The recent plight of Nigerians doing business in Ghana should be of concern not only to compatriots back home but the government. The issue may be seen largely as the problems between Nigerian traders in Ghana and their hosts. But Eavesdropper tends to see the matter from a different angle. It goes beyond a mere faceoff between two citizens of two countries. It’s perhaps about the image Nigeria has created overseas to the extent that the government always appears helpless whenever it’s citizens are being maltreated overseas.
Nigerian traders in Ghana have cried themselves hoarse until respite seemingly came when the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, went to the country to intervene in the crisis which was then becoming protracted. The Ghana Investment Promotion Council Act prescribed $1,000, 000 deposit for foreign investors including Nigerians. This is a levy many felt was targeted against Nigerian traders in the country.
The Federal Government, unable to endure the incident any longer, highlighted several atrocities committed by Ghana against Nigerians living in that country. It warned that it would no longer tolerate further hostile actions against its citizens. The government said 1,150 Nigerian shops were shut in the country since 2018, adding that over 200 Nigerians were sentenced and languishing in Nsawam Maximum Prison in Ghana, while 825 Nigerians had been harshly deported from Ghana since 2018. It further named harsh acts of the country against Nigeria to include seizure of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No. 10, Barnes Road, Accra, which the Nigerian Government has used as diplomatic premises for almost 50 years. This action, it noted, was a serious breach of the Vienna Convention. It also identified the demolition of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No.19/21 Julius Nyerere Street, East Ridge, Accra, another serious breach of the Vienna Convention. There are other infractions identified by the Federal Government but it in all, it’s clear that whatever ill-treatment Ghana is subjecting Nigerians to, none of its citizens in Nigeria is going through that. It’s such vital for Nigeria to rethink its foreign policy and be seen to be walking the talk. Yes, Eavesdropper notes that the country is not happy with the development in Ghana, it should however not be seen to be weak because other countries are watching the event and could form their opinion about Nigeria with the way it handled the matter. In 2019, South Africa visited xenophobia on Nigerians in that country and some Nigerians lost their lives. Eavesdropper thinks it’s important for Nigerian leadership to put its house in order to gain the respect of other country. The government should make the country work, create employment opportunities and tame the harsh economic conditions which have continually subjected Nigerians to slavish conditions in their own country and make foreign lands appealing to them. Unless this is done, most Nigerians would continue to be derided overseas and treated like second-class citizens.
It’s heartwarming that Gbajabiamila’s trip to Ghana to wade into the crisis seemed to have yielded fruits if the statement by the President, Nigeria-Ghana Business Council, Bambo Ademiluyi, is anything to go by. He was quoted in a statement as saying the Speaker’s visit to Ghana had a positive impact and allowed for an amicable resolution of the trade dispute.
He was quoted as saying, ” It’s on record that your trip brought about the highest involvement of both governments in this dispute that has been on since 2007. Your proposals and presentations have given rise to two very vital solutions to the problem: One, the review of the GIPC Act, demanding $1,000,000 deposit for foreign investors in Ghana as it concerns Nigeria; and two, the promotion of the Nigeria-Ghana Business Council backed by legislation to superintend on trade and business between the two countries.”
Regardless of the outcome, the Federal Government has to look inwards and restore hope in the country. There are too many depressing developments in Nigeria occasioned by bad governance which are stunting the overall wellbeing of an average Nigerian. It’s when issues of economic concerns among other vital matters are addressed that Nigeria can talk tough to any country against how it’s treating its citizens.
Doctor corpers oya get ready
They came with another one o. Eavesdropper is sure that you must have heard it. A directive was given to Chief Medical Directors and Managing Directors of federal tertiary hospitals ‘to immediately’ commence the use of consultants and doctors on the National Youth Service Corps scheme to provide services. The directive actually came on the heels of the national strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors over the non-payment of their COVID-19 hazard allowance and other demands. The strike was suspended on Thursday as the Federal Government released N8.9bn to pay allowances.
Their action was described as ill-timed and ill-advised on the premise that the primary duty of doctors and health workers is to save lives. But Eavesdropper is aware that it’s only those who are alive and healthy that can think of saving others. Besides, why should they be owed hazard allowance in this critical period. If their action is perceived “ill-advised and ill-timed,” how does one view the action of not paying what is due to them. The doctors understand the country so well and know that it’s vital for them to strike when the metal is still malleable. The COVID-19 pandemic will end and it’s important for everyone to play their part well. If you are owing pay and if you are paid, do the work you are paid to do. The directive on the use of doctors who are corps members doesn’t appear as the best solution. The expertise and knowledge of the striking doctors are needed at this crucial time. When Nigerians were worried that some doctors were leaving the country in droves, we heard those who should know say they could leave because “the country has enough doctors.” Eavesdropper expected the country to direct the remaining “enough doctors” to take over duty when the strike was embarked upon.
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