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Gen. Buratai Reveals Why Tinubu is Right on ECOWAS Standby Force
Gen. Buratai Reveals Why Tinubu is Right on ECOWAS Standby Force
Retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Ambassador to the Republic of Benin x-rays ECOWAS’ challenges and President Bola Tinubu’s proposal of an ECOWAS Standby Force to enhance security of the regional bloc. He spoke exclusively to LOUIS ACHI on the larger emerging geopolitical scenario.
President Bola Tinubu, at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Sunday, in Abuja, proposed an ECOWAS Standby Force, ESF, for the enhanced security of the regional block.
Yes, that’s correct.
What’s your reading of this move? Is there significant conceptual or doctrinal difference between the proposed standby force and the ECOMOG force in terms of command, control and coordination?
The proposal put forth by President Tinubu, in his capacity as ECOWAS Chair, to establish the ECOWAS Standby Force is truly commendable, and it has my full support. I have been a vocal advocate for the creation of this ECOWAS Standby Force ever since taking on the role of Army Chief back in 2015. The urgent need for such a force is underscored by the myriad security challenges facing the West African sub-region, which require a coordinated and rapid response mechanism to safeguard peace and stability in the area.
The establishment of the proposed ECOWAS Standby Force serves as a significant development in the regional security architecture of West Africa, distinguishing itself from the previous ECOMOG intervention force in terms of command, control, and coordination. Unlike ECOMOG, the ECOWAS Standby Force is designed to operate under a unified command structure, ensuring a more streamlined decision-making process and effective coordination of military operations.
This structure enhances the force’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to regional security challenges, promoting greater coherence and efficiency in its peacekeeping and crisis management efforts across member states. By prioritizing joint planning, training, and exercises, the ECOWAS Standby Force aims to uphold professionalism and interoperability among its participating contingents, bolstering the force’s overall readiness and effectiveness in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The ECOMOG (Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group) Force, established in West Africa in 1990, despite its huge successes, it encountered numerous challenges that impeded its ability to be sustained. One of the key reasons for its setback was the limited resources and logistical support provided to the force.
Inadequate funding and equipment hindered the progress of ECOMOG in carrying out its peacekeeping and crisis management missions. Additionally, the conflicting mandate and weak command structure among the member states of the force led to coordination issues and internal conflicts, undermining its operational efficiency.
Furthermore, external factors such as political interference and lack of international support also affected ECOMOG to achieve its long-term objectives in the region. These collective challenges ultimately prevented the ECOMOG Force from realizing its full potential and sustaining its operations in West Africa. In my opinion, ECOMOG could not have been the foundation on which the ECOWAS Standby Force could have found a formidable root.
As it is now, the ECOWAS Brigade (ECOBRIG) had been formed. What is required now is getting the boots on the ground. When General Ogomudia was the CDS, Nigeria pledged a formidable force. I hope this Force can be mobilised immediately to kick start the ECOWAS Standby Force. The pledged force included infantry and armour units, artillery regiment, signals and a host of others.
Is President Tinubu edging ECOWAS away from its core economic bloc status and trying to inspire a West African “NATO” – which would be an outright military alliance?
ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, stands as a dedicated economic sub-regional group, established with the noble mission of advocating for the economic and commercial interests of the various West African nations. Among its many initiatives, ECOWAS has established the ECOWAS Standby Force, designed not to transform ECOWAS into a militaristic force akin to NATO, but rather to complement the organization’s primary economic objectives in the region.
It is essential to underscore that security plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development; without a secure environment, the West African sub-region would struggle to realize its full economic potential. Presently, the sub-region grapples with a myriad of challenges posed by numerous non-state actors, including terrorist groups, bandits, and criminal gangs, which pose a direct threat to the state’s ability to maintain the monopoly on violence.
In response to these security threats, the creation of the ECOWAS Standby Force represents a strategic move towards leveraging economies of scale to assist member states in tackling security issues effectively. The current security situation in Burkina Faso highlights the daunting challenges the country is grappling with, including a severe shortage of manpower and military equipment.
