FG

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has provided further clarification on the airstrike carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the Jilli area of Gubio Local Government Area, Borno State, on April 11, 2026.

The government stated that the strike was not a random or careless attack; rather, it was deliberately aimed at terrorist hideouts.

In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, he emphasized that the operation was part of Operation HADIN KAI and was conducted based on credible intelligence.

The Jilli area, commonly known as “Daulaye Market” (a terrorists’ market), has long been under the control of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters. It is where they collect illegal taxes from residents, purchase supplies, and plan their attacks.

The statement further revealed that on April 12, 2026, troops arrested a 15-year-old boy named Tijjani in the Ngamdu area. Tijjani confessed to ferrying money and other supplies for ISWAP terrorists between Jilli and other locations, demonstrating how terrorist leaders exploit underage children to carry out harmful activities.

Similarly, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, confirmed that the Jilli and Gazabure markets had been shut down five years ago due to terrorist occupation.

Although the government defended the military action, it extended condolences to the families of those affected. The Minister stated:
“The life of every Nigerian is important, and we deeply regret the loss of civilian lives that may have occurred.”

To ensure transparency and justice, the Federal Government has ordered an independent investigation into the planning and execution of the airstrike to identify any errors.

Currently, the government is collaborating with emergency management agencies—NEMA and SEMA—to provide relief to the families and injured persons in Borno and Yobe states.

The government also urged civilians to avoid restricted areas and continue to cooperate with security forces to bring an end to the insurgency.

By Sabiu Abdullahi l

The Federal Government has rolled out a fresh set of fiscal measures for 2026, bringing significant changes to import tariffs across several sectors in a bid to boost economic growth.

The decision was contained in a document dated April 1, 2026, and endorsed by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun. The new framework replaces the 2023 Fiscal Policy Measures.

As part of the reform, authorities reviewed import duties on 127 tariff categories. The affected items include rice, sugar, vehicles, and key industrial materials. According to the government, the reductions are intended to “promote and stimulate growth in critical sectors of the economy”.

One of the notable adjustments is the Import Adjustment Tax on products such as crude palm oil, which now stands at an effective rate of 28.75 percent. This marks a reduction from previous levels.

In the automobile sector, tariffs on fully assembled passenger vehicles, including four-wheel drives and station wagons, have been lowered to 40 percent. The rate was previously set at 70 percent under the 2015 policy.

To cushion the impact of the transition, the government approved a 90-day grace period for importers who opened Form ‘M’ before April 1. This allows them to clear their goods using the old tariff rates.

Despite the reductions, the policy introduces new measures. These include an excise duty regime and a green tax surcharge. Both are expected to take effect from July 1, 2026.

Details released in the gazetted list show revised duties across various goods. Import duty on antimalarial drugs is set at 20 percent. Rice imported in bulk or in quantities above 5kg now attracts 47.5 percent, down from 70 percent, while broken rice is fixed at 30 percent from the previous 70 percent.

Other adjustments include wheat flour at 70 percent, crude palm oil at 28.75 percent from 35 percent, and raw cane sugar at 55 percent from 70 percent. Refined salt now attracts 55 percent, also reduced from 70 percent.

In the manufacturing and construction sectors, duties on items such as ceramic tiles, envelopes, and notebooks have also been lowered. Steel and industrial inputs, including zinc-coated sheets and aluminum-coated coils, now attract 35 percent, down from 45 percent in many cases.

Further changes affect machinery and equipment. Agricultural and manufacturing machines now attract zero duty, reduced from 5 percent. Railway locomotives, cargo ships, and breathing equipment have also been exempted from import duty.

Additionally, modular surgical operating theatres now attract 5 percent duty instead of 20 percent, while air compressors and pumps have been reduced to 5 percent from 10 percent.

The policy also outlines exemptions under the planned green tax surcharge. These cover vehicles below 2000cc, mass transit buses, electric vehicles, and locally produced vehicles within specified categories.

The Federal Government explained that the reforms are designed to strike a balance between revenue generation and economic expansion, while also supporting local industries and reducing the cost of essential imports.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Ministry of Education on Monday launched an N8.5 billion public-private partnership (PPP) project aimed at transforming Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, into a National Centre of Excellence.

