Educationist, Psychologist and Social Events Writer

The recent military takeover in Niger has raised significant concerns within the US and EU. While military coups have affected several West African nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, the focus on Niger's situation has been more pronounced. This article delves into the reasons behind this heightened attention and the implications for the region's political landscape. In a span of four years, military juntas have assumed power in four out of the sixteen West African member states, indicating a growing trend. Notably, there was a suspected attempt at a military takeover in Senegal, raising questions about the reasons behind this unsettling pattern. African leaders, particularly those in the West African region, must address these concerns to prevent further destabilization. As Nigeria faces worsening issues such as corruption, insecurity, unemployment, and social injustice, some Nigerians had hoped for military intervention. However, the larger West African subregion als

Niger Republic has a history of military takeovers dating back to the 1960s, marked by political injustice, imbalance, and recent turmoil that has dominated its political landscape. The most recent wave of political upheaval began with the end of the tenure of former president Momadou Tandja. He aimed to amend the constitution for a third term, which led to a constitutional crisis and, subsequently, a military coup in 2010. He was succeeded by military junta leader Col Salou Djibou, who oversaw a transition to civilian rule from 2010 to 2011. During this period, Mahammadou Issoufou fulfilled his presidential ambitions under the PNDS Tarayya party. Fast forward ten years, and in 2021, Mohammed Bazoum succeeded Mammadou Issoufou as the president of Niger under the same PNDS Tarayya party. However, Bazoum's leadership was often viewed through the lens of being closely associated with his predecessor and seen as aligned with French interests. On July 26, 2023, another military takeover

The impending question on every Nigerian's mind revolves around the potential surge in petrol prices and its ramifications. While the subject is far from pleasant, it is crucial to address it candidly. Nigeria stands at the brink of another economic challenge, with speculations rife about an imminent petrol price increase. The ripple effects of this could cast a shadow over the lives of Nigerians who heavily rely on petrol as a primary fuel for their daily routines, be it for vehicles or machinery. The root cause of this situation lies in the upward trajectory of the US Dollar's value, inevitably affecting the cost of imported goods like petrol within the country. The murmurs in the air suggest that the current price of petrol, standing at N617, might soon escalate to an unknown figure, given the surge in the US Dollar's value, nearing the one-thousand Naira mark. The Independent Petrol Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has weighed in on this matter. Chinedu Okon

In response to the military takeover in Niger, ECOWAS has imposed economic sanctions on the country. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the President of ECOWAS member states have instructed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enforce economic sanctions on Niger's military officials and their supporters. According to Anjuri Ngalale, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Information, President Tinubu has directed the CBN Governor to impose additional economic sanctions on the military and individuals associated with the military government in Niger. These additional sanctions were enacted due to the expiration of the ultimatum given to the military junta by ECOWAS to release the president and reinstate him to power. President Tinubu clarified that the additional sanctions were not imposed arbitrarily but were approved by the ECOWAS presidents before being announced. He emphasized that these actions were taken in accordance with the ECOWAS agreement and not

Petroleum subsidies have been a part of Nigeria's economy since the 1970s, introduced in response to the oil price shocks of 1973. However, over time, these subsidies have become a hindrance to Nigeria's economy, draining funds generated from petroleum sales. The misuse of subsidies and smuggling of subsidized oil to neighboring countries further exacerbated the problem. Effects of Petroleum Subsidy: The Nigerian government subsidized various petroleum products, including diesel, gasoline, kerosene, and aircraft oil, but corruption and mismanagement led to limited benefits for the citizens. Businessmen and women exploited the opportunity, enriching themselves through illegal activities. Impact on Nigerian Refineries: The functioning of Nigerian refineries, once owned by NNPC (now NNPCL), was inhibited by corrupt practices, preventing them from operating efficiently. Corruption and Lack of Funds: Corruption persisted in oil subsidies during Muhammadu Buhari's administration,