These deficiencies underscore the immense difficulties faced by the nation in safeguarding its citizens and maintaining peace and stability. These pressing issues are precisely the obstacles that the ECOWAS Standby Force aims to address and assist member states in overcoming, by providing much-needed support and resources to bolster their security capabilities and effectively respond to emerging threats.
What will be the geo-political implication of this course for the continent, given Russia’s current incursion into West Africa through the breakaway ECOWAS members states of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – with the West carefully watching and possibly counter-plotting?
The situation is a very dicey one because Russia itself is in West Africa to promote its strategic and economic interest. West African countries and governments must introspect their romance with all these international powers – be it China, Russia or the West. I can tell you that NATO and especially America sees the infiltration of Russia into West Africa as a major threat to its interest especially when these juntas are closing down American and French bases to make for Russia to come in and take over.
As far back as 2023, the United States outlined in its US Security Strategy the significant threat posed by Russia and China to its strategic interests in West Africa. The emergence of these two global powers as key players in the region has raised concerns regarding their potential to challenge US influence and destabilize the security environment.
Russia’s assertive foreign policy and military presence, along with China’s growing economic investments and infrastructure projects, have highlighted the need for the US to closely monitor and address the evolving dynamics in West Africa. The situation is very complex and it is not as simple as these juntas think.
There is a strong possibility that we might witness counter coups in Burkina Faso and Mali or even Niger because of the refusal or delay of these juntas to organize elections and hand over to democratically elected leaders. I agree that the military leaders seemed to enjoy the goodwill of the people but you must know that there will always be few members of their inner circle who will be tempted to overthrow them and rule especially when some of the juntas are saying they will not conduct election till after five years.
The looming threat of coups and counter coups in the region is of grave concern, but what is even more worrying is the possibility of the sub region and the Sahel becoming a battleground for proxy wars waged by international powers, reminiscent of the ongoing conflict in Sudan that is currently unfolding before our eyes.
Recognizing that the success of his proposal requires not only strong political will but also substantial financial resources, Tinubu called out ECOWAS member states on their inconsistent payment of financial commitments to the regional body and also urged them upscale their own respective defense budgets. Do you agree with this seemingly hardline position
I am in complete agreement with President Tinubu’s stance that ECOWAS member states must demonstrate consistency in meeting their financial obligations to the regional body and, ideally, enhance their defense budgets. Reflecting on the past, during the ECOMOG era, Nigeria bore the significant burden of investing approximately $8 billion to restore stability in Liberia and Sierra Leone, while other member nations failed to contribute financially. Such lack of commitment is concerning, and it is imperative that as a regional bloc, we take ownership and address our challenges head-on to garner respect and credibility on the global stage.
On September 16 2023, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger signed a new mutual defence pact named the Alliance of Sahel States. This essentially signals significant discontent with alleged “ineffectiveness” of ECOWAS and their disillusionment with the West – and Russia is capitalising on this trend. How does this rebellion impact President Tinubu chairmanship of ECOWAS and how should he proceed with engaging this new competitor-bloc to ECOWAS?
The decision made by these three African countries to enter into a new mutual defense pact was primarily influenced by the absence of a robust entity like the ECOWAS Standby Force and the threat of force by ECOWAS against Niger Republic. Given that all three countries are governed by military juntas, they felt the need to band together to defend themselves.
With a collective population of 76.1 million and a combined GDP of $55 billion, their disassociation from ECOWAS represents a significant setback for the organization, particularly for President Tinubu, who is actively working as the Chairman to reintegrate them back into the ECOWAS framework.
I understand that the required procedure for member states who wish to exit ECOWAS involves providing one year’s notice to the organization. These three countries fulfilled this requirement last January, giving us until January 2025 to potentially sway them to reconsider their decision.
I believe that in the long run, these countries will engage in negotiations with ECOWAS to secure more favorable terms, leading them to ultimately remain within the organization. It would prove challenging for them to prosper and thrive independently without the benefits and support that ECOWAS provides.
