Opinion

Africa not yet big players on 5G coverage

Published

2 weeks ago

December 4, 2024

By Sonny Aragba-Akpore

Despite spirited efforts by African countries to join the global community in the adoption of fifth generation (5G) technology,and the race for better internet services,less than six percent of the sub Saharan population has access to the technology.

While many countries are already providing robust services,Africa remains on the outskirts of 5G services.

The countries in Africa that have launched 5G networks, include South Africa with its roll out
In March 2022, when the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) sold spectrum across several bands.

In Nigeria,MTN rolled out commercial 5G services in Lagos in 2022, with other roll out in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri among others.

MTN Congo announced that it was the first country in Central Africa to deploy 5G.

In Botswana Orange deployed 5G technology to provide new services in the Gaborone and Francistown regions.
Other countries in Africa that have launched 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services include: Angola, Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Analysts say “5G’s potential is growing due to its ability to deliver fiber-like speeds. However, there are still challenges in the region, such as:
Urban areas are reaching their maximum capacity whereas a large portion of the population lives in rural areas.

This explains why 5G adoption in the sub-Saharan region is currently below six percent “
Analysts report that 5G deployment in Africa faces many challenges, including Spectrum assignment,regulatory issues,infrastructure,security,financial resources among others.

“Spectrum is a limited resource that is already in use by other services, such as TV broadcasters and satellite operators. Governments need to open up frequencies and grant 5G licenses at reasonable prices. “

Infrastructure is another major challenge.

“5G networks require a large initial investment, including expensive devices, antennas, and Radio Access Network (RAN) hardware. The infrastructure needs to be fiberized to support 5G services.
Regulatory conditions also serve as challenges to deployment.

For instance “regulatory authorities may not have started the process for licensing and granting frequencies in the right portion “
“Most of the equipment and devices required for 5G deployment need to be imported.”

There are also security challenges that make
5G technology vulnerable to cyber security threats, such as tracking calls and exposing user locations.

Adoption of 5G deployment may take longer than expected across the continent and may take even longer in some countries as a result of Socioeconomic considerations especially in terms of 5G pricing structures that need to be compatible with the economies of African countries.

Urban/rural drift is listed as a major challenge more so since
Urban areas may have reached maximum capacity due to site density and available spectrum.

Analysts list Some strategies to address these challenges as “adapting legacy systems, Collaborating to enhance infrastructure, Future-proofing networks, Reusing existing spectrum assets, and Releasing low-band frequencies alongside mid-band frequencies. “

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), says 5G coverage reached 40% of the world’s population in 2023 with an uneven coverage and distribution with developed countries having more coverage than low-income countries:
In Europe ,68% of the population is covered
Americas had 59% of the population covered while
Asia-Pacific has 42% of the population covered as at 2023.

Arab States have 12% of the population covered.

Commonwealth Independent of States (CIS) have 8% of the population covered.
ITU figures show Africa,s coverage rose to 6% of the population by 2023 .

The ITU also notes that 90% of the world’s population is covered by 4G, but 55% of people without access to 4G live in low-income countries. In low-income countries, 3G is often the only technology available to connect to the Internet.

The ITU develops and adopts international regulations and global standards to enable the harmonization and implementation of broadband mobile networks.

The world’s first commercial 5G services launched in 2019 in South Korea, with the US, UK, Germany, and China quickly following. In most of the world, 5G is now blossoming.

The US now reports 5,000 cities covered, and China says it has over 250 million 5G subscriptions, served by two million 5G base stations.

Network provider Ericsson says there will be one billion connections worldwide by the end of this year, beating 4G’s rollout by two years
With Ericsson predicting five billion 5G subscribers by 2028, the equivalent of 60 percent of the world’s population, it is possible to think that the whole world is adopting 5G – but we may be wrong. One entire continent is falling behind in 5G.

In Africa, around a dozen nations have launched services (Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Madagascar, Nigeria, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Zimbabwe, and Zambia) but Africa is a patchwork of 54 countries.

And penetration is predicted to be slow. By 2027, Ericsson predicts that 80 percent of phone users in Europe will have 5G service.

