Professor Jasper Ikpesu is the Vice President of the Institute of Non-destructive Testing of Nigeria (INDTN). In this interview with GBENGA AKINFENWA, he spoke on the relevance of Non-destructive Testing (NDT) to the country’s economic development and sundry national issues.
What is the vision and the mission of the Institute of Non-destructive Testing, Nigeria (INDTN)?
The vision of INDTN is to promote the advancement of science, technology, the practice of Non-destructive Testing (NDT), condition monitoring and related technology in Nigeria. Thus, INDTN intended to establish a clear path for NDT practitioners in Nigeria, provide training and certification programme in NDT in accordance with international standards, promote research in NDT technology and practice in Nigeria to provide NDT materials and programme in Nigeria, and liaise with government agencies and corporate bodies to develop standards and promote the implementation of NDT in Nigeria.
How relevant is NDT to the economic development of Nigeria?
NDT plays a significant role in Nigeria’s economic development, particularly in key sectors such as:
Oil and gas: NDT helps ensure the integrity and reliability of equipment, pipelines, and facilities, reducing the risk of accidents, environmental damage, and revenue loss. Nigeria’s oil and gas sector contributes significantly to the country’s GDP, with the sector accounting for 54 per cent of government revenues and 75.5 per cent of exports.
Manufacturing: NDT techniques like visual testing, magnetic particle testing, and ultrasonic testing help manufacturers detect defects and flaws, improving product quality and reducing waste.
Power generation: NDT ensures the reliability and safety of power generation equipment, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. Infrastructure development: NDT helps assess the condition of infrastructure, such as bridges, buildings, and roads, enabling targeted maintenance and repair.
What are the benefits of NDT?
The benefits of NDT in Nigeria’s economic development include: Helping to prevent accidents and reducing the risk of environmental damage.
Boost efficiency: NDT enables early detection of defects, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.Reduce cost: NDT helps reduce repair and replacement costs by detecting issues before they become major problems.
Enhanced quality: NDT ensures that products and equipment meet quality standards, improving Nigeria’s reputation and competitiveness in the global market.
Above all, NDT is crucial for Nigeria’s economic development, as it helps ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of critical infrastructure and industries. By investing in NDT, Nigeria can reduce costs, improve productivity, and increase its competitiveness in the global economy.
In recent times many bridges collapsed and aircraft crashed or crash landed. What do you think NDT can do to minimise these tragic occurrences?
This is a serious menace in the construction and aviation industries that has claimed lives and destroyed properties. NDT can play a crucial role in minimising bridge collapse and aircraft accidents by:
Detecting hidden defects: NDT techniques like ultrasonic testing, radiography, and acoustic emission testing can identify internal flaws or damage in bridge structures, allowing for early intervention.
Assessing material condition: NDT can evaluate the condition of bridge materials, such as steel and concrete, to detect signs of degradation, corrosion, or fatigue.
Monitoring structural integrity: NDT can track changes in bridge structures over time, enabling proactive maintenance and repair. NDT can help minimise aircraft accidents by: Inspecting critical components: NDT techniques like ultrasonic testing, radiography, and eddy current testing can detect defects or damage in critical aircraft components, such as engine parts, landing gear, and structural elements.
Detecting fatigue and corrosion: NDT can identify signs of fatigue, corrosion, or other forms of degradation in aircraft structures and components. It can verify repair quality. It can also ensure that repairs are done correctly, restoring the aircraft’s structural integrity. If NDT techniques are applied, industries can identify potential failures before they occur, reducing the risk of accidents.
They can also schedule maintenance based on actual condition rather than scheduled intervals. They can improve safety by detecting defects or damage that could lead to catastrophic failures.
A regular NDT inspection can help prevent accidents, reduce downtime, and ensure the safety of people and infrastructure.
June 12 is the democracy day in Nigeria. Would you say Nigerians have been enjoying the dividends of democracy since this administration took over two years ago?
Nigerians are still struggling to enjoy the dividends of democracy, despite the country’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. The current administration, which took over two years ago, has faced significant challenges in delivering on its promises.