Given the political and economic fragility in some member states, especially those that witnessed unconstitutional changes of government, added to terrorist activities and violent extremism threatening to spread from the Sahel region towards the coastal states, what’s the way forward for ECOWAS?
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must awaken from its slumber to ensure that true representative democracy flourishes within the sub-region. It is imperative for ECOWAS to take a firm stance on crucial issues such as implementing term limits for elected leaders, promoting good governance characterized by accountability and efficiency, creating economic opportunities for the populace, upholding the rule of law, and fostering inclusivity, among other crucial pillars of democracy.
The recent events, that are the removal of term limits in Ivory Coast, Togo, and, until the recent coup led by Mamadi Doumbaya, Guinea, serve as stark reminders of the fragility of weak democracies that lack the genuine support of their people. The scenes of unrest and public discontent in these nations point to the urgent need for ECOWAS to step up its efforts in safeguarding democracy and ensuring that leaders are accountable to their citizens.
The widespread public demonstrations in Niger in support of General Tchiani following the overthrow of President Bazzoum, as well as the jubilation on the streets of Conakry, Guinea, after Colonel Doumbaye removed President Conde from power, underscore the deep-seated dissatisfaction and lack of popular support for those in leadership positions.
It is high time for ECOWAS to prioritize the consolidation of democratic norms and practices across the region to avert further political instability and ensure the legitimate representation of the people’s will. No soldier in his right mind would dare to challenge the stability of a government that is deeply cherished and widely supported by its people.
It is, therefore, imperative for ECOWAS to prioritize the establishment of effective democratic systems across the sub-region. Additionally, ECOWAS must play a pivotal role in fostering economic integration within the sub-region, facilitating seamless movements of people and goods. The delayed implementation of the proposed ECO currency within the ECOWAS sub-region raises concerns and underscores the need for swift action.
Customs at the Crossroads: When Lawmakers Look Away and the Executive Looks Aside
By Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi
In a democracy, legislative oversight is the scalpel that cuts through deceit, inefficiency, and corruption in public institutions. It is the people’s last institutional shield against abuse of power. But what happens when that shield becomes a shelter for the very rot it is meant to expose? And what happens when the Executive arm, whose duty is to supervise its agencies, pretends not to see?
The unfolding drama between the National Assembly and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reveals more than a policy dispute. It exposes a dangerous triangle of confusion, complicity, and economic sabotage. At stake is not only the rule of law but the survival of an economy already gasping under inflation, a weak naira, and suffocating costs of living.
The House Talks Tough
In June 2025, Nigerians saw a glimpse of legislative courage when the House of Representatives Committee thundered at Customs:
> “Nigerian Customs Service, by June 30, must not collect CISS again. You are to collect only your 4% FOB assigned by the President. Even the 7% cost of collection you currently take is illegal—it was an executive fiat of the military, not democratic law. Any attempt to continue these illegal collections will be challenged in court. The ‘I’s have it.”
The voice was firm, the ruling decisive. Nigerians expected a turning point.
But the righteous thunder of the House was quickly muffled by the Senate’s softer tone, which suggested not the enforcement of the law but a readiness to bend it.
Senate: Oversight or Escape Route?
At a Senate Customs Committee session, Senator Ade Fadahunsi admitted openly that Customs has been operating illegally since June 2023. Yet rather than demand an end to illegality, he extended a lifeline to Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi:
> “If we come back to the same source… the two houses will sit together and see to your amendment so you will not be walking on a tight rope.”
But should Adeniyi be handed a loose rope while Nigeria’s economy hangs by a thread?
Instead of accountability, the Senate Customs Committee floated adjustments that would make life easier for Customs. The nation was given hints about fraudulent insurance and freight data, but instead of sanctions, what we saw was a search for escape routes. This is not oversight—it is overlook.