At the same time, 5G subscriptions in Africa, home to 1.4 billion people, will hit just 10 percent. Why will so few people in Africa get access to 5G services?
China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States are the leading countries with robust 5G coverage in the world.

Since the first commercial launches of the fifth generation of mobile networks in late 2018, these five countries have emerged as leaders because multiple companies in these countries have deployed networks and are selling compatible devices.

Countries including Switzerland and Finland are up and comers in 5G development, as they have limited deployment.

In China there are three Companies leading in deployment.
The world’s largest 5G network was launched by the three largest Chinese network operators Oct 31, 2019, according to the state-run news agency Xinhua.

These are China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom which all activated their networks in less than five months after they were issued 5G licenses. Each of the network operators offered their 5G services at $18 per month in 50 Chinese cities at the beginning of the launch.

“What we are seeing is a concerted effort by the Chinese — the operators, vendors, and government regulators — to deploy 5G as quickly as possible,” Chris Nicoll, principal analyst at ACG Research, pointed this out in a Nov 1, 2019 SDxCentral article.

With all of these players working together, the three network operators had collectively deployed nearly 86,000 5G base stations peaked over 130,000 by the end of 2019.

The latter number breaks down into China Unicom and China telecom, with each planning to install 40,000 base stations, and the market leader China Mobile to install 50,000.This was the projection by 2019 but they have since overshot this by the beginning of 2024.

The Global System of Mobile Association (GSMA)expects 36% of China’s mobile users to be using 5G by 2025. That’s about 600 million subscribers, who would also make up 40% of the entire global 5G market by that year.

This is all despite efforts made by the United States government to hamper the progress of Chinese vendors, though those efforts may affect how Chinese companies may expand into the global market.

In South Korea,SK Telecom and Korea Telecom run as the main competitors for the South Korean 5G market.

SK Telecom acquired spectrum in the 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz frequencies to prepare for deploying 5G.

In April of 2019, the Enterprise claimed to be the first mobile carrier in the world to launch 5G services to work on 5G smartphones.

SK Telecom asserted an edge over rival Verizon, as the former launched 5G services available at the same time as Samsung Galaxy S10 5G smartphone launched in South Korea. Verizon launched mobile 5G services in the U.S. before a 5G enabled smartphone was available to U.S. consumers.

SK Telecom has also conducted tests with a 5G Standalone (SA) Core (a core not reliant on the 4G network) for their 5G network in cooperation with Samsung Electronics.

In early 2017, KT rolled out a 5G trial network ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. However, the network was used primarily for demonstrations as it was not accessible by attendees’ smartphones.

At the time, the reception was lukewarm. Since then, KT’s network has expanded to cover the country’s most populated areas and the operator claims to have “the world’s first nationwide commercial 5G wireless network.”

Consumers have played a crucial role in turning South Korea into a 5G country. According to research from IHS Markit, South Korean consumers have been purchasing 5G devices so quickly that stores can’t stay in stock. It only took 69 days for South Korea to reach one million subscribers to 5G services after the initial network launch.

The United Kingdom’s four Providers Launched their services throughout 2019.
EE, Vodafone UK, Three UK, and O2 UK launched commercial deployments in the U.K. These operators are using equipment namely from Ericsson, Nokia, and Huawei.
O2 UK is an exception in that it’s not using Huawei equipment, despite running 5G radio access network (ran) tests with it.

Three UK announced an unlimited data service that is speed-cap free at no extra cost.

To speed up rollouts of active 5G equipment, Vodafone UK reached a deal with O2 UK to share equipment, which can be seen with radio antennas on joint network sites.

Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure also manages shared facilities for operators.
Vodafone reached similar agreements in Italy and Spain for shared infrastructure.

In Germany,Vodafone and Deutsche Lead 5G Market.

In 2019, Vodafone Germany and Deutsche Telekom Germany launched 5G services in several cities. Vodafone Germany started with 20 cities and municipalities (including Cologne and Dusseldorf), while Deutsche Telekom Germany launched in only six (including Berlin and Munich). Vodafone plans to offer 5G services for $5.61 less per month than Deutsche Telekom.