The following are key challenges: Economic instability: Nigeria’s economy has been plagued by high inflation, unemployment, and poverty. The naira has depreciated drastically against the U. S. dollar, and public debt has escalated to N97.34 trillion.
Insurgency/insecurity: The country is grappling with insecurity issues, including insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, and kidnapping in various parts of the country.
Corruption remains endemic, with weak institutions and lack of accountability hindering effective governance. The Tinubu administration has failed in the following promises: Poverty reduction: Despite Nigeria’s rich natural resources, the poverty rate stands at an alarming 63 per cent with over 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty. Job creation: Unemployment has reached 33.3 per cent, with youth unemployment exceeding 50 per cent. Education: The number of out-of-school children has increased to 18.5 million.
How do you think the country’s democratic institutions can be strengthened?
Strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions requires a multi-faceted approach. Below are some potential strategies: Institutional Reforms: The Federal Government should enhance the independence and effectiveness of key institutions like the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and anti-corruption agencies.
Electoral process improvements: The Federal Government must ensure free, fair, and transparent elections through reforms like electronic voting, voter registration improvements, and campaign finance regulation.
Accountability and transparency: The government should promote accountability through whistleblower protection, access to information laws, and robust oversight mechanisms.
Civic engagement: It should foster a culture of civic participation through education, voter sensitisation, and support for civil society organisations.
Leadership and governance: It must encourage merit-based leadership, promote inclusive governance, and ensure that leaders are accountable to the people.
Security sector reforms: It must strengthen security institutions, promote professionalism, and ensure they are accountable to civilian authorities.
Constitutional reforms: It should encourage the review and amendment of the constitution to address issues like federalism, resource control, and state police.
Capacity building: FG should invest in capacity-building programmes for public officials, lawmakers, and security agencies to enhance their effectiveness. It should develop citizens on NDT towards meeting local content goals.
However, by implementing these strategies, Nigeria can strengthen its democratic institutions, promote good governance, and ensure that democracy delivers benefits to its citizens.Many West African countries are coming under military rule; the latest is Ivory Coast. What do you think is responsible for this?
The recent surge in military coups in West Africa can be attributed to several factors. Poor governance and corruption is one. Many West African countries struggle with corrupt leadership, which can lead to public dissatisfaction and create an environment where military intervention seems like a viable solution.
Economic instability and challenges is another factor. High unemployment rates and income inequality can fuel discontent and motivate the military to seize power. Other factors include:
Ethnic and Regional Divisions: Unscrupulous politicians often exploit ethnic and regional divisions to attain power, thereby fostering tensions and conflicts that can pave the way for military intervention.
Weak institutions: The absence of robust democratic institutions and the rule of law can create fertile ground for military coups. Foreign interference or external influences, including foreign military presence, has contributed to instability in West Africa and the Sahel region.
Presidents for life phenomenon: The idea of leaders altering constitutions to extend their terms or hold onto power indefinitely can trigger military coups as a response to the perceived illegitimacy of the government
Leadership failure: Perceived leadership failure to build the country in line with the people’s aspirations can also contribute to the rise of military rule.
On regional specifics, West Africa has experienced a tumultuous political landscape, with countries like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso witnessing military takeovers in recent years. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have taken steps to address these developments, including imposing sanctions and mediating between political actors and citizens.
The 2027 general election is around the corner and the country is witnessing a spate of defections in the political space. Do you think this is good for our nascent democracy?
Recently, the wave of defections in Nigeria’s political landscape has sparked debate. These frequent defections can be seen as a sign of a dynamic political environment, which has raised concerns in many quarters. Frequent defections might indicate a lack of party loyalty or ideological commitment. Due to political opportunism, some defections might be driven by personal gain or opportunism rather than genuine ideological differences. Excessive defections can lead to political instability, especially if they impact the balance of power.
Nevertheless, defections may reflect changing political landscapes, and this might signal shifts in public opinion or changing political priorities. Defections can promote accountability as defectors might highlight issues within their former parties which will prompt reform.
Therefore, to ensure defections benefit Nigeria’s democracy, the following are crucial:
Strengthen party structures to prioritise internal democracy, transparency, and member engagement; foster ideological clarity to define clear ideologies and values to attract like-minded individuals; encourage public engagement so that citizens can demand accountability and engage in the political process.
