Rwanda and Nigeria: Lessons in Development from Abu Dhabi

The recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Abu Dhabi underscores the evolving partnership between the two African nations. This engagement provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the developmental trajectories of both countries, particularly in essential areas like electricity, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure. While both nations have unique challenges, their shared aspirations for growth and development offer valuable insights into the progress each has made.

Rwanda’s Remarkable Progress

Rwanda’s journey from the devastation of the 1994 genocide to its current status as a beacon of development in Africa is nothing short of extraordinary. The country has made substantial investments in its infrastructure, resulting in significant progress. In the energy sector, Rwanda’s electrification efforts have been commendable, with public investment playing a crucial role. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) notes that Rwanda’s level of public investment is notably higher than many other low-income developing countries, contributing to advances in electricity and other infrastructure sectors. Today, a significant portion of Rwanda’s population has access to electricity, a testament to the country’s focused efforts.

Healthcare is another area where Rwanda has excelled. The country has achieved impressive health outcomes, outperforming larger nations like Nigeria in several key metrics, including life expectancy and child mortality rates. A comparative analysis highlights that Rwanda’s health indicators are a testament to its effective healthcare policies. The introduction of community-based health insurance schemes has significantly improved access to healthcare services, making it one of the most successful models in the region.

In terms of road infrastructure, Rwanda has prioritized connectivity and economic development. The country’s organized approach to infrastructure development has been recognized, with well-maintained roads facilitating easier movement and commerce. This focus on infrastructure has not only boosted economic activity but also improved the overall quality of life for its citizens.

Nigeria’s Developmental Landscape

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is endowed with abundant natural and human resources. However, the challenge has been translating this wealth into comprehensive infrastructure development. In the energy sector, Nigeria has struggled with inconsistent power supply despite significant investments. The Africa Infrastructure Development Index (AIDI) places Nigeria lower than some smaller African nations, indicating that there is considerable room for improvement. Frequent power outages remain a major impediment to economic growth and the daily lives of its citizens.

Healthcare remains another challenging area for Nigeria. The country’s healthcare indicators lag behind those of Rwanda, with poorer outcomes in immunization coverage and access to clean drinking water. The contrast in healthcare outcomes between the two nations highlights the need for Nigeria to adopt more effective health policies. Many Nigerians still face challenges in accessing quality healthcare, and the health sector requires significant reforms to meet the needs of its growing population.

Nigeria’s vast size poses challenges in maintaining and expanding its road networks. While efforts have been made, the overall quality and accessibility of roads remain areas that need attention. Comparing Nigeria’s infrastructure development with Rwanda’s more organized approach suggests that Nigeria could benefit from adopting similar focused strategies. Improved road networks are essential for boosting trade, reducing transportation costs, and enhancing connectivity across the country.

Mutual Lessons and Opportunities

The developmental experiences of Rwanda and Nigeria offer valuable insights for both countries. Rwanda’s focused investment in infrastructure, guided by clear governance and accountability, has been instrumental in its success. Nigeria could learn from this approach, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and strategically. A more disciplined and transparent approach to infrastructure development could help Nigeria achieve its developmental goals.

Rwanda’s community-based health insurance schemes have significantly improved healthcare accessibility. Nigeria might consider adopting and adapting such models to enhance its healthcare coverage. Additionally, Rwanda’s stringent anti-corruption policies have created a conducive environment for development. Nigeria’s efforts in tackling corruption could be intensified to ensure that public resources are used effectively for the benefit of its citizens. By addressing corruption, Nigeria can unlock significant potential in its public sector and enhance service delivery.

Both nations stand to gain from each other’s innovative approaches. Nigeria’s experience in managing a large and diverse population offers lessons in scalability and inclusivity. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s agile and responsive policy implementation provides valuable insights into effective governance. Collaborative efforts in areas such as technology, agriculture, and education could further strengthen the ties between the two countries and foster mutual growth.

As we reflect on this, the meeting between Presidents Tinubu and Kagame symbolizes a commitment to mutual growth and collaboration. By analyzing and learning from each other’s developmental journeys, Nigeria and Rwanda can adopt best practices suited to their unique contexts. This exchange of ideas and experiences holds the promise of improved infrastructure and enhanced quality of life for their citizens, setting an example for other African nations to follow.