The project involves the development of 18 critical infrastructure and assets as well as the renovation of 15 additional facilities at the unity college.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the school premises, is part of the federal government’s efforts to address infrastructure deficits in public schools through collaboration with the private sector.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and represents a strategic effort to improve learning environments across federal institutions.

She said the project, valued at over N8 billion, would significantly improve the physical and academic landscape of the college.

According to her, the intervention will include the construction of facilities such as a skill acquisition and entrepreneurship centre, modern hostels, staff quarters, a health centre and other essential infrastructure, alongside the renovation of several academic and support facilities.

“The initiative is not just about infrastructure alone; it is about impact,” she said.

Professor Ahmad noted that the growing demand for quality education has placed pressure on existing facilities, making it necessary for the ministry to adopt innovative financing models such as PPP to bridge infrastructural gaps.

She added that the federal government oversees nearly 120 unity colleges across the country and cannot solely fund large-scale infrastructure projects in all of them.

“This PPP land-swap model demonstrates the federal government’s resolve to leverage private sector efficiency, ensure optimal use of public assets and deliver value for money,” she said.

The minister explained that the land designated for the project had remained undeveloped since the establishment of the college but would now be utilised to improve educational infrastructure.

She added that the transformation of FGC Kano was deliberate, noting that the institution plays a key role in promoting national unity, excellence and inclusivity.

Professor Ahmad also assured stakeholders that the ministry had put in place mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability and proper oversight in the implementation of the project.

Representing the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Muhammad Umar, expressed the state government’s support for the initiative.

He said the project would help optimise land assets that had remained unused for years while also creating value for the government and surrounding communities.

“We are delighted that for the first time the landed asset that has been lying fallow for years will be optimised in a way that properly captures the value of land in Kano State,” he said.

Umar also urged the project promoters to ensure effective stakeholder engagement in order to clearly communicate the benefits of the initiative.

“We call on the project promoter to provide quality infrastructure in a way that the project will serve as a reference point for other PPP projects across Nigeria,” he added.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Pluck Global Nigeria Limited, the private partner in the project, Musa Diktali, said the development reflects efforts to bridge infrastructure gaps in public institutions through collaboration between government and private investors.

He said the project, valued at over N8.5 billion, is expected to be completed within 18 months.

According to him, the PPP arrangement allows private investors to finance infrastructure projects while the government provides land as part of the partnership agreement.

“As you know, the government alone cannot fund infrastructure, so private investors need to come in and support the development of critical infrastructure,” he said.

He added that the project would benefit students of the college and other stakeholders in the education sector.

The event was attended by officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, representatives of the Kano State Government, school management, alumni members, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The federal government has announced Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, as public holidays in celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday.

Eid-el-Fitr is observed by Muslims worldwide to mark the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

In his message, the minister congratulated Muslims on completing the fasting period. He urged them to continue to reflect the values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice associated with Ramadan.

He also encouraged Nigerians to use the festive period to offer prayers for peace, unity, and progress in the country.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, 19th March, and Friday, 20th March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement reads.

“While wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the Minister encourages citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.”

Tunji-Ojo further advised citizens to celebrate in a responsible manner and show kindness to vulnerable members of society.

He added that the federal government remains focused on strengthening national unity and ensuring peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.

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

The Federal Government has rejected claims by United States lawmakers that Nigeria is witnessing religious persecution, insisting that no such policy exists in the country.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, stated this while reacting to a report submitted to US President Donald Trump by members of the US Congress.

The report was presented by lawmakers from the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs after months of investigations and field assessments.

It highlighted allegations of persecution against Christians as well as concerns over extremist violence.

The development followed the decision by the US government to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and to mandate Congressman Riley Moore and Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead an inquiry into the matter.

Moore, in a statement shared on his official X account, said the submission marked the end of extensive bipartisan efforts. He added that the engagements offered a clearer picture of insecurity and the situation facing Christian communities in some parts of Nigeria.

