By Habib Sani Galadima

In January, during a journey from Abuja to Kano, I found myself drifting into a light sleep, only to be abruptly awakened by the sudden braking of our vehicle. The driver had encountered a security checkpoint. As we approached, a masked soldier, armed and vigilant, greeted us with the customary, “Sannu da zuwa. Allah ya kiyaye hanya,” translating to, “Welcome. Safe travels.”​

What struck me profoundly was his outstretched hand, reminiscent of the almajirai—the child beggars who populate our streets at traffic stops. Each approaching driver handed him ₦100 or ₦50, a scene that repeated with the next four cars.​

This incident highlighted a troubling reality: beyond the visible street beggars, we have uniformed personnel resorting to similar means.​

It’s unsurprising that some security officers resort to such measures when considering their remuneration. Reports indicate that junior security officers in Nigeria earn between ₦41,000 to ₦65,000 monthly.​

Reflecting on my childhood in 2005, I recall my father’s method of distributing ƙosai (bean cakes) as charity. He’d always give two pieces to my elder brother, the distributor, while the rest of us received one. I resented this until I became the distributor and received two pieces myself. Curious, I inquired about this practice.​

The explanation was simple: “The distributor gets extra to prevent dishonesty or feelings of being shortchanged.” At the time, I didn’t grasp the wisdom behind this. As I matured, I understood that by acknowledging the distributor’s efforts with a little extra, the temptation to pilfer is mitigated.​

Research supports the notion that satisfied employees are less inclined toward fraudulent behavior. A study focusing on financial companies in Semarang City, Indonesia, found a positive correlation between job satisfaction and reduced fraud intentions among employees.​

Additionally, the Fraud Triangle Theory, developed by criminologist Donald Cressey, identifies three drivers of fraudulent behavior: pressure, opportunity, and rationalization. By offering competitive salaries, employers can alleviate financial pressures, thereby reducing the risk of unethical conduct.​

In Nigeria, however, such proactive measures are often overlooked. Even if other sectors face inadequate compensation, underpaying security personnel is particularly perilous. Entrusting individuals with firearms while they endure financial hardships is a recipe for compromised integrity.​

This systemic flaw in our national security framework essentially grants security officers implicit permission to exploit their positions for survival, undermining the very essence of their duty.​

Addressing this issue requires immediate reform. Ensuring fair compensation for our security personnel is not just a matter of equity but a crucial step toward national stability and integrity.​

The ramifications of underpaying security personnel extend beyond individual misconduct; they permeate the entire fabric of national security and public trust. When those entrusted with safeguarding citizens are compelled to seek supplementary income through unethical means, the consequences are far-reaching.​

Public perception of law enforcement is significantly influenced by daily interactions. When citizens frequently encounter security personnel soliciting bribes or engaging in corrupt practices, trust in these institutions erodes. This mistrust hampers effective policing, as community cooperation—a cornerstone of effective law enforcement—diminishes. Citizens become reluctant to report crimes or assist in investigations, fearing exploitation or inaction.

A demoralized and financially strained security force is ill-equipped to tackle the myriad security challenges facing Nigeria, from insurgencies to organized crime. Low morale, stemming from inadequate remuneration, leads to diminished vigilance and commitment. This vulnerability can be exploited by criminal elements, further destabilizing regions and emboldening adversaries.​

Corruption within security agencies imposes a hidden tax on the economy. Businesses incur additional costs due to bribery demands, leading to increased operational expenses that are often passed on to consumers. Moreover, foreign investors may be deterred by a perceived lack of security and the prevalence of corrupt practices, stymieing economic growth and development.​

The normalization of corruption within security forces sets a detrimental precedent for society. It fosters a culture where unethical behavior becomes acceptable, permeating various sectors and hindering efforts to instill integrity and accountability in public service.​
Addressing the issue of undercompensated security personnel necessitates a multifaceted approach. Implementing a comprehensive salary review is essential to ensure that remuneration packages for security personnel accurately reflect the demands and risks associated with their duties. Additionally, establishing robust internal and external oversight bodies is crucial for monitoring conduct, investigating allegations of corruption, and enforcing accountability. Investing in continuous training and development programs equips security personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary for ethical decision-making and effective service delivery. Moreover, fostering stronger relationships between security agencies and the communities they serve helps rebuild trust and encourages collaborative efforts in maintaining public safety. Lastly, enacting and enforcing policies that deter corrupt practices, including stringent penalties for misconduct and protections for whistleblowers, are vital steps toward reform.​

By addressing the root causes of corruption within the security sector, Nigeria can pave the way for a more stable, secure, and prosperous future. Ensuring that those who protect and serve are themselves protected from the pitfalls of inadequate compensation is a critical step toward national rejuvenation.