When the German government auctioned off spectrum bands, a new player, 1&1 Drillisch, came into the picture by bidding $1.2 billion for 70 megahertz of spectrum.
However, the company waited till 2021 to use the new spectrum.

In Sept. 2018 the Federal Communications Commission of the USA announced its 5G FAST Plan in an effort to advance the country’s position among the countries that have deployed 5G networks.

Part of this plan included spectrum auctions. In March 2016, prior to the official start of the 5G FAST plan, the FCC hosted an “incentive auction” that began repurposing spectrum and opening up low-band spectrum for wireless Broadband that can be used for 5G networks. A second auction of the upper 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz bands was set for 2019.

Money raised from these auctions was used to bring high-speed Broadband to the rural U.S.

In August 2020, T-Mobile US became the first telecom operator in the world to launch an SA 5G network with a 5G core. This came after a merger with Sprint was completed in April 2020.

This is significant, in that T-Mobile US surpassed AT&T, Verizon, and SK Telecom. AT&T was the expected winner of the race to 5G in the U.S. and SK Telecom was the favorite to have the world’s first SA 5G network.

Both had plans to have a network with SA 5G architecture by early 2020 but did not meet those benchmarks.
AT&T and Verizon are still part of the 5G conversation in the U.S., although it’s debated which of those two was truly first to market.

In December 2018, AT&T was the first U.S. carrier to launch a standards-based mobile 5G network servicing a dozen cities, albeit without any 5G-enabled devices.

In October 2018, Verizon was the first to have a non-standards-based deployment that was actually a fixed Broadband network in four cities.

In March 2019, Verizon turned on its standards-based 5G network in Minneapolis and Chicago, also before mobile 5G devices were available.

Verizon began selling Samsung Galaxy S10 5G on May 16, 2019 and claims it will have 5G in 30 cities by the end of 2019. As of August 2019, AT&T had deployed 5G in 21 cities and claimed the 5G network would be deployed in 30 states by the end of 2019.

The ITU continues to release information on standardizations that could cushion speedy deployment across global communities and markets especially in the race to actualise universal coverage by 2030 to meet and actualise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target.

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Opinion

Tax Reforms: A Double-Edged Sword for Nigeria’s Economy

Published

3 days ago

December 15, 2024

Austin Ojomah

By Lukman Laleye Babalola.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced his ambitious tax reform agenda, it was clear that he intended to reshape Nigeria’s fiscal framework. The reforms, targeting personal income tax, corporate tax, and value-added tax (VAT) distribution, are undoubtedly bold and necessary. But like any sweeping policy change, they come with both promises and pitfalls.

As someone deeply invested in Nigeria’s socio-economic progress, I see these reforms as a double-edged sword—a tool for much-needed transformation, but one that requires careful handling to avoid cutting too deeply into the fabric of our fragile federal system.

Let us not downplay the potential benefits. The proposed exemption of individuals earning up to ₦800,000 annually from personal income tax is a welcome relief for low-income earners who have borne the brunt of rising inflation. Similarly, the reduction in corporate tax rates from 30% to 25% is a lifeline for businesses struggling to stay afloat in a challenging economic climate.

The overhaul of VAT revenue sharing, which allocates 60% of VAT revenue to the state where goods and services are consumed, aims to promote fairness and encourage states to boost their economic activity. For consumption-heavy states like Lagos and Rivers, this is a much-needed windfall that could translate into better infrastructure, healthcare, and education for their residents.

But these gains are not without costs. Nigeria’s regional disparities could deepen under this new tax regime. Northern states, with lower consumer activity and VAT contributions, stand to lose out, raising concerns about fairness in a nation already grappling with economic inequalities.

The implementation process is another hurdle. Overhauling a tax system is no small feat, and Nigeria’s tax collection mechanisms are notoriously inefficient. Without significant investment in infrastructure and human capacity, the reforms could collapse under their own weight.

