Author: Val Kosi

  • Issues with access to justice in Nigeria —Adegboruwa, SAN

    Issues with access to justice in Nigeria —Adegboruwa, SAN

    In this report, Lagos lawyer and human rights crusader, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, explores the legal and socie

    tal frameworks guaranteeing access to justice and the challenges impeding its realisation in Nigeria. The report which also underscores the fact that access to justice ensures societal balance, promotes accountability, and prevents resorting to anarchy, argues that for justice to be meaningful, it must be accessible to all.

    Background

    Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, 2004, states that “every individual shall have the right to have his cause heard.’ This is also echoed in Article 8 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that ‘everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.’

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria adopted this concept as its motto through the Latin: maxim ubi jus ibi remedium, meaning where there is a right, there is a remedy. The learned authors of A Dictionary of Law, define it in these terms: ‘the principle is that where one’s right is invaded or destroyed, the law gives a remedy to protect it or damages for its loss. Further, where one’s right is denied, the law affords the remedy of an action for its enforcement.

    This right to a remedy therefore includes more than is usually meant in English law by the term “remedy”, as it includes a right of action. Wherever, therefore, a right exists, there is also a remedy. Ashby v White (1703) 14 St Tr 695, 92 ER 126.

    This right is inherent in mankind itself as a way of preserving peace, law and order in the society thus avoiding resort to anarchy, lawlessness and all the ugly instances of self-help.

    The status quo ordinarily leans in favour of the rich, the mighty and those in authority, such that in many cases, policy formulation and implementation result in the breach of entrenched rights and privileges. The resort to justice by the victim is usually considered to be preferable and beneficial.

    In this regard, Article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides that each party to the Covenant shall ‘ensure that any person whose rights or freedoms as herein recognised are violated shall have an effective remedy’

    Findings from 2023 Justice Needs and Satisfaction (JNS) Report

    A recent study by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in collaboration with the Communication & Marketing Research Group (CMRG) Limited gave some detailed perspectives on the utility of the justice sector in Nigeria.

    According to the report: “The Justice Needs and Satisfaction (JNS) 2023 study presents the justice experiences of 6,573 randomly selected Nigerian adults. The data and findings outline the legal problems they encounter, their impact, and the steps people take to address their legal needs.

    “The 2023 JNS Report is an essential tool for understanding the needs of people in Nigeria, identifying areas that require improvement, and monitoring the progress of various justice initiatives currently underway.”

    Common legal problems

    Specifically, the study finds that approximately 81% of Nigerians experienced at least one legal problem in the past year, with many facing multiple problems while 55% of all legal problems were resolved either partially or completely, with about 82% of those resolutions deemed fair or very fair.

    The study also finds that most common legal problem categories experienced by Nigerians include disputes with neighbours, domestic violence, land disputes, crime, and housing problems while approximately 86% of Nigerians with a legal problem take some form of action to address their most serious problem.

    Sources of help to legal problems

    Besides, it was found out that when addressing their most pressing legal problems, people often rely on their inner circle, frequently seeking help from family and friends and that beyond one’s social network, the most frequent sources of help include the police (11%), community/traditional leaders (8%), religious authorities (6%), landlords (6%), local public authorities (5%), and lawyers (5%).”

    Stakeholders in the legal profession have always known about this alarming situation but they carry on as if it is normal.

    Need for access to justice

    The right of access to justice bears a universal meaning that should not be subject to the vagaries of territories which are hostile to its affirmation.

    The Legal Information Institute of the Cornell Law School, defines it as “the ethical, philosophical idea that people are to be treated impartially, fairly, properly, and reasonably by the law and by the arbiters of the law, that laws are to ensure that no harm befalls another, and that, where harm is alleged, a remedial action is taken – both the accuser and the accused receive a morally right consequence merited by their actions.

    Justice is a legal structure or system that is designed to judge in a general sense who should be accorded a benefit or burden when the law is applied to a person’s factual circumstances.”

