*Parliamentary Watch Initiative Lauds Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sani Musa as Outstanding Legislators on Constituency Projects

The Parliamentary Watch Initiative (PWI), a non-partisan civil society organization dedicated to promoting legislative excellence and accountability in Nigeria, has commended three standout senators for their exemplary delivery on constituency projects and national reforms during the 10th National Assembly.

The PWI hailed Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), Sani Musa (Niger East), and Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers West) as “trailblazers and seasoned leaders who embody the Renewed Hope agenda through tangible impacts on their constituents and the broader federation.”

In a statement signed by Comrade Tanko Yerima, Executive Director of PWI, the group praised Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as a beacon of grassroots innovation since his inauguration in June 2023.

According to Yerima, his portfolio boasts the installation of 6,870 solar-powered streetlights across 156 locations, enhancing nighttime safety in rural and urban communities; the construction of 11 new roads totaling 16 kilometers and the rehabilitation of eight key thoroughfares in Calabar, including Mayne Avenue, Inyang Street, Goldie Street, Ephraim Street, Hewett Street, Queen Duke Street, Edim Otop Street, and Hall 2 Road at the University of Calabar.

“Ekpenyong’s water security initiatives include seven solar-powered boreholes—one in each of the seven local government areas—while ongoing projects like the Odukpani Police Station construction promise bolstered security,” Yerima said.

“Health and education remain cornerstones, with three medical outreaches benefiting 4,422 residents, scholarships and instructional materials for 1,700 students, 31 foreign scholarships, and the establishment of two NITDA Digital Economy Centers at Government Secondary Schools in Idang and Ehom.

“Beyond infrastructure, Ekpenyong’s legislative acumen shone during Wednesday’s Senate plenary, where he sponsored the Factoring Regulation Bill, 2024 (SB.474), which passed second reading.

“The bill targets delayed payments crippling over 40 million MSMEs—Nigeria’s job-creation engine—by unlocking over $1 billion annually in financing.”

In Niger East, the group added that Senator Sani Musa—affectionately dubbed “313” for his unyielding loyalty—has redefined governance as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, overseeing fiscal discipline, appropriations, and national planning with patriotic precision.

Yerima added: “His constituents’ moniker reflects a transformative legacy: from renovating classrooms and building a principal’s office at Government Technical College, Minna, to establishing an ICT Centre in Ija Gwari, Tafa LGA, empowering rural youth in the digital economy.

“Musa’s scholarships span primary to tertiary levels, including international undergraduate programs in China and India for top talents. Recent empowerment drives distributed cash grants of ₦50,000 to 2,868 residents across six local governments, alongside items like tricycles, motorcycles, grinding machines, deep freezers, generators, and sewing machines to over 500 women and youths.

“Infrastructure feats include solar streetlights, motorized boreholes, market stalls, road constructions, and state-of-the-art mini-stadiums in Minna and Kuta (Shiroro LGA), fostering sports and community cohesion. ”

PWI noted his recent launch of fully paid scholarships for 100 students to study medicine in India, addressing healthcare shortages in Zone B.

Rounding out the trio, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary & Tertiary), has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to public health resilience and constituency outreach.

A medical doctor and advocate for the Renewed Hope agenda, the group said Banigo has championed girl-child education and maternal health, launching several initiatives to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

“In an era demanding results over rhetoric, Senators Ekpenyong, Musa, and Banigo exemplify legislative service that bridges constituency needs with national progress,” stated Comrade Yerima.

“Their projects—spanning infrastructure, education, health, and economic empowerment—have illuminated communities, empowered futures, and fortified Nigeria’s health architecture. “

*TINUBU’S RENEWED HOPE AND CIVIL AVIATION TRANSFORMATIONAL FOOTPRINTS*

By Michael Ado

To still state that President Tinubu’s reform programs are working in all sectors is overemphasizing realities.
To add that they are positively impacting the everyday life of the citizens and residents of the country is an understatement.

Truth is, however, that there is need for sectoral analysis for a point-by-point understanding of the impact of the Renewed Hope initiatives. Through that, citizens and even the international community can better appreciate what is happening in Nigeria, and the point-men who are making those things happen.
The Nigerian civil aviation corridor has suffered years of neglect, leading to a comatose state.

The long-standing infrastructural decay and systemic neglect, occasioned by endemic and widespread corruption and abuse, rendered the civil aviation compliant to numerous sectoral dysfunctions.
Some of the identified challenges, which otherwise negatively impacted the growth of the sector, limiting safety and its overall efficiency, prompting calls for reforms and increased investment, include aging airport infrastructure and inadequate facilities, safety issues like bird strikes, runway skids, and ageing aircraft fleets, coupled with high operational costs, foreign exchange scarcity, and blocked funds for foreign airlines.

