President Tinubu

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism across the country, urging them to surrender or face decisive action from the Nigerian government.

The President delivered the warning on Thursday during a nationwide broadcast to commemorate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria.

In his Democracy Day address, Tinubu said the government would continue to pursue both military operations and rehabilitation programmes for repentant fighters, but stressed that the opportunity for surrender would not remain available indefinitely.

“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he said.

Highlighting security efforts by his administration, the President stated that terror-related fatalities had declined significantly since 2015. He also disclosed that more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised within the last year, while over 124,000 fighters and their dependents had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.

According to him, security remains a major priority of his government, especially in light of recent kidnappings in Oyo and Borno states.

“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is a mirage,” Tinubu said.

He noted that the government had declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, and allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.

The President also spoke about recent military gains against insurgents, including operations in Borno State.

“We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre,” he stated.

Tinubu called on Nigerians to remain united in the fight against insecurity and warned against ethnic profiling.

“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he said.

Beyond security, the President reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999. He described June 12 as a defining moment in the nation’s history and paid tribute to individuals who played key roles in the struggle for democracy.

“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” he said.

The President honoured the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and several other democracy activists, politicians, journalists and civil society leaders whose sacrifices, he said, helped secure democratic governance in Nigeria.

Tinubu also announced national honours for dozens of pro-democracy figures and disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

On the economy, the President defended ongoing reforms introduced by his administration. He said the measures had improved government revenues, strengthened investor confidence and boosted investments across key sectors of the economy.

He acknowledged that many Nigerians still face economic difficulties but assured citizens that his administration remains committed to reducing inflation, creating jobs, improving food production and raising living standards.

“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket,” he said.

Tinubu also urged young Nigerians to contribute to national development and participate actively in the democratic process.

“To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship,” he said.

As Ekiti and Osun prepare for upcoming elections, the President called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure peaceful and credible polls.

He concluded by encouraging Nigerians to remain hopeful despite current challenges.

“Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” Tinubu said.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N10 billion for emergency preparedness against a possible Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, following the resurgence of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

The President also established a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats, to be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The fund will strengthen the operational readiness of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and support critical national public health emergency response activities, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The decision followed a stakeholder meeting convened by the Chief of Staff to review Nigeria’s preparedness and develop strategies against the possible importation of Ebola. The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Lagos State Government, among others.

President Tinubu directed all states hosting international airports and border corridors, as well as relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), to submit their plans, funding requirements, and intervention needs for coordinated implementation.

The Presidential Task Force’s membership will draw from MDAs and state representatives. It is mandated to put in place several measures, including intensified passenger screening at all international airports, enhanced temperature checks, and crowd-control protocols.

Other measures include enhanced monitoring of passengers arriving through high-risk airline routes. Air Uganda, Rwanda Air, Air Tanzania, Air Angola, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines — and immediate activation of referral and isolation centres at Lagos and Abuja international airports, with other airports to follow.

The Task Force will also enforce a mandatory QR code-based pre-arrival health declaration system for passengers originating from or transiting through designated high-risk countries. Disinfection of departure halls, cargoes, baggage areas, and airport facilities will also be carried out as precautionary environmental measures.

The President mandated the advisory group to consult with security, diplomatic, and aviation bodies to regulate flights from affected and high-risk countries. The Task Force is further directed to designate specific airports or terminals for high-risk flights to enable controlled screening and isolation procedures, and to consider adjusting flight timings to minimise interaction between high-risk passengers and others.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu commended Nigerian military personnel and security forces for their sacrifices in the ongoing fight against terrorism, describing them as a “shield” protecting millions of citizens from violent extremists.

In a statement titled Terrorism in the Land, the President praised troops operating in forests, roads, forward bases, air zones, creeks, and other difficult terrains across the country. He acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of the campaign, including long absences from families and the ultimate sacrifice paid by fallen heroes.

“You carry the burden of national protection so that millions of Nigerians can sleep, work, worship, farm, trade, and raise their children in hope,” Tinubu said. “This fight has not been easy. It has come with pain, pressure, and sacrifice. But your courage has remained firm.”

The President extended his gratitude not only to the Armed Forces but also to the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Defence, intelligence agencies, and local security formations. He also recognized the families of service members, saying, “Nigeria remembers that sacrifice, too.”