Then there is the issue of political resistance. Many lawmakers and regional leaders, particularly from the north, have voiced concerns about the potential loss of revenue under the revised VAT formula. Balancing these competing interests will be a test of the administration’s political acumen.

Under the proposed tax reforms, states like Lagos, Rivers, and others in oil-producing regions stand to benefit significantly. With 60% of VAT revenue allocated to the state of consumption, high-consumption states like Lagos and Rivers are poised to see a substantial increase in their revenue. Lagos alone generates over half of Nigeria’s VAT, and retaining a greater share will empower the state to fund critical projects.

For oil-producing states, increased revenue can be invested in non-oil sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, helping them reduce dependency on crude oil and build more sustainable economies. The additional funds can be used to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other public services, directly benefiting citizens in these states. The reforms also encourage states to create business-friendly environments to attract investments and increase consumption, further boosting revenue generation.

Members of the National Assembly are tasked with ensuring these reforms benefit all Nigerians equitably while addressing regional disparities. Legislators must address the fears of less economically vibrant states and push for transitional mechanisms, such as a redistribution fund, to support regions with lower VAT contributions. They must oversee how states utilize their increased revenues, ensuring the funds are invested in projects that directly benefit the public.

By engaging their constituents, lawmakers can explain the benefits of the reforms, address concerns, and secure public support, thereby easing tensions surrounding implementation. National Assembly members must also facilitate the passage of laws to strengthen tax administration, close loopholes, and ensure effective implementation of the reforms. Legislators from wealthier and poorer states alike must work together to ensure the reforms foster national unity and equitable development across all regions.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) plays a critical role in ensuring public acceptance and understanding of the tax reforms. The agency must continue to simplify and disseminate information about the reforms to the grassroots, helping Nigerians understand how these changes will benefit them in the long run. By launching campaigns, the NOA can counter rumors and fears about the reforms, especially in regions where there is resistance due to concerns about inequitable benefits.

The NOA should encourage citizens to ask questions and provide feedback on the reforms. This engagement will foster trust and ensure the government remains accountable to its promises. The agency must also address regional concerns by showing how the reforms can be tailored to benefit less economically vibrant states through collaboration with local governments.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is central to the success of the reforms, as efficient tax collection and administration are critical. The FIRS must invest in modern technology to improve tax collection processes, reduce leakages, and enhance compliance monitoring. Bringing the informal sector into formal taxation while ensuring compliance is not burdensome will also expand the tax net.

Training and equipping tax officers to handle the new tax structures efficiently will be crucial to prevent administrative bottlenecks. The FIRS must regularly publish reports on tax collection and utilization, fostering public confidence in the system. By collaborating with state governments, the FIRS can provide technical assistance to ensure states maximize their VAT collections under the new sharing formula.

As a nation, we cannot afford to shy away from difficult reforms. For too long, Nigeria’s tax system has been inefficient, inequitable, and unable to meet the needs of our growing population. These reforms, though imperfect, represent an opportunity to address these shortcomings and lay the groundwork for a more sustainable fiscal future. However, the government must tread carefully. Transparency, inclusiveness, and stakeholder engagement are non-negotiable. Addressing regional concerns and ensuring efficient implementation will be critical to the success of these reforms.

President Tinubu’s tax reforms have the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy, but they also carry significant risks. Agencies like the NOA and FIRS, along with the National Assembly, must work together to ensure the reforms deliver on their promise of a fairer, more prosperous Nigeria.

As we navigate this critical moment in our nation’s history, let us remember that true reform is never easy, but it is always worth pursuing when done with the greater good in mind.

*Lukman Laleye Babalola,is Publisher/Editor-In-Chief,Emporium Reporters online and Emporium Magazine.can be reached on [email protected], [email protected]

Opinion

These Tax windfalls from global ICT platforms

Published

1 week ago

December 11, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Sonny Aragba-Akpore

In the midst of mounting agitations for and against, the proposed Tax Reform Bills, the Federal Government of Nigeria recently made a bounteous harvest in taxes of about N2.5 trillion when global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) firms operating in the country complied with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Services/ internet intermediaries.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) must be basking in the euphoria of this breakthrough as the guidelines he introduced a little over two years ago in controversial circumstances yield results which are incontrovertible.

