Tinubu

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate suspension of the new cashless payment system at airport toll gates nationwide, citing widespread chaos that has caused numerous passengers to miss their flights.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, following the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja.

Keyamo stated that the President intervened out of concern for the welfare of citizens, who have faced hours-long delays due to severe gridlock at the access roads to major airports.

“Mr. President was very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians and the fact that most Nigerians were losing their flights,” Keyamo told reporters. “So Mr. President, out of empathy, directed today that we suspend the present system because it creates a lot of gridlock, and Nigerians are suffering as a result of it.”

The cashless policy, implemented less than a week ago by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), was designed to eliminate corruption and optimize revenue collection after more than 50 years of cash transactions. It required motorists to use prepaid cards or electronic payments at toll gates.

However, the transition was plagued by bottlenecks, leading to massive traffic congestion—particularly at the Lagos and Abuja airport toll gates. Videos on social media showed queues stretching for kilometres, forcing travellers to depart for the airport hours earlier than usual.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to a cashless system, Keyamo clarified that the President’s directive prioritises public convenience over the immediate elimination of cash.

“The major reason why Mr. President took this decision is to eliminate the present gridlock… not that the President is happy with the cash system,” the minister explained.

In the interim, a hybrid system will be implemented, allowing for both cash payments and the use of FAAN cards already purchased by motorists. The minister revealed that the government will now engage private sector participants to develop a more seamless electronic system that prevents future traffic disruptions.

“Mr. President said if we have to pay commission, we have to pay commission, but we’ll bring in private sector participants to help us devise a much more efficient payment system that will still eliminate cash at the gate,” Keyamo stated.

He added that the President has ordered a swift resolution and has directed the ministry to report back to him on the progress of a new, more efficient system.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The presidency has dismissed reports circulating online that kitchen workers at the Presidential Villa attempted to poison Bola Ahmed Tinubu or were arrested over such an incident.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, rejected the allegation in a post shared on his X account on Sunday. He described the report as false and urged the public to disregard it.

The claim had alleged that some staff working in the kitchen at Aso Rock were involved in a poisoning attempt targeting the president.

Reacting to the development, Onanuga said:
“No Aso Rock kitchen staff arrested. No Aso Rock kitchen staff attempted to poison President Tinubu. Please ignore this fake news being disseminated by this video,”

He maintained that the story lacked any basis and should not be taken seriously.

Further details are expected as the situation develops.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The presidency has dismissed reports circulating online that kitchen workers at the Presidential Villa attempted to poison Bola Ahmed Tinubu or were arrested over such an incident.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, rejected the allegation in a post shared on his X account on Sunday. He described the report as false and urged the public to disregard it.

The claim had alleged that some staff working in the kitchen at Aso Rock were involved in a poisoning attempt targeting the president.

Reacting to the development, Onanuga said:
“No Aso Rock kitchen staff arrested. No Aso Rock kitchen staff attempted to poison President Tinubu. Please ignore this fake news being disseminated by this video,”

He maintained that the story lacked any basis and should not be taken seriously.

Further details are expected as the situation develops.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of the ban on the export of raw shea nuts, reinforcing the federal government’s drive to enhance local industrial capacity and value addition in the agricultural sector.

The new directive extends the prohibition from February 26, 2026, to February 25, 2027. This move, according to a State House statement, aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting domestic processing, improving livelihoods in shea-producing communities, and positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global value chain for agricultural products.

In a bid to streamline implementation, President Tinubu has directed the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, along with the Presidential Food Security Coordination Unit (PFSCU), to develop and coordinate a unified national framework for the shea nut value chain. The framework aims to harmonize industrialization, trade, and investment priorities.

Furthermore, the President has ordered the withdrawal of all waivers permitting the export of raw shea nuts and has sanctioned a new export mechanism managed by the Nigerian Commodity Exchange (NCX). Any future export of surplus raw materials must now be conducted exclusively through the NCX in accordance with approved guidelines.

To support producers and processors, the President has also authorized the Federal Ministry of Finance to establish a dedicated NESS Support Window. This will facilitate a Livelihood Finance Mechanism aimed at boosting production and processing capacity.

Shea nuts, harvested from trees prevalent in Nigeria’s Savanna belt, are processed into shea butter—a high-demand ingredient in cosmetics and cooking oil. Government data indicates that processed shea butter commands prices 10 to 20 times higher than raw nuts, underscoring the economic rationale for the policy.

The federal government reiterated its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and local manufacturing through policies that strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in international agricultural markets.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, with the critical task of restoring peace and strengthening security across Nigeria.

The President issued the directive on Wednesday at the State House, Abuja, during the official decoration of Disu, following the retirement of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

The appointment is subject to the ratification of the Nigeria Police Council, which is scheduled to meet next week, and subsequent confirmation by the Senate.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Disu’s ability to tackle the nation’s security challenges, citing the new police chief’s track record.

“I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” the President stated.

Describing the appointment as coming at a pivotal moment for the country, President Tinubu urged the Acting IGP to focus on rebuilding public trust in the Nigeria Police Force. He emphasized the need for the police to work collaboratively with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” the President assured.

The President further directed Disu to advance the security pillars of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence in his discipline, operational experience, and leadership capacity.

“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” Tinubu said.

In a moment of appreciation, President Tinubu also paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General, Kayode Egbetokun, who was present at the ceremony with his spouse.

“To the outgoing Inspector-General, we are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order,” he said.

The President urged Egbetokun to offer his counsel to the new police chief when needed, adding, “You have not succeeded without a good successor. His success will also be part of your legacy.”

