Category: Economy

African leaders must strengthen Collaboration Against Escalating security threats

May 24, 2025 (updated May 25, 2025) Published by

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has urged African leaders to intensify collaboration and technological advancement across African air forces to address the continent’s escalating security threats

Abubakar, who spoke at the opening of the 4th African Air Forces Forum in Lagos, which gathered Chiefs of Air Staff and aerospace leaders from over 30 nations, emphasized the need for unity, innovation, and strategic partnerships in the face of evolving regional and global security dynamics.

This was disclosed in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media, Mati Ali.

The minister said: “We are confronted by multidimensional threats that transcend borders and defy traditional responses. Terrorism, transnational crime, and maritime insecurity demand robust, collective action anchored in advanced airpower and strategic partnerships.”

Under the theme “Strengthening Collaboration in Advanced Aerospace Technologies for Enhanced National and Regional Security,” the forum marks a pivotal moment for African defense cooperation.

The minister also highlighted that Nigeria, in pursuance of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is investing heavily in the modernisation of the Nigerian Air Force, with emphasis on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), to air mobility, and precision strike capabilities.

“A technologically advanced Nigerian Air Force is not only vital to Nigeria’s security but a strategic asset to Africa’s collective defence,” the minister said.

He also underscored the central role of cutting-edge aerospace technologies, ranging from unmanned aerial systems to integrated cyber defence, in shaping modern defence architecture. However, he cautioned that technology alone is not enough.

According to him, “this forum is not only about technological advancement. It is about the human dimension of trust, mutual respect, and a shared ambition for a secure, united, and prosperous Africa.”

The minister paid tribute to Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Armed Forces and his visionary leadership in advancing peace and security both at home and across Africa

BREAKING: Supreme Court Throws Out Suit by States Against FGBREAKING: Supreme Court Throws Out Suit by States Against FG

May 23, 2025 (updated May 23, 2025) Published by

The Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Federal Government over the management and distribution of recovered looted funds.

The suit was filed by the 36 state governments and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Delivering judgment in the high-profile constitutional dispute, a seven-member panel of the apex court held unanimously that the case was wrongly brought before it. In the lead judgment prepared by Justice Chidiebere Uwa and read by Justice Mohammed Idris, the court ruled that the matter fell under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

The suit, marked SC/CV/395/2021, sought to challenge the Federal Government’s alleged failure to remit approximately N1.8 trillion in cash and other assets recovered between 2015 and 2021 into the Federation Account, as constitutionally required.

According to the plaintiffs, “between 2015 and 2021 when the suit was filed, the FG has secured both international and municipal forfeiture, recovery and repatriation of ‘stolen assets’ in the sum of N1,836,906,543,658.73, about 167 properties, 450 cars, 300 trucks and cargoes, and 20,000,000 barrels of crude oil worth over N450 million,” which they alleged were diverted into unauthorised accounts.

They accused the Federal Government of bypassing the Federation Account by channelling the funds into the Consolidated Revenue Account (CRA) and other accounts not recognised by the Nigerian Constitution

The states maintained that “it is unconstitutional to remit or divert revenue payable into the Federation Account to the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Government or any other account whatsoever, or to apply the said revenue to any other purpose.”

Atiku Confirms ADC as Opposition Coalition Platform as Fresh Details of 2027 Deal Emerge

May 22, 2025 (updated May 22, 2025) Published by

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has confirmed the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the official political platform for the new opposition coalition, as fresh details surrounding the 2027 presidential deal emerge.

The development followed a meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday night, where key opposition figures resolved to rally behind the ADC as their united front against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election.

The ADC was chosen after weeks of intense consultations among coalition leaders—including Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

POLITICS NIGERIA reported that El-Rufai confirmed the meeting on Wednesday while speaking at an event in Kaduna.

Yesterday at 8 p.m., there was a very important meeting of the coalition we are putting together to ensure that President Tinubu returns to Lagos in 2027. But we will keep the minister (referring to Bosun Tijjani, the minister of communications and digital economy) because he is doing well,” he said.