In response, the Federal Government reiterated that insecurity in the country is not driven by religious bias or government policy. Mohammed Idris stressed that there is no official backing for religious persecution and that all citizens are protected under the law regardless of their beliefs.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken note of recent statements and recommendations emerging from engagements within the United States Congress, contained in a joint report on Christian persecution in Nigeria submitted to the White House on Monday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, concerning security developments in Nigeria.”

“Nigeria acknowledges that parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts that have tragically affected many communities. The Federal Government remains deeply concerned about the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from these criminal acts, and we extend our sympathies to all victims and their families, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region.

“It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution. The violence being confronted by our security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions.”

The minister also noted that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship. He said the government remains committed to protecting these rights and ensuring equal treatment for all citizens.

“Nigeria values its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States. Our two countries share common interests in promoting security, economic development, and regional stability. We remain open to constructive dialogue and cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.

“The Federal Government will continue to engage international partners through appropriate diplomatic channels while remaining focused on its primary duty, the protection of all Nigerians.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former presidential aide and author, Reno Omokri, has raised concerns over the growing influence of BBC Hausa in Nigeria, arguing that no foreign media organisation should wield such power over a sovereign country.

In a detailed commentary, Omokri questioned whether it was healthy for Nigeria that BBC Hausa appears to have more influence than any local institution. He said one of his strongest wishes for the country was for the Federal Government to establish a Hausa-only radio station, possibly to be known as Radio Nigeria Hausa.

According to him, such a station should recruit the best Hausa-speaking journalists and broadcasters and operate with full editorial independence, even if it remains government-owned. He stressed that the journalists must be paid world-class salaries, warning that without competitive pay, foreign Hausa-language services would continue to attract Nigeria’s best talents.

Omokri explained his focus on Hausa by noting that the language is the most widely spoken in West Africa and the most developed indigenous language in Nigeria. He stated that about half of Nigeria’s population speaks Hausa, with many citizens relying on it as their only language. He also argued that, apart from Lukumi Yoruba, Hausa is the only indigenous language in the country that continues to grow, while others gradually decline as English gains ground.

He further claimed that BBC Hausa is the most influential and most listened-to media platform in Nigeria, with an estimated weekly audience of about 20 million listeners. He challenged readers to name any television station, radio outlet, or newspaper with a similar reach. Omokri added that radio remains the dominant medium in Nigeria and called on readers to verify this claim.

The commentator also asserted that BBC Hausa enjoys an 89 per cent trust rating in Nigeria, a figure he said few public or private institutions in the country could match. He linked this high level of trust to major historical moments, including the interview with late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from his sick bed and the announcement of General Sani Abacha’s death, both of which were first reported by BBC Hausa.

While acknowledging that some television stations, such as Channels Television, may reach millions of viewers, Omokri pointed out that television requires electricity and a TV set. He contrasted this with radio, which he described as cheap, portable, and accessible, since a simple battery-powered device allows listeners to tune in from anywhere.

Omokri expressed deeper concern over the ownership structure of the BBC. He noted that the British Broadcasting Corporation is a public service broadcaster established, owned, and controlled by the British government. He explained that the BBC chairman is appointed by the British monarch on the advice of the UK government, while the board also comes from government appointments.

He argued that, regardless of goodwill, the primary responsibility of the BBC leadership would be to protect British interests. He warned that Nigeria’s most influential media platform remains foreign-owned and operated, with the capacity to shape the worldview and political opinions of millions of Nigerians.

Raising a hypothetical scenario, Omokri asked what would happen if British and Nigerian interests were to clash, as they had in the past. He admitted that BBC Hausa might be convenient for Nigeria, but insisted that it was not in the country’s long-term interest.

He said he doubted that any European country or nation in the Western Hemisphere would accept a situation where a foreign media organisation held such sway over its population. In his view, media power should be firmly in Nigerian hands to protect national independence and sovereignty.

Omokri emphasised that the media plays a decisive role in shaping nations, citing the United States as a global power strengthened by both its media influence and military strength. He warned that BBC Hausa could, if it chose, influence Nigerian voting behaviour, consumer choices, and foreign alignment.