    The idea of justice springs from the fact that human beings are created equal but by reason of personal strength, status, wealth or influence, one person may be placed in a position of advantage more than the other such that if they were to plead on any matter in dispute between them, the strong may lord it over the weak.

    The idea of justice is meant to create a balance for society, in order to avoid the rule of self, to abolish any preference for arbitrariness and the regime of might over reason. Justice creates the forum where persons who have grievances can table them for resolution, so that the wrong person can be corrected and the right person justified and appeased. Society thrives on the principle of justice because it gives a sense of assurance to everybody, be it the weak, the strong or the handicapped that given all variables, the system will work to correct all wrongs and offer a remedy to the aggrieved.

    Factors hindering access to justice in Nigeria

    Many factors contribute to denial of access to justice, depending on which perspective the issue is viewed.

    The focus of this discourse is to highlight the impact of the declining population of lawyers on justice administration, flowing from the JNS study.

    By conservative estimates, Nigeria’s population is said to be above 200 million while the number of lawyers is roughly around 200,000 to 250,000.

    Included are members of the judiciary, being Magistrates, Judges, Justices and Tribunal members. This group also includes lawyers who have ventured into politics, business and those who have travelled out of Nigeria. And I guess it also includes those who have passed on to glory.

    Effectively, therefore, the number of lawyers who are available to render legal services to those who desire it is declining every day. It is projected that Nigeria has about 3,000 active law firms with 6% increase per year.

    The standard law firms are mostly located in the urban areas of Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Kaduna, Benin, Kano, etc.

    Given the poor state of infrastructure, especially power supply, it is very expensive to maintain a law firm.

    In contrast, the Body of Benchers admits an average of 4,000 students into the Nigerian Bar every year, with a growing population of unemployed lawyers who mostly crowd around these law firms.

    Other options available to access justice

    Although it is not totally abhorrent to have alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, resort to arbitrariness in these fora cannot be ruled out.

    In the local courts set up in religious places and in the villages, the absence of a written code of adjudication presents such options that are sometimes unenviable.

    Notwithstanding these reservations, the JNS study ranks the police as the top preference by those who seek remedy standing at 11%, followed by community/traditional leaders with 8%, religious authorities with 6%, landlords with 6%, local public authorities 5% and lawyers 5%.

    Why citizens boycott lawyers to resolve issues

    From the analysis above, it is pertinent to ask: Why do citizens boycott lawyers to have their matters resolved by traditional rulers and religious entities?

    First, the lawyer to citizen ratio is very low. Second, the cost of securing quality legal service is very high. Third, the uncertainty of redress is pushing potential litigants to unusual terrains.

    Fourth, the unreasonable delay associated with the administration of justice in Nigeria has no rival elsewhere in the globe. Fifth is the issue of corruption, through which a right cause is buried in absurd technical interpretations, judicial conflicts and legal abracadabra.

    There are of course cultural and religious factors which discourage access to justice, whereby the myth has been falsely planted in the minds of people that no one goes to court to become friends thereafter, forgetting that most legislations contain provisions that encourage settlement between warring parties.

    Issues with ADR mechanisms

    The right of access to justice as encapsulated in section 6 (6) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, gives the power of adjudication to the courts.

    This right is granted unfettered, subject in some cases, to certain legal limitations, whereas the sources listed in the JNS report lack the basic ingredients of justice administration, especially the right of appeal to competent organs.

    When the police judge you as guilty, to whom do you take your case? If you are not satisfied with the verdict of your pastor or imam, do you stop worshipping in that church or mosque?

    The point to note about the statutory guarantee of the right of access to justice is that it brings everybody and every person under the law such that the concept of justice cannot be meaningful without access as its denial is akin to absence of justice.

    Recommendations to improve access to justice

    Government Subsidies: Part of the solution is for the government to subsidize access to justice by way of reducing the cost of legal services and improve infrastructure.