Smuggling and Excuses
The Senate Committee also lamented cross-border smuggling—Nigerian goods like cement flooding Cotonou, Togo, and Ghana at cheaper prices than in Nigeria. Senator Fadahunsi blamed the Central Bank’s 2% value deposit for encouraging the practice.
But where are the Senate’s enforcement actions—compliance checks, stiffer sanctions, cross-border coordination? None. The result is predictable: smugglers prosper, reserves bleed, and ordinary Nigerians pay more for less.
A Bloated Customs Budget
The Service’s 2024 capital allocation ballooned to ₦1.1 trillion from ₦706 billion. Instead of channeling these resources into modern trade systems, Customs is expanding empires of frivolity—such as proposing a new university despite already having training facilities in Gwagwalada and Ikeja that could easily be upgraded.
Oversight is not an afterthought; it is the legislature’s constitutional duty. To see waste and illegality and yet propose amendments that would legalise them is to turn oversight into overlook.
Customs has about 16,000 staff, yet many remain poorly trained. Rather than prioritise capacity building, the Service is busy building staff estates in odd locations. How does Modakeke—an inland town with no border post—end up with massive Customs housing projects, while strategic border towns like Badagry, Idiroko, and Saki remain neglected? Is Bashir Adeniyi Comptroller-General of Customs—or Minister of Housing?
The 4% FOB Levy: A Policy Blunder
The central controversy is the Federal Government’s plan to replace existing port charges with a new 4% Free-On-Board (FOB) levy on imports.
Nigeria is an import-dependent nation. This levy will instantly hike the costs of cars, spare parts, machinery, and raw materials—crippling industries and punishing consumers.
Already, the consequences are biting:
A 2006 Toyota Corolla now costs between ₦6–9 million.
Clearing agents who once paid ₦215,000 for license renewal must now cough out ₦4 million.
New freight forwarder licenses have jumped from ₦600,000 to ₦10 million.
Customs claims the revenue is needed for its modernisation programme, anchored on a software platform called B’Odogwu. But stakeholders describe this so-called “Odogwu” as epileptic—if not comatose. Why commit trillions to a ghost programme that will be obsolete by January 2026, when the Nigerian Revenue Service is set to take over Customs collections?
Industry Raises the Alarm
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that the levy will worsen inflation, disrupt supply chains, and hurt productivity.
Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, calls the levy “economically dangerous.” His reasoning is straightforward:
The 4% FOB levy is much higher than the 1% CISS it replaces.
Peer countries like Ghana maintain just 1%.
The new levy will fuel inflation, raise the landed costs of goods, and destabilise the naira.
He also revealed that the Customs Modernisation Act, which introduced the levy, was passed without Senate scrutiny or meaningful stakeholder consultation. He estimates that the levy could add ₦3–4 trillion annually to freight costs—burdens that will be transferred directly to consumers.
Who Is Behind the “Odogwu” Masquerade?
The haste to enforce this levy, despite its looming redundancy, raises disturbing questions. Who benefits from the “Odogwu” project draining trillions? Why the rush, when NRS will take over collections in a few months?
This masquerade must be unmasked.
The Price Nigerians Pay
For ordinary Nigerians, this policy translates into one thing: higher prices. Cars, manufactured goods, and spare parts are spiraling beyond reach. A nation struggling with inflation, unemployment, and a weak currency cannot afford such reckless experiments.
So, while the Senate looks away, the Executive cannot look aside.
The Executive Cannot Escape Blame.
It is easy to focus on the failings of the legislature. But we must not forget: the Customs Service is an agency of the Federal Ministry of Finance, under the direct supervision of the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun.
If Customs is breaking the law, wasting resources, or implementing anti-people policies, the buck stops at the Executive’s table. The Minister of Finance is Chairman of the Customs Board. To fold his hands while the Service operates in illegality is to abdicate responsibility.
History gives us a model. In 1999, the Minister of State for Finance, Nenadi Usman, was specifically assigned to supervise Customs and report directly to the President. Meanwhile, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala focused on broader fiscal and economic policies. That division of responsibility improved accountability. Today, the absence of such an arrangement is feeding impunity.