Atiku through his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, has also confirmed the decision.

Yes, ADC has been agreed as the party. The coalition leaders have set up relevant committees and directed them to resolve grey areas in the arrangement and prepare for a public unveiling,” he said.

Clarifying earlier speculation about the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ibe said the SDP was only a temporary option. “The SDP was never really a platform under serious consideration. It was a strategic move to house the CPC component of the APC ahead of a formal transition. You could call it a container to absorb CPC elements before moving to the final platform.”

But they’ve moved beyond the SDP now. They are now in the ADC,” he added.

Explaining why the ADC was chosen, Ibe said: “The party met all the coalition’s requirements. The coalition leaders were clear about what they were looking for in a platform, and ADC must have satisfied those expectations.”

The coalition is now official, but there is still work for the committees to do, including finalising the party structure and leadership. The public unveiling will simply formalise what was achieved during Tuesday night’s meeting of all major stakeholders.”

Although a flagbearer for the 2027 race has yet to be announced, sources close to the talks revealed that discussions on candidacy are expected to begin now that the platform has been finalised.

Everyone will be allowed to contest for the presidency,” one source said, noting there is an unspoken understanding that all aspirants would rally behind the eventual nominee.

Tinubu’s visit to Rome an insult to Christianity – Ex-SGF blasts presidency

May 22, 2025 (updated May 22, 2025) Published by

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal has again raised concerns about the Muslim-Muslim ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima.

Speaking on Arise Television on Wednesday, May 21, Lawal said that the President’s visit to the Vatican City for Pope Leo’s inauguration is an insult to Christianity

He, however, stated that the president’s visit is not a big deal but an arrangement that was made possible with the help of lobbyists.

The former SGF noted that with a Christian vice president, the arrangement would have been different for the benefit of Nigerians.

You know that going to see the Pope is just a matter of how well you can lobby, or how many friends you have there in the Vatican that can make it happen for you. So it is not as if it is a major achievement to visit the Pope on his inauguration, it can be arranged in advance by lobbyists with the correct inducement.

“So Bola Tinubu going to visit the Pope is a non-issue. In fact, it reinforces my earlier belief that the Muslim-Muslim ticket is an insult to Christianity. If We had a Christian as a Vice President, it is all expected that he would be the one to represent the government lobb

“But now in Nigeria, we have the so-called Muslim visiting the Pope and leading a delegation of eminent Catholics to the Vatican. So it proves the fact that a Muslim-Muslim ticket is an unfair arrangement,” Lawal stated.

From inception, Lawal has been among Nigerian leaders who spoke against the Muslim-Muslim ticket championed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) prior to the 2023 election.

Lawal had argued that having Tinubu and Shettima on the same ticket would be unfair to Nigeria’s Christian population.

Tinubu approves implementation of Nigeria First Policy, ban on foreign goods

May 19, 2025 (updated May 19, 2025) Published by

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the implementation of the Nigeria First Policy, which proscribed the importation of foreign goods.

According to NTA, this was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday.

This means the immediate implementation of revised procurement thresholds for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, which prioritize Nigeria First.

Tinubu said that the approval is based on the recommendation of the Director General of BPP, Adebowale Adedokun, to align with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The details of the implementation guidelines will be provided by the DG, BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, CMILT, ACFE,” a statement from the presidency stated.

Recall that on May 3rd, 2025, Tinubu ordered a ban on the importation of foreign goods, especially those that can be produced locally in Nigeria.

BUA Chairman praises Dangote for cement price freeze initiatives, Calls him for driving force of ideas

May 17, 2025 (updated May 17, 2025) Published by

BUA Group chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has confirmed that a landmark agreement to keep cement prices steady for government contractors was initiated by Aliko Dangote. Rabiu disclosed this during a recent Channels TV interview, revealing that the pact is aimed at supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope infrastructure programme.

According to him, Dangote approached him with the proposal, and he immediately agreed to collaborate in the national interest.

