Nigeria’s nights could soon transform from pockets of fear to hubs of opportunity if a bold new proposal by Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, is adopted by state governments.
In a policy paper dated August 5, 2025, and addressed to all 36 State Governors, the FCT Minister, and key federal and state commissioners, Ubani calls for the creation of a vibrant night-time economy as a strategic tool for economic growth, massive youth employment, crime reduction, and national rebranding.
Drawing lessons from countries like the UK, USA, South Africa, and Kenya, where nightlife contributes billions to GDP, Ubani argues that Nigeria—with over 220 million people, a 60% youth demographic, and a rich cultural heritage—is uniquely positioned to become Africa’s foremost night economy hub. However, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and regulatory bottlenecks have kept this potential untapped.
The proposal outlines a three-pronged dividend: mass youth job creation across hospitality, entertainment, logistics, and security; crime reduction through structured engagement and community-police partnerships; and national rebranding as a modern, safe, and creative destination.
Ubani’s roadmap calls for state-specific feasibility studies, dedicated Night Economy Districts, improved urban lighting, safe zones, and youth-led hospitality cooperatives.
“The night-time economy is not a luxury—it is a necessity,” Ubani stresses. “Let us awaken Nigeria’s nights, not into chaos, but into commerce, culture, and civic pride.”
The full policy document details short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for transforming Nigeria’s urban and semi-urban cities into thriving 24-hour economic ecosystems.
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