President Tinubu and his Finance Minister must act decisively. Oversight without executive will is a dead letter.
A Call to Accountability
The truth is stark:
Customs has been operating illegally since June 2023 to the Senate’s own confession.
The 4% FOB levy will deepen inflation and worsen economic hardship.
The Ministry of Finance bears ultimate responsibility for Customs’ conduct.
Until importing and consuming, Nigerians demand accountability—of the Comptroller-General, the Senate, and above all, the Finance Ministry—this bleeding will continue.
Nigerians deserve better. They deserve a Customs Service that serves the nation, not a privileged few. They deserve a House that enforces its resolutions, not one that grandstands. They deserve a Senate that upholds the law, not one that bends it. And above all, they deserve an Executive that does not look aside while illegality thrives under its ministry.
Only public pressure can end this indulgence. If Nigerians keep silent, we will keep paying the price—in higher costs, weaker currency, and a sabotaged economy.
Citizens’ Charge: Silence is Not an Option
Fellow Nigerians, the Customs crisis is not a drama for the pages of newspapers—it is a burden on our pockets, our businesses, and our children’s future. Every illegal levy is a tax on the poor. Every abandoned oversight is an open invitation to corruption. Every silence from the Executive is an approval of impunity.
We cannot afford to fold our arms. Democracy gives us the power of voice, the duty of vigilance, and the right to demand accountability. Let us demand that:
The Senate and House of Representatives stop playing good cop, bad cop, and enforce the law without compromise.
The Ministry of Finance takes full responsibility for the Customs Service, supervising it in the interest of Nigerians, not vested interests.
The President intervenes now, before the Service crosses the dangerous line of turning illegality into policy.
History will not forgive a people who suffered in silence when their economy was bled by recklessness. Silence is complicity. The time to speak, to write, to petition, to protest, and to demand is now.
Customs must serve Nigeria—not sabotage it.
Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder. He’s also the President of Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener Apostolic Round Table. BoT Chairman, Project Victory Call Initiative, AKA PVC Naija. He is a strategic Communicator and the CEO, Masterbuilder Communications.
Email:[email protected]
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Apostle Johnson Suleman: Firebrand of Faith, Prophet to the Nations, Voice to a Generation
By Femi Oyewale
In the beginning, there was just one man with a burning vision. Today, that man has become a global force whose voice thunders across continents, whose prayers ignite miracles, and whose mission is transforming destinies worldwide. He is Apostle Johnson Suleman, the fiery Restoration Apostle, the humanitarian preacher, and the global trailblazer reshaping the Christian faith for a new generation.
From Auchi to the World
Born in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, Apostle Suleman’s rise from humble beginnings to international prominence is nothing short of remarkable. What started as a divine calling has now evolved into a global mandate, reaching millions through Omega Fire Ministries International (OFM).
His story is the classic tale of vision meeting conviction—of a man who dared to believe God not just for himself, but for nations. From a modest congregation, OFM has spread like wildfire, with branches in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond.
The Man & The Mission
To know Suleman is to understand passion—passion for God, for people, and transformation. He lives by one mantra: populate Heaven, depopulate Hell.
His pulpit is a battlefield, his voice a trumpet, his words a sword. Through his fiery sermons, prophetic declarations, and healing crusades, countless men and women testify of divine encounters—cancers healed, destinies restored, impossibilities overturned.
But beyond the pulpit lies the heart of a humanitarian. Suleman’s mission has always extended beyond preaching. He funds scholarships for the underprivileged, empowers widows with homes, sets up businesses for struggling families, and supports countless orphans. In times of crisis, he has sent relief materials across regions, proving that true ministry is not only heard—it is seen.
The Impact
Step into one of his crusades, and the atmosphere tells its own story. Stadiums overflow. Multitudes gather, hungry for hope. From London to Houston, Dubai to Johannesburg, crowds testify to healings, deliverance, and restoration.
