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RE: MMIA Not Insured? And Teachers from Hell

‎By Ibrahim Happiness
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‎I read with keen interest the two editorials published on Page 21 of The Nation on June 2, 2026—”MMIA Not Insured?” and “Teachers from Hell.” Though they address different issues, both expose a troubling reality in Nigeria: the persistent failure to enforce laws and regulations designed to protect citizens.
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‎The editorial on the insurance status of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) raises serious questions about accountability in public institutions. If indeed Nigeria’s busiest airport operated without adequate insurance coverage despite clear regulatory requirements, then this represents not merely an administrative oversight but a failure of governance. The existence of regulations means little when compliance is not enforced.
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‎What makes the situation particularly concerning is that the consequences of such lapses are often borne by the public. The approval of hundreds of billions of naira for airport rehabilitation highlights the enormous cost of neglecting basic risk management measures. Nigerians deserve to know how such a critical national asset was allowed to operate without the safeguards prescribed by law and who should be held responsible.
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‎The editorial’s call for accountability is therefore timely and necessary. Beyond assurances and directives, there should be transparency regarding the circumstances that led to the lapse and concrete measures to prevent a recurrence. Public confidence can only be restored when accountability is visible and meaningful.
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‎The second editorial, “Teachers from Hell,” addresses an equally disturbing issue: the violation of trust within educational institutions. Reports of teachers and school officials involved in kidnapping, sexual abuse, and other crimes against children are deeply troubling. Schools are meant to be safe spaces where children learn, grow, and develop. When those entrusted with their care become perpetrators of abuse, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate victims.
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‎The cases highlighted in the editorial demonstrate the urgent need for stronger safeguarding measures in schools. Thorough background checks, effective monitoring systems, child protection policies, and accessible reporting channels must become standard practice across both public and private educational institutions.
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‎Equally important is the need to educate children about personal safety and their rights. Awareness empowers children to recognise inappropriate behaviour and seek help when necessary. At the same time, swift prosecution of offenders remains essential to ensuring justice and deterring future abuse.
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‎Although one editorial focuses on airport management and the other on child protection, both ultimately point to the same challenge: the gap between policy and implementation. Nigeria has laws, regulations, and institutional frameworks in place. What is often lacking is the commitment to enforce them consistently and effectively.
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‎The fire incident at MMIA and the abuse cases in schools are reminders that regulations alone cannot guarantee safety. Without accountability, oversight, and enforcement, even the best policies become little more than words on paper.
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‎Nigeria’s progress will not be measured by the number of laws it enacts but by how faithfully those laws are implemented. Citizens deserve institutions that uphold standards, protect lives, and act responsibly before crises occur rather than after the damage has been done.
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‎Ibrahim Happiness is a ‎300-Level Student of Strategic Communication. ‎University of Abuja. She can be reached at: ‎[email protected]