Nigeria

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s military for swiftly intervening to protect democracy in the Republic of Benin following an attempted coup on Sunday.

The action came at the formal request of the Beninese government, which faced an uprising led by Colonel Pascal Tigri.

The coup plotters seized the national broadcaster, announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, and suspended democratic institutions.

Acting on two urgent requests from Benin’s Foreign Ministry, President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, authorized the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets.

The jets entered Beninese airspace to help dislodge the plotters from the TV station and a military camp where they had regrouped.

Nigeria also deployed ground forces to support the protection of constitutional order.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, confirmed that all requests were fulfilled, with Nigerian forces now on the ground in Benin under Beninese command authority.

After loyalist forces, assisted by Nigeria, regained control and restored constitutional order, President Tinubu commended the armed forces.

He stated they had acted within the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, helping to stabilize a neighboring country and upholding democratic values.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”

By Muhammad Sulaiman

The Arewa Community Germany has formally disassociated itself from a video circulating online about a so-called “Hausa International Protest” organised by Hausa Tsantsa Development Association, staged in Berlin.

In a letter addressed to Nigeria’s Consul General in Frankfurt, Ambassador Yakubu A. Dadu, the group said it had no role in organising or endorsing the demonstration and warned that the protest’s message conflicts with its core values.

The association, represented by Alhaji Tijani Garba, Dr. Ummah Aliyu Musa and Buhari Abubakar, stressed that it was founded on the principle of unity among all northern Nigerian peoples. It noted that Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, Tiv, Nupe and other groups share a common heritage, adding that the organisation “does not draw lines” between northerners and will not support any activity that promotes ethnic profiling or elevates one group above another.

According to the statement, the Berlin protest risks fueling division and misunderstanding among Arewa communities in the diaspora, where the group says cohesion is especially important. The association reaffirmed its focus on cooperation, peaceful engagement and presenting a positive image of Northerners living in Germany.

The Arewa Community Germany also cautioned the public against linking its name to the protest, emphasising that any event involving the association will be announced through its official channels.

The group concluded by reaffirming its stance on harmony, mutual respect and a united Arewa identity.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has established 119 learning centres nationwide to improve access to foundational education for Almajiri learners and out-of-school children.

The development was disclosed by Nura Muhammad, Spokesperson for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Sunday.

Muhammad explained that the centres operate under two models: some enhance existing Almajiri schools with structured literacy and numeracy classes, while others focus exclusively on out-of-school children using the Accelerated Basic Education Programme (ABEP) curriculum.

He noted that this approach allows learners to complete foundational education in a shorter time frame.

The spokesperson also announced the successful development of a National Policy on Almajiri Education, spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, ensuring that Almajiri learners will no longer be classified as out-of-school children.

He added that Almajiri schools will now receive the same support and funding as conventional schools.

In strengthening its nationwide presence, Muhammad said the Commission now has offices in all states within 28 months of its establishment.

It has also launched a ward-to-ward advocacy campaign in seven pilot states – Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River – to engage parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and children on the importance of regulated education and school enrolment.

“Lagos, Cross River, Ogun, and Yobe have successfully covered all wards, and the public response has been very encouraging. The remaining pilot states are making substantial progress, and the model will ultimately be scaled nationwide,” he added.

The spokesperson emphasized that these reforms align with the Commission’s enabling Act, assented to by the President in May 2023.

The mandate includes reforming the centuries-old Almajiri system through literacy, numeracy, and skills acquisition, while enrolling millions of out-of-school children into formal and non-formal education pathways.

Muhammad said that upon assuming office, Executive Secretary Muhammad Idris conducted consultations with key stakeholders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the CAN President, the Oba of Lagos, the Shehu of Borno, the Ooni of Ife, and the Olubadan.

These consultations culminated in two Abuja retreats organized with the Office of the National Security Adviser, producing the NCAOOSCE Strategic Plan (2025-2035) to guide reforms over the next decade.

Among the Commission’s flagship programs is the Tinubu Legacy Skills Training Institute, designed to equip Almajiri youths with both religious knowledge and vocational skills.

At the Kaduna campus, 200 learners completed a nine-month intensive training program covering Arabic and English literacy, Qur’anic interpretation, and vocational skills such as POP design, plumbing, agriculture, tiling, solar installation, GSM repair, and ICT.

Trainees followed the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) curriculum, sat for examinations, and are now awaiting results.

A second branch in Ibadan is currently training 150 girls using the ABEP curriculum, combining foundational education with vocational skills. Upon completion, the girls will be eligible to continue formal education.