He explained that the decision would shield contractors working on Renewed Hope projects from future cement price hikes

What this means is that any company handling these specific government projects will purchase cement at a fixed price, with no increase for the foreseeable future,” Rabiu said. He emphasized that this move is a significant show of support for the federal government’s infrastructure vision.

Rabiu was full of praise for Dangote, describing him as the driving force behind the idea. “Aliko Dangote deserves credit for bringing up this initiative. I agreed right away, and we’ll be sending official letters to the Ministry of Works next week to formalize the arrangement,” he added.

The BUA chairman also commended Engineer Dave Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, for his decision to prioritize concrete roads. He highlighted that concrete roads are more durable and economical in the long run, which aligns with the current strategy of major cement producers.

To ensure better coordination across the industry, Rabiu revealed plans to reorganize the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.

He said the board will be refreshed to better support national infrastructure efforts and maintain effective industry wide collaboration.He said the board will be refreshed to better support national infrastructure efforts and maintain effective industry wide collaboration.

Addressing concerns over cement prices in the market, Rabiu defended the current rates, stating that despite public sentiment, cement in Nigeria remains competitively priced. “If you look across Africa, cement goes for at least $120 per ton, so what we’re offering is still affordable considering our production costs,” he clarified.

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It Is Obvious PDP Will Not Make Headway In 2027 Election’ – Gov Oborevwori

May 17, 2025 (updated May 17, 2025) Published by

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has asserted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not make headways in the forthcoming 2027 election, hence the decision of his administration to form a political alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC). former PDP’s presidential running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa and some chieftains of the party in Delta State recently defected to the APC.

Speaking through the state’s Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, at a press briefing in Asaba, Oborevwori said his administration aims to move the state forward.

Oborevwori stated that his defection was not to kill the PDP.

He said.“Our desire is not to kill PDP but to move Delta forward, and so we changed our driving pattern.

It was obvious that PDP won’t make headway in the forthcoming 2027 election, and so [there was] need to move to APC.”

Speaking on the performance of his administration, Oborevwori said he has provided roads in various communities.

He said, “In almost two years, we can see very bold and remarkable achievements by Governor Oborevwori and his team.

He also dismissed concerns raised by critics about the government’s capacity to deliver results.

We have provided roads in various communities, reducing travel time from Asaba to Ughelli to just one hour and forty-five minutes.

Detained NANS President Drags Seyi Tinubu, DSS To Court, Demands ₦38.3 Billion

May 16, 2025 (updated May 16, 2025) Published by

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking enforcement of his fundamental human rights and demanding over ₦38 billion in damages.

Filed on May 14, 2025, and marked Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2025, the suit lists the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Mr. Seyi Tinubu—son of President Bola Tinubu—as the 1st to 3rd respondents, respectively.

Isah, through his legal counsel Ugwueze I. Oduegbu and R.O. Ifebhor of Ajunwa & Co., is seeking a series of declarations and orders from the court, including:

A declaration that his alleged abduction, unlawful detention for over 15 days, and continued incarceration without charge constitute a gross violation of his rights to freedom of movement under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

A declaration that the alleged torture, brutal beating, stabbing, and psychological trauma inflicted on him amount to inhuman and degrading treatment under Section 34 of the Constitution and Articles 5 and 16 of the African Charter.

An order for his immediate and unconditional release from DSS custody.

An injunction restraining the respondents from further acts of kidnapping, torture, detention, and threats to his life.

Monetary compensation including:

₦32.87 billion in general damages

₦5.5 billion in exemplary damages

20% compounded interest on the judgment sum until full payment or deposit into an interest-yielding court account.

Background of the Case

Isah’s suit stems from a violent leadership tussle within NANS. During his inauguration at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja, he was allegedly attacked by a rival faction of the student body said to have the backing of political elites, including Seyi Tinubu.

Following the attack, Isah was receiving medical treatment at a DSS clinic when he was reportedly taken away by operatives of the secret police. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown.