By Tijjani Sarki

Urbanization in the 21st century presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. As cities rapidly expand, developing nations like Nigeria face the difficult task of addressing overcrowded metropolises, strained infrastructure, and the need for sustainable urban development. In this context, Kano, an economic and cultural powerhouse in northern Nigeria, faces an urgent need for modern infrastructure and housing solutions to accommodate its growing population.

Recognizing this need, the government of Kano State, under the visionary leadership of Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has taken bold steps to revitalize the city and tackle these challenges head-on. Following in the footsteps of Engr. Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who championed the Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities project between 2012 and 2015. Governor Yusuf has prioritized urban renewal and infrastructure development as key components of his administration’s agenda.

His commitment to revitalizing the cities, addressing the backlog of pension fund liabilities, and ensuring the proper allocation of resources will not only bolster economic growth but also improve the quality of life for the residents.

A cornerstone of this visionary approach, is the ongoing effort to clear the N4.3 billion pension fund liabilities invested in the expansion of Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities projects.

This ambitious urban development initiative is a testament to the potential of forward-thinking governance, aligning urbanization with long-term sustainability.

Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities: A Blueprint for Urban Development

The Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities project, initially launched during the Kwankwaso administration, aimed to alleviate overcrowding, enhance the quality of life, and stimulate economic growth by creating a modern, well-planned urban center. With an investment of nearly N30 billion, Kwankwasiyya was envisioned as a model of urban development in Nigeria, featuring affordable housing, green spaces, efficient energy systems, and advanced water management strategies.

This urban hub, built with the goal of setting a new standard for sustainable development, was inaugurated on January 28, 2015, in a ceremony led by former Defence Minister TY Danjuma.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has commended the Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities initiative for its forward-thinking design, and his administration has taken proactive measures to continue its development. Governor Yusuf’s leadership will ensure that the cities infrastructure is not only maintained but also further developed. The funding generated from this commitment will help complete the envisioned urban transformation and ensure that the project’s full potential is realized, offering an integrated solution to housing, economic activity, and sustainable development

Addressing Nigeria’s Housing Crisis
Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities are more than just a housing project,it’s a paradigm shift in how urban spaces can be designed to support sustainable growth. As one of the most significant urban projects in northern Nigeria, Kwankwasiyya and Amana cities offer a clear solution to the escalating housing crisis in Kano. The city’s first phase spanned 205 hectares and included 698 housing units, designed with affordability and modernity in mind. This strategic development addresses not only the housing shortage but also the issues of overcrowding, slum development, and poor infrastructure that have long plagued Kano and many other Nigerian cities.

If this model of urban planning is replicated throughout Kano State, the results could be transformative. Governor Yusuf’s continued commitment to developing projects like Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities City would go a long way in alleviating the strain on existing infrastructure, combating urban sprawl, and creating sustainable living spaces The investment in such projects will also bring lasting economic benefits, creating jobs, and attracting both local and international investment in the state.

Furthermore, the emphasis on energy-efficient buildings, advanced infrastructure, and green spaces aligns with broader environmental goals, positioning Kwankwasiyya and Amana cities as beacon of sustainable urban development. By combining economic growth with environmental preservation, the project exemplifies how urbanization can be harnessed to create resilient, livable cities.
Avision for the Future of Kano and Nigeria
As the population of Kano continues to grow, the need for innovative, sustainable urban solutions becomes increasingly urgent.

Projects like Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities offer a comprehensive model for addressing these challenges. However, this is just the beginning. With the dedicated leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and a continued focus on infrastructure, sustainable housing, and economic revitalization, Kano has the potential to become a global example of how cities can be reimagined for the future.

By investing in urban renewal, offsetting the pension fund arrears, and completing major infrastructure projects like Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities, the government of Kano State is not only improving the lives of its current residents but also laying the groundwork for a prosperous, sustainable future. As more cities in Nigeria and across Africa look for ways to cope with the pressures of urbanization, Kwankwasiyya and Amana cities stand as a model of how visionary leadership and strategic urban planning can reshape the urban landscape for generations to come.