In reality, the impact of defections on Nigeria’s democracy depends on the motivations behind them and the responses of political actors and citizens.
With the spate of defections by members of the main opposition party to the ruling party (APC), do you think Nigeria can become a one party state?
The recent defections from PDP to APC have raised concerns about Nigeria potentially becoming a one-party state. While it’s possible for one party to dominate the political landscape, several factors would need to be considered: Institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary will play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The ability of opposition parties to regroup, reorganise, and present a strong alternative to the ruling party will be essential in preventing one-party dominance.
There should be a high level of civic engagement and public awareness to demand accountability, as it will also influence the political landscape.
The current trend might favour the ruling party. It is essential to remember that Nigerian politics is known for its dynamism and unpredictability. Economic conditions, security concerns, and leadership performance are factors that can impact the political landscape and potentially shift the balance of power.
However, the 2027 election will be a crucial test of Nigeria’s democratic strength and the ability of opposition parties to challenge the ruling party effectively.
Political observers are of the view that it’s only when INEC officials are appointed by a neutral body that Nigeria can have credible elections.
What is your take on this?
It’s ridiculous that people who are given responsibility do not have regard for integrity. That is why some people have different views on this issue. In actual sense, the appointment of INEC officials by a neutral body could potentially enhance the credibility of elections in Nigeria. This is because a neutral appointing body could help ensure INEC’s independence from political influence, allowing for more impartial decision-making; for the sake of credibility, non-partisan appointments might boost public trust in INEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections; for competency reasons, a merit-based appointment process could lead to a more professional and competent INEC workforce.
More so, it’s important to consider the following:
A checks and balances robust system within INEC and oversight mechanisms could also promote credibility. For effectiveness, transparent appointment processes and INEC operations are crucial for building trust. In view of the above, a neutral appointment process could improve more credible elections, but it’s just one aspect of ensuring electoral integrity. Voter education, security, and technology, also play critical roles.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the Four Tax Reforms Bills passed into law by the National Assembly. What impact will this make in Nigeria’s economic space?
The bills will have a significant impact on Nigeria’s economic space. They aim to overhaul tax administration and revenue generation in the country. The following are some provisions and the expected impact: There is a reduction in tax burden. The new tax regime exempts individuals earning below N800,000 yearly from paying personal income tax, providing relief to low-income earners. Additionally, small businesses with annual turnovers below N25 million will be exempted from paying profit tax.
The reforms aim to increase tax revenue by broadening the tax base, improving tax compliance, and reducing tax evasion. This could lead to increased government revenue, which can be used to fund infrastructure and social programmes.
The new tax bill consolidates and simplifies tax laws, reducing confusion and complexity. This may also make it easier for businesses and individuals to comply with tax regulations. The reforms introduce a progressive tax rate for companies, with small companies taxed at zero per cent and larger companies taxed at 25 per cent from 2026. This may provide relief for small businesses and encourage entrepreneurship.
Also, the bill proposes an increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent in 2025; 12.5 per cent in 2026, and 15 per cent from 2030. Clearly put, the basic goods and services consumed by the poor are exempt from VAT or zero-rated.
On derivation formula, the new VAT model attributes VAT to the place of supply and consumption rather than the place of remittance. This may affect revenue distribution among states.
The economic implications of the Tax Reform Act are: It can lead to increased government revenue, which can be used to fund infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
It can result in an improved business environment as the simplified tax laws and reduced tax burden on small businesses could improve the business environment and encourage entrepreneurship. It can lead to increased cost of living, as the resultant increase in VAT rate could lead to higher prices of goods and services, affecting consumers, especially the poor.
Moreover, the impact of the tax reforms on Nigeria’s economic space will depend on various factors, including implementation, compliance, and the response of businesses and individuals.
A Bill for the Creation of State Police has passed the second reading in the Senate. Do you think the states have enough financial muscle to maintain it?