As both countries continue to forge stronger ties, their combined efforts in infrastructure development, healthcare, and governance could significantly contribute to the overall progress of the African continent. The partnership between Nigeria and Rwanda is a testament to the potential of African nations to collaborate and achieve shared prosperity, providing a blueprint for sustainable development across the region. GMTNewsng

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By Engr Pascal Ubani

Amid intermittent travel advisories by Western diplomatic missions in the country to their citizens on visiting parts of the country because of the nationwide security challenges, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, on Tuesday, August 21, 2024, led a delegation to the $800m Aba Independent Power Project built by the Geometric Power group. Though the news media have not provided the reason for the visit, it is likely to be about Aba’s growing stature as an industrial and economic centre following the commissioning of the 188megawatt Geometric Power Plant in Aba and the embedded distribution firm, the Aba Power Electric Company. The commissioning was on Monday, February 26, 2024, by Vice President Kashim Shettima who stood in for President Bola Tinubu.

It is axiomatic that media reports about insecurity in the Southeast, especially Abia State in recent times, are sexed up, as former American President Bill Clinton would famously put it. Of course, no one can dispute that five soldiers were murdered last May 30 in Aba by non-state actors. In the same manner, none can dispute that two policemen on legitimate duties were later killed in the same city. However, it has not been gloom and doom, at least on the economic front. Multinationals are thriving in Aba, but no one talks about them because, as the saying goes, bad news travels fast and stays long.

Geometric Power is reviving hope in Aba’s economy, thanks to the considerable support it has been receiving from the Abia State government under Dr Alex Otti’s leadership. There are, however, reports that uninterrupted power supply in Aba has not yet been attained on account of inadequate natural gas supply to the Geometric Power Plant which built a 27-kilometre gas pipeline from Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area to the Osisioma Industrial Estate in Aba where Geometric Power is located. According to authoritative reports published in Businessday and other respectable media in the last 10 years, Geometric Power, founded by erstwhile Power Minister Bart Nnaji, signed the gas supply agreement with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) for the supply of 40 million standard cubic feet of gas (MSCF) for its four turbines built by General Electric (GE) of the United States, the world’s oldest and greatest electricity equipment manufacturing firm.

Aba Power, a conglomerate of Geometric Power Group

Each GE turbine used by Geometric Power can generate 47MW, and each needs 10MSCF to fire. Three have been installed, meaning that 30MSCF is required for their operation. Aba and its environs currently do not need more than 100MW, suggesting that Geometric Power does not require more than 20MSCF to fire two turbines to produce 94MW. Yet, it signed in 2009 for 40MSCF. Why? According to Dike Ejike, a mechanical engineer who is an Abuja-based business and engineering consultant, the third turbine is meant to assist the rest of the country by delivering some 47MW to the national grid. A fourth turbine will be installed when the need arises, bringing the total natural gas requirement for the 188MW to 40MSCF.

 Shell, like some other international oil companies (IOCs) such as ExxonMobil, has abandoned onshore and shallow offshore operations in the country due to oil theft, attacks by militants, and community issues. In other words, Shell which was operating Oil Mining Licences (OMLs) 11 and 17 where gas is supplied to the 188MW Geometric Power Plant, has since sold its interests to local operators. The OML 17 local operator is, unfortunately, having challenges affecting its ability to provide gas to the electricity-generating plant.

Engr Ejike has disclosed that the operator has not been able to provide more than 10MSCF to Geometric Power. The consequence is that Geometric Power has been augmenting the electricity it has been generating and supplying to the Aba people by importing power from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) so as not to disappoint its customers. According to Ejike, the NDPHC presents a bill of at least two billion naira (N2b) every month to the plant!

There is, however, light at the end of the tunnel for the Aba people and their businesses. Cliff Eneh, a former senior manager with the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) who used to work with the Texas Power and Light in Dallas in the United States, has explained that both the Federal Government and the Abia State government are working tirelessly and closely with Geometric Power and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to get a reputable multinational firm to provide sufficient gas to the Geometric Power Plant before the end of September. Once the gas supply issue which, is resolved, Aba will finally achieve the status of the first city in the nation to have constant, quality, and affordable electricity.