    Expanded Legal Education: Furthermore, the issue of backlog of law students should be addressed urgently by way of encouraging more states to partner together to build more law schools so that the training institutions can liberalize the admission process for citizens who genuinely wish to study law and increase the number of trained lawyers

    Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Strengthen ADR mechanisms while ensuring they adhere to principles of justice, such as the right to appeal.

    Judicial Reforms: Tackle delays, corruption, and inefficiencies in the justice system.

  • Tinubu names former Lagos commissioner, Opeifa NRC MD

    Tinubu names former Lagos commissioner, Opeifa NRC MD

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Kayode Opeifa, as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC.

    Opeifa was the former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, under the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola, before he was subsequently appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to help tackle the perennial, intractable Apapa gridlock.

    He was also appointed vice- chairman, Presidential Task Team, PTT, to free Apapa of gridlock by the former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who chaired the task team then, charged with unbundling the ravaging traffic at the Lagos ports.

    By his new appointment, Dr. Opeifa succeeded Ben Iloanusi who was acting managing director that replaced former Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, who exited on October 18, 2024 after completion of his second four-year tenure.

    The appointment of Opeifa has been described as well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contributions to the transportation sector in Lagos and Nigeria as whole.

    Friends and family have expressed confidence in his ability to revitalize the nation’s railway system, given his extensive expertise and track record of success.

    Dr. Opeifa gained prominence during his tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives that modernized the city’s transport sector.

    His policies and innovations not only improved traffic management but also established Lagos as a benchmark for urban transportation systems in Africa.

    Based on his laudable achievement in the sector, Opeifa was later appointed as Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and competence, ensuring efficient transportation systems in the nation’s capital.

    With a profound understanding of transportation systems, particularly railways, Dr. Opeifa is expected to bring a new vision to the NRC. His leadership is expected to drive the development of a more efficient, interconnected railway system that would boost economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians

  • Birthright citizenship: Nigerians in diaspora kick, say it’s illegal

    Birthright citizenship: Nigerians in diaspora kick, say it’s illegal

    Nigerians in diaspora have condemned the move by President Donald Trump to cancel citizens by birth as guaranteed in the American constitution, saying an executive order alone was not enough to amend a constitutional provision.

    They argued that in the end, it would be up to the US courts and the Supreme Court to decide on the legality or otherwise of Trump’s move.

    President Trump had signed an executive order on assumption of office, Monday, seeking to end the age-long citizenship by birth among many other orders that aimed to reverse the President Biden-policy era.

    The executive order seeks to stop automatic U.S. citizenship for children born on American soil to parents who are in the country unlawfully or on temporary stay.

    The Executive Order states that the federal government will no longer issue documents recognizing U.S. citizenship to children born to parents who are in the country unlawfully or temporarily. The order specifies that it will apply to children born in the U.S. after 30 days from the date of the order.

    The order has drawn immediate legal suits with 22 Democratic states and some civil rights groups filing court actions to stop the implementation.

    However, reacting to the development, Mr. Ralu Ajekwe, who resides in the USA, said though the move might have been contrived to protect the national interest, the key thing to be considered was the legality of the order.

    “Is it in line with extant laws? Is an executive order enough to amend a constitutional issue? One thing I will tell you though is that a government exists to protect the national interest of the state, both in local and international relations.

    ”This means that it has to take a stand that aligns with its goals, values, and objectives. If Trump has banned citizenship by birth, the questions should be: What are his goals and objectives?; Does it align with the interests and values of the American people?

    ” Are Americans happy with the policy? Does it lead to the greatest happiness of the greatest numbers?. If all the above is yes, then he is doing the right thing.  Another thing I think we should look at is the legality of the policy,” he stated.

    Speaking in the same vein, a diaspora Nigerian and a legal practitioner based in Canada, who declined to be named, dismissed the move, describing it simply as showmanship.

    “There are two things with Trump: One is grandstanding or showmanship for his base or supporters and another is what would be legal. There is a limit to executive orders,” he said.