Google, Microsoft, Tik Tok and others obeyed the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries and Inuwa whose collaboration with other government agencies including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and others, savors the glory.

These figures cover the first half of 2024 according to a statement by Hadiza Umar ,NITDA,s Director, Corporate Affairs and External Relations.

“The code establishes a robust framework for collaborative efforts to protect Nigerians against online harms, such as hate speech, cyber-bullying, as well as disinformation and/or misinformation.

Similarly, to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice, NITDA also wishes to notify all Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries operating in Nigeria that the Federal Government of Nigeria has set out conditions for operating in the country.

These conditions address issues around legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws.

The conditions include the need to:
*Establish a legal entity i.e., register with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC);

*Appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities;

*Abide by all regulatory demands after establishing a legal presence;

*Comply with all applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law;

*Provide a comprehensive compliance mechanism to avoid publication of prohibited contents and unethical behaviour on their platform; and

*Provide information to authorities on harmful accounts, suspected botnets, troll groups, and other coordinated disinformation networks and deleting any information that violates Nigerian law within an agreed time frame.”

In line with best practices and In accordance with its mandates, President Muhammadu Buhari, directed NITDA to develop a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries (Online Platforms), in collaboration with relevant Regulatory Agencies and Stakeholders.

Accordingly , NITDA presented to the Public a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries for further review and input.

This was on June 13,2022.

The Code of Practice is aimed at protecting fundamental human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians living in the country as well as define guidelines for interacting on the digital ecosystem.

“This is in line with international best practices as obtainable in democratic nations such as the United State of America, United Kingdom, European Union, and United Nations.”

The Code of Practice was developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as well as input from Interactive Computer Service Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and Tik Tok amongst others. O

ther relevant stakeholders with peculiar knowledge in this area were consulted such as Civil Society Organizations and expert groups. The results of this consultations were duly incorporated into the Draft Code of Practice now a code in line with “the new global reality stating that the activities conducted on these Online Platforms wield enormous influence over our society, social interaction, and economic choices.

Hence, the Code of Practice is an intervention to recalibrate the relationship of Online Platforms with Nigerians in order to maximise mutual benefits for our nation, while promoting a sustainable digital economy.”

Hadiza Umar, quoting data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) explained that these figures were clearly a windfall for the government.

This Code was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA and it outlines clear guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content including but not limited to the protection of children from harmful online content.

“Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms) operating in Nigeria, contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024.

“This significant increase in revenue underscores the role of robust regulatory frameworks in shaping compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy,” NITDA stated.

Updates on the level of compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, show that all the digital platforms made conscious efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code and the platforms’ community guidelines.

Overall statistics across all the platforms show that:
“They received 4,125,283 (Four million, one hundred and twenty-five thousand, two hundred and eighty-three) registered complaints in 2023.

Content takedown: 65.8 million Content removed and re-uploaded after appeal by users: 379,433 Closed and deactivated accounts: 12.09 million” NITDA is excited and pleads “ for continued collaboration and innovation to address emerging challenges and ensure a safer and more responsible digital space.”

NITDA in June 2022 announced the Code, which seeks to moderate activities on social media blogs and online publications.

Specifically, the Code states that internet platforms including social media should as a rule
“act expeditiously upon receiving a notice from a user, or an authorised government agency of the presence of unlawful content on its Platform.”

“Act quickly to remove, disable, or block access to non-consensual content that exposes a person’s private areas, full or partial nudity, sexual act, deepfake, or revenge porn, where such content is targeted to harass, disrepute, or intimidate an individual.

Disclose the identity of the creator of information on its Platform when directed to do so by a Court order.”
“Provided that an order of this nature shall apply for the purpose of preventing, detecting, investigating, or prosecuting an offence concerning the sovereignty and integrity of Nigeria, public order, security, diplomatic relationships, felony, incitement of an offence relating to any of the above or in relation to rape, child abuse, or sexually explicit material.”