“These initiatives reflect the Tinubu administration’s commitment to reform the Almajiri system and ensure that no child is left behind. From expanded learning centres to community advocacy and skills development, the Commission is laying a foundation that will shape Nigeria’s education landscape for years to come,” Muhammad said.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a public notice announcing a nationwide crackdown on unregistered Point of Sale (PoS) operators, with enforcement set to begin on 1 January 2026.

According to the statement, the Commission observed a rapid rise in PoS agents operating without proper registration—an act that violates the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 as well as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Agent Banking Regulations. The CAC described the trend as a reckless practice that exposes Nigeria’s financial system and citizens’ investments to significant risks, allegedly aided by some fintech companies.

From the effective date, no PoS operator will be allowed to run without CAC certification. Security agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance, including seizing or shutting down unregistered PoS terminals. Fintech companies found enabling such illegal operations will be placed on a watchlist and reported to the CBN.

The Commission urged all PoS operators to regularize their business registrations immediately, stressing that compliance is mandatory. The notice was signed by CAC Management on 6 December 2025.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A pregnant woman identified as Aisha Najamu has died at the Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital in Katsina State after a health worker allegedly refused to accept a bank transfer for oxygen, insisting on cash payment.

The incident reportedly happened on Monday. The woman was said to have been rushed to the hospital in a life-threatening condition and required oxygen immediately.

A popular Nigerian TV station reported on Friday that an eyewitness claimed the cashier on duty declined to process the payment because the patient did not have cash.

The witness said the cashier told them that “the hospital’s internal rule” did not allow bank transfers.

A man who attempted to intervene allegedly begged the cashier to take a transfer since the woman needed urgent help.

According to the report, the cashier insisted that “hospital policy strictly forbade bank transfers and that staff must abide by the directive.”

The eyewitness added that he offered to add extra money out of sympathy. He later presented a $100 note to settle the bill, yet the cashier still refused to accept the payment. He described the moment as heartbreaking and said the woman cried for help until she passed away around 11:30 p.m.

Hospital authorities, when reached for comment, said they had not received a formal complaint from the public about the matter.

The hospital’s representative, Cashier Aminu Kofar-Bai, extended condolences to the family and stated that management would reach out to them.

He also promised an investigation into the conduct of any staff member who might be responsible.However, hospital officials defended their payment system.

They maintained that the Katsina State Government’s TSA guidelines prevent staff from accepting bank transfers into personal accounts. They also explained that the hospital lacks POS machines and operates strictly on cash transactions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Salisu Shehu, has renewed calls for a stronger embrace of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the country’s education system.

Prof. Shehu made the appeal during the AI in-Practice Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025.

He thanked the organizers and participants, saying the gathering showed a shared national resolve to upgrade teaching and learning through new technological tools.

He explained that NERDC has made notable progress in introducing AI-related skills and concepts into the updated Basic and Senior Secondary Education Curriculum.

He restated the Council’s commitment to expanding innovation driven by AI within the school system.

According to him, the revised curriculum now features vital digital knowledge areas such as coding, programming, artificial intelligence and robotics, among others.

He said these additions are aimed at preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in a fast-changing digital era.

Prof. Shehu also commended the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for its steady partnership with NERDC in producing the Digital Literacy Curriculum for Basic Education.

He praised NITDA for helping shape the country’s digital learning framework and stressed the need to strengthen this cooperation.

He appealed to NITDA to widen its collaboration with NERDC, especially as the Digital Literacy Curriculum and the Digital Technologies Curriculum move into the implementation phase.

He pointed out that developing a curriculum is a major step, but effective delivery calls for continuous teamwork, capacity enhancement, infrastructure and coordinated support at national level.

The Executive Secretary attended the forum with his Special Assistant (Technical), Dr. Garba Gandu, and the Head of the Policy and Programmes Unit, Dr. Oladiran Famade. Both officials were acknowledged for playing key roles in NERDC’s digital advancement efforts.

The AI in-Practice Forum brought together specialists, government representatives, educators and technology stakeholders.

The event focused on practical measures for expanding AI use in Nigerian schools and added to ongoing efforts to prepare learners for the demands of the future.

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.

By Uzair Adam

The governor of Zamfara State has intensified efforts to secure major political concessions from the federal government as part of conditions for his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources familiar with the development said the governor is seeking full control of the APC structure in Zamfara ahead of his anticipated move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

He was said to have held a strategic meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Paris, France, alongside the governors of Enugu and Taraba states.

At the meeting, he reportedly expressed willingness to join the APC if his demands were met.

The Paris meeting, held months ago at the Peninsula Hotel, was described as a turning point, prompting the governor to return home and tighten his conditions for defection.

Insiders alleged that he has consistently pressed the Presidency to remove the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and hand over the APC structure in Zamfara to him as part of the deal.

