Bola Tinubu

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Taiwo Oyedele as minister of state for finance.

The ceremony took place on Monday at about 2:30pm inside the president’s office at the State House in Abuja. The event was brief but marked Oyedele’s formal entry into the federal executive council.

Speaking during the occasion, Tinubu congratulated the new minister and expressed appreciation for his willingness to serve. He commended Oyedele’s contribution to Nigeria’s tax reform efforts and highlighted his commitment to national development.

“You are just a very dedicated and highly determined individual. It didn’t take much for me to decide where you fit and where you need to be to further help the country,” the president said.

Tinubu also pointed out that the role comes with serious responsibility. He noted that managing fiscal policy at a time when the country is working towards economic stability requires firm leadership.

Oyedele’s appointment followed his confirmation by the senate five days earlier. During his screening, he assured lawmakers of his readiness to push reforms that would boost revenue, promote realistic budgeting, and improve fiscal governance.

The president had sent his nomination to the senate in a letter dated March 3, 2026, in line with section 147(2) of the 1999 constitution.

Oyedele, who hails from Ikaram-Akoko in Ondo state, has more than 20 years of experience in public finance and taxation. Before his new role, he led the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, which was set up in August 2023.

Under his leadership, the committee produced four key tax reform bills designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax system. The reforms included incentives such as zero income tax for individuals earning N800,000 or less annually, as well as tax relief for small businesses with turnover below N50 million.

The national assembly passed the four bills in 2025, and the president signed them into law on June 26 of the same year. The new tax framework came into effect on January 1, 2026.

Before joining government, Oyedele spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He rose to the position of fiscal policy partner and Africa tax leader during his time at the firm.

He holds a higher national diploma in accountancy and finance from Yaba College of Technology. He also earned a degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom. In addition, he has attended executive programmes at several institutions, including the London School of Economics, Yale University, and Harvard Kennedy School.

Oyedele currently teaches at Babcock University and also serves as a visiting scholar at Lagos Business School.

He takes over from Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been reassigned to the ministry of budget and national planning as minister of state.

During his senate screening, Oyedele described his appointment as “a call to serve at a time of great economic challenges and opportunities,” as he pledged to support the country’s fiscal management efforts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors-designate to Nigeria’s diplomatic missions across the world and to the United Nations.

The list includes 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career appointees. The Senate had confirmed the nominees in December last year.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the postings cover several strategic countries and international organisations.

Among the non-career ambassadors, Senator Grace Bent was posted to Lome in Togo, while former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang will serve in South Africa. Former Abia State governor Victor Ikpeazu was assigned to Spain, and Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu will represent Nigeria in Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Other notable appointments include former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to Qatar, Reno Omokri to Mexico, and former Minister of Health Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole to Canada. Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode will serve in Germany, while former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, was posted to China.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim was named Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Lateef Kayode Are was assigned to the United States, while Ambassador Joseph Sola Iji will represent Nigeria in Russia. Aminu Dalhatu was posted to the United Kingdom.

The career ambassadors were also deployed to various countries. Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka will serve in Cote d’Ivoire, while Besto Maimuna Ibrahim was assigned to Niger. Other postings include Mohammed Mahmud Lele to Algeria, Ahmed Mohammed Monguno to Egypt, and Muhammad Saidu Dahiru to India.

Additional assignments include Abdussalam Habu Zayyad to Senegal, Shehu Ilu Barde to Ghana, Aminu Nasir to Ethiopia, Abubakar Musa Musa to Chad, and Ibrahim Danlami to Kenya.

According to the statement, some host countries have already granted diplomatic approval for the appointments.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has sent the agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.”

The presidency added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has forwarded the nominations of the remaining envoys to their respective host countries for the necessary diplomatic clearance.

“The Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agréments in line with standard diplomatic practice.”

President Tinubu also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin preparations for the ambassadors before they assume duty.

“President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners.”

The induction programme is expected to prepare the envoys for their diplomatic responsibilities before their deployment to various missions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the German government to provide used helicopters to support intelligence and reconnaissance operations in the Sahel region.

