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$53bn Needed To Rebuild Gaza, UN Estimates
More than $53 billion will be required to rebuild Gaza and end the “humanitarian catastrophe” that has gripped the war-ravaged territory, including $20 billion in the first three years alone, the United Nations said Tuesday.
The global body said in a report that a “political and security framework” must also be put in place so that recovery and rebuilding can begin, and groundwork can be laid for a political process to quickly end the Israeli occupation “and establish a viable two-State solution.”
Much of Gaza — including schools, hospitals and other civic infrastructure — has been reduced to rubble by a withering Israeli military offensive following an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
“The interim assessment offers an early indication of the enormous scale of recovery and reconstruction needs in the Gaza Strip,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in the document, cautioning that it was not a full assessment.
“The report estimates the short, medium and long-term recovery and reconstruction needs across the Gaza Strip at $53.142 billion. Of these, the near-term needs in the first three years are estimated to be around $20.568 billion,” he added.
In a resolution adopted in December calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, the UN General Assembly had asked Guterres to provide an assessment of the territory’s needs within two months.
The report assessed that with “over 60 per cent of homes” destroyed in the year-plus war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, the housing sector requires around $15.2 billion.
According to the report, the commerce and health sectors will need an estimated $6.9 billion.
Reviving the agricultural industry will take around $4.2 billion, transport will require $2.9 billion, water and sanitation an estimated $2.7 billion and education $2.6 billion.
The report also noted the exceptionally high costs of $1.9 billion anticipated for the environmental sector “due to the massive debris laced with unexploded ordnance and the high cost associated with debris removal.”
The United Nations has estimated that the war has generated more than 50 million tons of debris, including human remains, unexploded ordnance, asbestos and other hazardous substances.
“Critically, the Palestinian Authority must be at the centre of planning for and the implementation of recovery and reconstruction in Gaza,” Guterres said in the report, which was dated January 30.
That was days before US President Donald Trump said he wanted to “take over” Gaza, redevelop the territory and oust the more than two million Palestinians living there.
His plan has prompted a global backlash and has been rejected by Palestinians.
The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has praised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita, who referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “terrible”, saying she embodies the spirit of a new generation of women championing political participation and advocacy.
Rita has accused the NYSC of allegedly threatening her after she complained about Nigeria’s economic struggles.
In a TikTok post, she expressed frustration over the country’s rising cost of living, lamenting that prices keep increasing, making it difficult for her to survive independently.
The corps member criticised President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible president” and questioning what his administration is doing to address the economic crisis.
Reacting on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, said:
“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.
She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defence of the common good.
Rather than being met with hostility, Rita deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”
Amnesty International on Sunday said the Federal Government must stop threatening individuals and groups who criticise the current administration.
“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the organisation in a statement on its X handle.
It also condemned the alleged threats and intimidation being faced by Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye.
This followed her viral TikTok video where she criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government over hardship Nigerians face as a result of the economic reforms.
The human rights watchdog denounced the reported threats from NYSC officials, emphasizing that Uguamaye was well within her rights to express her frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns threats and intimidation directed at a lady who posted TikTok video lamenting the current escalating economic hardship. The lady alleged that NYSC officials @officialnyscng threatened her for refusing to delete the video,” the statement read.
“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should prioritise addressing the country’s economic woes.
“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.”
Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.
Uguamaye alleged that shortly after the video went viral, she began receiving threats, purportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to delete the content.
She expressed fears for her safety, stating that her personal details had been leaked and that she was being pressured to report to the NYSC office.
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa has called on governments to implement gender-responsive policies and ensure equal access to education, finance, and leadership opportunities, saying such measures could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025.
Speaking at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Business Meeting in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, Munasawa, represented by Khadija Ali, a presidential aide on industry, stressed that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a societal and economic imperative.
“Studies show that closing the gender gap could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025. To achieve this, we must all play our part,” she said.
“Governments must implement gender-responsive policies, businesses must commit to diversity and inclusion, and civil society must challenge cultural norms that limit women’s potential.”
Munasawa highlighted the role of creative industries in advancing gender equality, saying she had witnessed first-hand how art, culture, and tourism could empower women and drive inclusive economic growth.
However, she acknowledged that systemic barriers continued to hinder women’s full participation in various spheres of life.
“Africa is a continent of resilience and promise, and Nigerian women are at the heart of our national progress,” she said.
“Yet, the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report ranks Nigeria 124th out of 146 countries, with a gender gap closure rate of just 62.5%. This represents millions of women being denied access to opportunities that could unlock their full potential.”
She called for a shift from gender-neutral policies to intentional strategies that actively level the playing field, as well as greater representation of women in cultural narratives.
“The media and entertainment industries must challenge outdated stereotypes and promote diverse, empowering representations of women,” she said.
“When women see themselves in leadership roles, they are inspired to pursue their own ambitions fearlessly.”
In her keynote address, Dr Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), underscored the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the push for gender equality.
“We must challenge social and cultural norms together,” she said.
“We must also strengthen legal protections, ensuring the enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, discrimination, and workplace inequality.”
Okotete urged institutions to be held accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies while calling on women to support one another.
“We must lead the crusade for gender equality by loving and supporting one another. Women in workplaces should see each other as sisters and partners, not competitors,” she said.
She also highlighted progress made by young women in Nigerian politics, noting that female commissioners were now serving in 20 states, alongside young female legislators and councillors in several All Progressives Congress (APC)-governed states.
“We are witnessing a new wave of female leadership in Nigeria, and we must continue to build on this momentum,” she said.
JCI Aso’s 2025 local president, Ambassador Felix Akinyemi, said the event served as a reminder of the remarkable progress women had made across various fields, including science, technology, business, and leadership.
“While we recognise the incredible progress made towards empowering women, we also acknowledge the work that still lies ahead,” he said.
He noted that the event featured a dynamic panel session with inspiring women driving positive change in their communities and a keynote speech aimed at accelerating action towards gender inclusivity.
“At JCI Aso, we believe that empowering women is essential to empowering our community. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” he added.