There were also challenges of inconsistent regulatory policies and lack of effective oversight, with acute manpower shortage and grossly inadequate trained professionals, caused by several years of neglect and airlines failing to invest in training programs.
Militating against the sector also was the challenge of inconsistent and unreliable foreign exchange, which was equally scarce and inaccessible to foreign airlines, resulting in flight suspensions and increased fares.

While associated with the challenge was high cost of operation due to rising cost of jet fuel prices and other operational costs, contributing to increased air ticket prices. And because of limited space and various role conflicts, there were constant rivalries between government agencies, such as FAAN and NCAA, hindering effective collaboration and oversight with incessant noncompliance issues, especially from some private jet operators operating chartered services without proper licenses, and rendering consumers liable to several abuses, poor treatment, including flight delays, cancellations, and lack of transparency in pricing, without any form of established protection.

However, with the assumption of Captain Chris Najomo as the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), all these have changed.

A man determined, like William Blake, not to resolve all contradictions but to live with them and rise above them, Captain Chris came with the Midas touch of positive solutions.

Mindful of the challenges, Capt. Najomo set out first to address the lingering infrastructural deficit, thereby upgrading the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) through the installation of airfield lighting systems at Murtala Muhammed Airport’s Runway 18R, reducing flight delays by 25%, coupled with the completion and commissioning of long-abandoned projects, such as the NCAA Regional Office in Port Harcourt and the Kano Regional Office, enhancing the NCAA’s operational capabilities.

The introduction of airport concessions in 2025, which saw the private sector into full participation in the modernization of the airport infrastructure, became the icebreaker leading to the rapid boost and enhancing operational efficiency, attracting significant investment, improving consumer experience.

It is noteworthy that Capt. Chris also implemented various measures aimed at instilling probity, accountability, and transparency into the regulatory dynamics of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), including the establishment of a Consumer Protection Directorate to address issues like flight delays and cancellations, and the Consumer Protection Portal to address passenger complaints and improve service quality, showcasing his commitment to consumer welfare, and expanding access and availability through the development of new airports, such as the Ogun Gateway Airport, which has since commenced commercial operations, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Another novel masterpiece is the implementation of various initiatives to enhance safety in Nigerian aviation, such as the establishment of the Flight Data Analysis Centre (FDAC) to detect anomalies and prevent safety challenges, as well as the prompt implementation of aircraft entry policy to allow smaller airlines to operate with fewer aircraft, fostering competition and growth.

A forward-thinking administrator, Captain Najomo also recertified two notable international airports, namely the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), thereby bringing to an end over 160 compliance issues, and demonstrating Nigeria’s capacity, leadership, and commitment to global safety standards.

These reforms, and the filling in of infrastructural gaps, have not just greatly added value to the sector but have become a springboard of attraction, building confidence, ensuring reliability, and bringing in many foreign direct investments, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), which are presently relentlessly driving inclusivity and growth in the aviation sector.

The various citizen-centred concessional arrangements include terminal concessions at major airports and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) models and arrangements for cargo terminals and maintenance hangars.

While improving the overall efficiency, safety, and competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation sector, the various reforms also aim at repositioning the sector for formidable growth and development, enabling it to contribute not less than 2.5% to Nigeria’s GDP by the end of this year and supporting the employment of over 200,000 youths, while also stabilizing the finances of the sector through the “no pay, no service” policy, compelling airlines to settle their debts to the NCAA, significantly improving the agency’s financial health, and establishing a culture of collaboration and understanding between management and workers, leading to increased productivity and efficiency in the aviation sector.

Through the superlative resounding performance of Captain Chris Najomo, through sound and articulate demonstration of leadership and dedication, he has made positive impact on the Nigerian aviation sector, prioritizing safety, consumer protection, and regulatory excellence, thereby justifying the trust of Mr. President, and proving once again Mr. President’s efficiency and capacity for placing a square peg in a square hole, and getting the right people for the job, not necessarily out of sentiments but based on merits, innovation, and results.

There is no doubt that the NCAA is getting it right. More than right in Captain Chris Najomo’s agency, demonstrating team spirit, cohesion, unity of purpose, appreciation, and assimilation of the leadership of their MD, while positively aligning with the Renewed Hope Mandate of the Civil Aviation Sector for the overall growth of the economy and national development sustainability.

