The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as The Pyrates Confraternity, has raised alarm over worsening economic hardship and growing insecurity in Nigeria, condemning in particular the recent killing of military personnel by terrorists.
Concerns Raised at School Renovation Event
The NAS Capoon, Dr Joseph Oteri, voiced these concerns during the commissioning of renovated classrooms and the donation of learning materials at LEA Primary School, Mpape, Abuja. The project was carried out by the NAS Galleon Bay Deck in partnership with the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI).
Oteri stated that the twin challenges of hunger and insecurity have become widespread, urging the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action. He also condemned incidents of extrajudicial killings, warning that the continued abuse of force by security operatives could further erode public trust.
“Insecurity and starvation are widespread across the country. We have made our position known several times. Recently, we have seen situations where army officers are being killed, which is unacceptable. The government needs to take decisive action,” he said.
Corporate Social Responsibility Efforts
Oteri explained that the project formed part of the association’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. He noted that members had just concluded a medical outreach prior to the school intervention as part of activities lined up for their quarterly general meeting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
On the state of education in the country, he stressed that the government must take primary responsibility for ensuring functional schools and healthcare facilities. He said: “When we take part in things that should ordinarily be done by the government, we also use the opportunity to speak to them. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that schools are functional not just schools, but also health facilities. They must ensure these institutions are working effectively.”
Voter Education Campaign Planned
While declining to comment on partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, Oteri encouraged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process. “We are apolitical, we do not participate in partisan politics. But our concern is for the people. Politicians are fewer than the general population, and we have the power to vote them out. People should come out and vote,” he said.
He disclosed that the association would, in the coming months, launch a voter education campaign aimed at sensitising Nigerians, particularly at grassroots levels, on the importance of their votes. According to him, the association had engaged relevant security authorities, including the FCT Commissioner of Police, on the need for accountability and reforms within the system.
Details of the School Intervention
On the Mpape intervention, Oteri said the project reflected the association’s commitment to humanitarian service, adding that while provision of education infrastructure remains the responsibility of government, civil society organisations must sometimes step in to bridge the gap. The project involved the renovation of three blocks of classrooms and the provision of books and writing materials to improve learning conditions for pupils in the community.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NBRRI, Professor Samson Duna, represented by the Director of Consultancy and Extension Services at NBRRI, Daniel Makava, said the intervention was prompted by the deplorable condition of the school. He noted that the association drew the attention of the NBRRI leadership to the state of the facility, leading to a personal assessment by the Director-General.
“The organisation approached the Director-General and drew his attention to the condition of a school in this area, which had dilapidated structures. The Director-General personally visited the school, assessed the situation, and decided to partner with them to renovate the classrooms and provide learning materials, including books and uniforms. Many of the students had torn uniforms and the learning environment was poor. The buildings were in bad condition, with leaking roofs and deteriorating facilities. What we are witnessing today is the result of that commitment, and it is a commendable effort,” he said.
The Director of Planning, Statistics and Strategy at the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Mohammed Lami, who represented the Executive Chairman, Lady Florence Wane, described the project as unprecedented in scale. “We have been receiving interventions from non-governmental organisations, both within and outside the country, but we have not seen a project of this magnitude before. This particular intervention is quite extensive and highly commendable. In fact, we are overwhelmed and very pleased,” he said.
Lami commended the quality of materials used, noting that the renovation would significantly enhance teaching and learning. “In the Nigerian context, especially at the basic education level, one of our major challenges has been the poor condition of school infrastructure. Before now, many pupils had to contend with broken seats and dilapidated classrooms. What we see today is a complete transformation, including renovated classrooms and the provision of new furniture,” he added.