Tinubu called on citizens to support security efforts by providing timely and useful information, urging: “When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it.”

He rejected any notion that Nigeria would surrender to fear, insisting that terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and violent extremists would not define the nation’s identity. “Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed, or community,” he said.

The President concluded with a prayer for the protection of troops, reaffirming that the fight against terror remains a national duty.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed frustration over the federal government’s handling of the renegotiated agreement on Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), warning that lecturers may soon embark on industrial action.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, made the remarks during an interview on Thursday. He accused the federal ministry of education of failing to properly implement parts of the agreement reached with the union.

The federal government had signed a renegotiated agreement with ASUU on January 14 after years of disputes and strike actions across public universities. The negotiations were concluded in December 2025.

Despite the agreement, several federal universities have recorded delays in salary payments since February. The development has sparked complaints from ASUU branches across the country.

Piwuna said university lecturers are no longer comfortable with the situation, especially the non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, which he said has lasted for 18 months.

“Our members across the branches feel the pinch, so their responses are expected,” he said.

“The federal ministry of education has gone to sleep. We intend to wake them up. When the drums start beating, be sure of what will follow.”

The ASUU president also faulted the government for allegedly shifting responsibility for the allowances to vice-chancellors.

“We agreed that EAA should be mainstreamed to address the problem of accumulated arrears. They are back to the mess of EAA arrears again,” he said.

He added that although the government announced professional allowances for lecturers, some university authorities still struggle to pay them.

“Our promotion arrears have been waiting for the approval of the minister of finance. Now they say the new minister has to settle down. We are tired of your tactics. We are fed up,” the ASUU president maintained.

Piwuna further stated that the agreement reached with the government required the EAA to be incorporated into lecturers’ salaries from January, but this has not happened.

“We are literally back to the Ngige era of never-ending EAA renegotiation,” he said.

“The truth is that we have not received it (EAA) for 18 months.

“It was mainstreamed in the 2025 budget. They did not implement it. This current minister said it would start in January this year. Nothing.”

He explained that the December 2025 agreement included additional allowances for lecturers.

“After signing the December 2025 agreement, we had three allowances added to our salary — 40 percent covering things like journal allowance, conference allowance, book allowance, et cetera,” he said.

“Then we have the professorial allowance. Then a percentage of EAA into our monthly salary.

“All these have been implemented in the most haphazard manner you could ever imagine.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved N2 billion as relief support for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwa Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, amid criticism that victims of attacks in states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina have not received similar attention.

The attack in Jos left at least 28 people dead after gunmen opened fire at a popular bar.

The presidency made the announcement on Wednesday through Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy. He said Mohammed Dorro, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, disclosed the intervention during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

Onanuga explained that the meeting involved a 32-member delegation from Plateau State. Discussions focused on finding a lasting solution to recurring violence in the state. He added that the engagement fulfilled Tinubu’s promise to meet stakeholders after the Angwa Rukuba incident.

However, some observers have expressed concern that similar large-scale attacks in parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and other states have not attracted the same level of federal response, a situation they say raises questions about equity in addressing security crises.

Speaking at the meeting, Tinubu called on leaders to work together to restore peace. He said Plateau had long been known for peaceful coexistence. He urged participants to return to their communities and promote reconciliation with “open minds”.

“No protocols, no hinderances, we are here to speak our minds and find a permanent solution to a recurring conflict and chaos,” the president said.

Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, welcomed the federal government’s intervention. He described the meeting as significant. He noted that it was the first time all living former governors of the state gathered to deliberate on peace.

Mutfwang assured the president that stakeholders would implement agreed resolutions and sustain efforts toward stability. He also pledged commitment to unity. He said the state plans to “turn conflict into profit” by addressing poverty and exclusion.

“Our coming here today shows that there is a renewed spirit on the Plateau… we are determined to close all divides of religion and ethnicity,” the governor said.

Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the traditional ruler of the Berom community, called for stronger security measures. He requested increased military presence and the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems across Plateau. He also urged accelerated consideration of state police.

He further appealed for federal support to enable internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to their ancestral homes before the rainy season.

The delegation included former governors Simon Lalong, Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, and Fidelis Tapgun. Others present were Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers, retired security chiefs, religious leaders, and youth representatives.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), citing public interest.