The ceremony was attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori; senior government officials; and family members of the new Acting IGP.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Seyi Law has argued that security in Nigeria has improved compared to a decade ago, stating that the current administration has performed better than previous governments.

The comedian-turned-politician made the remarks during a yet-to-be-aired episode of the Honest Bunch podcast. He was responding to a question on whether the country is safer today than it was 10 years ago.

He maintained that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered stronger security outcomes than those of former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, more bandits have been eliminated under the current government. He also pointed out that incidents such as bomb explosions have reduced in recent times. The 42-year-old further stated that the economy has improved since Tinubu assumed office.

“Nigeria is safer now than 10 years ago. This government has killed more bandits since Jonathan’s. When have you last heard of a bomb blast? It is not today that they have been kidnapping people in their houses,” he said.

“Nigeria’s economy is better than Tinubu met it.”

However, his comments were challenged during the discussion, as another guest disagreed with his position, insisting that “Nigeria is more unsafe than it has ever been”.

Nigeria continues to grapple with security threats in several regions. These include attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, as well as criminal gangs commonly referred to as bandits, who engage in kidnappings and armed attacks.

Data from the National Human Rights Commission indicates that at least 2,266 people lost their lives to banditry and insurgency within the first half of 2025. The figure exceeds the total recorded for the whole of 2024.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that its victories in last weekend’s by-elections across several states serve as a clear public referendum endorsing the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s policies.

The Lagos State Chapter of the APC characterized the outcomes in Rivers, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a resounding affirmation of the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“The resounding victories recorded by our candidates reaffirm the confidence of the electorate in the Renewed Hope Agenda and the transformative policies being implemented at both the federal and state levels,” the statement read.

The ruling party asserted that the results demonstrate public recognition of its governance strides, including economic reforms and infrastructural development. It framed the wins as a direct rebuttal to opposition criticism, stating that “the people have spoken decisively through the ballot.”

In a pointed critique of its political rivals, the APC described the opposition as “uninspiring and unworthy of serious consideration.” The party suggested that the by-election results represent “the final straw on the back of an opposition that has remained largely uninspiring,” accusing them of relying on “rhetoric, sensationalism, and obstruction” rather than offering credible alternatives.

The Lagos APC also downplayed the influence of digital activism, suggesting that the opposition’s significant presence on social media failed to translate into actual votes. “The amplified noise of the opposition across digital platforms did not translate into real electoral penetration or public acceptance when it mattered most—at the ballot box,” the statement noted, adding that “Democracy is ultimately decided by voters, not virtual trends.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the party expressed strong confidence, suggesting the recent momentum could make the next national vote “a walk in the park” for the APC.

The party extended its appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting the polls and commended security agencies for their professionalism. It also lauded its party members and campaign teams for their grassroots engagement.

The Lagos APC concluded by reaffirming its “unwavering support” for President Tinubu and calling on all Nigerians, including those in the opposition, to collaborate on the task of nation-building.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed the amended Electoral Act into law, enacting significant changes to Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The new legislation introduces seven major modifications designed to streamline voter registration, candidate nomination, and result management.

Here are the key changes now in effect:

1. Voter Registration: INEC will now only require three identification documents for registration: a birth certificate, Nigerian passport, or National Identification Number (NIN). Previously accepted forms like traditional ID cards and driver’s licenses have been removed.

2. Digital PVCs: Registered voters will be able to download their Permanent Voter’s Cards directly from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website.

3. Revised Result Transmission: Election results will be uploaded in real-time to the IREV portal. In the event of network failure, electoral officers are authorized to revert to the manual Form EC8A for result collation.

4. Primary Elections: The controversial indirect primaries have been abolished. Political parties must now adopt either direct primaries or consensus candidacy to select their flagbearers.

5. Funding Timeline: The timeframe for the release of funds to INEC for election preparations has been halved, moving from 12 months to just six months before election day.

6. Candidate Nomination: Political parties are now required to submit the names of their candidates 120 days before the election, a reduction from the previous 180-day window.

7. Final Candidate List: INEC will publish the final, comprehensive list of all nominated candidates 60 days prior to the election, significantly later than the previous 150-day deadline.

This newly amended law will govern all electoral preparations and activities leading up to the 2027 elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the Electoral Act amendment bill, officially making it part of Nigeria’s electoral legal framework.

The new law comes after the National Assembly concluded work on the legislation on Tuesday. Both chambers had spent several months deliberating on the bill. Lawmakers carried out reviews and introduced a series of amendments before its final passage.

The presidential approval marks the last stage required for the amendment to take effect, following the legislative process.

Details of the new provisions contained in the amended Electoral Act are expected to emerge subsequently.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, as a Renewed Hope Ambassador and the Deputy Director-General for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation.

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at strengthening the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to a statement released on Monday, the President leveraged Governor Sani’s “salient leadership and organisational abilities” to fill the role. As Deputy Director-General, Sani will work closely with the party hierarchy, particularly the National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje—to ensure harmony and strategic coordination across the party’s mobilisation framework.

In an official letter conveying the appointment, President Tinubu outlined the strategic importance of the new role.

“The overall objective of your appointment is to ensure that the entire citizenry is aware of, understands, and ultimately supports our party and its candidates at all levels for broad national acceptance in the 2027 election,” the President wrote.

“Preparation is critical and essential to achieving this outcome, and your leadership will be central to guiding this process effectively and strategically.”

The President further charged Sani with galvanising support for the party’s policies and milestones, reinforcing the “Renewed Hope” agenda nationwide.