Through Celebration TV and other digital platforms, Suleman’s voice penetrates homes, villages, and cities, giving access to millions who may never step into a physical church. His boldness in confronting social ills and speaking truth to power has also established him as a fearless voice beyond the church walls.
The Global Moves
Apostle Suleman is not just a Nigerian voice—he is a global phenomenon. His recent international crusades draw audiences in their tens of thousands, breaking barriers of race, culture, and language.
From prophesying to presidents to laying hands on ordinary citizens, his message is universal: God still speaks, God still heals, God still restores.
Each global tour solidifies his place as one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 21st century. He is as comfortable commanding a crowd in Chicago as he is in Accra, as bold in Paris as he is in Abuja.
The Legacy in Motion
Apostle Johnson Suleman is more than a preacher—he is a movement. A man consumed by vision, driven by compassion, and equipped with an anointing that refuses to be confined by borders.
From Auchi to America, from pulpits to palaces, from widows to world leaders, his impact is undeniable. And as the Restoration Apostle continues to blaze trails across nations, one thing is certain: his legacy is still unfolding, and his global moves have only just begun.
Senator Musa’s Legacy of Intellect, Compassion and Delivery
By Suleiman Adamu
In Nigeria’s dynamic democratic landscape, where leadership often teeters between self-interest and public service, few figures emerge as true exemplars of covenantal representation. Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, CON, affectionately known as “Musa 313,” stands as a beacon of intellectual rigour, empathy, and impactful delivery. Representing Niger East Senatorial District, he has woven a legacy of legislative excellence and grassroots development that resonates far beyond the confines of his constituency, touching the heart of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
Great leaders are not born of chance; they are shaped by discipline, preparation, and an unrelenting commitment to progress. Senator Musa embodies this truth. A proud son of Niger State, he embarked on an academic journey that laid the foundation for his remarkable career. At Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specialising in Banking and Finance, in 1990. This degree was not merely a credential but a springboard for his intellectual evolution.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he pursued further studies at global institutions, securing a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management from the University of London and a Postgraduate Certificate in International Management from the University of Liverpool. These academic milestones equipped him with a nuanced understanding of governance, economics, and institutional reform, moulding him into a technocrat with a worldview enriched by comparative models of development.
Long before he stepped into the political arena, Musa was already a thinker whose ideas were informed by global perspectives and a deep appreciation for systemic change. Senator Musa is no ordinary parliamentarian. His presence reverberates from the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly in Abuja to the dusty roads of rural Niger East. He is a statesman whose intellectual sophistication is matched by his accessibility and empathy, a rare blend that allows him to connect with both policymakers and ordinary citizens.
His nickname, “Musa 313” is a symbol of trust and familiarity, a proof of the bond he has forged with his people. Unlike many legislators whose names fade beyond roll calls, Musa has etched his mark on the annals of parliamentary relevance since his election in 2019. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, he shoulders one of the most critical roles in Nigeria’s legislative framework. His committee oversees fiscal discipline, appropriation, and national planning—responsibilities that demand precision, foresight, and patriotism.
Under his leadership, oversight reports and finance bills are scrutinised with meticulous care, earning him the confidence of Nigerians who see in him a guardian of the nation’s economic integrity. Musa’s legislative contributions are profound and far-reaching. His sponsorship of transformative bills reflects a mind attuned to both the immediate needs of his constituents and the structural challenges facing Nigeria.
Among his notable legislative efforts is the Bill to Regulate and Formalise Employment of Domestic Workers, Interns, and Other Informal Sector Employees (SB 629, 2025), currently in its second reading. Another landmark proposal is the National Rural Employment Guarantee Bill of 2021, a bold initiative to combat rural unemployment and foster economic inclusion in Nigeria’s hinterlands. The Critical Infrastructure Protection Bill of 2021 addresses the pressing need to safeguard Nigeria’s assets against sabotage and insecurity, a critical issue in a nation grappling with infrastructural challenges.
