• 01

    Apr

    AfriHeritage Calls for Government Support to Think-Tanks

    Stakeholders have called on the government and other well spirited individuals and corporate organizations to appreciate the work of Think-Tanks and to show support by making available funds to keep their works going.  Speaking at a forum on Why Think-Tanks Matter with the theme: Think-Tanks and Policy Advice, Professor Ufo Okeke-Uzodike, Executive Director of the African Heritage Institution (AfriHeritage), whose Institution organized the problem, lamented the lack of adequate support to think tanks in Nigeria inspite of critical roles being played by these organizations in ensuring good governance and sound development of the society.

    Professor Okeke-Uzodike who identified some of the critical functions of Think-Tanks to include acting as catalysts for change and effective evidence-based policy decisions; incubating and sharing ideas and driving development issues for transformative change; using evidence to suggest policy alternatives and innovations, and many other functions. He however decried the fact that in many other countries, including some African countries, Think-Tanks enjoy not only appreciable support from the government and organized private sector through statutory funding opportunities, but also have the opportunity of being consulted before important decisions/policies of government are made.

    “Sadly, Think Tanks are especially vulnerable in Africa where many governments often see them as enemies.  In fact, many governments (including here in Nigeria) are challenging the autonomy of independent think tanks”. The Executive Director however, acknowledged the emerging difficulties most think-tanks all over the world are facing, as they include: – changes in attitudes from policymakers (often overwhelmed by growing demands and expectations from rising populations and more aggressive constituencies); exponential increase in the number of think tanks which has created greater competition and narrowed opportunities for funding; increased demands by funders for short-term and project-specific funding, accountability, and evidence of impact, etc. According to him, this has resulted into “an environment of uncertainty and public frustrations which has served to increase question marks about the historical role and usefulness of Think Tanks as change drivers and protectors of the public interest and conscience”. 

    In his contribution, one of the panelist at the event the Regional Coordinator of DFID in the South-east and South-south regions of Nigeria, Dr. Olachi Chuks-Ronnie, charged Think-tanks to improve themselves in the area of data collection and storage as this quite crucial in giving credibility to the work of think-tanks. She pointed out that given the lack of credible statistics in policy planning and formulation in Nigeria, it beholds on think-tanks to fill-in this gap and increase their relevance in the value chain of governance.  She decried the lack of sincerity on the part of think-tanks institutions in preparing financial reports for donor agencies. She opined that the society is a dynamic one and thus requires frequency of data collection and update in order to make relevant and informed suggestions for policies in the country. She also pointed out the use of special advisers in place of think tanks in government which results in the “fire-brigade” approach often used to combat situations in the country.

    On the issue of expectations from Thin-Tanks, another panelist, Dr. Chiwuike Uba noted that think tank institutions are presently demand-driven instead of supply-driven which mitigates its position in strengthening policy advocacy. According to him, think tanks are “universities without students” as such should be non-partisan to the government to enable think tanks advocate effectively until changes occur. He noted that think tanks should be innovative, competitive, educate and inspire policy makers, monitor government programmes, promote strategies on how to deal with pressing issues and above all, provide credible research. He suggested that AfriHeritage Institution should hold a stakeholders meeting involving the media, post short videos on social media and make recommendations to government on crucial issues.

    Other contributors at the event while admonishing Think-tanks not to be weary in helping the government by influencing evidence-based policy making, also called for a tacit support from the government to independent thin-tanks as a way of helping to ensure their sustainability and functionality. The event which was moderated by Uche Gabriel (UC De MC), was well attended by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), research institutions, members of the academia and the media

  • 01

    Apr

    AfriHeritage Intensifies Advocacy Campaign on Economic Realities of COVID-19

    The African Heritage Institution has, since the advent of the coronavirus disease otherwise known as COVID-19, intensified its campaign on the economic fallout of the pandemic, both on the global and regional economies. In some of its radio discussion programs, the Institution through its Executive Director and Associate Fellow have emphasized that the downward trend of economic activities as well as the near/total cessation of business, trade, production, etc. both locally and internationally would on the long run affect not only the income/expenditure of the government but also the private sector, which certainly would result into most countries/states not being able to meet their targets, properly implement their budgets, and meet other financial obligations. Already, supply chain line is being disrupted due to lockdowns and other control measures. The shipping industry is losing millions of Dollars daily; crude oil prices are daily sliding downwards with reserves and excess crude savings being adversely affected, the economic after effect of the COVID-19 will pose a great challenge to policy makers and managers of the various economies if adequate shocks and post pandemic measures are not put in place even as the government is battling to curtail the spread of the disease.