*Ado writes from Lugbe, Abuja.

*APPRAISING DANTSOHO AND HIS PORTS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY*

By Joseph Onwe

Nigeria is experiencing rapid change anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiatives of the transformational leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Associated with the pragmatic leadership which is bringing about systemic and generalized changes in all facets of national life and all sectors of the economy, is the superlative positive volte-face experienced at the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), under the distinguished visionary directives of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.

Surmounting several challenges, which before now militated against the overall efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian ports, consequently resulting in a decline in trade and economic growth, notably infrastructural deficits due to aging port infrastructure and inadequate facilities, traffic congestion and gridlock on the main access roads leading to the ports, and inadequate truck handling systems leading to delays and increased costs, and a growing endemic corruption and inefficiency, with the poor management of empty containers adding to environmental risk and avoidable health risks, Dr. Dantsoho’s sagacity has led to the implementation of various initiatives.

With several years of outstanding, strong, and unwavering focused leadership, Dr. Dantsoho has demonstrated effectively his desire to actualize strategic action plans and consider key factors for a robust and effective transformation of the Nigeria Ports Authority.

An apostle of clear goals and objectivity, his well-defined, measurable, and achievable goals align with President Tinubu’s vision and mission as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Mandate.
An effective result-oriented leader, his devoted inspiration, motivation, and guidance has stimulated collaboration and a strong team spirit, thereby enhancing the achievement of strategic objectives.
His objective involvement and buy-in from relevant stakeholders has notably transformed the ports into a positive beehive of economic activities and sustainable growth.

A devoted administrator with several decades of selfless and productive service to the nation, Dr. Dantsoho’s adequate and efficient allocation of financial, human, and technological resources to support strategic initiatives has gained him the respect and admiration of all.

To further entrench the spirit of excellence and reliability, Dr. Dantsoho introduced result-based Performance Metrics and Accountability indicators which hold employees accountable for results.
Known for his effective communication, the introduction of regular tracking of progress, identification of deviations, and adjustments to stay on course has aided the ports in responding to changing circumstances, such as market shifts or unexpected obstacles.

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho’s leadership of the NPA represents resounding significant achievements through strategic initiatives which have transformed the agency and improved the efficiency of port operations.

An intentionally committed administrator, Dr. Dantsoho’s leadership is indeed modernizing port infrastructure, promoting trade facilitation, and encouraging private sector participation through public-private collaboration.

Notably poised to become a major player in the regional maritime industry, driving economic growth and development in Nigeria, Dr. Dantsoho since his appointment in July 2024 has remarkably improved the revenue of the NPA by 111%, from a low ₦424.2 billion in 2023 to an outstanding ₦893.6 billion in 2024, thereby reemphasizing remarkable growth and reechoing the testament of an effective management guru and strategic planner.

Through his systematic and forward-looking initiatives, Dr. Dantsoho has brilliantly transformed the NPA through consistent, comprehensive port modernization projects, including the reconstruction of the Tin Can Island Port Complex and the rehabilitation of other critical port infrastructure.

Dr. Dantsoho’s initiatives foster operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and increase cargo handling capacity.

Building on the new digital age, Dr. Dantsoho through his ingenuity introduced a robust Port Community System (PCS) and National Single Window (NSW) to streamline port operations, reduce bureaucracy, and eliminate corruption.

These digital platforms have improved the efficiency of cargo clearance and enhanced transparency, recording an upbeat increase in cargo throughput, with a 45.1% growth in cargo traffic and a 9.7% increase in container throughput.

This growth is attributable to improved operational efficiency and enhanced trade facilitation initiatives.

Dr. Dantsoho’s leadership has attracted wide accolades and recognition regionally and internationally, earning him election as the President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) and Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), a recognition that underscores his commitment to promoting regional cooperation and best practices in port management.

Through his leadership of the strategic forum, he prioritized the implementation of various trade facilitation initiatives, including the automation of port operations and the introduction of electronic payment systems, thereby reducing transaction costs and fostering an admirable business ambience; this, coupled with infrastructural development, including the construction of new ports and the rehabilitation of existing ones, has decidedly increased port capacity and improved operational efficiency.

Dr. Dantsoho has launched initiatives that aim at encouraging private sector participation in port operations, including the development of new terminals and logistics facilities, with the intention of leveraging private sector expertise and investment to enhance port efficiency and competitiveness.

Indeed, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) has demonstrated proficiency and genuineness in his strategic action plans and the management of the ports, attracting public interest and appreciation, and proving what happens when productivity and success meet the right person.

Onwe is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.