    Citing a deviation from the 14th Amendment, he asserted that what Trump was trying to do was to introduce the concept of a parent’s temporary status or lack of permanent residency as qualification for US citizenship.

    He stated that the US constitution used the wording: “All persons born… in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”  Can children of temporary residents not be subject to the jurisdiction of the US?

    “There is an exception though. The children of people on the diplomatic mission are not usually citizens of the US (and Canada) due to their diplomatic immunity, privileges, conventions and practices.

    “I think that executive order will be challenged. It will be up to the US courts or Supreme Court to determine. If the court determines against Trump, those who lost their citizenship while the policy is in force will regain their citizenship.

    “Judiciary will have a final say and as such, there is no full details on that immigration policy till the legal challenges are decisively determined by the courts. Anything else would likely be posturing and grandstanding.

    “Now, as to the illegal migrants or undocumented migrants, which is also mentioned in the order, the constitution did not say their children can not be citizens. The overarching phrase: All persons born may work in their favour as well.

    “Come to think of it, most of the undocumented migrants are trying hard to be subject to the jurisdiction of the US through their action to or inaction to stay in the US albeit illegally. Most are pleading with the US to grant them a stay.  Can one safely argue that the undocumented migrants are not subject to the jurisdiction? He stated.

    Peter Obiora, online editor at InvestAdvocate, who lives in the United States, said: “It cannot work that way except they change the constitution on that. The constitution supersedes any other executive order. So, before that can happen, it has to be changed in the constitution.

    “There would be a barrage of lawsuits on this. He touted that idea the first time he came in and it was shot down, this time around, he’s back with it. But there’s no way Trump can stop birthright citizenship except through constitutional amendment.  I don’t see him actualising this until his tenure ends.”

    Johnpaul Nwafidelie, who is a resident in Canada, explained it was a way to control immigration into the United States.

    He explained that Canada was also working on a similar policy action but was going through the parliament.

    He advised Nigerians who want dual citizenship for their children to go through the right channel, given the current order in place.

    “My point is that Nigerians took advantage of birthright citizenship while it lasted. So, now that it has changed, people should follow the current policy to get it if they so desire.

    ”It worked good for foreign nationals but is no longer working because it gives citizenship to the wrong people who shouldn’t have been allowed to stay in the country due to crime and terrorism.

    “So, it’s a way they want to control the immigrants into the country. Like I always said, no door is shut, it’s just a change in process. So, whoever wants it should be patient enough to go through the right path and still get it,” he said.

     

  • Presidency proposes stricter sanctions on airlines over flight delays, cancellations

    Presidency proposes stricter sanctions on airlines over flight delays, cancellations

    The Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, CRDCU, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Bala Usman, has proposed a review of the draft policy on sanctions for airlines to the ministry of aviation and aerospace development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

    Usman argued that given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations as well as its impact on affected passengers, revisiting the policy was necessary.

    She made this recommendation during the Q1–Q3 2024 performance assessment report on the implementation of presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables.

    Disclosing this via its Twitter handle yesterday, CRDCU stated that Usman also recommended a revision of the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints.

    According to her, it is unrealistic and in need of urgent amendment to align with global best practices.

    The statement read: “The CRDCU led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, this morning continued its engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, to review the Q1–Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report on the implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables.

    “The first engagement of the day was held at the ministry of aviation and aerospace development, where the special adviser met with the minister, Festus Keyamo; the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; and other heads of departments and agencies under the ministry.

    “The special adviser commended the minister and leadership of the ministry for ensuring progress within the sector.

    ‘’However, she expressed concerns with the ministry and its agencies over their submission of incomplete information, which hinders the independent assessment of progress towards achieving certain deliverables.

    ‘’She also highlighted the ministry’s shortcomings in stakeholder and customer engagement, a key deliverable that also requires urgent improvement.

    “The special adviser recommended that the ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, revisit the draft policy on sanctions for airlines.