  • 18

    Dec

    API – AFRIHERITAGE Collaborate on Dissemination of Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey 2019

    The African Polling Institute (API) in collaboration with African Heritage Institution (AfriHeritage) held the South-east leg of their dissemination event on the 5th of November 2019. The African Heritage Institution hosted the event. African Polling Institute (API) is an independent opinion research think-tank that conducts opinion polls, surveys, social research and evaluation studies at the intersection of democracy, governance, economic conditions and public life. Their main objective is to conduct and disseminate credible opinion research data to support better decisions, public policy, practice and advocacy in sub-Saharan Africa. The South-east phase of the public presentation and dissemination of The Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey 2019 was aimed at measuring the degree of social cohesion in Nigeria, using five components of social cohesion identified in the literature-identity, trust, patriotism, self-worth & future expectations, and equity & social justice. The dissemination event which was convened by the Executive Director of API, Dr Bells Ihua, was well attended by representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs), media personnel and private individuals. Dr Ihua explained the findings of the survey and its implications for national unity while also drawing a direct link between a non-cohesive society and increased social vices and conflicts due to perceived exclusion, marginalization and disconnection from the social contract. A copy of the presentation made at the event can be found on http://bit.ly/2PpTQdp

  • 20

    Nov

    DSC_0691

    AfriHeritage Tweet Chat Series: Pioneering Policy Advocacy Through Social Media

    One of the most popular definitions of the social media is that it is a collection of communication channels and platforms dedicated to conveying, sharing and exchange of ideas between and among a community of, sometimes, pre-determined persons/parties. The social media is a product of technological revolution of the...

  • 20

    Nov

    DSC_0691

    Internet & Society: AfriHeritage Blogs for Development

    The African Heritage Institution is devoted to promoting economic growth and development in Nigeria and Africa through economic & social research, capacity building, effective knowledge management and sustained policy advocacy, for evidence-based policy making. In tandem with this objective, the AfriHeritage blog provides frequent updates on articles featuring economic...

  • 28

    Sep

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    Budget: N1.15tn deficit recorded in seven months

    Between January and July this year, the Federal Government recorded a fiscal deficit of N1.15tn in its operations, figures obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria have revealed. The 2019 budget which was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari had capital expenditure of N2.09tn, recurrent expenditure of N4.05tn, statutory transfers...

  • 28

    Sep

    VAT

    Nigerians kick as FG raises VAT to 7%

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday approved a 2 per cent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) to 7 per cent from 5 percent.  It also approved the 2020 budget of N10.07 trillion and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper...

  • 26

    Oct

    Document

    Nigeria: Economic Statistics and News Brief (October 15-19, 2018)

    1.1 Inflation Data from National Bureau of statistics show that Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rose to 11.28% in September of 2018 from 11.23% recorded in August, the highest inflation rate since May when it was roughly 11.6%. The Bureau stated that the 0.05% increase is mainly attributable to the...

  • 21

    Sep

    Doc1-1

    Nigeria: Economic Statistics and News Brief (September 10-14, 2018)

    1.4 International Oil Prices All oil prices seem to follow the same pattern, as they remained approximately the same throughout the week.  However, as it has been for months now, WTI oil price is slightly lower, and Bonny light is slightly higher than the rest. Please click the link...

  • 28

    Aug

    Screenshot (19)

    Nigeria: Economic Statistics and News Brief (August 20-24, 2018)

    1.1 Inflation Average Inflation (CPI) for July 2018 is 11.14%, which is a steady reduction from 11.23% in June 2018, 11.61% in May 2018, and 15.13% in January 2018. It is worth noting that Nigeria Inflation Rate slowed to a record 2-Year Low in July 2018. Please click the...