Musa’s vision for education is evident in the National University of Health and Medical Sciences, Suleja Bill, which aims to bolster medical training and healthcare delivery. His Loan Recovery Regulation Bill of 2020 seeks to sanitise the banking sector, while the Constitutional Court of Nigeria Bill of 2020 underscores his commitment to constitutionalism. The Constituency Delimitation Centre Bill of 2020 further demonstrates his dedication to strengthening democratic representation.
Each of these bills reveals a legislator who thinks locally but legislates nationally, addressing the unique needs of Niger East while tackling Nigeria’s broader developmental imperatives. Yet, for Senator Musa, legislation is not an end in itself but a means to transform lives. He understands that parliamentary privilege must translate into tangible progress for his constituents. In Niger East, his interventions are a testament to this philosophy, touching every facet of human development.
In education, Musa recognises that knowledge is the ladder by which societies ascend. He has renovated classrooms and constructed a principal’s office at Government Technical College, Minna, ensuring that students learn in dignified environments. His establishment of an ICT Centre in Ija Gwari, Tafa LGA, is a forward-thinking investment in the digital economy, empowering rural youths to compete in a technology-driven world. His scholarship programs, spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, have opened doors for countless students, with international undergraduate opportunities in China and India offering a global stage for Niger East’s brightest minds. These initiatives are not mere gestures but structural investments in the future, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to lead.
In healthcare, Musa’s mantra of “Health is Wealth” guides his efforts to improve lives. Across the nine local government areas of Niger East, he has facilitated the installation of solar power and generators in primary healthcare centers, ensuring that immunisation, maternal care, and rural treatments are not hampered by power outages. His commitment to maintenance ensures these facilities remain functional, bringing dignity and reliability to healthcare delivery.
In agriculture, the lifeline of Niger East, Musa’s benevolence shines through. He has distributed 10,000 bags of grain to alleviate hunger and provided farm implements and fertilisers to rural farmers, boosting productivity and food security. His tailoring empowerment scheme for 100 youths is a deliberate effort to catalyse cottage industries, fostering economic self-reliance and preserving the region’s agrarian heritage.
Musa’s infrastructure projects further illustrate his responsiveness to his people’s needs. In Ginyin Village, Shiroro LGA, he constructed a solar borehole, delivering clean, safe water to residents who once struggled for this basic necessity. A 1km road in Kuta, Shiroro LGA, has improved connectivity, while electrification projects, including 500KVA transformers in Iwa Gurara and other communities, have brought light to darkened villages.
The renovation of Sukeja Town Hall has provided a communal space for gatherings, reinforcing social cohesion. Each project—water for the thirsty, light for the darkened, roads for the isolated—reflects Musa’s ability to listen and act, addressing the immediate needs of his people while laying the foundation for long-term progress. What sets Senator Musa apart is his embodiment of the qualities that define an uncommon parliamentarian: intellectual grounding, legislative productivity, constituency visibility, empathy, and national relevance.
He is not a populist chasing fleeting applause but a leader who feels the pulse of his people and synchronises it with national priorities. While others may settle for episodic empowerment, Musa builds a systematic architecture of development, weaving together education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure into a cohesive vision for Niger East.
In just two years in the 10th Senate, he has redefined parliamentary responsibility, proving that senators need not be absentee representatives or mere voices in the capital. His work is a bridge between law-making and life-building, a testament to his refusal to divorce policy from people.
Musa’s impact extends beyond Niger East. His legislative efforts address national challenges, from unemployment to infrastructure security, positioning him as a statesman of national consequence. His ability to balance local needs with Nigeria’s broader aspirations makes him a model for aspiring leaders. Niger East is fortunate to have him; Niger State takes pride in his achievements, and Nigeria is enriched by his service.
To honour Senator Musa 313 is to recognise a rare fusion of intellect, compassion, and delivery—a leader who has rewritten the narrative of representation. His contributions are luminous chapters in Nigeria’s democratic journey, illuminating the path for others to follow.
*Adamu PhD is a researcher writing from UniAbuja.
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