    ‘’She described this as critical, given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations and the impact on affected passengers.

    ‘’She further recommended a revision of the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints, describing it as unrealistic and in need of urgent recalibration to align with global best practices.”

    “Following the presentation of the ministry’s performance scorecard for Q1–Q3 2024, the minister expressed his appreciation to the special adviser for her diligent work and guidance.

    “He assured her that the ministry would address the highlighted challenges and intensify efforts to improve performance and service delivery in the aviation sector.”

    The Central Results

    Delivery Coordination Unit, CRDCU, led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Bala Usman, has proposed a review of the draft policy on sanctions for airlines to the ministry of aviation and aerospace development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

    Usman argued that given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations as well as its impact on affected passengers, revisiting the policy was necessary.

    She made this recommendation during the Q1–Q3 2024 performance assessment report on the implementation of presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables.

    Disclosing this via its Twitter handle yesterday, CRDCU stated that Usman also recommended a revision of the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints.

    According to her, it is unrealistic and in need of urgent amendment to align with global best practices.

    The statement read: “The CRDCU led by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, this morning continued its engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, to review the Q1–Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report on the implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables.

    “The first engagement of the day was held at the ministry of aviation and aerospace development, where the special adviser met with the minister, Festus Keyamo; the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; and other heads of departments and agencies under the ministry.

    “The special adviser commended the minister and leadership of the ministry for ensuring progress within the sector.

    ‘’However, she expressed concerns with the ministry and its agencies over their submission of incomplete information, which hinders the independent assessment of progress towards achieving certain deliverables.

    ‘’She also highlighted the ministry’s shortcomings in stakeholder and customer engagement, a key deliverable that also requires urgent improvement.

    “The special adviser recommended that the ministry and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, revisit the draft policy on sanctions for airlines.

    ‘’She described this as critical, given the increasing number of flight delays and cancellations and the impact on affected passengers.

    ‘’She further recommended a revision of the current target of 224 days for resolving customer complaints, describing it as unrealistic and in need of urgent recalibration to align with global best practices.”

  • Edo State Governor Okpebholo Swears in Six Commissioners

    Edo State Governor Okpebholo Swears in Six Commissioners

    Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, has inaugurated six new commissioners into the state’s executive council, assigning them to various ministries.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, Umar Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government, confirmed the appointments and detailed the portfolios assigned to the newly sworn-in officials.

    According to Ikhilor, Paul Ohonbamu will oversee the Ministry of Information and Communications, while Washington Osifo has been tasked with managing the Ministry of Water Resources and Energy.

    Other assignments include:

    • Emmanuel Iyamu – Ministry of Education
    • Lucky Eseigbe – Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
    • Andrew Ijegbai – Ministry of Mining

    The commissioners were directed to assume their duties immediately at their respective ministries.

    In addition to the new appointments, it was noted that last year, Governor Okpebholo nominated Cyril Oshiomhole, a medical doctor and the son of former Edo State governor and serving senator Adams Oshiomhole, as the Commissioner of Health.

    Similarly, Samson Osagie, a former member of the National Assembly, was nominated as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

  • Speed Darlington Freed After Two Months in Detention

    Speed Darlington Freed After Two Months in Detention

    Nigerian singer Speed Darlington, popularly known as Akpi, has been released after spending two months in police custody.

    The singer was arrested on November 27, 2024, during a performance in Owerri, Imo State, over allegations of cyberstalking Burna Boy.

    Darlington had publicly taunted Burna Boy over his affiliation with US rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is facing multiple charges, including sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

    He had also questioned the legitimacy of Burna Boy’s Grammy win for his album Twice As Tall, alleging inappropriate relations between Burna Boy and Diddy, the album’s executive producer.

    On Tuesday evening, Darlington’s lawyer, Stan Alieke, announced the singer’s release via Instagram, sharing photos of him and vowing to seek justice for the alleged infringement of his rights.