In a statement released Thursday, the President also announced the nomination of Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive, subject to Senate confirmation.

The decision, made under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is part of efforts to strengthen regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Umar brings over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School, with a track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.

Pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.

President Tinubu thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him well in future endeavours, while reaffirming his commitment to capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a newly built Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ office complex of the Nigeria Customs Service in Iperu, Ogun State. The project marks a significant step in the agency’s expansion and reform programme.

The commissioning took place on Saturday, April 4, 2026. During the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the project reflects efforts to strengthen the Service’s core responsibilities while improving staff welfare and working conditions.

He explained that the new facility became necessary due to growing operational pressure and inadequate space at the existing base in Ikeja, Lagos.

“We’ve just commissioned the Federal Operations Unit; they will be moving here as soon as possible. It’s already been furnished. The accessories that would ensure proper functioning of the facilities have also been installed. Provision of a modern armoury and then, of course, you know that this is the warehouse directly opposite this facility. This warehouse will also support the warehouse at the nearby aviation village”, he explained.

Adeniyi praised Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for supporting the relocation effort. He also acknowledged former Comptroller-General, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd), for initiating the project. He said the former CGC laid the groundwork for its completion.

On the financial aspect, Adeniyi disclosed that the project was initially valued at ₦73 billion. He noted that current economic conditions may lead to a revision of the cost.

The Customs boss also revealed that operations have started at the nearby cargo airport, which was inaugurated on the same day. He said officers are already involved in cargo handling and terminal activities.

“We’re already at the airport, and we also had our officers who performed tallying when Mr President was asked to witness the offloading of the first cargo at the airport. So, we’re already there, the facilities have been provided for us.”

The project site is designed to host about 142 structures. These include a training college, multipurpose halls, and a sports complex. The development reflects the Service’s long-term plan for growth and modernisation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked his 74th birthday on Sunday with a low-key celebration, thanking citizens for their support while acknowledging the nation’s ongoing economic challenges.

In a personal statement issued from the Aso Villa, Tinubu said he was “filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve this great nation” despite opting to observe the day modestly, consistent with his tradition of matching his birthday mood to that of the country.

The President expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians for their messages, prayers, and solidarity, singling out those who placed birthday wishes in newspapers or bought airtime on radio and television.

He also thanked First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her “kind and loving words” and Vice President Kashim Shettima for his tribute.

Reflecting on the administration’s reforms, Tinubu said: “I’m glad that our sacrifices have not been in vain, as we can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, despite the temporary setback caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.”

He stressed that the gains recorded so far belong not to him alone or his Renewed Hope team, but to all Nigerians. “We achieved the gains together,” he said.

As the administration approaches its third anniversary, Tinubu expressed deep conviction that they would succeed in building a brighter future for citizens and generations to come.

“We are determined to confront some of the challenges we face today, and with your continued support, we shall overcome,” he said, urging Nigerians to keep working together to build “a stronger, prosperous and more resilient nation that will make Nigeria the pride of Africa.”

He ended his message with a cheerful note: “Thank you all, and happy 74th birthday to me!”

By Anwar Usman

The president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, on Monday, met with the newly appointed service chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-Gen Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Maj-Gen W. Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj-Gen E.A.P. Undiendeye.

Recall that Tinubu made sweeping changes in the military hierarchy on Friday, October 24, 2025.

According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, stated that “in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture.”

According to Dare, the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position.

The statement further revealed that, “the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other service chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership.”

Tinubu urged the newly appointed service chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by further enhancing the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of three new heads for federal agencies in a move aimed at strengthening key sectors and institutions across Nigeria.

The announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The President tasked the new appointees to contribute their expertise to the development of their respective agencies for the good of the nation.

In the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), President Tinubu has appointed Bello Bawa Bwari from Niger State as the new Director-General.

His appointment is for an initial term of four years, effective from September 18, 2025, and is in accordance with the provisions of the National Biosafety Management Agency Act, 2015.

For the Investment and Securities Tribunal, Hon. Barrister Aminu Junaidu of Zamfara State has been appointed as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

He is set to serve a five-year term, which also began on September 18, 2025.Similarly, the President approved the appointment of Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

His initial four-year term took effect earlier, on September 2, 2025.

The Presidency stated that these appointments underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning strategic institutions for greater efficiency and impact.