes irrelevant, unable to fulfil its mandate of promoting peace and security worldwide. We commend Nigeria for its principled stance at the last UN General Assembly, where it bravely condemned Israel’s aggression and called for de-escalation. Now is the time for Nigeria and all world leaders to translate words into action. The international community must move beyond mere condemnation and take decisive steps to hold Israel accountable for its actions. A renewed commitment to reviving and implementing the two-state solution is imperative. This path not only offers a framework for peace but also recognizes the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood. Diplomatic efforts must prioritize an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a genuine commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace. The Palestinian people deserve justice, security, and the right to self-determination. Let us stand in solidarity with them, amplify their voices, and demand an end to the bloodshed. Together, we can advocate for a future where Palestinians and Israelis can coexist peacefully, ensuring that the principles of justice and humanity prevail over the politics of power. BREAKING THE CYCLE OF UNEMPLOYMENT The rising graduate unemployment in Nigeria is a crisis that demands urgent attention. The National Bureau of Statistics' recent report highlights a significant increase in unemployment among educated Nigerians, underscoring the need for action. It is a dangerous trend that must be addressed urgently. We urge the government to take immediate action to stimulate job creation and restore hope among our youth. This includes investing in education and skills development, creating an enabling environment for SMEs, and addressing security challenges. The government must prioritize policies promoting industrialization, revitalizing traditional industries such as textiles and steel, and attracting foreign investment. We must also ensure our educational system is relevant to the job market. Religious organizations, NGOs, and well-meaning Nigerians can play a crucial role in mitigating unemployment by embracing the culture of giving back to society. This can be done through providing skills training, mentorship programs, and financial support to young entrepreneurs. We call upon the government to work with stakeholders to address this crisis and create a future where our young people can realize their full potential and contribute to national development. Beyond government efforts, the private sector, religious organizations, NGOs, and well-meaning Nigerians have a pivotal role to play in mitigating unemployment. By embracing the culture of giving back to society, these entities can provide training and mentorship programs to equip graduates with industry-relevant skills. They can also support entrepreneurship by providing financial support, resources, and guidance to entrepreneurs. We must work together to develop and implement effective policies that promote job creation, industrialization, and economic growth. Providing resources and support, including financial, technical, and infrastructural assistance, to SMEs, entrepreneurs, and job creation initiatives is vital. By adopting a multi-faceted and collaborative approach, we can address the pressing issue of graduate unemployment in Nigeria, unlocking the potential of our youth and driving national development. ADDRESSING BOAT MISHAPS, FUEL TANKER EXPLOSIONS, AND ANNUAL FLOODING IN NIGERIA We are compelled to bring to the attention of the authorities the alarming frequency of boat mishaps on Nigeria’s waterways, particularly in the wake of the devastating October 1st boat accident that claimed the lives of at least 50 persons, with dozens more unaccounted for. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for the enforcement of operational standards for ferry and canoe operators across the country. As more states explore the potential of water transportation to decongest the roads, it is imperative that we prioritize the safety of human lives on our waterways. Compounding this issue are the increasing fuel tanker explosions that have resulted in numerous losses of lives and property. The authorities must take decisive action to address these avoidable accidents, implementing stringent regulations to ensure the safe transportation of fuel and hazardous materials. Furthermore, we must raise concern about the annual flooding occasioned by the release of water from dams. This has become an inevitable occurrence each year, leading to significant loss of lives and the destruction of billions of naira worth of farmlands and property. The government needs to prioritize the construction of buffer dams and expedite the completion of those currently under construction, ensuring that when water is released, it is channelled into these buffer systems. This proactive approach could substantially mitigate the annual disasters and safeguard communities from the devastating impacts of flooding. Additionally, relevant agencies should work around the clock to ensure the resettlement of people before such events occur, providing them with the necessary support and resources. On water transportation safety, we advocate for a system akin to that of the aviation industry, where every plane’s movement is meticulously tracked. All boat movements should also be monitored, requiring permission for each vessel to take off and ensuring that its journey is overseen until its final destination. The dangers inherent in air transportation are strikingly similar to those faced in water transportation. It is perplexing that strict regulations govern air travel while water transport remains inadequately regulated. The authorities need to join forces with relevant stakeholders to implement regular inspections of boats to eliminate rickety and hazardous vessels from operation, similar to the inspection of motor vehicles. Emergency services should be established along waterways to mitigate the impact of accidents and reduce casualty figures. The Nigeria Marine Police must also be more proactive and responsive in their duties, maintaining a visible presence around waterways and taking swift action in the event of accidents. We urge the government and the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to take immediate action to address these concerns and implement the necessary safety measures to prevent further loss of life and find a lasting solution to the recurring boat mishaps. CELEBRATING PROFESSOR IS-HAQ OLANREWAJU OLOYEDE: A LIFE DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE The Muslim Congress (TMC) joins the nation in celebrating Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, an icon of exemplary service, integrity, and commitment to national development. Born on October 10, 1954, in Ogun State, Professor Oloyede has distinguished himself as an academic, administrator, and public servant. His transformative leadership at the University of Ilorin and JAMB, where he spearheaded groundbreaking innovations and championed financial probity, has set a new standard for public service in Nigeria. Beyond education, Professor Oloyede has fostered inter-religious harmony and promoted Islamic values through his service at NIREC and NSCIA. His exemplary conduct and dedication to Islamic principles have elevated the status of Muslims in Nigeria and fostered positive interfaith relations. As we honor this great Nigerian on his 70th birthday, we recognize his invaluable contributions to education, public administration, national development, religious harmony, and the Muslim community. Professor Oloyede's legacy of excellence and selfless service will continue to inspire generations to come. We wish him many more years of good health, wisdom, and continued service to our nation and the Muslim Ummah