    “Delighted to announce that our client, Mr. Darlington Achakpo, aka Speed Darlington (Akpi), has regained his freedom after two months of illegal incarceration,” Alieke wrote.

    He further stated, “For the record, as his team of lawyers, we will be exploring every angle of the law to ensure that he gets justice for his fundamental human rights, which were deprived of him by the Nigerian Police Force, and for the unfair and unjust treatment he was subjected to.”

     

  • Angola Holds Interest Rates Amid Cooling Inflation

    Angola Holds Interest Rates Amid Cooling Inflation

    The Bank of Angola on Tuesday opted to maintain its key interest rate at 19.50% for the fourth consecutive meeting, a decision driven by a continued, albeit gradual, decline in inflation.

    While price pressures remain elevated, the central bank acknowledged a discernible slowdown in both monthly and annual inflation rates after peaking in the mid-year.

    “Prices for goods and services remain at a high level,” Governor Manuel Tiago Dias acknowledged to reporters, “however, we are observing a deceleration in both monthly and year-on-year inflation following its peak in June and July of this year.”

    This decision comes amidst a backdrop of easing inflationary pressures. Angola’s annual inflation rate dipped slightly in December to 27.50%, marking a modest decline from the 28.41% recorded in November.

    While acknowledging the challenges posed by persistently high inflation, the central bank remains cautiously optimistic about the country’s economic trajectory. Governor Dias revised upwards the projected economic growth for 2024 to 4.4%, surpassing the previous forecast of 4%. For the year 2025, the central bank anticipates a more moderate growth rate of 3.5%.

    This decision underscores the delicate balancing act faced by the Bank of Angola. While maintaining a restrictive monetary policy stance is crucial to combat inflation, the central bank must also consider the potential impact on economic growth.

    It’s important to remember that inflation remains a significant concern for Angolan households. The high cost of living continues to erode purchasing power, impacting the daily lives of many citizens. The central bank’s commitment to bringing inflation back within its target range is therefore paramount.

    It is expected that the Bank of Angola will closely monitor economic developments, both domestically and internationally. Global factors, such as commodity price fluctuations and the evolving global economic landscape, will undoubtedly influence the bank’s future monetary policy decisions.

     

     

  • Portugal Ditches Russian Gas, Eyes U.S. and Nigerian LNG

    Portugal Ditches Russian Gas, Eyes U.S. and Nigerian LNG

    Portugal has effectively severed its reliance on Russian natural gas, a significant shift in its energy strategy following the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. The country is now actively pursuing increased imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States and Nigeria to further solidify its energy independence.

    This strategic move reflects a growing trend across Europe to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels. While the European Union has imposed sanctions on Russian pipeline gas, LNG imports via sea remain permissible.

    “Portugal is now practically independent of Russian gas,” Environment Minister Maria da Graca Carvalho stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos, as reported by the Portuguese economic website ECO. “But we want to reduce this figure further by importing more gas from Nigeria and the United States.”

    This shift in energy policy is a testament to the geopolitical realities of the post-invasion era. Portugal, like many European nations, is grappling with the urgent need to secure reliable and sustainable energy supplies while mitigating the risks associated with reliance on a single supplier.

    The data paints a clear picture of this transformation. In 2024, LNG accounted for a staggering 96% of Portugal’s natural gas imports, totaling 49,141 gigawatt-hours (GWh). Nigeria emerged as the leading supplier, contributing 51% of these imports. The United States followed closely, providing approximately 40%.

    This stark contrast with 2021, when Russia supplied 15% of Portugal’s LNG imports, underscores the dramatic shift in the country’s energy landscape.

    While this move aligns with the broader European push for energy independence, challenges remain. Minister Carvalho highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation within the European Union, particularly in addressing the issue of interconnectivity. She emphasized that the Iberian Peninsula remains an “energy island,” hampered by limited grid connections with France.

    This isolation presents a significant obstacle to the seamless integration of renewable energy sources and the efficient flow of electricity across the continent. Overcoming this challenge will be crucial for Portugal to fully realize its energy transition goals and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Europe.