The resignation of Mohammed Badaru as Minister of Defence was said to have renewed the governor’s push, with reports suggesting he urged the Presidency to act swiftly in easing Matawalle out of the cabinet.

Political analysts say the governor’s demands reflect his desire to secure full influence within the APC if he eventually joins the party.

There are also claims that the governor is receiving backing from certain security quarters to facilitate reports capable of weakening Matawalle’s standing in government.

Sources alleged that once the minister is removed, the governor plans to mobilise his PDP structure and loyalists into the APC to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 elections.

Observers note that the governor sees Matawalle as a major obstacle to his political ambition, especially within the northwest.

Matawalle has recently gained recognition for key security interventions, including the rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and efforts to restore peace in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara.

The unfolding power struggle now signals a potentially significant realignment in Zamfara and the wider northwest as both figures compete for control, influence, and relevance ahead of future elections.

By Uzair Adam

Former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, has refuted claims suggesting he left the President Bola Tinubu administration because of alleged cooperation between Nigeria and the Donald Trump–led US government regarding accusations of genocide against Christians in the country.

He dismissed the reports in an electronically signed statement titled, “Rejoinder: Categorical Denial Of Malicious Publication Regarding My Resignation As Minister of Defence.”

According to him, a circulating online publication falsely alleged he stepped down because he “cannot stand and watch the US and Tinubu government bombing our brothers in the forest.”

He described the claim as malicious and baseless, insisting it neither originated from him nor from anyone authorised to speak on his behalf.

He said the motive behind the fabricated story was to damage his reputation, create unnecessary tension between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and distract from ongoing governance efforts.

The former minister noted that the genuine reasons for his resignation were formally communicated to the President and subsequently made public through conventional and social media.

He added that any attempts to suggest an inflammatory motive were the work of mischief makers.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, the APC leadership, and Nigerians, maintaining his commitment to national peace and stability as well as the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also restated his support for the ruling party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

By Dr Salisu Uba FCIPS

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) has approved a new membership fee structure for Nigeria, allowing procurement professionals to pay in Naira from 1 December 2025. The decision includes a reduction in fees, marking a significant shift for one of the largest professional communities within the institute.

The change follows years of rising financial pressure linked to foreign currency payments, which many practitioners said had limited access to professional qualifications and continuous development.

Local Currency Move Seen as Major Relief

Nigerian members have long argued that payment in foreign currency placed an unnecessary strain on practitioners working in an economy affected by inflation and exchange rate volatility. The shift to Naira is expected to broaden access to certification and support career progression for early and mid-level professionals.

The announcement was delivered by the CIPS Nigeria Country Director, Chukwudi Uche, at the institute’s Port Harcourt symposium in late November. The event brought together industry leaders to discuss supply chain collaboration and tax policy.

A Step with Wider Professional Consequences

CIPS, regarded as the global benchmark for procurement standards, plays a central role in shaping skills, ethics, and governance across the profession. Its qualifications are commonly required for senior roles across the public and private sectors, and its code of conduct is widely used to guide responsible practice.

In Nigeria, CIPS has been instrumental in supporting capacity building, improving transparency, and raising the overall standard of procurement governance. The institute has worked with government agencies, private sector organisations, and development partners to improve processes and strengthen accountability.

Industry experts say the latest decision could encourage greater participation in formal training programmes and increase the number of qualified professionals available to organisations that rely on strong procurement governance.

Procurement’s Role in National Development

Procurement plays a direct role in national development by shaping how public funds are spent and how essential goods and services are delivered. Poor procurement decisions can delay infrastructure, inflate project costs, and weaken accountability. Strong procurement systems support industrial growth, improve public services, and help build competitive local supply chains.

A more accessible professional pathway through CIPS is expected to expand the pool of trained experts who can support national development goals. This includes improved contract management, better risk control, and more effective engagement with local suppliers.

Integrity and Expertise Seen as Priorities

With the revised fee structure now in place, I hope to see more organisations and individual practitioners in Nigeria work closely with qualified experts to protect the integrity of procurement systems. Both public and private sector projects rely heavily on competent professionals who understand governance, ethics, and value-for-money. Strengthening professional capability is essential if Nigeria is to reduce waste, improve transparency, and support long-term development.

A Community Achievement

The fee revision is the result of extensive engagement across the Nigerian membership base. The leadership of Ben Farrell and Sam Achampong has been widely acknowledged, along with the contributions of members who have advocated for reform through various channels. The CIPS Nigeria Country Office has also played a central role in pushing for the change.

More information on the revised fees is expected to be released by CIPS in the coming days.

Dr Salisu Uba is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply and the Chief Executive Officer of NatQuest, a leading technology-enabled supply chain company.