He concluded that allowing a foreign broadcaster to hold such influence over a sovereign nation posed a serious risk and called on Nigerians not to underestimate the power of the media.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has renewed its campaign against illicit drug use with a directive that makes drug testing compulsory for individuals seeking employment in public service, describing the move as a key response to Nigeria’s growing drug abuse challenge.

The policy, announced in December, instructed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to include drug screening as a core requirement for recruitment. Authorities said the step supports the present administration’s commitment to confront substance abuse and protect the integrity of the national workforce.

Findings from a 2019 survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime showed that 10.6 million Nigerians abuse marijuana, while local cultivation rivals Afghanistan, which is regarded as the world’s second-largest exporter of marijuana resin.

The survey also highlighted the consumption of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and locally brewed substances among Nigerian youths.

Although the pre-employment testing policy has been widely welcomed, stakeholders insist that restricting the programme to new entrants will not deliver the desired impact.

They argue that drug screening should extend to serving public officials, elected office holders, security agencies, traditional institutions, tertiary institutions and students. They add that random and routine testing would help safeguard public resources and strengthen national security.

Supporters of the initiative said its effectiveness rests on random mandatory testing, which could encourage discipline and discourage drug use across all sectors.

They also called for consistent political support to sustain the programme.Concerns over substance abuse within security agencies have also been raised.

In 2019, Premium Times reported that a police officer killed a truck driver for refusing to pay a N50 bribe at a checkpoint on the Owo-Akure Expressway.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has announced public holidays for the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations, while security agencies across the country have intensified measures to ensure safety during the festive period.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday declared Thursday, December 25, 2025; Friday, December 26, 2025; and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year. The announcement was made on behalf of the Federal Government.

In a statement, the minister conveyed Christmas and New Year goodwill messages to Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, as well as to all citizens marking the close of the year and the start of a new one. He described the season as a time for reflection and national unity.

The holiday declaration came amid heightened security arrangements ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The IGP directed the nationwide deployment of police personnel and assets to maintain public safety throughout the festive season.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, all zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and state Commissioners of Police have been instructed to boost patrols, strengthen visibility policing, deepen intelligence-driven operations and expand community engagement.

“In line with the Force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command CPs to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and confidence-building engagements throughout the period.

“Specialised units, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and the Airwing, have been placed on heightened operational readiness,” the statement read.

Hundeyin said security coverage includes places of worship, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other crowded public locations.

He added, “Additional patrol teams and surveillance units have also been activated to cover inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic disorder, and accidents.

“The deployed officers have been charged to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their duties.”

The police spokesman further stated that commands across the country have been directed to sustain raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints, while collaboration with other security agencies has been strengthened.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor, Engr. Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has warned the Federal Government to take the security situation in Kano seriously, emphasizing that recent attacks along the state’s borders should not be underestimated.

Kwankwaso made the statement on Saturday during the 4th convocation ceremony of Skyline University, held at the Amani Event Centre, Kano.

Addressing the audience, he said, “The security challenges in Kano, especially along the border with Katsina State, must not be taken lightly.

“Lives and properties are at risk, and the government must act decisively to protect the people,” he added.

He further added that Kano has historically been one of the more secure states in northern Nigeria.

“When I served as the governor, the state invested heavily in security infrastructure and training, successfully curbing threats from Boko Haram and other criminal groups.”

However, in recent years, he added, banditry has surged, particularly along local government borders with Katsina State. Areas such as Tsanyawa, Shanonu, Bagwai, Gwarzo, and Karaye have reportedly faced repeated attacks, with criminals crossing state lines, committing crimes, and returning to their bases.

Kwankwaso criticized local accords with bandits in neighbouring states, arguing that such arrangements create safe havens that allow criminal activities to spill into Kano.

He stressed that the federal government, as commander-in-chief, has the ultimate responsibility to secure the nation’s borders and protect citizens.

“The banditry started like a joke in Zamfara and has now spread to Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Kaduna. Kano and Jigawa were the only relatively safe areas in the northwest, but recent attacks from neighbouring Katsina show that the problem is growing,” Kwankwaso added.

He called on the government to implement more effective measures to curb banditry and safeguard lives and properties, warning that the ongoing security challenges should not be underestimated or ignored.