Family Alleges Cover-Up and Health Concerns

In an interview with SaharaReporters, a member of Isah’s family raised alarm over his disappearance and deteriorating health, describing the DSS’s actions as “bandit-like.”

Why are the DSS operating like bandits? They whisked away a man who was nearly killed, while those responsible for the attack are walking free. Since they took him, we’ve had no word,” the relative lamented.

The family added that Isah’s wife and daughter are traumatized by his sudden disappearance and are demanding answers.

The matter is expected to come up for hearing on a date to be communicated by the court.

Tinubu approves armed forest guards to secure Nigeria’s 1,129 forests – Duplicate – [#3200]

May 15, 2025 (updated May 15, 2025) Published by

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a national forest guard initiative aimed at reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from terrorists, bandits, and criminal gangs.

In a statement released on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare announced that the recruitment and deployment of forest guards will commence immediately, targeting all 1,129 forests across the country.

According to Dare, the forest guards will be well-trained, armed, and mandated to flush out criminal elements using the forests as hideouts for violent activities.

This is a joint security effort between the federal and state governments. The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Ministry of Environment have been directed to take charge and ensure full implementation,” he stated.

Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be recruited into the outfit as part of a strategic initiative to create jobs while enhancing national security.

President Tinubu, in earlier remarks, had vowed that his administration would not cede “an inch” of Nigerian territory to criminal elements, declaring that “the country will take back its forests.”

Electoral amendment will be ready before 2027 elections – Yakubu Says he still remains INEC ChairmanBy Johnbosco Agbakwuru

May 15, 2025 (updated May 15, 2025) Published by

ABUJA — CHAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday said that necessary amendments on the Electoral Act will be completed before the 2027 elections

Prof. Yakubu also debunked the insinuation in some quarters that he has been sacked and declared that he still remains the country’s Chief Electoral Officer.

The INEC Chairman spoke while fielding questions from State House correspondents after the inauguration of two National Commissioners by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said: “We are here today, basically for the swearing in of two national commissioners. As you are aware, the commission is made up of a chairman and 12 national commissioners drawn on the basis of two commissioners per geopolitical zone. So vacancies existed for the North West and the South East, and the Senate has screened and confirmed the nominees, and Mister President today performed the swearing in.

“So, we have almost the full compliments of commissioners of the commission. As we are aware also, about two weeks ago or so, we lost one of our commissioners, Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd), mayor his soul rest in peace.

So now, we have almost the full compliments of commissioners.”On electoral reforms, the INEC boss said that the commission has been interfacing with the National Assembly and that two weeks ago, it had a retreat in Lagos with the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on electoral reform

Thereafter, the National Assembly is going to organize a public hearing, and it’s after the public hearing that now a new bill will, at the end of the day, be submitted to the President for assent,” he said.

He further stated: “So, we’re working with the National Assembly on electoral reform, but at this point, I’m not going to give you any more details. You will hear from the National Assembly whose responsibility it is, but we reviewed the 2023, general elections on our own

We engaged with the stakeholders. We came up with 142 recommendations out of this 142 recommendations, eight require constitutional or Electoral Act amendment, and we discussed this with members of the National Assembly.

“So far so good, we are happy with our discussions with them, and we are also happy with the speed with which they want to proceed so that we’ll have some necessary amendments done to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027, general elections.”

Asked to comment on the controversy about his office and the speculation that he was sacked, he said that he remained the Chief Electoral Officer of the country

According to him: “I don’t think we need to waste time so much about this unnecessary speculations. As far as the law is concerned, and as far as I’m aware, I remain the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and under the Constitution, the Chief Electoral commissioner of the Federation, and under the Electoral Act, the returning officer for the presidential election.”

The two new INEC Commissioners are ⁠Mallam Tukur Abdulrazaq Yusuf, representing Northwest , Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja, from Ebonyi State, representing Southeast.

The President also swore in two Commissioner members on the Board of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB.

They are Ikpeme Kenneth Ndem, ⁠(Cross River State) and Hon. Justice Buba Ibrahim Nyaure (retd), Taraba State.

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