Tijjani Sarki
A public policy advocate and analyst
Wrote in from Zawaciki
For Eye on Kano initiative

– As students hail his agric policy

By Abba Anwar

It is not the intention of this write – up to x-ray the relevance and effectiveness of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) come 2027 general elections. The idea is not also to discuss the possibility of parties alliances as preparation to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in pre, during and post election periods, with SDP as one of the brain boxes.

I only see APC and SDP as opposing political platforms. A ruling party and opposition party eyeing each other’s jugular. Political sophistication, organizational stamina and proactive engagements can play critical role in this imminent political face-off.

Coincidentally, just few days after the former Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai defected from APC to SDP, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, punched some deadly blows to SDP. In what appears like uprooting strategy against the party. The first of its kind since El-Rufai’s exit from APC.

Just few days back, on Tuesday 18th March, to be precise, Senator Barau welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of SDP in 2023, from Kano, Bala Mohammad Gwagwarwa, who cross carpeted to APC. He came along with the State Working Committee members, with 38 local government chairmen and secretaries of the party. Alongside 13 former House of Assembly and 6 House of Representatives candidates. Who also defected.

For Barau to display his capacity in this power play, with accurate sophistication, he made sure that during the event, which took place at REIZ Continental Hotel, Abuja, the Vice Presidential candidate of the party, Eng. Yusuf Buhari, was also part of the political cake swallowed by APC, with him (Barau) as the party’s tongue and throat, in this context.

Since when Nigerians started observing SDP recently, in the national scheme of things, among all the APC’s and PDP’s, among other parties’, heavyweights, in the country, to my knowledge, it was Barau who practically sends shivers to the party in a more practical way. The defection of SDP’s juggernauts speaks volume. But I stand to be corrected.

Though I was not privy to any groundwork before the event at REIZ Continental Hotel took place, by I may not mince words when I say, the Distinguished Deputy Senate President, gets firm support from the National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, who happens to be in Sa’udi Arabia, for Lesser-Hajj (Umrah) when Barau was welcoming Eng. Buhari, Gwagwarwa and many others from SDP.

But as usual, Ganduje’s support, spirit, sense of reasoning, sound endorsement and self – confidence were there with the Distinguished Senator. As the National Chairman was ably represented at the occasion by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emeka Eneukwu, who stayed throughout the period.

The visibility and political engagements of Senator Barau means a lot for his constituency, Kano State and Northwest if you like. Many see him as one of the major APC organs in the country, that consistently untie ploys upon ploys from opposition circle. An effort that makes his constituency and Kano State proud. A morale booster.

Looking ready and energetic almost all the time. With the multifaceted responsibilities on his shoulders. From his constituency, to his state, the Red Chamber, through his geo-political zone, in tandem with the national interest up to Africa’s sub-regional legislative responsibilities. Kai kamar ba mutum ba! (laugher).

On the other hand, I came across a letter formally written by one of the sensitive offices of the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), office of the Director Peace, Integration and Reconciliation, Zone A, Comrade Magaji Kabiru Gulu, addressed to the Deputy Senate President, hailing his patriotic posture and critical thinking for raising creative minds in Northwest through his recently inaugurated Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in Northwest, Agricultural Support Programme.

Of which young millionaires would be produced in our agricultural value chain from across all the 7 states of Northwest. The students body believes, this will go a long way in suppressing youth restiveness, lingering wallowing in (absolute?) poverty, reducing unemployment rate, among other missteps.

In the letter, Comrade Gulu posits that, “Your Initiative is a testament of your commitment to empowering young graduates in the Northwest region. This programme will undoubtedly provide them with the necessary support and resources to thrive in agriculture. Thereby contributing to the region’s economic growth and development.”

Adding that, “We appreciate your dedication to the welfare of our young people and your effort to create opportunities for them to succeed. Your leadership vision are truly inspiring. We are grateful for your service to our nation.”

Expectedly, students themselves appreciate Barau’s unrelenting service to the nation. This acknowledgement not only speaks volumes, it also means, in categorical term, that, there exists a leader who identifies himself with the plight of our teeming youth. Such and similar groups only need a sound system of retouch, reengineering, redesign and networking.

Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje CON, and can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
20th March, 2025