SPD Podcast

Nigeria has lost billions of dollars to oil theft in the past decade. Losses have also come from pipeline vandalism which has dented the expected revenue from the oil sector. This necessitated efforts at pipeline surveillance, such as the million-dollar contract to an ex-militant to help curb illegal bunkering, illegal refining and other forms of oil theft. However, despite efforts at curbing vandalism and maximising yields from oil production, oil theft has persisted. 

In this edition of Nextier Security Discourse, Dr Ndu Nwokolo and Chief Madaki Ameh discuss oil pipeline theft in the region and its effect on Nigeria’s oil production and the economy in general.

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Following President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration speech that ended oil subsidy in the country, there has been a consequent rise in petroleum pump price, food inflation, high cost of transportation and, in general, a high cost of living. With the existent economic hardship, there are growing fears of resultant violent street protests, as seen in Kenya. Experts quiz the metrics and arrangements behind the current pump price and propose the need to reduce it. Addressing economic hardships is a step in nipping the violent conflict that may arise. 

In this edition of Nextier Security Discourse, Dr Ndubuisi Nwokolo and Chief Madaki Ameh discuss the dynamics around petroleum subsidy removal from the lens of when the metrics and solutions fail to add up.

Nigeria has large untapped deposits of solid minerals, including Gold and other minerals. Despite these deposits, Nigeria has been unable to adequately use the resources, especially benefitting financially from these large deposits. However, the country has continued to focus on oil and gas over the years. This has made many experts wonder why the government focuses more on oil and gas than solid minerals.

In this edition of Nextier security discourse, Dr Ndu Nwokolo and Dr Michael Uzoigwe discuss the critical areas and issues surrounding solid minerals governance and conflicts in Nigeria.

Several projects and programmes have been implemented in the Niger Delta region without any concrete regional development framework. Despite several intervention measures, affairs in the Niger Delta have been largely uncoordinated; thus, this requires someone at the helm of affairs with a strong development background and understanding of the region. Certain elements to drive the coordination of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs must be in place for effective results, such as developing a regional strategy, a work plan for implementing strategy and adopting necessary tools for monitoring and evaluating performance in the region.

In this edition of Nextier security discourse, Dr Ndu Nwokolo and Mr Charles Achodo discuss agenda-setting for the new minister of the Niger Delta.

In the last three months, Nigeria has witnessed some political and economic developments from an imperfect general election to handing over administration to state and federal executives and, recently, the removal of oil subsidy. In all these developments, the role of the media has remained critical in shaping narratives and public opinion. Traditional and social media have often been accused of favouring national interests and stability over truth and justice or vice versa.

In this edition of Nextier’s Security Discourse, Dr Ndu Nwokolo and Chief. Uche Nworah discuss the role of media in nation and peacebuilding.

Peace and security are becoming essential issues in Nigeria, and arresting the insecurity is paramount for the incoming administration. The incoming administration needs to focus on certain areas. The first area is trust building, which must be reclaimed between the citizens and the state. Also, the ability of the state to reclaim its mandate as the sole custodian of the instrument of coercion is very important while also factoring in the necessity of a solid governance architecture that promotes national unity. Furthermore, the focus should be on the nexus between economy and peace while also harnessing the ability to mobilise human resources towards a particular goal.

In this edition of Nextier security discourse, Dr. Ndu Nwokolo and Dr. Chris Kwaja discuss an agenda setting around resolving issues bedevilling the country and restoring security in Nigeria.