The financial muscle of states to maintain a State Police Force in Nigeria is a significant concern. Considering this, several factors come into play:
Many states do not have the financial capacity to fund their states. They struggle to pay the wages of their civil servants, which raises concerns about their ability to fund a police force. Adding thousands of police officers to their payroll would exacerbate this challenge. Some states would need to generate sufficient revenue to fund their police forces, which might be difficult given the current economic conditions. Most states rely heavily on federal allocations, which might not be sustainable for funding state police forces.
How can the country address these concerns?
It can be addressed by establishing a comprehensive framework for administering state police forces; ensuring coordination between state and federal agencies and preventing potential abuses is important; and prioritising states’ ability to fund their police forces and making it a condition for establishing state police is very important.
The short-term solution is to allow governors to perform greater operational duties and control security assets acquired by their states. Thus, the National Economic Council (NEC) has received reports from the 36 state governors, indicating overwhelming support for the establishment of State Police due to security challenges.
The National Assembly is perceived as a rubber stamp body by some Nigerians. What’s your take on this?
The National Assembly (NASS) is a legislative body saddled with a crucial responsibility in governance. The opinions about its effectiveness vary, and some concerns about its functioning might stem from the composition of the assembly. When one party dominates the assembly, the opposition’s ability to hold the government accountable might be weakened. Because there is limited opposition, important issues do not receive adequate discussion and scrutiny.
Party loyalty can sometimes override independent decision-making. This is a clear demonstration of partisan politics.
However, NASS also has the responsibility to represent the people as elected representatives are supposed to voice the concerns and interests of their constituents, hold the executive accountable through oversight and investigative powers, and ensure that the government is transparent and accountable.
NASS plays a crucial role in lawmaking and policy development. So, the effectiveness of NASS depends on various factors, including the strength of its members, the balance of power, and the institution’s overall independence and autonomy.
Herders-Farmers clash has been on the front burner in recent time; how best do you think the Federal Government should handle it?
It is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Below are some potential strategies the Federal Government could consider:
Encourage open dialogue between herders and farmers to address grievances and find mutually beneficial solutions;,implement effective land use planning to allocate grazing reserves and farmland. This will reduce conflicts over land use.
Establish and maintain adequate grazing reserves to provide herders with designated areas for their livestock. The Federal Government should not force this on land owners and neither will it be wise for herders to invade farmers’ farmland.
Livestock management is paramount. So, the Federal Government should promote modern livestock management. The government should practice ranching to reduce the need for open grazing.
Economic empowerment: The Federal government should provide economic support and training to both herders and farmers to enhance their livelihoods and reduce competition for resources.
For security measures, the government must ensure adequate security presence in conflict-prone areas to protect lives and property. Concerning policy framework, the government should develop and implement policies that address the root causes of the conflict, such as land degradation, climate change, and population growth.
Community engagement is also a factor. So, government should engage the local communities to understand their concerns and develop solutions that meet their specific needs.
Also, government should deploy conflict resolution mechanisms. It should establish effective conflict resolution mechanisms, such as mediation centres or community-based dispute resolution systems.
Establishment of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems is key. Government should continuously monitor the situation and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented solutions to make necessary adjustments.
When a comprehensive and inclusive approach is adopted, the Federal Government can work towards reducing conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers.
What would you say is the greatest drawback to Nigeria’s greatness, corruption or leadership?
Both corruption and leadership are significant challenges that can impact Nigeria’s greatness. However, if I have to analyse the relationship between the two, I’d say that leadership might be the more critical factor.
Reasons I said leadership are: Leadership sets the tone for a nation, and this influences the culture, values, and priorities; leaders make decisions that can either promote or hinder progress, depending on their vision, integrity, and priorities; effective leaders hold themselves and others accountable, which can help reduce corruption and promote transparency; strong leaders inspire and mobilise citizens to work towards a common goal, driving positive change.
Corruption, on the other hand, is a symptom of deeper issues, often linked to poor leadership, weak institutions, and lack of accountability. While corruption is a significant obstacle to Nigeria’s greatness, addressing leadership challenges could potentially help mitigate corruption. Certainly, both corruption and leadership are intertwined issues that require attention and reform. By focusing on developing effective, visionary, and accountable leadership, Nigeria can make progress in tackling corruption and achieving greatness.