  • South Africa’s Economic Outlook Brightens, But Inflation Clouds Loom

    South Africa’s Economic Outlook Brightens, But Inflation Clouds Loom

    South Africa economy landscape is shifting, offering a glimmer of hope after years of sluggish growth. While the road ahead remains uncertain, the country appears poised for a modest recovery in 2025, according to Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago.

    Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Governor Kganyago projected that economic growth could reach close to 2% this year, a significant improvement from the anemic 1.1% recorded in 2024.

    “Depending on who is forecasting, growth varies between 1.6% and 2% (this year). We think… it would be closer to 2% than closer to 1.6%,” he told the Reuters

    This optimistic outlook hinges on the formation of a broad coalition government last year, which has injected fresh momentum into the stalled reform agenda.

    South Africa economy landscape is shifting, offering a glimmer of hope after years of sluggish growth. While the road ahead remains uncertain, the country appears poised for a modest recovery in 2025, according to Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago.

    Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Governor Kganyago projected that economic growth could reach close to 2% this year, a significant improvement from the anemic 1.1% recorded in 2024.

    “Depending on who is forecasting, growth varies between 1.6% and 2% (this year). We think … it would be closer to 2% than closer to 1.6%,” he told the Reuters

    This optimistic outlook hinges on the formation of a broad coalition government last year, which has injected fresh momentum into the stalled reform agenda.

    “The structural reform agenda has gained momentum,” Governor Kganyago emphasized, highlighting the “Government of National Unity” and its laser focus on propelling South Africa economy trajectory to new heights. This coalition, a departure from the long-ruling African National Congress’s dominance, includes the business-friendly Democratic Alliance and a diverse range of smaller parties.

    Investors are cautiously optimistic, anticipating that reforms in critical sectors like electricity, freight rail, and the visa system will gain traction, finally breaking free from the shackles of the past decade, during which average annual growth languished below 1%.

    However, this nascent optimism is tempered by a looming threat: inflation. Governor Kganyago cautioned that the inflation outlook is fraught with uncertainty, citing various factors that could muddy the waters. These include protectionist policies, a volatile rand exchange rate, fluctuating global oil prices, and escalating domestic food prices. “There are too many moving parts,” he acknowledged, making it difficult to predict price pressures with any certainty.

    While inflation remains relatively subdued at present, with November’s annual consumer inflation rate at 2.9% – below the Reserve Bank’s target range of 3%-6% – analysts expect it to gradually rise throughout the year. The Reserve Bank itself forecasts an average inflation rate of approximately 4.5% for 2025, the midpoint of its target range.

    Despite these concerns, the South African Reserve Bank has signaled a dovish stance. The bank recently cut interest rates at two consecutive meetings, and many analysts anticipate another rate cut at the upcoming policy announcement.

    South African economy in 2025 will undoubtedly be challenging. Navigating the twin pressures of economic growth and inflation control will require careful policy decisions and a sustained commitment to reform. While the current outlook offers a degree of optimism, the South African government and its central bank must remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving economic landscape.

     

  • Beatrice Ekweremadu Released from UK Prison, Returns to Nigeria

    Beatrice Ekweremadu Released from UK Prison, Returns to Nigeria

    Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has been released from a UK prison and has returned to Nigeria.

    According to reports, Beatrice arrived in the country on Tuesday and is currently in Abuja.

    Her release comes months after she was sentenced to six years in prison by a UK court for her involvement in an organ harvesting scheme. The case also implicated her husband, Senator Ekweremadu, who received a 10-year prison sentence, and Dr. Obinna Obeta, whose sentence was not specified.

    The UK court found the trio guilty of attempting to procure a kidney from a young Nigerian boy to donate to the Ekweremadus’ ailing daughter, Sophia.

    The conviction was a landmark ruling, marking the first successful prosecution under the UK’s Modern Slavery Act of 2015.