The request came during a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday. This was disclosed in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The discussion centered on ways to deepen security collaboration between Nigeria and Germany.

Onanuga said both leaders showed concern about the deteriorating security situation across the Sahel corridor. He stated, “The two leaders also expressed worry over the situation in the Sahel region. President Tinubu called for the supply of used helicopters to help in intelligence reconnaissance in the region.”

Quoting the President further, he added, “The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed.”

Security was not the only issue addressed. Talks also covered Nigeria’s electricity sector, with emphasis on the Presidential Power Initiative. Tinubu stressed the country’s need for support in power transmission.

In response, Chancellor Merz assured that Siemens would offer technical assistance, while Deutsche Bank would show readiness to finance the project.

Onanuga noted that both sides also discussed partnerships in other sectors. According to him, “the two leaders also expressed their willingness to cooperate in creative arts and skill development”.

Railway cooperation also formed part of the conversation, alongside collaboration in arts and vocational development.

Merz spoke about diplomatic relations as well. He said, “Germany is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Germany.”

Onanuga added that the German leader highlighted cultural cooperation. “He also spoke about the importance of the arts and called for the establishment of the Great Museum of African Arts,” he said.

The phone call started at 2:01 p.m. and ended at about 2:10 p.m., the statement concluded.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to forgive him for any wrong he may have done to them, as Muslims commence the holy month of Ramadan. He also urged citizens to embrace peace, unity, and moral rebirth during the sacred period.

The president made the appeal on Wednesday at the opening session of this year’s Tafsir held at the State House mosque in Abuja.

In his remarks, Tinubu drew attention to the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season. He described the overlap as a reflection of shared spiritual values among Nigerians of different faiths.

“Ramadan coincides with Lent, reminding us of our common commitment to sacrifice, discipline, prayer, and self-denial,” he said.

He stressed that the lessons of Ramadan should shape human conduct and relationships. According to him, the period should promote compassion, love, and forgiveness among citizens.

“We start this Ramadan with all the teaching that it brings to us all. But the main principle is to do good to people, to share love and faith, and to forgive sins. I say, if I have sinned, forgive me as Nigerians.”

Tinubu further noted that fasting should not be limited to abstaining from food and drink. He explained that it should reflect kindness, good deeds, forgiveness, and love for humanity.

The president also appealed to Nigerians, regardless of religious background, to offer prayers for national peace. He asked citizens to support government efforts aimed at tackling terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges facing the country.

Speaking at the event, Abdulwahid Suleiman, the Chief Imam of the State House mosque, expressed gratitude to Allah for granting Muslims the opportunity to witness another Ramadan.

He commended Tinubu’s leadership and offered prayers for divine guidance, sound health, and strength for the president and members of his administration. He also prayed for peace, stability, and prosperity across Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has signed a new executive order directing the direct remittance of oil and gas revenues into the Federation Account, in a move aimed at protecting national earnings and improving fiscal transparency.

This is contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, today.

According to Onanuga, the directive, issued under Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), is designed to block revenue leakages, cut wasteful spending, and dismantle overlapping structures within the petroleum sector. The administration said the policy will channel more resources toward national development priorities.

The order draws authority from Section 44(3) of the Constitution, which places ownership and control of all minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas in Nigeria under the Federal Government, including resources located in territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone.

According to the State House, the measure seeks to restore constitutional revenue allocations due to federal, state, and local governments. Officials argued that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 created fiscal and structural channels that reduced remittances through multiple deductions and charges.

Under the existing framework, NNPC Limited retains 30 percent of Federation oil revenue as a management fee from Profit Oil and Profit Gas derived from Production Sharing Contracts, Profit Sharing Contracts, and Risk Service Contracts. The company also keeps 20 percent of its profits for working capital and future investments.

Government officials maintained that the additional 30 percent management retention is unjustified because the 20 percent profit retention already supports operational needs.