This attainment will have significant socioeconomic implications for the whole of Nigeria. The British government, through such Nigeria’s development partners as the Department for International Development (DFID), has been working hard over the years for the resolution of Nigeria’s perennial power problem. It is, therefore, understandable why His Excellency, High Commissioner Montgomery, the British High Commission to Nigeria, led a delegation to the Geometric Power group on Tuesday, August 21. There is still hope for Nigeria. Geometric Power and Abia State are showing the light, and the Nigerian people will ultimately find the way.

Engr Ubani, an indigene of Abia State, sent in this article from Lagos.

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By Olisemeka Sunday Obi

As the 1st of August 2024 looms, signaling the date for a planned nationwide protest, I find it prudent to declare my stance: neither I nor my family plan to participate. My rationale is simple—I did not vote for this government. Disappointment in Tinubu’s administration falls to those who cast their ballots for him. I anticipated failure, thus, the current state of affairs does not surprise or disappoint me. As the saying goes, “You can’t disappoint me if you never appointed me.”

Nevertheless, I staunchly believe in the fundamental right of individuals to protest. My earnest hope is that these protests remain peaceful and do not devolve into the destruction of government or private property. Destroying infrastructure only provides an opportunity for government officials to siphon more resources under the guise of reconstruction. Additionally, I urge the police and security forces to exercise restraint and civility in their duties to prevent any human casualties.

Reflecting on past protests, I advocate for a model akin to the 2012 daily gatherings at specific locations. Clear organization and visibility of protest leaders are crucial. The anonymity of the EndSARS movement proved a significant drawback. Setting clear, achievable objectives is essential for assessing progress. During the EndSARS protests, shifting demands after initial concessions led to confusion and undermined the movement’s effectiveness.

Despite my lack of support for this administration, I oppose protests branded as “EndBadGovernment,” which risk descending into anarchy. Should the government fall, what comes next? Though our electoral system has flaws, it remains possible to elect credible leaders if enough people participate in elections. In a democracy, elections are the most sensible means of effecting governmental change.

As a Public Relations practitioner, I believe the government can preempt this proposed protest through effective PR strategies, not merely communication. The current approach of silencing dissent through propaganda and misinformation is counterproductive. The government needs to genuinely engage with the populace, bridging the glaring disconnect.

Over a year into office, it is disheartening to see presidential spokespersons still blaming the opposition for public discontent. Their role should be to manage perceptions, transforming hostility into sympathy and prejudice into acceptance. An informed public, aware of the government’s plans, can shift from apathy to positive action through effective communication.

I advocate for the President to directly address the nation, outlining clear plans to tackle food insecurity, rising inflation, and the cost of living. Focusing on imaginary adversaries is futile. True leadership influences positively; if opposition voices sway public opinion, it signals the government’s loss of popularity and effectiveness.

Moreover, the President’s words must be matched by actions. It is incongruous to urge citizens to tighten their belts while government officials indulge in frivolous spending. From the executive to the legislature, and even the judiciary, ostentatious expenditures erode public trust. A father cannot claim poverty to his children while continually acquiring personal luxuries and expect their belief and trust.

There is undeniable hunger in the land. The populace needs to see the government’s action plans and feel a connection with their leaders. Enough with sending aggressive spokespersons to attack citizens crying out for basic necessities.

Additionally, the government must show empathy and transparency in its dealings. Regular updates on policy decisions and progress can foster a sense of inclusion and trust among the people. Open forums and town hall meetings where citizens can voice their concerns directly to government officials will bridge the communication gap and mitigate frustrations.

Economic reforms should also be at the forefront of the government’s agenda. Policies that directly address unemployment, stimulate local industries, and provide social safety nets will alleviate the economic pressures driving the protests. A clear, actionable plan for economic recovery, communicated effectively, can restore hope and reduce the impetus for public dissent.

Lastly, collaboration with civil society organizations and grassroots movements can provide valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of the populace. By working together, the government and these groups can develop sustainable solutions that resonate with the people. This inclusive approach can transform potential protests into constructive dialogue and national progress.

To the protesters, if you must take to the streets, please do so peacefully and avoid destroying public or private properties. Protest to live, not to cause harm.

Olisemeka Sunday Obi is a Public Affairs Analyst based in Lagos.