NITDA commends the efforts of the platforms, for the goal of creating a safer digital ecosystem which requires continuous collaboration and engagement with all stakeholders to strengthen and enhance user safety measures, digital literacy, trust and transparency.

Section 1 paragraphs b to e of the NITDA Act, 2007 are particularly instructive because they empower it to:
“(b) Provide guidelines to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of appropriate for information technology and systems application and development in Nigeria for public and private sectors, urban-rural development, the economy and the government;

(c) Develop guidelines for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alternative to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour, and other fields, where the use of electronic communication may improve the exchange of data and information;

(d) Develop guidelines for the networking of public and private sector establishment;

(e) Develop guidelines for the standardization and certification of Information Technology Escrow Source Code and Object Code Domiciliation, Application and Delivery Systems in Nigeria;”

Opinion

Building a Stronger Nigeria Through Health, Transparency and Human Rights

Published

1 week ago

December 10, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Richard M. Mills

Every December, we mark three international observances that are at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership: World AIDS Day, International Anti-Corruption Day, and Human Rights Day. While distinct, these commemorations underscore a simple truth – Nigeria’s path forward requires progress on health, good governance, and human rights. The United States remains your steadfast partner on this journey.

For two decades, the United States has stood with Nigeria in the fight against HIV/AIDS under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The U.S. government has invested more than $8.3 billion in Nigeria’s health sector and provided life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to more than 1.5 million people. These numbers represent improved life expectancy and quality of life for these Nigerians and their families. In clinics across Nigeria, I’ve met dedicated healthcare workers who deliver HIV prevention, treatment, and care, supported by the resources of the American people. This work has done more than save lives – using HIV as an entry point, Nigeria’s health system has also benefited. As Nigeria’s health system is strengthened, this important work will be led by government and engagement with the private sector to sustain the gains. This commitment was reinforced during Ambassador Nkengasong’s recent visit, where his discussions with Nigerian health officials focused on how the Government of Nigeria would sustain the HIV health programs with strengthened Nigerian leadership and local ownership.

But positive health outcomes depend critically on good governance. When medical supplies are diverted, when healthcare workers go unpaid, when facilities buy dangerous, counterfeit medications or lack resources due to mismanaged funds, it costs lives. This is why the United States supports numerous initiatives, not only in the health sector, to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria. Our programs work directly with government agencies and civil society organizations to strengthen fiscal responsibility with the goal of the state ensuring resources reach their intended beneficiaries.

The success of these efforts rests on respect for human rights and civic engagement. When members of marginalized communities face discrimination in accessing healthcare, when citizens fear reporting blatant corruption like the need to pay for appointments or ‘free’ healthcare, or when vulnerable populations cannot advocate for their needs, development falters. Through our partnership with Nigeria, we promote the rights of every person to access essential services and enjoy fundamental freedoms without fear or discrimination.

These three areas – health, transparency, and human rights – reinforce each other. Consider the results: U.S.-supported initiatives have helped strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains, reducing theft and ensuring safe medicines reach patients. Our human rights programming has empowered civil society organizations to advocate for marginalized communities, leading to better access to health services. Our health system investments have created platforms for transparency that benefit all sectors. And, perhaps most importantly, according to a recent survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Nigerians are both more frequently refusing to pay bribes and reporting bribe seekers to investigative journalists and rule of law authorities. A shift in norms is beginning to take root and must continue.

The U.S. Embassy stands ready to support Nigerian voices pressing the fight against corruption in Nigeria. To Nigeria’s government officials, civil society leaders, healthcare workers, and citizens: your dedication to building a stronger nation inspires us. Together, we can continue to advance the interconnected goals of better health outcomes, good governance, and human rights for all Nigerians. Challenges remain, but the work we’ve done together shows what could be possible on a larger scale across these crucial domains.

As we mark these December observances, let us use this moment not just for reflection, but for renewed commitment and action. The United States continues to stand with the Nigerian people as they carry out this essential work with their elected government.

*Ambassador Richard M. Mills is the , United .States Ambassador to Nigeria