The statement further explained that NNPC Limited deducts another 30 percent of profit oil and gas as the Frontier Exploration Fund under Sections 9(4) and (5) of the PIA. Authorities expressed concern that such a large allocation to exploratory activities could create idle cash reserves and encourage inefficient spending, especially when public funds are required for security, education, healthcare, and energy transition programmes.

The government also reviewed the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), financed through gas flaring penalties under Section 104 of the PIA. It noted that Section 103 of the same law had already established an Environmental Remediation Fund for host communities affected by petroleum operations. Officials described the dual funding structure as duplicative.

Authorities said these deductions collectively divert more than two-thirds of potential oil revenue away from the Federation Account. They linked declining net oil inflows to the present deduction regime and fragmented oversight system.

The executive order introduces reforms to remove overlapping deductions, particularly the 30 percent allocations tied to profit-sharing arrangements. The goal is to ensure that revenues due to the Federation are fully remitted to support national obligations across all tiers of government.

President Tinubu also raised structural concerns about NNPC Limited’s role as a concessionaire in Production Sharing Contracts. The government believes the present arrangement allows the company to influence operating costs while functioning as a commercial entity. Officials said this dual role creates competitive imbalances and weakens its transition into a fully commercial operator under the PIA.

The order therefore establishes measures to curb financial leakages, improve transparency, and reposition NNPC Limited strictly along commercial lines while protecting public revenue.

The President described the reforms as urgent due to their implications for national budgeting, debt management, economic stability, and citizens’ welfare. He added that his administration will conduct a comprehensive review of the Petroleum Industry Act in consultation with stakeholders to address fiscal and structural gaps.

Under the gazetted order, NNPC Limited will no longer manage the 30 percent Frontier Exploration Fund. All profit allocations previously assigned to the fund from production sharing and related contracts will now be transferred directly to the Federation Account.

The company will also cease collecting the 30 percent management fee on profit oil and gas meant for the Federation.

In addition, all oil and gas operators under production sharing arrangements must remit Royalty Oil, Tax Oil, Profit Oil, Profit Gas, and all other government-due revenues straight to the Federation Account with effect from February 13, 2026.

The President has also halted payments of gas flaring penalties into the MDGIF. Going forward, proceeds from such penalties will be paid into the Federation Account. Any spending from the MDGIF must comply with existing public procurement regulations.

Tinubu approved the creation of a joint project team to coordinate integrated petroleum operations. The designated commission will interface with license holders where upstream and midstream activities are combined.

An Implementation Committee has also been constituted to supervise execution of the order. Members include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil).

Other members are the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, a representative of the Ministry of Justice, the President’s Special Adviser on Energy, and the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, who will serve as committee secretariat.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure a decisive victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Matawalle made this statement on Saturday while hosting guests at his residence in Abuja. He urged Nigerians and political leaders across the country to rally behind the Tinubu administration and support its reform agenda.

According to the minister, the President’s leadership approach and policy decisions are already placing Nigeria on the path to economic recovery, institutional strength, and national cohesion. He cautioned politicians against early power struggles and political manoeuvres aimed at weakening the present government, which he said could damage the nation’s democratic process.

He said, “President Tinubu has taken bold steps to stabilise the economy and strengthen national institutions.

“Those plotting to unseat him are motivated by personal interests rather than the public good. If allowed to complete his reform programme, I am confident the President will win convincingly in 2027.”

Matawalle stated that the impact of the administration’s policies is becoming visible across the country. He noted that the northern region has recorded notable improvements, particularly in governance reforms, security measures, and institutional growth.

He also called on political stakeholders to embrace dialogue and cooperation instead of division. The minister stressed that national interest should take precedence over personal ambitions.

Matawalle further appealed to citizens to support government programmes aimed at achieving sustained economic growth, improved security, and stronger unity among Nigerians.

“Rather than engaging in rancour and short-term political calculations, we should focus on solutions that deliver jobs, security, and stronger institutions for Nigerians,” he said.

By Uzair Adam

The Presidency has dismissed concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s health, saying he remains fit and is carrying on with his state visit to Türkiye as scheduled.

The assurance was given on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, who said the President moved from the ceremonial welcome in Ankara straight into planned bilateral engagements with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other top Turkish officials.

According to Dare, the meetings are focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and widening cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye in key areas such as defence and security, trade and investment, energy and overall economic development.

He noted that the seamless flow of activities reflects the growing relationship between both countries and Nigeria’s renewed diplomatic drive under the Tinubu administration.

Addressing enquiries about a brief incident involving the President, Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that Tinubu only lost his balance momentarily after stepping on an object.

He explained that the President stepped on a metal on the floor, which caused a slight loss of balance, stressing that it was “not a big deal” and should not be exaggerated.

Onanuga added that it was “a mere stumble, not a fall,” and urged the public to ignore attempts to sensationalise what he described as a fleeting incident.

The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu remains in good health and fully engaged in all official activities during the visit.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following his participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where a significant economic agreement with the United Arab Emirates was finalized.

On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.

The pact is designed to strengthen economic ties, increase trade and investment, and foster collaboration in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy, including technology transfer.

Addressing the summit, President Tinubu unveiled plans for a joint Nigeria-UAE “INVESTOPIA” event scheduled for Lagos in February.

The initiative is targeted at drawing global investors to the country.

The President also outlined Nigeria’s ambitious climate finance goal, stating the nation aims to secure up to $30 billion each year to support its energy transition and drive efforts to expand electricity access across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has established a high-level committee tasked with resolving internal conflicts and mobilising support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.

The Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation was inaugurated by the President on Wednesday in Lagos.

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, will lead the committee as its Chairman, with former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, serving as Member/Secretary.

The committee’s composition is a who’s-who of party heavyweights, including several governors, federal ministers, and former governors.

Notable members are the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; and Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).

Also on the committee are the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.In his remarks after the inauguration, Chairman Mai Mala Buni pledged the committee’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and developing lasting strategies for the party.

“We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope,” Governor Buni stated.

He urged members to prioritise the party’s collective interest over personal sentiments.

This move follows President Tinubu’s strong appeal for unity during the APC’s National Executive Committee meeting last Friday in Abuja.

At that meeting, the President emphasised the need for tolerance and cohesion, reminding party leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals and respect for diverse opinions.

“The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time,” Buni added, outlining the panel’s broad mandate to ensure a unified front for the ruling party.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in General Christopher Musa, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru earlier this week.

The former Jigawa State governor stepped down amid worsening security challenges across the country.

Upon accepting his resignation, President Tinubu promptly nominated General Musa and sent his name to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.

General Musa appeared before the Senate on Wednesday, where he was extensively questioned by lawmakers on security matters before being cleared and confirmed.

At a brief but solemn ceremony, President Tinubu urged the new minister to leverage his extensive operational experience, strategic depth, and institutional knowledge of the Armed Forces to strengthen Nigeria’s defence posture.

He emphasised that the ministry must prioritise synergy among the services, accelerate reforms, and sustain momentum in ongoing joint operations.

The President also highlighted the need for transparency in procurement, improved welfare for personnel, and deeper inter-agency cooperation.

General Musa, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Chief of Defence Staff until June, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced officers of his generation.

He commanded counterterrorism operations in the North-East and provided strategic oversight for nationwide military engagements.

He pledged total commitment to the President’s vision for a safer and more stable Nigeria, promising to work tirelessly to enhance operational efficiency, modernise defence capabilities, and strengthen partnerships with regional and international allies.

“We will not relent. We will sustain the pressure on the enemies of the state and ensure that peace returns to every community,” he said, stressing the importance of troop morale, intelligence-led operations, and collaboration with local communities.

Following the induction, senior government officials, including the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, and members of the Federal Executive Council, congratulated the new minister, expressing confidence that his appointment signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s security management.

General Musa is expected to hold inaugural briefings with service chiefs and top ministry officials in the coming days as he begins reshaping Nigeria’s defence priorities for the years ahead.